bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of galanin receptor‐1 (GalR1) expression in external granule cell layer of post‐natal mouse cerebellum
Authors: Jungnickel S. R.‐F. , Yao M. , Shen P.‐J. , Gundlach A. L.
Published: March 2005

Galanin is a modulator of fast transmission in adult brain and recent evidence suggests that it also acts as a trophic factor during neurogenesis and neural injury and repair. Previous studies in our laboratory have identified galanin mRNA in Purkinje cells of adult and developing rat (but not adult mouse) cerebellum; and galanin‐binding sites in adult mouse (but not rat) cerebellum. The post‐natal development of the cerebellum provides a unique and convenient model for the investigation of developmental processes and to learn more about putative cerebellar galanin systems, the current study examined the presence and distribution of galanin‐like‐immunoreactivity (– LI), [125I]‐galanin binding sites and galanin receptor‐1 (GalR1) mRNA in post‐natal mouse cerebellum. Using autoradiography and in situ hybridization, [125I]‐galanin binding sites and GalR1 mRNA were first detected on post‐natal day 10 (P10) in the external germinal layer of all lobes and high levels were maintained until P14. Quantitative real‐time PCR assays detected GalR1 mRNA in whole cerebellum across the post‐natal period, with a strong induction and peak of expression at P10. Assessment of galanin levels in whole cerebellum by radioimmunoassay revealed relatively similar concentrations from P5 to P20 and in adult mice (80–170 pg/mg protein), with a significantly higher concentration (250 pg/mg, p < 0.01) detected at P3. These concentrations were some four‐ to six‐fold lower than those in adult forebrain samples. Using immunohistochemistry, galanin‐like‐immuno‐reactivity was observed in prominent fibrous elements within the white matter tracts of the cerebellum at P3–5 and in more punctate elements in the internal granule cell layer and associated with the Purkinje cell layer at P12 and P20. Increased levels of GalR1 mRNA and galanin binding (attributed to GalR1) in the external granule cell layer at P10–12/(14) coincide with granule cell migration from the external to the inner granule cell layer and together with demonstrated effects of other neuropeptide‐receptor systems suggest a role for GalR1 signalling in regulating this or related developmental processes.
Purified Wnt‐5a increases differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic cells and dishevelled phosphorylation
Authors: Schulte Gunnar , Bryja Vítězslav , Rawal Nina , Castelo‐Branco Goncalo , Sousa Kyle M. , Arenas Ernest
Published: March 2005

The Wnt family of lipoproteins regulates several aspects of the development of the nervous system. Recently, we reported that Wnt‐3a enhances the proliferation of midbrain dopaminergic precursors and that Wnt‐5a promotes their differentiation into dopaminergic neurones. Here we report the purification of hemagglutinin‐tagged Wnt‐5a using a three‐step purification method similar to that previously described for Wnt‐3a. Haemagglutinin‐tagged Wnt‐5a was biologically active and induced the differentiation of immature primary midbrain precursors into tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive dopaminergic neurones. Using a substantia nigra‐derived dopaminergic cell line (SN4741), we found that Wnt‐5a, unlike Wnt‐3a, did not promote β‐catenin phosphorylation or stabilization. However, both Wnt‐5a and Wnt‐3a activated dishevelled, as assessed by a phosphorylation‐dependent mobility shift. Moreover, the activity of Wnt‐5a on dishevelled was blocked by pre‐treatment with acyl protein thioesterase‐1, indicating that palmitoylation of Wnt‐5a is necessary for its function. Thus, our results suggest that Wnt‐3a and Wnt‐5a, respectively, activate canonical and non‐canonical Wnt signalling pathways in ventral midbrain dopaminergic cells. Furthermore, we identify dishevelled as a key player in transducing both Wnt canonical and non‐canonical signals in dopaminergic cells.
Changes in phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor in the rat hippocampus induced by status epilepticus
Authors: Niimura M. , Moussa R. , Bissoon N. , Ikeda‐Douglas C. , Milgram N. W. , Gurd J. W.
Published: March 2005

Systemic administration of pilocarpine preceded by lithium induces status epilepticus (SE) that results in neurodegeneration and may lead to the development of spontaneous recurrent seizures. We investigated the effect of Li/pilocarpine‐induced SE on phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor in rat hippocampus. Phosphorylation of NR1 by PKC on Ser890 was decreased to 45% of control values immediately following 1 h of SE. During the first 3 h following the termination of SE, phosphorylation of Ser890 increased 4‐fold before declining to control values by 24 h. Phosphorylation of NR1 by PKA was also depressed relative to controls immediately following SE and transiently increased above control values upon the termination of SE. SE was accompanied by a general increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of hippocampal proteins that lasted for several hours following the termination of seizures. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the NR2A and NR2B subunits of the NMDAR increased 3–4‐fold over control values during SE, continued to increase during the first hour following SE and then declined to control levels by 24 h. SE resulted in the activation of Src and Pyk2 associated with the postsynaptic apparatus, suggesting a role for these enzymes in the SE‐induced increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. Changes in phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor may play a role in the pathophysiological consequences of SE.
Pure albumin is a potent trigger of calcium signalling and proliferation in microglia but not macrophages or astrocytes
Authors: Hooper Claudie , Taylor Deanna L. , Pocock Jennifer M.
Published: March 2005

Microglial activation is implicated in the neurotoxicity of neurodegenerative diseases. Raised intracerebral levels of albumin are associated with the pathology of Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke where blood–brain barrier damage is evident. We report here that treatment of primary cultured microglia and the N9 microglial cell line with pure albumin, or albumin in which fatty acids and immunoglobulins remain attached (fraction V), induced a rise in intracellular calcium. This rise in intracellular calcium was mediated via Src tyrosine kinase and phospholipase C. The albumin‐induced calcium response was coupled to microglial proliferation, which was prevented by BAPTA, U73122 or PP2 but not mimicked by thapsigargin. In contrast, peritoneal macrophages were resistant to albumin‐ or fraction V‐induced calcium responses and proliferation, whilst primary cultured astrocytes or the TSA‐3 astrocyte cell line were responsive to fraction V albumin but not pure albumin. Furthermore, cerebellar granule neurones did not respond to albumin. These data suggest that albumin may play a role in microglial activation in pathological situations involving blood–brain barrier impairment, and that the specific responses of microglia to albumin allow a distinction to be made between the signalling responses of microglia, blood‐borne macrophages, astrocytes and neurones.
Specific induction of macrophage inflammatory protein 1‐α in glial cells of Sandhoff disease model mice associated with accumulation of N‐acetylhexosaminyl glycoconjugates
Authors: Tsuji Daisuke , Kuroki Aya , Ishibashi Yasuhiro , Itakura Tomohiro , Kuwahara Jun , Yamanaka Shoji , Itoh Kohji
Published: March 2005

Sandhoff disease is a lysosomal storage disease caused by simultaneous deficiencies of β‐hexosaminidase A (HexA; αβ) and B (HexB; ββ), due to a primary defect of the β‐subunit gene (HEXB) associated with excessive accumulation of GM2 ganglioside (GM2) and oligosaccharides with N‐acetylhexosamine residues at their non‐reducing termini, and with neurosomatic manifestations. To elucidate the neuroinflammatory mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis, we analyzed the expression of chemokines in Sandhoff disease model mice (SD mice) produced by disruption of the murine Hex β‐subunit gene allele (Hexb–/–). We demonstrated that chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein‐1 α (MIP‐1α) was induced in brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, brain stem and cerebellum, of SD mice from an early stage of the pathogenesis but not in other systemic organs. On the other hand, little changes in other chemokine mRNAs, including those of RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T expressed and secreted), MCP‐1 (monocyte chemotactic protein‐1), SLC (secondary lymphoid‐tissue chemokine), fractalkine and SDF‐1 (stromal derived factor‐1), were detected. Significant up‐regulation of MIP‐1α mRNA and protein in the above‐mentioned brain regions was observed in parallel with the accumulation of natural substrates of HexA and HexB. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that MIP‐1α‐immunoreactivity (IR) in the above‐mentioned brain regions of SD mice was co‐localized in Iba1‐IR‐positive microglial cells and partly in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐IR‐positive astrocytes, in which marked accumulation of N‐acetylglucosaminyl (GlcNAc)‐oligosaccharides was observed from the presymptomatic stage of the disease. In contrast, little MIP‐1α‐IR was observed in neurons in which GM2 accumulated predominantly. These results suggest that specific induction of MIP‐1α might coincide with the accumulation of GlcNAc‐oligosaccharides due to a HexB deficiency in resident microglia and astrocytes in the brains of SD mice causing their activation and acceleration of the progressive neurodegeneration in SD mice.
Protection by cholesterol‐extracting cyclodextrins: a role for N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor redistribution
Authors: Abulrob Abedelnasser , Tauskela Joseph S. , Mealing Geoff , Brunette Eric , Faid Karim , Stanimirovic Danica
Published: March 2005

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides composed of a lipophilic central cavity and a hydrophilic outer surface. Some CDs are capable of extracting cholesterol from cell membranes and can affect function of receptors and proteins localized in cholesterol‐rich membrane domains. In this report, we demonstrate the neuroprotective activity of some CD derivatives against oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD), N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid (NMDA) and glutamate in cortical neuronal cultures. Although all CDs complexed with NMDA or glutamate, only β‐, methylated β‐ and sulfated β‐CDs displayed neuroprotective activity and lowered cellular cholesterol. Only CDs that lowered cholesterol levels redistributed the NMDA receptor NR2B subunit, PSD‐95 (postsynaptic density protein 95 kDa) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) from Triton X‐100 insoluble membrane domains to soluble fractions. Cholesterol repletion counteracted the ability of methylated β‐CD to protect against NMDA toxicity, and reversed NR2B, PSD‐95 and nNOS localization to Triton X‐100 insoluble membrane fraction. Surprisingly, neuroprotective CDs had minimal effect on NMDA receptor‐mediated increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), but did suppress OGD‐induced increases in [Ca2+]i. β‐CD, but not Mβ‐CD, also caused a slight block of NMDA‐induced currents, suggesting a minor contribution to neuroprotection by direct action on NMDA receptors. Taken together, data suggest that cholesterol extraction from detergent‐resistant microdomains affects NMDA receptor subunit distribution and signal propagation, resulting in neuroprotection of cortical neuronal cultures against ischemic and excitotoxic insults. Since cholesterol‐rich membrane domains exist in neuronal postsynaptic densities, these results imply that synaptic NMDA receptor subpopulations underlie excitotoxicity, which can be targeted by CDs without affecting overall neuronal Ca2+ levels.
Inhibition of microglial inflammation by the MLK inhibitor CEP‐1347
Authors: Lund Søren , Porzgen Peter , Mortensen Anne Louise , Hasseldam Henrik , Bozyczko‐Coyne Donna , Morath Siegfried , Hartung Thomas , Bianchi Marina , Ghezzi Pietro , Bsibsi Malika , Dijkstra Sipke , Leist Marcel
Published: March 2005

CEP‐1347 is a potent inhibitor of the mixed lineage kinases (MLKs), a distinct family of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAPKKK). It blocks the activation of the c‐Jun/JNK apoptotic pathway in neurons exposed to various stressors and attenuates neurodegeneration in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Microglial activation may involve kinase pathways controlled by MLKs and might contribute to the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, the possibility that CEP‐1347 modulates the microglial inflammatory response [tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1)] was explored. Indeed, the MLK inhibitor CEP‐1347 reduced cytokine production in primary cultures of human and murine microglia, and in monocyte/macrophage‐derived cell lines, stimulated with various endotoxins or the plaque forming peptide Aβ1–40. Moreover, CEP‐1347 inhibited brain TNF production induced by intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide in mice. As expected from a MLK inhibitor, CEP‐1347 acted upstream of p38 and c‐Jun activation in microglia by dampening the activity of both pathways. These data imply MLKs as important, yet unrecognized, modulators of microglial inflammation, and demonstrate a novel anti‐inflammatory potential of CEP‐1347.
Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism following physical restraint
Authors: Laursen S. B. , Jensen T. N. , Bolwig T. , Olsen N. V.
Published: March 2005

Objective:  We describe a case of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) following the use of physical restraint in a patient with a diagnosis of acute delusional psychotic disorder.

Method:  A new case report of DVT and PE associated with prolonged physical restraint is presented. The literature on physical restraint, DVT, and PE was reviewed using a search of Medline and Psychinfo from 1966 to the present.

Results:  Four other reported cases of DVT and PE were found in association with physically restrained patients.

Conclusion:  Risk of DVT and PE in association with immobilization during physical restraint may occur in spite of no pre‐existing risk factors. Medical guidelines for the prevention of thrombosis following physical restraint are presented. Despite the absence of controlled trials of treatment effectiveness, the catastrophic outcome of DVT and PE warrants early and vigorous intervention in patients undergoing physical restraint.
Trauma exposure and post‐traumatic stress disorder in the general population
Authors: Frans Ö. , Rimmö P.‐A. , Åberg L. , Fredrikson M.
Published: March 2005

Objective:  To examine the lifetime prevalence of trauma experiences and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Method:  Questionnaire‐assessed PTSD, the type of traumatic event experienced, perceived trauma impact, and trauma frequency in 1824 randomly selected men and women.

Results:  PTSD lifetime prevalence was estimated at 5.6% with a 1 : 2 male‐to‐female ratio, in spite of men reporting greater trauma exposure. The highest PTSD risk was associated with sexual and physical assault, robbery and multiple trauma experiences. Controlling for trauma type did not account for gender differences, while controlling for experienced distress did.

Conclusion:  The conditional probability for PTSD varied as a function of trauma type, frequency and impact of the event, with increased rates associated with prevalent trauma exposure and higher perceived distress. The latter accounted for the gender effect, suggesting that gender differences in PTSD in part represent a generally greater vulnerability to stress in women.
Depression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Impact on survival
Authors: Stage K. B. , Middelboe T. , Pisinger C.
Published: March 2005

Objective:  To determine if the presence of depression in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would have an independent impact on mortality.

Method:  Prospective evaluation of the impact of depression according to the ICD‐10 criteria for depression. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the independent impact of depression after controlling for significant univariate clinical predictors in the data set. Consenting out‐patients (n = 49) who meet the criteria for COPD between September 1997 and September 1998. There were no age limits (range: 53–90 years). The sample was 67% female. Survival status at follow‐up after a mean of 803 days was measured.

Results:  At follow‐up, 16 patients had died. Depression significantly reduced the mortality risk at follow‐up (hazard ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.93; P = 0.037). The impact of depression remained after control for forced expiratory volume during the first second (FEV1), the only multivariate significant predictor of mortality in the data set (hazard ratio, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.84; P = 0.024).

Conclusion:  Depression in out‐patients suffering from COPD appears to be an independent protector for mortality. Additional studies in larger samples are needed to replicate this finding and to determine possible underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants and the risk of suicide: a controlled forensic database study of 14 857 suicides
Authors: Isacsson G. , Holmgren P. , Ahlner J.
Published: March 2005

Objective:  To test the hypothesis that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants may have a suicide emergent effect, particularly in children and adolescents.

Method:  Detections of different antidepressants in the forensic toxicological screening of 14 857 suicides were compared with those in 26 422 cases of deaths by accident or natural causes in Sweden 1992–2000.

Results:  There were 3411 detections of antidepressants in the suicides and 1538 in the controls. SSRIs had lower odds ratios than the other antidepressants. In the 52 suicides under 15 years, no SSRIs were detected. In 15–19‐year age group, SSRIs had lower relative risk in suicides compared with non‐SSRIs.

Conclusion:  The hypothesis that treatment of depressed individuals with SSRIs leads to an increased risk of suicide was not supported by this analysis of the total suicidal outcome of the nationwide use of SSRIs in Sweden over a period of 9 years, either in adults or in children or adolescents.
The Development of a Heterogeneous Composite Bipolar Plate of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Lee Ming-San , Chen Long-Jeng , He Zheng-Ru , Yang Shih-Hong
Published: March 2005

A new high performance, low cost heterogeneous composite bipolar plate has been developed. Unlike the well publicized carbon composite bipolar plate, in which graphite powder and plastics are mixed thoroughly, the new plate has its “ribs” made of flexible and loose carbon fiber bunches while the rest of the plate is plain plastic. This design has brought many advantages: low contact resistance acquired under very low compression force, less stack weight and volume, full electrode utilization, and thus high performance and low cost. It also eliminates the need for supplementary devices for fuel circulation among cells in a stack and makes DMFC portable.
Modeling the Performance of a Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Bharadwaj A. , Archer D. H. , Rubin E. S.
Published: March 2005

In this paper, we develop two computational models for the electrical performance of the tubular solid oxide fuel cell designed by Siemens Westinghouse Corporation. The first model makes simplifying assumptions for activation and concentration polarizations and obtains an analytical solution. In the second procedure, we allow the polarizations to vary with the current density and solve the equations numerically. The results of the two methods are in good agreement with the experimentally quoted performance results. Thus, the relatively simple analytical procedure can be used to predict the performance of the cell as a function of cell dimensions.
Development of a New Aluminizing Method for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Wet Seals
Authors: Frangini S. , Loreti S. , Masci A.
Published: March 2005

A new aluminization method for molten carbonate fuel cell bipolar plate wet seals is described in this paper based on the application of the electrospark deposition (ESD) process. The molten carbonate corrosion behavior of single Al, FeAl, and a dual (FeAl∕Al) diffusion coating applied onto a AISI 316L steel sheet of 0.5 mm thickness is examined. FeAl-containing coatings show low-rate corrosion after exposure to a (Li+K) carbonate melt at 650 °C for 1000 h, whereas the single Al coating suffers excessive corrosion. Coatings degradation modes involve interdiffusion phenomena and transient formation of nodule iron–oxides. The dual (FeAl∕Al) coating exhibits the best corrosion resistance due to its higher Al surface content. Characteristics of the ESD coatings in terms of thickness, uniformity, and composition are also reported.
Numerical Simulation of Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow of a Flat-Tube High Power Density Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Lu Yixin , Schaefer Laura , Li Peiwen
Published: March 2005

To both increase the power density of a tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and maintain its beneficial feature of secure sealing, a flat-tube high power density (HPD) solid oxide fuel cell is under development by Siemens Westinghouse, based on their formerly developed tubular model. In this paper, a three dimensional numerical model to simulate the steady state heat transfer and fluid flow of a flat-tube HPD–SOFC is developed. A computer code is programmed using the FORTRAN language to solve the governing equations for continuity, momentum, and energy conservation. The highly coupled temperature and flow fields of the air stream and the fuel stream inside and outside a typical channel of a one-rib flat-tube HPD–SOFC are investigated. This heat transfer and fluid flow results will be used to simulate the overall performance of a flat-tube HPD–SOFC in the near future, and to help optimize the design and operation of a SOFC stack in practical applications.
Flow Structures in a U-Shaped Fuel Cell Flow Channel: Quantitative Visualization Using Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: Martin J. , Oshkai P. , Djilali N.
Published: March 2005

Flow through an experimental model of a U-shaped fuel cell channel is used to investigate the fluid dynamic phenomena that occur within serpentine reactant transport channels of fuel cells. Achieving effective mixing within these channels can significantly improve the performance of the fuel cell and proper understanding and characterization of the underlying fluid dynamics is required. Classes of vortex formation within a U-shaped channel of square cross section are characterized using high-image-density particle image velocimetry. A range of Reynolds numbers, 109⩽Re⩽872, corresponding to flow rates encountered in a fuel cell operating at low to medium current densities is investigated. The flow fields corresponding to two perpendicular cross sections of the channel are characterized in terms of the instantaneous and time-averaged representations of the velocity, streamline topology, and vorticity contours. The critical Reynolds number necessary for the onset of instability is determined, and the two perpendicular flow planes are compared in terms of absolute and averaged velocity values as well as Reynolds stress correlations. Generally, the flow undergoes a transition to a different regime when two recirculation zones, which originally develop in the U-bend region, merge into one separation region. This transition corresponds to generation of additional vortices in the secondary flow plane.
GENERALISED COSMOLOGY OF CODIMENSION-TWO BRANEWORLDS
Authors: VINET JÉRÉMIE
Published: March 2005

It has recently been argued that codimension-two braneworlds offer a promising line of attack on the cosmological constant problem, since in such models the Hubble rate is not directly related to the brane tension. We point out challenges to building more general models where the brane content is not restricted to pure tension. In order to address these challenges, we construct a thick brane model which we linearize around a well known static solution. We show that the model's cosmology does reduce to standard FRW behaviour, but find no hint of a self-tuning mechanism which might help solve the cosmological constant problem whithin the context of non-supersymmetric Einstein gravity.
CALCULATION OF INTER-BRANE POTENTIAL IN COMPACT SPACE
Authors: BUCHAN S. E. SHANDERA
Published: March 2005

The potential between branes in a compact space obeys a modified Poisson equation. Although the Green's functions for simple spaces such as the torus are known, we illustrate the use of a well-established method from solid state physics that may be used to find the potential on a general compact space. This potential is relevant for inflationary scenarios, and in particular helps determine whether a given model satisfies the slow-roll conditions. We show that models with branes at small angles generally give enough inflation.
CLASSICAL GHOSTS AND THE COSMOLOGICAL CONSTANT
Authors: HIRAYAMA T.
Published: March 2005

For a large region of parameter space involving the cosmological constant and mass parameters, we discuss spacetime solutions that are effectively Minkowskian on large time and distance scales. A negative energy fluid is involved, resulting in a scale factor oscillating about a constant, with a frequency determined by the size of a negative cosmological constant. Gravity itself induces a coupling between the ghost-like and normal fields, and we find that this results in stochastic rather than unstable behavior. Ghosts could also allow for the existence of Lorentz invariant fluctuating solutions of finite energy density.
DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY - FACT OR FANTASY?
Authors: MANNHEIM PHILIP
Published: March 2005

We show that the origin of the dark matter and dark energy problems originates in the assumption of standard Einstein gravity that Newton's constant is fundamental. We discuss an alternate, conformal invariant, metric theory of gravity in which Newton's constant is induced dynamically, with the global induced one which is effective for cosmology being altogether weaker than the local induced one needed for the solar system. We find that in the theory dark matter is no longer needed, and that the accelerating universe data can be fitted without fine-tuning using a cosmological constant as large as particle physics suggests. In the conformal theory then it is not the cosmological constant which is quenched but rather the amount of gravity that it produces.
PHOTON PRODUCTION IN RELATIVISTIC NUCLEAR COLLISIONS AT SPS AND RHIC ENERGIES
Authors: TURBIDE SIMON , RAPP RALF , GALE CHARLES
Published: March 2005

Chiral Lagrangians are used to compute the production rate of photons from the hadronic phase of relativistic nuclear collisions. Special attention to the role of the a1 pseudovector is paid. Calculations that include strange meson reactions, form factors, the use of consistent vector spectral densities, the emission from a quark-gluon plasma, and primordial nucleon-nucleon collisions reproduce the photon spectra measured at the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS). Some predictions for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) are made.
NEUTRINO PROPAGATION AND OSCILLATIONS IN A STRONG MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: FERRER E. J. , DE LA INCERA V.
Published: March 2005

We review the results on neutrino propagation in neutral and charged media under strong magnetic fields [Formula: see text]. It is shown that the neutrino energy density gets a magnetic contribution in both charged and neutral media, which is linear in the magnetic field, of first order in GF, and independent of the charge density. This new term enters as a correction to the neutrino kinetic energy and produces an anisotropic contribution to the neutrino index of refraction. As a consequence, in a neutral medium a highly anisotropic resonant level-crossing condition takes place for the oscillation between electron-neutrinos and the other neutrino species. Possible cosmological applications are presented.
NEW RESULTS IN HADRON SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: LIPKIN HARRY J.
Published: March 2005

Hadron spectroscopy still follows basic 1966 physics of Sakharov, Zeldovich and Nambu. Constituent quark quasiparticles with effective masses and non-abelian color gauge electric and magnetic interactions fit all masses and magnetic moments of ground state mesons and baryons containing no more than one heavy or strange or heavy quark. Flavor antisymmetry explains absence of low-lying exotics and suggests diquark-triquark model for Θ+ pentaquark.
LOW X SATURATION DYNAMICS AT HERA?
Authors: FORSHAW J. R. , SANDAPEN R. , SHAW G.
Published: March 2005

We compare the predictions of two distinct dipole models for inclusive and exclusive diffractive processes. While only one of these dipole models contains perturbative saturation dynamics, we show that the predictions of both models are fully consistent with the available HERA data, indicating no compelling evidence for saturation at present HERA energies.
CP VIOLATION IN THE B SYSTEM: MEASURING NEW-PHYSICS PARAMETERS
Authors: LONDON DAVID
Published: March 2005

I review CP violation in the standard model (SM). I also describe the predictions for CP violation in the B system, along with signals for physics beyond the SM. I stress the numerous contributions of Pat O'Donnell to this subject. Finally, I discuss a new method for measuring new-physics parameters in B decays. This knowledge will allow us to partially identify any new physics which is found, before its direct production at high-energy colliders.
IMPROVING EXTRACTIONS OF |VCB| AND THE B QUARK MASS FROM SEMILEPTONIC INCLUSIVE B DECAY
Authors: TROTT MICHAEL
Published: March 2005

Recent advances in improving extractions of |Vcb| and mb from spectra of semileptonic inclusive B decay are reported. Results of a general moment analysis of the lepton energy spectrum and the hadronic invariant mass spectrum are summarized. The calculation of the general [Formula: see text] structure functions for semileptonic B decay is reported, which has allowed the calculation of the [Formula: see text] terms for the hadronic invariant mass moments to be carried out. Recent theoretical advances and improvements in experimental data has allowed extractions of the CKM matrix element |Vcb| to improve to the 2% level.
EXTRACTING β AND THE NEW DSJ RESONANCES
Authors: DATTA ALAKABHA
Published: March 2005

The three body decays [Formula: see text], may be used to measure both sin 2β and cos 2β. Crucial to the cos 2β measurement is the resonant contribution to the three body decay from p-wave excited Ds, states. If these p-wave states are the newly discovered Ds(2317) and Ds(2460) then they are below the D(*)K threshold and hence do not contribute to [Formula: see text]. The three body decays can then be used to measure sin 2β without resonant dilution and to look for new physics in [Formula: see text] transition.
FOLDINGS, GRAPHS OF GROUPS AND THE MEMBERSHIP PROBLEM
Authors: KAPOVICH ILYA , WEIDMANN RICHARD , MYASNIKOV ALEXEI
Published: March 2005

We introduce a combinatorial version of Stallings–Bestvina–Feighn–Dunwoody folding sequences. We then show how they are useful in analyzing the solvability of the uniform subgroup membership problem for fundamental groups of graphs of groups. Applications include coherent right-angled Artin groups and coherent solvable groups.
AUTOMATIC STRUCTURES FOR FUNDAMENTAL GROUPOIDS OF GRAPHS OF GROUPS
Authors: LUNAU PAUL
Published: March 2005

We give sufficient conditions for the fundamental groupoid of a graph of groups to be automatic (resp. asynchronously automatic). These conditions are similar to those in [1] for a free product with amalgamation to be automatic (resp. asynchronously automatic).
FREE SYMMETRIC AND UNITARY PAIRS IN DIVISION RINGS WITH INVOLUTION
Authors: FERREIRA VITOR O. , GONÇALVES JAIRO Z. , MANDEL ARNALDO
Published: March 2005

Let D be a division ring with an involution and characteristic different from 2. Then, up to a few exceptions, D contains a pair of symmetric elements freely generating a free subgroup of its multiplicative group provided that (a) it is finite-dimensional and the center has a finite sufficiently large transcendence degree over the prime field, or (b) the center is uncountable, but not algebraically closed in D. Under conditions (a), if the involution is of the first kind, it is also shown that the unitary subgroup of the multiplicative group of D contains a free subgroup, with one exception.

The methods developed are also used to exhibit free subgroups in the multiplicative group of a finite-dimensional division ring provided the center has a sufficiently large transcendence degree over its prime field.
REGULARITY CONSTANTS OF THE STOKES PROBLEM: APPLICATION TO FINITE-ELEMENT METHODS ON CURVED DOMAINS
Authors: AYUSO B. , GARCÍA-ARCHILLA B.
Published: March 2005

For bounded smooth domains, we study how the solution of the Stokes problem is bounded in terms of the data when the domain changes. We show that standard bounds for a fixed domain hold with the same constant for wide classes of domains. This is done by first reviewing the original results of Cattabriga and then, in terms of geometric properties of the domains, by specifying when to apply Cattabriga's intermediate results. We do the same with standard strong extension and trace theorems.

We apply these results to an elegant technique of analysis due to Wahlbin to overcome the disparity between a curved domain and the domains where finite-element computations are carried out in practice without resorting to numerical quadrature.
EXISTENCE AND EXPONENTIAL DECAY OF GLOBAL SOLUTIONS TO THE BOLTZMANN EQUATION NEAR MAXWELLIANS
Authors: YU HONGJUN
Published: March 2005

Under Grad angular cutoff assumption, we first establish the global-in-time classical solutions near Maxwellians to the Boltzmann equation in a periodic box. Furthermore, the exponential decay of such a solution is obtained.
Client Firms and Bank Mergers: Positive Wealth Effect of Bank Mergers on Distressed Firms
Authors: Tetsuya Kensuke
Published: March 2005

Using the event study method, Karceski et al. (2000) and Shin et al. (2003) determined that investors expected bank mergers to adversely impact some of the borrowing firms. Earlier studies on the effects of banking merger on borrower have not sufficiently considered the relationship between the economic conditions of the borrowers and the wealth effect of the bank mergers. Using the events study method, we investigated whether the news of several bank mergers between Japanese banks affected the market value of financially distressed borrowers. We found that news of bank mergers brought about a positive wealth effect on financially distressed borrowers.
International Mutual Fund Performance and Political Risk
Authors: Bailey Barrie A. , Heck Jean L. , Wilkens Kathryn A.
Published: March 2005

Recent years have witnessed phenomenal growth in both the number and size of US based international equity mutual funds. While the benefits of international diversification are well documented in the literature, empirical research relating to the performance of international mutual funds has been limited and contradictory. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of political risk on the risk-adjusted returns of international mutual funds using a modified event study methodology. More specifically, the dummy variable event study methodology using portfolios rather than individual funds is used. This methodology addresses the problems of multiple event days and calendar clustering. The macro political risk event of interest is the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Results of the study suggest that shareholders of international equity mutual funds earn significant abnormal returns in the face of political turmoil.
Asset Prices Under Prospect Theory and Habit Formation
Authors: Hung Mao-Wei , Wang Jr-Yan
Published: March 2005

In this paper, we develop a consumption-based asset pricing model motivated by prospect theory, where habit formation determines the endogenous reference point. This exploits the similarity between habit formation and prospect theory. Both emphasize that the investor does not care about the absolute amount of gain or loss, but rather compares the gain or the loss experienced to a benchmark. The results show that when taking people's loss averse attitude over consumption into consideration, our model is capable of resolving the equity premium puzzle.
Liquidity, Volatility and Stock Price Adjustment: Evidence from Seasoned Equity Offerings in an Emerging Market
Authors: Ho Chia-Cheng , Lee Chin-Chuan , Lin Chien-Ting , Wang C. Edward
Published: March 2005

Using data from the Taiwanese stock market, an emerging market, this paper documents positive changes in liquidity and volatility around seasoned equity offerings (SEOs). These findings are consistent with the uncertain signal hypothesis that investors with diverse views on the information content of SEOs are likely to induce larger trading activity and subsequent higher stock return volatility. We also provide direct evidence that changes in liquidity is positively associated with stock price adjustment. However, the relations among liquidity, volatility and price movements appear to rely on how SEOs are conducted. A practical implication is that managers may influence liquidity and stock price movement through their choice of SEOs issuing methods.
Valuing Individual Mortgage Servicing Contracts: A Comparison between Adjustable Rate Mortgages and Fixed Rate Mortgages
Authors: Lin Che-Chun , Ho Lan-Chih
Published: March 2005

This study constructs a valuation model from which an option-adjusted spread approach is employed to value individual mortgage servicing contracts for both adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgages. The valuation model is comprised of an exogenous OTS prepayment model, a stochastic interest rate process, and other servicing fees and costs, all of which jointly determine the servicing contract's future net cash flows and the rate at which to discount these cash flows. The sensitivity of the price of mortgage servicing rights to the changes in the economic environment is also analyzed. This work is potentially useful for servicers not only servicing mortgages but also servicing other types of loans in order to examine servicing policy-related issues.
INFLUENCE OF INTERFACE ANISOTROPY ON GRAIN GROWTH AND COARSENING
Authors: Rohrer Gregory S.
Published: March 2005

▪ Abstract  It has recently become possible to measure the anisotropic distribution of interfaces in polycrystals and composites. Because classical theories for grain growth and coarsening assume isotropic interface properties, they are incapable of explaining how these distributions arise. The purpose of this paper is to review the results of recent experiments, simulations, and theories that document the effects of anisotropy on the capillarity-driven evolution of granular systems. The results suggest that meaningful predictions of evolving microstructural characteristics can be made using models that incorporate the anisotropy of the interfacial energy and mobility.
THE PREPARATION OF SKELETAL CATALYSTS
Authors: Smith A.J. , Trimm D.L.
Published: March 2005

▪ Abstract  The preparation of skeletal catalysts is considered, with particular reference to the preparation of skeletal nickel and skeletal copper. Skeletal catalysts have physical properties that are highly desired for some industrial processes, and the means of controlling these properties to optimize performance is reviewed. The preparation can be affected by the initial alloy composition, the quenching process, the leaching procedure, aging and by the addition of promoters. These processes may affect either or both the chemical and physical characteristics of the catalysts. Preparation procedures need to be adjusted for individual reactions if optimal performance is required. The effect of the preparation conditions on the structure and catalytic performance of these systems is reviewed.
Recombinant human interleukin-6 infusion during low-intensity exercise does not enhance whole body lipolysis or fat oxidation in humans
Authors: Hiscock N. , Fischer C. P. , Sacchetti M. , van Hall G. , Febbraio M. A. , Pedersen B. K.
Published: March 2005

The present study examined the role of the cytokine IL-6 in the regulation of fatty acid metabolism during exercise in humans. Six well-trained males completed three trials of 120 min of cycle ergometry at 70% peak O2 consumption (V̇o2 peak; MOD) and 40% V̇o2 peak with (LOW + IL-6) and without (LOW) infusion of recombinant human (rh)IL-6. The dose of rhIL-6 during LOW + IL-6 elicited IL-6 concentration similar to those during MOD but without altering the circulating hormonal milieu seen in MOD. Palmitate rate of appearance (Ra), rate of disappearance (Rd), and oxidation were measured by means of a constant infusion of [U-13C]palmitate (0.015 μmol·kg−1·min−1, prime NaHCO3, 1 μmol/kg). Palmitate Ra, Rd, and oxidation were not affected by rhIL-6 infusion, remaining similar to LOW at all times. Palmitate Ra and oxidation were significantly greater in the MOD trial ( P < 0.05) compared with the LOW + IL-6 and LOW trials. Our data show that a low dose of rhIL-6, administered during low-intensity exercise without altering the hormonal milieu, does not alter fatty acid metabolism. These data suggest that the increase in fatty acid utilization seen during exercise at moderate compared with low intensity is not mediated via alterations in plasma IL-6.
A quantitative trait locus for aortic smooth muscle cell number acting independently of blood pressure: implicating the angiotensin receptor AT1B gene as a candidate
Authors: Dutil Julie , Eliopoulos Vasiliki , Marchand Éve-Lyne , Devlin Alison M. , Tremblay Johanne , Prithiviraj Kalyani , Hamet Pavel , Migneault Annik , deBlois Denis , Deng Alan Y.
Published: March 2005

Vascular hyperplasia may be involved in the remodeling of vasculature. It was unknown whether there were genetic determinants for aortic smooth muscle cell number (SMCN) and, if so, whether they acted independently of those for blood pressure (BP). To unravel this issue, we utilized congenic strains previously constructed for BP studies. These strains were made by replacing various chromosome 2 segments of the Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rat with those of the Milan normotensive rat (MNS). We measured and compared SMCN in aortic cross-sectional areas and BPs of these strains. Consequently, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for SMCN was localized to a chromosome region not containing a BP QTL, but harboring the locus for the angiotensin II receptor AT1B ( Agtr1b). Agtr1b became a candidate for the SMCN QTL because 1) two significant mutations were found in the coding region between S and all congenic strains possessing the MNS alleles, and 2) contractile responses to angiotensin II were significantly and selectively reduced in congenic rats harboring the MNS alleles of the SMCN QTL compared with S rats. The current investigation presents the first line of evidence that a QTL for aortic SMCN exists, and it acts independently of QTLs for BP. The relevant congenic strains developed therein potentially provide novel mammalian models for the studies of vascular remodeling disorders.
Clopidogrel Loading With Eptifibatide to Arrest the Reactivity of Platelets
Authors: Gurbel Paul A. , Bliden Kevin P. , Zaman Kazi A. , Yoho Jason A. , Hayes Kevin M. , Tantry Udaya S.
Published: March 2005

Background—

Pretreatment is not the most common strategy practiced for clopidogrel administration in elective coronary stenting. Moreover, limited information is available on the antiplatelet pharmacodynamics of a 300-mg versus a 600-mg clopidogrel loading dose, and the comparative effect of eptifibatide with these regimens is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Patients undergoing elective stenting (n=120) were enrolled in a 2×2 factorial study (300 mg clopidogrel with or without eptifibatide; 600 mg clopidogrel with or without eptifibatide) (Clopidogrel Loading With Eptifibatide to Arrest the Reactivity of Platelets [CLEAR PLATELETS] Study). Clopidogrel was administered immediately after stenting. Aggregometry and flow cytometry were used to assess platelet reactivity. Eptifibatide added a ≥2-fold increase in platelet inhibition to 600 mg clopidogrel alone at 3, 8, and 18 to 24 hours after stenting as measured by 5 μmol/L ADP–induced aggregation (
P
<0.001). Without eptifibatide, 600 mg clopidogrel produced better inhibition than 300 mg clopidogrel at all time points (
P
<0.001). Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) blockade was associated with lower cardiac marker release. Active GPIIb/IIIa expression was inhibited most in the groups treated with eptifibatide (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

In elective stenting without clopidogrel pretreatment, use of a GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor produces superior platelet inhibition and lower myocardial necrosis compared with high-dose (600 mg) or standard-dose (300 mg) clopidogrel loading alone. In the absence of a GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor, 600 mg clopidogrel provides better platelet inhibition than the standard 300-mg dose. These results require confirmation in a large-scale clinical trial.
Low-Grade Albuminuria and the Risks of Hypertension and Blood Pressure Progression
Authors: Wang Thomas J. , Evans Jane C. , Meigs James B. , Rifai Nader , Fox Caroline S. , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Levy Daniel , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: March 2005

Background—

It has been postulated that glomerular hyperfiltration and endothelial dysfunction are early features of essential hypertension that may antedate blood pressure elevation. Microalbuminuria, a marker of glomerular hyperfiltration and endothelial dysfunction, has been described in individuals with established hypertension, but its role as a biomarker of preclinical stages of this disease has not been investigated prospectively.

Methods and Results—

We examined the association between urinary albumin excretion and the risks of hypertension and blood pressure progression in 1499 nonhypertensive individuals (58% women) without diabetes. During a mean follow-up of 2.9 years, 230 participants (15%) developed hypertension and 499 (33%) progressed to a higher blood pressure category (defined by the sixth report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure). In multivariable logistic regressions that adjusted for known risk factors, the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) was a significant predictor of incident hypertension (adjusted OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.44, per 1-SD increment in log UACR). Compared with those in the lowest UACR quartile, participants in the highest quartile (men: >6.66 mg/g; women: >15.24 mg/g) had an ≈2-fold risk of developing hypertension (adjusted OR 1.93,
P
=0.006) and 1.5-fold risk of blood pressure progression (adjusted OR 1.45,
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

Urinary albumin excretion predicts blood pressure progression in nondiabetic, nonhypertensive individuals incrementally over established risk factors and at levels well below the conventional threshold for microalbuminuria. UACR may be a useful biomarker for identifying individuals most likely to develop hypertension.