bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pitfalls of Planning for Demographic Change
Authors: STOCK GREGORY B.
Published: July 2004

Abstract: As we begin to understand the biology of aging, it will be ever more tempting to try to plan for the social consequences of the coming biomedical interventions in this arena. However, this will remain a daunting task, because the larger consequences of the arrival of antiaging interventions will greatly depend on the relative character and timing of the specific procedures that emerge. Three basic classes of interventions are likely: ones that slow aging in adults, ones that reverse aging in adults, and embryonic interventions that modify the overall trajectory of human aging. The consequences of each will differ significantly in the time required before noticeable demographic shifts begin to manifest in the human population, and in the social and political changes the interventions evoke. The specific societal consequences generally will arrive long before the demographic ones, and will hinge on the technical details of the interventions themselves—their complexity, physiological targets, modes of delivery, costs, unpleasantness, and the character and frequency of side effects.
The Arrest of Biological Time as a Bridge to Engineered Negligible Senescence
Authors: LEMLER JERRY , HARRIS STEVEN B. , PLATT CHARLES , HUFFMAN TODD M.
Published: July 2004

Abstract: Biological systems can remain unchanged for several hundred years at cryogenic temperatures. In several hundred years, current rapid scientific and technical progress should lead to the ability to reverse any biological damage whose reversal is not forbidden by physical law. We therefore explore whether contemporary people facing terminal conditions might be preserved well enough today for their eventual recovery to be compatible with physical law. The ultrastructure of the brain can now be excellently preserved by vitrification, and solutions needed for vitrification can now be distributed through organs with retention of organ viability after transplantation. Current law requires a few minutes of cardiac arrest before cryopreservation of terminal patients, but dogs and cats have recovered excellent brain function after 16‐60 min of complete cerebral ischemia. The arrest of biological time as a bridge to engineered negligible senescence, therefore, appears consistent with current scientific and medical knowledge.
The Molecular Chaperones and the Phenomena of Cellular Immortalization and Apoptosis in Vitro
Authors: KRØLL JENS
Published: July 2004

Abstract: The molecular chaperones are housekeeping molecules that assist in the folding and prevention of the aggregation of proteins and nucleotides, as well as participating in the elimination of ubiquitinated molecules. Evidence is reviewed to suggest that the Werner protein is a DNA chaperone and also that an increase in the expression of the molecular chaperones is the common denominator in the extension of cellular and species longevity as well as in the process of cellular immortalization, the inherent immortality of germ cells, and the inhibition of cellular apoptosis. It is possible that the immortalization of normal somatic cells is caused by an accidental reprogramming of the genome, recreating the chaperone expression of the germ cells. It is suggested that the molecular chaperones are evolution facilitators determining the life span of individual cells as the evolution of longevity in species.
Cirrhosis Progression as a Model of Accelerated Senescence: Affecting the Biological Aging Clock by a Breakthrough Biophysical Methodology
Authors: MARINEO G , MAROTTA F , SISTI G
Published: July 2004

Abstract: To test new treatment modalities, a pilot study with a novel noninvasive biophysical methodology (Delta‐S DVD) that can artificially exert a “decrease of entropy” through the patented electromagnetic‐driven delivery of “energy clusters” was designed. This process has been modulated and integrated by the body as a “self” source to support the energy‐dependent functional stores, thus modifying reparative into regenerative mechanisms of liver parenchyma. Seven long‐standing hepatitis C virus‐positive (Child A‐B) cirrhosis patients with overt symptoms and portal hypertension and failure or side effects of antiviral drug treatment underwent 40‐min sessions of Delta‐S DVD daily for six months and were followed up monthly. At the end of the first month, rapid improvement of symptoms and a decrease of portal hypertension were noted. At the end of treatment, all patients showed either a complete (80%) or a partial (20%) regression of fatigue (FISK score), peripheral edema, pruritus, and palmar erythema. As observed, despite having stopped beta‐blockers, F1 esophageal varices disappeared (60%), whereas F2 decreased to F1. The Doppler ultrasound aspect of partial (40%) or total (20%) atrophy was either reduced (60%) or reverted to normal (20%), and the respiratory dynamics of the portal vein improved (80%) or normalized (20%), whereas gross scarring nodules disappeared in 40% of cases. These promising data pave the way for an innovative physiopathological approach with extensive clinical applications.
Ultrasound as an Alternative to Aspiration for Determining the Nature of Pleural Effusion, Especially in Older People
Authors: SAJADIEH HAMIDREZA , AFZALI FARZAD , SAJADIEH VAHAB , SAJADIEH AMIRREZA
Published: July 2004

Abstract: Sonography was performed by two expert radiologists separately after selecting 80 patients (45 men and 35 women) whose pleural fluids had been aspirated and examined by the lab. The radiologists were given no clinical information concerning the patients, and the result compared with lab results. The radiologists evaluated three criteria in determining the nature of the pleural effusion: septation, echogenicity, and thickening of pleura by more than 3 mm. The study showed that the pleural effusion with septation or internal echogenicity is always an exudate. Also sonographic evidence of thickened pleura (more than 3 mm) is highly suggestive of an exudate. Although an anechoic effusion is more probably evidence of a transudate, we have seen it in 14% of patients with exudates. The lab results showed that there were 29 patients with transudates and 51 with exudates, and in ultrasound results there were 34 with transudates and 46 with exudates. A transudate is always without echogenicity, while exudates can be with or without echogenicity. It was therefore concluded that sonography is useful in determining the nature of pleural effusion.
Immobilization of a Two-dimensional Porphyrin Assembly by Sol–Gel Polycondensation in the Gel Phase
Authors: Kishida Takanori , Fujita Norifumi , Sada Kazuki , Shinkai Seiji
Published: July 2004

A porphyrin which assembles into a two-dimensional sheet structure by the hydrogen-bonding interaction among the peripheral urea groups has been designed. Introduction of triethoxysilyl groups into the terminal groups has enabled us to immobilize this novel porphyrin-based cluster by sol–gel polycondensation.
Synthesis and Structure of [η4-Tetrakis(arylethoxyphosphoryl)cyclobutadiene](η5-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt(I) Complexes
Authors: Sasaki Shigeru , Kato Kiyotoshi , Tanabe Yoshihiro , Yoshifuji Masaaki
Published: July 2004

[η4-Tetrakis(arylethoxyphosphoryl)cyclobutadiene](η5-cyclopentadienyl)cobalt(I) complexes were synthesized by reaction of bis(arylethoxyphosphoryl)acetylenes with CpCo(CO)2 and several diastereomers were isolated. Whole molecular structure of the tetraphosphorylcyclobutadiene complex was significantly affected by relative configuration of the phosphoryl groups.
Photoelectrochromic Dithienylperfluorocyclopentene Derivatives
Authors: Zhou Xin-Hong , Zhang Fu-Shi , Yuan Peng , Sun Fan , Pu Shou-Zhi , Zhao Fu-Qun , Tung Chen-Ho
Published: July 2004

Dithienylperfluorocyclopentene derivatives that bear alkyl substituents connected onto the two carbon atoms of the thiophene heterocycles where, in their ring-closed form, the new C–C single bond is formed (the 2-positions of the thiophene), can exhibit photochromic ring-closing, and both photochromic and electrochromic ring-opening.
Isolation and Characterization of a New Isomer of Ca@C72
Authors: Ichikawa Takafumi , Kodama Takeshi , Suzuki Shinzo , Fujii Ryosuke , Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Ikemoto Isao , Kikuchi Koichi , Achiba Yohji
Published: July 2004

We isolated a new (second) isomer of Ca@C72. As a result of this discovery, it was confirmed that at least one of the two Ca@C72 isomers has a C72 cage that does not satisfy the so-called isolated pentagon rule (IPR), because C72 has only one IPR cage structure.
“One-pot” Fabrication of Ag/PMMA “shell/core” Nanocomposites by Chemical Reduction Method
Authors: Wang Limei , Chen Dajun
Published: July 2004

The Ag/PMMA shell/core nanocomposites were fabricated by one-pot emulsification method. AgNO3 are both silver source and initiator for polymerization of MMA. The polymerization took place when the Ag+ was reduced to Ag. The microstructures of the nanocomposites were characterized by TEM, XRD, FTIR, and AFM.
Noncovalent Combination of Oligoamine and Oligonucleotide as Totally Organic Site-selective RNA Cutter
Authors: Shi Yun , Niikura Fumiya , Kuzuya Akinori , Komiyama Makoto
Published: July 2004

When a one-base gap was formed in substrate RNA by using two oligonucleotides, the phosphodiester linkage at the gap-site was activated and selectively hydrolyzed by ethylenediamine. This site-selective hydrolysis was further promoted by connecting two gap-forming oligonucleotides with 1,3-propanediol linker.
Lithium Acetate-catalyzed Michael Reaction between Trimethylsilyl Enolate and α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compound
Authors: Nakagawa Takashi , Fujisawa Hidehiko , Nagata Yuzo , Mukaiyama Teruaki
Published: July 2004

Lithium acetate-catalyzed Michael reaction between trimethylsilyl enolates and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds in DMF proceeded smoothly to afford the corresponding Michael-adducts in good to high yields. Hindered α,β-unsaturated ketones also behaved as an excellent Michael-acceptor in the above reaction at room temperature.
Bicyclo[10.10.10]dotriacontanes: the Largest Bicyclo[n.n.n]alkane Ever Known
Authors: Kurata Hiroyuki , Rikitake Nobuo , Okumura Akio , Oda Masaji
Published: July 2004

Bicyclo[10.10.10]dotriacontanes, the largest bicyclo[n.n.n]alkanes ever known, have been first synthesized by Raney nickel reduction of trithienylmethanophanes consisiting of two tris(2-thienyl)methanes and three etheno bridges. X-ray crystallographic analysis of a crystalline derivative confirmed the structure, though disorder of included hexane molecules lowered the accuracy.
Improved Rapid Preparation of Polyelectrolyte-protected Gold Nanoparticles through a Microwave-based Thermal Process
Authors: Liao Fang
Published: July 2004

This work demonstrates the improved, size-controlled preparation of polyelectrolyte-protected gold nanoparticles, carried out by microwave radiation of an aqueous solution containing chloroauric acid and amine-containing polyelectrolyte.
Novel Ionic Liquids Composed of Only Azole Ions
Authors: Ogihara Wataru , Yoshizawa Masahiro , Ohno Hiroyuki
Published: July 2004

Novel ionic liquids (ILs) composed of azole type cation and anion were prepared. Triazole and tetrazole were coupled with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydroxide. Obtained tetrazole salt was liquid at room temperature showing only glass transition temperature at −89 °C. The ionic conductivity reached to 8.9 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature reflecting low viscosity of 42.5 cP at 25 °C. This is the first report on the ILs based on only azole type ions.
Phosphoprotein-Selective Recognition and Staining in SDS-PAGE by Bis-Zn(II)-dipycolylamine-Appended Anthracene
Authors: Ojida Akio , Kohira Takahiro , Hamachi Itaru
Published: July 2004

A novel fluorescence detection system using a chemosensor for phosphoprotein in gel electrophoresis analysis has been developed. The system employed bis-Zn(II)-dipycolylamine (Dpa)-appended anthracene as a fluorescent staining dye to carry out convenient and selective detection of phosphoproteins in SDS-PAGE.
Efficient Synthesis of 3-Substituted Indazoles Using Pd-Catalyzed Intramolecular Amination Reaction of N-Tosylhydrazones
Authors: Inamoto Kiyofumi , Katsuno Mika , Yoshino Takashi , Suzuki Ikue , Hiroya Kou , Sakamoto Takao
Published: July 2004

The efficient method for the preparation of 3-substituted indazoles was developed using the palladium catalyzed intramolecular amination reaction of 2-bromophenyl hydrazone derivatives. Good functional group compatibility was observed under mild reaction conditions and various 3-substituted indazoles were obtained in moderate to excellent yield.
Improved Cathodic Expansions of Electrochemomechanical Behavior in Polypyrrole Films Electrodeposited from Aerosol OT Emulsion
Authors: Takashima Wataru , Pandey Shyam S , Kaneto Keiichi
Published: July 2004

Electrodeposited polypyrrole films in Aerosol OT emulsion media (PPyAOT) have been investigated in terms of their electrochemomechanical characteristics for various tetraalkyl ammonium (TAA) chloride salts. PPyAOT film exhibited a cathodic expansive behavior during potential cycling, indicating the reversible exchange of TAA in PPyAOT. The oxidation peaks changed with the alkyl chain length while the reduction peaks were stationary. The large cathodic expansion of 4.5% was obtained in 0.2 M tetraethyl ammonium chloride solution. The unique porous morphology on PPyAOT film seems to assist the large mobility of bulky cations.
Improved Durability of Norbornadiene Derivatives Using Antioxidized Reagent
Authors: Nagai Takabumi , Nishikubo Tadatomi
Published: July 2004

It was found that improvement in durability of NBDs against degradation during repeated cycles of photoisomerization of NBDs to QCs and thermal reversion of QCs to NBDs could be achieved by an antioxidized reagent. Hindered amine derivative was the most effective.
Policy Watch: Trade Adjustment Assistance
Authors: Baicker Katherine , Rehavi M. Marit
Published: July 2004

This feature contains short articles on topics that are currently on the agendas of policymakers, thus illustrating the role of economic analysis in illuminating current debates. Suggestions for future columns and comments on past ones should be sent to C. Eugene Steuerle, c/o Journal of Economic Perspectives, The Urban Institute, 2100 M Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037.
Latin America since the 1990s: Rising from the Sickbed?
Authors: Fraga Arminio
Published: July 2004

The first section of this paper compares Latin America's economic performance in the 1990s with the 1980s and finds definite macroeconomic and social progress during the decade. The following section considers the policy performance of the region during the 1990s and finds that, on a country-by-country basis, the nations of Latin America that were more active in carrying out Washington Consensus reforms also experienced better economic performance. The final section will argue that rather than seeking to reverse the economic reforms that have been carried out, Latin American nations should be thinking about how to extend and complement the existing reforms.
Consumer Confidence and Consumer Spending
Authors: Ludvigson Sydney C
Published: July 2004

Despite the widespread attention given to surveys of consumer confidence, the mechanisms by which household attitudes influence the real economy are less well understood. This paper begins with an overview of how consumer confidence is measured and reported. It then evaluates the relationship between consumer attitudes and the real economy. The evidence suggests that popular survey measures contain some information about future aggregate consumer expenditure growth. However, much of that information is found in other economic and financial indicators, and the independent information provided by consumer confidence predicts a relatively modest amount of additional variation in future consumer spending.
Retrospectives: How Joan Robinson and B. L. Hallward Named Monopsony
Authors: Thornton Robert J
Published: July 2004

The term “monopsony” was introduced by Joan Robinson in her 1932 classic The Economics of Imperfect Competition, although she gives credit to classics scholar B.L. Hallward of Cambridge for the actual coining of the term. Even though the term has become widely accepted by economists, its literal meaning is more idiosyncratic than simply “one buyer” of a commodity or service. In this paper I discuss the etymology of the term monopsony and suggest several other words that would seem to be more appropriate for describing this market phenomenon.

This feature addresses the history of economic words and ideas. The hope is to deepen the workaday dialogue of economists, while perhaps also casting new light on ongoing questions. If you have suggestions for future topics or authors, please write to Joseph Persky, c/o Journal of Economic Perspectives, Department of Economics (M/C 144), University of Illinois at Chicago, 601 South Morgan Street, Room 2103, Chicago, Illinois 60607-7121.
Making a Name: Women's Surnames at Marriage and Beyond
Authors: Goldin Claudia , Shim Maria
Published: July 2004

This paper tracks the fraction of college graduate women who kept their surnames upon marriage and after childbirth and explores some of the correlates of surname retention. Data from the New York Times, Harvard College alumni books, and Massachusetts birth records are used. Surname retention at marriage greatly increased from 1975 to about 1985 although Massachusetts birth records and the Harvard data show a decrease in the fraction keeping their surnames beginning around the early 1990s. The observable characteristics of importance in surname retention are those revealing that the bride has already “made a name” for herself.
Distinguished Lecture on Economics in Government: Lessons from Past Productivity Booms
Authors: Ferguson Roger W , Wascher William L
Published: July 2004

A number of observers argue that the present era of robust trend productivity growth will soon come to an end. Others contend that the potential gains to productivity from the technological advances associated with the computer revolution are far from complete. In assessing the likelihood of these alternative outcomes, one should recognize that periods of strong trend productivity growth, although perhaps novel to many of us, are not new to the U.S. economy. In particular, three earlier periods of strong trend productivity growth stand out from the historical record as especially worthy of further scrutiny for the lessons they may offer regarding the current episode: the late 1800s from roughly the end of the Civil War to around 1890; the decade or so between the end of World War I and the onset of the Great Depression; and the period from about 1950 to the early 1970s.
How Should We Measure Consumer Confidence?
Authors: Dominitz Jeff , Manski Charles F
Published: July 2004

Research on consumer confidence has mainly sought to evaluate the power of available data to predict economic outcomes. In contrast, this article considers how best to measure consumer confidence. We analyze the responses to eight questions that have appeared recently on the Michigan Survey of Consumers; four elicit expectations in the traditional qualitative manner and four use a newer “percent chance” format. Examination of the responses suggests three implications. It makes more sense to ask for expectations of events directly relevant to individual economic decisions than for predictions of general business conditions. Surveys should shift away from qualitative questions in favor of ones eliciting subjective probability judgments. While aggregating responses into an index of consumer confidence may provide simple summary statistics, results should also be presented on a question-byquestion basis for different subgroups of the population.
Prospects in the Academic Labor Market for Economists
Authors: Ehrenberg Ronald G
Published: July 2004

This paper discussed what the academic labor market for economists is likely to look like in the years ahead. After tracing out trends in PhD production of new economists, including the increasing share of new PhDs who are foreign residents, it presents new evidence on the growing use of part-time and full-time non tenure-track faculty in U.S. economics departments, the growing salary differentials between economists employed at private and public doctoral universities, and how economists' salaries have changed relative to those of faculty in other disciplines.
Prediction Markets
Authors: Wolfers Justin , Zitzewitz Eric
Published: July 2004

We analyze the extent to which simple markets can be used to aggregate disperse information into efficient forecasts of uncertain future events. Drawing together data from a range of prediction contexts, we show that market-generated forecasts are typically fairly accurate, and that they outperform most moderately sophisticated benchmarks. Carefully designed contracts can yield insight into the market's expectations about probabilities, means and medians, and also uncertainty about these parameters. Moreover, conditional markets can effectively reveal the market's beliefs about regression coefficients, although we still have the usual problem of disentangling correlation from causation. We discuss a number of market design issues and highlight domains in which prediction markets are most likely to be useful.
Latin America's Growth and Equity Frustrations During Structural Reforms
Authors: Ocampo José Antonio
Published: July 2004

This paper argues that Latin America's market-oriented reforms, together with increased monetary and fiscal discipline, were successful in bringing down inflation, inducing export growth and diversification, and attracting foreign direct investment. Nonetheless, economic growth was frustratingly slow. Pro-cyclical macroeconomic policies generated, in turn, strong business cycles in the face of unstable access to international capital markets. Higher productivity in leading firms and sectors failed to spread throughout the economy and led to increasing productive sector dualism. Furthermore, despite the democratic dividend reflected in increased social spending and coverage of social services, weak economic performance and additional distributive tensions led to disappointing results in terms of employment generation and poverty reduction. Overcoming these frustrating outcomes would require counter-cyclical macroeconomic policies, open-economy productive development strategies and mainstreaming social objectives into economic policies.
Sensitive Nonradiometric Method for Determining Thymidine Kinase 1 Activity
Authors: Öhrvik Anders , Lindh Maria , Einarsson Roland , Grassi Jacques , Eriksson Staffan
Published: July 2004

Background: Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1) is a cytoplasmic enzyme, produced only in the S-phase of proliferating cells, that has potential as a tumor marker. Specific determination of TK1 in serum is difficult, in part because of differences in the physical properties of serum TK1 compared with cytoplasmic TK1.

Methods: The first step in the new assay was phosphorylation of 3′-azido-2′,3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) to AZT 5′-monophosphate (AZTMP) by TK1 present in patient material. The AZTMP formed was measured in a competitive immunoassay with specific anti-AZTMP antibodies and AZTMP-labeled peroxidase. Results were compared with those of a TK radioenzyme assay (REA) for 78 samples from patients suffering from hematologic diseases.

Results: The detection limit was 78 μIU/L, and within-run CVs <20% were seen for samples with TK1 down to 130 μIU/L. Cross-determination of the mitochondrial isoenzyme TK2 activity was <0.1%. Between-assay imprecision (CV) was 3.5–7.4%, and the within-assay imprecision was 4.1–9.1%. In studies of recovery and linearity on dilution, measured values ranged from 84% to 115% of expected at concentrations of 0.26–10.4 mIU/L. Results of the new assay (mIU/L) = 0.109 × TK REA (U/L) + 0.092. Heterophilic antibodies did not interfere in the assay. The upper 95th percentile, in 100 healthy individuals, was 0.94 mIU/L, and the median value was 0.43 mIU/L.

Conclusion: The TK1 enzyme-labeled immunoassay uses a stable substrate, is precise, appears to be accurate, and is resistant to interferences. It may provide a practical tool in the management of hematologic malignancies.
Daily Cyclic Changes in the Urinary Excretion of 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid in Patients with Carcinoid Tumors
Authors: Zuetenhorst Johanna M , Korse Catharina M , Bonfrer Johannes M G , Peter Ellen , Lamers Cornelis B H W , Taal Babs G
Published: July 2004

Background: Vasoactive peptides produced by neuroendocrine tumors can induce characteristic symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome (flushing, diarrhea, and wheezing). To what extent external factors provoke these symptoms and how excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the degradation product of serotonin, varies throughout the day remain unknown. In this study, we investigated whether symptoms and daily activity are related to 5-HIAA excretion and whether 24-h urine collection is needed.

Methods: In 26 patients with metastatic carcinoid (14 men and 12 women; median age, 60 years) urine was collected in portions of 4 or 8 h during 2 days. Patients were asked to keep a diary in which they noted symptoms of flushes, consistency of stools, activities, and food intake.

Results: Excretion of 5-HIAA in 24-h urine was increased in 88% of the patients (median, 515 μmol/24 h). Overnight-collected urine appeared the most representative for 24-h collection concentrations (correlation coefficient = 0.81). We found no clear correlation between symptoms of the carcinoid syndrome and degree of activity. Watery diarrhea was reported only by patients with strong variations in 5-HIAA excretion. One-half of the patients (n = 16) exhibited a high variability in urinary 5-HIAA excretion throughout the day, with increased concentrations most prominent in morning collections (P = 0.0074) and lower concentrations in the evening (P = 0.0034). In the other patients these curves were flat.

Conclusions: Cyclic changes in patients relate to high variability in 5-HIAA excretion. Overnight-collected urine can replace the 24-h urine collection, and marked variations in 5-HIAA excretion seem to be associated with severity of diarrhea.
Rapid Screening Test for Primary Hyperaldosteronism: Ratio of Plasma Aldosterone to Renin Concentration Determined by Fully Automated Chemiluminescence Immunoassays
Authors: Perschel Frank Holger , Schemer Rudolf , Seiler Lysann , Reincke Martin , Deinum Jaap , Maser-Gluth Christiane , Mechelhoff David , Tauber Rudolf , Diederich Sven
Published: July 2004

Background: The ratio of plasma aldosterone concentration to plasma renin activity (PAC/PRA) is the most common screening test for primary hyperaldosteronism (PHA), but it is not standardized among laboratories. We evaluated new automated assays for the simultaneous measurement of PAC and plasma renin concentration (PRC).

Methods: We studied 76 healthy normotensive volunteers and 28 patients with confirmed PHA. PAC and PRC were measured immunochemically in EDTA plasma on the Nichols Advantage® chemiluminescence analyzer, and PRA was determined by an activity assay.

Results: In volunteers, PAC varied from 33.3 to 1930 pmol/L, PRA from 1.13 to 19.7 ng · mL−1 · h−1 (0.215 ng · mL−1 · h−1 = 1 pmol · L−1 · s−1), and PRC from 5.70 to 116 mU/L. PAC/PRA ratios ranged from 4.35 to 494 (pmol/L)/(ng · mL−1 · h−1) and PAC/PRC ratios from 0.69 to 71.0 pmol/mU. In PHA patients, PAC ranged from 158 to 5012 pmol/L, PRA from 0.40 to 1.70 ng · mL−1 · h−1, and PRC from 0.80 to 11.7 mU/L. PAC/PRA ratios were between 298 and 6756 (pmol/L)/(ng · mL−1 · h−1) and PAC/PRC ratios between 105 and 2328 pmol/mU. Whereas PAC or PRC showed broad overlap between PHA patients and volunteers, the PAC/PRC ratio indicated distinct discrimination of these two groups at a cutoff of 71 pmol/mU.

Conclusion: The PAC/PRC ratio offers several practical advantages compared with the PAC/PRA screening method. The present study offers preliminary evidence that it may be a useful screening test for PHA. Further studies are required to validate these results, especially in hypertensive cohorts.
Federal Arrangements and the Provision of Public Goods in India
Authors: Chhibber Pradeep , Shastri Sandeep , Sisson Richard
Published: July 2004

Current intellectual trends advocate devolution of authority from national governments to local governments and civil society, especially for the provision of public goods. This paper, based on a large national survey conducted in India, shows that most Indians still look to the state, and state governments in particular, to address the problems that they face.
Food Security under Structural Adjustment in Pakistan
Authors: Gera Nina
Published: July 2004

It is the responsibility of governments to provide food security for their citizens. The government of Pakistan has historically supplied food to its people at reasonable prices through a system of subsidies. However, structural adjustment programs, such as reducing the budget deficit, have resulted in the removal of subsidies on wheat and agricultural inputs. The end result has been an increase in poverty.
India and Iran: An “Axis” in the Making?
Authors: Pant Harsh V.
Published: July 2004

Bilateral relations between India and Iran have been on an upswing since the early 1990s, and the recent visit by the Iranian president to India has infused them with new momentum. This paper examines the strategic rationale behind Indo-Iranian engagement and the constraints that still hamper this bilateral relationship from realizing its full potential.
Russian Policy toward South Asia: An Update
Authors: Malek Martin
Published: July 2004

Russian interest in South Asia stands in the context of the official doctrine of the “multipolar” world. The top priority is accorded India, which has been Moscow's close political, military, and (to a more limited degree) economic partner for decades. From the Russian point of view, Pakistan supports terrorism and obstructs any solution to the Kashmir conflict. There have been some attempts to improve relations between Moscow and Islamabad recently, but the results are modest so far. In Afghanistan, Russia has the intention of optimizing its political, military-political, and economic interests immediately, without awaiting an American withdrawal from that country.
Post-Taliban Afghanistan: Changed Outlook for Women?
Authors: Riphenburg Carol J.
Published: July 2004

In examining the control women have over family, health and fertility, and cultural expression—three indicators of women's status—it is clear that since the fall of the Taliban, women in Afghanistan lack support for the fundamental functions of a human life and find their choices and decision-making frustrated.
Stories of Parallel Lives and the Status Anxieties of Contemporary Historicism
Authors: UNDERWOOD TED
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT Several novels and films from the 1980s and 1990s hinge on a parallel between sets of lives that unfold in different historical periods. This article argues that the premise of parallel lives is a way of grappling with a threat to the cultural and social status conferred by historicism. It compares this narrative anxiety to apprehensions about the fate of history and memory that have recently been expressed by social theorists, including Sven Birkerts, Pierre Nora, and Fredric Jameson.
Old World Orders: Amitav Ghosh and the Writing of Nostalgia
Authors: DESAI GAURAV
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT This article traces the uses of nostalgia in Amitav Ghosh's In an Antique Land. The all too common structural affinity of such nostalgia with discourses of purity and authenticity is challenged in Ghosh's narrative, where cultural hybridity, racial mixture, and economic exchange appear as privileged terms. Ultimately finding Ghosh's creative use of nostalgia to be politically inspiring, the essay questions which historical processes a nostalgic narrative may elide.
A Model Jew: “Literary Photographs” and the Jewish Body inDaniel Deronda
Authors: NOVAK DANIEL
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT This essay examines the relationship between George Eliot's representation of the Jewish body in Daniel Deronda and Francis Galton's photographic race-science. It argues that, for both Eliot and Galton, Jewish racial identity is, paradoxically, defined by a corporeal evacuation and abstraction—that is, by a ghostly disembodiment. While Eliot's representation of Deronda has traditionally been read as a radical departure from the realism that Eliot was so instrumental in defining, in a sense, Daniel Deronda represents a thorough adaptation to photographic technology and scientic realism.
Restyling an Old World: Nathaniel Parker Willis and Metropolitan Fashion in the Antebellum United States
Authors: TOMC SANDRA
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACT This essay looks at the mid-nineteenth-century American bourgeois mania for imitating “OldWorld” aristocratic fashion, a trend exemplied by the sartorial antics of celebrated New York dandy and magazinist Nathaniel Parker Willis. Although Willis, and bourgeois Europhilia generally, are usually regarded by critics as a rather sad, colonial throwback, the cult of Old World imitation, I argue, was very much a vernacular phenomenon, one whose aim was to elaborate fakery itself as a principle of personal authenticity. Exported to the scene of transatlantic cultural relations via Willis's travelogues in the 1830s, the cult of fakery produced the political opposite of what historians generally assume. Neither a sign of naive colonial dependence nor a form of troubled engagement, the bourgeoisie's showy Europhilia developed fakery as a principle of national potency and global ascendance.
Arterial supply of the pineal gland of Akkaraman sheep
Authors: Yildiz D. , Gultiken M. E. , Bolat D.
Published: July 2004

Arterial vascularisation of the ovine pineal gland was investigated by latex injection preparations of the common carotid artery in 20 adult Akkaraman sheep brains under stereo light microscope. It was observed that the arterial supply comes exclusively from branches of the caudal cerebral artery. The pineal gland was found to contain a rich vascular network. This network also received a few branches from the caudal choroid rami.
Expression and localisation of leptin and leptin receptor in the mammary gland of the dry and lactating non-pregnant cow
Authors: Sayed-Ahmed A. , Kulcsár Margit , Rudas P. , Bartha T.
Published: July 2004

Leptin and leptin receptor were studied in the mammary gland of non-pregnant dry and lactating cows. Using RT-PCR it was demonstrated that leptin and its short (Ob-Ra) and long (Ob-Rb) receptor isoforms are expressed both in the dry and the lactating mammary gland tissue. Tissue distribution of leptin and its receptor mRNA transcripts were examined by insitu hybridisation, while the leptin protein was localised by immunohistochemistry. Although in situ hybridisation is semiquantitative, our morphological data suggest that the epithelial leptin mRNA expression of the lactating gland is higher than that of the dry gland. To compare the leptin mRNA levels between dry and lactating udders competitive PCR was used, which showed no difference in leptin expression for the whole mammary tissues. The lack of difference in total leptin mRNA levels is explained by the high adipose tissue content of the dry mammary gland. Leptin and its receptor transcripts are expressed mainly in the epithelial cells of lactating cows, while in dry mammary tissue the signal is found in the stromal tissues as well. The results provide additional evidence that locally produced leptin takes part in the regulation and maintenance of mammary epithelial cell activity.
Assisted reproductive research: Laser assisted hatching and spindle detection (spindle view technique)
Authors: Kanyó Katalin , Konc J. , Solti L. , Cseh S.
Published: July 2004

Animal experiments are very important for the development of new assisted reproductive techniques (ART) for use in human and animal reproductive medicine. Most technical aspects of reproductive manipulation of humans and animals are very similar, and many components of successful human ART used nowadays have been derived from animal studies. In this study we examined (1) the use of 'non-contact' laser for assisted hatching, (2) whether spindles in living mouse oocytes could safely be imaged/examined by polarisation microscope (polscope) and (3) the influence of environment (e.g. temperature,in vitroculture, etc.) on spindle detection/visualisation. The data of the study presented here show that (1) laser assisted hatching (AH) is a fast, very accurate and safe procedure without any harmful effect on embryo development and it can support very effectively the implantation of embryos, (2) the use of polscope facilitates the evaluation of oocyte quality and the selection of oocytes with spindle, (3) by monitoring the spindle position during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), we can reduce spindle damage and increase the chance of fertilisation. Further studies are underway to test the hypothesised connection between spindle birefringence and developmental capacity of oocytes/embryos.
Determination and phylogenetic analysis of canine distemper virus in dogs with nervous symptoms in Turkey
Authors: Özkul A. , Arda Sancak A. , Güngör E. , Burgu I.
Published: July 2004

In the present study, canine distemper virus (CDV) was investigated in 20 dogs having nervous signs arousing the clinical suspicion of canine distemper (CD). A total of 13 animals (65%) were stray dogs and had no accurate record about the vaccination history. Clinical examinations revealed that the majority (85%) of the animals showed systemic form characterised by predominantly nervous symptoms accompanied by mild respiratory system signs whilst the remaining cases (15%) recorded mainly respiratory distress. CDV RNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) only in 45% of the suspected cases. Phylogenetic analysis of partial nucleotide sequence of the P gene coding region revealed that the virus is closely related to European strains. Immune responses in 13 cases (65%), which were detected by dot-ELISA, indicated inefficient levels for neutralising functions against CDV. It was postulated that this response could have been mediated by either previous vaccination or mild infection with field strains.
Book review
Authors: Polner T.
Published: July 2004

Jutta Berk: Artgerechte Mastputenhaltung. Baulich-technische Ansätze zur Verbesserung der Haltungsumwelt (Natural-like Management Methods in Turkey Fattening. Contruction-technical Initiatives for the Improvement of the Keeping Environment). Kuratorium für Technik und Bauwesen in der Landwirtschaft e. V. (KTBL), Darmstadt, 2002. 81 pages, 24 black-and-white photographs, 32 figures, 22 tables. ISBN 3-7843-2150-X (Best.-Nr. 11412). Price: 18 €.
Effects of periodontal dressings on fibroblasts and gingival wound healing in dogs
Authors: Petelin M. , Pavlica Z. , Batista Urška , Štiblar-Martinčič Draga , Skalerič U.
Published: July 2004

In the present study the effects of different commercially available periodontal dressings (Peripac, Barricaid, Fittydent, Reso-Pack and Myzotect-tincture) on fibroblast (V-79-379A) proliferation and survival were tested in vitro. Barricaid, Fittydent and Reso-Pack periodontal dressings have only small inhibitory effects on cell proliferation (83.3 ± 9%, 71.6 ± 8.7% and 87.3 ± 4.5% of control after 48 h, respectively) in comparison with the great inhibitory effect of Myzotect-tincture (2.9 ± 0.1%) and Peripac (33.7 ± 11.4%) (p < 0.001). Barricaid was the only dressing where 41% of cells survived after exposure, while the other four dressings killed all the cells in 6 days. In addition, the healing of artificially created gingival wounds covered by Barricaid and Reso-Pack was followed for 7 days in 12 Beagle dogs. Histological evaluation of gingival tissue demonstrated that wounds covered by Reso-Pack showed the best epithelisation and vascularity and the least inflammatory reaction in first 4days. Later the observed parameters were similar with those of wounds covered by Barricaid or without pack. The present results indicate that Peripac periodontal dressing and Myzotect-tincture showed the highest cytotoxicity to fibroblasts in vitro. From the histological observations in Beagle dogs Reso-Pack has been found to be the most suitable dressing, followed by Barricaid.
Successful surgical removal of fibroma from the uterus of a cow: A case report
Authors: Purohit G. N. , Kumar D. , Garg N. , Yadav R. C. , Dadhich H.
Published: July 2004

A Holstein-Friesian cow aged 6 years aborted twice at 3-4 months of gestation. On rectal palpation a growth was palpable in the apex of one uterine horn. The growth was removed by right flank laparotomy under sedation and paravertebral nerve block. The growth was diagnosed to be a fibroma. The cow conceived and calved normally after the operation.
Occurrence and pathology of Sinergasilus lieni (Copepoda: Ergasilidae), a parasite of the silver carp and bighead, in Hungarian ponds
Authors: Molnár K. , Székely Cs.
Published: July 2004

Sinergasilus lieni Yin, 1949, a well-known and pathogenic parasitic copepod in China and Russia, has been detected in Hungarian carp farms for the first time. The parasite infected the third-year generation of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead (Aristichthys nobilis). The gills of the infected fish specimens showed severe pathological changes. At the attachment sites of female copepods clubbing and fusing of the gill filaments were observed and in some parts of the pale or whitish hemibranchia deep indentations were recorded in places where the tips of the damaged filaments had broken off. Silver carp and bighead were infected at a similar rate, having 8 to 27 copepods attached to the end of the clubbed filaments or the proliferated epithelium of 2 to 10 fused filaments. In histological sections the head part of the parasite was found in a deep cavity of the proliferated epithelium, piercing its antennae deep into the tissues. Only the end of the filaments showed changes. In this part the proliferated epithelium was infiltrated by eosinophilic granular cells. In the central and basal parts of the hemibranchia the original structure of the filaments was preserved with intact secondary lamellae.
Immune response in mice infected by Encephalitozoon cuniculi and suppressed by dexamethasone
Authors: Valenčáková Alexandra , Halánová Monika , Bálent P. , Dvorožnáková Emília , Jamborová Erika , Lešník F. , Neuschl F. , Páleník L. , Čisláková Lýdia
Published: July 2004

Several indicators ofimmune response were observed in immunocompetent mice of the ICR line and those suppressed by dexamethasone upon their experimental infection with the microsporidia of Encephalitozoon cuniculi. The mice were infected by one-shot intraperitoneal administration of 5×107 pathogenic spores. On Days 7, 14, 28 and 42 after infection, peripheral blood leukocyte phagocytic activity was determined and compared, including phagocytic index and the blastogenic response in spleen cells to mitogenic activation by concanavalin A and phytohaemagglutinin. The results point to the fact that E. cuniculi itself can cause a significant decrease in phagocytic activity of phagocytic leukocytes in the early stages of infection as well as a remarkable decrease in the proliferative response of spleen cells to T-cellular mitogens.
Immunohistochemical detection of fungal elements in the tissues of goslings with pulmonary and systemic aspergillosis
Authors: Beytut E. , Özcan K. , Erginsoy S.
Published: July 2004

Nineteen goslings with pulmonary and systemic aspergillosis were the subject of the study. The lungs and air sacs were the main sites affected by the disease, and were generally characterised by diffuse yellowish-white granulomas. In 7 cases with pulmonary and air-sac involvement the granulomas were scattered to the serosal linings of the gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tracts, to the liver, spleen and kidneys, and in two cases also to the bursa of Fabricius, musculus (m.) longus colli and adventitia of aorta. The granulomas were often characterised by a necrotic centre surrounded by heterophils, macrophages, lymphocyte and plasma cells, and in late granulomas by multinucleated foreign-body giant cells, and again by an outer thin fibrous capsule. Numerous fungal hyphae were found within the necrotic debris of the granulomas by Gridley and PAS staining techniques. Immunohistochemistry reliably confirmed aspergillosis in all of the cases. Fungal elements in the lungs of goslings severely affected by the disease stained heavily within the centre of the granulomas, whereas few antigens reacted in the chronic cases. Fungal fragments, which were not discernible using routine fungal stains, reacted clearly in the cytoplasm of macrophages and giant cells. Thus, although fungal elements within the granulomas were histologically indicative of aspergillosis, immunohistochemistry also had to be applied to obtain a definitive diagnosis of the disease and to differentiate it from many of the filamentous fungi.
Pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of cefotaxime for the treatment of septicaemia in dogs
Authors: Sumano H. , Gutierrez Lilia , Ocampo L.
Published: July 2004

Considering the already known pharmacological features of cefotaxime, a study with two approaches of pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy in septicaemic dogs was carried out. Pharmacokinetic variables were defined for doses of 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg, utilising a quantitative bacteriological analysis. Values for half-life (T½ß) at 10 mg/kg were 0.8, 1.48 and 1.52 h for the i.v., s.c. and i.m. routes, respectively. Corresponding values for the 20 mg/kg dose for the same routes were 0.8, 1.49 and 1.53 h, respectively. Relatively fast clearance (ranging from 0.58 to 0.64 L/kg/h) allowed a maximum dose interval of 12 h. The above-stated doses of cefotaxime were administered i.v. to 40 cases of septicaemia, clinically divided into 20 moderately severe cases treated with 10 mg/kg i.v., of cefotaximebid, and 20 severe ones, treated with 20 mg/kgi.v. of cefotaximebid. Injections continued until a previously defined criterion of 'clinically recovered' was obtained. Thereafter, a follow-up treatment was established using the same dose and dose-interval but through the s.c. route. Due to the apparent volumes of distribution obtained (ranging from 0.48 to 0.51 L/kg), considering the overall clinical efficacy obtained (90% for the 10 mg/kg dose and 75% for the 20 mg/kg dose), and due to the rapid improvement observed after a few doses of the drug (1.8 to 2.5 doses to 'clinical improvement'), it is safe to postulate such doses of cefotaxime as excellent choices for the treatment of septicaemia in dogs.
New evidence on the factors affecting bridging and semibridging character of carbonyl ligands. The structures of Mn2(CO)7(μ‐SCH2CH2S) and its phosphine derivatives Mn2(CO)7‐X(PMe2Ph)X(μ‐SCH2CH2S), × = 1,2
Authors: Adams Richard D. , Kwon O‐Sung , Smith Mark D.
Published: July 2004

The new ethanedithiolate—dimanganese carbonyl complex, Mn2(μ‐SCH2CH2S)(CO)7, 1, was prepared in 28% yield from the reaction of 1,2,5,6‐tetrathiacyclooctane with Mn2(CO)9(NCMe). Complex 1 was characterized crystal‐lographically. It contains two Mn(CO)3 groups joined by a Mn–Mn bond of 2.6470(6) Å in length, a dihapto‐bridging ethanedithiolate ligand, and one strong semibridging CO ligand. The reaction of 1 with PMe2Ph yielded two derivatives: Mn2(μ‐SCH2CH2S)(CO)6(PMe2Ph), 2, and gem‐Mn2(μ‐SCH2CH2S)(CO)5(PMe2Ph)2, 3a, in 48% and 6% yields, respectively. When heated at 40 °C, compound 3a was transformed into three isomers, iso‐gem‐Mn2(μ‐SCH2CH2S)(CO)5(PMe2Ph)2, 3b, 1,2‐Mn2(μ‐SCH2CH2S)(CO)5(PMe2Ph)2, 3c, and cis‐Mn2(μ‐SCH2CH2S)‐(CO)5(PMe2Ph)2, 3d. Compounds 3b and 3c were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. The introduction of phosphine ligand into the complexes strongly affects the semibridging character of the carbonyl ligand.