bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological identification of ganglion cells expressing the α subunit of type II calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase in the macaque retina
Authors: Calkins David J. , Sappington Rebecca M. , Hendry Stewart H.C.
Published: November 2004

Expression of the α subunit of type II calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase (αCamKII) distinguishes the koniocellular neurons of the primate lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) from the primary parvo‐ and magnocellular neurons, but whether the same neurochemical signature distinguishes the retinal ganglion cells providing them input is not known. We find that, in the retina, αCamKII expression also differentiates two primary groups of ganglion cell, both characterized by broad, sparsely branching dendritic trees and cell bodies intermediate in size between the parvo‐ and magnocellular‐projecting ganglion cells. Cells in the first group have three or four primary dendrites, a thick axon, and a rounded cell body and likely are made up of multiple types. In contrast, ganglion cells in the second group demonstrate a highly regular morphology, with strictly two primary dendrites and a thinner axon emanating from a smaller, elliptical cell body. This cell resembles the “large sparse” ganglion cell identified by others in retrograde labeling from the LGN and represents about 2% of all ganglion cells. In the optic nerve, αCamKII+ axons are also intermediate in size and form a bimodal distribution, correlating with the axonal sizes of the two groups of ganglion cell. For the LGN, we describe a group of αCamKII+ axon terminals with morphology consistent with terminals from retinal ganglion cells. These terminals form long, filamentous contacts with αCamKII+ relay cells and increase in frequency from the dorsal to the ventral koniocellular regions. Our results indicate that ganglion cells expressing αCamKII represent multiple projections to the brain, at least one of which provides input to one or more koniocellular regions of the LGN. J. Comp. Neurol. 481:194–209, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New data for sandwich panels on the correlation between the SBI test method and the room corner reference scenario
Authors: Axelsson Jesper , Van Hees Patrick
Published: November 2004

Assessment of the fire behaviour of sandwich panels is continuously under discussion. The fire behaviour of these panels is a combination of material characteristics such as the core material and mechanical behaviour of the panels such as joints, dilations etc. The use of small or intermediate scale tests can be questioned for such types of products.

Within the proposed European product standard for sandwich panels (prEN 14509) the intermediate scale test method SBI (EN 13823) has been suggested as the fire test method to certify panels. The standard does, however, use quite an artificial mounting procedure, which does not fully reflect the end‐use conditions of the panels.

In a previous research project conducted by Nordtest it was shown that the correlation between the SBI test method and both the ISO 9705 and ISO 13784 part 1 was insufficient. The test data produced for the SBI test method, however, did not use the above mentioned mounting technique.

In this article new data for a number of products are added to the database using the mounting procedure of the product standard. The data are compared with the previous data and show that the mounting method of the product standard results in slightly more severe conditions but that there are still discrepancies with the full‐scale test results. The data also show an unacceptable level of repeatability due to the fact that small dilations result in a wide variation of classification result. The new data together with the old data show once more that it is dangerous to make a fire safety assessment of a sandwich panel based on small or intermediate scale tests. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variability of Organic Matter Processing in a Mediterranean Coastal Lagoon
Authors: Menéndez Margarita , Hernández Oliver , Sanmartí Neus , Comín Francisco A.
Published: November 2004

The spatial variability of plant organic matter processing was studied experimentally in a shallow coastal lagoon (Tancada lagoon, average depth: 37 cm, area: 1.8 km2) in the Ebro River Delta (NE Spain). To determine the effect of hydrology and sediment characteristics on plant organic matter processing, leaves of Phragmites australis at the end of its vegetative cycle and whole plants of Ruppia cirrhosa (Petagna) Grande, just abscised, were enclosed in litter bags. Two different mesh sizes (100 μm and 2 mm) were used to study the effect of macroinvertebrates on decomposition. The bags were placed in the water column and approximately 15 cm above the sediment at 6 different locations in the lagoon. The experiment was performed twice, in autumn‐winter and spring‐summer. The effect of macroinvertebrates on decomposition rate was not significant in Tancada lagoon. Breakdown rates showed spatial differences only in spring‐summer. In the autumn‐winter experiment, the effect of strong wind masked the effects of environmental variables and hydrology on decomposition rate. In the spring‐summer experiment, characterised by high stability of the water column, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration in the water column and organic matter in the sediment were the main factors determining the variability of organic matter processing. A positive relationship was calculated between P. australis decomposition rate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen in spring‐summer (r2 = 0.92, p < 0.001). (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Modulation of adenyl cyclase activity in the gills of Tapes philippinarum
Authors: Valbonesi Paola , Caselli Federico , Capuzzo Antonio , Fabbri Elena
Published: November 2004

Adenyl cyclase (AC) plays a pivotal role in cell signaling. The AC system of bivalves has received little attention so far, and our study has been addressed to the characterization of AC properties in the gills of T. philippinarum. The enzyme showed a Km value of 0.77 mM for ATP in the presence of 5 mM Mg2+; in the absence of agonists, it was poorly affected by GTP, while it was stimulated by GTPγS and GppNHp up to 14‐fold and 4‐fold, respectively. Similarly to other invertebrates, the enzyme activity was scarcely stimulated by forskolin. The receptor agonist serotonin (5‐HT) significantly stimulated the AC activity, and the pharmacological profile of the 5‐HT receptor/s was as follows: (+)butaclamol > dihydroergocryptine > methysergide > prazosin > yohimbine. The AC activity was assessed in vitro in the presence of tributyltin chloride and HgCl2, which reduced the AC activity only at the highest dose tested (10–100 µM). Our data indicate the presence of a membrane‐bound AC in gill membranes of T. philippinarum, coupled to Gs proteins and to a specific class of 5‐HT receptors. Such receptors show a pharmacological profile slightly different from that reported for 5‐HT invertebrate receptors cloned so far. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:952–960, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of exercise on plasma catecholamine levels in the toad, Bufo paracnemis: Role of the adrenals and neural control
Authors: Romero Sonia Maria Brazil , Pereira Aparecida Fim , Garófalo Maria Antonieta Rissato , Hoffmann Anette
Published: November 2004

Resting plasma epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (N) concentrations for intact toads (Bufo paracnemis) were 5.57±1.0 and 0.88±0.38 ng/ml, respectively. Exercise induced a significant increase in heart rate, blood pressure and plasma epinephrine (about 4.3 times), whereas norepinephrine remained unchanged. The resting [E]/[N] ratio was 6.3 and increased to 32.9 during exercise. Adrenal denervation did not alter the basal plasma catecholamine or norepinephrine levels after exercise, but prevented the increase in epinephrine during exercise, suggesting that in the intact toad this increase is due to adrenal secretion whereas resting norepinephrine may be liberated by extra‐adrenal chromaffin tissues. This also suggests that the adrenal glands can release selectively the two catecholamines. The increases in heart rate and blood pressure in denervated toads were not significantly different from those of intact animals, suggesting that during exercise the sympathetic nerves play the main role in inducing cardiovascular responses. Spinal transection induced a significant increase in basal norepinephrine levels, which remained elevated after exercise. Since spinal toads are unable to perform spontaneous movements it is possible that this increase may be caused by this stressful condition. The increases in heart rate and blood pressure observed in spinal toads during exercise may be due to direct mechanical effects of venous return on the heart. J. Exp. Zool. 301A:911–918, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphometric and anatomic study of the forelimb of the dog
Authors: Shahar Ron , Milgram Joshua
Published: November 2004

The object of this study was to obtain the anatomic and morphometric data required for biomechanical analyses of the forelimb in dogs. Following the euthanasia of four healthy, adult, crossbred dogs, 44 muscles of the right forelimb were identified and meticulously removed. Morphometric data for all muscles were collected and physiologic cross‐sectional areas (PCSA) and architectural indices (AI) were calculated. The coordinates of the origin and insertion of each muscle were determined using orthogonal, right‐handed coordinate systems embedded in the scapula, humerus, and radius‐ulna. The PCSA and AI were calculated for all the muscles and coordinates for the origins and insertions of these muscles were determined. Results provide the morphometric and anatomic data necessary for three‐dimensional biomechanical studies of the forelimb in dogs. J. Morphol. 263:107–117, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the convergence properties of the method of auxiliary sources in 3D problems with open boundaries
Authors: Papakanellos P. J. , Heretakis I. I. , Capsalis C. N.
Published: November 2004

In this paper, the convergence behaviour of the method of auxiliary sources (MAS) is studied in cases of simple three‐dimensional (3D) problems with open regions. For the assessment of the convergence behaviour in such cases in a general manner, the cases considered herein consist in elemental electric dipoles radiating in the close proximity to a planar dissipative ground. Both vertically and horizontally oriented dipoles with respect to the ground plane are examined. The aim of the study is to investigate the interrelation between the auxiliary sources locations and the resultant field continuity errors. For this, the dependence of the boundary conditions errors on the number and spacing of the auxiliary sources is exhibited and general rules regarding their behaviour are extracted. Moreover, the influence of these errors on quantities of interest is examined. Finally, a few concluding remarks are outlined and their possible utilization in cases of more composite 3D problems is discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo quantification of T1ρ using a multislice spin‐lock pulse sequence
Authors: Wheaton Andrew J. , Borthakur Arijitt , Kneeland J. Bruce , Regatte Ravinder R. , Akella Sarma V. S. , Reddy Ravinder
Published: November 2004

A multislice spin‐lock (MS‐SL) pulse sequence is implemented on a clinical scanner to acquire multiple images with spin‐lock‐generated contrast of the knee joints of six healthy human subjects. The MS‐SL sequence produces images with T1ρ contrast with an additional factor of intrinsic T2ρ weighting, which hinders direct measurement of T1ρ. A method is presented to compensate the MS‐SL‐generated data with regard to T2ρ in an effort to accurately calculate multislice T1ρ maps in a feasible experimental time. The T2ρ‐compensated multislice T1ρ maps produced errors in the measurement of T1ρ in healthy patellar cartilage of ∼5% compared to the gold standard measurement of T1ρ acquired with single‐slice spin‐lock pulse sequence. The MS‐SL sequence has potential as an important clinical tool for the acquisition of multislice T1ρ‐weighted images and/or quantitative multislice T1ρ maps. Magn Reson Med 52:1453–1458, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pair density related to one‐electron information for the ground state of spin‐compensated two‐electron systems
Authors: Amovilli C. , March N. H.
Published: November 2004

The recent study by Joubert on effects of Coulomb repulsions in a many‐electron system has focused attention on an integral identity involving the pair density. This has motivated the derivation presented here of a vectorial differential form related to this integral result. Our differential identity is then illustrated explicitly by using (i) an exact ground‐state wave function for the so‐called Hookean atom having external potential energy (1/2)kr2, with k = 1/4, and (ii) Moshinsky's model in which both the interparticle interaction and the external potential are of harmonic type. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Linear equations with random variables
Authors: Tango Toshiro
Published: November 2004

A system of linear equations is presented where the unknowns are unobserved values of random variables. A maximum likelihood estimator assuming a multivariate normal distribution and a non‐parametric proportional allotment estimator are proposed for the unobserved values of the random variables and for their means. Both estimators can be computed by simple iterative procedures and are shown to perform similarly. The methods are illustrated with data from a national nutrition survey in Japan. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The utility of prior information and stratification for parameter estimation with two screening tests but no gold standard
Authors: Gustafson Paul
Published: November 2004

When a gold standard screening or diagnostic test is not routinely available, it is common to apply two different imperfect tests to subjects from a study population. There is a considerable literature on estimating relevant parameters from the resultant data. In the situation that test sensitivities and specificities are unknown, several inferential strategies have been proposed. One suggestion is to use rough knowledge about the unknown test characteristics as prior information in a Bayesian analysis. Another suggestion is to obtain the statistical advantage of an identified model by splitting the population into two strata with differing disease prevalences. There is some division of opinion in the epidemiological literature on the relative merits of these two approaches. This article aims to shed light on the issue, by applying some recently developed theory on the performance of Bayesian inference in non‐identified statistical models. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redescription of the marine ciliate, Certesia quadrinucleata (Protozoa: Ciliophora) from Qingdao, China
Authors: Lin Xiaofeng , Song Weibo
Published: November 2004

The living morphology and infraciliature of a marine ciliate, Certesia quadrinucleata, isolated from an abalone-farming pond near Qingdao, China, have been re-investigated, and some new information about this ‘well-known’ species documented: a caudally located contractile vacuole and the highly stable ciliary pattern on dorsal side. Based on previous and present studies, an improved diagnosis is supplied: size 50–90×35–70 μm in vivo; ovoid body shape with a sharp-angled projection on the right anterior edge; adoral zone with 22–27 membranelles and a prominent paroral membrane; 11–12 frontoventral and 4–5 transverse cirri; left marginal row with 5–7 cirri; five dorsal kineties; generally four macronuclear nodules; contractile vacuole positioned at posterior end; marine.
Effects of shell size fit on the efficacy of mate guarding behaviour in male hermit crabs
Authors: Yoshino Kenji , Ozawa Miho , Goshima Seiji
Published: November 2004

Males of the hermit crab Pagurus filholi show pre-copulatory mate guarding behaviour to keep a receptive female from other rival males during the breeding season. Guarding males are often replaced by other males via contest competition. Shell size fit and shell species of males effects were investigated to see if their ability to defend females against rivals depends on their shell. Shell size fit and shell species of guarding males were experimentally manipulated and then, the males were allowed to guard a female and interact with rival males of various sizes. Contest outcomes depended on neither the shell size fit nor shell species of the guarding males, and depended on body size ratio between guarding and rival males. When the body size of guarding and rival males was similar, however, guarding males in large fitting shells defended their female mate significantly more often than those in small fitting shells. For Chlorostoma lischkei shells, small males preferred larger shells during the breeding season than after the breeding season. The plasticity in the shell size preference of small males suggests that they compensate for body size disadvantage in mating versus larger rivals and for higher defence ability of female mates versus similar sized rivals.
Cyclic AMP‐mediated inhibition of gallbladder contractility: role of K+ channel activation and Ca2+ signaling
Authors: Morales Sara , Camello Pedro J , Mawe Gary M , Pozo María J
Published: November 2004

We have examined the mechanisms of cAMP‐induced gallbladder relaxation by recording isometric tension and membrane potential in the intact tissue, and global intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and F‐actin content in isolated myocytes.

Both the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, IBMX (100 μM) and the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin (2 μM) caused decreases in basal tone that exhibited similar kinetics. IBMX and forskolin both caused concentration dependent, right‐downward shifts in the concentration–response curves of KCl and cholecystokinin (CCK).

IBMX and forskolin elicited a membrane hyperpolarization that was almost completely inhibited by the ATP‐sensitive K+ channel (KATP) channel blocker, glibenclamide (10 μM). IBMX also induced an increase in large‐conductance Ca2+‐dependent K+ (BK) channel currents, although the simultaneous blockade of BK and KATP channels did not block IBMX‐ and forskolin‐induced relaxations.

Ca2+ influx activated by L‐type Ca2+ channel activation or store depletion was also impaired by IBMX and forskolin, indicating a general impairment in Ca2+ entry mechanisms.

IBMX also decreases [Ca2+]i transients activated by CCK and 3,6‐Di‐O‐Bt‐IP4‐PM, a membrane permeable analog of inositol triphosphate, indicating an impairment in Ca2+ release through IP3 receptors.

Ionomycin‐induced [Ca2+]i transients were not altered by IBMX, but the contractile effects of the Ca2+ ionophore were reduced in the presence of IBMX, suggesting that cAMP can decrease Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus. A depolymerization of the thin filament could be reason for this change, as forskolin induced a decrease in F‐actin content.

In conclusion, these findings suggest that multiple, redundant intracellular processes are affected by cAMP to induce gallbladder relaxation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 994–1005. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706006
Defective lysosomal exocytosis and plasma membrane repair in Chediak–Higashi/beige cells
Authors: Huynh Chau , Roth Doris , Ward Diane M. , Kaplan Jerry , Andrews Norma W.
Published: November 2004

Plasma membrane resealing is a Ca2+-dependent process that involves the exocytosis of intracellular vesicles next to the wound site. Recent studies revealed that conventional lysosomes behave as Ca2+-regulated secretory compartments and play a central role in membrane resealing. These findings raised the possibility that the complex pathology of lysosomal diseases might also include defects in plasma membrane repair. Here, we investigated the capacity for lysosomal exocytosis and membrane resealing of fibroblasts derived from Chediak–Higashi syndrome (CHS) patients, or frombeige-Jmice. By using a sensitive electroporation/fluorescence-activated cell sorter-based assay, we show that lysosomal exocytosis triggered by membrane wounding is impaired in both human Chediak–Higashi and mousebeige-Jfibroblasts. Lysosomal exocytosis increased when the normal size of lysosomes was restored inbeige-Jcells by expression of the CHS/Beige protein. A similar effect was seen when the lysosomal enlargement inbeige-Jcells was reversed by treatment with E64d. In addition, the survival of Chediak–Higashi andbeige-Jfibroblasts after wounding was reduced, indicating that impaired lysosomal exocytosis inhibits membrane resealing in these mutant cells. Thus, the severe symptoms exhibited by CHS patients may also include defects in the ability of cells to repair plasma membrane lesions.
The Health Sector Gap in the Southern Africa Crisis in 2002/2003
Authors: Griekspoor Andre , Spiegel Paul , Aldis William , Harvey Paul
Published: November 2004

The southern Africa crisis represents the first widespread emergency in a region with a mature HIV/AIDS epidemic. It provides a steep learning curve for the international humanitarian system in understanding and responding to the complex interactions between the epidemic and the causes and the effects of this crisis. It also provoked much debate about the severity and causes of this emergency, and the appropriateness of the response by the humanitarian community.

The authors argue that the over‐emphasis on food aid delivery occurred at the expense of other public health interventions, particularly preventative and curative health services. Health service needs were not sufficiently addressed despite the early recognition that ill‐health related to HIV/AIDS was a major vulnerability factor. This neglect occurred because analytical frameworks were too narrowly focused on food security, and large‐scale support to health service delivery was seen as a long‐term developmental issue that could not easily be dealt with by short‐term humanitarian action. Furthermore, there were insufficient countrywide data on acute malnutrition, mortality rates and performance of the public health system to make better‐balanced evidence‐based decisions.

In this crisis, humanitarian organisations providing health services could not assume their traditional roles of short‐term assistance in a limited geographical area until the governing authorities resume their responsibilities. However, relegating health service delivery as a long‐term developmental issue is not acceptable. Improved multisectoral analytical frameworks that include a multidisciplinary team are needed to ensure all aspects of public health are dealt with in similar future emergencies. Humanitarian organisations must advocate for improved delivery and access to health services in this region. They can target limited geographical areas with high mortality and acute malnutrition rates to deliver their services. Finally, to address the underlying problem of the health sector gap, a long‐term strategy to ensure improved and sustainable health sector performance can only be accomplished with truly adequate resources. This will require renewed efforts on part of governments, donors and the international community.

Public health interventions, complementing those addressing food insecurity, were and are still needed to reduce the impact of the crisis, and to allow people to re‐establish their livelihoods. These will increase the population's resilience to prevent or mitigate future disasters.
Conflict‐related Mortality: An Analysis of 37 Datasets
Authors: Guha‐Sapir Debarati , van Panhuis Willem Gijsbert
Published: November 2004

Mortality rates are among the main indicators of the human impact of armed conflict and many surveys have assessed this impact both for targeting and evaluating humanitarian aid programmes. Almost no epidemiological analysis such as calculating relative risk was performed nor were reference values clearly described. Here the aim is to review published mortality rates for a better understanding of age‐specific mortality in armed conflict. Published mortality rates from conflict situations were collected and pre‐conflict reference rates composed. We calculated the relative risk of dying in conflict compared to pre‐conflict for children under 5 and people older than five years old. Although limited by reporting inadequacies, the results confirm the high vulnerability of children < 5 but identify a higher relative risk of dying among the ≥ 5 year olds. Although not entirely new, this observation is not fully understood. Further systematic epidemiological research is needed to estimate and understand the impact of armed conflict on mortality.
Doomed to Defeat? Electoral Support and the Conservative Party
Authors: BROUGHTON DAVID
Published: November 2004

This article recaps the main trends in public opinion and electoral support for the Conservative party since the last general election in June 2001 by examining the overall polling data relating to party popularity. The article also considers by‐elections, local elections and leadership change, as well as the most recent elections in 2004. The various challenges the party faces as it attempts to position itself as a credible alternative government to the Labour party under Tony Blair are considered.

Given the clear biases of the electoral system used for the House of Commons, which are certain to benefit Labour substantially even if the Conservatives get close to them in terms of overall vote share, or indeed even overtake them, it still seems unlikely that such success will be sufficient to achieve much more than to reduce Tony Blair's House of Commons majority in 2005.
TheMycoplasma-Derived Macrophage-Activating 2-Kilodalton Lipopeptide Triggers Global Immune Activation on Nasal Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissues
Authors: Rharbaoui Faiza , Westendorf Astrid , Link Claudia , Felk Sandra , Buer Jan , Gunzer Matthias , Guzmán Carlos A.
Published: November 2004

A better knowledge on how immune responses are initiated in mucosal tissues would facilitate the design of new mucosal vaccines, as well as improve our understanding on host defense against infection. We investigated the mechanisms of adjuvanticity of theMycoplasma-derived macrophage-activating 2-kDa lipopeptide (MALP-2), which binds to the heterodimer formed by the Toll-like receptors 2 and 6 (TLR2 and -6), at the level of the murine nasal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (NALT). TLR2 expression analysis demonstrated that several cell types from the nasal cavity were able to overexpress this receptor, either constitutively (such as B cells) or after stimulation (i.e., T cells). MALP-2 stimulated a strong B-cell activation. In addition, the antigen presentation capacity of dendritic cells was improved after in vivo loading with antigen in the presence of MALP-2. We also observed an up-regulated expression of activation markers and adhesion molecules on T cells, suggesting that they have enhanced responsiveness and interaction potential. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that MALP-2 administration resulted in the stimulation of a proinflammatory cascade. We observed an early up-regulated expression of IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-3, MIP-1α, MIP-2, and CCR-2 which was reversed within 36 h. The obtained results demonstrated that MALP-2 creates a reversible local microenvironment which promotes effective priming of T and B cells in the NALT.
Toll-Like Receptor 9 Can Be Expressed at the Cell Surface of Distinct Populations of Tonsils and Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Eaton-Bassiri Ashlyn , Dillon Susan B. , Cunningham Mark , Rycyzyn Michael A. , Mills Juliane , Sarisky Robert T. , Mbow M. Lamine
Published: November 2004

Unmethlylated CpG dinucleotides induce a strong T-helper-1-like inflammatory response, presumably mediated by Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). However, the nature and cellular localization of TLR9 in primary human cells remain controversial. Here we demonstrate, using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy techniques, that TLR9 can be expressed at the cell surface. The primary human cell subsets that were positive for TLR9 expression were distinct depending on the tissues analyzed. Specifically, in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) the majority of cell surface TLR9+cells were confined to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+CD19−populations that express CD11c and/or CD14, whereas in tonsils the same gated population contained primarily MHC class II+CD19+cells. Cells positive for surface expression represented a minor fraction of the total cell populations examined, varying between 2 and 10%. In addition, we found that TLR9 expression at the surface of PBMC was up-regulated approximately fourfold following stimulation with the gram-negative bacterial cell wall component lipopolysaccharide, suggesting a potential modulatory role of TLR4 agonists on TLR9 expression. Taken together, these data validate human TLR9 expression at the surface of primary cells, in addition to the previously described intracellular localization. Further, our results suggest that human antigen-presenting cells comprise the major cell populations expressing cell surface TLR9.
Transcriptional Profiling of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Jeyaseelan Samithamby , Chu Hong Wei , Young Scott K. , Worthen G. Scott
Published: November 2004

Mortality associated with acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) remains high in humans, warranting improved treatment and prevention strategies. ALI is characterized by the expression of proinflammatory mediators and extensive neutrophil influx into the lung, followed by severe lung damage. Understanding the pathogenesis of LPS-induced ALI is a prerequisite for designing better therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we used microarrays to gain a global view of the transcriptional responses of the lung to LPS in a mouse model of ALI that mimics ALI in humans. A total of 71 inflammation-associated genes were up-regulated in LPS-treated lungs, including a chemokine, LPS-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), whose role in the induction of ALI is unknown. Most of the inflammatory genes peaked at 2 h post-LPS treatment. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR confirmed the LPS-induced up-regulation of selected genes identified by microarray analysis, including LIX. The up-regulation of LIX, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 was confirmed at the protein level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. To determine the role of LIX in the induction of ALI, we used both exogenous LIX and a LIX blocking antibody. Exogenous LIX alone elicited a neutrophil influx in the lungs, and the anti-LIX antibody attenuated the LPS-induced neutrophil accumulation in the lungs. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrate for the first time the temporal expression of inflammatory genes during LPS-induced ALI and suggest that early therapeutic intervention is crucial to attenuate lung damage. Moreover, we identified a role for LIX in the induction of ALI, and therefore LIX may serve as a novel therapeutic target for the minimization of ALI.
Expression of a β-Defensin mRNA, Lingual Antimicrobial Peptide, in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Tissue Is Induced by Mastitis
Authors: Swanson Kara , Gorodetsky Stas , Good Laura , Davis Stephen , Musgrave David , Stelwagen Kerst , Farr Vicki , Molenaar Adrian
Published: November 2004

The expression of a β-defensin, the lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP), in response to mastitis was investigated by real-time PCR of RNA from mastitic and control udder quarters. There was a positive relationship between somatic cell count in milk and LAP expression. In situ hybridization showed that LAP mRNA was expressed in epithelial cells of mastitic tissue. These results suggest that LAP plays a role in the innate immune response to mastitis.
Two
tonB
Systems Function in Iron Transport in
Vibrio anguillarum
, but Only One Is Essential for Virulence
Authors: Stork Michiel , Di Lorenzo Manuela , Mouriño Susana , Osorio Carlos R. , Lemos Manuel L. , Crosa Jorge H.
Published: November 2004

We have identified two functional
tonB
systems in the marine fish pathogen
Vibrio anguillarum
,
tonB1
and
tonB2
. Each of the
tonB
genes is transcribed in an operon with the cognate
exbB
and
exbD
genes in response to iron limitation. Only
tonB2
is essential for transport of ferric anguibactin and virulence.
Nutrient-reserve dynamics of semiarid-breeding White-faced Whistling Ducks: a north-temperate contrast
Authors: Petrie Scott A , Rogers Kevin H
Published: November 2004

Little is known about the nutrient-reserve dynamics of waterfowl that breed in semiarid environments. Breeding White-faced Whistling Ducks, Dendrocygna viduata (L., 1766), were collected on the Nyl River floodplain, South Africa, during 1992–1993 and 1995. Mass of major lipid (wet skin + visceral fat + abdominal fat) and protein (breast muscle + leg muscle + gizzard) deposits and organs of males and females were evaluated in relation to sex and reproductive stage. Both sexes arrived at breeding areas with large lipid reserves and did not store additional lipid after arrival. Stored reserves enabled females to begin laying shortly after arrival, an important adaptation to ephemeral wetlands in semiarid environments. Females catabolized at least 37 g of lipid and 27 g of body protein during rapid follicular growth and ovulation. This accounted for 87% of their total lipid and 60% of their protein requirements during egg laying. Males catabolized at least 19 g of lipid between arrival and the end of laying. Although diets of breeding White-faced Whistling Ducks are high in fat, females satisfied most of their lipid requirements for clutch formation from endogenous reserves. Female White-faced Whistling Ducks can reproduce despite their reliance on a relatively low protein diet, and this suggests that they efficiently assimilate amino acids from plant matter. Biparental care apparently decreases the reliance of female White-faced Whistling Ducks on stored nutrients after ovulation, thereby allowing greater allocation of stored nutrients to egg production.
Species-isolating mechanisms in a mating system with male mate choice (garter snakes,Thamnophisspp.)
Authors: Shine Richard , Phillips Benjamin , Waye Heather , Lemaster Michael , Mason Robert T
Published: November 2004

Reproductive isolation between sympatric taxa can be maintained by specific mate-recognition behaviours or by ecological divergence that reduces interspecific contact during reproduction. Common garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis (L., 1758), and plains garter snakes, Thamnophis radix (Baird and Girard, 1853), are sympatric over large areas, but morphological data suggest that the prezygotic isolation between these two species partially breaks down in a severely cold part of their joint range in Manitoba. Courtship trials show that male T. radix court intensely over a narrower range of (higher) ambient temperatures than do male T. sirtalis. Males selectively court females of their own species, but male T. radix are less choosy than male T. sirtalis. Hexane extracts of female skin lipids also elicited species-specific courtship. Although this male preference for species-specific pheromones contributes to species isolation, it is not strong enough to completely separate the two taxa. The absence of hybridization over most of the sympatric range may depend on the timing of mating (early spring, near the hibernation den). Differences between the species in hibernation-site selection and the timing of spring emergence break down in central Manitoba because severely cold winter temperatures force both species together into the few available hibernation (and thus, mating) sites, and the short warm season reduces temporal separation in emergence (and thus, mating) seasons.
Foraging-habitat selection by bats at an urban–rural interface: comparison between a successful and a less successful species
Authors: Duchamp Joseph E , Sparks Dale W , Whitaker, Jr. John O
Published: November 2004

We compared habitat use of two sympatric species of bat in a rural area undergoing suburban development. The two species are similar in diet and foraging-habitat use but differ in current roosting habitat, and exhibit contrasting regional population trends. Evening bat, Nycticeius humeralis (Rafinesque, 1818), populations are declining in central Indiana, whereas big brown bat, Eptesicus fuscus (Beauvois, 1796), populations are increasing. We assessed habitat selection by 22 adult female bats using radiotelemetry and compositional analysis. Eptesicus fuscus used several roosts across the study area; all but one roosted in human-made structures. Nycticeius humeralis clustered roosts within a small group of woodlots; all roosted in tree cavities. Eptesicus fuscus foraged for longer periods of time and nonreproductive individuals of this species had larger foraging ranges than N. humeralis. Both species foraged primarily in agricultural and wooded areas. During foraging, N. humeralis showed greater foraging-site fidelity and a stronger selection for agricultural and wooded areas than E. fuscus. We suggest that N. humeralis in our study area is probably more sensitive to suburban development near their roosts than E. fuscus.
TEMPORAL LOGICS FOR TRACE SYSTEMS: ON AUTOMATED VERIFICATION
Authors: PENCZEK WOJCIECH
Published: November 2004

We investigate an extension of CTL (Computation Tree Logic) by past modalities, called CTL P, interpreted over Mazurkiewicz’s trace systems. The logic is powerful enough to express most of the partial order properties of distributed systems like serializability of database transactions, snapshots, parallel execution of program segments, or inevitability under concurrency fairness assumption. We show that the model checking problem for the logic is NP-hard, even if past modalities cannot be nested. Then, we give a one exponential time model checking algorithm for the logic without nested past modalities. We show that all the interesting partial order properties can be model checked using our algorithm. Next, we show that is is possible to extend the model checking algorithm to cover the whole language and its extension to [Formula: see text]. Finally, we prove that the logic is undecidable and we discuss consequences of our results on using propositional versions of partial order temporal logics to synthesis of concurrent systems from their specifications.
THE COMPLEXITY OF FINDING MIDDLE ELEMENTS
Authors: VOLLMER HERIBERT , WAGNER KLAUS W.
Published: November 2004

Seinosuke Toda introduced the class Mid P of functions that yield the middle element in the set of output values over all paths of nondeterministic polynomial time Turing machines. We define two related classes: Med P consists of those functions that yield the middle element in the ordered sequence of output values of nondeterministic polynomial time Turing machines (i.e. we take into account that elements may occur with multiplicities greater than one). [Formula: see text] P consists of those functions that yield the middle element of all accepting paths (in some resonable encoding) of nondeterministic polynomial time Turing machines.

We exhibit similarities and differences between these classes and completely determine the inclusion structure between these classes and some other well-known classes of functions like Valiant’s # P and Köbler, Schöning, and Torán’s span-P, that hold under general accepted complexity theoretic assumptions such as the counting hierarchy does not collapse.

Our results help in clarifying the status of Toda’s very important class Mid P in showing that it is closely related to the class PPNP .
TRAINING RECURRENT NEURAL NETWORKS — THE MINIMAL TRAJECTORY ALGORITHM
Authors: Saad D.
Published: November 2004

The Minimal Trajectory (MINT) algorithm for training recurrent neural networks with a stable end point is based on an algorithmic search for the systems’ representations in the neighbourhood of the minimal trajectory connecting the input-output representations. The said representations appear to be the most probable set for solving the global perceptron problem related to the common weight matrix, connecting all representations of successive time steps in a recurrent discrete neural networks. The search for a proper set of system representations is aided by representation modification rules similar to those presented in our former paper,1 aimed to support contributing hidden and non-end-point representations while supressing non-contributing ones. Similar representation modification rules were used in other training methods for feed-forward networks,2–4 based on modification of the internal representations. A feed-forward version of the MINT algorithm will be presented in another paper.5 Once a proper set of system representations is chosen, the weight matrix is then modified accordingly, via the Perceptron Learning Rule (PLR) to obtain the proper input-output relation. Computer simulations carried out for the restricted cases of parity and teacher-net problems show rapid convergence of the algorithm in comparison with other existing algorithms, together with modest memory requirements.
EFFICIENT HIGHER-ORDER NEURAL NETWORKS FOR CLASSIFICATION AND FUNCTION APPROXIMATION
Authors: GHOSH JOYDEEP , SHIN YOAN
Published: November 2004

This paper introduces a class of higher-order networks called pi-sigma networks (PSNs). PSNs are feedforward networks with a single “hidden” layer of linear summing units and with product units in the output layer. A PSN uses these product units to indirectly incorporate the capabilities of higher-order networks while greatly reducing network complexity. PSNs have only one layer of adjustable weights and exhibit fast learning. A PSN with K summing units provides a constrained Kth order approximation of a continuous function. A generalization of the PSN is presented that can uniformly approximate any continuous function defined on a compact set. The use of linear hidden units makes it possible to mathematically study the convergence properties of various LMS type learning algorithms for PSNs. We show that it is desirable to update only a partial set of weights at a time rather than synchronously updating all the weights. Bounds for learning rates which guarantee convergence are derived. Several simulation results on pattern classification and function approximation problems highlight the capabilities of the PSN. Extensive comparisons are made with other higher order networks and with multilayered perceptrons. The neurobiological plausibility of PSN type networks is also discussed.
THE THERMODYNAMICS OF DYSLEXIC LEARNING
Authors: MAKSE H. , PERAZZO R.P.J.
Published: November 2004

The dyslexic behaviour of a layered network is interpreted as arising from its incomplete training using a cost function that is sensitive to the grouping of Boolean functions into symmetry classes. The training is envisaged as a simulated annealing and a partial learning as the interruption of the cooling schedule at a finite nonzero temperature. We present the thermodynamics of the process. The onset of dyslexic and normal behaviours arise from phase transitions that take place during the annealing schedule. We exemplify the theory with the numerical analysis of a schematic model.
CLASSIFYING JET CASCADES WITH A MUON USING A NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Los Martin
Published: November 2004

We constructed a feed-forward neural network to tag jets with a prompt muon from bottom quark decay. Using kinematic variables and the reconstructed jet charge as input variables, we studied the response of the network to backgrounds of other cascades having a muon in the final state. Finally, we analysed the behaviour of this classifier on a di-muon sample as part of a [Formula: see text] mixing analysis.
TRACE ELEMENT ANALYSIS IN SOY SAUCE
Authors: HARUYAMA YOICHI , SAITO MANABU , TOMITA MICHIO
Published: November 2004

Trace elements in soy sauce have been measured by means of in-air PIXE. Six kinds of trace elements were detected, such as Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, Cu and Br. Concentrations of Mn, Fe, Zn and Br which were observed in all samples, have been determined. Bach analyzed sample contained considerable amount of Br about 160 ppm. Comparison of Br content of the imported raw materials with those of the domestic ones suggested that the large amount of Br was the residual fumigation chemicals in the imported raw materials.
HIGH PERFORMANCE ECL-BiCMOS TECHNOLOGY
Authors: LIU T. M. , SWARTZ R. G. , CHIU T.Y.
Published: November 2004

With the increasing maturity of conventional Bipolar-CMOS (BiCMOS) technologies, a new category of BiCMOS called "ECL-BiCMOS" or high performance BiCMOS technology has emerged. These ECL-BiCMOS technologies offer not only high density CMOS capability, but also feature high speed bipolar devices for emitter couple logic (ECL) and mixed analog/digital applications. Since many process requirements of advanced bipolar technology differ from those of CMOS, to fabricate high speed bipolar devices without compromising CMOS performance is the primary challenge. In this paper, we discuss key process integration issues and review various approaches. In particular, we describe a recently developed half-micron super self-aligned BiCMOS technology. Together with high density/high speed CMOS, multi-GHz communication bipolar circuit results are presented to show the potential of high performance BiCMOS technology.
THE SURFACE TENSION AND A MULTICANONICAL ALGORITHM FOR SU(3) PURE GAUGE THEORY
Authors: GROSSMANN B. , LAURSEN M.L.
Published: November 2004

We present a multicanonical algorithm for the SU(3) pure gauge theory at the deconfinement phase transition. We measure the tunneling times for lattices of size L2×2 for L=8, 10, and 12. In contrast to the canonical algorithm the tunneling time increases only moderately with L. Finally, we determine the interfacial free energy applying the multicanonical algorithm.
RECENT RESULTS OF MULTIMAGNETICAL SIMULATIONS OF THE ISING MODEL
Authors: HANSMANN U. , BERG B.A. , NEUHAUS T.
Published: November 2004

To investigate order-order interfaces, we perform multimagnetical Monte Carlo simulations of the 2D and 3D Ising model. Stringent tests of the numerical methods are performed by reproducing with high precision exact 2D results. In the physically more interesting 3D case we estimate the amplitude [Formula: see text] of the critical interfacial tension.
THE ROLE OF CODIMENSION IN DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS
Authors: GALLAS JASON A.C.
Published: November 2004

Isoperiodic diagrams are used to investigate the topology of the codimension space of a representative dynamical system: the Hénon map. The codimension space is reported to be organized in a simple and regular way: instead of “structures-within-structures” it consists of a “structures-parallel-to-structures” sequence of shrimp-shaped isoperiodic islands immersed on a via caotica. The isoperiodic islands consist of a main body of principal periodicity k=1, 2, 3, 4, …, which bifurcates according to a period-doubling route. The Pk=k×2n, n=0, 1, 2, … shrimps are very densely concentrated along a main α-direction, a neighborhood parallel to the line b=−0.583a+1.025, where a and b are the dynamical parameters in Eq. (1). Isoperiodic diagrams allow to interpret and unify some apparently uncorrelated phenomena, such as ‘period-bubbling’, classes of reverse bifurcations and antimonotonicity and to recognize that they are in fact signatures of the complicated way in which period-doubling occurs in higher codimensional systems.
INTRODUCTION TO THE EDINBURGH PARALLEL COMPUTING CENTRE
Authors: TREW ARTHUR
Published: November 2004

This paper is simply a brief introduction to the history, organisation and facilities within the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre (EPCC). We give details of how the Edinburgh CM-200 fits into the structure of the centre, as well as into the academic and industrial contracts held by the EPCC.