bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Appropriate interpretation of aerobic capacity: allometric scaling in adult and young soccer players
Authors: Chamari K , Moussa-Chamari I , Boussaïdi L , Hachana Y , Kaouech F , Wisløff U
Published: January 2005

Objective:To compare aerobic capacity of young and adult elite soccer players using appropriate scaling procedures.

Methods:Twenty four male adult (mean (SD) age 24 (2) years, weight 75.7 (7.2) kg, Vo2max66.6 (5.2) ml/lbm/min, where lbm is lean body mass in kg) and 21 youth (14 (0.4) years, 60.2 (7.3) kg, 66.5 (5.9) ml/lbm/min) elite soccer players took part in the study. Allometric equations were used to determine the relation between maximal and submaximal oxygen cost of running (running economy) and body mass.

Results:Maximal and submaximal oxygen uptake increased in proportion to body mass raised to the power of 0.72 (0.04) and 0.60 (0.06) respectively. The Vo2maxof adult players was similar to that of the youth players when expressed in direct proportion to body mass—that is, ml/kg/min—but 5% higher (p<0.05) when expressed using appropriate procedures for scaling. Conversely, compared with seniors, youth players had 13% higher (p<0.001) energy cost of running—that is, poorer running economy—when expressed as ml/kg/min but not when expressed according to the scaling procedures.

Conclusions:Compared with the youth soccer players, Vo2maxin the seniors was underestimated and running economy overestimated when expressed traditionally as ml/lbm/min. The study clearly shows the pitfalls in previous studies when aerobic capacity was evaluated in subjects with different body mass. It further shows that the use of scaling procedures can affect the evaluation of, and the resultant training programme to improve, aerobic capacity.
Risk factors for hamstring injuries in community level Australian football
Authors: Gabbe B J , Finch C F , Bennell K L , Wajswelner H
Published: January 2005

Objectives:To identify risk factors for hamstring injury at the community level of Australian football.

Methods:A total of 126 community level Australian football players participated in this prospective cohort study. To provide baseline measurements, they completed a questionnaire and had a musculoskeletal screen during the 2000 preseason. All were monitored over the season. Injury surveillance and exposure data were collected for the full season. Survival analysis was used to identify independent predictors of hamstring injury.

Results:A hamstring injury was the first injury of the season in 20 players (16%). After adjustment for exposure, increasing age and decreased quadriceps flexibility were identified as significant independent predictors of the time to sustaining a hamstring injury. Older age (⩾23 years) was associated with an increased risk of hamstring injury (RR 3.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 14.0; p  =  0.044). Players with increased quadriceps flexibility (as measured by the modified Thomas test) were less likely to sustain a hamstring injury (RR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.8; p  =  0.022).

Conclusions:The findings of this study can be used in the development of hamstring injury prevention strategies and to identify Australian football players at increased risk of hamstring injury.
Differences in sole arch indices in various sports
Authors: Aydog S T , Tetik O , Demirel H A , Doral M N
Published: January 2005

Background:There are controversial data about the relation between foot morphology and athletic injuries of the lower extremity. Studies in soldiers have shown some relationship, whereas those involving athletes have not shown any significant relationship. The reason for these differences is not clear.

Objective:To determine the effect of various sports on sole arch indices (AIs).

Method:A total of 116 elite male athletes (24 soccer players, 23 wrestlers, 19 weightlifters, 30 handball players, and 20 gymnasts) and 30 non-athletic men were included in this cross sectional study. Images of both soles were taken in a podoscope and transferred to a computer using a digital still camera. AIs were calculated from the stored images.

Results:The AI of the right sole of the gymnasts was significantly lower than that of the soccer players, wrestlers, and non-athletic controls (p<0.01). The AI of the right sole of the wrestlers was significantly higher than that of the soccer players, handball players, weightlifters, gymnasts, and non-athletic controls (p<0.03). The AI of the left sole of the gymnasts was significantly lower than that of the wrestlers and non-athletic controls (p<0.001). The AI of the left sole of the wrestlers was significantly higher than that of the soccer players, handball players, and gymnasts (p<0.007). The AI of both soles in handball players was significantly lower than those of the non-athletic subjects (p  =  0.049). The correlation between the AI of the left and right foot was poor in the soccer players, handball players, and wrestlers (r =  0.31, 0.69, and 0.56 respectively), but was high in the gymnasts, weightlifters, and non-athletic controls (r =  0.96, 0.88, and 0.80 respectively).

Conclusion:The AIs of the gymnasts and wrestlers were significantly different from those of other sportsmen studied, and those of the gymnasts and handball players were significantly different from those of non-athletic controls.
BLOW-UP SOLUTIONS OF THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL HEAT EQUATION DUE TO A LOCALIZED MOVING SOURCE
Authors: KIRK C. M. , OLMSTEAD W. E.
Published: January 2005

The problem examined is that of a localized energy source which undergoes planar motion along the surface of a reactive-diffusive medium. This is representative of a laser beam that is moving across the flat surface of a combustible material during a cutting, welding or heat treating process. The mathematical model for this situation is a heat equation in two-dimensions with a nonlinear source term, which is localized around a reference point that is allowed to move. Results are derived that indicate the roles played by the size, strength and motion of the localized source in determining whether or not a blow-up occurs.
QUALITATIVE BEHAVIOR AND STABILITY OF SOLUTIONS OF A HYBRID SYSTEM
Authors: SEIFERT GEORGE
Published: January 2005

In this paper we consider a certain two-dimensional system of delay differential equations with piecewise constant arguments. We find conditions under which this system has constant solutions; i.e. equilibrium points, and their behavior and stability properties. We also find conditions under which certain of these solutions have a type of chaotic behavior. This paper contains results for more general systems than were dealt with in a previous paper [9].
AN EIGENVALUE PROBLEM FOR A CLASS OF NONLINEAR ELLIPTIC OPERATORS
Authors: DINCA GEORGE , MATEI PAVEL
Published: January 2005

Let a: [0, +∞) → [0, +∞) be an increasing continuous function with a(t) = 0 if and only if t = 0 and limt→+∞a(t) = +∞, Ω ⊂ ℝN be a bounded domain having the segment property and T[u,u] a nonnegative quadratic form involving the only generalized derivatives of order m of the function u: Ω → ℝ. Let p ≥ 1, μi ≠ 0 be real numbers, [Formula: see text], 1 ≤ i ≤ p and [Formula: see text] Put [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] Under certain hypotheses on Gi, we show that the minimization problem [Formula: see text] has a solution. Moreover, due to the well-known theorem on generalized multipliers involving the Robinson constraint qualification condition, the solution of the preceeding minimization problem is a weak solution of the corresponding Euler–Lagrange equation (1.1)–(1.2) below. We emphasize that no Δ2-condition on A or [Formula: see text] is imposed. One application to mechanics is given.
ASYMPTOTICS OF A SPECTRAL PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH THE NEUMANN SIEVE
Authors: ONOFREI DANIEL , VERNESCU BOGDAN
Published: January 2005

In this paper, we analyze the asymptotic behavior of a Stekloff spectral problem associated with the Neumann Sieve model, i.e. a three-dimensional set Ω, cut by a hyperplane Σ where each of the two-dimensional holes, ∊-periodically distributed on Σ, have diameter r∊. Depending on the asymptotic behavior of the ratios [Formula: see text] we find the limit problem of the ∊ spectral problem and prove that the sequences [Formula: see text], formed by the nth eigenvalue of the ∊ problem, converge to λn, the nth eigenvalue of the limit problem, for any n ∈ N. We also prove the weak convergence, on a subsequence, of the associated sequence of eigenvectors [Formula: see text], to an eigenvector associated with λn. When λn is a simple eigenvalue, we show that the entire sequence of the eigenvectors converges.

As a consequence, similar results hold for the spectrum of the DtN map associated to this model.
Membrane-Protein Interactions in Cell Signaling and Membrane Trafficking
Authors: Cho Wonhwa , Stahelin Robert V.
Published: January 2005

▪ Abstract  Research in the past decade has revealed that many cytosolic proteins are recruited to different cellular membranes to form protein-protein and lipid-protein interactions during cell signaling and membrane trafficking. Membrane recruitment of these peripheral proteins is mediated by a growing number of modular membrane-targeting domains, including C1, C2, PH, FYVE, PX, ENTH, ANTH, BAR, FERM, and tubby domains, that recognize specific lipid molecules in the membranes. Structural studies of these membrane-targeting domains demonstrate how they specifically recognize their cognate lipid ligands. However, the mechanisms by which these domains and their host proteins are recruited to and interact with various cell membranes are only beginning to unravel with recent computational studies, in vitro membrane binding studies using model membranes, and cellular translocation studies using fluorescent protein-tagged proteins. This review summarizes the recent progress in our understanding of how the kinetics and energetics of membrane-protein interactions are regulated during the cellular membrane targeting and activation of peripheral proteins.
Chemical Synthesis of Proteins
Authors: Nilsson Bradley L. , Soellner Matthew B. , Raines Ronald T.
Published: January 2005

▪ Abstract  Proteins have become accessible targets for chemical synthesis. The basic strategy is to use native chemical ligation, Staudinger ligation, or other orthogonal chemical reactions to couple synthetic peptides. The ligation reactions are compatible with a variety of solvents and proceed in solution or on a solid support. Chemical synthesis enables a level of control on protein composition that greatly exceeds that attainable with ribosome-mediated biosynthesis. Accordingly, the chemical synthesis of proteins is providing previously unattainable insight into the structure and function of proteins.
Replication of Alfamo- and Ilarviruses: Role of the Coat Protein
Authors: Bol John F.
Published: January 2005

In the family Bromoviridae, a mixture of the three genomic RNAs of bromo-, cucumo-, and oleaviruses is infectious as such, whereas the RNAs of alfamo- and ilarviruses require binding of a few molecules of coat protein (CP) to the 3′ end to initiate infection. Most studies on the early function of CP have been done on the alfamovirus Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV). The 3′ 112 nucleotides of AMV RNAs can adopt two different conformations. One conformer consists of a tRNA-like structure that, together with an upstream hairpin, is required for minus-strand promoter activity. The other conformer consists of four hairpins interspersed by AUGC-sequences and represents a strong binding site for CP. Binding of CP to this conformer enhances the translational efficiency of viral RNAs in vivo 40-fold and blocks viral minus-strand RNA synthesis in vitro. AMV CP is proposed to initiate infection by mimicking the function of the poly(A)-binding protein.
The Sociology of James S. Coleman
Authors: Marsden Peter V.
Published: January 2005

This chapter surveys the career and scholarship of James S. Coleman. It tracks scholarly usage of his work, with attention to references after 1995 and the subject areas in which its use is concentrated. At base a scholar of problems in social organization, Coleman made influential contributions that range across the sociology of education, policy research, mathematical sociology, network/structural analysis, and sociological theory. Works from several phases of Coleman's career are cited widely by scholars in sociology, education, economics, business/management, and other social science fields; during the past decade his conceptual work on social capital has been most influential. Coleman's widely debated Foundations of Social Theory is receiving increasing attention and has helped to establish a stable if limited niche for rational choice analysis within sociology.
Increased blood pressure in the offspring of diabetic mothers
Authors: Wichi Rogerio B. , Souza Silvia B. , Casarini Dulce E. , Morris Mariana , Barreto-Chaves Maria Luiza , Irigoyen Maria Claudia
Published: January 2005

Studies were conducted in rats to determine the effect of maternal diabetes and the consequent hyperglycemia on cardiovascular function in the offspring. Diabetes was induced in pregnant Wistar rats through streptozotocin injection (50 mg/kg). Cardiovascular parameters were measured in 2-mo-old offspring animals of diabetic (OD, n = 12) and control rats (OC, n = 8). Arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR), baroreflex sensitivity, and vascular responsiveness to phenylephrine (PH) and sodium nitroprusside (SN) were measured. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in heart, kidney, and lung was determined. OD rats exhibited increases in systolic AP (138 ± 8 vs. 119 ± 6 mmHg, OD vs. OC), with no change in HR (342 ± 21 vs. 364 ± 39 beats per minute (bpm), OD vs. OC). The reflex tachycardia elicited by SN was reduced in OD rats, as indicated by the slope of the linear regression (−2.2 ± 0.4 vs. −3.6 ± 0.8 bpm/mmHg, OD vs. OC). Vascular responsiveness to PH was increased 63% in OD rats compared with OC. OD rats showed increases in ACE activity in heart, kidney, and lung (1.13 ± 0.24, 3.04 ± 0.86, 40.8 ± 8.9 vs. 0.73 ± 0.19, 1.7 ± 0.45, 28.1 ± 6 nmol His-Leu·min−1 mg protein−1, OD vs. OC). Results suggest that diabetes during pregnancy affects cardiovascular function in offspring, seen as hypertension, baroreflex dysfunction, and activation of tissue renin-angiotensin system.
Cutaneous vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine are attenuated in older humans
Authors: Thompson Caitlin S. , Holowatz Lacy A. , Kenney W. Larry
Published: January 2005

Cutaneous vasoconstriction (VC) in response to cooling is impaired with human aging. On the basis of previous findings that older humans rely predominantly on norepinephrine (NE) for reflex VC of skin blood vessels, and that the VC effects of NE are blunted with age in many vascular beds, we tested the hypothesis that cutaneous VC responses to exogenous NE are attenuated in aged skin compared with young skin. In 11 young (18–30 yr) and 11 older (62–76 yr) men and women, skin blood flow was monitored at two forearm sites with laser Doppler (LD) flowmetry, while local skin temperature was clamped at 34°C. At one site, five doses of NE (10−10 to 10−2 M) were sequentially infused via intradermal microdialysis while the other site served as control (C; Ringer). Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; LD flux/mean arterial pressure) was expressed as percent change from baseline (%ΔCVCbase). At 10−10, 10−8, and 10−6 M NE, older VC responses were attenuated compared with young [10−10: −35 (95% confidence interval: −16, −52) vs. −49 (−40, −58) %ΔCVCbase, P = 0.02; 10−8: −38 (−20, −56) vs. −50 (−40, −61) %ΔCVCbase, P = 0.03; 10−6: −52 (−35, −70) vs. −67 (−60, −74) %ΔCVCbase, P = 0.01]. Older maximal VC responses were also blunted compared with young [−80 (confidence interval: −73,−87) vs. −88 (confidence interval: −87, −90) %ΔCVCbase, P = 0.03]. NE-mediated cutaneous VC is blunted at both physiological and superphysiological doses in older subjects compared with young subjects. Considering that NE is the only functional neurotransmitter mediating reflex VC in aged skin, attenuated NE-mediated VC may further predispose older humans to excess heat loss in the cold.
Characterization of calves exhibiting a novel inheritable TNF-α hyperresponsiveness to endotoxin: associations with increased pathophysiological complications
Authors: Elsasser T. H. , Blum J. W. , Kahl S.
Published: January 2005

A subpopulation of calves, herein termed “hyperresponders” (HPR), was identified and defined by the patterns of plasma TNF-α concentrations that developed following two challenges with endotoxin (LPS, 0.8 μg Escherichia coli 055:B5 LPS/kg0.75live body wt) separated by 5 days. The principle characteristic of HPR calves was a failure to develop tolerance to repeated LPS challenge that was evident in the magnitude of the TNF-α concentrations and prolonged severity of pathological sequellae. Whereas calves failing to develop LPS tolerance were identified on the basis of their excessive in vivo plasma TNF-α concentration responses, in vitro TNF-α responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from each calf and challenged with LPS or PMA did not correlate or predict the magnitude of in vivo plasma TNF response of the calf. Intentional breeding to obtain calves from bulls and/or cows documented as HPR resulted in offspring displaying the HPR character when similar progeny calves were tested with LPS in vivo, with extensive controls in place to account for sources of variability in the general TNF-α response to LPS that might compromise interpretation of the data. Feed intake, clinical serology and hematology profiles, and acute-phase protein responses of HPR calves following LPS were significantly different from those of calves displaying tolerance. These results suggest that the pattern of plasma TNF-α changes that evolve from a low-level double LPS challenge effectively reveal the presence of a genetic potential for animals to display excessive or prolonged pathological response to LPS-related stress and compromised prognosis for recovery.
Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Leon Arthur S. , Franklin Barry A. , Costa Fernando , Balady Gary J. , Berra Kathy A. , Stewart Kerry J. , Thompson Paul D. , Williams Mark A. , Lauer Michael S.
Published: January 2005

This article updates the 1994 American Heart Association scientific statement on cardiac rehabilitation. It provides a review of recommended components for an effective cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention program, alternative ways to deliver these services, recommended future research directions, and the rationale for each component of the rehabilitation/secondary prevention program, with emphasis on the exercise training component.
Central Role of PKCβ in Neointimal Expansion Triggered by Acute Arterial Injury
Authors: Andrassy Martin , Belov Dmitry , Harja Evis , Zou Yu Shan , Leitges Michael , Katus Hugo A. , Nawroth Peter P. , Yan Shi Du , Schmidt Ann Marie , Yan Shi-Fang
Published: January 2005

We tested the hypothesis that PKCβ contributes to vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation; processes central to the pathogenesis of restenosis consequent to vascular injury. Homozygous PKCβ null (−/−) mice or wild-type mice fed the PKCβ inhibitor, ruboxistaurin, displayed significantly decreased neointimal expansion in response to acute femoral artery endothelial denudation injury compared with controls. In vivo and in vitro analyses demonstrated that PKCβII is critically linked to SMC activation, at least in part via regulation of ERK1/2 MAP kinase and early growth response-1. These data highlight novel roles for PKCβ in the SMC response to acute arterial injury and suggest that blockade of PKCβ may represent a therapeutic strategy to limit restenosis.
Improving Trial Power Through Use of Prognosis-Adjusted End Points
Authors: Young Fiona B. , Lees Kennedy R. , Weir Christopher J.
Published: January 2005

Background and Purpose—

The stroke patient population is heterogeneous, leading to wide variation in outcome caused by differences in age, initial severity, and presence of concomitant disease. Setting an identical recovery target for all patients in intervention trials may conceal individually important therapeutic treatment effects. Instead, a variable end point that takes severity or likely prognosis into account may be more informative.

Methods—

We used data from the Glycine Antagonist in Neuroprotection (GAIN) International trial to assess statistical power of various primary end points for intervention trials. We selected prognosis-adjusted cut points based on Barthel Index (BI) or Rankin Scale (RS) using a prognostic model, or assigned a fixed end point within subgroups of patients defined by their Oxford category or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. We simulated a treatment effect and estimated statistical power with standard formulae.

Results—

Assignment of end points using a prognostic model for individual patients increased statistical power, when compared with assigning end points using only the Oxford classification. For the BI, power was increased from 60% to 88% (equivalent to a 49% reduction in sample size if power remains unchanged). With the RS end points, power was increased from 84% to 92% (or a 24% reduction in sample size). Versus a fixed end point for all patients, model-based methods increased power by 22 percentage points for BI≥95 and 14 percentage points for RS≤1 (effective sample size reductions 43% and 34%).

Conclusion—

Prognosis-adjusted end points can increase statistical power compared with fixed end points. Assessment is based on realistic goals for individual patients and yet trial results remain generalizable.
Left Ventricular Mass Indexed to Height and Prevalent MRI Cerebrovascular Disease in an African American Cohort
Authors: Fox Ervin R. , Taylor Herman A. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Ding Jingzhong , Liebson Philip R. , Arnett Donna , Quin Ernest M. , Skelton Thomas N.
Published: January 2005

Background and Purpose—

Previous studies have demonstrated that echocardiographic left ventricular mass (LVM) is an independent risk factor for stroke in whites. Despite the greater burden of stroke, the echocardiographic predictors of stroke in African Americans remain poorly understood.

Methods—

This investigation is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the Jackson, Miss (all African American), cohort of the Atherosclerotic Risk in the Communities study. Between 1993 and 1995, 2445 participants received an echocardiogram, and a random subset (n=778) received cerebral MRI evaluating presence of infarcts or white matter disease (WMD; >3 on a scale of 0 to 9). Compared with the entire Jackson cohort, the random subset was older, had a lower body mass index (BMI), and a higher systolic blood pressure (SBP). Logistic regression models examined the relations of LVM indexed by height (LVM/height) to MRI findings adjusted for age, gender, BMI, SBP, hypertensive medications, diabetes, total/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking status, and history of myocardial infarction.

Results—

The 667 participants (63% women; 62±4 years of age) had a high prevalence of hypertension (68%), obesity (46%), echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (49%), MRI stroke (n=133), and WMD (n=92). Adjusted LVM/height was significantly associated with prevalent MRI stroke (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.7;
P
=0.02) and WMD (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.9;
P
=0.006; OR expressed per 1 SD LVM/height, 45 g/m).

Conclusion—

In this randomized subset of a population-based cohort of African American adults, LVM/height was related to MRI evidence of prevalent cerebrovascular disease. The current study supports the hypothesis that LVM/height is an important risk factor for stroke in multiple ethnicities.
Who Are the Influentials? A Cross-State Social Network Analysis of the Reading Policy Domain
Authors: Song Mengli , Miskel Cecil G.
Published: January 2005

This study assessed policy actors' influence on state reading policy and compared the structure of reading policy networks across eight states. Data for the study came from structured interviews and archival documents and were analyzed using social network analysis methods. This study found that state reading policy networks were heterogeneous in terms of both composition and policy actor influence, with government actors occupying significantly more central and more prestigious network positions than nongovernment actors. The analyses failed to confirm, however, that teacher organizations were the most central interest groups in state reading policy networks as hypothesized. Implications of this study for education policy actors were discussed and directions for future research suggested.
The Sustainability of Comprehensive School Reform Models in Changing District and State Contexts
Authors: Datnow Amanda
Published: January 2005

This article addresses the sustainability of comprehensive school reform(CSR) models in the face of turbulent district and state contexts. It draws on qualitative data gathered in a longitudinal case study of six CSR models implemented in 13 schools in one urban district. Why do reforms sustain in some schools and not in others? How do changing state and district contexts influence reform sustainability in schools? After 3 years, reform efforts ceased in 6 of the 13 schools studied; two other schools were still implementing reforms but at very low levels. Only 5 of the 13 schools continued to implement their CSR models with moderate to high levels of intensity. Findings show that changing district and state contexts affected the sustainability of CSR models in schools differently depending on each school's strategy for dealing with the changes, as well as their local conditions, experiences with reform, and capacity.
Unpacking the Foundations of ISLLC Standards and Addressing Concerns in the Academic Community
Authors: Murphy Joseph
Published: January 2005

The purpose of this article is to explore the foundations of the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium's (ISLLC's) Standards for School Leaders. First, the eight strategies used to develop the Standards are discussed. Second, responses are provided to six broad issues raised by colleagues who have provided critical reviews of the Standards.
Private Governments in Urban Areas
Authors: Baer Susan E. , Feiock Richard C.
Published: January 2005

Urban areas are increasingly populated by new organizations called private governments that are created within the boundaries of existing local governments. Examples include homeowner associations, community benefits districts, and business improvement districts. Citizens attempting to form private governments that supply public goods may encounter collective action problems. Utilizing transaction resource theory, the article examines potential collective action problems in forming private governments and explains how solutions to these problems emerge as a consequence of a political contracting process between stakeholders, where the rules of the resulting relational contract define expected cooperative behaviors. The article also applies transaction resource theory to a case study of the contracting process used to overcome potential collective action problems in creating a private government in Baltimore, Maryland. The case study demonstrates the complexities of the contracting process and illustrates how collective action problems might be intertwined in the prephase, negotiation phase, and postphase.
End-User Satisfaction and Design Features of Public Agencies
Authors: Callahan Richard F. , Gilbert G. Ronald
Published: January 2005

This study relates end-user satisfaction to three design features of public agencies that provide services. The research connects the discussion on public participation in administrative processes with a core consideration of public administration: the design features of public organizations. The study seeks to move from the descriptive literature to an empirically grounded survey methodology that examines end-user satisfaction across varied levels of government. Based on a sample of 2,816 end users of 17 public sector organizations, the study tests for associations between organizational performance features and service satisfaction. The findings correlate user satisfaction with three design characteristics of public agencies: agency dependence on user satisfaction for future funding, a clearly identifiable end-user focus by the agency, and the ability of the user to exercise choice in her or his future use of the agency’s services. These findings provide a methodology for survey of public preferences that connects agency performance with public agency design.
CVP and PAoP Measurements Are Discordant During Fluid Therapy After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Powner David J. , Miller Emmy R. , Levine Robert L.
Published: January 2005

The objective of the study was to compare measurements of central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary artery occlusion pressures (PAoP) as estimates of intravascular volume during the first 96 hours of fluid therapy after traumatic brain injury (TBI). One thousand five hundred ten simultaneous CVP and PAoP measurements from 31 patients entered into the National Acute Brain Injury Study: Hypothermia (NABISH:H) protocol were retrospectively compared. The effect of fluid administration and body temperature upon the paired measurements was statistically assessed. Agreement between CVP and PAoP values was poor. The CVP and PAoP were equal in only 11% of paired values. The CVP was always higher than PAoP in 1 patient, whereas PAoP always exceeded the CVP in 5 others. In 74% of the pairs, the PAoP was higher than the CVP, whereas in 15%, CVP was greater than PAoP. For any CVP measurement, the PAoP was either 3 mm Hg above or below the CVP in 67% of the pairs and at least 5 mm Hg above or below the CVP in 21% of the pairs. In 21 (68%) patients, PAoP was= 5 mm Hg above CVP in more than 4 readings, a clinically important difference. Discordance was not attributed to the fluid administered or to the temperature protocol. Neurological outcome appears affected by the volume of fluid administration. However, during initial therapy, estimates of intravascular volume provided by the CVP and PAoP are discordant. Although documented in other clinical conditions, the disparity noted here after TBI has not been previously reported. Assessment of intravascular volume to avoid hypovolemia should utilize other measurement techniques.
Intentionality: Evolutionary Development in Healing
Authors: Zahourek Rothlyn P.
Published: January 2005

Although intentionality has been implicated as a causal variable in healing research, its definition has been inconsistent and vague. The objective of this grounded theory study is to develop a substantive theory of intentionality in a naturalistic encounter between nurse-healers and their healee-clients, and to consider the implications for practice and research. Six expert nurse-healers and six healee-clients were interviewed as individuals and in dyads before and after treatments. Interviews and observational data were analyzed using the constant comparative method and synthesized analysis. Participants described their experience of intentionality in healing as an evolutionary process characterized by distinctive shifts. The theory of intentionality: the matrix for healing (IMH) includes definitions of intentionality and a conceptual framework of three developmental phases of intentionality (generic, healing, and transforming intentionalities).The predominant attribute, development, is described. The theory contributes to knowledge about healing and intentionality and has implications for practice and future research.
From Metaphor to Practice
Authors: Bürgi Peter T. , Jacobs Claus D. , Roos Johan
Published: January 2005

This article explores how the link between the hand and the mind might be exploited in the making of strategy. Using Mintzberg’s image of a potter undergoing iterative and recursive learning and knowledge-building processes as a point of departure, the authors develop a three-level theoretical schema, progressing from the physiological to the psychological to the social to trace the consequences of the hand-mind link. To illustrate their theoretical schema, the authors present an illustration case of managers from a large telecommunications firm experimenting with a process for strategy making in which they actively use their hands to construct representations of their organization and its environment. The authors conclude that new and potent forms of strategy making might be attained if the fundamental human experience of using one’s hands is put in the service of all kinds of organizational learning.
Chlamydia pneumoniae induces aponecrosis in human aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Dumrese Claudia , Maurus Christine F , Gygi Daniel , Schneider Mårten KJ , Walch Michael , Groscurth Peter , Ziegler Urs
Published: January 2005

Background

The intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae is suspected to play a role in formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Many studies investigated cell death initiation versus inhibition by Chlamydia pneumoniae in established cell lines but nothing is known in primary human aortic smooth muscle cells, a cell type among others known to be involved in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaque. Type of cell death was analyzed by various methods in primary aortic smooth muscle cells after infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae to investigate a possible pathogenic link in atherosclerosis.

Results

Chlamydiae were found to be localized up to 72 h post infection in aortic smooth muscle cells either as single bacteria or inside of large inclusions. Quantification of host cell death by lactate dehydrogenase release assay revealed strictly dose and time dependent lysis for all tested isolates of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Phosphatidylserine exposure was detected by flow cytometry in Chlamydia pneumoniae infected cells. Ultrastructure of Chlamydia pneumoniae infected human aortic smooth muscle cells showed extensive membrane- and organelle damage, chromatin condensation but no nuclear fragmentation. DNA fragmentation as well as cell membrane permeability was analyzed by TUNEL and NHS-biotin staining and occurred exclusively in cells carrying Chlamydia pneumoniae spots but not in smooth muscle cells with inclusions. These morphological features of cell death were not accompanied by an activation of caspase-3 as revealed by analysis of enzyme activity but involved mitochondrial membrane depolarization as shown by TMRE uptake and release of cytochrome c from mitochondria.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that Chlamydia pneumoniae induce a spot like infection in human aortic smooth muscle cells, which results in a chimeric cell death with both apoptotic and necrotic characteristics. This aponecrotic cell death may assist chronic inflammation in atherosclerotic blood vessels.
Immunoreactivity of the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein
Authors: Huntley Jason FJ , Stabel Judith R , Bannantine John P
Published: January 2005

Background

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis 19-kDa lipoprotein has been reported to stimulate both T and B cell responses as well as induce a number of Th1 cytokines. In order to evaluate the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis) 19-kDa lipoprotein as an immunomodulator in cattle with Johne's disease, the gene encoding the 19-kDa protein (MAP0261c) was analyzed.

Results

MAP0261c is conserved in mycobacteria, showing a 95% amino acid identity in M. avium subspecies avium, 84% in M. intracellulare and 76% in M. bovis and M. tuberculosis. MAP0261c was cloned, expressed, and purified as a fusion protein with the maltose-binding protein (MBP-19 kDa) in Escherichia coli. IFN-γ production was measured from 21 naturally infected and 9 control cattle after peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with a whole cell lysate (WCL) of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis or the recombinant MBP-19 kDa. Overall, the mean response to MBP-19 kDa was not as strong as the mean response to the WCL. By comparison, cells from control, non-infected cattle did not produce IFN-γ after stimulation with either WCL or MBP-19 kDa. To assess the humoral immune response to the 19-kDa protein, sera from cattle with clinical Johne's disease were used in immunoblot analysis. Reactivity to MBP-19 kDa protein, but not MBP alone, was observed in 9 of 14 infected cattle. Antibodies to the 19-kDa protein were not observed in 8 of 9 control cows.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results demonstrate that while the 19-kDa protein from M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis stimulates a humoral immune response and weak IFN-γ production in infected cattle, the elicited responses are not strong enough to be used in a sensitive diagnostic assay.
TLR2 modulates inflammation in zymosan-induced arthritis in mice
Authors: Frasnelli Matthias E , Tarussio David , Chobaz-Péclat Veronique , Busso Nathalie , So Alexander
Published: January 2005

The interplay between the innate and acquired immune systems in chronic inflammation is not well documented. We have investigated the mechanisms of inflammation in murine zymosan-induced arthritis (ZIA) in the light of recent data on the roles of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Dectin-1 in the activation of monocyte/macrophages by zymosan. The severity of inflammation, joint histology, lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production in response to zymosan were analyzed in mice deficient in TLR2 and complement C3, and the effects of Dectin-1 inhibition by laminarin were studied. In comparison with wild-type animals, TLR2-deficient mice showed a significant decrease in the early (day 1) and late phases (day 24) of joint inflammation. C3-deficient mice showed no differences in technetium uptake or histological scoring. TLR2-deficient mice also showed a significant decrease in lymph node cell proliferation in response to zymosan and a lower IgG antibody response to zymosan at day 25 in comparison with wild-type controls, indicating that TLR2 signalling has a role in the development of acquired immune responses to zymosan. Although laminarin, a soluble β-glucan, was able to significantly inhibit zymosan uptake by macrophages in vitro, it had no effect on ZIA in vivo. These results show that ZIA is more prolonged than was originally described and involves both the innate and acquired immune pathways. C3 does not seem to have a major role in this model of joint inflammation.
Myoglobin clearance by super high-flux hemofiltration in a case of severe rhabdomyolysis: a case report
Authors: Naka Toshio , Jones Daryl , Baldwin Ian , Fealy Nigel , Bates Samantha , Goehl Hermann , Morgera Stanislao , Neumayer Hans H , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: January 2005

Objective

To test the ability of a novel super high-flux (SHF) membrane with a larger pore size to clear myoglobin from serum.

Setting

The intensive care unit of a university teaching hospital.

Subject

A patient with serotonin syndrome complicated by severe rhabodomyolysis and oliguric acute renal failure

Method

Initially continuous veno-venous hemofiltration was performed at 2 l/hour ultrafiltration (UF) with a standard polysulphone 1.4 m2 membrane (cutoff point, 20 kDa), followed by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration with a SHF membrane (cutoff point, 100 kDa) at 2 l/hour UF, then at 3 l/hour UF and then at 4 l/hour UF, in an attempt to clear myoglobin.

Results

The myoglobin concentration in the ultrafiltrate at 2 l/hour exchange was at least five times greater with the SHF membrane than with the conventional membrane (>100,000 μg/l versus 23,003 μg/l). The sieving coefficients with the SHF membrane at 3 l/hour UF and 4 l/hour UF were 72.2% and 68.8%, respectively. The amount of myoglobin removed with the conventional membrane was 1.1 g/day compared with 4.4–5.1 g/day for the SHF membrane. The SHF membrane achieved a clearance of up to 56.4 l/day, and achieved a reduction in serum myoglobin concentration from >100,000 μg/l to 16,542 μg/l in 48 hours.

Conclusions

SHF hemofiltration achieved a much greater clearance of myoglobin than conventional hemofiltration, and it may provide a potential modality for the treatment of myoglobinuric acute renal failure.
Polarized monocyte response to cytokine stimulation
Authors: Nagorsen Dirk , Deola Sara , Smith Kina , Wang Ena , Monsurro Vladia , Zanovello Paola , Marincola Francesco M , Panelli Monica C
Published: January 2005

Background

Mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) stand at the crossroads between the induction of acute inflammation to recruit and activate immune effector cells and the downmodulation of the inflammatory process to contain collateral damage. This decision is extensively modulated by the cytokine microenvironment, which includes a broad array of cytokines whose direct effect on MPs remains largely unexplored. Therefore, we tested whether polarized responses of MPs to pathogens are related to the influence of selected cytokines or represent a mandatory molecular switch through which most cytokines operate.

Results

Circulating CD14+ MPs were exposed to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) followed by exposure to an array of cytokines, chemokines and soluble factors involved in the immune response. Gene expression was studied by global transcript analysis. Two main classes of cytokines were identified that induced a classical or an alternative pathway of MP activation. Expression of genes affected by NFκB activation was most predictive of the two main classes, suggesting that this pathway is a fundamental target of cytokine regulation. As LPS itself induces a classical type of activation, the most dramatic modulation was observed toward the alternative pathway, suggesting that a broad array of cytokines may counteract the pro-inflammatory effects of bacterial components.

Conclusions

This analysis is directly informative of the primary effect of individual cytokines on the early stages of LPS stimulation and, therefore, may be most informative of the way MP maturation may be polarized at the early stages of the immune response.
Endogenous Estrogens Inhibit Mouse Fetal Leydig Cell Development via Estrogen Receptor α
Authors: Delbès Géraldine , Levacher Christine , Duquenne Clotilde , Racine Chrystèle , Pakarinen Pirjo , Habert René
Published: January 2005

It is now accepted that estrogens play a role in male fertility and that exposure to exogenous estrogens during fetal/neonatal life can lead to reproductive disorders in the male. However, the estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated processes involved in the regulation of male reproduction during fetal and neonatal development are still largely unclear. We previously reported that ERβ deficiency affects gametogenesis in mice but changes neither the number nor the differentiated functions of fetal Leydig cells. We show here that ERα-deficient mice (ERα−/−) display higher levels of testicular testosterone secretion than wild-type mice from fetal d 13.5 onwards. This results from higher levels of steroidogenic activity per fetal Leydig cell, as indicated by the hypertrophy of these cells and the higher levels of mRNA for StAR, P450c17 and P450scc in the testis, for a similar number of Leydig cells. Because LH is not produced on fetal d 13.5 and because no change in plasma LH concentration was observed in 2-d-old ERα-deficient mice, LH is probably not involved in the effects of estrogens on testicular steroidogenesis in fetal and early neonatal Leydig cells. Furthermore, inactivation of ERβ did not change the effect of ERα inactivation on steroidogenesis. Lastly, in an organ culture system, 1 μm diethylstilbestrol decreased the testosterone secretion of wild-type fetal and neonatal testes but not of ERα−/− testes. Thus, this study shows that endogenous estrogens physiologically inhibit steroidogenesis via ERα by acting directly on the testis early in fetal and neonatal development.
Development of Anisotropic Thermo-sensitive Hairy Particles Using Living Radical Graft Polymerization
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Tsuji Sakiko , Kawaguchi Haruma
Published: January 2005

Temperature-responsive anisotropic particles were developed. Au was sputtered onto one side of the particle and, thermo-sensirive polymer was grafted from the other side. Obtained particles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, electrophoresis, and electron microscopy. These particles showed thermo-sensitive behavior when they dispersed in water. They also showed anisotropic adsorption onto the substrate, and the particles were self-assembled into particle chains.
Nanodimensional Microreactor-encapsulation of 18-Membered Decaaza Macrocycle Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: January 2005

Copper(II) complexes of 18-membered decaaza macrocyclic ligands “1,10-dialkyl-5,6,14,15-tetramethyl-1,3,4,7,8,10,12,13,16,17-decaazacyclooctadecane” [Cu(R2 Me4 [18] ane N10)](ClO4)2 (R = H, Me, Et, Pr, Bu, Benzyl), have been prepared from the one-pot template condensation reaction of formaldehyde, 2,3-butanedihydrazone with alkyl and benzyl amine in the presence of copper(II) ion within the nanodimensional pores of zeolite Y.
Selective Allylation of Arenethiols Using Water-soluble Palladium Complex Catalyst in Recyclable Water/Hexane Biphasic Media
Authors: Komine Nobuyuki , Sako Akari , Hirahara Shin-ya , Hirano Masafumi , Komiya Sanshiro
Published: January 2005

Allylation of arenethiols by allylic alcohol with sterically hindered carbon of the allylic moiety is smoothly catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2/TPPTS in biphasic water/hexane media under ambient conditions. The catalyst water layer can be repeatedly reused without catalytic activity loss.
Two Characteristic H-bonded O–H Stretching Bands for the Compounds Containing Ether Oxygen and Hydroxyl Oxygen
Authors: Ohno Keiichi , Takao Hiroshi , Masuda Takashi , Katsumoto Yukiteru
Published: January 2005

The two characteristic H-bonded OH stretching bands of α-monoalkyl-ω-hydroxyorigo(oxyethylene)s, (CnEm), have been observed at about 3460 and 3330 cm−1 in the liquid state; the former is due to the localized OH···O hydrogen bonds and the latter, the OH···OH···O hydrogen bonds of chain structures. The two bands were applied to the investigation of the phase transition process from the liquid to the solid for C12E3.
Synthesis of Whisker-like Boron Nitride by a Diamine Thermal Method
Authors: Cai Peijun , Yang Zeheng , Chen Luyang , Shi Liang , Zhao Aiwu , Gu Yunle , Qian Yitai
Published: January 2005

In this paper we described the synthesis of nanocrystalline boron nitride (BN) with whisker-like morphology by the reaction of boron and diamine hydrate at 550 °C for 10 h. Characterizing by XRD, FTIR, XPS, TEM, the composition and morphology of the product were confirmed.
A Novel Ru(II)–DMSO Complex Having Non-coordinating 1-Naphthoylamide Arm: Effects of Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding on Redox Potential of the Ruthenium Center
Authors: Kojima Takahiko , Matsuda Yoshihisa
Published: January 2005

A Ru(II)–chloro-dimethylsulfoxide complex having tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine with 1-naphthoylamide arm at the 6-position of one pyridyl moiety was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, spectroscopic methods, and cyclic voltammetry.