bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HETEROGENEOUS DISTRIBUTED COOPERATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING SYSTEM HELIOS AND ITS COOPERATION MECHANISMS
Authors: AIBA AKIRA , YOKOTA KAZUMASA , TSUDA HIROSHI
Published: November 2004

For advanced and complicated knowledge processing, we need to integrate various kinds of problem-solvers such as constraint solvers, databases, and application programs. A heterogeneous distributed cooperative problem solving system HELIOS achieves this integration by introducing capsule and environment modules. To integrate heterogeneous problem-solvers that may be implemented in different languages and may have different knowledge representations, those heterogeneity should be absorbed. Capsules and environments are introduced into HELIOS for this purpose. A capsule surrounds each problem-solver and translates the contents of communication to and from the internal representation and a common representation. We call an encapsulated problem-solver an agent. An environment is a module which provides a field giving common representation, and agents communicate and cooperate with each other in each environment. Since an encapsulated environment with its agents can be considered as an agent, agent-environment structures can be nested in HELIOS. For negotiation between agents, negotiation protocol can be defined in each environment. A negotiation strategy that suits the given negotiation protocol can be defined in each capsule of an agent. In this framework, we define a transaction-based negotiation protocol. To check the validity of HELIOS design and its implementation model on computers connected by network, we implemented an experimental version of HELIOS on UNIX workstations.
COBRA: INTEGRATION OF HETEROGENEOUS KNOWLEDGE-BASES IN MEDICAL DOMAIN
Authors: TSUMOTO SHUSAKU , TANAKA HIROSHI , AMANO HIROMI , OHYAMA KIMIE , KURODA TAKAYUKI
Published: November 2004

Medical data consist of many kinds of data from different resources, such as natural language data, sound data from physical examinations, numerical data from laboratory examinations, time-series data from monitoring systems, and medical images (e.g. X-ray, Computer Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Image). Therefore it has been pointed out that medical databases should be implemented as multidatabases. However, there have been few systems which integrate these data into multidatabases. In this paper, we report a system called COBRA (Computer-Operated Birth-defect Recognition Aid), which supports diagnosis and information retrieval of congenital malformation diseases and which also integrates natural language data, sound data, numerical data, and medical images into multidatabases on syndrome of congenital malformation. The results show that object-oriented scheme makes it easy to implement and integrate these knowledge-databases in COBRA, which suggests that these clinical databases should be implemented as object-oriented databases.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ONE-DIMENSIONAL PHOTONIC BANDGAP STRUCTURES USING MULTILAYER NONLINEAR THIN FILMS
Authors: ZHAO Y. , HUANG D. , WU C. , SHEN R.
Published: November 2004

The transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the nonlinear one-dimensional photonic bandgap structure with different configurations are comparatively studied. It is found that the quarter-wavelength thickness arrangement gives rise to a wide window in the visible wavelength range. The modulated superlattice scheme only produces a number of narrow windows. The scheme using random layer thickness is expected to open a very wide window by making use of film nonlinearity when the number of layers is sufficient large. These nonlinear devices can be fabricated by using available materials.
INTERBAND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF QUANTUM WIRES: THEORY AND APPLICATION
Authors: CITRIN D. S.
Published: November 2004

The electronic states near the fundamental gap largely determine the most commonly investigated linear and nonlinear optical properties of quantum wires. We first discuss heavy-hole-light-hole band-mixing effects and illustrate the consequences with an application in opto-electronics, namely a quantum-wire-array based polarization modulator. Next, an overview of polariton effects which determine the time scale for excitonic radiative decay is given and comparison with recent experiments made.
ELECTRONIC AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF QUASI-ONE-DIMENSIONAL CARRIERS IN QUANTUM WIRES
Authors: GRUNDMANN M. , CHRISTEN J. , BIMBERG D. , KAPON E.
Published: November 2004

We review structural and optical properties of quantum wires (QWRs), grown on nonplanar substrates. Our approach of in situ wire formation on patterned substrates allows us to fabricate defect free QWRs of high optical quality, suitable for laser and other optoelectronic applications. Several types of wires and wire arrangements are investigated in detail: single QWRs, vertical QWR stacks, lateral sub-μm pitch QWR arrays and pseudomorphic QWRs. Theoretical calculations are performed for electronic eigenstates (with inclusion of strain effects) as well as the lineshape of spontaneous radiative recombination. The lateral bandgap modulation, carrier capture into the QWRs, subsequent intersubband relaxation, cooling, interband recombination, and bandgap renormalization are systematically investigated and compared to current theories and previously obtained results for quantum wells or bulk material.
GENERATION OF THE TERAHERZ RADIATION USING χ(3) IN SEMICONDUCTOR
Authors: KHURGIN J. B.
Published: November 2004

A rigorous theory of the difference frequency mixing of two signals, one with frequency ω and the other with frequency near 2ω, in semiconductors is presented. It is shown that a lower-frequency (DC ~ 10THz) directional photocurrent and voltage are generated as a result of this nonlinear interaction. This result conclusively links the 'directional photogalvanic effect' with the third-order nonlinearity. The magnitude of the difference frequency response is evaluated as a function of frequency and the efficiency of the method is examined for various energy coupling techniques. Comparison with alternative methods for difference frequency generation using the second order nonlinearities is made and the practical applications are considered.
MULTIBAND FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF WAVEFUNCTION-ENGINEERED ELECTRO-OPTICAL DEVICES
Authors: RAM-MOHAN L. R. , MEYER J. R.
Published: November 2004

Recent advances in the modeling of semiconductor heterostructures with complex geometries allow one to go beyond band-structure engineering to the more general concept of wavefunction engineering. In this work, we illustrate how tailoring the band mixing and spatial distribution of the carriers leads to an expanded degree of control over such properties as the dispersion relations, interband and intersubband transition matrix elements, nonlinear optical and electro-optical coefficients, and lifetimes. The computations are based on a multiband finite element method (FEM) approach which readily yields energy levels, electron and hole wavefunctions, and optical matrix elements for heterostructures with arbitrary layer thickness, material composition, and internal strain. Application of the FEM to laterally-patterned heterostructures is also discussed.
WAVEGUIDING STRUCTURE EXHIBITING VARIOUS NONLINEAR OPTICAL TRANSFER FUNCTIONS REALIZED WITH A WANNIER-STARK MODULATOR CONTAINING AN InGaAs/InP SUPERLATTICE
Authors: NEITZERT H. C. , CACCIATORE C. , CAMPI D. , RIGO C.
Published: November 2004

We report on the application of a self electro-optic effect device in waveguiding configuration for the generation of a wide variety of different nonlinear optical transfer functions. It makes use of the Wannier-Stark effect in an InGaAs/InP short period superlattice and operates at room temperature for TE-polarized light around 1.55 μm. In particular, optical bistability, optical signal-frequency multiplication and the operation as an optical power discriminator are demonstrated.
NORMAL-INCIDENCE INTERSUBBAND TRANSITIONS FOR INFRARED ELECTRO-OPTICAL MODULATION AND SECOND-HARMONIC GENERATION
Authors: XIE H. , WANG W. I. , MEYER J. R. , HOFFMAN C. A. , RAM-MOHAN L. R.
Published: November 2004

We have developed a fundamental theory for electro-optical and nonlinear optical processes involving intersubband transitions in conduction valleys with arbitrary effective-mass anisotropy and orientation. New classes of amplitude and phase modulators, as well as frequency converters employing L-valley interactions in GaSb/AlSb-based quantum well systems are proposed. Key advantages of these devices include operation at normal incidence (enabled by the L-valley effective-mass anisotropy and tilted growth direction with respect to the L-valley constant energy ellipsoids) and adaptability to a wide range of infrared wavelengths (as short as 1.5 μm, made possible by the large band offsets). The electro-optic coefficients and second-order nonlinear susceptibilities derived from our modeling are larger than any measured or predicted to date for conventional Γ-valley processes.
A NUMERICAL MODEL OF THE SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF SHORT PULSE DISTRIBUTED ER3+-DOPED FIBER AMPLIFIER
Authors: STOEV V. , MIRTCHEV T.
Published: November 2004

We model the spectral performance of a short pulse, distributed Er 3+-doped fiber amplifier. Extensive numerical results illustrating how these spectral features depend on the input pulse duration, pumping configuration and dopant concentration are presented.
ENHANCED TEMPORAL STABILITY OF CHROMOPHORE ALIGNMENT IN POLED NPP ACRYLATE COPOLYMER FILMS
Authors: FENG Z. , JIN S. , YE C. , WONG G. K. L.
Published: November 2004

The temporal decay study of second harmonic generation from poled films of two new NPP and PNP-substituted acrylates and (meth)acrylates shows that these films retain well over 80% of their initial second order nonlinearity over a period of three months. This degree of temporal stability is much higher than those observed in similar copolymers. FT-IR studies indicate that the enhanced stabilization of these films may be attributable to the existence of strong interaction between chromophores and (meth)acrylate spacers.
HIGH-ORDER HARMONIC GENERATION IN INTENSE LASER AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
Authors: ZUO T. , BANDRAUK A. D.
Published: November 2004

The effect of strong magnetic fields on high-order harmonic generation is considered for the [Formula: see text] molecule and a two-dimensional hydrogen atom in intense laser fields. Exact solutions of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation reveals: (i) strong magnetic fields parallel to the laser polarization confine the ionized electron wavepacket thereby enhancing the intensity and extending the harmonic generation spectrum; (ii) strong magnetic fields in combination with intense circularly polarized laser pulses can be used to control even and odd harmonic generation in two-dimensional atoms.
STABILIZATION, ABOVE-THRESHOLD-IONIZATION AND DETACHMENT IN INTENSE ADIABATIC AND ULTRASHORT LASER PULSES
Authors: FAISAL F. H. M. , DIMOU L. , STIEMKE H.-J. , NURHUDA M.
Published: November 2004

In this paper we treat by entirely ab initio methods, a number of phenomena in nonlinear dynamics in intense laser fields. In particular, we apply the recently developed Floquet-coupled-channel (FCC) method to investigate the phenomenon of adiabatic stabilization and formation of stabilization windows in hydrogen atom, as well as the frequency and intensity dependence of nonlinear-detachment process in hydrogen negative ion. Moreover, a solution is given, with examples, to the methodological problem of consistently evaluating the ATI-spectrum within the Floquet theory. Next, direct simulations are carried out to determine the influence of stabilization on the ATI-spectrum and on the bound state occupation probabilities of H-atom. Finally, the time-scale of formation of ATI-peaks is investigated and shown to be of the order of the rise-time of the pulse.
STRONG-FIELD REGIMES OF PHOTOIONIZATION
Authors: FEDOROV M. V.
Published: November 2004

The main known regimes of atom ionization by a strong laser field are reviewed: the Kramers–Henneberger (high-frequency) and interference stabilization of atoms, barrier-suppression ionization and the model of wave packet spreading. The physics and relations between them are discussed.
STRONG LASER FIELD INTERACTION WITH DIATOMIC MOLECULES: FROM THE ULTRA-SHORT TO LONG-PULSE REGIME
Authors: SCHMIDT M. , D'OLIVEIRA P. , MEYNADIER P. , NORMAND D. , CORNAGGIA C.
Published: November 2004

In the present paper, we compare novel MEDI results on iodine obtained with 30 ps laser pulses to those obtained in the femtosecond regime. The results indicate laser-induced trapping of the molecules not only in the ultra-short pulse regime, but also for the long pulses, since the fragment kinetic energy releases are essentially the same, although the pulse duration is varied over more than two orders of magnitude. Most interestingly, with 30 ps pulses significant post-dissociation ionization of the In+-fragments observed for the first time, proving that near-Coulomb energies and post-dissociation ionization can be observed simultaneously. A femtosecond double-pulse experiment confirms our recent hypothesis of molecular stabilization governing the MEDI interaction.
SURFACE EMITTED HARMONIC GENERATION FOR SENSOR AND DISPLAY APPLICATIONS
Authors: BEAULIEU Y. , JANZ S. , DAI H. , FRLAN E. , FERNANDO C. , DELÂGE A. , VAN DER MEER P. , DION M. , NORMANDIN R.
Published: November 2004

We review briefly some of the basic principles involved in quasi-phase matched multilayer semiconductor films for second-harmonic generation in waveguided, reflection and intra-cavity geometries. New applications in optical ranging for length, temperature, deformation sensors, real time optical reflectometry and vertical cavity second-harmonic generation for displays are presented. The enhancement of quasi-phase matched second-harmonic generation in vertical cavity Fabry-Perot structures is also investigated. When the optimal quasi-phase matching conditions are satisfied in the Fabry-Perot core, the second-harmonic conversion efficiency of a 4 μm thick cavity is enhanced by 1.75 × 106 relative to a homogeneous GaAs slab. This geometry is most suitable for intracavity harmonic generation in vertical cavity surface emitting lasers.
Burn injury impairs insulin-stimulated Akt/PKB activation in skeletal muscle
Authors: Sugita Hiroki , Kaneki Masao , Sugita Michiko , Yasukawa Takashi , Yasuhara Shingo , Martyn J. A. Jeevendra
Published: November 2004

The molecular bases underlying burn- or critical illness-induced insulin resistance still remain unclarified. Muscle protein catabolism is a ubiquitous feature of critical illness. Akt/PKB plays a central role in the metabolic actions of insulin and is a pivotal regulator of hypertrophy and atrophy of skeletal muscle. We therefore examined the effects of burn injury on insulin-stimulated Akt/PKB activation in skeletal muscle. Insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt/PKB was significantly attenuated in burned compared with sham-burned rats. Insulin-stimulated Akt/PKB kinase activity, as judged by immune complex kinase assay and phosphorylation status of the endogenous substrate of Akt/PKB, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), was significantly impaired in burned rats. Furthermore, insulin consistently failed to increase the phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase, another downstream effector of Akt/PKB, in rats with burn injury, whereas phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase was increased by insulin in controls. The protein expression of Akt/PKB, GSK-3β, and p70 S6 kinase was unaltered by burn injury. However, insulin-stimulated activation of ERK, a signaling pathway parallel to Akt/PKB, was not affected by burn injury. These results demonstrate that burn injury impairs insulin-stimulated Akt/PKB activation in skeletal muscle and suggest that attenuated Akt/PKB activation may be involved in deranged metabolism and muscle wasting observed after burn injury.
Role of A1 adenosine receptors in regulation of vascular tone
Authors: Tawfik Huda E. , Schnermann J. , Oldenburg Peter J. , Mustafa S. Jamal
Published: November 2004

The vascular response to adenosine and its analogs is mediated by four adenosine receptors (ARs), namely, A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. A2AARs and/or A2BARs are involved in adenosine-mediated vascular relaxation of coronary and aortic beds. However, the role of A1ARs in the regulation of vascular tone is less well substantiated. The aim of this study was to determine the role of A1ARs in adenosine-mediated regulation of vascular tone. A1AR-knockout [A1AR(−/−)] mice and available pharmacological tools were used to elucidate the function of A1ARs and the impact of these receptors on the regulation of vascular tone. Isolated aortic rings from A1AR(−/−) and wild-type [A1AR(+/+)] mice were precontracted with phenylephrine, and concentration-response curves for adenosine and its analogs, 5′- N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA, nonselective), 2-chloro- N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA, A1AR selective), 2-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethyl amino-5′- N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (CGS-21680, A2A selective), and 2-chloro- N6-3-iodobenzyladenosine-5′- N-methyluronamide (Cl-IBMECA, A3 selective) were obtained to determine relaxation. Adenosine and NECA (0.1 μM) caused small contractions of 13.9 ± 3.0 and 16.4 ± 6.4%, respectively, and CCPA at 0.1 and 1.0 μM caused contractions of 30.8 ± 4.3 and 28.1 ± 3.9%, respectively, in A1AR(+/+) rings. NECA- and CCPA-induced contractions were eliminated by 100 nM of 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, selective A1AR antagonist). Adenosine, NECA, and CGS-21680 produced an increase in maximal relaxation in A1AR(−/−) compared with A1AR(+/+) rings, whereas Cl-IBMECA did not produce contraction in either A1AR(+/+) or A1AR(−/−) rings. CCPA-induced contraction at 1.0 μM was eliminated by the PLC inhibitor U-73122. These data suggest that activation of A1ARs causes contraction of vascular smooth muscle through PLC pathways and negatively modulates the vascular relaxation mediated by other adenosine receptor subtypes.
In vivo imaging of oxidative stress in ischemia-reperfusion renal injury using electron paramagnetic resonance
Authors: Hirayama Aki , Nagase Sohji , Ueda Atsushi , Oteki Takaaki , Takada Kenji , Obara Mami , Inoue Mariko , Yoh Keigyou , Hirayama Kouichi , Koyama Akio
Published: November 2004

Oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion acute renal failure (IR-ARF) was noninvasively evaluated with in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging. Female ICR mice underwent left nephrectomy and 30-min ischemia-reperfusion of the right kidney. Oxidative stress was evaluated as organ reducing activity with the half-lives of the spin probe 3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-1-oxyl (carbamoyl-PROXYL) using 1) conventional L-band EPR, which showed organ-reducing activity in the whole abdominal area; and 2) EPR imaging, which showed semiquantitative but organ-specific reducing activity. The results were compared with the reducing activity of organ homogenate and phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PC-OOH) concentrations. Half-lives of carbamoyl-PROXYL in the whole upper abdominal area, measured by L-band EPR, were prolonged on day 3 after ischemia-reperfusion and recovered to the level of nontreated mice on day 7. This trend resembled closely that of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentration. The EPR imaging-measured carbamoyl-PROXYL half-life was also prolonged on day 3 in both the kidney and the liver. However, in the kidney this showed only partial recovery on day 7. In the liver, this convalescence was more remarkable. The ex vivo studies of organ reducing activity and PC-OOH agreed with the results from EPRI, but not with those from L-band EPR. These results indicate that renal reducing activity shows only partial recovery on day 7 after ischemia-reperfusion, when serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen have recovered. EPR imaging is an appropriate and useful method for the noninvasive evaluation of oxidative stress in the presence of renal injury.
N-ethylmaleimide causes aquaporin-2 trafficking in the renal inner medullary collecting duct by direct activation of protein kinase A
Authors: Shaw Stephen , Marples David
Published: November 2004

The antidiuretic hormone arginine vasopressin increases the osmotic water permeability of the renal collecting ducts by inducing the shuttling of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channels from intracellular vesicles to the apical plasma membrane of the principal cells. This process has been demonstrated to be dependent on the cytoskeleton and protein kinase A (PKA). Previous studies in the toad urinary bladder, a functional homologue of the renal collecting duct, have demonstrated that the sulfhydryl reagent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) is also able to activate the vasopressin-sensitive water permeability pathway in this tissue. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of NEM on AQP2 trafficking in a mammalian system. We show that NEM causes translocation of AQP2 from the cytosol to the plasma membrane in rat inner medullary collecting ducts; like the response to arginine vasopressin, this action was also dependent on an intact cytoskeleton and PKA. This effect is not mediated by cAMP but results from direct activation of PKA by NEM.
Relative contributions of Ca2+mobilization and influx in renal arteriolar contractile responses to arginine vasopressin
Authors: Fallet Rachel W. , Ikenaga Hideki , Bast Joseph P. , Carmines Pamela K.
Published: November 2004

Experiments addressed the hypothesis that afferent and efferent arterioles differentially rely on Ca2+influx and/or release from intracellular stores in generating contractile responses to AVP. The effect of Ca2+store depletion or voltage-gated Ca2+channel (VGCC) blockade on contractile responsiveness to AVP (0.01–1.0 nM) was assessed in blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephrons from rat kidney. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+stores by 100 μM cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) or 1 μM thapsigargin treatment increased afferent arteriolar baseline diameter by 14 and 21%, respectively, but did not significantly alter efferent arteriolar diameter. CPA attenuated the contractile response to 1.0 nM AVP by 34 and 55% in afferent and efferent arterioles, respectively ( P = 0.013). The impact of thapsigargin on AVP-induced afferent arteriolar contraction (52% inhibition) was also less than its effect on the efferent arteriolar response (88% inhibition; P = 0.046). In experiments probing the role of the Ca2+influx through VGCCs, 10 μM diltiazem evoked a 34% increase in baseline afferent arteriolar diameter and attenuated the contractile response to 1.0 nM AVP by 45%, without significantly altering efferent arteriolar baseline diameter or responsiveness to AVP. Combined treatment with both diltiazem and thapsigargin prevented AVP-induced contraction of both vascular segments. We conclude that Ca2+release from the intracellular stores contributes to the contractile response to AVP in both afferent and efferent arterioles but is more prominent in the efferent arteriole. Moreover, the VGCC contribution to AVP-induced renal arteriolar contraction resides primarily in the afferent arteriole.
The hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rat is resistant to the pressor effects of angiotensin II
Authors: Pflueger Axel , Croatt Anthony J. , Peterson Timothy E. , Smith Leslie A. , d'Uscio Livius V. , Katusic Zvonimir S. , Nath Karl A.
Published: November 2004

ANG II induces vasoconstriction, at least in part, by stimulating NADPH oxidase and generating reactive oxygen species. ANG II also induces heme oxygenase activity, and bilirubin, a product of such activity, possesses antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that bilirubin, because of its antioxidant properties, may reduce the pressor and prooxidant effects of ANG II. Our in vivo studies used the hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rat which is deficient in the enzyme uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase, the latter enabling the excretion of bilirubin into bile. ANG II (0.5 mg·kg−1·day−1) or saline vehicle was administered by osmotic minipump to control and Gunn rats for 4 wk. The rise in systolic blood pressure induced by ANG II, as observed in control rats, was markedly reduced in Gunn rats, the latter ∼50% less at 3 and 4 wk after the initiation of ANG II infusion. The chronic administration of ANG II also impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation responses in control rats but not in Gunn rats. As assessed by the tetrahydrobiopterin/dihydrobiopterin ratio, ANG II induced oxidative stress in the aorta in control rats but not in Gunn rats. Heightened generation of superoxide anion in aortic rings in ANG II-infused rats and by vascular smooth muscle cells exposed to ANG II was normalized by bilirubin in vitro. We conclude that the pressor and prooxidant effects of ANG II are attenuated in the hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rat, an effect which, we speculate, may reflect, at least in part, the scavenging of superoxide anion by bilirubin.
Rapid Dopaminergic Signaling by Interneurons That Contain Markers for Catecholamines and GABA in the Feeding Circuitry of Aplysia
Authors: Díaz-Ríos Manuel , Miller Mark W.
Published: November 2004

Consummatory feeding behaviors in Aplysia californica are controlled by a polymorphic central pattern generator (CPG) circuit. Previous investigations have demonstrated colocalization of markers for GABA and catecholamines within two interneurons, B20 and B65, that participate in configuring the functional output of this CPG. This study examined the contributions of GABA and dopamine (DA) to rapid synaptic signaling from B20 and B65 to follower cells that implement their specification of motor programs. Pharmacological tests did not substantiate the participation of GABA in the mediation of the excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) from either B20 or B65. However, GABA and the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen were found to modify these signals in a target-specific manner. Several observations indicated that DA acts as the neurotransmitter mediating fast EPSPs from B20 to two radula closer motor neurons B8 and B16. In both motor neurons, application of DA produced depolarizing responses associated with decreased input resistance and increased excitation. B20-evoked EPSPs in both follower cells were occluded by exogenous dopamine and blocked by the DA antagonist sulpiride. While dopamine occlusion and sulpiride block of convergent signaling to B8 from B65 resembled that of B20, both of these actions were less potent on the rapid signaling from B65 to the multifunctional and widely acting interneuron B4/5. These findings indicate that dopamine mediates divergent (B20 to B16 and B8) and convergent (B20 and B65 to B8) rapid EPSPs from two influential CPG interneurons in which it is colocalized with GABA-like immunoreactivity.
Bureaucrats, Politicians, and Societal Interests
Authors: Beyers Jan , Kerremans Bart
Published: November 2004

Often it is argued that the EU depoliticizes political issues as bureaucrats and nonmajoritarian institutions are key in the policy-making process. However, recent research rejects this perspective and shows that domestic political cleavages organize the European political space. This article demonstrates that (a) political cleavages affect the organization of policy networks among Euro-level bureaucrats, politicians, and societal interests; and (b) that the institutional organization of government facilitates the emergence of advocacy coalitions mobilizing these political cleavages. The empirical analysis demonstrates that the European political space is dominated by a cleavage between a progrowth coalition and a sustainability coalition. Furthermore, it shows that political officials occupy a pivotal position enabling them to mediate between these two coalitions. Finally, data on the actors’ resource reputations suggest that in granting access, public officials attach considerable value to the public support coalitions enjoy.
The Measures of Criminal Attitudes and Associates (MCAA)
Authors: Mills Jeremy F. , Kroner Daryl G. , Hemmati Toni
Published: November 2004

Recent research has demonstrated that antisocial attitudes and antisocial associates are among the better predictors of antisocial behavior. This study tests the predictive validity of the Measures of Criminal Attitudes and Associates (MCAA) in a sample of adult male offenders. The MCAA comprises two parts: Part A is a quantified self-report measure of criminal friends, and Part B contains four attitude scales: Violence, Entitlement, Antisocial Intent, and Associates. The MCAA scales showed predictive validity for the outcomes of general and violent recidivism. In addition, the MCAA significantly improved the prediction of violent recidivism over an actuarial risk assessment instrument alone. Discussion centers on the contribution that antisocial attitudes and associates make to risk assessment.
Citizen Participation and Citizen Evaluation in Disaster Recovery
Authors: Kweit Mary Grisez , Kweit Robert W.
Published: November 2004

In April 1997, Grand Forks, North Dakota, and East Grand Forks, Minnesota, experienced a disastrous flood. Both cities have been textbook examples of success according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They have an updated infrastructure, paid for largely by the federal government. Their downtowns are on the road to recovery with new construction and businesses. The paths of the two cities have diverged in the social and political aftermath of the flood. East Grand Forks, following consultant suggestions, instituted extensive citizen participation initiatives. East Grand Forks has experienced political stability and citizen satisfaction. Grand Forks relied primarily on bureaucratic guidance to react to the disaster. Grand Forks has experienced changes in government structure, turnover of elected and appointed officials, and much less positive citizen evaluation. This study examines the effect of perceptions of citizen participation on the citizens’ evaluation of the success of the recovery.
Physical Activity and Environment Research in the Health Field: Implications for Urban and Transportation Planning Practice and Research
Authors: Lee Chanam , Moudon Anne Vernez
Published: November 2004

This article reviews literature fromthe health field investigating the characteristics of environments that support or hinder physical activity. This literature shows that physical activity is associated with objective and subjective measures of accessibility to recreational facilities and local destinations, as well as with neighborhood safety and visual quality. Walking and biking emerge as prominent forms of physical activity and occur primarily in neighborhood streets and public facilities, suggesting that building walkable and bikable communities can address health as well as transportation concerns. The studies help advance environment-behavior research related to urban and transportation planning. They identify behavioral and environmental determinants of physical activity and employ rigorous data collection methods and theoretical frameworks that are new to the planning field. The article concludes that multidisciplinary research will likely yield promising results in identifying the aspects of environments that can be modified to encourage physical activity and physically active travel.
The Narrative Correspondence Method: What a Follow-Up Study Can Tell Us about the Longer Term Effect on Participants in Emotionally Demanding Research
Authors: Grinyer Anne
Published: November 2004

The author has based this article on qualitative data gathered from the parents of young adults with cancer who, over the previous 4 years, had contributed narrative accounts to a research project on the experience of caring for a young adult son or daughter with the illness. In the follow-up study, she sought to understand the longer term effect of research participation on the parents. Results show that the parents valued their involvement, and many had found the process of writing therapeutic. Their feelings of isolation had been reduced, and overall, they believed they had benefited from contributing. However, there is also an acknowledgment of the emotional demands caused by recalling painful memories for research purposes. Participants experienced the outcomes of the research as significant and interpreted resulting publications as a lasting memorial to their son or daughter.
Psychoneuroimmunology: Then and Now
Authors: Fleshner Monika , Laudenslager Mark L.
Published: November 2004

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) emerged in the neurosciences in the late 1970s to early 1980s and has extended to influence the fields of psychology, psychiatry, endocrinology, physiology, and the biomedical research community. This review documents the journey of PNI from the early 1980s to the present. Today, we recognize that the highly complex immune system interacts with an equally complex nervous system in a bidirectional manner. Evolutionarily old signals continue to play a role in these communications, as do mechanisms for protection of the host. The disparity between physical and psychological stressors is only an illusion. Host defense mechanisms respond in adaptive and meaningful ways to both. The present review will describe a new way of thinking about evolutionarily old molecules, heat shock proteins, adding to a body of evidence suggesting that activation of the acute stress response is a double-edged sword that can both benefit and derail optimal immunity.
The Use of Hydrotherapy for the Management of Spasticity
Authors: Kesiktas N. , Paker N. , Erdogan N. , Gülsen G. , Biçki D. , Yilmaz H.
Published: November 2004

Introduction. Spasticity is a major problem for the rehabilitation team. Physiotherapy is a vital component of therapy. Oral medication and other modalities such as heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and surgery (neuro-surgical or orthopedic) can also be used. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of hydrotherapy on spasticity and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Materials and Methods. This is a control case matched study. Twenty SCI patients were divided into 2 groups and matched for age, gender, injury time, Ashworth scores, oral baclofen intake, American Spinal Injury Association, and FIM scores. The control group received passive range of motion exercise twice a day and oral baclofen for 10 weeks. The study group also received passive range of motion and oral baclofen, as well as 20 min of water exercises (at 71 °F, full immersion) 3 times per week. The authors evaluated spasm severity, FIM scores, oral baclofen intake, and Ashworth scales, between groups at the beginning and at the end of the treatment period. Results. Both groups demonstrated a significant increase in FIM scores. However, the hydrotherapy group demonstrated a larger increase (P < 0.0001) than the control group. There was a statistically significant decrease in oral baclofen intake in the hydrotherapy group (P < 0.01). There was no statistical change in the control group. Spasticity was evaluated by the Ashworth scale. There was a statistical improvement in each group (P < 0.01, P < 0.02). However, when compared to the control group, the use of hydrotherapy produced a significant decrease in spasm severity (P < 0.02). Conclusion. Side effects are often seen when using oral drug treatment for spasticity. Adding hydrotherapy to the rehabilitation program can be helpful in decreasing the amount of medication required. Future studies must evaluate benefits of hydrotherapy for rehabilitation.
Contribution of Muscle Strength and Integration of Afferent Input to Postural Instability in Persons with Stroke
Authors: Marigold Daniel S. , Eng Janice J. , Tokuno Craig D. , Donnelly Catherine A.
Published: November 2004

Objective. To determine the relationship of muscle strength to postural sway in persons with stroke under standing conditions in which vision and ankle proprioception were manipulated. Methods. Forty persons with stroke and 40 healthy older adult controls were recruited from the community and underwent balance testing consisting of 6 conditions that manipulate vision and somatosensory information while standing. Postural sway was measured during each condition. In addition, lower extremity joint torques and cutaneous sensation from the plantar surface of the foot were assessed. Results. Postural sway was increased with more challenging standing conditions (i.e., when multiple sensory systems were manipulated) to a greater extent with the group with stroke compared to controls. Muscle strength was only correlated to sway during the most challenging conditions. Furthermore, a greater number of persons with stroke fell during the balance testing compared to controls. Conclusions. Impairments in re-weighting/integrating afferent information, in addition to muscle weakness, appear to contribute to postural instability and falls in persons with stroke. These findings can be used by clinicians to design effective interventions for improving postural control following stroke.
Early-Holocene environments in the Wadi Faynan, Jordan
Authors: Hunt C. O. , Elrishi H. A. , Gilbertson D. D. , Grattan J. , Mclaren S. , Pyatt F. B. , Rushworth G. , Barker G. W.
Published: November 2004

Evidence for early-Holocene environments in the Wadi Faynan in the rift-margin in souther Jordan is described. The early Holocene of Jordan is not well known and palynology, plant macrofossils and molluscs from Wadi Faynan provide evidence for a much more humid-forest-steppe and steppe-environment than the present stony desert and highly degraded steppe. The early-Holocene fluvial sediments in the Faynan catchment are predominantly fine-grained, epsilon crossbedded and highly fossiliferous. They provide convincing evidence for meandering perennial rivers before 6000 cal. BP. It is probable that this early-Holocene landscape was disrupted by the impact of early farmers and by climate change-the 8.1 ka event appears to be marked by desiccation. By the Chalcolithic, environmental degradation was well advanced.
A continuous marine record 8000-1600 cal. yr BP from the Malangenfjord, north Norway: foraminiferal and isotopic evidence
Authors: Husum Katrine , Hald Morten
Published: November 2004

Holocene oceanography and climate were studied in the continuous marine sediment sequence in a piston core from the high-latitude Malangenfjord, north Norway, using benthic foraminifera and stable isotopes. Radiocarbon dates indicate that the investigated sequence covers the period from c. 8000 to 1600 cal. BP and has a sedimentation rate of 0.3-12.7 m/1000 years. Bottom-water temperatures reconstructed from benthic foraminiferal stable isotopes in the Malangenfjord show a cooling of c. 3°C ranging from 10°C and reaching c. 7°C at 1600 cal. yr BP which is similar to present bottom-water temperature at the core location. A planktic foraminiferal °18O record was established from c. 6400 to 1600 cal. yr BP generally following the same pattem as the benthic record. This long-term cooling correlates to the decreasing insolation at 70°N following the orbital forcing. The long-term cooling also corresponds well with atmospheric proxy records implying a close ocean-atmosphere coupling. It is also indicated both by marine and atmospheric temperature and precipitation proxy records that the climate was more oceanic during the early Holocene. Several cold events are interpreted as decreased influence of Atlantic Water in the fjord.
Patterns of early lake evolution in boreal landscapes: a comparison of stratigraphic inferences with a modern chronosequence in Glacier Bay, Alaska
Authors: Fritz S. C. , Engstrom D. R. , Juggins S.
Published: November 2004

The chronosequence approach, which infers temporal patterns of environmental change from a spatial array of modem sites, has been a major tool for studying successional processes. A model of early lake ontogeny in boreal landscapes, developed from a chronosequence of lakes in Alaska, suggests that long-term soil development and related hydrological change produce a loss of alkalinity and base cations, a decrease in pH, an increase in DOC and a transient increase followed by a decrease in lakewater nitrogen concentrations over time. We compare this model of lake ontogeny with patterns of change reconstructed from diatom assemblages in 10 sediment cores from the same region. Lakewater pH declined in the majority of lakes, but the pattern, rate and magnitude of decline varied considerably among sites, apparently related to local differences in hydrologic setting. Inferred trends in nitrogen concentration over time are not spatially uniform and appear to vary because of local differences in vegetation history. Thus, patterns of early lake ontogeny may be spatially heterogeneous over timescales of many hundreds of years, even within relatively small geographic areas.
Modern pollen-based interpretations of mid-Holocene palaeoclimate (8500 to 3000 cal. BP) at the southern margin of the Tengger Desert, northwestern China
Authors: Ma Yuzhen , Zhang Hucai , Pachur Hans-J. , WÜnnemann Bernd , Li Jijun , Feng Zhaodong
Published: November 2004

The focus of this paper is on the reconstruction of the mid-Holocene climatic changes based on the pollen records contained in a 6.2 m thick section in the southern part of the Tengger Desert, northwestern China. To understand the modem analogues of the mid-Holocene changes, modem pollen spectra across different vegetation zones from the Qilian Mountains to the lowland Tengger Desert were studied first. Four pollen combinations were identified, corresponding,to four different modem ecological environments: (1) a Picea-Artemisia combination in a spruce forest and its vicinity; (2) an Artemisia- Chenopodiaceae-Gramineae-Salix combination in a mixture belt of montane grassland and poplar woodland; (3) a Chenopodiaceae-Artemisia-Nitraria combination in a desert steppe belt; and (4) an Elaeagnus-Artemisia-Chenopodiaceae-Nitraria combination in a desert riparian forest. Our study also shows that a relatively low percentage of Picea pollen (30-10%) seems to be associated with water transportation (alluvial deposits) and a very low percentage of Picea pollen (10-5%) appears to be related to long-dis tance air transportation. With references to the modern relationships between pollen assemblages and associated biocimates, the pollen sequence covering the period between 8500 and 3000 cal. BP was used to infer the climatic change history. The results show that a warmer and drier climate dominated between 8500 and 7950 cal. BP. Subsequent decreases in Artemisia and warm desert forbs/shrubs taxa and contemporaneous fluctuating increases in montane coniferous and aquatics elements from 7950 to 7400 cal. BP reflect a fluctuating increase in humidity and/or a fluctuating decrease in temperature. The following period from 7400 to 5650 cal. BP was generally warm with the Holocene Climate Optimum occurring between 7400 and 6500 cal. BP. A remarkably cool spell followed between 6500 and 6300 cal. BP that was then succeeded by a warmer and more humid period between 6300 and 5650 cal. BP. The period between 5650 and 4450 cal. BP was characterized by drastic oscillations in climatic conditions with three humid and probably cold spells intervened by three relatively dry and wann spells. The period between 4450 and 3500 cal. BP was cold and humid, followed by a wet spell as indicated by a very high percentage of Typha pollen.
Classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus: a review
Authors: Petri M , Magder L
Published: November 2004

The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics, in preparation for revising the ACR classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus, reviewed the current classification criteria. These critical reviews, discussed at the Lund, Sweden, meeting in 2003, will be useful to the clinician and to the researcher. This paper reviews and critiques previous classification attempts.
Dermatology position paper on the revision of the 1982 ACR criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Albrecht J , Berlin J A , Braverman I M , Callen J P , Costner M I , Dutz J , Fivenson D , Franks A G , Jorizzo J L , Lee L A , McCauliffe D P , Sontheimer R D , Werth V P
Published: November 2004

The 1982 ACR classification criteria have become de facto diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but a review of the criteria is necessary to include recent diagnostic tests. The criteria were not developed with the help of dermatologists, and assign too much weight to the skin as one expression of a multiorgan disease. Consequently, patients with skin diseases are classified as SLE based mostly on skin symptoms. We discuss specific problems with each dermatologic criterion, but changes must await a new study. We suggest the following guidelines for such a study, aimed at revision of the criteria. 1) The SLE patient group should be recruited in part by dermatologists. 2) The study should evaluate an appropriate international ethnic/racial mix, including late onset SLE as well as pediatric patients. 3) All patients should have current laboratory and clinical evaluations, as suggested in the paper, to assure the criteria can be up-to-date. This includes anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B antibodies and skin biopsies for suspected cutaneous lupus erythematosus except for nonscarring alopecia and oral ulcers. 4) The study should be based on a series of transparent power calculations. 5) The control groups should represent relevant differential diagnoses in numbers large enough to assess diagnostic problems that might be specific to these differential diagnoses. In order to demonstrate specificity of the criteria with a 95% confidence interval between 90 and 100%, each control group of the above should have at least 73 patients.
Review of ACR hematologic criteria in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kao A H , Manzi S , Ramsey-Goldman R
Published: November 2004

We have conducted a thorough literature review to evaluate the relative value of the hematologic criterion in making a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), its clinical relevance, and its prognostic significance. In the updated 1982 ACR criteria, the presence of one or more of the four elements: 1) hemolytic anemia (with reticulocytosis); 2) leukopenia (<4000/mL on two or more occasions); 3) lymphopenia (<1500/mL on two or more occasions); or 4) thrombocytopenia (<100 000/mL in the absence of offending drugs) is now considered as a single hematologic disorder. The sensitivity and specificity of the individual elements of the hematologic criterion range from 18 to 46% and 89 to 99%, respectively. The accuracy of the hematologic criterion requires proper interpretation. For example, many studies reported the presence of anemia that was not clearly defined and likely included anemia from etiologies other than hemolytic anemia, thereby causing an overestimation of the prevalence. In addition, medications such as corticosteroids and cytotoxic agents, and viral infections, can also contribute to a reduction in lymphocyte count. Despite these limitations, the SLICC committee recommends no change in the elements of the hematologic criterion when this criterion is properly interpreted and other causes of cytopenia are excluded.
ACR classification criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus: complement components
Authors: Nived O , Sturfelt G
Published: November 2004

Complement is involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and has also a seemingly paradoxical protective role in the development of the disease. Low levels of components within the classical pathway of complement especially C1q, C4 and C3 have a high specificity for SLE diagnosis and should be considered as promising for inclusion in classification criteria of SLE.