bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and function of the adaptor protein Gads in murine B cells
Authors: Yankee Thomas M. , Draves Kevin E. , Clark Edward A.
Published: March 2005

Nearly all hematopoietic receptors are dependent on adaptor proteins for the activation of downstream signaling pathways. The Gads adaptor protein is expressed in many hematopoietic tissues, including bone marrow, lymph node, and spleen. Using intracellular staining, we detected Gads protein in a number cells, including B cells, T cells, NK cells, monocytes, and plasmacytoid DC, but not in macrophages, neutrophils, or monocyte‐derived DC. In the B cell compartment, Gads was first expressed after immature B cells leave the bone marrow and was down‐regulated after B cell antigen receptor (BCR) ligation. Female Gads–/– mice had increased numbers of splenic B cells, as compared to female Gads+/+ mice, suggesting a role for Gads in B cell homeostasis. Although B cell production and turnover of splenic B cell subsets appeared normal in Gads–/– mice, homeostatic proliferation was significantly impaired in Gads–/– B cells. Whereas BCR ligation can induce apoptosis in wild‐type transitional stage 1 (T1) B cells, Gads–/– T1 B cells were resistant to BCR‐induced apoptosis. Gads–/– B cells also showed increased BCR‐mediated calcium mobilization. We conclude that Gads may have a negative regulatory role in signaling through survival pathways, and is necessary for normal homeostatic proliferation in B cells.
Entrepreneurial activity in nonprofit institutions: A portrait of continuing education
Authors: Pusser Brian , Gansneder Bruce M. , Gallaway Ned , Pope Nakia S.
Published: March 2005

Data from a national study suggest that continuing education programs demonstrate considerable entrepreneurial activity.
Entrepreneurial organization at the academic core: The case of summer sessions
Authors: Doane Dudley J. , Pusser Brian
Published: March 2005

Summer sessions, as self‐sufficient, revenue‐generating organizations, offer a model of entrepreneurial activity that remains close to the academic core of colleges and universities.
The unspoken is being undone: The market's impact on higher education's public purpose
Authors: Couturier Lara K.
Published: March 2005

Competition is eroding the compact between higher education and the public, pushing higher education toward institutional self‐interest and away from serving public needs.
Entrapment ability and release profile of corticosteroids from starch‐based microparticles
Authors: Silva G. A. , Costa F. J. , Neves N. M. , Coutinho O. P. , Dias A. C. P. , Reis R. L.
Published: March 2005

We previously described the synthesis of starch‐based microparticles that were shown to be bioactive (when combined with Bioactive Glass 45S5) and noncytotoxic. To further assess their potential for biomedical applications such as controlled release, three corticosteroids with a similar basic structure—dexamethasone (DEX), 16α‐methylprednisonole (MP), and 16α‐methylprednisolone acetate (MPA)—were used as models for the entrapment and release of bioactive agents. DEX, MP, and MPA were entrapped into starch‐based microparticles at 10% wt/wt of the starch‐based polymer and the loading efficiencies, as well as the release profiles, were evaluated. Differences were found for the loading efficiencies of the three corticosteroids, with DEX and MPA being the most successfully loaded (82 and 84%, respectively), followed by MP (51%). These differences might be explained based on the differential distribution of the molecules within the matrix of the microparticles. Furthermore, a differential burst release was observed in the first 24 h for all corticosteroids with DEX and MP being more pronounced (around 25%), whereas only 12% of MPA was released during the same time period. Whereas the water uptake profile can account for this first stage burst release, the subsequent slower release stage was mainly attributed to degradation of the microparticle network. Differences in the release profiles can be explained based on the structure of the molecule, because MPA, a more bulky and hydrophobic molecule, is released at a slower rate compared with DEX and MP. In this work, it is shown that these carriers were able to sustain a controlled release of the entrapped corticosteroids over 30 days, which confirms the potential of these systems to be used as carriers for the delivery of bioactive agents. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 73A: 234–243, 2005
The natural neighbour Petrov–Galerkin method for elasto‐statics
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhou Shenjie , Shan Guojun
Published: March 2005

In this paper, an efficient and accurate meshless natural neighbour Petrov–Galerkin method (NNPG) is proposed to solve elasto‐static problems in two‐dimensional space. This method is derived from the generalized meshless local Petrov–Galerkin method (MLPG) as a special case. In the NNPG, the local supported trial functions are constructed based on the non‐Sibsonian interpolation and test functions are taken as the three‐node triangular FEM shape functions. The local weak forms of the equilibrium equation and the boundary conditions are satisfied in local polygonal sub‐domains. These sub‐domains are constructed with Delaunay tessellations and domain integrals are evaluated over included Delaunay triangles by using Gaussian quadrature scheme. As this method combines the advantages of natural neighbour interpolation with Petrov–Galerkin method together, no stiffness matrix assembly is required and no special treatment is needed to impose the essential boundary conditions. Several numerical examples are presented and the results show the presented method is easy to implement and very accurate for these problems. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of poly{[α‐maleic anhydride‐ω‐methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol)]‐co‐(ethyl cyanoacrylate)} copolymer nanoparticles
Authors: Deng Liandong , Yao Chunmei , Li Aigui , Dong Anjie
Published: March 2005

Poly{[α‐maleic anhydride‐ω‐methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol)]‐co‐(ethyl cyanoacrylate)} (PEGECA) copolymers were prepared by radical polymerization of macromolecular poly(ethylene glycol) monomers (PEGylated) and ethyl 2‐cyanoacrylate in solvent. The structures of the copolymer were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR). The morphology and size of the PEGECA nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation techniques were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) methods. The results show that the PEGECA can self‐assemble into highly stable nanoparticles in aqueous media, and inner core and outer shell morphology. The size of the nanoparticles was strongly influenced by the solvent character and the copolymer concentration in the organic solvents. A hydrophobic drug, ibuprofen, was effectively incorporated into the nanoparticles, which provides a delivery system for ibuprofen and other hydrophobic compounds. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Processing of CFTR: Traversing the cellular maze—How much CFTR needs to go through to avoid cystic fibrosis?
Authors: Amaral Margarida D.
Published: March 2005

Biosynthesis of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), like other proteins aimed at the cell surface, involves transport through a series of membranous compartments, the first of which is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where CFTR encounters the appropriate environment for folding, oligomerization, maturation, and export from the ER. After exiting the ER, CFTR has to traffic through complex pathways until it reaches the cell surface. Although not yet fully understood, the fine details of these pathways are starting to emerge, partially through identification of an increasing number of CFTR‐interacting proteins (CIPs) and the clarification of their roles in CFTR trafficking and function. These aspects of CFTR biogenesis/degradation and by membrane traffic and CIPs are discussed in this review. Following this description of complex pathways and multiple checkpoints to which CFTR is subjected in the cell, the basic question remains of how much CFTR has to overcome these barriers and be functionally expressed at the plasma membrane to avoid CF. This question is also discussed here. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in extracellular dopamine during cocaine self‐administration in squirrel monkeys
Authors: Kimmel Heather L. , Ginsburg Brett C. , Howell Leonard L.
Published: March 2005

Environmental cues are thought to play a role in drug craving, leading to the high relapse rate observed in cocaine abusers. Cocaine‐paired cues can reinstate cocaine‐maintained behavior in rodents and nonhuman primates and can induce changes in dopamine levels in the rodent striatum. In the present study, squirrel monkeys were trained to self‐administer cocaine under a second‐order schedule, and then were implanted with guide cannulae targeted at the caudate nucleus. Caudate dopamine levels were measured while the animals performed the behavioral task, self‐administering cocaine or saline under extinction conditions. In addition, animals received noncontingent (passive) cocaine infusions yoked to the drug self‐administration sessions. Cocaine administration increased dopamine levels 2‐fold, but a leftward shift was seen in the peak effect in animals self‐administering cocaine as compared to animals passively receiving cocaine. Moreover, dopamine levels began to decline during the experimental session when animals were self‐administering cocaine, even though they continued to receive cocaine injections. In contrast, dopamine levels declined below baseline during the session when animals were given access to saline. The results suggest that the environmental context associated with drug self‐administration can modulate cocaine‐induced elevations in extracellular dopamine. Synapse 56:129–134, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors associated with homelessness of adolescents under supervision of the youth protection system
Authors: Robert Marie , Pauzé Robert , Fournier Louise
Published: March 2005

There are two factors that limit our knowledge of the risk factors associated with homelessness among runaway adolescents, namely (1) the samples used are often composed of youth homeless service users and/or youths living on the streets (visible homelessness), whereas most adolescents in fact use “private” resources (hidden homelessness), and (2) failure to use an adequate control group to identify risk factors associated specifically with homelessness. Our study compares the characteristics of two groups of youths under the supervision of the youth protection system, according to the presence or absence of periods of homelessness. The results throw light on the factors underlying the shift from “at risk” to “homeless”, showing that youths with experience of homelessness are more likely to have been placed in substitute home environments, have experienced significant relationship difficulties with one of their parents (deterioration of the parent/youth relationship and parental abuse) and to have been diagnosed with behavioural disorders. The findings suggest that the decision to place young people under supervision is based more on the dynamic between risk factors rather than on the existence of behavioural problems.
Actin microridges characterized by laser scanning confocal and atomic force microscopy
Authors: Sharma Amita , Anderson Kurt I. , Müller Daniel J.
Published: March 2005

We have characterized the cell surface of zebrafish stratified epithelium using a combined approach of light and atomic force microscopy under conditions which simulate wound healing. Microridges rise on average 100 nm above the surface of living epithelial cells, which correlate to bundles of cytochalasin B‐insensitive actin filaments. Time‐lapse microscopy revealed the bundles to form a highly dynamic network on the cell surface, in which bundles and junctions were severed and annealed on a time scale of minutes. Atomic force microscopy topographs further indicated that actin bundle junctions identified were of two types: overlaps and integrated end to side T‐ and Y‐junctions. The surface bundle network is found only on the topmost cell layer of the explant, and never on individual locomoting cells. Possible functions of these actin bundles include cell compartmentalization of the cell surface, resistance to mechanical stress, and F‐actin storage.
N‐terminal glycine‐specific protein conjugation catalyzed by microbial transglutaminase
Authors: Tanaka Tsutomu , Kamiya Noriho , Nagamune Teruyuki
Published: March 2005

Here, we report the N‐terminal glycine (Gly) residue of a target protein can be a candidate primary amine for site‐specific protein conjugation catalyzed by microbial transglutaminase (MTG) from Streptomyces mobaraensis. Gly5‐enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) (EGFP with five additional Gly residues at its N‐terminus) was cross‐linked with Myc‐dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) (DHFR with the myc epitope sequence at its N‐terminus) to yield DHFR–EGFP heterodimers. The reactivities of additional peptidyl linkers were investigated and the results obtained suggested that at least three additional Gly residues at the N‐terminus were required to yield the EGFP–DHFR heterodimeric form. Site‐directed mutagenesis analysis revealed marked preference of MTG for amino acids adjacent to the N‐terminal Gly residue involved in the protein conjugation. In addition, peptide–protein conjugation was demonstrated by MTG‐catalyzed N‐terminal Gly‐specific modification of a target protein with the myc epitope peptide.
Inhibiting Responses When Switching
Authors: Verbruggen Frederick , Liefooghe Baptist , Szmalec Arnaud , Vandierendonck André
Published: March 2005

Abstract. In the present study, cued task-switching was combined with the stop-signal paradigm in order to investigate the interaction between response inhibition and task-switching. In line with earlier findings from Schuch and Koch (2003 ), the results show that switch and repetition trials following inhibited responses were processed equally fast. This confirms the hypothesis of Schuch and Koch (2003 ) that after signal-inhibit trials there is less interference, resulting in a disappearance of the switch cost. Furthermore, stopping performance was not affected by task-switching. The estimated stop-signal latencies were similar for switch and repetition trials, while the stop-signal delays were longer for switch compared to repetition trials. This result suggests that response inhibition and the inhibition processes in cued task-switching are not relying upon a common mechanism.
Foveal vs. Parafoveal Attention-Grabbing Power of Threat-related Information
Authors: Calvo Manuel G. , Castillo M. Dolores
Published: March 2005

Abstract. We investigated whether threat words presented in attended (foveal) and in unattended (parafoveal) locations of the visual field are attention grabbing. Neutral (nonemotional) words were presented at fixation as probes in a lexical decision task. Each probe word was preceded by 2 simultaneous prime words (1 foveal, 1 parafoveal), either threatening or neutral, for 150 ms. The stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) between the primes and the probe was either 300 or 1,000 ms. Results revealed slowed lexical decision times on the probe when primed by an unrelated foveal threat word at the short (300-ms) delay. In contrast, parafoveal threat words did not affect processing of the neutral probe at either delay. Nevertheless, both neutral and threat parafoveal words facilitated lexical decisions for identical probe words at 300-ms SOA. This suggests that threat words appearing outside the focus of attention do not draw or engage cognitive resources to such an extent as to produce interference in the processing of concurrent or subsequent neutral stimuli. An explanation of the lack of parafoveal interference is that semantic content is not extracted in the parafovea.
The Functional Significance of Theta and Upper Alpha Oscillations
Authors: Klimesch Wolfgang , Schack Bärbel , Sauseng Paul
Published: March 2005

Abstract. Recent findings are reviewed indicating that upper alpha oscillations - when analyzed with appropriate time/frequency resolution - show a similar physiological reactivity as theta in working memory tasks. Comparable to theta, a load dependent increase in power can be observed during retention and increased evoked activity during retrieval. During retrieval attempts theta behaves like a traveling wave spreading from anterior to posterior sites. During actual retrieval, however, evoked upper alpha becomes transiently nested in theta. We suggest that theta reflects working memory functions whereas upper alpha may be important for the reactivation of long-term memory codes in short-term memory.
An Autopsy Case of Brugada Syndrome with Significant Lesions in the Sinus Node
Authors: MORIMOTO SHIN‐ICHIRO , UEMURA AKIHISA , HISHIDA HITOSHI
Published: March 2005

A 30‐year‐old man with Brugada syndrome died suddenly. The heart weighed 380 g. The left ventricular wall showed mild thickening, and marked fatty tissue deposition was noted in the right ventricular outflow tract. Neither ventricle was enlarged. Contraction band necrosis was diffuse in both ventricles. In the ventricles no cardiac muscle cell hypertrophy or atrophy, or significant interstitial fibrosis was observed. In the sinus node the number of nodal cells was reduced by half, with fatty tissue and fibrosis prominent. But no lesions were evident in the right bundle branch.
The Brugada ECG Pattern in a Neonate
Authors: SANATANI SHUBHAYAN , MAHKSEED NAWAL , VALLANCE HILARY , BRUGADA RAMON
Published: March 2005

We report a neonate resuscitated from sudden death with a Brugada ECG pattern several days after the initial event. The baby was subsequently diagnosed with a fatty acid oxidation disorder (medium chain Acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency or MCAD). We speculate that free fatty acid accumulation can give rise to the Brugada ECG pattern.
Large magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy of L1-type Co100−xPtx bulk single crystals prepared under compressive stress
Authors: Shima H. , Oikawa K. , Fujita A. , Fukamichi K. , Ishida K.
Published: March 2005

L 1 0 -type Co100−xPtx single crystals in a single variant state were prepared by ordering under a compressive stress in order to determine accurately the uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant KU. Both the lattice constants a and c increase with increasing Pt concentration, whereas the axial ratio c∕a becomes minimum at x=50. The value of KU directly determined at 298K exhibits a maximum value of 4.5×107ergcm−3 for 50at.% Pt. The second- and fourth-order anisotropy constants K1 and K2 determined by the Sucksmith–Thompson method become 4.1 and 0.6×107ergcm−3, respectively. The value of K1+K2 corresponding to the magnetocrystalline energy difference between the c and a axes becomes maximum at x=50.
Laser ablation of Cu and plume expansion into 1atm ambient gas
Authors: Chen Zhaoyang , Bogaerts Annemie
Published: March 2005

A one-dimensional gas-dynamic model is presented for the laser ablation of Cu and the expansion of the Cu vapor in a background gas (He) at 1atm. The ionization of Cu and He, the inverse bremsstrahlung absorption processes and photoionization process, and the back flux onto the target are considered simultaneously. The binary diffusion, the viscosity, and the thermal conduction including the electron thermal conduction are considered as well. Numerical results show that the consideration of ionization and laser absorption in the plume greatly influences the gas dynamics. The ionization of Cu enables the recondensation at the target surface to happen even during the laser pulse. The ionization degree of Cu and He may change greatly with the location in the plume. For laser irradiances ranging from 2to9×1012W∕m2, the simulations show that the second-order ionization of Cu competes with the first-order ionization. In the region close to the target surface, the first-order ionization of Cu dominates. In the core of the plasma, the second-order ionization of Cu may dominate over the first-order ionization at laser irradiances higher than 7×1012W∕m2. In the mixing layer, the first-order ionization of Cu is always more important than the second-order ionization although the latter increases monotonously with laser irradiance. The ionization of He is only important in the mixing layer. The plume expansion velocity is much larger than that without ionization and laser absorption by the plume. The relative importance of different laser absorption mechanisms may change with time. Close to the surface photoionization and electron-neutral inverse bremsstrahlung are always important. Once the ionization in the plume starts, at later time, electron-ion inverse bremsstrahlung can become more important than photoionization in the plume core until the shock wave front. Unlike in the vacuum case, electron-neutral inverse bremsstrahlung is very strong due to the relatively high number density of neutral atoms in the plume in the presence of a dense ambient gas. A similar laser irradiance threshold is found for the ablation rate and the plasma formation in the plume, which agrees well with the case of nanosecond laser ablation of metals in vacuum.
Thermal transport due to transverse phonons in nano and micro particulate media
Authors: Prasher Ravi S.
Published: March 2005

This paper deals with the calculation of the thermal transport cross section and phase function of transverse phonons for scattering by nano and micro particles. Thermal transport cross section is different than the scattering cross section due to the anisotropic nature of scattering. Exact formulation of the phase function is given for the Rayleigh scattering. This paper also proposes an approximate method to calculate the thermal transport cross section for low contrast scatterer. It is also shown that for SH (horizontally shear) phonons the scattering and transport cross sections are proportional to ω8 rather than the well accepted value of ω4 in the Rayleigh regime where ω is the frequency of the SH phonons. The formulations developed in this paper will be useful for the predictive modeling of thermal conductivity of practical systems such as nano composites, nano-micro particle laden systems etc.
Triplet exciton interactions in solid films of an electrophosphorescent Pt (II) porphyrin
Authors: Mężyk J. , Kalinowski J. , Meinardi F. , Tubino R.
Published: March 2005

We demonstrate the phosphorescence (PH) from neat Pt (II) porphyrin (PtOEP) films to be quenched by bimolecular reactions of monomeric (M) and dimeric (D) triplet (T) excitons. Their respective rate constants, γTT(M)≅8×10−12cm3∕s and γTT(D)≅8×10−15cm3∕s, were found from the kinetics fits to the excitation intensity dependence of the relative PH yield. The exciton decay becomes dominated by mutual annihilation above a critical concentrations of TMcrit≅6.3×1017cm−3 for M, and TDcrit≅1.2×1019cm−3 for D triplet excited states. These data allow us to exclude T–T annihilation as the nonradiative pathway quenching the emission from guest aggregates in PtOEP-doped emitters, and predict the onset of the current roll-off in electrophosphorescence efficiency at a current that exceeds four orders of magnitude the values observed experimentally with light-emitting-diodes based on thin PtOEP-doped emitting layers.
Characteristics and photoluminescence of nanotubes and nanowires of poly (3-methylthiophene)
Authors: Park D. H. , Kim B. H. , Jang M. G. , Bae K. Y. , Joo J.
Published: March 2005

We synthesized nanotubes and nanowires of π-conjugated poly (3-methylthiophene) (P3MT) by using nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (Al2O3) template through electrochemical polymerization method. From scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope photographs, we observed the formation of nanotubes with diameters of 100–200 nm and wall thicknesses of 5–10 nm. Relatively long nanotubes and nanowires of P3MT (about 40μm in length) were obtained. To discern the structural and optical properties of the systems, we measured ultraviolet and visible absorbance and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. We observed that the doping level, the π-π* transition peak, and bipolaron peaks in P3MT nanotubes varied with synthetic temperature. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the P3MT nanotubes solution were observed at ∼490nm. For the P3MT nanotubes synthesized at lower temperatures, the PL peaks became sharper and the resistance decreased.
Longing for International Control, Banking on American Superiority: Harry S. Truman's Approach to Nuclear Weapons
Authors: Broscious S. David
Published: March 2005

Although Harry Truman embraced the idea of a ’nuclear revolution’, he also remained convinced that, despite this revolution, other environmental factors still held force – namely, international anarchy, aggression, and the need to defend against aggression. In short, there was a clash within Truman's mind between the imperatives of the nuclear age and of the anarchic international system within which the nuclear revolution evolved. While hoping that an international control system could eliminate the prospect of nuclear war and foster the peaceful use of the atom, he was also ready and willing to rely on US lead in the field of nuclear energy to contain the horrors inherent in nuclear war. Having defined the Soviet Union as a non‐cooperative partner and as a threat, Truman accepted the need for American nuclear superiority in order to deter Soviet aggression and prevent nuclear war.
BETWEEN STATE AND CIVIL SOCIETY: EUROPEAN CONTEXTS FOR EDUCATION
Authors: Dunne Joseph
Published: March 2005

Joseph Dunne’s essay begins by examining the ways in which schooling in modern liberal–democratic societies tend to function as the agent of cultural homogenization and alienation, and thus block liberal–democratic efforts to offer meaningful recognition of local cultures and to promote the skills and dispositions required for participatory democratic citizenship. The danger here, Dunne points out, is that when the homogenizing elements of modern schooling become dominant, they might serve to encourage an ‘insouciant cosmopolitanism that may fail to meet people’s needs for identity (and by this failure help open the door to the very xenophobic nationalism it wishes to repudiate)’. The chapter concludes by reflecting on some possible educational responses that might offer some hopeful ways of addressing such dismal extremes. In particular, he is interested in the educational possibilities offered by a reconfiguration of national identities and state institutions in the emerging European Community in the context of national, cultural, and religious strife that currently besets Northern Ireland. Thus, like Waldron, Dunne sees local cultural identities – be they national, religious, or cultural – as complexly related to, but potentially compatible with, cosmopolitan historical forces.
THE BURDENS AND DILEMMAS OF COMMON SCHOOLING
Authors: McLaughlin Terence H.
Published: March 2005

Terence Mclaughlin’s essay addresses the conceptual and practical complexities involved in identifying and evaluating the nature, status, and institutional context of common (public) education in pluralist societies. He explores some of the neglected burdens and dilemmas faced by common schools in pluralist, multicultural, and liberal–democratic societies. The potential weight and complexity of these burdens and dilemmas is reflected in Stephen Macedo’s observation that common schools give rise to questions relating to some of the ‘deepest divisions’ and ‘most intractable conflicts’ characterizing the public lives of modern states. The chapter has five sections: Section 5.1 outlines some general considerations relating to common schooling and a conception of common education, pointing out that the relationship between the two is a contingent one – the adequacy of a particular institutional arrangement, such as the common school, depends critically on the extent to which it embodies an adequate conception of common education; Section 5.2 offers a sketch of some general features of such conceptions; in Sections 5.3 and 5.4, respectively, some of the burdens and dilemmas of common schooling are explored; Section 5.5 addresses neglected questions relating to the pre-eminently practical burdens and dilemmas highlighted in the previous two sections. McLaughlin’s chapter is especially helpful in identifying a number of the most important considerations in the presumption in favour of common schools as the most suitable arrangement for advancing common education, and his essay maps the conceptual, curricular, pedagogical, and policy issues that must be addressed in clarifying and defending the role of common schools and common education in liberal–democratic societies.
Chapter 2 CHARACTERS AND CONTINGENCY
Authors: Currie Gregory
Published: March 2005

While wemight not have done many of the things we did do, Anna Karenina could not, surely, have been other than a lover of Vronsky. Not so: while it is true that ‘Necessarily, someone who was not a lover of Vronsky would not be Anna’, it is also true that ‘Someone who was necessarily a lover of Vronsky would not be Anna’. Uses a framework developed by Stalnaker to explain this, and to shed light on the semantics of fictional names.
Chapter 8 COGNITIVE FILM THEORY
Authors: Currie Gregory
Published: March 2005

Cognitive film theory is reckoned a powerful and distinctive, if minority position in film studies. What does it say? Argues that Bordwell's constructivism about meaning and his account of perception are not essential components of the project, which is better characterized by commitment to theses calls rationalism and realism, and by a presumption in favour of folk psychology. Cognitivists — who might be better called rationalists — should not be too cognitive, especially in matters of perception.
Chapter 9 ANNE BRONTë AND THE USES OF IMAGINATION
Authors: Currie Gregory
Published: March 2005

We need to distinguish between the claim that engagement with a fiction requires imagination, and the claim that such engagement requires empathetic identification with characters. Argues that the first claim is certainly true. What of the second? Some criticism of it is valid; there are occasions on which we engage with a fiction perfectly well without empathising. Still, empathy is important for engaging with some parts of some fictions; The author illustrates this with Anne Brontë's The Tenant of Windfell Hall.
Vaginal versus transabdominal hysterectomy: Is mode of hysterectomy to influence pelvic statics or is pelvic statics to influence mode of hysterectomy?
Authors: Costantini Sergio , Mistrangelo Emanuela , Francioso Raffaella , Valenzano Menada Mario , Risso Domenico , Lantieri Pasquale
Published: March 2005

Background.  To check the hypothesis that the mobility of the urethrovesical junction in the preoperative phase is different in women that will undergo either vaginal, abdominal, or laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy.

Methods.  Eighty‐seven consecutive hysterectomies, carried out between January 1999 and December 2001 in our Department, were retrospectively considered. The type of surgical procedure as well as the approach was decided by the surgeon, according to personal experience. Each patient underwent a preoperative transperineal ultrasound, measuring urethral mobility. The ultrasounds were repeated 1 month and 1 year after surgery.

Results.  In 35 out of 36 women (97.2%) that underwent vaginal hysterectomy and in nine out of 12 (75%) that underwent laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy, we detected a high level of urethral mobility in the preoperative phase, compared with nine out of 39 (23.1%) women that underwent transabdominal hysterectomy.

Conclusions.  The results of our study allow us to confirm our starting hypothesis. Statistical analysis highlights that preoperative data are significantly different for the three types of hysterectomies, both as urethral mobility values (analysis of variance P ≤ 0.0001) and as relative frequency of patients at higher risk of pelvic statics alterations (χ2 test P ≤ 0.0001).
Maternal position during non‐stress test and fetal heart rate patterns
Authors: Cito Giuseppe , Luisi Stefano , Mezzesimi Alessandra , Cavicchioli Chiara , Calonaci Giulia , Petraglia Felice
Published: March 2005

Objective.  The aim of the study was to determinate whether maternal position during the non‐stress test (NST) in different weeks of pregnancy influences fetal heart rate patterns.

Materials and methods.  A total of 1055 NST lasting 30 min were performed in 368 autochthonous mothers with low‐risk pregnancies. On the basis of maternal position during the test we divided into three groups: reclining, sitting, and walking. The cardiotocographic parameters considered were: number of minutes of reactive NST with minimum length, number of fetal movements, fetal heart rate baseline, number of large accelerations, number of dubious NST, and number of variable decelerations.

Results.  Fetal heart rate patterns in low‐risk pregnancies were studied using NST in different gestational ages and in different maternal positions. Differences in heart rate were found in relationship to both gestational age and maternal position. The minimum length of NST necessary to record at least three large accelerations was significantly different in relationship to both gestational age and maternal position. The number of fetal movements perceived by the mother was greater in the reclining position than in sitting or walking. Together with the progression of pregnancy, the number of dubious NST decreased in all subgroups, especially in the sitting position. The greatest number of variable decelerations was observed in the reclining position and it was increased with pregnancy progression. The NST duration did not vary greatly in the reclining position, but in the sitting position or during walking, the time taken to record the three large accelerations required to define the trace as reactive, decreased significantly with the progression of pregnancy

Conclusions.  Non‐stress test in sitting position or during walking should be encouraged because fetal reactivity is more quickly observed.
Midwifery at the crossroads in Estonia: attitudes of midwives and other key stakeholders
Authors: Lazarus Jeffrey V. , Rasch Vibeke , Liljestrand Jerker
Published: March 2005

Background.  Since the initiation of health sector reforms in Estonia in 1992, the Baltic state has experienced a steep decline in the number of midwives and midwife graduates. At the same time, there has been a rapid increase, first in sexually transmitted infections and then in human immunodeficiency virus. The aim of this study was to draw on the perceptions of Estonia's midwives and other health care stakeholders to delineate the current situation of midwifery in the country, in the context of a sexually transmitted infection/human immunodeficiency virus epidemic.

Materials and methods.  Data were obtained by sending a 32‐question questionnaire, based on an agenda developed through semistructured interviews, to all midwives in Estonia. A nominal group technique was employed with key stakeholders to determine the extent of their agreement with the questionnaire's major findings.

Results.  The response rate to the questionnaire was 75%. There was no significant association between work satisfaction and independent variables of age, ethnicity, work abroad, increased responsibility, and involvement in postpartum care and counseling. There was, however, a significant association between work satisfaction and salary. The group process revealed that although there is no agreement on the role of family doctors and midwives in antenatal care, there is a general agreement that midwives should be more involved in postpartum care and that their tasks need to be better defined.

Conclusions.  Almost half of the responding Estonian midwives are dissatisfied with their job, especially their salary. Increased responsibility for antenatal and postpartum counseling, with concurrent salary adjustments, may help stop the decline in the number of midwives, as could the opening up of new areas of work. A further reduction of the high abortion and sexually transmitted infection/human immunodeficiency virus rates is a critical challenge for Estonia, and midwives could be employed in services to do this, similar to their Nordic neighbors. Current indications suggest, however, that the number of midwives, especially new graduates, will continue to decline.
Microstructural Evolution in Fast‐Heated Cordierite‐Based Glass‐Ceramic Glazes for Ceramic Tile
Authors: Torres Francisco Jose , Alarcón Javier
Published: March 2005

The crystallization mechanism of α‐cordierite from a B2O3‐ and TiO2‐containing glass submitted to fast heating in the cordierite primary phase field of the CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 quaternary system was investigated. Addition of B2O3 to a SiO2‐rich glass suppressed the formation of μ‐cordierite. This suppression facilitated densification by viscous flow before crystallization. Powder X‐ray diffractometry, field‐emission electron scanning microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis revealed that α‐cordierite nucleated directly from glass on the boundaries of original particles and was probably favored by TiO2, which acted as a nucleant. The growth kinetics of α‐cordierite crystals was fast, and the crystals seemed to grow by consuming glass directly from the growing interphase. The estimated amount of α‐cordierite in the glass heated at 1160°C was 69.5 wt%, as determined using the Alegre method. The final microstructure consisted of an arrangement of well‐shaped hexagonal prisms, with sizes <3 μm, immersed in a residual glassy phase. The feasibility to develop new glass‐ceramic glazes using the present and previous works is considered.
Defect Formation during Supercritical Extraction of Binder from Green Ceramic Components
Authors: Shende Rajesh V. , Redfearn Trent R. , Lombardo Stephen J.
Published: March 2005

Supercritical extraction in carbon dioxide has been used to remove binder consisting of 60 wt% poly(vinyl butyral) and 40 wt% dioctyl phthalate from multilayer ceramic capacitors containing barium titanate as the dielectric. The amount of binder removed increases as both the temperature and pressure of the supercritical fluid increases; a maximum of ∼50% of the binder can be removed using carbon dioxide in 3 h at 75°C and 40 MPa. During depressurization from the supercritical state, defects such as fracture and delamination were occasionally observed in the green body. The occurrence of defects is related to the rate of depressurization, the permeability of the body, and the green strength of the body. The origin of the defects is discussed, and ways to mitigate them are presented.
High‐Temperature Fatigue Strength of Crack‐Healed Al2O3Toughened by SiC Whiskers
Authors: Lee Sang‐Kee , Takahashi Koji , Yokouchi Masahiro , Suenaga Hiroyoshi , Ando Kotoji
Published: March 2005

Al2O3reinforced by SiC whiskers (Al2O3/SiC‐W) was hot‐pressed to investigate the fatigue strength of crack‐healed specimens at high temperature. Semielliptical surface cracks of 100 μm surface length were introduced on each specimen surface. These specimens were crack‐healed at 1300°C for 1 h in air, and static and cyclic fatigue strengths were systematically investigated at room temperature, 900° and 1100°C by three‐point bending. The static and cyclic fatigue limits of the crack‐healed specimens were more than 70% of the average bending strength at each testing temperature. Crack‐healed specimens of Al2O3/SiC‐W were not sensitive to static and cyclic fatigue at room temperature and high temperatures. Therefore, the combination of crack‐healing and whisker reinforcement can play an important role in increasing static and cyclic fatigue strengths at high temperature.
Subcritical Crack Growth in Lead Zirconate Titanate
Authors: Oates William S. , Lynch Christopher S. , Lupascu Doru C. , Njiwa Alain B. Kounga , Aulbach Emil , Rödel Jürgen
Published: March 2005

Subcritical crack growth in terms of velocity–stress intensity factor (v–K) curves in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) were experimentally characterized on poled and unpoled compact tension specimens. The poled specimens were tested under open‐ and short‐circuit electrical boundary conditions, which resulted in an increase in fracture toughness by 0.2 MPa·m1/2 for the accessible velocity range (v= 10−9 to 10−4 m/s) in the open‐circuit case. Subcritical crack growth of unpoled specimens was obtained under ambient (relative humidity = 35%) and dry (relative humidity ∼ 0.02%) conditions over a regime in stress intensity factor of 0.5 MPa·m1/2.
Parents’ experiences of living through their child's suffering from and surviving severe meningococcal disease
Authors: Haines Caroline
Published: March 2005

The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of parents whose child had suffered from and survived severe meningococcal disease. A Heideggerian phenomenological approach was used within the study and data were collected from long focused interviews. In total, eight parents took part in the study; one was a woman recruited as a pilot interview and the other seven were recruited for the main study. The data were analysed using Colaizzi's (1978) method. Eleven themes emerged: (1) complications/side effects; (2) emotional turmoil; (3) child's physical appearance; (4) family disruption; (5) fear of death; (6) loss of parenting role; (7) need for support and understanding; (8) need and value of communication, information and publicity; (9) parental intuition; (10) technological interventions and (11) the impact of care delivery. A review of the literature arising out of the data was undertaken, and a final synthesis statement as perceived by the parents was achieved. Living through this experience is perceived as a major emotional stressor, and although health professionals have some insight into the experience, they are largely naïve to the enormity of the situation.
Non-responsiveness to hepatitis B surface antigen vaccines is not caused by defective antigen presentation or a lack of B7 co-stimulation
Authors: Desombere I , Cao T , Gijbels Y , Leroux-Roels G
Published: March 2005

The mechanisms causing non-responsiveness to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) vaccines in man remain elusive. The increased incidence of non-responsiveness in subjects with HLA-DR3+ or -DR7+ haplotypes suggests that immune response mechanisms governed by genes of the MHC are involved. Homozygotes for these two haplotypes are found almost exclusively in the non-responder (NR) population. It is conceivable that antigen-presenting cells (APC) of NR are defective in the uptake of HBsAg and that they are unable to present this Ag adequately. Previously, we demonstrated that DR2+, DR7+ and DP4+ NR were able to present HBsAg. In the present paper we demonstrate that six DR0301+ NR, five of which are homozygous for this marker, were able to take up, process and present HBsAg to HBsAg-specific, DR0301-restricted T cell lines. Non-fractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the DR0301+ NR did not proliferate to HBsAg in vitro, whereas they proliferated vigorously upon stimulation with tetanus toxoid, thus ruling out the presence of a generalized immunodeficiency. We therefore conclude that HLA-DR0301+ NR vaccinees are not deficient in their HBsAg-presentation. Because it was demonstrated that recently activated T cells can apparently bypass the requirement for B7, we may have overlooked the role of the B7-co-stimulation in our set-up that used HBsAg-specific T cell lines. Therefore we examined the expression of B7 co-stimulatory molecules on NR-APC. CD86 was normally present on these cells and was not down-regulated after culturing the PBMC in the presence of HBsAg. We conclude that CD86 expression on CD14+ monocytes of DR0301- and DR07-homozygous poor responders is not deficient and cannot be the mechanism underlying the non-responsiveness of these subjects.
Activation antigens on colonic T cells in inflammatory bowel disease: effects of IL-10
Authors: Ebert E C , Mehta V , Das K M
Published: March 2005

Activated T cells that express activation antigens are termed nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells (T-APCs). This study evaluates the ability of lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to become T-APCs. LPLs were stained by two-colour immunofluorescence to determine the expression of activation antigens on T cells. Those from actively inflamed IBD mucosa expressed greater amounts of MHC class II (DR) and CD86 than did LPL T cells from disease controls or normal individuals. After culture in IL-2 with or without IL-10, the ability of the T-APCs from IBD colon to stimulate allogeneic peripheral blood T cell proliferation was measured. The T-APCs from IBD stimulated an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction, particularly through their expression of DR and CD86, as demonstrated by antibody blocking. Normal LPLs acquired these properties only if repeatedly stimulated with allogeneic peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) used as cell lines in the presence of IL-2. Addition of IL-10 reduced expression of activation antigens and the stimulatory ability of LPLs from either IBD patients or from these cell lines. In summary, LPLs from active IBD, but not from disease controls, express activation antigens that stimulate naïve T cells, a process that is reduced by IL-10. This may contribute to perpetuation of the inflammation.
Aspirin down-regulates tryptophan degradation in stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro
Authors: Schroecksnadel K , Winkler C , Wirleitner B , Schennach H , Fuchs D
Published: March 2005

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is one of the most widely used drugs worldwide, due mainly to its broad therapeutic spectrum with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antithrombotic and analgesic effects. However, the exact mechanisms by which aspirin influences inflammation, pain and immune system activation are only partly understood. Within activation of the cellular immune system, Th1-type cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ induces enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) which converts tryptophan to kynurenine. In parallel, IFN-γ induces enzyme GTP-cyclohydrolase I, which gives rise to neopterin production by activated human macrophages. Similarly, tryptophan degradation and neopterin formation increase during several disease states involving Th1-type immune activation. Using stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the effect of aspirin on tryptophan degradation and neopterin production was investigated. Stimulation of PBMC with mitogens concanavalin A, phytohaemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen induced significant tryptophan catabolism as was reflected by a decline in tryptophan levels and a parallel increase in kynurenine concentrations compared with unstimulated cells. In parallel, neopterin production was enhanced. Treatment of stimulated PBMC with increasing doses of 1–5 mM aspirin significantly decreased stimulation-induced tryptophan degradation and neopterin production as well. All the effects of aspirin were dose-dependent. The parallel influence of aspirin on both biochemical pathways implies that there was no direct inhibitory effect of aspirin on IDO; rather, it inhibits production of IFN-γ in mitogen-treated PBMC. The influence of aspirin on biochemical pathways induced by IFN-γ may represent an important part of its broad pharmacological effect.