bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser-surface-alloyed carbon nanotubes reinforced hydroxyapatite composite coatings
Authors: Chen Yao , Gan Cuihua , Zhang Tainua , Yu Gang , Bai Pucun , Kaplan Alexander
Published: June 2005

Carbon-nanotube (CNT)-reinforced hydroxyapatite composite coatings have been fabricated by laser surface alloying. Microstructural observation using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy showed that a large amount of CNTs remained with their original tubular morphology, even though some CNTs reacted with titanium element in the substrate during laser irradiation. Additionally, measurements on the elastic modulus and hardness of the composite coatings indicated that the mechanical properties were affected by the amount of CNTs in the starting precursor materials. Therefore, CNT-reinforced hydroxyapatite composite is a promising coating material for high-load-bearing metal implants.
Enhancement of room-temperature plasticity in a bulk metallic glass by finely dispersed porosity
Authors: Wada Takeshi , Inoue Akihisa , Greer Alan Lindsay
Published: June 2005

Melts of Pd42.5Cu30Ni7.5P20 (at. %) held under pressurized hydrogen are cast into bulk metallic glass (BMG) rods with fine (20–30μm diameter) pores uniformly dispersed. The low overall porosities (<4%) lead to only small reductions in Young modulus and yield strength, but to dramatically enhanced plasticity in compression: Rupture energy as high as 295MJm−3, compared to 16MJm−3 for the pore-free BMG. The pores force the proliferation of shear bands below the overall failure stress, a process of interest for toughening BMGs, materials for which shear localization in deformation restricts structural applications.
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nanowire-based nanoelectronic devices for helium detection
Authors: Yu Han Young , Kang Byung Hyun , Pi Ung Hwan , Park Chan Woo , Choi Sung-Yool , Kim Gyu Tae
Published: June 2005

The electrical responses of vanadium pentoxide nanowires to helium gas and environmental pressures are demonstrated. The devices feature well-aligned nanowires that are oriented by electrophoresis technique in the submicron scale. The electrical conductance is found to increase and decrease upon exposure to helium gas and air, respectively. This electrical response to helium is due to physical adsorption of the helium atoms into the interlayer of vanadium pentoxide nanowires. Furthermore, we observe flow-rate-dependent conductance variations such that the conductance is increased with stepwise behavior to the increase of flow rate of helium.
A graphical approach for evaluating effective connectivity in neural systems
Authors: Eichler Michael
Published: June 2005

The identification of effective connectivity from time-series data such as electroencephalogram (EEG) or time-resolved function magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings is an important problem in brain imaging. One commonly used approach to inference effective connectivity is based on vector autoregressive models and the concept of Granger causality. However, this probabilistic concept of causality can lead to spurious causalities in the presence of latent variables. Recently, graphical models have been used to discuss problems of causal inference for multivariate data. In this paper, we extend these concepts to the case of time-series and present a graphical approach for discussing Granger-causal relationships among multiple time-series. In particular, we propose a new graphical representation that allows the characterization of spurious causality and, thus, can be used to investigate spurious causality. The method is demonstrated with concurrent EEG and fMRI recordings which are used to investigate the interrelations between the alpha rhythm in the EEG and blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) responses in the fMRI. The results confirm previous findings on the location of the source of the EEG alpha rhythm.
Immunopurification of Polyribosomal Complexes of Arabidopsis for Global Analysis of Gene Expression
Authors: Zanetti María Eugenia , Chang Ing-Feng , Gong Fangcheng , Galbraith David W. , Bailey-Serres Julia
Published: June 2005

Immunoaffinity purification of polyribosomes (polysomes) from crude leaf extracts of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was achieved with transgenic genotypes that overexpress a translational fusion of a ribosomal protein (RP) with a His6-FLAG dual epitope tag. In plants with a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S:HF-RPL18 transgene immunopurification with anti-FLAG agarose beads yielded 60-Svedberg ribosomal subunits, intact 80-Svedberg monosomes and polysomes. Sucrose density gradient fractionation of the purified complexes demonstrated that the distribution of polysome size was similar in crude cell extracts and the purified complexes. The immunopurified complexes included putative cytosolic RPs of Arabidopsis and ribosome-associated proteins, as well as full-length transcripts of high and low abundance. Whole-genome profiling using long DNA oligonucleotide-based microarrays provided a high level of reproducibility between polysomal mRNA samples immunopurified from two independent biological replicates (r approximately 0.90). Comparison of immunopurified and total cellular RNA samples revealed that for most of the genes, the mRNAs were associated with the epitope-tagged polysomal complexes, with an average relative level of association of 62.06% ± 4.39%. The results demonstrate that the immunopurification of polysomes can be a valuable tool for the quantification of mRNAs present in translation complexes in plant cells. This technology can be extended to evaluation of mRNA populations at the cell- or tissue-specific level by regulation of the tagged RP with distinct promoters.
Genome Organization of More Than 300 Defensin-Like Genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Silverstein Kevin A.T. , Graham Michelle A. , Paape Timothy D. , VandenBosch Kathryn A.
Published: June 2005

Defensins represent an ancient and diverse set of small, cysteine-rich, antimicrobial peptides in mammals, insects, and plants. According to published accounts, most species' genomes contain 15 to 50 defensins. Starting with a set of largely nodule-specific defensin-like sequences (DEFLs) from the model legume Medicago truncatula, we built motif models to search the near-complete Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genome. We identified 317 DEFLs, yet 80% were unannotated at The Arabidopsis Information Resource and had no prior evidence of expression. We demonstrate that many of these DEFL genes are clustered in the Arabidopsis genome and that individual clusters have evolved from successive rounds of gene duplication and divergent or purifying selection. Sequencing reverse transcription-PCR products from five DEFL clusters confirmed our gene predictions and verified expression. For four of the largest clusters of DEFLs, we present the first evidence of expression, most frequently in floral tissues. To determine the abundance of DEFLs in other plant families, we used our motif models to search The Institute for Genomic Research's gene indices and identified approximately 1,100 DEFLs. These expressed DEFLs were found mostly in reproductive tissues, consistent with our reverse transcription-PCR results. Sequence-based clustering of all identified DEFLs revealed separate tissue- or taxon-specific subgroups. Previously, we and others showed that more than 300 DEFL genes were expressed in M. truncatula nodules, organs not present in most plants. We have used this information to annotate the Arabidopsis genome and now provide evidence of a large DEFL superfamily present in expressed tissues of all sequenced plants.
Introduction‐“Chaordic systems thinking” for learning organizations
Authors: van Eijnatten Frans M. , Putnik Goran D.
Published: June 2005

The European Chaos and Complexity in Organizations Network (ECCON) held its Third Annual Meeting in Guimarães, Portugal, June 2003, at the very same spot where the First Business Excellence conference was organized. As an outcome of that meeting, this TLO special brings together six ECCON members around the theme of “Chaordic Systems Thinking” (CST), a “new science” lens based in chaos and complexity. The CST framework will be presented, as well as some preliminary explorations into how it might inform a learning organization. Apart from the CST lens, the issue contains chaos‐and‐complexity concepts of learning and the learning organization, a dialogical conversation about the framework and some paper presenting empirical research findings.
Chaordic systems thinking
Authors: van Eijnatten Frans M.
Published: June 2005

This contribution suggests a conceptual framework for using complexity to understand human interactions in learning organizations. The particular lens adopted for this purpose is that of the Chaos perspective. The following general concepts are described: discontinuous growth, attractors: their basins and landscapes, the chaordic properties of consciousness, connectivity, indeterminacy, dissipation and emergence, orienteering and path finding, holons and holonic capacity, dialogue, emergent leadership, and individual and organizational mind. Because all human individuals act as agents and are seen as part of the holon, this framework helps to prevent any split between different frameworks of causality. It exclusively supports the use of a transformative teleology.
Activated protein C prevents inflammation yet stimulates angiogenesis to promote cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Jackson Christopher J. , Xue Meilang , Thompson Patrick , Davey Ross A. , Whitmont Kaley , Smith Susan , Buisson‐Legendre Nathalie , Sztynda Tamara , Furphy Louise J. , Cooper Alan , Sambrook Philip , March Lyn
Published: June 2005

Activated protein C (APC) is a serine protease that plays a central role in physiological anticoagulation, and has more recently been shown to be a potent anti‐inflammatory mediator. Using cultured human cells, we show here that APC up‐regulates the angiogenic promoters matrix metalloproteinase‐2 in skin fibroblasts and umbilical vein endothelial cells, vascular endothelial growth factor in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in fibroblasts. In the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay, APC promoted the granulation/remodeling phases of wound healing by markedly stimulating angiogenesis as well as promoting reepithelialization. In a full‐thickness rat skin‐healing model, a single topical application of APC enhanced wound healing compared to saline control. APC‐treated wounds had markedly more blood vessels on day 7 and a significantly lower infiltration of neutrophils at days 4 and 7. The broad spectrum matrix metallo‐proteinas, GM6001, prevented the ability of APC to promote wound healing. In summary, our results show that APC promotes cutaneous wound healing via a complex mechanism involving stimulation of angiogenesis and inhibition of inflammation. These unique properties of APC make it an attractive therapeutic agent to promote the healing of chronic wounds.
Effect of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia on the proliferation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts: Implications for wound healing after glaucoma drainage surgery
Authors: Browning Andrew C. , Alibhai Aziza , McIntosh Richard S. , Rotchford Alan P. , Bhan Archana , Amoaku Winfried M.
Published: June 2005

Glaucoma drainage surgery in diabetic patients is associated with a relatively poor prognosis due to increased scarring at the site of surgery, secondary to increased proliferation of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (hTCF). This is in marked contrast to diabetic wound healing at other sites, where it is generally impaired. The aim of this study was to determine why diabetics show an increased ocular scarring response in comparison to that found at other sites. Under normoglycemic conditions, hTCF isolated from diabetics showed a mean reduction in short‐term proliferation (95% CI) of 45 ± 12% compared with normal controls (p < 0.001). Under hyperglycemic conditions, proliferation of diabetic hTCF was reduced by 21 ± 11% (p < 0.01) compared with nondiabetic controls. When exposed to transforming growth factor‐β2 (1–10,000 pg/ml) and platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (0.5–500 ng/ml) under both normo‐ and hyperglycemic conditions, there was a dose‐related increase in proliferation of both diabetic and nondiabetic controls. There was no significant difference in response to cytokine stimulation between the two groups at any of the cytokine concentrations used. Western blot analysis did not show any apparent difference in the expression of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α, mitogen‐activated protein kinase/ERK2, or transforming growth factor‐β receptor II to account for the reduced proliferation of diabetic hTCF. These results suggest that hTCF behave in a manner similar to fibroblasts from other nonocular sites and that the increased proliferation and scarring response found in vivo may be secondary to the previously noted elevated cytokine concentrations in the aqueous and vitreous of diabetics.
Treatment of deep sternal wound infections post‐open heart surgery by application of activated macrophage suspension
Authors: Orenstein Arie , Kachel Erez , Zuloff‐Shani Adi , Paz Yoav , Sarig Oren , Haik Josef , Smolinsky Aram K. , Mohr Raphael , Shinar Eilat , Danon David
Published: June 2005

Postoperative sternal wound infection remains a significant complication and generally causes considerable morbidity and mortality. Macrophages play a major role in the process of wound healing. In order to evaluate the efficacy of local injection of activated macrophage suspensions into open infected sternal wound space, a retrospective case‐control study was conducted. Sixty‐six patients with deep sternal wound infection treated by activated macrophages (group 1) and 64 patients with deep sternal wound infection treated by sternal reconstruction surgery with various regional flaps (group 2), were matched for gender, age, and risk index. In up to 54 months of follow‐up of group 1, 60 patients (91%) achieved complete wound closure. Two (3%) late deaths occurred unrelated to the procedure. Mortality rate in group 2 was 29.7% (19/64). Duration of hospitalization was 22.6 days in group 1 vs. 56.2 days in group 2. Patients with deep sternal wound infection following open heart surgery that were treated by activated macrophages had significantly less mortality as well as significant reduction of hospitalization in comparison to the surgically treated group. These results illustrate the advantages of using a biologically based activated macrophage treatment.
Low recruitment of immune cells with increased expression of endothelial adhesion molecules in margins of the chronic diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Galkowska Hanna , Wojewodzka Urszula , Olszewski Waldemar L.
Published: June 2005

Diabetic foot skin close to an ulcer shows only a few infiltrating cells compared to nondiabetic inflamed tissues. Diabetes is characterized by thickened basement membrane of the blood arterioles and capillaries. This may affect the transcapillary transport of immune humoral factors and cells to the extravascular space. We analyzed by immunohistochemistry the phenotype and expression pattern of adhesion molecules on leukocyte, dermal fibroblast, and endothelial cells in diabetic foot ulcers. Although there was accumulation of granulocytes on the surface and superficial layers of the granulation tissue, rare perivascular granulocyte infiltrates in the dermis were seen. Moreover, lack of macrophage and CD3+ T cell infiltrates was observed. In contrast, there was increased intensity of CD1a staining of Langerhans cells in the epidermis and papillary dermis (p < 0.05). Fibroblasts revealed increased presence in the ulcer margins compared with normal skin (p < 0.05). Skin endothelial cells expressed stronger von Willebrand factor and E‐selectin compared with normal skin (p < 0.05). Our study provides evidence that increased expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules responsible for immunocyte extravasation is not associated with increased inflammatory cell infiltration of the ulcerated diabetic foot tissue. We suggest that the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers may be hampered by mechanisms decreasing accumulation of leukocytes. This implies that pharmacological or biological stimulation of leukocyte extravasation into the ulcer tissue should be tried.
Comparison of the effectiveness of gene therapy with transforming growth factor‐β or extracorporal shock wave therapy to reduce ischemic necrosis in an epigastric skin flap model in rats
Authors: Huemer Georg M. , Meirer Romed , Gurunluoglu Raffi , Kamelger Florian S. , Dunst Karin M. , Wanner Siegmund , Piza‐Katzer Hildegunde
Published: June 2005

The induction of neoangiogenesis by exogenous growth factors in failing skin flaps has recently yielded promising results. Gene transfer with virus vectors has been introduced as a highly capable route of administration for growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor or fibroblast growth factor. Extracorporal shock waves (ESW) deliver energy by means of high amplitudes of sound to the target tissue and have been shown to induce angiogenesis. We compared the effectiveness of gene therapy with adenovirus‐mediated transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and ESW therapy to treat ischemically challenged epigastric skin flaps in a rat model. Thirty male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into three groups of 10 each with an 8 × 8 cm epigastric skin flap. Rats received either subdermal injections of adenovirus (Ad) encoding TGF‐β (108 pfu) or ESW treatment with 750 impulses at 0.15 mJ/mm2. The third group received no treatment and served as a control group. Flap viability was evaluated after 7 days and digital images of the epigastric flaps were taken and areas of necrotic zones relative to total flap surface area calculated. Histologic evaluation and increased angiogenesis were confirmed by CD31 immunohistochemistry. Overall, there was a significant increase in mean percent surviving area in the Ad‐TGF‐β group and the ESW group compared to the control group (ESW group: 97.7 ± 1.8% vs. Ad‐TGF‐β: 90.3 ± 4.0% and control group: 82.6 ± 4.3%; p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the ESW group mean percent surviving areas were significantly larger than in the Ad‐TGF‐β group (ESW group: 97.7 ± 1.8% vs. Ad‐TGF‐β: 90.3 ± 4.0%; p < 0.05). Flap vascularization was increased by Ad‐TGF‐β and ESW with numerous vessels, however, there was no significant difference between the two treatment groups. We conclude that treatment with ESW enhances epigastric skin flap survival significantly more than Ad‐TGF‐β treatment and thus represents a modality that is feasible, cost‐effective, and less invasive compared to gene therapy with growth factors to improve blood supply to ischemic tissue.
Experimental ischemic wounds: Correlation of cell proliferation and insulin‐like growth factor I expression and its modification by different local IGF‐I release systems
Authors: Beckert Stefan , Hierlemann Helmut , Müschenborn Nicole , Witte Maria , Ranke Michael , Coerper Stephan
Published: June 2005

We investigated cell proliferation and local insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) expression in ischemic wounds after topical application of IGF‐I through different delivery systems. IGF‐I dressings were fabricated from an IGF‐I containing polyvinyl alcohol film placed on a standard hydrogel dressing. In vitro, the release of IGF‐I from this dressing was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. For animal experiments, a standardized ischemic skin flap containing a full‐thickness wound was created on the back of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. An identical wound outside the flap served as control. We initially investigated intracutaneous pO2 (ptiO2), cell proliferation, and local IGF‐I expression. In a second setting, wounds were treated either with IGF‐I dissolved in methylcellulose gel or with an IGF‐I dressing, and ulcer size and cell proliferation were assessed. In vitro, approximately 60% of IGF‐I was released from the IGF‐I dressing, compared to a 97% release from methylcellulose gel. In vivo, ischemic wounds showed less cell proliferation and decreased IGF‐I expression than nonischemic wounds. A lower local ptiO2 correlated with larger wound size, less cell proliferation, and decreased IGF‐I expression. Ulcer size was reduced after treatment with either IGF‐I dressing or methylcellulose gel. However, cell proliferation only increased after treatment with IGF‐I dressing, but not after methylcellulose gel treatment. We conclude that IGF‐I expression is decreased in ischemic wounds and correlates with low cell proliferation. This can be reversed by local IGF‐I application, but the efficacy of treatment depends on the delivery system.
Effect of NorLeu3‐A(1‐7) on scar formation over time after full‐thickness incision injury in the rat
Authors: Rodgers Kathleen E. , Ellefson Dolph D. , Espinoza Theresa , Roda Norma , Maldonado Sonia , Dizerega Gere S.
Published: June 2005

Previous studies have shown that the angiotensin peptide NorLeu3‐A(1‐7) accelerates dermal healing and reduces scar formation. In this report, the effect of this peptide on scar formation is more fully delineated. The effect of surgical day, time after injury, and observer on the clinical appearance of the incision were determined. Clinical observations of incision site, including inflammation, opening of the injury, and appearance of scar, were conducted by two observers blinded to treatment (two observations per time point) twice weekly. Opening of the incision occurred in 35–40% of incisions early (days 4 and 7) after injury. Administration of NorLeu3‐A(1‐7) at the time of injury reduced the incidence of opening at day 7 to approximately 20%. Further, the length of the wound opening was significantly reduced in the peptide‐treated incisions at day 7. Starting on day 14 after injury, scar formation was evaluated. Up to 80–90% of control animals had observable scars starting on day 14. Thereafter, the scar remodeled with fewer incisions having visible scar on day 28. With administration of NorLeu3‐A(1‐7), significantly fewer incisions had observable scars starting on day 14 and throughout the study. As few as 20% of the incisions had observable scars on day 28. The histological appearance of the healing wound was also evaluated at weekly intervals starting on day 7 and continued until day 42. At day 7, the maximal number of fibroblasts at the wound site was observed. Thereafter, the number gradually reduced, reaching a plateau at day 28. The administration of peptide had no effect on fibroblast number at the incision site. A similar pattern was observed in the thickness of the epidermis with the resolution of the hyperplastic phase at day 21. Administration of the peptide significantly increased epidermal height at day 7. Blood vessel formation peaked on day 21 and 28 in control wounds and was further enhanced by peptide administration during the neovascularization phase. After day 28, blood vessel number was comparable between control and treated incisions. Collagen deposition and remodeling were increased by the administration of NorLeu3‐A(1‐7) at the time of injury.
Struck by speech revisited: Embodied stance in jurisdictional discourse1
Authors: Matoesian Gregory
Published: June 2005

This paper illustrates how stance functions as a semiotic resource that feeds into and mediates institutional context. I consider stance not only as linguistic expression but as interactive, bodily engagement, synchronized in multimodal layers of participation. Using data from a focus group interview, I examine how stance emerges in the collaborative rhythms of linguistic, paralinguistic and, most prominently, embodied conduct between speaker and listener to index socio‐cultural knowledge about the jurisdictional division of labor among legal professionals. Drawing on Charles Frake's classic ‘Struck by speech,’ I illustrate not only how a speaker strikes his listener with speech, but also how the body of the listener displays being struck.
Attribute networking: A technique for modeling social perceptions1
Authors: Dodsworth Robin
Published: June 2005

An original, network‐based technique is presented for modeling community members’ conceptions of local social space. Social categories derived from the model are used to investigate the social meaning of linguistic variation. The technique is first explained and then demonstrated using linguistic and ethnographic data from Worthington, Ohio, a Columbus suburb. Two linguistic variables are analyzed: (1)/l/ vocalization; and (2) the phonetic realization of the before vowel‐initial words. The results are discussed in the context of Columbus‐area urban sprawl and its perceived threat to Worthington's distinctiveness.
Effects of uncertainty on perceived health status in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kang Younhee
Published: June 2005

The nursing discipline has focused on uncertainty as a main theme of research as well as an area needing assessment in clinical practice because the concept of uncertainty can be applied across diagnostic categories and may be worthwhile in explaining responses to illness. This study aimed to examine the effects of uncertainty on perceived health status including physical health, mental health, and general health within the theoretical framework of uncertainty in illness. This descriptive correlational and cross‐sectional survey study included 81 subjects with atrial fibrillation using a face‐to‐face interview method. Individuals with greater symptom severity perceived more uncertainty and uncertainty was appraised as a danger rather than opportunity, thus those with greater uncertainty appraised a greater danger. While there was no relationship between danger appraisal and physical health, the significant relationships were shown between danger appraisal and mental health (r = – 0·68) and between danger appraisal and general health (r = – 0·39) respectively. The symptom severity had a significant direct effect on general health rather than having indirect effects through uncertainty and appraisal. Uncertainty had a significant impact on the perception of mental health through danger appraisal, identifying an area for nursing interventions. The mediating model of uncertainty with mental health as an outcome variable was supported by the empirical data of this study. In order to expand the present body of knowledge on uncertainty in illness model, recommendations for the future nursing studies and nursing practice were included.
N‐acetylcysteine fails to modulate the in vitro function of sarcoplasmic reticulum of diaphragm in the final phase of fatigue
Authors: Mishima T. , Yamada T. , Matsunaga S. , Wada M.
Published: June 2005

Aim:  In the present study, we tested the hypothesis whether N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a non‐specific antioxidant, might influence fatigue by modulating Ca2+‐handling capacity by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR).

Methods:  In the presence (10 mm) or absence of NAC, bundles of rat diaphragm were stimulated with tetanic trains (350 ms, 30–40 Hz) at 1 train every 2 s for 300 s. SR functions, as assessed by SR Ca2+‐uptake and release rates and SR Ca2+‐ATPase activity, were measured in vitro on muscle homogenates.

Results:  Following the 300‐s stimulation, the force developed by NAC‐treated muscles is approximately 1.8‐fold higher (P < 0.05) than that of muscles without NAC treatment. Stimulation elicited an 18–30% depression in SR function (P < 0.05). Despite the differing degrees of fatigue between NAC‐treated and non‐treated muscles, SR functions in these muscles were reduced to similar extents.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that modulation of SR function measured in vitro may not be a major contributor to inhibition of diaphragmic fatigue with antioxidant, at least, in the final phase of fatigue where force output is remarkably reduced.
Skeletal muscle contractility is preserved in COPD patients with normal fat‐free mass
Authors: Degens H. , Sanchez Horneros J. M. , Heijdra Y. F. , Dekhuijzen P. N. R. , Hopman M. T. E.
Published: June 2005

Aim:  Peripheral muscle dysfunction often occurs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The muscle dysfunction may be caused by a loss of force‐generating capacity, resulting from a loss of muscle mass, as well as by other alterations in contractile properties of skeletal muscle.

Methods:  The maximal isometric voluntary strength and fatigability were determined in hand‐grip and quadriceps muscles from nine male COPD patients (FEV1 30–50% predicted) and control subjects matched for fat‐free mass (FFM), physical activity level and age. Contractile properties and fatigability of the quadriceps muscle were also studied with electrically evoked isometric contractions.

Results:  The maximal voluntary force (MVC) and fatigability of the handgrip muscle did not differ between the COPD patients and control subjects. Also the MVC of the quadriceps muscle and the rate of force rise, contraction time, force–frequency relationship and fatigability, as determined with electrically evoked contractions, were similar in patients with COPD and control subjects.

Conclusion:  Skeletal muscle strength, contractile properties and fatigability are preserved in patients with moderate COPD and a normal FFM and activity level. This suggests that skeletal muscle dysfunction does not take place during moderate COPD until cachexia and/or a decline in physical activity occur.
Nitrite transport into pig erythrocytes and its potential biological role
Authors: Jensen F. B.
Published: June 2005

Aim:  To study nitrite transport and its oxygenation dependency in pig erythrocytes, as this is fundamental to the possible participation of nitrite in blood flow regulation via its reduction to nitric oxide by deoxygenated haemoglobin (Hb).

Methods:  Pig red blood cells (RBCs) were tonometer‐equilibrated to physiological pCO2 in oxygenated and deoxygenated states. Nitrite was added and the kinetics of NO2− influx and methaemoglobin (metHb) formation were assessed at variable temperature and haematocrit.

Results:  Nitrite quickly permeated and equilibrated across the membrane, and then continued to enter RBCs as a consequence of its intracellular removal (via reactions with Hb to form nitrate and metHb in oxygenated cells, and NO and metHb in deoxygenated cells). The membrane permeation as such showed little oxygenation dependency, but as metHb formation was significantly higher in oxygenated than deoxygenated RBCs, nitrite transport tended to be largest into oxygenated RBCs. This contrasts with a preferential permeation of deoxygenated RBCs in some fish species. Nitrite transport showed low temperature sensitivity but was speeded up at low haematocrit via more rapid intracellular nitrite removal (metHb formation). Nitrite influx was not affected by inhibitors of facilitated diffusion (DIDS, phloretin and PCMB) and may occur via conductive transport. Extracellular pH was stable during nitrite transport.

Conclusion:  Nitrite extensively permeates both oxygenated and deoxygenated pig RBCs, which may enable a dual function of nitrite entry: viz. conversion to NO at low pO2 to promote blood flow and detoxification to non‐toxic nitrate at inappropriate high nitrite levels.
Regulation and state ownership: conflicts and complementarities in eu telecommunications
Authors: Bauer Johannes M.
Published: June 2005

Abstract**:  In many countries infrastructure liberalization proceeded faster than the privatization of former state monopolies. Regulatory agencies, established to oversee the transition and safeguard the preconditions for competition, therefore monitor state‐owned firms in addition to privately owned firms. The research on public‐private firms has generated heterogeneous findings, with some pointing to the advantages and other to the disadvantages of this arrangement. Government regulation of mixed public‐private firms raises additional complicated issues, of which the paper studies two using the example of European telecommunications between 2000 and 2004. It examines, first, whether the dual role of the state as owner and regulator could be abused to disadvantage private competitors. Second, it probes whether, conversely, the combination of government ownership and regulation might help overcome some of the shortcomings of the regulation of private firms. We find weak evidence that public and mixed regulated firms were subject to more favourable regulation of interconnection prices. However, this effect weakened as more independent regulation was established. In the area of universal service provision, there is no clear evidence that public and mixed telecommunication service providers were more likely than private ones to be utilized in pursuit of social output goals without explicit compensation. Overall, it seems that the presence of independent regulation, appeals processes, and competition review is a safeguard against capture of the regulator, by public and mixed firms.
Social enterprise for work integration in 12 european countries: a descriptive analysis*
Authors: Spear Roger , Bidet Eric
Published: June 2005

Abstract**:  The development of social enterprise is a rapidly emerging trend in Europe. And one sector where they have found a particularly important place is in work integration, addressing some of the more difficult problems of social exclusion in labour markets. The study on which this paper is based was a large scale comparative analysis of developments of these social enterprise in 12 European countries While there are clear differences in national contexts, there are also similarities in the forms and characteristics of these social enterprise across Europe. It is argued that this form of social enterprise has proved effective and is an important innovation to address problems of more marginalised groups and individuals, but there remain issues about how to sustain and promote the good models and good practices developed.
Sulphur emissions and productivity growth in industrialised countries
Authors: Barla Philippe , Perelman Sergio
Published: June 2005

Abstract**:  In this paper, we examine the relationship between economic and environmental performance. More specifically, we analyse the impact of SO2 reduction in the eighties (1980–1992) on productivity growth, technical efficiency and technological progress for a set of 12 OECD countries. Our timeframe roughly corresponds to the adoption and implementation of the First Sulphur Protocol signed in 1985. First, we estimate an output based Malmquist productivity index using distance functions derived from successive DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) frontiers. This index is decomposed in two components namely technical and efficiency change. Second, we regress the change in productivity and its two components on a set of explanatory variables including annual variations in SO2 emissions. The results indicate that reductions in SO2 do not seem to have had a significant impact on productivity growth. The decomposition into efficiency and technology changes suggests that two countervailing effects may explain this result. On one hand, SO2 cutbacks adversely affect efficiency but on the other hand, they stimulate technical change.
DO PROFIT MAXIMISERS TAKE COLD SHOWERS? ANOTHER LOOK AT PROTECTION AND TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY
Authors: CAMPBELL NEIL A. , JUDE KLINE J.
Published: June 2005

In this paper we consider whether a ‘cold shower’ is possible if the firm we are analysing is a conventional neoclassical profit‐maximising firm facing competitively determined prices. In the context of this analysis, the term ‘cold shower’ refers to a situation where the removal of a protective subsidy induces investment in a cost‐reducing technology. First we show that if the investment lowers marginal cost everywhere, then our firm will never respond to the removal of the subsidy by making the investment. We then use this result to carefully construct examples where the investment does not lower marginal cost everywhere. These examples are devised to illustrate a cold shower scenario where, with no protection in place, the firm makes the investment, that would have been rejected, if the protection had have been in place.
THE CAUSALITY BETWEEN STOCK RETURNS AND EXCHANGE RATES: REVISITED
Authors: RAMASAMY BALA , YEUNG MATTHEW C.H.
Published: June 2005

There has been a renewed interest in the determination of causality between stock markets and exchange rates. In nearly all these studies Granger causality tests has been extensively used. In this paper, we employ the standard Granger causality methodology to a research setting similar to that of Granger et al. (2000). We consider the causality between the two markets in nine east Asian economies. We find that the direction of causality tends to demonstrate a hit‐and‐run behaviour and switches according to the length of period chosen. This implies that great caution should be taken when interpreting Granger causality results.
MORPHOLOGICAL SEPARATION OF THE EUGLENOID GENERA TRACHELOMONAS AND STROMBOMONAS (EUGLENOPHYTA) BASED ON LORICA DEVELOPMENT AND POSTERIOR STRIP REDUCTION1
Authors: Brosnan Stacy , Brown Patrick J. P. , Farmer Mark A. , Triemer Richard E.
Published: June 2005

Since the separation of the Trachelomonas Ehrenberg subgroup “Saccatae” into a new genus, StrombomonasDeflandre (1930), there has been some question as to its validity. Deflandre's separation was based entirely on characteristics of the lorica, including the shape of the lorica, the lack of a distinctive collar, possession of a tailpiece, lack of ornamentation, and the ability of Strombomonas species to aggregate particles on the surface of the lorica. Recent molecular analyses indicated that the loricate taxa (Trachelomonas and Strombomonas) formed a single monophyletic clade; however, the phylogenetic relationship of Strombomonas to Trachelomonas remains unclear because only two Strombomonas taxa have been sequenced to date. In this study, we evaluated the monophyly of the loricate genera using two sets of morphological characters, lorica development and pellicle strip reduction. Lorica development in Strombomonas occurred from the anterior of the cell to the posterior, forming a shroud over the protoplast. In Trachelomonas, a layer of mucilage was excreted over the entire protoplast, followed by creation of the collar at the anterior end. Taxa from both genera underwent exponential strip reduction at the anterior and posterior poles. In Strombomonas only one reduction was visible in the anterior pole, whereas in most Trachelomonas species two reductions were visible. Likewise, Strombomonas species possessed two whorls of strip reduction in the posterior end compared with a single whorl of strip reduction in Trachelomonas species. These morphological characters support the separation of Trachelomonas and Strombomonas as distinct genera.
WAX AND WANE OF MICROCYSTIS (CYANOPHYCEAE) AND MICROCYSTINS IN LAKE SEDIMENTS: A CASE STUDY IN QUITZDORF RESERVOIR (GERMANY)1
Authors: Ihle Tilo , Jähnichen Sabine , Benndorf Jürgen
Published: June 2005

Benthic stages of the annual life cycle of the meroplanktonic cyanobacterium Microcystis spp. in relation to microcystin (MCYST) dynamics in sediments of a shallow lake (Quitzdorf Reservoir, Germany) were investigated. Based on changes in the absolute abundance of benthic Microcystis, the annual life cycle was subdivided into four phenological stages: reinvasion, pelagic growth, sedimentation, and overwintering. Habitat‐coupling processes, such as reinvasion of the pelagic zone in spring as well as autumnal sedimentation, were particularly triggered by changes in water temperature. During reinvasion substantial losses of Microcystis were detected. Only a minor part of benthic Microcystis (about 3%) formed the inoculum for pelagic growth. Between 65% and 85% of the benthic Microcystis stock disappeared during the reinvasion phase. Because these colonies were neither detected within the sediments nor in the pelagic inoculum, it was concluded that they were subjected to decay. The occurrence of extracellular MCYSTs in the pelagic zone during this period, which cannot solely originate from the pelagic Microcystis population, supports this conclusion. Dynamics of benthic Microcystis and MCYSTs were characterized by almost identical successions with a decrease during reinvasion, an increase during sedimentation, and remarkable invariability throughout pelagic growth and overwintering. It can be deduced that MCYSTs are preserved within benthic resting stages of Microcystis because they could play a role during overwintering or reinvasion.
UV‐B INDUCTION OF UV‐B PROTECTION IN ULVA PERTUSA (CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Han Young‐Seok , Han Taejun
Published: June 2005

The green macroalga Ulva pertusa Kjellman produced UV‐B absorbing compounds with a prominent absorption maximum at 294 nm in response only to UV‐B, and the amounts induced were proportional to the UV‐B doses. Under a 12:12‐h light:dark regime, the production of UV‐absorbing compounds occurred only during the exposure periods with little turnover in the dark. There was significant reduction in growth in parallel with the production of UV‐B absorbing compounds. The polychromatic action spectrum for the induction of UV‐B absorbing compounds in U. pertusa exhibits a major peak at 292 nm with a smaller peak at 311.5 nm. No significant induction was detected above 354.5 nm, and radiation below 285 nm caused significant reduction in the levels of UV‐B absorbing compounds. After UV‐B irradiation at 1.0 W·m−2 for 9 h, the optimal photosynthetic quantum yield of the samples with UV‐B absorbing compounds slightly increased relative to the initial value, whereas that of thalli lacking the compounds declined to 30%–34% of the initial followed by subsequent recovery in dim light of up to 84%–85% of the initial value. There was a positive and significant relationship between the amount of UV‐B absorbing compounds with antioxidant activity as determined by the α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay. In addition to mat‐forming characteristics and light‐driven photorepair, the existence and antioxidant capacity of UV‐B absorbing compounds may confer U. pertusa a greater selective advantage over other macroalgae, thereby enabling them to thrive in the presence of intense UV‐B radiation.
DEVELOPMENT OF SEQUENCE CHARACTERIZED AMPLIFIED REGION MARKERS FROM INTERSIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEAT FINGERPRINTS FOR THE MOLECULAR DETECTION OF TOXIC PHYTOPLANKTON ALEXANDRIUM CATENELLA (DINOPHYCEAE) AND PSEUDO‐NITZSCHIA PSEUDODELICATISSIMA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) FROM FRENCH COASTAL WATERS1
Authors: Bornet Benjamin , Antoine Elisabeth , Françoise Sylvaine , Baut Claire Marcaillou‐Le
Published: June 2005

Harmful algal blooms are a serious threat to shellfish farming and human health all over the world. The monitoring of harmful algae in coastal waters originally involved morphological identification through microscopic examinations, which was often difficult unless performed by specialists and even then often did not permit identification of toxic species. More recently, specific molecular markers have been used to identify specific phytoplankton species or strains. Here we report on the use of the intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) technique to develop specific sequence characterized amplified region markers (SCAR) and to identify with these tools two toxic species in French coastal waters, the diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia pseudodelicatissima (Hasle) Hasle and the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella (Whedon and Kofoid 1936), Balech 1985. Six polymorphic ISSR regions were selected among amplified fingerprints of a representative sample of phytoplankton species. After cloning and sequencing the selected polymorphic ISSR regions, pairs of internal primers were designed to amplify a unique and specific sequence designed as a SCAR marker. Of the six selected SCAR markers, three were specific to P. pseudodelicatissima and one for A. catenella. The SCAR marker specificity was confirmed by using basic local alignment search tool comparison, by experimental assays on different strains from 11 countries, and by checking that the sequence amplified was the expected one. When tested on water samples collected along the French shores, the four specific SCAR markers proved to be efficient tools for fast and low‐cost detection of toxic phytoplankton species.
THE RECLASSIFICATION OF PFIESTERIA SHUMWAYAE (DINOPHYCEAE): PSEUDOPFIESTERIA, GEN. NOV.1
Authors: Wayne Litaker R. , Steidinger Karen A. , Mason Patrice L. , Landsberg Jan H. , Shields Jeffrey D. , Reece Kimberly S. , Haas Leonard W. , Vogelbein Wolfgang K. , Vandersea Mark W. , Kibler Steven R. , Tester Patricia A.
Published: June 2005

Pfiesteria shumwayae Glasgow et Burkholder is assigned to a new genus Pseudopfiesteria gen. nov. Plate tabulation differences between Pfiesteria and Pseudopfiesteria gen. nov. as well as a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on rDNA sequence data warrant creation of this new genus. The Kofoidian thecal plate formula for the new genus is Po, cp, X, 4′, 1a, 6′′, 6c, PC, 5+s, 5′′′, 0p, 2′′′′. In addition to having six precingular plates, P. shumwayae comb. nov. also has a distinctive diamond or rectangular‐shaped anterior intercalary plate. Both Pfiesteria and Pseudopfiesteria gen. nov. are reassigned to the order Peridiniales based on an apical pore complex (APC) with a canal (X) plate that contacts a symmetrical 1′, four to five sulcal plates, and the conservative hypothecal tabulation of 5′′′, 0p, and 2′′′′. These morphological characters and the life histories of Pfiesteria and Pseudopfiesteria are consistent with placement of both genera in the Peridiniales. Based on the plate tabulations for P. shumwayae, P. piscicida, and the closely related “cryptoperidiniopsoid” and “lucy” groups, the family Pfiesteriaceae is amended to include species with the following tabulation: 4‐5′, 0‐2a, 5‐6′′, 6c, PC, 5+s, 5′′′, 0p, and 2′′′′ as well as an APC containing a pore plate (Po), a closing plate (cp), and an X plate; the tabulation is expanded to increase the number of sulcal plates and to include a new plate, the peduncle cover (PC) plate. Members of the family have typical dinoflagellate life cycles characterized by a biflagellated free‐living motile stage, a varying number of cyst stages, and the absence of multiple amoeboid stages.
A STRESS‐INDUCED PROTEIN ASSOCIATED WITH THE GIRDLE BAND REGION OF THE DIATOMTHALASSIOSIRA PSEUDONANA(BACILLARIOPHYTA)1
Authors: Davis Aubrey K. , Hildebrand Mark , Palenik Brian
Published: June 2005

We report the characterization of a cell‐surface protein isolated from the centric diatomThalassiosira pseudonanaHasle and Heimdal. This protein has an apparent molecular weight of 150 kDa, is highly acidic, and is intimately associated with the cell wall. Although originally identified in cells experiencing copper toxicity, it is also induced by silicon and iron limitation but not by phosphate or nitrate limitation. Using immunofluorescence techniques, the 150‐kDa protein was localized to the girdle band region and covered the elongated girdle band region of morphologically aberrant cells suffering from copper toxicity. Although having biochemical similarities to girdle band associated proteins identified in pennate diatoms known as pleuralins, the 150‐kDa protein is not a sequence homolog and is predicted to have a number of unique features, such as chitin binding domains and a possible RGD cell attachment motif. Results presented here suggest that this protein is normally cell cycle regulated and may be involved in stabilizing cells during the division process.