bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participation and Environmental Policy in Canada and the United States: Trends Over Time
Authors: VanNijnatten Debora L.
Published: July 2005

This article explores trends in participation and environmental policy in Canada and the United States over three time periods: from the early 1970s to the mid‐1980s; from the mid‐1980s to the early 1990s; and, finally, over the past few years. The article examines possible interactions among the two variables within each country over these periods and searches out overall tendencies toward convergence or divergence. The article argues that there was divergence between the two countries in the first period, with the U.S. providing more participatory opportunities earlier than Canada and establishing a more developed regulatory framework. An overview of progress over the second period, showing some convergence among the two countries, is then provided. Canada seemed to be catching up to its southern counterpart in terms of both participatory opportunities—although they took a distinctively Canadian form—and policy decisions. More recently, however, the trend has been toward divergence. The article explains that, over the past few years, participatory opportunities in Canada have been diminished and the environmental regulatory framework has been scaled back. Although there have been some changes in the U.S. case, the scale of these changes has not been as extensive. The final section of the article then attempts to relate these broader trends in participation and policy decisions to the political context in each country. It is argued that institutional frameworks in the two countries have played a key role in the identified trends. In particular, Canada's institutional structure—specifically the concentration of power in the executive and its federal structure—has hastened these recent developments, while the U.S. institutional framework—with its multiple power centers—has acted as a brake on those who advocate significant change to the existing environmental policy regime.
Women With AIDS: Will It Change aids Service Organizations?
Authors: Cameron Theresa , Lee Yuk
Published: July 2005

In the early 1980s, gay men formed AIDS service organizations (ASOs) in areas hardest hit by the disease, such as San Francisco and New York City, to provide assistance to infected members of their own communities. The Ryan White CARE Act of 1990 made funds available for community‐based groups, such as ASOs, to provide support services to all people with HIV/AIDS. The epidemiology of AIDS has changed greatly in recent years, and increasing numbers of poor, minority women with children now contract HIV/AIDS. To determine if ASOs are in compliance with the CARE Act, this study surveyed 20 ASOs across the country and a number of their female clients to see if ASOs, some of which were started by gay men, have tailored their services for a growing minority, heterosexual population. The results indicate that a number of ASOs have been slow in responding to the diverse needs of women. Recommendations are offered to make the organizations more responsive.
Canadian Foreign Policy and Straddling Stocks; Sustainability in an Interdependent World
Authors: Thompson Alexander
Published: July 2005

Canada cannot manage Straddling fish Stocks, which extend beyond Canadian waters into the high seas, without an effective foreign fisheriespolicy. This article examines the politics andfate of two such Stocks in the Northwest Atlantic; cod and Greenland halibut. More successful management of Straddling Stocks, I argue, can be achieved if enforcement policies eure conducted within theframework of multilateral ftsheries organizations. By appealing to the rules and Information provided by these Institutions, Canadian governments canpursue more aggressive and proactive fisheries policies while maintaining a high level ofpolitical support at hörne and abroad.
Book Notes
Authors: Carter‐Boone La Shonda
Published: July 2005

John D. Donahue, Making Washington Work: Tales of Innovation in the Federal Government.

Bryan C. Hassel, The Charter School Challenge: Avoiding the Pitfalls, Fulfilling the Promise.

Joseph Losco and Brian L. Fife (Eds.), Higher Education in Transition: The Challenges of the New Millennium.

Toni Marzotto, Vicky Moshier Burnor, and Gordon Scott Bonham, The Evolution of Public Policy: Cars and the Environment.

Gregory E. McAvoy, Controlling Technocracy: Citizen Rationality and the Nimby Syndrome.

Kant Pate1 and Mark E. Rushefsky, Health Care Politics and Policy in America.

Kevin Theakston, (Ed.), Bureaucrats and Leadership.
The Ulster Unionist Party and the U. S. Role in the Northern Ireland Peace Process, 1994–2000
Authors: Wilson Andrew J.
Published: July 2005

Since the beginning of the “Troubles,” Ulster unionists generally have viewed American involvement in Northern Ireland as biased towards nationalists and “unwanted interference” in their internal affairs. Yet despite vehement condemnations, unionists made virtually no attempt to counteract Irish‐American perceptions or to explain unionism to U. S. audiences. But from 1994 onwards, mainly in response to the expanding involvement of the Clinton administration in the peace process, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) launched a sustained effort to engage the White House and get its views across in America. While some of these UUP initiatives got nowhere, others achieved a considerable degree of success, particularly the effort to convey unionist perspectives to the heart of White House policymaking.
Reduced immune responses to an aseptic inflammation in mice with congestive heart failure
Authors: Iversen Per O. , Woldbaek Per R. , Christensen Geir
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  We previously found that mice with congestive heart failure (CHF) were anemic, had decreased bone marrow haematopoiesis and functionally impaired neutrophilic granulocytes despite normal blood concentrations of these cells. We now asked if CHF‐mice could mount an adequate immune response when challenged with an acute inflammation. A postinfarction heart failure was induced in mice. Six weeks later the mice had developed CHF. At that time a sterile peritonitis was induced by injection of a casein digest. Five hours after this injection a marked neutrophilia had developed. Specimens were then obtained from peritoneal washings, bone marrow and blood. Total bone marrow cell numbers were halved in CHF‐peritonitis mice compared with sham‐peritonitis mice. Bone marrow colony‐forming cell numbers in CHF‐peritonitis mice were only 14% of those in sham‐peritonitis mice. The mobilization of leucocytes to the blood was much lower in CHF‐peritonitis mice than in sham‐peritonitis mice (5.6 vs. 8.1 million cells/mL), as was the peritoneal influx of these cells (1.6 vs. 4.1 million cells). A profound decline (>50%) in the functional activity, determined with various in vitro assays, was evident for both neutrophilic granulocytes and lymphocytes from CHF‐peritonitis mice. Heart failure after myocardial infarction in mice may severely compromise their ability to combat an inflammatory challenge.
Successful therapy with argatroban for superior mesenteric vein thrombosis in a patient with congenital antithrombin deficiency
Authors: Muta Tsuyoshi , Okamura Takashi , Kawamoto Masahiko , Ichimiya Hitoshi , Yamanaka Motoko , Wada Yui , Urata Michiyo , Kayamori Yuzo , Hamasaki Naotaka , Kato Koji , Eto Testuya , Gondo Hisashi , Shibuya Tsunefumi
Published: July 2005

Abstract:  A 38‐year‐old woman was admitted with superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis, which was refractory to anticoagulation therapy. The plasma antithrombin activity was decreased and hardly compensated by concentrated antithrombin preparation due to high consumption rate. However, successful anticoagulation was achieved by administration of direct thrombin inhibitor, argatroban. Family studies of antithrombin activity revealed that she had type I congenital antithrombin deficiency. A novel heterozygous mutation in the gene for antithrombin (single nucleotide T insertion at 7916 and 7917, Glu 272 to stop in exon 4) was identified. Argatroban administration would be effective in the treatment of congenital antithrombin deficiency with SMV thrombosis.
Protein kinase C mediates up‐regulation of tetrodotoxin‐resistant, persistent Na+ current in rat and mouse sensory neurones
Authors: Baker Mark D.
Published: July 2005

The tetrodotoxin‐resistant (TTX‐r) persistent Na+ current, attributed to NaV1.9, was recorded in small (< 25 μm apparent diameter) dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones cultured from P21 rats and from adult wild‐type and NaV1.8 null mice. In conventional whole‐cell recordings intracellular GTP‐γ‐S caused current up‐regulation, an effect inhibited by the PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitor, PKC19–36. The current amplitude was also up‐regulated by 25 μm intracellular 1‐oleoyl‐2‐acetyl‐sn‐glycerol (OAG) consistent with PKC involvement. In perforated‐patch recordings, phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) up‐regulated the current, whereas membrane‐permeant activators of protein kinase A (PKA) were without effect. PGE2 did not acutely up‐regulate the current. Conversely, both PGE2 and PKA activation up‐regulated the major TTX‐r Na+ current, NaV1.8. Extracellular ATP up‐regulated the persistent current with an average apparent Kd near 13 μm, possibly consistent with P2Y receptor activation. Numerical simulation of the up‐regulation qualitatively reproduced changes in sensory neurone firing properties. The activation of PKC appears to be a necessary step in the GTP‐dependent up‐regulation of persistent Na+ current.
Differences in left ventricular long‐axis function from mice to humans follow allometric scaling to ventricular size
Authors: Popović Zoran B. , Sun Jing Ping , Yamada Hirotsugu , Drinko Jeannie , Mauer Karin , Greenberg Neil L. , Cheng Yuanna , Moravec Christine S. , Penn Marc S. , Mazgalev Todor N. , Thomas James D.
Published: July 2005

While the heart size maintains a constant proportion to body size, heart function parameters, such as heart rate and cardiac output, show a more complex scaling pattern. How these phenomena affect the long‐axis left ventricular (LV) function is unknown. We studied 10 mice, 15 rats, 6 rabbits, 8 mongrel dogs and 38 human volunteers. Doppler tissue echocardiography data were postprocessed to reconstruct mitral annulus (MA) peak systolic velocity and displacement. The relationship between MA peak velocity, MA displacement and LV ejection time, and LV end‐diastolic volume (and mass) were fit to an allometric (power‐law) equation Y=kMβ. LV mass varied from 0.062 to 255 g, while end‐diastolic volume varied from 0.014 to 205 ml. β values of the relation between LV ejection time and LV end‐diastolic volume and mass were 0.247 ± 0.017 and 0.267 ± 0.018, respectively. β values of the relationship between MA displacement and LV end‐diastolic volume and mass were 0.358 ± 0.047 and 0.390 ± 0.051 (P < 0.023 versusβ of LV ejection time). β values of the relationship between MA peak systolic velocity and LV end‐diastolic volume and mass were 0.096 ± 0.012 and 0.100 ± 0.013, respectively (P < 0.0001 versus 0). Finally, β values of the relationship between the long‐to‐short axis displacement ratio and LV end‐diastolic volume and mass were 0.077 ± 0.017 and 0.086 ± 0.019 (P < 0.0001 versus 0). We conclude that MA velocity, displacement, and long‐to‐short axis displacement ratio scale allometrically to heart size. This reduces the relative long‐axis contribution to heart function in small mammals.
Human vagal baroreflex sensitivity fluctuates widely and rhythmically at very low frequencies
Authors: Eckberg Dwain L. , Kuusela Tom A.
Published: July 2005

Arterial pressure fluctuates rhythmically in healthy supine resting humans, who, from all outward appearances, are in a ‘steady‐state’. Others have asked, If baroreflex mechanisms are functioning normally, how can arterial pressure be so variable? We reanalysed data from nine healthy young adult men and women and tested the hypotheses that during brief periods of observation, human baroreflex sensitivity fluctuates widely and rhythmically. We estimated vagal baroreflex sensitivity with systolic pressure and R–R interval cross‐spectra measured over 15 s segments, moved by 2 s steps through 20‐min periods of frequency‐ and tidal volume‐controlled breathing. We studied each subject at the same time on three separate days, with fixed protocols that included two physiological states, supine and passive 40 deg upright tilt, before and after β‐adrenergic, cholinergic, and angiotensin converting enzyme blockade. Minimum, mean and maximum (±s.d.) supine control baroreflex sensitivities averaged 5 ± 3, 18 ± 6, and 55 ± 22 ms mmHg−1. In most subjects, moderate ongoing fluctuations of baroreflex sensitivity were punctuated by brief major peaks, yielding frequency distributions that were skewed positively. Fast Fourier transforms indicated that baroreflex sensitivity fluctuations (expressed as percentages of total power) concentrated more in very low, 0.003–0.04 Hz, than ultra low, 0.0–0.003 Hz, frequencies (77 ± 7 versus 11 ± 8%, P≤ 0.001, rank sum test). Autoregressive centre frequencies averaged 0.012 ± 0.003 Hz. The periodicity of very low frequency baroreflex sensitivity fluctuations was not influenced significantly by upright tilt, or by variations of autonomic drive or angiotensin activity. Our analysis indicates that during ostensibly ‘steady‐state’ conditions, human vagal baroreflex sensitivity fluctuates in a major way, at very low frequencies.
Enhancement of spontaneous synaptic activity in rat Purkinje neurones by ATP during development
Authors: Casel Diana , Brockhaus Johannes , Deitmer Joachim W.
Published: July 2005

The establishment of functional synaptic connections and activity is a pivotal process in the development of neuronal networks. We have studied the synaptic activity in the developing rat cerebellum, and the contribution mediated by purinergic receptors. The mean frequency of the spontaneous postsynaptic currents (sPSCs) recorded with the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique from Purkinje neurones in acute brain slices at room temperature, increased fourfold from 4.4 ± 0.8 Hz at postnatal day 9/10 (n= 23) to 17.8 ± 1.6 Hz at postnatal day 17–20 (p17–p20; n= 113; P < 0.01). ATP, which increased the frequency of sPSCs by up to 100%(EC50= 18 μm) in the third postnatal week, started to modulate the synaptic activity during the second postnatal week, which was determined by three processes: (1) the appearance of functional ATP receptors during p10–p12, (2) the enhancement of the sPSC frequency by endogenous ATP release becoming apparent after inhibition of ecto‐ATPases by 6‐N,N‐diethyl‐β,γ‐dibromomethylene‐d‐adenosine‐5‐triphosphate (ARL67156; 50 μm) at p11–p12, and (3) with tonic stimulation of purinoceptors at p14, as revealed by the P2 receptor antagonist pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADS, 10 μm). ATP had a similar effect at later stages (p24–p27) and at 35°C. Our results suggest that endogenous release of ATP starts to enhance the synaptic activity in Purkinje neurones by the end of the second postnatal week.
Protective role of hydrogen peroxide in oxygen‐deprived dopaminergic neurones of the rat substantia nigra
Authors: Geracitano Raffaella , Tozzi Alessandro , Berretta Nicola , Florenzano Fulvio , Guatteo Ezia , Viscomi Maria Teresa , Chiolo Barbara , Molinari Marco , Bernardi Giorgio , Mercuri Nicola B.
Published: July 2005

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive oxygen species, responsible for cytotoxic damage through the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Dopamine (DA) neurones of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) are highly sensitive to metabolic stress, and they typically respond to energy deprivation with membrane hyperpolarization, mainly through opening of ATP‐dependent K+ channels. Accordingly, H2O2 (3 mm) induced a tolbutamide‐sensitive outward current in DA neurones. Conversely, in a hypoxic medium, H2O2 reverted membrane hyperpolarization, which is associated with oxygen deprivation in DA neurones, restored their action potential firing, and reduced the hypoxia‐mediated outward current in a concentration‐dependent manner, between 0.1 and 3 mm (IC50 0.6 ± 0.1 mm). Notably, H2O2 did not counteract membrane hyperpolarization associated with hypoglycaemia, moreover, when catalase was inhibited with 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (3‐AT; 30 mm), H2O2 did not reduce hypoxia‐mediated outward current. The counteracting action of H2O2 on hypoxia‐mediated effects was further confirmed by single‐unit extracellular recordings of presumed DA neurones in acute midbrain slices preparations, using a planar multi‐electrode array device. Whilst a prolonged period of hypoxia (40 min) caused firing suppression, which did not recover after perfusion in normoxic conditions, the presence of H2O2 (3 mm) during this prolonged hypoxic period rescued most of the neurones from irreversible firing inhibition. Accordingly, morphological studies showed that H2O2 counteracts the cytochrome c release provoked by prolonged hypoxic treatment. Taken together, our data suggest that H2O2 prevents the metabolic stress of DA neurones induced by hypoxia by serving as a supplementary source of molecular oxygen, through its degradation by catalase.
Cerebral blood flow changes associated with fluctuations in alpha and theta rhythm during sleep onset in humans
Authors: Kotajima Futoshi , Meadows Guy E. , Morrell Mary J. , Corfield Douglas R.
Published: July 2005

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is typically reduced during stable non‐rapid eye movement (non‐REM) sleep compared with the waking level. It is not known when in the sleep cycle these changes occur. However, spontaneous fluctuations in alpha and theta rhythm during sleep onset are associated with marked changes in cardio‐respiratory control. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that changes in CBF would occur during sleep onset and would be related to changes in cortical activity. Middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAV) was measured using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, as an index of CBF, in 10 healthy subjects. Sleep state, ventilation, end tidal carbon dioxide (PET,CO2), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and cardiac R‐R interval (RR) were monitored simultaneously. Immediately following the transition from alpha to theta rhythm (the transition from wake to sleep), ventilation decreased by 13.4% and tidal volume (VT) by 12.2% (P < 0.01); PET,CO2 increased by 1.9% (P < 0.01); respiratory frequency (fR) and SaO2 did not change significantly. MCAV increased by 9.7% (P < 0.01); MABP decreased by 3.2% (P < 0.01) but RR did not change significantly. Immediately following the transition from theta to alpha rhythm (spontaneous awakening), increased by 13.3% (P < 0.01); VT increased by 11.4% (P < 0.01); PET,CO2 decreased by 1.9%(P < 0.01); MCAV decreased by 11.1% (P < 0.01) and MABP decreased by 7.5%; fR, SaO2 and RR did not change significantly. These changes in MCAV during sleep onset cannot be attributed to changes in ventilation or MABP. We speculate that the changes in cerebral vascular tone during sleep onset are mediated neurally, by regulatory mechanisms linked to the changes in cortical state, and that these mechanisms are different from those regulating the longer‐term reduction in CBF associated with stable non‐REM sleep.
Coordinated collagen and muscle protein synthesis in human patella tendon and quadriceps muscle after exercise
Authors: Miller Benjamin F. , Olesen Jens L. , Hansen Mette , Døssing Simon , Crameri Regina M. , Welling Rasmus J. , Langberg Henning , Flyvbjerg Allan , Kjaer Michael , Babraj John A. , Smith Kenneth , Rennie Michael J.
Published: July 2005

We hypothesized that an acute bout of strenuous, non‐damaging exercise would increase rates of protein synthesis of collagen in tendon and skeletal muscle but these would be less than those of muscle myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins. Two groups (n= 8 and 6) of healthy young men were studied over 72 h after 1 h of one‐legged kicking exercise at 67% of maximum workload (Wmax). To label tissue proteins in muscle and tendon primed, constant infusions of [1‐13C]leucine or [1‐13C]valine and flooding doses of [15N] or [13C]proline were given intravenously, with estimation of labelling in target proteins by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Patellar tendon and quadriceps biopsies were taken in exercised and rested legs at 6, 24, 42 or 48 and 72 h after exercise. The fractional synthetic rates of all proteins were elevated at 6 h and rose rapidly to peak at 24 h post exercise (tendon collagen (0.077% h−1), muscle collagen (0.054% h−1), myofibrillar protein (0.121% h−1), and sarcoplasmic protein (0.134% h−1)). The rates decreased toward basal values by 72 h although rates of tendon collagen and myofibrillar protein synthesis remained elevated. There was no tissue damage of muscle visible on histological evaluation. Neither tissue microdialysate nor serum concentrations of IGF‐I and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP‐3 and IGFBP‐4) or procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide changed from resting values. Thus, there is a rapid increase in collagen synthesis after strenuous exercise in human tendon and muscle. The similar time course of changes of protein synthetic rates in different cell types supports the idea of coordinated musculotendinous adaptation.
Crystal Structure of a Mammalian Voltage-Dependent
Shaker
Family K
+
Channel
Authors: Long Stephen B. , Campbell Ernest B. , MacKinnon Roderick
Published: July 2005

Voltage-dependent potassium ion (K
+
) channels (Kv channels) conduct K
+
ions across the cell membrane in response to changes in the membrane voltage, thereby regulating neuronal excitability by modulating the shape and frequency of action potentials. Here we report the crystal structure, at a resolution of 2.9 angstroms, of a mammalian Kv channel, Kv1.2, which is a member of the
Shaker
K
+
channel family. This structure is in complex with an oxido-reductase β subunit of the kind that can regulate mammalian Kv channels in their native cell environment. The activation gate of the pore is open. Large side portals communicate between the pore and the cytoplasm. Electrostatic properties of the side portals and positions of the T1 domain and β subunit are consistent with electrophysiological studies of inactivation gating and with the possibility of K
+
channel regulation by the β subunit.
Identification of Novel Human Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Isolates and Determination of the Seroprevalence of HEV in Korea
Authors: Ahn Jeong-min , Kang Sang-Gyun , Lee Deog-Yong , Shin Sung Jae , Yoo Han Sang
Published: July 2005

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was originally identified as the causative agent of enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis. Recently, HEV isolates were subsequently identified in humans and swine in many countries, including Korea. Also, public concerns regarding HEV as a potential zoonotic agent have been increasing. Therefore, we attempted to identify HEV from Korean sera and compare the nucleotide sequences with those of previously identified HEV isolates from other countries. In our study, viral RNA was purified from 568 human sera collected from different regions of Korea. Nested PCR and reverse transcriptase PCR were developed based on the nucleotide sequences of open reading frame 2 (ORF 2) of U.S. and Japanese HEV isolates from humans and Korean HEV isolates from swine. After amplification of the HEV ORF 2 gene from 14 serum samples that were collected mainly from rural areas (2.64% prevalence of HEV viremia), the gene was cloned and sequenced. The isolates were classified into seven different strains, all of which belonged to genotype III. The human isolates we identified were closely related to three Korean swine isolates, with 99.2 to 92.9% nucleotide sequence homology. Our isolates were also related to the Japanese and U.S. HEV isolates, with 99.6 to 97.9% amino acid sequence homology. Human sera were collected from 361 individuals from community health centers and medical colleges. With respect to seroprevalence, 11.9% of the Korean population had anti-HEV immunoglobulin G (IgG). In individuals ranging in age from 40 to over 60 years, the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was demonstrated by a seroprevalence of almost 15%, especially among populations in rural areas. This is the first report on the identification of human HEV in Korea. Overall, this study demonstrates that subclinical HEV infections may prevail in human populations in Korea and that there is a strong possibility that HEV is a zoonotic agent.
Differential Sensitivities of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Coronavirus Spike Polypeptide Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and SARS Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Protein ELISA for Serodiagnosis of SARS Coronavirus Pneumonia
Authors: Woo Patrick C. Y. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Wong Beatrice H. L. , Tsoi Hoi-wah , Fung Ami M. Y. , Kao Richard Y. T. , Chan Kwok-hung , Peiris J. S. Malik , Yuen Kwok-yung
Published: July 2005

The use of recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nucleocapsid protein (N) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based antibody and antigen tests for diagnosis of SARS-CoV infections have been widely reported. However, no recombinant SARS-CoV spike protein (S)-based ELISA is currently available. In this article, we describe the problems and solutions of setting up the recombinant SARS-CoV S-based ELISA for antibody detection. The SARS-CoV S-based immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG ELISAs were evaluated and compared with the corresponding N-based ELISA for serodiagnosis of SARS-CoV pneumonia, using sera from 148 healthy blood donors who donated blood 3 years ago as controls and 95 SARS-CoV pneumonia patients in Hong Kong. Results obtained by the recombinant S (rS)-based IgG ELISA using the regenerated S prepared by dialysis with decreasing concentrations of urea or direct addition of different coating buffers, followed by addition of different regeneration buffer, identified 4 M urea and 1 M sarcosine for plate coating and no regeneration buffer as the most optimal conditions for antibody detection. The specificities of the S-based ELISA for IgG and IgM detection were 98.6% and 93.9%, with corresponding sensitivities of 58.9% and 74.7%, respectively. The sensitivity of the rN IgG ELISA (94.7%) is significantly higher than that of the rS IgG ELISA (
P
< 0.001), whereas the sensitivity of the rS IgM ELISA is significantly higher than that of the rN IgM ELISA (55.2%) (
P
< 0.01). An ELISA for detection of IgM against S and N could be more sensitive than one that detects IgM against N alone for serodiagnosis of SARS-CoV pneumonia.
Isolation and Epidemiology of Falcon Adenovirus
Authors: Oaks J. Lindsay , Schrenzel Mark , Rideout Bruce , Sandfort Cal
Published: July 2005

An adenovirus was detected by electron microscopy in tissues from falcons that died during an outbreak of inclusion body hepatitis and enteritis that affected neonatal Northern aplomado (
Falco femoralis septentrionalis
) and peregrine (
Falco peregrinus anatum
) falcons. Molecular characterization has identified the falcon virus as a new member of the aviadenovirus group (M. Schrenzel, J. L. Oaks, D. Rotstein, G. Maalouf, E. Snook, C. Sandfort, and B. Rideout, J. Clin. Microbiol.
43:
3402-3413, 2005). In this study, the virus was successfully isolated and propagated in peregrine falcon embryo fibroblasts, in which it caused visible and reproducible cytopathology. Testing for serum neutralizing antibodies found that infection with this virus was limited almost exclusively to falcons. Serology also found that wild and captive peregrine falcons had high seropositivity rates of 80% and 100%, respectively, although clinical disease was rarely reported in this species. These data implicate peregrine falcons as the natural host and primary reservoir for the virus. Other species of North American falcons, including aplomado falcons, had lower seropositivity rates of 43 to 57%. Falcon species of tropical and/or island origin were uniformly seronegative, although deaths among adults of these species have been described, suggesting they are highly susceptible. Chickens and quail were uniformly seronegative and not susceptible to infection, indicating that fowl were not the source of infection. Based on the information from this study, the primary control of falcon adenovirus infections should be based on segregation of carrier and susceptible falcon species.
Identification of Unique Bacterial Gene Segments from
Streptococcus mutans
with Potential Relevance to Dental Caries by Subtraction DNA Hybridization
Authors: Saxena Deepak , Li Yihong , Caufield Page W.
Published: July 2005

Using DNA subtractive hybridization, 49 unique gene segments were identified from a strain of
Streptococcus mutans
that was isolated from a patient with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC). Further hybridization with DNA from other
S. mutans
strains isolated from both caries-active and caries-free subjects yielded five unique sequences of DNA common to strains associated with S-ECC.
High Fatality Rate of Epstein-Barr Virus-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder Occurring after Bone Marrow Transplantation with Rabbit Antithymocyte Globulin Conditioning Regimens
Authors: Peres E. , Savasan S. , Klein J. , Abidi M. , Dansey R. , Abella E.
Published: July 2005

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV-LPD) following bone marrow transplantation can be fatal. The major risk factors for the development of EBV-LPD are ex vivo T-cell depletion or in vivo T-cell depletion with either antithymocyte globulin (ATG) or monoclonal anti-T-cell antibodies. Between March 1999 and January 2001, a total of 23 transplants with ATG of equine source (20 transplants) and ATG of rabbit source (3 transplants) used as part of the preparatory regimen were performed at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Mich. The three patients who received rabbit ATG developed EBV-LPD between 60 and 90 days following bone marrow transplantation. However, there were no cases of EBV-LPD in the equine group. Treatment given in these cases consisted of tapering immunosuppression, antiviral therapy, unprocessed donor lymphocyte infusion, mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cell rescue infusion (one patient), and chemotherapy (one patient). All three patients died of complications from EBV-LPD. The association of rabbit ATG with the development of EBV-LPD suggests that patients receiving rabbit ATG as part of their preparatory regimens require close monitoring of the EBV viral load and possible early intervention with antiviral therapy.
H1 INCLUSIVE CROSS-SECTION MEASUREMENTS AND AN EXTRACTION OF PARTON DISTRIBUTION FUNCTIONS
Authors: REISERT BURKARD
Published: July 2005

An extraction of the parton distributions of the proton by a next-to-leading order QCD fit in the framework of the Standard Model is presented. The fit implements a novel decomposition of the quark species into up- and down-type quark distributions, which is the key to enable a determination of flavor separated parton distributions from a single experiment. The fit is performed on the inclusive unpolarized neutral and charged current cross-section measurements by the H1 collaboration at HERA. The discussion of uncertainties of parton distribution functions is based upon but extends the QCD analysis published together with the H1 data.
BRST SYMMETRIES IN FREE PARTICLE SYSTEM ON TORIC GEOMETRY
Authors: HONG SOON-TAE
Published: July 2005

We study a free particle system residing on a torus to investigate its Becci–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin symmetries associated with its Stückelberg coordinates, ghosts and anti-ghosts. By exploiting zeibein frame on the toric geometry, we evaluate energy spectrum of the system to describe the particle dynamics. We also investigate symplectic structures involved in the free particle system on the torus.
LOW-NOISE AND HIGH-BANDWIDTH 0.8 μm CMOS TRANSIMPEDANCE AMPLIFIER FOR OPTICAL RECEIVER CIRCUIT
Authors: GUERMAZ M. B. , BOUZERARA L. , ESCID H. , BELAROUSSI M. T.
Published: July 2005

This paper describes and analyzes a low-noise and high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifier featuring a large dynamic range. The designed amplifier is configured on three identical stages that use an active load compensated by an active resistor to improve the stability performance of the amplifier. This topology displays a transimpedance gain of 150 kΩ, which is necessary to obtain a high sensitivity. This structure operates at 5 V power supply voltage, exhibits a gain bandwidth product of 18 THzΩ and a low-noise level of about [Formula: see text]. This transimpedance amplifier can reach a transmission speed of 240 Mb/s for a photocurrent of 0.5 μA. For a photocurrent of 9.5 μA, a transmission speed of 622 Mb/s can be achieved by using an optical fiber connection containing four channels. The predicted performance is verified by simulations using PSPICE and MAGIC tools with 0.8 μm CMOS AMS parameters.
A SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE FOR FINDING MOTIFS USING GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: CHEN R. M. , LIU FALCON F. M. , TSAI JEFFREY J. P.
Published: July 2005

In the era of post-genomics, almost all the genes have been sequenced and enormous amount of data have been generated. Hence, to mine useful information from these data is a very important topic. In this paper, we present a software architecture for finding motifs using genetic algorithm (GA). The new approach can find potential motifs in the regions located from the -2000 bp upstream to +1000 bp downstream of transcription start site (TSS). The mutation in the genetic algorithm is performed using position weight matrices to reserve the completely conserved positions. The crossover in the GA is implemented with specially-designed gap penalties to produce an optimal child pattern. We also present a rearrangement method based on position weight matrices to avoid the presence of a very stable local minimum that may be difficult for operators to generate the optimal pattern. The predicted results obtained from our approach are more accurate than that of Gibbs sampler and we spend less computation time than MEME.
BAYESIAN STATISTICS AND PARAMETER CONSTRAINTS ON THE GENERALIZED CHAPLYGIN GAS MODEL USING SNeIa DATA
Authors: COLISTETE R. , FABRIS J. C. , GONÇALVES S. V. B.
Published: July 2005

The type Ia supernovae ( SNe Ia ) observational data are used to estimate the parameters of a cosmological model with cold dark matter and the generalized Chaplygin gas model (GCGM). The GCGM depends essentially on five parameters: the Hubble constant, the parameter [Formula: see text] related to the velocity of the sound, the equation of state parameter α, the curvature of the Universe and the fraction density of the generalized Chaplygin gas (or the cold dark matter). The parameter α is allowed to take negative values and to be greater than one. The Bayesian parameter estimation yields [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where t0 is the age of the Universe and q0 is the value of the deceleration parameter today. Our results indicate that a Universe completely dominated by the generalized Chaplygin gas is favored, which reinforces the idea that the this gas may unify the description for dark matter and dark energy, at least as far as the SNe Ia data is concerned. A closed and accelerating Universe is also favored. The traditional Chaplygin gas model (CGM), α = 1 is not ruled out, even if it does not give the best-fitting. Particular cases with four or three independent free parameters are also analyzed.
MODEL OF BINDING ALPHA-PARTICLES AND APPLICATIONS TO SUPERHEAVY ELEMENTS
Authors: GRIDNEV K. A. , TORILOV S. YU. , GRIDNEV D. K. , KARTAVENKO V. G. , GREINER W.
Published: July 2005

A model of nuclear matter built from alpha-particles is proposed. In this model, nuclei possess the molecular-like structure. Analyzing the numbers of bonds, one gets the formula for the binding energy of a nucleus. The structure is determined by the minimum of the total potential energy, where interaction between alpha-particles is pairwise and the pair-potential is of Lennard–Jones type. The calculated binding energies show a good agreement with experiment. Calculations predict the stability island for superheavy nuclei around Z=120.
J/ψ COUPLINGS TO OPEN CHARM MESONS FROM QCD SUM RULES
Authors: MATHEUS R. D. , NAVARRA F. S. , NIELSEN M. , RODRIGUES DA SILVA R.
Published: July 2005

We employ QCD sum rules to calculate the J/ψ form factors and coupling constants with charmed mesons, by studying three-point correlation functions. In particular, we consider the J/ψD*D and J/ψDD vertices. We determine the momentum dependence of the form factors for kinematical conditions where J/ψ, D or D* are off-shell. Extrapolating to the pole of each of the form factors obtained, we determine the coupling constants. For both couplings, our results (within the errors) are compatible with estimates based on the constituent quark model.
EXACT QUANTIZATION RULES FOR BOUND STATES OF THE SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION
Authors: MA ZHONG-QI , XU BO-WEI
Published: July 2005

An exact quantization rule for the bound states of the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation is presented and is generalized to the three-dimensional Schrödinger equation with a spherically symmetric potential.
EXCITATION FUNCTIONS OF ALPHA INDUCED REACTIONS ON NATURAL NICKEL UP TO 50 MeV
Authors: SINGH N. L. , MUKHERJEE S. , GADKARI M. S.
Published: July 2005

Excitation functions have been measured for alpha-particle induced reactions on natural nickel leading to the production of 62 Zn , 61 Cu , 56,57 Ni and 56,58 Co radioisotopes up to 50 MeV by the activation method and gamma-ray spectrometry. Most of these radioisotopes are produced by one or two alpha-particle emissions and a few nucleon emissions. The excitation functions were compared with semi-classical models codes, like ALICE/90, which includes a shell corrected level density formulation and the COMPLET, which takes into account angular momentum removal effects. In the case of multi-nucleon emission channels, ALICE/90 gives fairly good agreement. The COMPLET code on the other hand, explains the α-particle emission channels in a more convincing manner.
THE EFFECTS OF HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE AND APPLIED ELECTRIC FIELD ON SHALLOW DONOR IMPURITIES IN GaAs/GaAlAs GRADED QUANTUM WELL
Authors: KASAPOGLU E. , SARI H. , SÖKMEN I.
Published: July 2005

Using a variational approach, we have investigated the effects of the hydrostatic pressure, the well dimension, impurity position and electric field direction on the binding energy of shallow donor impurities in GaAs/GaAlAs graded quantum well (GQW). We have found that the changes in donor binding energy in GQW strongly depend not only on the quantum confinement, but also on the hydrostatic pressure, on the direction of the electric field and on the impurity position.
SURFACE-INDUCED ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY OF CONDUCTING THIN FILMS
Authors: CATTANI M. , SALVADORI M. C. , BASSALO J. M. FILARDO
Published: July 2005

A quantum approach is proposed to calculate the surface-induced electrical resistivity of metallic and semiconducting thin films when several subbands of Fermi participate of the electronic transport. The application of this approach to explain the experimental resistivity data of Pt and Au thin films is briefly reported. The surface-induced resistivity is calculated in detail for the particular case of semiconducting films with only one subband.
Blood-on-a-Chip
Authors: Toner Mehmet , Irimia Daniel
Published: July 2005

▪ Abstract  Accurate, fast, and affordable analysis of the cellular component of blood is of prime interest for medicine and research. Yet, most often sample preparation procedures for blood analysis involve handling steps prone to introducing artifacts, whereas analysis methods commonly require skilled technicians and well-equipped, expensive laboratories. Developing more gentle protocols and affordable instruments for specific blood analysis tasks is becoming possible through the recent progress in the area of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip-type devices. Precise control over the cell microenvironment during separation procedures and the ability to scale down the analysis to very small volumes of blood are among the most attractive capabilities of the new approaches. Here we review some of the emerging principles for manipulating blood cells at microscale and promising high-throughput approaches to blood cell separation using microdevices. Examples of specific single-purpose devices are described together with integration strategies for blood cell separation and analysis modules.
Psychological Perspectives on Legitimacy and Legitimation
Authors: Tyler Tom R.
Published: July 2005

Legitimacy is a psychological property of an authority, institution, or social arrangement that leads those connected to it to believe that it is appropriate, proper, and just. Because of legitimacy, people feel that they ought to defer to decisions and rules, following them voluntarily out of obligation rather than out of fear of punishment or anticipation of reward. Being legitimate is important to the success of authorities, institutions, and institutional arrangements since it is difficult to exert influence over others based solely upon the possession and use of power. Being able to gain voluntary acquiescence from most people, most of the time, due to their sense of obligation increases effectiveness during periods of scarcity, crisis, and conflict. The concept of legitimacy has a long history within social thought and social psychology, and it has emerged as increasingly important within recent research on the dynamics of political, legal, and social systems.
Intestinal and hepatic expression of BNIP3 in necrotizing enterocolitis: regulation by nitric oxide and peroxynitrite
Authors: Zamora Ruben , Vodovotz Yoram , Betten Binnie , Wong Catarina , Zuckerbraun Brian , Gibson Kevin F. , Ford Henri R.
Published: July 2005

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by the upregulation of proinflammatory proteins, nitrosative stress, and increased enterocyte apoptosis. We examined the expression and regulation of the Bcl-2/adenovirus EIB 19-kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), a pro-apoptotic gene regulated by nitric oxide (NO) in hepatocytes, in NEC. Newborn rats subjected to hypoxia and fed a conventional formula by gavage (FFH) developed NEC and demonstrated elevated expression of BNIP3 mRNA and protein in mucosal scrapings of the ileal samples and in the liver. In contrast, control rats [breast-fed (BF) without hypoxia] did not develop NEC or elevated BNIP3 expression in these tissues. BNIP3 expression paralleled the histological manifestation of NEC. Supplementation of the formula with l- Nω-(1-iminoethyl)lysine, an inducible NO synthase inhibitor, reduced BNIP3 expression in FFH animals to the levels found in BF animals. Both hypoxia and peroxynitrite upregulated BNIP3 protein expression in human intestinal cells. Finally, ileal samples obtained from infants undergoing surgical resection for acute NEC demonstrated higher levels of BNIP3 protein. Because hypoxia and formation of reactive nitrogen species may promote gut barrier failure, we propose that upregulation of the cell death-related protein BNIP3 is one possible mechanism associated with enterocyte cell death observed in the intestine with NEC.
Divergent functions of CD4+T lymphocytes in acute liver inflammation and injury after ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Caldwell Charles C. , Okaya Tomohisa , Martignoni Andre , Husted Thomas , Schuster Rebecca , Lentsch Alex B.
Published: July 2005

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion results in an acute inflammatory response culminating in the recruitment of activated neutrophils that directly injure hepatocytes. Recent evidence suggests that CD4+lymphocytes may regulate this neutrophil-dependent injury, but the mechanisms by which this occurs remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we sought to determine the type of CD4+lymphocytes recruited to the liver after ischemia-reperfusion and the manner in which these cells regulated neutrophil recruitment and tissue injury. Wild-type and CD4 knockout (CD4−/−) mice were subjected to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion. CD4+lymphocytes were recruited in the liver within 1 h of reperfusion and remained for at least 4 h. These cells were comprised of conventional (αβTCR-expressing), unconventional (γδTCR-expressing), and natural killer T cells. CD4−/−mice were then used to determine the functional role of CD4+lymphocytes in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Compared with wild-type mice, CD4−/−mice had significantly greater liver injury, yet far less neutrophil accumulation. Adoptive transfer of CD4+lymphocytes to CD4−/−mice recapitulated the wild-type response. In wild-type mice, neutralization of interleukin (IL)-17, a cytokine released by activated CD4+lymphocytes, significantly reduced neutrophil recruitment in association with suppression of MIP-2 expression. Finally, oxidative burst activity of liver-recruited neutrophils was higher in CD4−/−mice compared with those from wild-type mice. These data suggest that CD4+lymphocytes are rapidly recruited to the liver after ischemia-reperfusion and facilitate subsequent neutrophil recruitment via an IL-17-dependent mechanism. However, these cells also appear to attenuate neutrophil activation. Thus the data suggest that CD4+lymphocytes have dual, opposing roles in the hepatic inflammatory response to ischemia-reperfusion.
Paradoxical hypotension following increased hematocrit and blood viscosity
Authors: Martini Judith , Carpentier Benoît , Negrete Adolfo Chávez , Frangos John A. , Intaglietta Marcos
Published: July 2005

Hematocrit (Hct) of awake hamsters and CD-1 mice was acutely increased by isovolemic exchange transfusion of packed red blood cells (RBCs) to assess the relation between Hct and blood pressure. Increasing Hct 7–13% of baseline decreased mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) by 13 mmHg. Increasing Hct above 19% reversed this trend and caused MAP to rise above baseline. This relationship is described by a parabolic function ( R2 = 0.57 and P < 0.05). Hamsters pretreated with the nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) and endothelial NOS-deficient mice showed no change in MAP when Hct was increased by <19%. Nitrate/nitrite plasma levels of Hct-augmented hamsters increased relative to control and l-NAME treated animals. The blood pressure effect was stable 2 h after exchange transfusion. These findings suggest that increasing Hct increases blood viscosity, shear stress, and NO production, leading to vasodilation and mild hypotension. This was corroborated by measuring A1 arteriolar diameters (55.0 ± 21.5 μm) and blood flow in the hamster window chamber preparation, which showed statistically significant increased vessel diameter (1.04 ± 0.1 relative to baseline) and microcirculatory blood flow (1.39 ± 0.68 relative to baseline) after exchange transfusion with packed RBCs. Larger increases of Hct (>19% of baseline) led blood viscosity to increase >50%, overwhelming the NO effect through a significant viscosity-dependent increase in vascular resistance, causing MAP to rise above baseline values.