bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of the Celera Diagnostics ViroSeq HIV-1 Genotyping System for Sequence-Based Analysis of Diverse Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Strains
Authors: Eshleman Susan H. , Hackett John , Swanson Priscilla , Cunningham Shawn P. , Drews Birgit , Brennan Catherine , Devare Sushil G. , Zekeng Léopold , Kaptué Lazare , Marlowe Natalia
Published: June 2004

The Celera Diagnostics ViroSeq HIV-1 Genotyping System is a Food and Drug Administration-cleared, integrated system for sequence-based analysis of drug resistance mutations in subtype B human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease and reverse transcriptase (RT). We evaluated the performance of this system for the analysis of diverse HIV-1 strains. Plasma samples were obtained from 126 individuals from Uganda, Cameroon, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, and Thailand with viral loads ranging from 2.92 to >6.0 log
10
copies/ml. HIV-1 genotyping was performed with the ViroSeq system. HIV-1 subtyping was performed by using phylogenetic methods. PCR products suitable for sequencing were obtained for 125 (99%) of the 126 samples. Genotypes including protease (amino acids 1 to 99) and RT (amino acids 1 to 321) were obtained for 124 (98%) of the samples. Full bidirectional sequence data were obtained for 95 of those samples. The sequences were categorized into the following subtypes: A1/A2 (16 samples), B (12 samples), C (13 samples), D (11 samples), CRF01_AE (9 samples), F/F2 (9 samples), G (7 samples), CRF02_AG (32 samples), H (1 sample), and intersubtype recombinant (14 samples). The performances of the individual sequencing primers were examined. Genotyping of duplicate samples in a second laboratory was successful for 124 of the 126 samples. The identity level for the sequence data from two laboratories ranged from 98 to 100% (median, 99.8%). The ViroSeq system performs well for the analysis of plasma samples with diverse non-B subtypes. The availability of this genotyping system should facilitate studies of HIV-1 drug resistance in non-subtype B strains of HIV-1.
Use of the
hupB
Gene Encoding a Histone-Like Protein of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
as a Target for Detection and Differentiation of
M. tuberculosis
and
M. bovis
Authors: Prabhakar S. , Mishra A. , Singhal A. , Katoch V. M. , Thakral S. S. , Tyagi J. S. , Prasad H. K.
Published: June 2004

The gene for histone-like protein (
hupB
[
Rv2986c
]) of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
has been identified as a singular target which allows differentiation of two closely related mycobacterial species, namely,
M. tuberculosis
and
M. bovis
of the MTB complex, by a PCR assay. The N and S primer-generated PCR amplicons differed in
M. tuberculosis
and
M. bovis
; these amplicons were determined to be 645 and 618 bp, respectively. This difference was localized to the C-terminal part of the gene by using primers M and S. The C-terminal PCR amplicons of
M. tuberculosis
and
M. bovis
were determined to be 318 and 291 bp, respectively. The differences in the C-terminal portion of the gene were confirmed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and sequencing. Sequence analysis indicated that in
M. bovis
there was a deletion of 27 bp (9 amino acids) in frame after codon 128 in the C-terminal part of the
hupB
gene. In the present study 104 mycobacterial strains and 11 nonmycobacterial species were analyzed for
hupB
gene sequences. Of the 104 mycobacterial strains included, 62 belonged to the MTB complex and 42 were non-MTB complex strains and species. Neither the
hupB
gene-specific primers (N and S) nor the C-terminal primers (M and S) amplify DNA from any other mycobacteria, making the assay suitable for distinguishing members of the MTB complex from other mycobacterial species, as well as for differentiating between members of the MTB complex, namely,
M. tuberculosis
and
M. bovis
.
Identification of Subtype C Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 by Subtype-Specific PCR and Its Use in the Characterization of Viruses Circulating in the Southern Parts of India
Authors: Siddappa Nagadenahalli B. , Dash Prashanta K. , Mahadevan Anita , Jayasuryan Narayana , Hu Fen , Dice Bethany , Keefe Randy , Satish Kadappa S. , Satish Bhuthiah , Sreekanthan Kuttan , Chatterjee Ramdas , Venu Kandala , Satishchandra Parthasarathy , Ravi Vasanthapuram , Shankar Susarla K. , Shankarappa Raj , Ranga Udaykumar
Published: June 2004

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtype C viruses are associated with nearly half of worldwide HIV-1 infections and are most predominant in India and the southern and eastern parts of Africa. Earlier reports from India identified the preponderance of subtype C and a small proportion of subtype A viruses. Subsequent reports identifying multiple subtypes suggest new introductions and/or their detection due to extended screening. The southern parts of India constitute emerging areas of the epidemic, but it is not known whether HIV-1 infection in these areas is associated with subtype C viruses or is due to the potential new introduction of non-subtype C viruses. Here, we describe the development of a specific and sensitive PCR-based strategy to identify subtype C-viruses (C-PCR). The strategy is based on amplifying a region encompassing a long terminal repeat and
gag
in the first round, followed by two sets of nested primers; one amplifies multiple subtypes, while the other is specific to subtype C. The common HIV and subtype C-specific fragments are distinguishable by length differences in agarose gels and by the difference in the numbers of NF-κB sites encoded in the subtype C-specific fragment. We implemented this method to screen 256 HIV-1-infected individuals from 35 towns and cities in four states in the south and a city in the east. With the exception of single samples of subtypes A and B and a B/C recombinant, we found all to be infected with subtype C viruses, and the subtype assignments were confirmed in a subset by using heteroduplex mobility assays and phylogenetic analysis of sequences. We propose the use of C-PCR to facilitate rapid molecular epidemiologic characterization to aid vaccine and therapeutic strategies.
Use of a Recombinant Envelope Protein Subunit Antigen for Specific Serological Diagnosis of West Nile Virus Infection
Authors: Beasley David W. C. , Holbrook Michael R. , Travassos da Rosa Amelia P. A. , Coffey Lark , Carrara Anne-Sophie , Phillippi-Falkenstein Kathrine , Bohm Rudolf P. , Ratterree Marion S. , Lillibridge Kristy M. , Ludwig George V. , Estrada-Franco Jose , Weaver Scott C. , Tesh Robert B. , Shope Robert E. , Barrett Alan D. T.
Published: June 2004

Serological diagnosis of West Nile virus (WNV) infection is complicated by extensive antigenic cross-reactivity with other closely related flaviviruses, such as St. Louis encephalitis virus. Here we describe a recombinant, bacterially expressed antigen equivalent to structural domain III of the WNV envelope protein that has allowed clear discrimination of antibody responses to WNV from those against other related flaviviruses in indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using standardized control antisera and field-collected samples.
Identification of Enterohepatic
Helicobacter
Species in Patients Suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Bohr Ulrich R. M. , Glasbrenner Bernhard , Primus Anett , Zagoura Alexandra , Wex Thomas , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: June 2004

Using a group-specific PCR assay, we investigated the presence of enterohepatic
Helicobacter
species in gut specimens from patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Enterohepatic
Helicobacter
species were detected in 12% (3 of 25) of the patients with Crohn's disease, in 17% (3 of 18) of the ulcerative colitis samples, and in 4% (1 of 23) of the controls.
Clinical Significance and Mechanism of Gas Formation of Pyogenic Liver Abscess Due toKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Lee Hsin-Ling , Lee Hsin-Chun , Guo How-Ran , Ko Wen-Chien , Chen Kuan-Wen
Published: June 2004

We enrolled 22 patients with gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess in a study to assess the mechanism of gas formation.Klebsiella pneumoniaewas cultured from specimens from all patients. Gas and pus samples from abscesses revealed four major components: nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen; this implicates mixed acid fermentation of glucose as the mechanism of gas formation.
Immunoreactivity of Cryptococcal Antigen Is Not Stable under Prolonged Incubations in Human Serum
Authors: McFadden Diane C. , Zaragoza Oscar , Casadevall Arturo
Published: June 2004

The stability of cryptococcal antigen from
Cryptococcus neoformans
serotype A and D strains at different temperatures in serum and other solvents was studied. Samples stored at −20 or 4°C had equivalent stabilities as measured by the Premier Cryptococcal Antigen kit and the Cryptococcal Antigen Latex Agglutination System (CALAS) kit. However, using the Premier Cryptococcal Antigen kit, there was a 91% loss of reactivity in samples incubated in human serum for 4 weeks at 37°C. A loss of reactivity of more than 99% was observed after incubation at 45°C for 4 weeks. The capsular antigen was not detected by the Premier Cryptococcal Antigen kit after 16 weeks at elevated temperatures. Antigen titers were also reduced in a latex agglutination assay (CALAS) after 4 weeks at 37 and 45°C. The loss of antigen reactivity was a function of pH and temperature.
Multiple Outbreaks of
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Infections in Finland
Authors: Jalava Katri , Hallanvuo S. , Nakari U.-M. , Ruutu P. , Kela E. , Heinäsmäki T. , Siitonen A. , Nuorti J. P.
Published: June 2004

During 2001, 89 culture-confirmed cases of
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
were reported in Finland; 55 (62%) were serotype O:1, and 34 (38%) were serotype O:3. Four major pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles were identified. A case-control study of 25 case patients and 71 healthy controls identified eating outside the home as a risk factor for infection.
Prevalence ofBorrelia burgdorferi,Bartonellaspp.,Babesia microti, andAnaplasma phagocytophilainIxodes scapularisTicks Collected in Northern New Jersey
Authors: Adelson Martin E. , Rao Raja-Venkitesh S. , Tilton Richard C. , Cabets Kimberly , Eskow Eugene , Fein Lesley , Occi James L. , Mordechai Eli
Published: June 2004

PCR analysis ofIxodes scapularisticks collected in New Jersey identified infections withBorrelia burgdorferi(33.6%),Babesia microti(8.4%),Anaplasma phagocytophila(1.9%), andBartonellaspp. (34.5%). TheI. scapularistick is a potential pathogen vector that can cause coinfection and contribute to the variety of clinical responses noted in some tick-borne disease patients.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Study of Newcastle Disease Virus Isolates from Recent Outbreaks in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Otim Maxwell O. , Christensen Henrik , Jørgensen Poul H. , Handberg Kurt J. , Bisgaard Magne
Published: June 2004

Newcastle disease virus isolates from chickens in eastern Uganda in 2001 were found to be velogenic by fusion protein cleavage site sequence analysis and biological characterization; the intracerebral pathogenicity index was 1.8. Analysis of their hemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein gene sequences revealed a novel genotype unrelated to those that caused previous outbreaks.
Survey of Ferroxidase Expression and Siderophore Production in Clinical Isolates of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Huston Wilhelmina M. , Potter Adam J. , Jennings Michael P. , Rello Jordi , Hauser Alan R. , McEwan Alastair G.
Published: June 2004

Ferroxidase (encoded by the
mco
gene), a component of a ferrous iron uptake pathway in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, was detected in all of the 35 respiratory clinical isolates surveyed; in contrast, considerable variation in siderophore expression was observed. The ubiquitous expression of this periplasmic ferroxidase suggests that it plays a key role in iron uptake in this opportunistic pathogen.
Clonality of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Serotype 1 Isolates from Pediatric Patients in the United States
Authors: Gonzalez Blanca E. , Hulten Kristina G. , Kaplan Sheldon L. , Mason Edward O.
Published: June 2004

We compared
Streptococcus pneumoniae
serotype 1 isolates causing disease among children in six geographic regions of the United States to determine genetic relatedness. Genomic fingerprints were determined by repetitive element polymorphism PCR (Rep-PCR). Multilocus sequence type characterization was performed on selected isolates. Four different genomic banding patterns were identified by Rep-PCR. One profile (clone 1) was predominant and matched sequence type 227.
Hospital- and Laboratory-Based Investigations of Hospitalized Children with Central Nervous System-Related Symptoms To Assess Japanese Encephalitis Virus Etiology in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Kabilan Lalitha , Ramesh S. , Srinivasan S. , Thenmozhi V. , Muthukumaravel S. , Rajendran R.
Published: June 2004

A collaborative investigation of hospitalized encephalitic children in south India, between July 2002 and February 2003, has indicated that Japanese encephalitis was confirmed in 27.3% of these children. In developing countries, assessment of actual Japanese encephalitis disease burden requires strengthening of diagnostic laboratory capacities at hospitals.
Comparison of the Sensitivities of the Version 1.5 and Version 1.0 Ultrasensitive Roche AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR Kits at Low Concentrations of Human Immunodeficiency Virus RNA
Authors: Brambilla Donald J. , Jennings Cheryl , Morack Ralph , Granger Suzanne , Bremer James W.
Published: June 2004

The sensitivities of the version 1.5 and 1.0 Roche UltraSensitive AMPLICOR HIV-1 MONITOR tests were compared using panels of coded samples of subtype B human immunodeficiency virus type 1 spiked into plasma at predetermined concentrations. Results indicate that the version 1.5 kit is more sensitive than the version 1.0 kit.
Multiplex PCR Assay for Rapid Detection and Genotyping of
Helicobacter pylori
Directly from Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Chattopadhyay Santanu , Patra Rajashree , Ramamurthy T. , Chowdhury Abhijit , Santra Amal , Dhali G. K. , Bhattacharya S. K. , Berg Douglas E. , Nair G. Balakrish , Mukhopadhyay Asish K.
Published: June 2004

We developed and evaluated a simple, novel multiplex PCR assay for rapid detection of
Helicobacter pylori
infection and for the determination of
vacA
and
cagA
genotypes directly from gastric biopsy specimens. This assay did not require culturing of strains or extraction of DNA from biopsy samples. This multiplex PCR assay would be of particularly great value for laboratories in developing countries.
Identification of a Novel
Brevibacterium
Species Isolated from Humans and Description of
Brevibacterium sanguinis
sp. nov
Authors: Wauters Georges , Haase Gerhard , Avesani Véronique , Charlier Jacqueline , Janssens Michèle , Van Broeck Johan , Delmée Michel
Published: June 2004

Six coryneforms isolated from blood and dialysate fluid were phenotypically similar to
Brevibacterium casei
, but 16S rRNA gene sequencing and DNA-DNA hybridization indicate that they belong to a new species for which the name
Brevibacterium sanguinis
is proposed.
Electronic Effects on the Bergman Cyclisation of Enediynes. A Review
Authors: Klein Michael , Walenzyk Thomas , König Burkhard
Published: June 2004

The thermal cyclisation of enediynes to benzene-1,4-diyl diradicals (Bergman cyclisation) is affected by geometrical and electronic conditions. While the effect of ring strain or conformational constrains on the cyclisation temperature has been investigated in detail, electronic contributions have been less studied. Often geometrical and electronic contributions cannot be clearly distinguished. In most cases metal ion chelation does involve both. In this review we have summarised clear-cut observations of electronic substituents effects on the thermal enediyne reactivity. The effects of substituents in the vinylic and terminal alkyne position, the influence of benzo-fusion and hetarene fusion, as well as the changes induced by heteroatoms in the enediyne skeleton, are within the scope of this review. With the exception of more complex heterocyclic hetarene-fused enediynes the experimental data of electronic substituent effects on the thermal Bergman cyclisation of enediynes follow theoretical predictions. A review with 57 references.
Optical Anion Sensors Based on Alkyne-Linked, Functionalized Calix[4]pyrroles
Authors: Miyaji Hidekazu , Sato Wataru , an Deqiang , Sessler Jonathan L.
Published: June 2004

Linking a calix[4]pyrrole anion recognition subunit to chromophores or fluorophores via an alkynyl spacer attached to a β-pyrrolic position of a calix[4]pyrrole core produces a new class of anion sensor that permits the detection of halide and phosphate anions in organic media via direct, so-called "naked-eye" visualization or fluorescence quenching-based spectroscopic means.
Cation-π Interactions Between Alkali Metal Cations and Neutral Double Bonds
Authors: Hu Jiaxin , Barbour Leonard J. , Gokel George W.
Published: June 2004

Two-armed lariat ethers having double bonds present in their side arms form stable complexes with sodium and potassium cations. When the double bonds are positioned appropriately, cation-π interactions are observed between the neutral double bonds and the macroring- bound cation as demonstrated by X-ray crystallography.
Experimental and Theoretical Evidence of the Bidentate Binding Mode of Dichloroacetamido Groups at the Upper Rim of Calix[4]arene Hydrogen-Bonding Anion Receptors
Authors: Casnati Alessandro , Bonetti Francesca , Sansone Francesco , Ugozzoli Franco , Ungaro Rocco
Published: June 2004

Calix[4]arenes in the 1,3-alternate conformation (1-3) and bearing activated amide groups at the upper rim have been synthesized and their anion binding properties studied and compared with conformationally mobile (4) or cone (Ib) receptors having the same binding groups. Association constants determined in CDCl3 show a stronger complexation for Y-shaped carboxylate anions and a higher efficiency for receptors (Ib and 3) bearing dichloroacetamido moieties as hydrogen bonding donor groups. Molecular modeling studies performed on the cone derivative (Ib) and its 1,3-alternate isomer (10) and ab initio calculations on 4-methoxyaniline derivatives (11-13) used as simplified models, reveal that the α,α-dichloroacetamido moieties bind anions in a bidentate fashion using both the N-H and the CHCl2 as hydrogen bonding donor groups. This explains the higher efficiency in carboxylate binding found for Ib and 3 that incorporate the dichloroacetamido binding unit in their structures.
Synthesis of New AB2 Monomers for Polymerization to Hyperbranched Polymers by 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition
Authors: Smet Mario , Metten Kris , Dehaen Wim
Published: June 2004

A number of AB2 monomers containing either one azide and two acetylene functions or vice versa have been prepared. Upon polymerization, these compounds were found to give rise to hyperbranched oligomers as detected by NMR spectroscopy. However, the formation of high-molecular-weight polymers could not be proven by GPC analysis. Crosslinking was found to be a major drawback of this approach to hyperbranched polymers. Two examples of the interesting situation in which the polymerization already starts during the introduction of the polymerizable group are described.
Molecular Networks Forming Crystalline and Liquid Crystalline Phases by Combined Hydrogen-Bonding and Ionic Interactions
Authors: Hosseini Mir Wais , Tsiourvas Dimitris , Planeix Jean-Marc , Sideratou Zili , Thomas Nicolas , Paleos Constantinos M.
Published: June 2004

Molecular recognition of cyclic bisamidinium dication with a series of 4-alkoxybenzoates afforded materials exhibiting lamellar crystalline structures at low temperatures and highly ordered smectic phases at higher temperatures. The liquid crystalline behaviour was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy and established by X-ray diffraction. Combined hydrogen-bonding and ionic interactions resulted in supramolecular networks which have sufficient stability to maintain their structure at high temperatures following the melting of the long alkyl chains.
WAVE PROPAGATION IN A 3-D OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE
Authors: ALEXANDROV OLEG , CIRAOLO GIULIO
Published: June 2004

In this paper we study the problem of electromagnetic wave propagation in a 3-D optical fiber. The goal is to obtain a solution for the time-harmonic field caused by a source in a cylindrically symmetric waveguide. The geometry of the problem, corresponding to an open waveguide, makes the problem challenging. To solve it, we construct a transform theory which is a nontrivial generalization of a method for solving a 2-D version of this problem given by Magnanini and Santosa.3

The extension to 3-D is made complicated by the fact that the resulting eigenvalue problem defining the transform kernel is singular both at the origin and at infinity. The singularities require the investigation of the behavior of the solutions of the eigenvalue problem. Moreover, the derivation of the transform formulas needed to solve the wave propagation problem involves nontrivial calculations.

The paper provides a complete description on how to construct the solution to the wave propagation problem in a 3-D optical waveguide with cylindrical symmetry. A follow-up article will study the particular cases of a step-index fiber and of a coaxial waveguide. In those cases we will obtain concrete formulas for the field and numerical examples.
ON THE ASYMPTOTIC ANALYSIS OF KINETIC MODELS TOWARDS THE COMPRESSIBLE EULER AND ACOUSTIC EQUATIONS
Authors: BELLOUQUID A.
Published: June 2004

This paper deals with the analysis of the asymptotic limit for models of the mathematical kinetic theory to the nonlinearized compressible Euler equations or to the acoustic equations when the Knudsen number ε tends to zero. Existence and uniqueness theorems are proven for analytic initial fluctuations on the time interval independent of the small parameter ε. As ε tends to zero, the solution of kinetics models converges strongly to the Maxwellian whose fluid-dynamics parameters solve the Euler and the acoustic systems. The general results are specifically applied to the analysis of the Boltzmann and BGK equations.
WHAT IS A TRULY NEUTRAL PARTICLE?
Authors: TSAN UNG CHAN
Published: May 2004

An electrically charged particle is necessarily different from its antiparticle while an electrically neutral particle is either identical with or different from its antiparticle. A truly neutral particle is a particle identical to its antiparticle, which means that all its algebraic intrinsic properties are equal to zero since particle and antiparticle have all their algebraic intrinsic properties opposite. We propose two complementary methods to recognize the true nature of any electrically neutral particle. On the one hand, any non-null algebraic intrinsic property of a particle (properties such as Q, magnetic moment already known from classical physics, or quantum numbers such as baryonic number A, lepton number L or flavors, which are meaningful only in the quantum world) reveals that it is distinct from its antiparticle. On the other hand, any particle decaying through a self-conjugate channel or/and through both two conjugate channels is a truly neutral particle implying then that all algebraic intrinsic properties, known or yet unknown, of this particle are null. According to these methods, the neutrino, like any fermion, cannot be its own antiparticle, so neutrinoless double beta decay cannot take place in nature. We point out the internal contradiction required by the existence of hypothetical neutrinoless double beta decay. We suggest that persistent failure to find experimental evidence for this decay mechanism despite huge efforts dedicated to this aim is consistent with the physics of this process. The immediate consequence would be that limits of neutrino mass deduced from neutrinoless double beta decay cannot be used as constraints in contrast with mass limits deduced from the behavior of the end-point in simple beta spectra.
MULTIFRACTAL ANALYSIS OF MULTIPLICITY FLUCTUATIONS IN 28Si-AgBr COLLISIONS AT 14.6 AGeV
Authors: HASAN R. , ISLAM SAIFUL , MOHIB-UL HAQ M.
Published: May 2004

Modified Gq-moments have been employed to study multifractal behavior of multiplicity fluctuations in 28 Si-AgBr collisions at 14.6 AGeV. The connection between the Gq-moments and the normalized factorial moments Fq has also been investigated. Power law dependences of the moments on the number of bins M have been observed in the data. The generalized dimensions Dq and the multifractal specific heat for our data have also been determined.
COULOMB-MODIFIED EIKONAL PHASE SHIFT ANALYSIS BASED ON HYPERBOLIC TRAJECTORY FOR 12C + 12C ELASTIC SCATTERINGS
Authors: KIM YONG JOO , CHA MOON HOE
Published: May 2004

We present a Coulomb-modified eikonal model formalism based on hyperbolic trajectory for heavy-ion elastic scattering. This formalism has been applied satisfactorily to elastic scatterings of the 12 C + 12 C system at E lab =240, 360 and 1016 MeV. The presence of a nuclear rainbow in this system is evidenced through a classical deflection function. The Fraunhöfer oscillations observed in the elastic angular distributions can be explained due to interference between the near- and far-side amplitudes. We have found that the hyperbolic trajectory effect on the eikonal model is important when the absorptive potential is weak and the real potential is strong.
APPLICATION OF CLASSICAL FORMULATIONS OF QUANTUM MECHANICAL TIME-DEPENDENT VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLES TO THE SHELL AND COLLECTIVE MODELS
Authors: LAVENDA B. H.
Published: May 2004

The pairing off of two-dimensional vortices with opposite orientation and constant strength has its analog in nuclear pairing forces, where the constant vortex strength corresponds to the projection of the angular momentum on the symmetry axis. This occurs as a second-order phase transition for a critical value of the interaction strength. Interactions leading to configurational mixing are analyzed in terms of Euler's equation of an asymmetrical top in the strong coupling limit. The dynamics of pairing forces, configurational mixing, and deformation alignment, due to quadrupole forces and the coupling of the total angular momentum to the intrinsic spin of the odd nucleon, are analyzed by imposing constraints on the coefficients of a quadratic rotational Hamiltonian. Processes leading to deformation alignment give rise to precessional motion of the total angular momentum about the nuclear symmetry axis.
KÜMMERER–MAASSEN-SCATTERING THEORY AND ENTANGLEMENT
Authors: GOHM ROLF
Published: June 2004

We give a new criterion for asymptotic completeness in Kümmerer–Maassen-scattering theory which is more directly in terms of the coupling. To this end we define the semigroup of dual extended transition operators. Asymptotic completeness holds if and only if this semigroup is ergodic. This may also be interpreted in terms of entanglement.
ON RELATIONS BETWEENA PRIORIBOUNDS FOR MEASURES ON CONFIGURATION SPACES
Authors: KONDRATIEV YURI , KUNA TOBIAS , KUTOVIY OLEKSANDR
Published: June 2004

Some a priori bounds for measures on configuration spaces are considered. We establish relations between them and consequences for corresponding measures (such as support properties etc.). Applications to Gibbs measures are discussed.
TIME-DEPENDENT DIRICHLET FORMS AND RELATED STOCHASTIC CALCULUS
Authors: OSHIMA YOICHI
Published: June 2004

Analytic and probabilistic properties of symmetric or non-symmetric Dirichlet forms are well studied. But the processes with parabolic generators are out of the framework of symmetric Dirichlet forms. To cover these cases, we have introduced the time-dependent Dirichlet forms and studied their properties so far. In this expository article, we intend to explain in detail the analytic and probabilistic properties for time-dependent Dirichlet forms parallel to the symmetric Dirichlet forms. New results on a characterization of the minimal α-excessive function dominating a quasi-continuous function as well as the correspondence between additive functionals and smooth mesures are given. In particular, we emphasized the existence of the nontrivial semipolar sets under our settings.
FISCHER DECOMPOSITIONS OF ENTIRE FUNCTIONS OF HILBERT–SCHMIDT HOLOMORPHY TYPE
Authors: PETERSSON HENRIK
Published: June 2004

A Fischer pair (FP) for a vector space E is a pair (u, v) of linear maps on E, not necessarily everywhere defined, such that E= ker u⊕ Im v (Fischer decomposition). Thus, in particular, every densely defined closed operator u on a Hilbert space E forms a Fischer pair together with its adjoint u*, whenever Im u, or equivalently, Im u* is closed since then Im u*= ker u⊥. The question of when a given pair of maps (u, v) is a FP is related to the well-posedness of the (abstract) Cauchy–Goursat problem for u, v in E.

We establish some Fischer pairs, for spaces that are built up by homogeneous Hilbert–Schmidt polynomials on a Hilbert space, consisting of differential and multiplication operators. In particular we study Fischer decompositions of the space of entire functions of Hilbert–Schmidt type. As a basis we generalize Fischers theorem for homogeneous polynomials in n variables to Hilbert–Schmidt polynomials.
A NOTE ON THE ESSENTIAL SELF-ADJOINTNESS OF ORNSTEIN–UHLENBECK OPERATORS PERTURBED BY A DISSIPATIVE DRIFT AND A POTENTIAL
Authors: LONG HONGWEI , SIMÃO ISABEL
Published: June 2004

We prove the essential self-adjointness of Ornstein–Uhlenbeck operators perturbed by a dissipative drift and a potential with polynomial growth, by establishing certain gradient estimates and using Berezanskii's parabolic criterion.
THE MOSER'S ITERATIVE METHOD FOR A CLASS OF ULTRAPARABOLIC EQUATIONS
Authors: PASCUCCI ANDREA , POLIDORO SERGIO
Published: June 2004

We adapt the iterative scheme by Moser, to prove that the weak solutions to an ultraparabolic equation, with measurable coefficients, are locally bounded functions. Due to the strong degeneracy of the equation, our method differs from the classical one in that it is based on some ad hoc Sobolev type inequalities for solutions.
THE MINIMIZING TOTAL VARIATION FLOW WITH MEASURE INITIAL CONDITIONS
Authors: ANDREU F. , MAZÓN J. M. , MOLL J. S. , CASELLES V.
Published: June 2004

In this paper we obtain existence and uniqueness of solutions for the Cauchy problem for the minimizing total variation flow when the initial condition is a Radon measure in ℝN. We study limit solutions obtained by weakly approximating the initial measure μ by functions in L1(ℝN). We are able to characterize limit solutions when the initial condition μ=h+μs, where h∈L1(ℝN)∩L∞(ℝN), and μs=αℋk⌊ S,α≥0,k is an integer and S is a k-dimensional manifold with bounded curvatures. In case k<N-1 we prove that the singular part of the solution does not move, it remains equal to μsfor all t≥0. In particular, u(t)=δ0when u(0)=δ0. In case k=N-1 we prove that the singular part of the limit solution is [Formula: see text] and we also characterize its absolutely continuous part. This explicit behaviour permits to characterize limit solutions. We also give an entropy condition characterization of the solution which is more satisfactory when k<N-1. Finally, we describe some distributional solutions which do not have the behaviour characteristic of limit solutions.
ON SHARP HIGHER ORDER SOBOLEV EMBEDDINGS
Authors: MILMAN MARIO , PUSTYLNIK EVGENIY
Published: June 2004

Let Ω be an open domain in ℝn, let k∈ℕ, [Formula: see text]. Using a natural extension of the L(p, q) spaces and a new form of the Pólya–Szegö symmetrization principle, we extend the sharp version of the Sobolev embedding theorem: [Formula: see text] to the limiting value [Formula: see text]. This result extends a recent result in [3] for the case k=1. More generally, if Y is a r.i. space satisfying some mild conditions, it is shown that [Formula: see text]. Moreover Yn(∞,k) is not larger (and in many cases essentially smaller) than any r.i. space X(Ω) such that [Formula: see text]. This result extends, complements, simplifies and sharpens recent results in [10].
THE STRUCTURE OF HARMONIC MORPHISMS WITH TOTALLY GEODESIC FIBRES
Authors: MUSTAFA M. T.
Published: June 2004

The structure of local and global harmonic morphisms between Riemannian manifolds, with totally fibres, is investigated. It is shown that non-positive curvature of the domain obstructs the existence of global harmonic morphisms with totally geodesic fibres and the only such maps from compact Riemannian manifolds of non-positive curvature are, up to a homothety, totally geodesic Riemannian submersions. Similar results are obtained for local harmonic morphisms with totally geodesic fibres from open subsets of non-negatively curved compact and non-compact manifolds. During the course, we prove non-existence of submersive harmonic morphisms with totally geodesic fibres from some important domains, for instance from compact locally symmetric spaces of non-compact type and open subsets of symmetric spaces of compact type.
LOW-END AND HIGH-END ENCROACHMENT STRATEGIES FOR NEW PRODUCTS
Authors: SCHMIDT GLEN M.
Published: June 2004

Successful new products typically encroach in some fashion on an existing market, impacting prices, sales, and profits for the old product(s). We present a framework in which encroachment takes one of two forms, either high-end or low-end. High-end encroachment is exemplified by Intel's Pentium III, which encroached on the Pentium II by first catering to high-end customers before diffusing to the low end to fully displace the Pentium II. Low-end encroachment is illustrated by disk drives with smaller form factors, which first catered to low-end customers desiring lower-cost, but eventually diffused upward to the high end. Our low-end encroachment framework may help clarify how a disruptive innovation impacts the market, in terms of sales prices, volumes, and profits. Similarly, our high-end encroachment results may lend insight into the market impact of a sustaining technology.
INNOVATION DIFFUSION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS: GENERAL PATTERNS, DIFFUSION CLUSTERS AND DIFFERENCES BY TECHNOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTE
Authors: KIM MOON-SOO , KIM HO
Published: June 2004

We investigated the patterns of the technological diffusions of 17 Korean information and telecommunications (IT) innovations by applying various diffusion models, where the Bass model was chosen the most robust one. Although the internal influence dominates diffusion process for most innovations, the external influence was found to be meaningful to Korean IT diffusion compared with US's. Based on estimated parameters — penetration rate, innovation and imitation coefficients, we conducted cluster analysis, which resulted in four clusters and two isolated innovations. Differences of diffusion patterns between circuit-based and packet-based technology were examined by the external and internal influence as well as the critical mass point. Based on these findings we proposed the several practical implications for ISPs providing packet-based services, Telecommunications carriers with circuit and packet-based services, as well as policy makers.
THE LIFE CYCLE DIMENSION OF NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Authors: SUOMALA PETRI
Published: June 2004

This paper is concerned with comprehensive performance measurement (PM) of new product development (NPD). The idea of "life cycle conscious" NPD performance measurement is introduced by conducting a conceptual analysis combining product life cycle (PLC) thinking and NPD Performance Measurement (NPD PM). The empirical base of the paper is six case studies that focus on product life cycles and their characteristics within different industrial environments.

The paper indicates that there are several ways that NPD PM would benefit from life cycle thinking. Life cycle orientation would provide companies with a feasible framework for constructing the performance measures of NPD, and the framework is likely to reduce the short-termism typically associated with NPD PM. In addition, life cycle could provide help for weighting the criteria and the measures utilized in NPD, for finding a balance for the measurement system, and for directing proper attention towards the comprehensive effects of new products.
Initial phase of maximal voluntary and electrically stimulated knee extension torque development at different knee angles
Authors: de Ruiter C. J. , Kooistra R. D. , Paalman M. I. , de Haan A.
Published: June 2004

We investigated the capacity for torque development and muscle activation at the onset of fast voluntary isometric knee extensions at 30, 60, and 90° knee angle. Experiments were performed in subjects ( n = 7) who had high levels (>90%) of activation at the plateau of maximal voluntary contractions. During maximal electrical nerve stimulation (8 pulses at 300 Hz), the maximal rate of torque development (MRTD) and torque time integral over the first 40 ms (TTI40) changed in proportion with torque at the different knee angles (highest values at 60°). At each knee angle, voluntary MRTD and stimulated MRTD were similar ( P < 0.05), but time to voluntary MRTD was significantly longer. Voluntary TTI40 was independent ( P > 0.05) of knee angle and on average (all subjects and angles) only 40% of stimulated TTI40. However, among subjects, the averaged (across knee angles) values ranged from 10.3 ± 3.1 to 83.3 ± 3.2% and were positively related ( r2 = 0.75, P < 0.05) to the knee-extensor surface EMG at the start of torque development. It was concluded that, although all subjects had high levels of voluntary activation at the plateau of maximal voluntary contraction, among subjects and independent of knee angle, the capacity for fast muscle activation varied substantially. Moreover, in all subjects, torque developed considerably faster during maximal electrical stimulation than during maximal voluntary effort. At different knee angles, stimulated MRTD and TTI40 changed in proportion with stimulated torque, but voluntary MRTD and TTI40 changed less than maximal voluntary torque.
Epinephrine infusion increases adipose interleukin-6 gene expression and systemic levels in humans
Authors: Keller Pernille , Keller Charlotte , Robinson Lindsay E. , Pedersen Bente K.
Published: June 2004

Exercise increases IL-6 mRNA in subcutaneous adipose tissue; however, the immediate signal for the IL-6 induction is unknown. We, therefore, explored the possible role of epinephrine in the induction of IL-6 in adipose tissue. Subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies and blood samples were obtained from eight healthy men (mean age 27 yr, mean height 184 cm, mean weight 83 kg) in response to epinephrine infusion or in response to saline infusion. The rate of epinephrine infusion was such that circulating epinephrine concentrations mimicked that typically seen during exercise. The level of IL-6 mRNA in subcutaneous adipose tissue increased 26-fold (95% confidence interval, 9- to 166-fold) at 3 h of epinephrine infusion compared with controls ( P = 0.028). In addition, plasma levels of IL-6 increased in response to epinephrine infusion ( P < 0.001). However, epinephrine did not affect the IL-6 receptor mRNA. In conclusion, epinephrine acutely increases IL-6 mRNA levels in subcutaneous adipose tissue as well as circulating IL-6 levels in healthy men.
How Retinal Ganglion Cells Prevent Synaptic Noise From Reaching the Spike Output
Authors: Demb Jonathan B. , Sterling Peter , Freed Michael A.
Published: June 2004

Synaptic vesicles are released stochastically, and therefore stimuli that increase a neuron's synaptic input might increase noise at its spike output. Indeed this appears true for neurons in primary visual cortex, where spike output variability increases with stimulus contrast. But in retinal ganglion cells, although intracellular recordings (with spikes blocked) showed that stronger stimuli increase membrane fluctuations, extracellular recordings showed that noise at the spike output is constant. Here we show that these seemingly paradoxical findings occur in the same cell and explain why. We made intracellular recordings from ganglion cells, in vitro, and presented periodic stimuli of various contrasts. For each stimulus cycle, we measured the response at the stimulus frequency (F1) for both membrane potential and spikes as well as the spike rate. The membrane and spike F1 response increased with contrast, but noise (SD) in the F1 responses and the spike rate was constant. We also measured membrane fluctuations (with spikes blocked) during the response depolarization and found that they did increase with contrast. However, increases in fluctuation amplitude were small relative to the depolarization (<10% at high contrast). A model based on estimated synaptic convergence, release rates, and membrane properties accounted for the relative magnitudes of fluctuations and depolarization. Furthermore, a cell's peak spike response preceded the peak depolarization, and therefore fluctuation amplitude peaked as the spike response declined. We conclude that two extremely general properties of a neuron, synaptic convergence and spike generation, combine to minimize the effects of membrane fluctuations on spiking.
LRP1B Attenuates the Migration of Smooth Muscle Cells by Reducing Membrane Localization of Urokinase and PDGF Receptors
Authors: Tanaga Kousei , Bujo Hideaki , Zhu Yanjuan , Kanaki Tatsuro , Hirayama Satoshi , Takahashi Kazuo , Inoue Masahiro , Mikami Keiji , Schneider Wolfgang J. , Saito Yasushi
Published: May 2004

Objective—

Studies on the involvement of low-density lipoprotein receptor relatives (LRs) in atherosclerosis have recently gained new focus because of the specific expression of certain of these receptors in the thickened intima. Here, we show that LRP1B, a member of LRs, modulates the migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) by increasing the degradation of membrane receptors, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) β.

Methods and Results—

Immunohistochemistry showed that LRP1B expression in human coronary arteries is localized to the intimal SMCs near the plaque surface as well as to medial SMCs. LRP1B expression levels in cultured SMCs increase at the late phase of proliferation. Cell surface and internalization assays, in combination with coimmunoprecipitation experiments, showed that LRP1B binds and internalizes uPAR. Metabolic labeling analysis demonstrated that anti-LRP1B IgY decreased the catabolism of uPAR. In addition, the anti-LRP1B antibody raised PDGFRβ protein and PDGFR-mediated phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2. Finally, the anti-LRP1B IgY enhanced the migration and invasion of SMCs in the presence of PDGF-BB.

Conclusions—

LRP1B modulates the catabolism of uPAR and PDGFR, affecting the migration of SMCs. This functional characterization of LRP1B opens novel avenues for elucidating the (patho)physiological significance of SMC migration in atheromatous plaques.
Recommendations for Physical Activity and Recreational Sports Participation for Young Patients With Genetic Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Maron Barry J. , Chaitman Bernard R. , Ackerman Michael J. , Bayés de Luna Antonio , Corrado Domenico , Crosson Jane E. , Deal Barbara J. , Driscoll David J. , Estes N.A. Mark , Araújo Claudio Gil S. , Liang David H. , Mitten Matthew J. , Myerburg Robert J. , Pelliccia Antonio , Thompson Paul D. , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Van Camp Steven P.
Published: June 2004

A group of relatively uncommon but important genetic cardiovascular diseases (GCVDs) are associated with increased risk for sudden cardiac death during exercise, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long-QT syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. These conditions, characterized by diverse phenotypic expression and genetic substrates, account for a substantial proportion of unexpected and usually arrhythmia-based fatal events during adolescence and young adulthood. Guidelines are in place governing eligibility and disqualification criteria for competitive athletes with these GCVDs (eg, Bethesda Conference No. 26 and its update as Bethesda Conference No. 36 in 2005). However, similar systematic recommendations for the much larger population of patients with GCVD who are not trained athletes, but nevertheless wish to participate in any of a variety of recreational physical activities and sports, have not been available. The practicing clinician is frequently confronted with the dilemma of designing noncompetitive exercise programs for athletes with GCVD after disqualification from competition, as well as for those patients with such conditions who do not aspire to organized sports. Indeed, many asymptomatic (or mildly symptomatic) patients with GCVD desire a physically active lifestyle with participation in recreational and leisure-time activities to take advantage of the many documented benefits of exercise. However, to date, no reference document has been available for ascertaining which types of physical activity could be regarded as either prudent or inadvisable in these subgroups of patients. Therefore, given this clear and present need, this American Heart Association consensus document was constituted, based largely on the experience and insights of the expert panel, to offer recommendations governing recreational exercise for patients with known GCVDs.
Gene Transfer of Parvalbumin Improves Diastolic Dysfunction in Senescent Myocytes
Authors: Huq Fawzia , Lebeche Djamel , Iyer Vivek , Liao Ronglih , Hajjar Roger J.
Published: June 2004

Background—

Impaired relaxation is a cardinal feature of senescent myocardial dysfunction. Recently, adenoviral gene transfer of parvalbumin, a small calcium-buffering protein found exclusively in skeletal muscle and neurons, has been shown to improve cardiomyocyte relaxation in disease models of diastolic dysfunction. The goal of this study was to investigate whether parvalbumin gene transfer could reverse diastolic dysfunction in senescent cardiomyocytes.

Methods and Results—

Myocytes were isolated from senescent (26 months) and adult (6 months) F344/BN hybrid rats and were infected with Ad.Parv.GFP (where GFP is green fluorescent protein) or Ad.βgal.GFP at a multiplicity of infection of 250 for 48 hours. Uninfected senescent and adult myocytes served as controls. After stimulation at a frequency of 0.5 Hz, intracellular calcium transients and myocyte contractility were measured using dual excitation spectrofluorometry and video-edge detection system (Ionoptix). Parvalbumin significantly improved relaxation parameters in senescent myocytes: Both the rate of calcium transient decay and the rate of myocyte relengthening were dramatically increased in senescent cardiac myocytes transduced with parvalbumin compared with nontransduced and GFP-expressing controls, with no effect on myocyte shortening.

Conclusions—

Parvalbumin expression corrects impaired relaxation in aging myocytes. Given that abnormalities of myocyte relaxation underlie diastolic dysfunction in a large proportion of elderly patients with heart failure, gene transfer of parvalbumin may thus be a novel approach to target diastolic dysfunction in senescent myocardium.