bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tropical ecotoxicity testing with Ceriodaphnia cornuta
Authors: Hong Lan Chi Do , Becker‐Van Slooten Kristin , Tarradellas Joseph
Published: September 2004

The Sai Gon–Dong Nai river system in southern Vietnam is of great social and economic importance yet receives a large amount of industrial, domestic, and agricultural discharges. Toxicity assessment has started to become an issue in Vietnam, and it is important to employ a test system that is appropriate for typical Vietnamese conditions with a species that is representative of the invertebrates living in its aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to develop and to validate an ecotoxicity test with an autochthonous organism. The microcrustacean Ceriodaphnia cornuta (Cladocera) was isolated from the Sai Gon River. A protocol was developed for the culturing of the organisms, and satisfactory results were obtained for long‐term reproduction of C. cornuta. Quality control criteria were established. The toxicity of two relevant pesticides (diazinon and methyl parathion) and two metals (chromium and mercury) to C. cornuta was evaluated and compared to the standard organisms for ecotoxicological testing: Daphnia magna and Vibrio fischeri. Nonlinear regression models were applied to estimate such parameters as EC50. The results of acute toxicity tests showed that C. cornuta was less tolerant than D. magna and V. fischeri to salinity and that C. cornuta was more sensitive than D. magna and V. fischeri to potassium dichromate, diazinon, methyl parathion, and mercury. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 497–504, 2004.
In vitro androgenicity in pulp and paper mill effluents
Authors: Svenson Anders , Allard Ann‐Sofie
Published: September 2004

Pulp and paper mill effluents were examined for in vitro androgenicity using a recombinant yeast‐based androgen receptor assay. Low levels of androgenic effects were detected in extracts of some effluents after activated sludge treatment. Yeast cell growth cell was inhibited in some samples, and this interfered with the androgenic response. Solid‐phase fractionation revealed androgenicity after partial separation of components in the effluents. Comparison of levels in untreated effluent and in effluent treated in an aerated lagoon showed that this treatment had only a marginal effect on androgenicity. An assay of the fractions eluted with increasing concentrations of methanol showed that androgenic compounds were low to moderately lipophilic. In an attempt to identify these compounds, a number of wood‐related compounds (guaiacol, vanillin, β‐sitosterol, betulin, pinosylvin‐O‐methyl ether, and a wood extract enriched in lignans) were examined but were found not to be androgenic. Raw process water was not androgenic, but water from a highly humified lake and process water from the production of pulp from partly decayed wood had low androgenicity. It therefore can be plausibly suggested that the androgens originated in decaying wood. An assay of androgenicity in the bile of juvenile rainbow trout exposed to effluents for 3 weeks showed increased dose‐dependent levels of androgens after enzymatic hydrolysis of hormone conjugates. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 19: 510–517, 2004.
Acute changes of cerebral venous blood flow in growth‐restricted human fetuses in response to uterine contractions
Authors: Li H. , Gudmundsson S. , Olofsson P.
Published: September 2004

Objective

The fetal cerebral venous circulation during acute hypoxic stress provoked by uterine contractions has not been studied previously. The aim of this study was to explore the cerebral venous circulation during an oxytocin challenge test (OCT) in intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) fetuses.

Methods

Doppler recordings of blood flow in the vein of Galen (GV), straight sinus (SS) and transverse sinus (TS) before and during uterine contractions and relaxation were obtained at the same time as electronic fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring in 44 term IUGR fetuses. The OCT was classified as negative (normal FHR) or positive (late FHR decelerations). Non‐parametric statistics were used to test differences between OCT groups.

Results

In OCT‐negative cases (n = 39), de novo pulsations occurred in the GV, and SS flow velocities increased during contractions compared with basal measurements. There were no significant differences in TS flow. Flow recordings were less often obtained from OCT‐positive cases (n = 5), making comparisons with OCT‐negative cases uncertain.

Conclusions

In uncompromised IUGR fetuses an acute cerebral venous hyperperfusion develops in response to uterine contractions. Pulsations in the GV are detected but are unlikely to be an ominous sign in this situation. The more centrally located TS was less discriminating for acute cerebral venous blood flow changes. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of additive interactions on the thermo‐oxidative stabilization of a film grade metallocene LLDPE
Authors: Hoàng Eric M. , Liauw Christopher M. , Allen Norman S. , Fontán Eusebio , Lafuente Pilar
Published: September 2004

The simultaneous effects of a range of additives and associated interactions on melt processing stability, processing discoloration, and long‐term stability of a blown film‐grade metallocene LLDPE (mLLDPE) were investigated by using a two‐level factorial experimental design. The additives investigated were a phenolic antioxidant, a phosphite processing stabilizer, a calcium stearate antacid, a synthetic silica antiblocking agent, and an erucamide slip additive. A multiple extrusion experiment was carried out to assess processing stability. Melt stabilization performance was monitored by melt flow rate (MFR) measurements, and color development was determined using yellowness index (YI) measurements. Long‐term thermal stability was assessed by monitoring the rate of formation of the non‐volatile carbonyl oxidation products using FTIR. Results were quite consistent with the literature. Therefore, the two‐level factorial experimental design proved to be a very useful tool for screening the simultaneous effects of each additive and the possible interactions between additives present in the stabilizer system investigated. J. Vinyl Addit. Technol. 10:149–156, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
On the effect of user mobility and density on the performance of protocols for ad‐hoc mobile networks
Authors: Chatzigiannakis Ioannis , Kaltsa Elena , Nikoletseas Sotiris E.
Published: September 2004

In this paper, we demonstrate the significant impact of (a) the mobility rate and (b) the user density on the performance of routing protocols in ad‐hoc mobile networks. In particular, we study the effect of these parameters on two different approaches for designing routing protocols: (a) the route creation and maintenance approach and (b) the ‘support’ approach that forces few hosts to move, acting as ‘helpers’ for message delivery. We study one representative protocol for each approach, i.e. AODV for the first approach and RUNNERS for the second. We have implemented the two protocols and performed a large scale and detailed simulation study of their performance. The main findings are: the AODV protocol behaves well in networks of high user density and low mobility rate, while its performance drops for sparse networks of highly mobile users. On the other hand, the RUNNERS protocol seems to tolerate well (and in fact benefit from) high mobility rates and low densities. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A unifying look at clustering in mobile ad hoc networks
Authors: Wang Lan , Olariu Stephan
Published: September 2004

In recent years, a significant number of clustering schemes have been proposed in the literature. Most of them treat cluster initialization and cluster maintenance differently as if they were two entirely different undertakings. The main contribution of this work is a unifying way of looking at clustering in MANET. We make an important point: there is no difference between cluster initialization and cluster maintenance, and one algorithm should gracefully blend into the other. To illustrate the feasibility of this concept, we propose a novel tree‐based clustering algorithm for MANET based on a number of properties of diameter‐2 graphs. The algorithm is cluster‐centric and, unlike the vast majority of algorithms in the literature, works in the presence of node mobility. Extensive simulation results show the effectiveness of our algorithm when compared to other clustering schemes proposed in the recent literature. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trace element categorization of pollution sources in the equator town of Nanyuki, Kenya
Authors: Gatari Michael , Boman Johan , Maina David
Published: September 2004

An air pollution campaign was carried out in the town of Nanyuki at four different sites during July and August 1999. Nanyuki is situated on the equator on the northwestern slope of Mount Kenya at about 1930 m above sea level. The intention of the project was to characterize aerosol elemental compositions in two size fractions, associated with specific natural and anthropogenic activities. A dichotomous impactor was used for sampling and an energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer was used for the analysis. Fourteen elements (Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Br, Rb, Sr and Pb) were analysed in all the samples. The concentration of Pb was highest at a site in the vicinity of open‐air vehicle garages. The four sites recorded high concentrations of fine S, Cl and K. Fine Zn and Br were also measured at all the sites. In the coarse size range, the concentrations of soil‐derived elements (Si, K, Ca and Fe) were dominant. The high concentration of coarse Cl was considered to be due to the contribution of sea salt and that of S to be a contribution of gas to particle conversion of SO2. The two elements S and Cl signified the influence of long‐distance transported aerosols. The comparatively high concentrations of fine Pb and Br signified the high rate of vehicle repairs, which is a major activity close to one of the sites. Generally, soil dust‐derived particles and those from biomass burning dominated the town aerosols. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semiempirical approach for standardless calibration in µ‐XRF spectrometry using capillary lenses
Authors: Padilla R. , Van Espen P. , Abrahantes A. , Janssens K.
Published: September 2004

Quantitative µ‐XRF analysis based on standardless calibration is limited by the lack of information on the shape of the excitation spectrum resulting from using capillary lenses. The measurement of radiation scattered from a sample was used in combination with Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport to estimate the energy spectral distribution of the excitation radiation. Further, a standardless calibration based on the fundamental parameter method implemented in the IAEA‐QXAS software package was carried out and verified for glass and fused ore certified reference materials. The accuracy and repeatability achieved are reported. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health‐endangering behaviours among Japanese college students: a test of psychosocial model of risk‐taking behaviours
Authors: Omori Mika , Ingersoll Gary M.
Published: September 2004

Adolescents’ health‐endangering behaviours receive attention because they are presumed to threaten the health of individuals in either the short or long term. The present study examined the role of psychosocial determinants on adolescents’ health‐endangering behaviours using elements of a biopsychosocial model proposed by Irwin and Millstein (1986). It was hypothesized that egocentrism, self‐esteem, and perceived social environment affect the onset of risk‐taking behaviours, mediating risk perception. Eight hundred and eight Japanese college students completed questionnaires. Results from a structural equation analysis partly supported the hypothesized model. Egocentrism contributes directly to health‐endangering behaviours while influences of self‐esteem and perceived social norms are mediated by risk perception.
Multiple clustered layer solutions for semilinear Neumann problems on a ball
Authors: Ni Wei-Ming , Wei Juncheng , Malchiodi A.
Published: September 2004

We consider the following singularly perturbed Neumann problem

\begin{cases}
ɛ^{2}\mathrm{\Delta }u−u + f(u) = 0\:& \text{in}\:\Omega \text{;} \\
u > 0\:\text{in}\:\Omega \:\text{and}\:\frac{\partial u}{\partial \nu } = 0\:& \text{on}\:\partial \Omega \text{,}
\end{cases}

where

\Omega = B_{1}(0)

is the unit ball in

\mathbb{R}^{n}

,

ɛ > 0

is a small parameter and
f
is superlinear. It is known that this problem has multiple solutions (spikes) concentrating at some points of

\bar \Omega

. In this paper, we prove the existence of radial solutions which concentrate at
N
spheres

\bigcup _{j = 1}^{N}\{|x| = r_{j}^{ɛ}\}

, where

1 > r_{1}^{ɛ} > r_{2}^{ɛ} > ⋯ > r_{N}^{ɛ}

are such that

1−r_{1}^{ɛ} \sim ɛ\mathrm{\log }\frac{1}{ɛ}\text{,}r_{j−1}^{ɛ}−r_{j}^{ɛ} \sim ɛ\mathrm{\log }\frac{1}{ɛ}\text{,}\:j = 2\text{,}…\text{,}N

.

On considère le problème de Neumann singulièrement perturbé suivant

\begin{cases}
ɛ^{2}\mathrm{\Delta }u−u + f(u) = 0\:&\text{dans}\:\Omega \text{;} \\
u > 0\:\text{dans}\:\Omega \:\text{et}\:\frac{\partial u}{\partial \nu } = 0\:&\text{sur}\:\partial \Omega \text{,}
\end{cases}

où

\Omega = B_{1}(0)

est la boule unité de

\mathbb{R}^{n}

,

ɛ > 0

est un paramètre petit et
f
est surlinéaire. Il est bien connu que ce problème possède plusieurs solutions se concentrant en certains points de

\bar \Omega

. Dans cet article nous prouvons l'existence de solutions radiales qui se concentrent en
N
sphères

\bigcup _{j = 1}^{N}\{|x| = r_{j}^{ɛ}\}

, où

1 > r_{1}^{ɛ} > r_{2}^{ɛ} > ⋯ > r_{N}^{ɛ}

sont tels que

1−r_{1}^{ɛ} \sim ɛ\mathrm{\log }\frac{1}{ɛ}\text{,}r_{j−1}^{ɛ}−r_{j}^{ɛ} \sim ɛ\mathrm{\log }\frac{1}{ɛ}\text{,}\:j = 2\text{,}…\text{,}N

.
Ca2+‐dependent interaction of BAPTA with phospholipids
Authors: Rousset M. , Cens T. , Vanmau N. , Charnet P.
Published: September 2004

Starting from a comparative study of different Ca2+ chelators on the G‐protein‐induced inhibition of the CaV2.1 Ca channels, we demonstrate that BAPTA and DM‐nitrophen are able to interact, in a Ca2+‐ and lipid‐dependent manner, with phospholipid monolayers. Critical insertion pressure and sensitivity to charged lipids indicated that insertion in the lipid film may occur in biological membranes as those found on Xenopus oocytes. This novel property is not found for EGTA and EDTA and may participate to the unusual ability of BAPTA‐related molecules to chelate Ca2+ ions in the very close vicinity of the plasma membrane, where most of the Ca2+‐dependent signalling triggered by voltage‐gated Ca2+ currents occurs.
Cyclopiazonic acid reduces the coupling factor of the Ca2+‐ATPase acting on Ca2+ binding
Authors: Martı́nez-Azorı́n Francisco
Published: September 2004

The mycotoxin cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is a potent inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase. The compound decreases the affinity of the Ca2+‐ATPase for Ca2+ and reduces the maximum specific activity of the enzyme. Furthermore, CPA abolishes the cooperativity of Ca2+ transport, showing a Ca2+/ATP ratio ∼1 at any extent of Ca2+ saturation. There is also an effect on the Ca2+‐binding mechanism, where the addition of CPA results in binding of only half‐maximal amount of Ca2+ observed in its absence. The experimental data suggest that in the presence of CPA, only a single Ca2+ ion binds to the Ca2+‐ATPase.
Predation by herring (Clupea harengus) and sprat (Sprattus sprattus) on Cercopagis pengoi in a western Baltic Sea bay
Authors: Gorokhova Elena , Fagerberg Towe , Hansson Sture
Published: September 2004

Cercopagis pengoi is a pelagic cladoceran that has recently colonized the Baltic Sea and the Laurentian Great Lakes and is recognized as a species with the potential to affect natural foodwebs. To study the consumption of C. pengoi by zooplanktivorous fish, stomach contents of herring (size range 52–252 mm) and sprat (57–116 mm) from a coastal area of the northern Baltic proper were examined in parallel with zooplankton samples. The overall proportion of fish preying on C. pengoi was high both for sprat (70%) and for herring (61%), and it accounted for 8 ± 23% and 20 ± 33% of prey dry weight in the diets. The predation on Cercopagis depends on its abundance and on fish size; herring showed a tendency to become more selective for Cercopagis with increasing size. The majority of diapause eggs found in sprat (69%) were immature and appeared digested, while this was the case only for 2% of the eggs found in herring. These results suggest that Cercopagis has become a significant component in the diet of zooplanktivorous fish and, therefore, its abundance may be controlled by fish predation.
A question of balance: a proposal for new mouse models of autism
Authors: Murcia Crystal L. , Gulden Forrest , Herrup Karl
Published: September 2004

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a major mental health problem with estimates of prevalence ranging from 1/500 to 1/2000. While generally recognized as developmental in origin, little to nothing is certain about its etiology. Currently, diagnosis is made on the basis of a variety of early developmental delays and/or regressions in behavior. There are no universally agreed upon changes in brain structure or cell composition. No biomarkers of any type are available to aid or confirm the clinical diagnosis. In addition, while estimates of the heritability of the condition range from 60 to 90%, as of this writing no disease gene has been unequivocally identified. The prevalence of autism is three‐ to four‐fold higher in males than in females, but the reason for this sexual dimorphism is unknown. In light of all of these ambiguities, a proposal to discuss potential animal models may seem the heart of madness. However, parsing autism into its individual genetic, behavioral, and neurobiological components has already facilitated a ‘conversation’ between the human disease and the neuropathology and biochemistry underlying the disorder. Building on these results, it should be possible to not just replicate one aspect of autism but to connect the developmental abnormalities underlying the ultimate behavioral phenotype. A reciprocal conversation such as this, wherein the human disease informs on how to make a better animal model and the animal model teaches of the biology causal to autism, would be highly beneficial.
Self‐Protection against Aminoglycoside Ototoxicity in Guinea Pigs
Authors: De Oliveira J. A. A. , Canedo D. M. , Rossato M. , De Andrade M. H.
Published: September 2004

BACKGROUND

Amikacin is a semisynthetic aminoglycoside. It acts against most of the microbial species. Amikacin limitation of the therapeutic application is the ototoxicity which promotes permanent lesions in the cochlear system. Aminoglycoside antibiotics have ototoxic potential. The target cells are preferentially the outer hair cells in the cochlear basal turns. Amynoglicoside antibiotics can quelate iron forming a complex with oxidate properties and promotes the formation of free radicals. Responsible for production of lesions in the hair cells.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present investigation was to determine whether the use of the aminoglycoside amikacin at small doses may lead to the occurrence of some types of resistance to or protection against ototoxicity of the drug by analyzing lesions to the organ of Corti by scanning electron microscopy.

METHODS

The study was conducted on 31 guinea pigs that were divided into 4 groups, amikacin was administered intramuscularly. The groups consisted of: group A = control group: 5 animals (10 cochleae); group B = 5 animals (10 cochleae), amikacin 20 mg/kg/day for 30 days; group c = 7 animals (13 cochleae), amikacin 400 mg/kg/day for 12 days; group d = 14 animals (26 cochleae) amikacin 20 mg/kg/day for 30 days, followed by 400 mg/kg/day for 12 days. Histological studies were performed by scanning electron microscopy. Three cochleae were excluded.

RESULTS

In groups A and B, the cells were normal in all cochleae, in group C there were extensive lesions of the 2 more basal turns, and in group D there was a significant reduction of lesions in the 2 more basal turns compared with group C, which had received the ototoxic dose of amikacin alone.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the non‐ototoxic dose of amikacin administered before the ototoxic dose of the same antibiotic had a statistically significant protective effect on the 2 more basal turns of the guinea pig cochlea.
Effect of Tissue Ultrafiltration on Skin Flap Survival
Authors: Odland Rick M. , Rheuark Daryl , Ispirescu Scott , Kizziar Ron
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVE

Tissue ultrafiltration (TUF) is a method of reducing tissue edema by removal of interstitial fluid. Considering the deleterious effects of edema on microcirculation and tissue viability, the effect of TUF on skin flap survival was tested.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Survival of modified McFarlane skin flaps was determined in 40 Sprague‐Dawley rats. In 20 treated animals, four 5‐cm ultrafiltration catheters were placed in the subdermal plane of the distal flap 24 hours after flap elevation and connected to a down‐regulated vacuum manifold for 8 hours. No catheters were placed in the control group.

RESULTS

Skin flap survival was improved in the experimental group (87.2 ± 1.6) over the control group (76.7 ± 2.2).

DISCUSSION

TUF effectively improved skin flap survival. These results provide evidence of the causal effect of edema on tissue viability. The relative ease of use of TUF would allow cost‐effective clinical application of this technique.
Allergy Symptom Response to Intradermal Testing‐Based Immunotherapy: A Retrospective Study of Clinical Practice
Authors: Rouse David , Park Debra L. , Sanford Thomas
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the multiple end‐organ targets affected by intradermal testing (IDT)‐based immunotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a retrospective medical record review of 139 patients, as well as a follow‐up questionnaire in a university setting.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences (t‐tests, P < 0.05) were observed in the prevalence of symptoms after IDT‐based immunotherapy for each category (ear, eye, nasal, and throat). When divided into treatment time groups, the reduction was less in the first group (0–6 months therapy), than the subsequent groups (6–24 months and >24 months). The reduction leveled off after 6 months of therapy, with no difference seen between the 6‐ to 24‐month and >24‐month groups.

CONCLUSIONS

IDT‐based immunotherapy has a broad response on otolaryngic allergy symptoms that appears to be consistent over time.

SIGNIFICANCE

IDT‐based immunotherapy is an effective form of treatment for allergy‐induced diseases of the head and neck.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Prick and Intradermal Testing in Predicting Response to Nasal Provocation with Timothy Grass Antigen
Authors: Krouse John H. , Sadrazodi Kamran , Kerswill Kristy
Published: September 2004

OBJECTIVE

Examine the efficacy of epicutaneous and intradermal testing in predicting response to nasal provocation with timothy antigen.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective study. Subjects were tested with Multi‐Test II (MT). Subjects with negative wheals were tested with a 1:500 intradermal injection of timothy. They had baseline assessment of nasal cross‐sectional area (CSA) using acoustic rhinometry and underwent nasal provocation with increasing timothy concentrations. CSA was assessed and nasal visual analog scale (VAS) completed with each concentration.

RESULTS

Sensitivity and specificity of MT in predicting nasal response to provocation were 87% and 86%. Intradermal testing increased sensitivity to 93%. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) demonstrated that subjects positive to skin testing had significant reductions in CSA and worsening VAS scores with increasing concentrations of nasally delivered antigen.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Epicutaneous testing with the Multi‐Test II offers 87% sensitivity and 86% specificity in assessing timothy grass reactivity.
Evidence for Holocene megafloods down the tsangpo River gorge, Southeastern Tibet
Authors: Montgomery David R. , Hallet Bernard , Yuping Liu , Finnegan Noah , Anders Alison , Gillespie Alan , Greenberg Harvey M.
Published: September 2004

Lacustrine and alluvial terraces and sediments record the extent of at least two Holocene glacially dammed lakes immediately upstream of the Tsangpo River gorge at the eastern syntaxis of the Himalaya. The larger lake covered 2835 km2, with a maximum depth of 680 m and contained an estimated 832 km3 of water; the smaller lake contained an estimated 80 km3 of water. Radiocarbon dating of wood and charcoal yielded conventional radiocarbon ages of 8860 ± 40 and 9870 ± 50 14C yr B.P. for the higher set of lake terraces, and 1220 ± 40 and 1660 ± 40 14C yr B.P. for sediments from the lower terraces. Catastrophic failure of the glacial dams that impounded the lakes would have released outburst floods down the gorge of the Tsangpo River with estimated peak discharges of up to 1 to 5 X 106 m3 s–1. The erosive potential represented by the unit stream power calculated for the head of the gorge during such a catastrophic lake breakout indicates that post-glacial megafloods down the Tsangpo River were likely among the most erosive events in recent Earth history.
Reduction of global warming potential contribution from a rice field by irrigation, organic matter, and fertilizer management
Authors: Yu Kewei , Chen Guanxiong , Patrick William H.
Published: September 2004

The major objective of this study is to find a feasible management practice to mitigate the cumulative global warming potential (GWP) from CH4and N2O emission in an irrigated rice field. Nonflooding (but wet) conditions reduced CH4emission by 79 and 71% from the fields with and without organic matter (OM) addition, respectively. This was mainly due to the desirable soil redox status in the nonflooded fields with less CH4production and more CH4oxidation when CH4diffused up the soil profile. Increase in N2O emission from the nonflooded fields offset part of the reduction in CH4emission, especially when OM was not added. Thus the nonflooding treatment reduced the cumulative GWP by 72% in the OM‐added field but only 46% in the field without OM addition. Under flooding conditions, no OM addition reduced CH4emission by 57%, but rice yield was decreased by 16% in comparison with the OM‐added fields. The best management practice proposed from this study is to keep the fields nonflooded but wet with OM addition, which largely reduced the GWP from the fields with no decrease in rice yield.
A statistical model for the seismicity rate of fluid‐injection‐induced earthquakes
Authors: Parotidis M. , Shapiro S. A.
Published: September 2004

We present a model for explaining the seismicity rate of fluid‐injection‐induced earthquakes. It is assumed that pore‐pressure diffusion is the main triggering mechanism, and that the criticality of the medium is randomly distributed. Based on these and other poroelastic and stochastic assumptions, we derive equations for the induced seismicity rate during and after fluid injection. On this basis, a method is proposed for estimating hydraulic diffusivity using only the observed seismicity rate and an estimate of the activated seismogenic volume. This approach differs from previous methods in that an accurate hypocentral parameter catalog is not required. Numerical investigation of the proposed method indicates that it is relatively robust with respect to the activated seismogenic volume dimension estimate. Application of the technique to two Hot Dry Rock experiments, Fenton Hill and Soultz, produces diffusivity values that are consistent with independent estimates from prior investigations.
Extremely high speed solar wind: 29–30 October 2003
Authors: Skoug R. M. , Gosling J. T. , Steinberg J. T. , McComas D. J. , Smith C. W. , Ness N. F. , Hu Q. , Burlaga L. F.
Published: September 2004

On 29–30 October 2003 the Solar Wind Electron Proton Alpha Monitor (SWEPAM) instrument on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft measured solar wind speeds in excess of 1850 km/s, some of the highest speeds ever directly measured in the solar wind. These speeds were observed following two large coronal mass ejection (CME) driven shocks. Surprisingly, despite the unusually high speeds, many of the other solar wind parameters were not particularly unusual in comparison with other large transient events. The magnetic field reached −68 nT, a large but not unprecedented value. The proton temperatures were significantly higher than typical for a CME in the solar wind at 1 AU (>107 K), but the proton densities were moderate, leading to low to moderate proton beta. The solar wind dynamic pressure was not unusual for large events but, when coupled with the large negative Bz, was sufficient to cause intense geomagnetic disturbances.
Iron-oxo clusters biomineralizing on protein surfaces: Structural analysis of
Halobacterium salinarum
DpsA in its low- and high-iron states
Authors: Zeth Kornelius , Offermann Stefanie , Essen Lars-Oliver , Oesterhelt Dieter
Published: September 2004

The crystal structure of the Dps-like (Dps, DNA-protecting protein during starvation) ferritin protein DpsA from the halophile
Halobacterium salinarum
was determined with low endogenous iron content at 1.6-Å resolution. The mechanism of iron uptake and storage was analyzed in this noncanonical ferritin by three high-resolution structures at successively increasing iron contents. In the high-iron state of the DpsA protein, up to 110 iron atoms were localized in the dodecameric protein complex. For ultimate iron storage, the archaeal ferritin shell comprises iron-binding sites for iron translocation, oxidation, and nucleation. Initial iron–protein interactions occur through acidic residues exposed along the outer surface in proximity to the iron entry pore. This narrow pore permits translocation of ions toward the ferroxidase centers via two discrete steps. Iron oxidation proceeds by transient formation of tri-iron ferroxidase centers. Iron storage by biomineralization inside the ferritin shell occurs at two iron nucleation centers. Here, a single iron atom provides a structural seed for iron-oxide cluster formation. The clusters with up to five iron atoms adopt a geometry that is different from natural biominerals like magnetite but resembles iron clusters so far known only from bioinorganic model compounds.
Dermatitis due to epiregulin deficiency and a critical role of epiregulin in immune-related responses of keratinocyte and macrophage
Authors: Shirasawa Senji , Sugiyama Shigeru , Baba Iwai , Inokuchi Junichi , Sekine Sayaka , Ogino Keiko , Kawamura Yuki , Dohi Taeko , Fujimoto Manabu , Sasazuki Takehiko
Published: September 2004

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) family members, including epiregulin (EP), play a fundamental role in epithelial tissues; however, their roles in immune responses and the physiological role of EP remain to be elucidated. The skin has a versatile system of immune surveillance. Biologically active IL-1α is released to extracellular space upon damage from keratinocytes and is a major player in skin inflammation. Here, we show thatEPis expressed not only in keratinocytes but also in tissue-resident macrophages, and thatEP-deficient (EP–/–) mice develop chronic dermatitis. Wound healing in the skin inEP–/–mice was not impairedin vivo, nor was the growth rate of keratinocytes fromEP–/–mice different from that of WT micein vitro. Of interest is that in WT keratinocytes, both IL-1α and the secreted form of EP induced down-regulation ofIL-18mRNA expression, which overexpression in the epidermis was reported to induce skin inflammation in mice, whereas the down-regulation ofIL-18induced by IL-1α was impaired inEP–/–keratinocytes. Although bone marrow transfer experiments indicated that EP deficiency in non-bone-marrow-derived cells is essential for the development of dermatitis, production of proinflammatory cytokines byEP–/–macrophages in response to Toll-like receptor agonists was much lower, compared with WT macrophages, whose dysfunction inEP–/–macrophages was not compensated by the addition of the secreted form of EP. These findings, taken together, suggested that EP plays a critical role in immune/inflammatory-related responses of keratinocytes and macrophages at the barrier from the outside milieu and that the secreted and membrane-bound forms of EP have distinct functions.
AIPL1, the protein that is defective in Leber congenital amaurosis, is essential for the biosynthesis of retinal rod cGMP phosphodiesterase
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Bulgakov Oleg V. , Wen Xiao-Hong , Woodruff Michael L. , Pawlyk Basil , Yang Jun , Fain Gordon L. , Sandberg Michael A. , Makino Clint L. , Li Tiansen
Published: September 2004

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein-like 1 (AIPL1) is a member of the FK-506-binding protein family expressed specifically in retinal photoreceptors. Mutations in AIPL1 cause Leber congenital amaurosis, a severe early-onset retinopathy that leads to visual impairment in infants. Here we show that knockdown of AIPL1 expression in mice also produces a retinopathy but over a more extended time course. Before any noticeable pathology, there was a reduction in the level of rod cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) proportional to the decrease in AIPL1 expression, whereas other photoreceptor proteins were unaffected. Consistent with less PDE in rods, flash responses had a delayed onset, a reduced gain, and a slower recovery of flash responses. We suggest that AIPL1 is a specialized chaperone required for rod PDE biosynthesis. Thus loss of AIPL1 would result in a condition that phenocopies retinal degenerations in the rd mouse and in a subgroup of human patients.
Morphological homoplasy, life history evolution, and historical biogeography of plethodontid salamanders inferred from complete mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Mueller Rachel Lockridge , Macey J. Robert , Jaekel Martin , Wake David B. , Boore Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2004

The evolutionary history of the largest salamander family (Plethodontidae) is characterized by extreme morphological homoplasy. Analysis of the mechanisms generating such homoplasy requires an independent molecular phylogeny. To this end, we sequenced 24 complete mitochondrial genomes (22 plethodontids and two outgroup taxa), added data for three species from GenBank, and performed partitioned and unpartitioned Bayesian, maximum likelihood, and maximum parsimony phylogenetic analyses. We explored four dataset partitioning strategies to account for evolutionary process heterogeneity among genes and codon positions, all of which yielded increased model likelihoods and decreased numbers of supported nodes in the topologies (Bayesian posterior probability >0.95) relative to the unpartitioned analysis. Our phylogenetic analyses yielded congruent trees that contrast with the traditional morphology-based taxonomy; the monophyly of three of four major groups is rejected. Reanalysis of current hypotheses in light of these evolutionary relationships suggests that (i) a larval life history stage reevolved from a direct-developing ancestor multiple times; (ii) there is no phylogenetic support for the “Out of Appalachia” hypothesis of plethodontid origins; and (iii) novel scenarios must be reconstructed for the convergent evolution of projectile tongues, reduction in toe number, and specialization for defensive tail loss. Some of these scenarios imply morphological transformation series that proceed in the opposite direction than was previously thought. In addition, they suggest surprising evolutionary lability in traits previously interpreted to be conservative.
Induction of
WT1
(Wilms' tumor gene)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes by WT1 peptide vaccine and the resultant cancer regression
Authors: Oka Yoshihiro , Tsuboi Akihiro , Taguchi Tetsuya , Osaki Tadashi , Kyo Taiichi , Nakajima Hiroko , Elisseeva Olga A. , Oji Yusuke , Kawakami Manabu , Ikegame Kazuhiro , Hosen Naoki , Yoshihara Satoshi , Wu Fei , Fujiki Fumihiro , Murakami Masaki , Masuda Tomoki , Nishida Sumiyuki , Shirakata Toshiaki , Nakatsuka Shin-ichi , Sasaki Ayako , Udaka Keiko , Dohy Hiroo , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Noguchi Shinzaburo , Kawase Ichiro , Sugiyama Haruo
Published: September 2004

The Wilms' tumor gene
WT1
is overexpressed in leukemias and various types of solid tumors, and the WT1 protein was demonstrated to be an attractive target antigen for immunotherapy against these malignancies. Here, we report the outcome of a phase I clinical study of WT1 peptide-based immunotherapy for patients with breast or lung cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome, or acute myeloid leukemia. Patients were intradermally injected with an HLA-A*2402-restricted, natural, or modified 9-mer WT1 peptide emulsified with Montanide ISA51 adjuvant at 0.3, 1.0, or 3.0 mg per body at 2-week intervals, with toxicity and clinical and immunological responses as the principal endpoints. Twenty-six patients received one or more WT1 vaccinations, and 18 of the 26 patients completed WT1 vaccination protocol with three or more injections of WT1 peptides. Toxicity consisted only of local erythema at the WT1 vaccine injection sites in patients with breast or lung cancer or acute myeloid leukemia with adequate normal hematopoiesis, whereas severe leukocytopenia occurred in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome with abnormal hematopoiesis derived from WT1-expressing, transformed hematopoietic stem cells. Twelve of the 20 patients for whom the efficacy of WT1 vaccination could be assessed showed clinical responses such as reduction in leukemic blast cells or tumor sizes and/or tumor markers. A clear correlation was observed between an increase in the frequencies of WT1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes after WT1 vaccination and clinical responses. It was therefore demonstrated that WT1 vaccination could induce WT1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and result in cancer regression without damage to normal tissues.
Heregulin ameliorates the dystrophic phenotype in
mdx
mice
Authors: Krag Thomas O. B. , Bogdanovich Sasha , Jensen Claus J. , Fischer M. Dominik , Hansen-Schwartz Jacob , Javazon Elisabeth H. , Flake Alan W. , Edvinsson Lars , Khurana Tejvir S.
Published: September 2004

Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal neuromuscular disease caused by absence of dystrophin. Utrophin is a chromosome 6-encoded dystrophin-related protein (DRP), sharing functional motifs with dystrophin. Utrophin's ability to compensate for dystrophin during development and when transgenically overexpressed has provided an important impetus for identifying activators of utrophin expression. The utrophin promoter A is transcriptionally regulated in part by heregulin-mediated, extracellular signal-related kinase-dependent activation of the GABP
α/β
transcription factor complex. Therefore, this pathway offers a potential mechanism to modulate utrophin expression in muscle. We tested the ability of heregulin to improve the dystrophic phenotype in the
mdx
mouse model of DMD. Intraperitoneal injections of a small peptide encoding the epidermal growth factor-like region of heregulin ectodomain for 3 months
in vivo
resulted in up-regulation of utrophin, a marked improvement in the mechanical properties of muscle as evidenced by resistance to eccentric contraction mediated damage, and a reduction of muscle pathology. The amelioration of dystrophic phenotype by heregulin-mediated utrophin up-regulation offers a pharmacological therapeutic modality and obviates many of the toxicity and delivery issues associated with viral vector-based gene therapy for DMD.
Assessment of library services as a support system in the Institutes of Health Sciences (IHS) in Botswana
Authors: Fidzani B.T. , Oladokun O.S.
Published: September 2004

A study was undertaken to assess the state of libraries in Institutes of Health Sciences in Botswana. The objectives of the study were to assess the state of the collections and services and examine how well or otherwise the libraries provide good educational complements to classroom‐based student learning and to lecturers’ research. Based on the eight areas used to determine standards in college libraries, the study revealed that college library standards were not met in Institute of Health Science libraries. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the University of Botswana, to which the Institutes of Health Sciences are affiliated, should work together to facilitate improvement on library collection, library services, staffing, and library facilities.
To buy or to borrow? Circulating libraries and novel reading in Britain, 1778‐1828
Authors: Skelton‐Foord Christopher
Published: September 2004

What access did readers have to fiction in Britain during the Romantic period? To what extent might the fiction market have been segmented into readers who borrowed their novels from libraries ‐ sometimes stealing or failing to return them ‐ and those who bought them new or second‐hand at bookshops? Many circulating‐library proprietors would also serve the novel‐reading population in their capacity as professional booksellers. As librarians, they would promote the value‐for‐money aspect of renting fiction to readers of limited means; as booksellers, they enabled readers to purchase their particular favourites among their bookstocks as well. Purchasing a book, though, did not equate with genuinely wishing and intending to read it. Failing to return a circulating‐library novel, or stealing one, may have been a stronger indication that a title was indeed being selected to be read ‐ and then being retained to be re‐read.
Preparing an enterprise for ISO 9000 certification
Authors: Dumke de Medeiros Denise
Published: September 2004

Identifies the basic components of a formal quality system. Uses research into 100 companies to assess how well they address each of these components and creates a resulting typology of companies, according to the way in which they organise their quality systems. This simple analysis can be used as a basic model by an enterprise which wishes to implement a process leading to formal quality certification such as ISO 9000.
Home‐work
Authors: Bateman Lynn
Published: September 2004

Home‐based working is at last moving into the mainstream. Advances in technology – in both capacity and price – mean it is now a practical proposition for a number of workers. Argues that a sales team offers obvious potential candidates for homeworking but points out issues that need to be addressed, especially by the team leader/sales manager if communication and motivation are to remain high. If such issues are not addressed, team productivity will decrease.
Does the future of military logistics lie in outsourcing and privatization? Accountants – the new gatekeepers of war‐time operations
Authors: Cardinali Richard
Published: September 2004

An old, often‐paraphrased adage (generally attributed to Georges Clemenceau) suggests that “war is too important to be left to the generals”. Similarly, military privatization/outsourcing is too important to be left to civilian accountants. The concept brings fear to labor unions and bureaucrats, and is a source of considerable risk. This paper examines potential benefits and potential problems associated with such privatization and outsourcing, alongside the cultural and psychological barriers to its acceptance.
Force‐field analysis on policies affecting working women in Singapore
Authors: Luh Lan Luh , Lee Jean
Published: September 2004

Examines the impact of public policies on the entry of women into the workforce in Singapore, using force‐field analysis to study the counteracting forces created by the mixed policies which can either drive or restrain women from entering the job market. Suggests that although there has been an increase in Singapore’s female workforce participation rate in the last few decades, more measures could be devised to encourage more women to participate in the workforce.
Australia’s Karpin report: new priorities for management development?
Authors: Schaafsma Hank
Published: September 2004

A major report on management development in Australia raises new questions about how it will be implemented. Many factors have been found to contribute to the successful implementation of new policies and programmes. One of the keys to successful programmes of change management development is the involvement of managers in action learning. Uses a content analysis methodology to examine the coherence among the Karpin report’s recommendations and the research evidence to support them. Examines two levers for change ‐ cultural diversity and management learning ‐ as case studies for future management development programmes, using action learning. Suggests that action learning, as a cyclical, management‐development process, could be used to: review their (implicit) models of change; use a problem‐based methodology and check out the types of interventions that are planned for implementation action, and then consider what they learnt from implementing the report’s recommendations. Uses case study data from one industry to develop a model of implementation of a report through action learning.
Intercontinental comparisons in marketing strategy
Authors: Tiu Wright Len
Published: September 2004

This paper about research into marketing strategies has been conducted across different countries, and the perceptions and attitudes of senior managers concerned with marketing have been sought through a planned qualitative research programme of interviews. The focus on marketing spans the intercontinental managerial and cultural dimensions, as the analyses sought to examine and evaluate their supporting managerial inputs and strategic orientations. Comparative perspectives of US and Japanese parent companies with subsidiaries in the UK are presented in the results.
Internet and exporting: determinants of success in virtual export channels
Authors: Morgan‐Thomas Anna , Bridgewater Susan
Published: September 2004

The advent of the Internet has created the possibility for exporters to serve international markets using virtual export channels (VECs). This paper identifies the factors that influence success in using these new channels to export markets. The paper suggests that how well firms use the technology is more important than what they use it for. Investment and commitment to the Internet influence successful implementation. Moreover, firms with an existing export sales capability fare better in using VECs.
Strategic flexibility in export expansion: growing through withdrawal
Authors: Pauwels Peter , Matthyssens Paul
Published: September 2004

This paper investigates export market withdrawal as a possible manifestation of strategic flexibility in the export expansion of the firm. A focus on strategic flexibility contributes to current export marketing theory, which fails to explain the dynamic character of export expansion as observed in today's markets. The present study reflects on the strategy process of 12 cases of export market withdrawal to reveal the character of strategic flexibility and its generative mechanisms. If strategic flexibility materialises, it results from the generation of a new strategic option at boundary‐spanning middle levels of the organisation, and from political processes through which this alternative option challenges and eventually overtakes the old export strategy.