bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Intracardiac Echocardiography for Prediction of Chronic Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SAAD EDUARDO B. , COLE CHRISTOPHER R. , MARROUCHE NASSIR F. , DRESING THOMAS J. , PEREZ‐LUGONES ALEJANDRO , SALIBA WALID I. , SCHWEIKERT ROBERT A. , KLEIN ALLAN , RODRIGUEZ LEONARDO , GRIMM RICHARD , TCHOU PATRICK , NATALE ANDREA
Published: December 2004

Prediction of PV Stenosis After Ablation.
Introduction: Measurements of pulmonary vein (PV) flow with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) immediately before and after PV isolation may be a useful method for predicting which patients will develop chronic PV stenosis.

Methods and Results: We assessed preablation and postablation flows in each of the four PVs using a phase‐array ICE catheter in 95 patients (mean age 52 ± 13) undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation. The ostium of each of the PVs was defined using angiography, electrical mapping, and ICE imaging. Ostial electrical isolation of all PVs was achieved using a 4‐mm cooled‐tip radiofrequency ablation catheter. Change in PV flow, when present, was examined as both an absolute value and as a percentage of the baseline flow. All patients underwent spiral computed tomography (CT) scans of the PVs 3 months after the procedure for detection of stenosis. The average preablation diastolic flows for the left superior, left inferior, right superior, and right inferior veins were 0.56, 0.54, 0.47, and 0.45 m/sec, respectively. These values increased to 0.74, 0.67, 0.58, and 0.59 m/sec postablation (P < 0.001). Of 380 PVs ablated, the CT scans revealed 2 (1%) with severe (> 70%) stenosis, 13 (3%) with moderate (51%–70%) stenosis, and 62 (16%) with mild (≤ 50%) stenosis. The r value between flow and stenosis was only 0.09 (P = NS).

Conclusion: Acute changes in PV flow immediately after ostial PV isolation do not appear to be a strong predictor of chronic PV stenosis.
Acute Coronary Occlusion During Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Typical Atrial Flutter
Authors: OUALI SANA , ANSELME FRÉDÉRIC , SAVOURÉ ARNAUD , CRIBIER ALAIN
Published: December 2004

Acute Coronary Occlusion During RF Catheter Ablation. We report the first case of acute right coronary artery occlusion in an adult patient during radiofrequency catheter ablation of typical atrial flutter. ST segment elevation rapidly resolved with antithrombotic therapy. This complication was thought to be due to the short distance between the endocardium and the right coronary artery at the ablation site, the high‐wattage output from the radiofrequency generator, and the lack of sufficient cooling effect related to a severe upstream coronary stenosis. In patients with known right coronary artery stenosis who are suffering from typical atrial flutter, evaluation of the significance of the stenosis would be reasonable.
Transmural Action Potential Changes Underlying Ventricular Electrical Remodeling
Authors: LIBBUS IMAD , ROSENBAUM DAVID S.
Published: December 2004

Introduction: Although it is well established that alterations in heart rate or activation sequence induce electrical remodeling in the atria, electrical remodeling in the ventricle is poorly understood.

Methods and Results: To determine the changes in cellular repolarization that underlie ventricular electrical remodeling caused separately by altered heart rate and activation sequence, optical action potentials were recorded simultaneously from 256 sites spanning the transmural wall of the arterially perfused canine wedge preparation

(n = 15)

. Action potentials were compared from the same sites under identical conditions [endocardial pacing, cycle length (CL) = 1,000 msec], before and after an intervening 20‐ to 60‐minute period of remodeling induced by (1) rapid pacing (CL = 300 msec) with no change in activation sequence; (2) altered activation sequence (epicardial pacing) with no change in rate; or (3) no change in rate or activation sequence (control). Action potential duration (APD) shortened by

24.8 ± 4.8 msec

following a period of rapid heart rate

(P < 0.05)

but prolonged (by

12.7 ± 1.8 msec

) following a period of altered activation sequence

(P < 0.05)

. Hence, even after restoration of baseline heart rate and activation sequence, there were persistent changes in APD from baseline, indicative of electrical remodeling. Moreover, the orientation of the maximum APD gradient across the transmural wall changed more significantly following heart rate remodeling (by

27.7°± 4.9°, P < 0.05

) than following activation sequence remodeling (by

12.3°± 2.4°, P < 0.05

).

Conclusion: Persistent changes in ventricular repolarization can be induced by surprisingly short periods of altered rate or activation sequence. In contrast to atrial remodeling, electrical remodeling in the ventricle can result in prolonged APD (with altered activation sequence) or reversal of APD gradient orientation (with rapid rate), suggesting that the nature of ventricular electrical remodeling induced by these two perturbations is different.
(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 394‐402, April 2003)
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in High‐Risk Long QT Syndrome Patients
Authors: ZAREBA WOJCIECH , MOSS ARTHUR J. , DAUBERT JAMES P. , HALL W. JACKSON , ROBINSON JENNIFER L. , ANDREWS MARK
Published: December 2004

Introduction: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are increasingly being used in high‐risk long QT syndrome (LQTS) patients, but there are limited data regarding clinical experience with this therapeutic modality. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of 125 LQTS patients treated with ICDs compared with LQTS patients having similar risk indications who were not treated with ICDs.

Methods and Results: Among 125 LQTS patients with ICDs, there were 54 cardiac arrest survivors, 19 patients who had ICDs implanted due to recurrent syncope despite beta‐blocker therapy, and 52 patients with ICDs implanted due to other reasons, including syncope and LQTS‐related sudden death in a close family member. Patients with cardiac arrest and those with recurrent syncope despite beta‐blocker therapy (n = 73) were compared to 161 LQTS patients who had similar indications (89 cardiac arrest and 72 recurrent syncope despite beta‐blocker therapy) but did not receive ICDs. Total mortality was the endpoint of the analysis. There was 1 (1.3%) death in 73 ICD patients followed an average of 3 years, whereas there were 26 deaths (16%) in non‐ICD patients during mean 8‐year follow‐up (P = 0.07 from log rank test from Kaplan‐Meier curves).

Conclusion: ICDs provide an important therapeutic option to prevent sudden arrhythmic death in high‐risk LQTS patients. A long‐term prospective study is needed to determine the benefit of this therapeutic modality in LQTS patients.
(J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 14, pp. 337‐341, April 2003)
Combined Epicardial‐Endocardial Approach to Ablation of Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia
Authors: KOPLAN BRUCE A. , PARKASH RATIKA , COUPER GREGORY , STEVENSON WILLIAM G.
Published: December 2004

A combined epicardial‐endocardial approach to ablation of inappropriate sinus tachycardia in a highly symptomatic patient who failed to respond to medical therapy and endocardial ablation is described. The anatomy and physiology of the sinus node is discussed, providing a basis for performing this procedure. This case provides an additional therapeutic option for a condition that often is difficult to manage. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 237‐240, February 2004)
Functional Genomic Study on Atrial Fibrillation Using cDNA Microarray and Two‐Dimensional Protein Electrophoresis Techniques and Identification of the Myosin Regulatory Light Chain Isoform Reprogramming in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: LAI LING‐PING , LIN JIUNN‐LEE , LIN CHICH‐SHENG , YEH HUEI‐MING , TSAY YEOU‐GUANG , LEE CHWEN‐FANG , LEE HSIAO‐HUI , CHANG ZEE‐FEN , HWANG JUEY‐JEN , SU MING‐JAI , TSENG YUNG‐ZU , HUANG SHOEI K. STEPHEN
Published: December 2004

Introduction: Functional and structural changes of atrial tissue occur during the natural course of atrial fibrillation (AF), and these changes may contribute to further AF. We investigated the changes in AF tissue using cDNA microarray and two‐dimensional protein electrophoresis techniques.

Methods and Results: We established a porcine model of AF by rapid right atrial appendage pacing at a rate of 600/min. Atrial tissue was obtained after rapid atrial depolarization for 6 weeks. Microarrays containing 6,035 cDNA clones were used to evaluate the alterations of mRNA. Two‐dimensional protein electrophoresis was performed to compare protein patterns. In cDNA microarray studies, we identified 387 genes with significant change in the left atrium and 81 genes in the right atrium. Among the genes, the ventricular isoform of the myosin regulatory light chain (MLC‐2V) showed the greatest fold of change (9.4 and 7.3 in the left and right atrium, respectively). In protein electrophoresis, the expression levels of three protein spots spanning from 18 to 20 kDa in the acidic region (PI 4.5–5.0) were specifically elevated in the AF group. Interestingly, through tandem mass spectrometric analysis, these three spots were identified as MLC‐2V. Thus, MLC‐2V expression at the mRNA and protein levels corresponded well, and both indicated a significant increase in AF.

Conclusion: Both cDNA microarray and two‐dimensional polyacrylamide protein electrophoresis studies revealed characteristic changes in AF tissue. We demonstrated the reprogramming of myosin regulatory light chain isoform composition, with a significant increase of its ventricular isoform (MLC‐2V). (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 214‐223, February 2004)
Impact of Catheter Ablation on Pulmonary Vein Morphology and Mechanical Function
Authors: SCHWARTZMAN DAVID , KANZAKI HIDEAKI , BAZAZ RAVEEN , GORCSAN JOHN
Published: December 2004

Introduction: Previous reports have documented that radiofrequency catheter ablation of pulmonary veins induces a significant increase in the peak velocity of transvenous blood flow. Although the magnitude of the increase infers a state of pulmonary vein stenosis, there have been no reports of direct visualization of the ablation zone.

Methods and Results: In each of 23 subjects, the myocardium investing one or more pulmonary veins (total of 42 veins) was electrically isolated by applying a confluent circumferential ablation lesion to the atrial side of the venoatrial junction. Doppler measurements of transvenous flow velocity were made before and after ablation using phased‐array intracardiac echocardiography. Direct visualization of the ablation zone was performed using rotating intracardiac echocardiography, permitting assessment of shape, cross‐sectional area, phasic variation in cross‐sectional area, and wall thickness. In a subset of 5 subjects, a more detailed assessment of the ablation and contiguous regions was performed using three‐dimensional echocardiography (rotating transducer). Prior to ablation, venoatrial junctions demonstrated noncircular shape and marked phasic variation in cross‐sectional area. There was a trivial transvenous pressure gradient. After ablation, there was a significant increase in both anterograde and retrograde flow velocities and pressure gradient, the magnitudes of which were inversely proportional to the preablation and postablation areas. Direct visualization of the ablation zone revealed circumferential wall swelling, reduced cross‐sectional area, and diminishment in phasic variation in cross‐sectional area. Similar observations were made at contiguous nonablated sites, diminishing in magnitude as a function of distance.

Conclusion: Pulmonary vein ablation induces significant acute changes in morphology and mechanical function that extend beyond the ablation zone. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 161‐167, February 2004)
Catheter Ablation of Common‐Type Atrial Flutter Guided by Three‐Dimensional Right Atrial Geometry Reconstruction and Catheter Tracking Using Cutaneous Patches:
Authors: VENTURA RODOLFO , ROSTOCK THOMAS , KLEMM HANNO U. , LUTOMSKY BORIS , DEMIR CAGRI , WEISS CHRISTIAN , MEINERTZ THOMAS , WILLEMS STEPHAN
Published: December 2004

Introduction: EnSite® NavX™ (NavX) is a novel mapping and navigation system that allows visualization of conventional catheters for diagnostic and ablative purposes and uses them to create a three‐dimensional (3D) geometry of the heart. NavX is particularly suitable for ablation procedures utilizing an anatomic approach, as in the setting of common‐type atrial flutter (AFL). The aim of this study was to compare NavX‐guided and conventional ablation procedures for AFL.

Methods and Results: Forty consecutive patients (32 male, 59 ± 12 years) with documented AFL were randomized to undergo fluoroscopy‐guided (group I, 20 patients) or NavX‐guided (group II, 20 patients) ablation, including 3D isthmus reconstruction. The same catheter setup was used in both groups. The endpoint of bidirectional isthmus block was obtained in all patients. Compared to conventional approaches, NavX‐guided procedures significantly reduced fluoroscopy time (5.1 ± 1.4 min vs 20 ± 11 min, P < 0.01) and total x‐ray exposure (5.1 ± 3.1 Gycm2 vs 24.9 ± 1.6 Gycm2, P < 0.01). Isthmus geometry reconstruction could be performed in all patients of group II. In 4 patients (20%) of group II, anatomic isthmus variations were detected by NavX. No significant differences in radiofrequency current applications and procedural times were found between the two groups.

Conclusion: NavX technology allows geometry reconstruction of the cavotricuspid isthmus. NavX‐guided ablation of AFL reduces total x‐ray exposure compared to the fluoroscopy‐guided approach but does not prolong procedure time.
Individual Patterns of Dynamic QT/RR Relationship in Survivors of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Their Relationship to Antiarrhythmic Efficacy of Amiodarone
Authors: SMETANA PETER , PUEYO ESTHER , HNATKOVA KATERINA , BATCHVAROV VELISLAV , LAGUNA PABLO , MALIK MAREK
Published: December 2004

Introduction: Amiodarone is an effective antiarrhythmic drug, but it has serious side effects and conducted trials did not support its prophylactic use in survivors of acute myocardial infarction. It is possible that the prophylactic use of the drug has not been tested effectively. To optimize therapy outcome, markers of drug efficacy might be developed to identify patients who, although at arrhythmic risk, would not benefit from amiodarone treatment. We investigated descriptors of QT/RR relationship for their potential value in predicting inefficient amiodarone treatment.

Methods and Results: The study used 866 Holter recordings (462 amiodarone, 404 placebo) obtained 1 month after randomization in the European Myocardial Infarct Amiodarone Trial (EMIAT). A commercial Holter system was used to measure RR and QT intervals. Subject‐specific descriptors of QT/RR relationship were calculated. Comparison was performed in amiodarone‐ and placebo‐treated patients, distinguishing patients who did and did not suffer from arrhythmic death. QT/RR relationship and individually corrected QTc interval differed significantly, not only between amiodarone‐ and placebo‐treated postmyocardial infarction patients but also between patients with and without arrhythmic death on amiodarone (QTc with vs without arrhythmic death 426.30 ± 33.93 ms vs 444.23 ± 36.65 ms, P = 6.5 × 10‐3). In a multivariate analysis, reduced optimum regression residuum (14.33 ± 7.08 vs 20.11 ± 9.39, P = 4.4 × 10‐3) and flatter slope (0.44 ± 0.19 vs 0.55 ± 0.24, P = 4.0 × 10‐2) of the QT/RR relationship independently predicted arrhythmic death during follow‐up.

Conclusion: Chronic amiodarone treatment markedly affects the QT/RR relationship. The lack of treatment‐related QT/RR changes predicts arrhythmic death. Descriptors of complexity of QT/RR relation seem to be potent markers of treatment efficiency.
Unusual Mode of Tachycardia Termination Uncovers the Underlying Arrhythmia Mechanism
Authors: RIVERO‐AYERZA MÁXIMO , DE ZUTTER MARC , CHIERCHIA GIAN BATTISTA , GEELEN PETER , BRUGADA PEDRO
Published: December 2004

We discuss the differential diagnosis of a tachycardia with a broad QRS complex and how the mode of termination helped elucidate the underlying tachycardia mechanism.
Pressure simulation of orthodontic force in osteoblasts: a pilot study
Authors: Baumert U. , Golan I. , Becker B. , Hrala B.P. , Redlich M. , Roos H.A. , Palmon A. , Reichenberg E. , Müßig D.
Published: December 2004

Structured Abstract

Authors – Baumert U, Golan I, Becker B, Hrala BP, Redlich M, Roos HA, Reichenberg E, Palmon A, Müßig D

Objectives – To elucidate the RUNX2 gene expression induction in human osteoblasts after mechanical loading.

Design – Using a stringent pulse‐chase protocol human osteoblasts were exposed to centrifugal pressure force for 30 and 90 min. Untreated control cells were processed in parallel. Before, and at defined times after centrifugation, total RNA was isolated. RUNX2 gene expression was measured using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The stress/control ratio was used to illustrate possible stimulatory or diminishing effects of force application.

Results – Immediately after 30 min of force application the RUNX2 gene expression was induced by a factor of 1.7 ± 0.14 as compared with the negative control. This induction decreased rapidly and reached its pre‐load levels within 30 min. Longer force applications (up to 90 min) did not change the RUNX2 gene expression.

Conclusion – In mature osteoblasts centrifugal pressure force stimulates RUNX2 gene expression within a narrow time frame: loading of mature cells results in a temporary increase of RUNX2 expression and a fast downregulation back to its pre‐load expression level. With this pilot study the gene expression behavior after mechanical stimuli could be determined with a simple laboratory setup.
Statistical Behavior of a Reacting Mixture in Isotropic Turbulence
Authors: Corrsin Stanley
Published: December 2004

Under the restrictions of (A) isotropy in turbulent velocity and concentration fluctuation fields, (B) negligible effect of reaction on fluid motion, and (C) negligible effect of heat of reaction on local reaction rate, equations have been deduced for some statistical functions of the concentration of reactant. For a first-order reaction the simplest equations do not differ in general character from those of pure mixing without reaction, but the nonlinear nature of second-order reactions introduces decided differences. Solutions for the decay rates of mean concentration and fluctuations have been obtained in some limiting cases and with some simplifying assumptions. The principal hypothesis introduced is that a first-order reaction has no effect on the size structure of the scalar field.
A model spin-vibronic Hamiltonian for twofold degenerate electron systems: A variational ab initio study of X̃ 2E CH3O•
Authors: Marenich Aleksandr V. , Boggs James E.
Published: December 2004

A sophisticated spin-vibronic model was developed to study electronic and nuclear dynamics in twofold degenerate electron systems. Eigenenergies and eigenfunctions of a model Hamiltonian are calculated in a basis set of products of electronic, electron spin, and vibrational functions. The X̃ 2E ground electronic state of the CH3O pyramidal (C3v) system has been studied with the simultaneous treatment of spin-orbit coupling, all linear and quadratic Jahn-Teller interactions including multimode couplings, and anharmonic effects up to the sixth order for the CH–stretching. The group-theoretical analysis of the spin-vibronic Hamiltonian and its eigenfunctions was performed in terms of irreducible representations (E3/2 and E1/2) of the double C3v symmetry group. Vibronic and anharmonic model parameters of X̃ 2E CH3O were calculated with numerical differentiation using ab initio energies of the CH3O geometries distorted on normal coordinates. The equation-of-motion coupled cluster method with augmented core-valence basis sets of triple-ζ quality was applied in these calculations. The value of the spin-orbit splitting in X̃ 2E CH3O was calculated using multiconfiguration quasidegenerate second-order perturbation theory with a complete active space reference wave function followed by a perturbative calculation of eigenvalues of the full Breit-Pauli spin-orbit operator.
Cluster algorithm for nonadditive hard-core mixtures
Authors: Buhot Arnaud
Published: December 2004

In this paper, we present a cluster algorithm for the numerical simulations of nonadditive hard-core mixtures. This algorithm allows one to simulate and equilibrate systems with a number of particles two orders of magnitude larger than previous simulations. The phase separation for symmetric binary mixtures is studied for different nonadditivities as well as for the Widom–Rowlinson model [B. Widom and J. S. Rowlinson, J. Chem. Phys. 52, 1670 (1970)] in two and three dimensions. The critical densities are determined from finite size scaling. The critical exponents for all the nonadditivities are consistent with the Ising universality class.
“A Christian, Holy People” Martin Luther on Salvation and the Church
Authors: Yeago David S.
Published: December 2004

Starting from recent uneasiness with Protestant individualism, this article asks whether Luther’s theological insights might help address the unintended cultural consequences of the Reformation. Luther’s mature thought defines the church as a tangible “Christian, holy people” within history, constituted by distinctive public practices. This church is necessarily institutionalized: the “universal priesthood” is corporate rather than individual, and cannot be fully realized without ministers acting in persona ecclesiae. Ordered ministry and common priesthood are interdependent and mutually constitutive. Finally, following his central principle that God gives spiritual gifts only through public, bodily means, Luther allows no separation of justifying faith from bodily adherence to the Christian people.
“On my bed at night I sought him whom my heart loves"” reflections on trust, horror, G*d, and the queer body in vowed religious life
Authors: Viefhues S.J. Ludger
Published: December 2004

What can the multifaceted bouquet of queer love reveal about G*d? In this paper I wish to answer this question by reflecting on the queer body of the male vowed religious. I will argue that, since gendering is a key feature in our attempts to create epistemic order, the performance of gender instability in turn destabilizes our attempts to create epistemic order. In short: gender trouble leads to epistemic trouble. Far from being only a passive sign for these troubles, the male religious body, which is stylized by renouncing penetration, is also a field for the active experience of the horror and the need for trust implied in our fragile epistemic situation. Both trust and horror can be interpreted as an experience of the Dark Night, as the experiential side of Negative Theology. I will argue that the grace that we as queer men and women in general contribute to the Church is that we are pointing to and living out the fundamental reality of epistemic uncertainty and the troubling necessity of trust.
Economic Theory and the Valuation of Mineral Reserves
Authors: Cairns Robert D. , Davis Graham A.
Published: December 2004

This paper provides an intuitive explanation of Hotelling’s rule and how it gives rise to the Hotelling valuation principle as a method of valuing petroleum reserves. Then it uses this intuition to explain some modifications demanded by operating constraints and price uncertainty. The principle does not hold empirically, but the paper’s explanation is consistent with most empirical results, and its modified formula is still quite simple.
National History, Non‐national Archaeology: The Case of Denmark
Authors: Randsborg Klavs
Published: December 2004

The early development of Danish archaeology (including the centuries before AD 1800) is discussed in terms of its relationship with national history, and with various ideas about regional phenomena and concepts of cultural identity. Danish archaeologists followed a dual strategy, by subscribing both to national sentiment, but also to the ‘un‐national’ notion of close culture‐historical links between regions. Confusion of text‐based historical aims, and those of archaeology, caused problems. The main strengths of archaeology – its unique material perspective and concepts, historical, spatial, and contextual (including social and mental dimensions) – are stressed.
Anomalous Monism and Epiphenomenalism
Authors: Welshon Rex
Published: December 2004

Abstract: I argue that, on plausible assumptions, anomalous entails monism epiphenomenalism of the mental. The plausible assumptions are (1) events are particulars; (2) causal relations are extensional; (3) mental properties are epiphrastic. A principle defender of anomalous monism, Donald Davidson, acknowledges that anomalous monism is committed to (1) and (2). I argue that it is committed to (3) as well. Given (1), (2), and (3), epiphenomenalism of the mental falls out immediately. Three attempts to salvage anomalous monism from epiphenomenalism of the mental are examined and rejected. I conclude with reflections on the status of non‐reductive physicalism.
Tobin Tax Effects Seen from the Foreign Exchange Market's Microstructure
Authors: Mende Alexander , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: December 2004

There are strong calls for the introduction of a ‘Tobin tax’ on foreign exchange (FX) transactions. Despite its popularity, research has not yet made full use of available insights from the recent microstructure literature. The role of banks in FX trading is quite different from the assumptions of proponents. Asset managers are most probably the group with the heaviest influence on shorter‐term exchange rate movements. They speculate under comparatively longer horizons than FX dealers, although their behaviour also tends to be short‐termist. We argue that there is no tax rate that could both influence their behaviour and simultaneously maintain the desired high level of liquidity. We conclude that no uniform proportional Tobin tax can achieve its objectives.
Social security reforms in China: issues and prospects
Authors: Leung Joe C.B.
Published: December 2004

The phenomenal success of China's market‐oriented economic reforms since the 1980s has rendered the traditional employment‐based social security system increasingly inadequate and inefficient. For decades, the Chinese government has been trying to develop a more pluralistic, effective and affordable social security system which will be compatible with both a thriving market economy and a flagging socialist political structure. While the emerging system is still struggling with a variety of operational problems, the entry of China into the WTO is looming as a formidable challenge to this social security system. This presentation outlines the recent reforms of the social security system undertaken by the Chinese government, and assesses the effectiveness of the results in meeting the challenge. Here, social security reforms focus on the retirement and unemployment insurance schemes and the social assistance program.
In search of local autonomy: the politics of big cities in Russia's transition
Authors: Gel'man Vladimir
Published: December 2004

Despite a series of local government reforms in the 1990s, Russia's localities still lack serious autonomy. Only big cities maintain hopes for the emergence of local autonomy and local democracy. City politics has produced multiple conflicts between regional and local authorities; however, regional‐local relations merely reflect fundamental center‐periphery controversies on a smaller territorial scale. While big cities and their metropolitan areas serve as centers of political, economic and social modernization, other regional areas are lost in the peripheries. During Russia's transition period, some large cities acquired more political and economic autonomy from regions than others did. This article concentrates on the crucial role of (1) political opportunities inherited from the late‐Soviet period; and (2) strategic choices of political actors in the post‐Soviet period. The constellation of initial conditions and outcomes of political conflicts have contributed greatly to the diversity of city politics and urban autonomy in Russia's cities. Finally, the article considers the possible impact of local autonomy in Russia's cities on national social, economic and political developments.

Malgré la série de réformes des années 1990 sur les gouvernements locaux en Russie, les localités manquent toujours d'une véritable autonomie. Seules, les grandes villes espèrent encore l'avènement d'une autonomie et d'une démocratie locales. La politique urbaine a généré nombre de conflits entre autorités locales et régionales; ceux‐ci ne sont pourtant que le reflet de la polémique fondamentale entre centre et périphérie à une échelle territoriale réduite. Alors que les grandes villes et leur métropole concentrent modernisations sociales, économiques et politiques, le reste de la région se fond dans les périphéries. Pendant la Russie de transition, quelques grandes villes ont acquis davantage d'autonomie économique et politique que d'autres par rapport à leur région. L'article détaille le rôle crucial qu'ont joué, d'une part, les ouvertures politiques héritées de la fin du régime précédent et, d'autre part, les choix stratégiques des acteurs politiques de l'ère post‐soviétique. La pléiade de conditions initiales et de séquelles de conflits politiques a largement contribuéà diversifier les politiques urbaines et le degré d'autonomie des villes russes. Enfin, l'article aborde l'impact éventuel d'une autonomie locale des villes sur les évolutions sociales, économiques et politiques de la Russie.
Comments on Jeff R. Crump's ‘The end of public housing as we know it: public housing policy, labor regulation and the US city’
Authors: Schwartz Alex
Published: December 2004

Jeff Crump's discussion of housing policy in the United States is highly polemic but not very analytic or informative. Crump argues that federal housing policy is attempting to move people out of public housing and into the private housing market and the lowwage labor force. However, he fails to support his argument with credible evidence. My comments point out the most egregious of Crump's claims. I start with Crump's most extreme contentions that housing policy is coercing public housing residents into the low‐wage labor force. I then question his dismissive attitude toward the problems confronted by residents of distressed public housing and policies designed to help low‐income families move out of impoverished neighborhoods. I subsequently show how Crump exaggerates the extent to which federal housing policy is clearing central cities of subsidized low‐income housing. I conclude with a few words on the serious issues that a more informed critique of US housing policy could have raised.

L'exposé de Jeff Crump sur la politique du logement aux Etats‐Unis relève principalement de la polémique, plus que de l'analyse ou de l'information. Selon lui, la politique fédérale tente de déplacer la population des logements sociaux vers les marchés de l'habitat privé et de la main‐d'œuvre à bas salaires. Toutefois, il n'apporte aucune preuve crédible à son propos. Ma réaction porte sur ses arguments les plus insignes, en commençant par ses allégations extrémistes selon lesquelles la politique du logement contraint les habitants des logements publics à des emplois peu rémunérés. Je remets ensuite en cause son dédain à l'égard des difficultés que rencontrent les résidents des logements sociaux insalubres, sans oublier les politiques prévues pour aider les familles à faibles revenus à quitter les quartiers pauvres. En conséquence, à mon avis, Crump exagère la mesure dans laquelle la politique fédérale élimine des centres‐villes les habitats à loyer modéré subventionnés. En quelques mots, ma conclusion porte sur les questions graves qu'aurait pu soulever un commentateur mieux documenté sur la politique du logement aux Etats‐Unis.
Why European Commissioners Matter*
Authors: Smith Andy
Published: December 2004

Discussions of the role European Commissioners play in European Union politics are shaped by three powerful implicit assumptions. These posit a causal relationship between a Commissioner's behaviour and previous career, portfolio and national origin. In addition, Commissioners are seen as exacerbating the fragmentation of the European Commission as a whole. Based on an empirical study of eight Commissioners from the Delors II and the Santer colleges, this article challenges or reformulates these assumptions. In so doing, it also shows that sociologies of actors such as European Commissioners ‘matter’ to the study of politics in the European Union.
The Legislative Powers and Impact of the European Parliament
Authors: Maurer Andreas
Published: December 2004

This article investigates the impact of the legislative powers of the European Parliament (EP), particularly the co‐decision procedure. After explaining the development of the legislative procedures, the article analyses the extent to which the different procedures have been used since their creation. It then considers how growing legislative power has affected the EP's internal development, how far the EP has been able to influence EU legislation, and whether EP involvement in legislation has enhanced or impeded the efficiency of the EU legislative process. The article concludes by considering possible areas for further reform of the EP's role in the EU's legislative system.
Public Support for the European Parliament*
Authors: Gabel Matthew
Published: December 2004

The study of the European Parliament (EP) is motivated in large part by its central role in the democratic legitimacy of the European Union (EU). Public support for the EP is important to this legitimacy. At a fundamental level, a parliament designed to represent citizens ought to enjoy public respect and support and, in this study, I examine whether EU citizens vary systematically in their support for the EP. Based on regression analysis of Eurobarometer survey data, I demonstrate that EU citizens differ in their support for the EP based on their considerations of the current scope of EU governance, their appraisal of EU membership, their sense of European political identity, and their level of satisfaction with national democracy. These results have implications for how institutional reforms may shape public support for and the legitimacy of the EU.
A Study into the Feasibility and Effects of Reading Extended Authentic Discourse in the Beginning German Language Classroom
Authors: Maxim, III Hiram
Published: December 2004

Despite efforts to integrate all levels of foreign language instruction, reading remains on the periphery of beginning language study. Reading extended texts is outcast to an even greater degree. This article addresses this issue by presenting the design, results, and implications from a study involving beginning college‐level language students who read a 142‐page romance novel in their first semester of German. During the semester, the treatment group (N= 27) followed the same standard first‐semester syllabus as the comparison group (N= 32), but replaced all standard reading assignments in the textbook with daily in‐class readings of the romance novel. The effects of the treatment were assessed on the basis of the two groups’ results on (a) three departmental exams and (b) a pretest and posttest consisting of written recall protocols of 4 texts and vocabulary‐related questions. A statistical analysis of these two measures yielded 2 central findings. First, students were able to read a full‐length authentic text in the first semester. Second, the treatment group performed as well as the comparison group on the three department tests and the posttest, which runs counter to arguments that time spent reading in class adversely affects beginning language learners’ second language development. Curricular and pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effects of Differential Timing in the Introduction of Japanese Syllabaries on Early Second Language Development in Japanese
Authors: Hatasa Yukiko Abe
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a time lag in the introduction of Japanese syllabaries makes a difference in the early second language acquisition of Japanese. Two groups of native speakers of English, an experimental (lag) group and a control (nonlag) group, participated in this study. The difference between these groups was the amount of time (8 weeks) that elapsed before syllabaries were introduced into their respective Japanese curricula. The 2 groups were equivalent in terms of demographic characteristics, and the instructors, instructional materials, and methods were identical. The results of 2 posttests showed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Thus, the timing of the introduction of syllabaries may not be as significant an issue as has been previously thought.
An alternative urban world is possible: a declaration for urban research and action
Authors:   International Network for Urban Research and Action (INURA)
Published: December 2004

At its June 2002 meeting in Paris and Caen, France, the members of the International Network for Urban Research and Action (INURA) collectively agreed on a declaration to express the organization's urbanist agenda. This declaration operates on two levels: one makes five statements conceived in the tradition of earlier (for example situationist) manifestos; the other is a set of concise statements on the state of the globalization process in the era of globalization and neoliberalism. Subsections of the declaration deal with an urban world, a global city, migrant cities, unsustainable urban‐natural relations, neoliberalization, attacks on democracy, community vulnerability, the rise of racism, and some thoughts on possible alternatives. The strategic purpose of this declaration was to be an intervention at meetings of the international urban community, for example for the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre in January 2003 and similar regional and local events. The declaration is published here in order to invite debate among other scholars and activists on the issues raised in its theses and statements.
City of talents? Berlin's regional economy, socio‐spatial fabric and ‘worst practice’ urban governance
Authors: Krätke Stefan
Published: December 2004

Berlin's reinstatement as the capital of Germany has raised great expectations of its transformation into a major economic centre of the European urban system. However, the city has not been able to fulfil these expectations. Today, Berlin is being hit by a financial crisis with dramatic consequences for the city's future development prospects. This article outlines the main outcomes of Berlin's socio‐economic restructuring in the 1990s: a tremendous loss of jobs in traditional industries has contributed to rising unemployment and the spread of urban poverty. The city has been a prime playground for speculative real estate investment, which has left behind a huge amount of unoccupied office space. On the other hand, new islands of economic growth have been developing in Berlin, particularly in knowledge‐intensive economic activities and the media industry. This development is related to the city's functioning as a highly attractive living place for the ‘creative class’ in Germany. At the same time, the city is an outstanding example of ‘worst practice’ urban governance, which has led to a financial crisis with truly catastrophic effects. The current financial consolidation policy may damage the prospects of Berlin's few growth sectors in the field of knowledge‐intensive economic activities.

Le rétablissement de Berlin en capitale de l'Allemagne a suscité d'énormes attentes quant à sa transformation en centre économique majeur du réseau urbain européen, espoirs qui se sont révélés vains. Aujourd'hui, Berlin est frappée par une crise financière aux conséquences dramatiques pour les perspectives de développement de la ville. Cet article présente les principaux aboutissements de la restructuration socio‐économique de la capitale dans les années 1990: une terrible déperdition d'emplois dans les industries traditionnelles a nourri une progression du chômage et de la pauvreté urbaine; devenue terrain de jeu privilégié des spéculateurs immobiliers, la ville compte désormais une multitude d'espaces de bureaux inoccupés. En revanche, ont éclos des îlots de croissance économique, notamment dans les médias et les domaines où le savoir est important. Cette évolution tient au fonctionnement de la capitale comme lieu de vie particulièrement attrayant pour les ‘créatifs’ en Allemagne. Parallèlement, la ville constitue un remarquable cas de ‘pire pratique’ de gouvernance urbaine ayant amené une crise financière aux effets réellement catastrophiques; pour finir, la politique de consolidation financière actuelle va peut‐être entraver l'avenir des rares secteurs berlinois en expansion dans les sphères d'activités économiques demandeuses de savoir.
The co‐optation of squatters in Amsterdam and the emergence of a movement meritocracy: a critical reply to Pruijt
Authors: Uitermark Justus
Published: December 2004

This article explains how and why the relationship between the Amsterdam squatter movement and the local government has changed over the last decade. Besides reassessing Pruijt's analysis of the Amsterdam squatter movement in a recent issue of this journal, the article also engages with the post‐Fordist literature on social movements. This literature is largely based on the assumption that a subversive identity is incompatible with co‐optation. However, as such ‘soft factors’ as culture gain more importance in urban growth strategies, it is likely that some segments of urban movements may become co‐opted while retaining their subversive identity. It is hypothesized that we are witnessing the emergence of a movement meritocracy: with the rise of soft neoliberal urban policies, the way in which the local polity delivers incentives follows an increasingly discriminatory pattern, giving a place to those segments that contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the city whilst ignoring segments that struggle for basic provisions. These processes are probably not peculiar to Amsterdam and there is an urgent need for post‐Fordist and other social movement theory to investigate what are the consequences of these shifts for government‐movement interactions.

Comment et pourquoi la relation entre le mouvement des squatters d'Amsterdam et le gouvernement local a‐t‐elle changé au cours de la dernière décennie? Outre l'examen de l'analyse qu'a faite Pruijt du mouvement des squatters d'Amsterdam dans un récent numéro de cette revue, l'article s'appuie sur la littérature post‐fordiste des mouvements sociaux. Celle‐ci se fonde surtout sur l'hypothèse qu'une identité subversive est incompatible avec une cooptation. Or, comme les ‘facteurs intangibles’ tels que la culture prennent de l'importance dans les stratégies d'expansion urbaine, il est probable que certains segments des mouvements urbains pourront être cooptés tout en gardant leur nature subversive. On suppose l'apparition d'une méritocratie des mouvements: avec l'essor des politiques urbaines néolibérales de compromis, la manière dont le gouvernement local propose des mesures d'incitation suit un modèle de plus en plus discriminatoire, donnant une place aux segments qui contribuent à la vibration culturelle de la ville, tout en ignorant ceux qui luttent pour des services de base. Les processus n'étant sans doute pas propres à Amsterdam, il est urgent que les théories des mouvements sociaux, post‐fordistes ou autres, étudient les conséquences de ces changements dans les interactions entre gouvernement et mouvements.
Antigenic cross‐reactivity and sequence homology between Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans GroEL protein and human fibronectin
Authors: Yoshioka M. , Grenier D. , Hinode D. , Fukui M. , Mayrand D.
Published: December 2004

The immunologic cross‐reactivity between human fibronectin and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans GroEL was examined. Analyses by SDS‐PAGE/Western immunoblotting and ELISA showed that a polyclonal antibody directed against the purified GroEL protein of A. actinomycetemcomitans, but not against the Escherichia coli GroEL, cross‐reacts with human fibronectin. No antigenic cross‐reactivity was observed between anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans GroEL antibody and type IV collagen, another important constituent of the basement membrane. A comparative analysis of the amino acid sequences of A. actinomycetemcomitans GroEL and human fibronectin revealed eight instances of four‐amino acid sequence homology between the two proteins. Six of these tetrapeptide sequences were also shared with E. coli GroEL, suggesting that the remaining two tetrapeptides, GQLI (Glycine‐Glutamine‐Leucine‐Isoleucine) and TGLE (Threonine‐Glycine‐Leucine‐Glutamic acid), may be associated with the epitope that the anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans GroEL antibody specifically recognizes. Reactivity between TGLE, but not GQLI, with anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans GroEL antibody was confirmed by a biospecific interaction analysis using a biosensor technology. Although additional investigations are required, the observed phenomenon may lead to an autoimmune response and thus contribute to tissue destruction during periodontitis.
Comparison of zinc oxide and eugenol, and Vitapex for root canal treatment of necrotic primary teeth
Authors: MORTAZAVI M. , MESBAHI M.
Published: December 2004

Objectives.  The aims of this study were to evaluate iodoform base materials for root canal treatment of necrotic primary teeth, and to compare them with traditionally used zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE).

Sample and Methods.  Zinc oxide and eugenol and Vitapex (a premixed calcium hydroxide and iodoform paste) were compared for root canal treatment in 52 necrotic primary teeth in two groups of children with a mean age of 5 years and 8·4 months. All the patients were followed‐up clinically and radiographically 3 months and 10–16 months postoperatively.

Results.  The overall success rates of Vitapex and ZOE were 100% and 78·5%, respectively. Using Fisher's Exact Test, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0·05).

Conclusion.  Both ZOE and Vitapex gave encouraging results. Vitapex, however, can be used more safely whenever there is a doubt about the patient's return for follow‐up.
An epidemiological survey of the time and sequence of eruption of permanent teeth in 4–15‐year‐olds in Tehran, Iran
Authors: MOSLEMI M.
Published: December 2004

Aim.  The aims of this study were to define the average time of eruption of permanent teeth, the range of variation of the eruption time of each tooth, and their sequence of eruption amongst boys and girls in Tehran, Iran.

Methods.  The population under study comprised 3744 pupils and students in the 4–15‐year‐old age group (1786 girls and 1958 boys) who were randomly selected from schools and training centres in the 20 districts covered by the General Department of Education and Training in Tehran. The research was carried out on a cross‐sectional basis. The average age at eruption of permanent teeth, excluding third molars, was given as the mean (± SD) and median in months for each gender. A table of percentiles of the eruption time was also determined.

Results.  The results show that, with the exception of the maxillary second premolars, the average age at eruption of permanent teeth in girls is less than in boys. The results also show that mandibular teeth have an earlier eruption time than maxillary teeth in both boys and girls. By the age of 96 months, 97% of the girls had all their first permanent molars. In boys, the corresponding age was 99 months. Amongst girls, maxillary canines erupt earlier than maxillary second premolars.

Conclusion.  On average, girls have their permanent teeth erupt earlier than boys. The sequence of eruption differs between girls and boys for maxillary canines and maxillary second premolars.