bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frictional force rotator
Authors: Hart John B.
Published: March 2005

This article shows how to rotate a friction vector to make its component in a given direction as small as desired. Everyday unconscious applications of this method are presented along with some new demonstration equipment.
Resource Letter PNAR-1: Physics and the nuclear arms race
Authors: Schroeer Dietrich , Dowling John
Published: March 2005

This collection of article and book references was assembled to help physicists understand and teach about the nuclear arms race. Both technical and political aspects are covered. Entries are therefore marked as elementary for the layman (E), intermediate for college freshman (I), and advanced for the college senior or graduate student (A) for both the technical (t) and the social (s) aspects. Articles or books which are excerpted in a reprint volume (to be published separately by the American Association of Physics Teachers) are marked with an asterisk (*).
Post-pollination mechanisms promoting outcrossing in a self-fertile conifer,Thuja plicata(Cupressaceae)
Authors: O'Connell Lisa M , Ritland Kermit
Published: March 2005

In conifers, polyembryony (multiple embryos within an ovule) may decrease the number of seeds lost to random embryo abortion, and (or) increase the proportion of outcrossed seeds if outcrossed embryos out-compete selfed ones. Western redcedar (Thuja plicata Don ex D. Donn, Cupressaceae) is a conifer with a mixed (selfed and outcrossed) mating system and high self-fertility with simple (archegonial) polyembryony. To test whether polyembryony can decrease seed abortion or the proportion of selfed seedlings, we conducted controlled pollinations in a seed orchard in southwestern British Columbia. Four trees received a total of 48 pollination treatments consisting of self, outcross, or mixtures of self and outcross pollen. Enzyme electrophoresis identified selfed seeds in the mixed pollen treatments. Reduction in the proportion of filled seeds (seed set) owing to selfing was approximately 30% for three of the trees and 93% for the fourth. Following mixed pollinations we did not observe an increase in seed set attributable to polyembryony. However, when trees received high ratios of self-pollen they produced fewer selfed seedlings than expected, suggesting embryo competition. The consequences of these results on the mating system of western redcedar are discussed.Key words: conifer, Cupressaceae, embryonic lethals, inbreeding depression, polyembryony, Thuja plicata.
Factors for the variability of discards: assumptions and field evidence
Authors: Rochet Marie-Joëlle , Trenkel Verena M
Published: March 2005

Discarding is an issue of increasing concern and there is a growing number of studies aiming at estimating discard amounts and characteristics. However, the sampling design and methods used in these studies generally rely on implicit assumptions. In this perspective, we examine the available evidence in favour of or refuting these assumptions. We find that (i) the assumptions most commonly used for estimating discards, namely that discards are proportional to catch or to effort, are generally not supported by the available evidence, (ii) both environmental conditions and fishing methods influence the amounts and composition of discards, but because of the huge variability, sampling stratification according to these factors might not result in any improvement of the precision of discard estimates, and (iii) many intricate factors can play a role in determining discards in a particular fishery. We conclude that assumptions should be more carefully checked prior to being taken for granted in discard studies and that more studies designed to improve knowledge of the discarding processes are needed.
DOES DELIBERATIVE DEMOCRACY WORK?
Authors: Ryfe David M.
Published: March 2005

▪ Abstract  The growing literature on deliberative democratic practice finds that deliberation is a difficult and relatively rare form of communication. Each moment of a deliberative encounter raises significant obstacles in the path to stimulating greater intentional reflection on public issues. I explore these obstacles in the context of other empirical work in political and social psychology, small group communication, and public opinion. Taken together, these literatures explain why deliberation is difficult to achieve and sustain over time. They also suggest several rules that might assist practitioners in making deliberative democracy work better. Many of the obstacles to deliberative democracy raise questions about key theoretical constructs closely associated with deliberative democratic theory, including equality, legitimacy, autonomy, and reason. I conclude by suggesting that deliberative practitioners, empirical scholars, and theorists might gain from greater interaction.
Exposure to TARC alters β2-adrenergic receptor signaling in human peripheral blood T lymphocytes
Authors: Heijink Irene H. , Vellenga Edo , Oostendorp Jaap , de Monchy Jan G. R. , Postma Dirkje S. , Kauffman Henk F.
Published: March 2005

The β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) negatively regulates T cell activity through the activation of the Gs/adenylyl cyclase/cAMP pathway. β2-AR desensitization, which can be induced by its phosphorylation, may have important consequences for the regulation of T cell function in asthma. In the present study we demonstrate that the C-C chemokine thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) impairs the ability of β2-agonist fenoterol to activate the cAMP downstream effector cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) in freshly isolated human T cells. The TARC-induced activation of Src kinases resulted in membrane translocation of both G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK) 2 and β-arrestin. Moreover, TARC was able to induce Src-dependent serine phosphorylation of the β2-AR as well as its association with GRK2 and β-arrestin. Finally, in contrast to CREB, phosphorylation of Src and extracellular signal-regulated kinase was enhanced by fenoterol upon TARC pretreatment. In summary, we show for the first time that TARC exposure impairs β2-AR function in T cells. Our data suggest that this is mediated by Src-dependent activation of GRK2, resulting in receptor phosphorylation, binding to β-arrestin, and a switch from cAMP-dependent signaling to activation of the MAPK pathway. We propose that aberrant T cell control in the presence of endogenous β-agonists promotes T cell-mediated inflammation in asthma.
Parathyroid hormone-related protein-mediated responses in pulmonary arteries and veins of newborn lambs
Authors: Gao Yuansheng , Raj J. Usha
Published: March 2005

PTHrP has important roles in lung development and function. Here we determined the vasomotor responses of isolated pulmonary arteries and veins of newborn and adult sheep to PTHrP. In vessels constricted with endothelin-1, PTHrP (PTHrP 1-34) caused greater relaxation of veins than of arteries. In both vessel types, relaxation to the peptide was less in adult than in newborn vessels. In newborn lambs, PTHrP-induced relaxation was not affected by endothelium removal, inhibition of eNOS, or inhibition of adenylyl cyclases by SQ-22536. However, relaxation was attenuated by 4-aminopyridine, inhibitor of voltage-dependent potassium channels, in both arteries and veins, and by charybdotoxin, inhibitor of calcium-activated potassium channels, in veins. When vessels were saturated with 8-BrcAMP (3 × 10−4M), to eliminate relaxation mediated by endogenous cAMP, PTHrP-induced relaxation was partially attenuated. In vessels treated with 8-BrcAMP (3 × 10−4M), 4-aminopyridine but not charybdotoxin inhibited relaxation induced by PTHrP 1-34 in both arteries and veins. Radioimmunoassay showed that, in the presence of a general phosphodiesterase inhibitor, PTHrP caused a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular cAMP content in arteries and veins, which was largely abolished by SQ-22536. Our results demonstrate that PTHrP is a potent vasodilator of pulmonary vessels, with a greater effect in veins than in arteries. Relaxation induced by the peptide contains both cAMP-dependent and -independent components. In both arteries and veins, voltage-dependent potassium channels mediate the response to PTHrP, at least in part, in a cAMP-independent fashion; and in veins, calcium-activated potassium channels may be stimulated by elevated cAMP levels.
Amino-terminal TACE prodomain attenuates TNFR2 cleavage independently of the cysteine switch
Authors: Buckley Caitriona A. , Rouhani Farshid N. , Kaler Maryann , Adamik Barbara , Hawari Feras I. , Levine Stewart J.
Published: March 2005

TNF-α-converting enzyme (TACE, ADAM17) cleaves membrane-associated cytokines and receptors and thereby regulates inflammatory and immune events, as well as lung development and mucin production. For example, the TACE-mediated cleavage of the type II 75-kDa TNF receptor (TNFR2) generates a soluble TNF-binding protein that modulates TNF bioactivity. TACE is synthesized as a latent proenzyme that is retained in an inactive state via an interaction between its prodomain and catalytic domain. Although the formation of an intramolecular bond between a cysteine in the prodomain and a zinc atom in the catalytic site had been thought to mediate this inhibitory activity, it was recently reported that the cysteine-switch motif is not required. Here, we hypothesized that the amino terminus of the TACE prodomain might contribute to the ability of the prodomain to maintain TACE in an inactive state independently of a cysteine-switch mechanism. We synthesized a 37-amino acid peptide corresponding to TACE amino acids 18–54 (N-TACE18–54) and assessed whether it possessed TACE inhibitory activity. In an in vitro model assay system, N-TACE18–54attenuated TACE-catalyzed cleavage of a TNFR2:Fc substrate. Furthermore, N-TACE18–54inhibited constitutive TNFR2 shedding from a human monocytic cell line by 42%. A 19-amino acid, leucine-rich domain, corresponding to TACE amino acids 30–48, demonstrated partial inhibitory activity. In summary, we have identified a subdomain within the amino terminus of the TACE prodomain that attenuates TACE catalytic activity independently of a cysteine-switch mechanism, which provides new insight into the regulation of TACE enzymatic activity.
Climatic Impact of Vegetation Change in the Asian Tropical Region. Part I: Case of the Northern Hemisphere Summer
Authors: Mabuchi Kazuo , Sato Yasuo , Kida Hideji
Published: March 2005

Several numerical simulations were performed, using a global climate model that includes a realistic land surface model, to investigate the impact of Asian tropical vegetation changes on the climate. The control simulation, under conditions of the actual vegetation, and three vegetation-change impact experiments were performed. The results of the impact experiments were compared with those of the control simulation. The horizontal resolution of the model used in these simulations was 1.875°, being finer than that of the models used in previous vegetation-change impact studies. As a result, it was determined that the effects of vegetation changes in the Asian tropical region had spatially different features.

The morphological, physiological, and physical changes of the land surface vegetation in the Asian tropical region certainly induce statistically significant climate changes in these and the surrounding areas. That is, from the results of the bare soil and C4 grass experiments, the decrease in the roughness length, and from the results of the green-less experiment, the decrease of the latent heat flux, exert strong influences on the horizontal and convective circulations of the atmosphere. Consequently, the distribution of precipitation will undergo a change. Other energy and water balances at the land surface are also influenced by the vegetation changes, and the induced changes are generally statistically significant.

The influences of vegetation changes in the Asian tropical region were more complicated than those in the Amazon. One reason for this was that the Asian tropical region is strongly influenced by the Asian monsoon circulation; another reason is that the land–sea distribution and the distribution of vegetation in the Asian tropical region are not as simple as in a tropical rain forest like the Amazon.
Economic Reform and the Military: China, Cuba, and Syria in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Mora Frank O. , Wiktorowicz Quintan
Published: March 2005

This article examines the involvement of the military in the economy during processes of economic reform and liberalization in non-democratic systems. The hypothesis is that the nature of this involvement is guided by regime survival strategies. Specifically, under dire economic conditions that necessitate liberalization measures, regimes will attempt to promote military loyalty and political survival by minimizing or offsetting the negative effects of economic reform while maximizing positive dividends. The article examines military economic involvement in China, Cuba, and Syria, and emphasizes the need for more cross-regional studies.
Healing the Wounds of War? A Discussion of Agent Orange Compensation Programmes in the United States and Vietnam
Authors: Palmer Michael G.
Published: March 2005

This paper assesses compensation programmes for victims of the principal U.S. Military herbicide, Agent Orange, used during the Vietnam War period 1961 to 1971. Whilst positive steps forward in the formal recognition and compensation of victims, both the Vietnamese and to a lesser extent, the American programme, are found to fall short in meeting the following principles of compensation. That is, in the form of monetary and non-monetary benefits to all affected persons at varying levels of disability on an ongoing basis over the life cycle.
Structural Holes and Structural Synergies: A Comparative-Historical Analysis of State-Society Relations and Development in Colonial Sierra Leone and Mauritius
Authors: Lange Matthew
Published: March 2005

Drawing on network theory from economic sociology, this article argues that development through state-society synergy requires the spread of information and resources between state and society. After describing key concepts and a nested methodological approach, the article analyzes how the different network structures affected the success of state decentralizing reforms in two former British colonies after World War II: Sierra Leone and Mauritius. It finds that the use of gatekeeping intermediaries in indirectly ruled Sierra Leone caused structural holes between state and society and that the reforms therefore increased the extent of decentralized despotism. Alternatively, direct colonial rule in Mauritius promoted dense ties between state and societal actors, and the colonial state reforms therefore made decentralized development possible.
Skating on Thin Ice: A Comparison of Work Values and Job Satisfaction in CEE and EU Countries
Authors: Vecerník Jirí
Published: March 2005

The article presents a critical reading of opinion data on work and job values. Three cross-national surveys are used: the ISSP module on Work Orientations, the European Values Study, and the Households-Work-Flexibility survey. In the first part, some methodological problems are described and illustrated through previous research. In the second part, several specific results are displayed. In the third part, the focus is on job satisfaction. One of the main conclusions of the analysis is that although there are considerable differences between Central-Eastern Europe and the EU countries in a number of indicators, the value dimension exhibits large independence from personal work characteristics and the national economic regime. In conclusion, we discuss the problems involved in making generalizations out of these results and raise the question of the “true” change in values during the transition.
Worry: Women’s Experience of HIV Testing
Authors: Ransom Jane E. , Siler Bobbie , Peters Rosalind M. , Maurer Mary Jo
Published: March 2005

Although HIV infection is increasing among all women, pregnant women are primarily targeted for testing. The authors explore the experience of nonpregnant women seeking HIV testing, particularly factors that influenced testing, waiting for results, and the testing process. They interviewed 26 first-time testers, analyzed transcripts independently, then compared and consensually validated. Phenomenological reflection guided thematic analysis. A pattern of Worry emerged from relational themes evident in three phases of the experience: (a) Deciding, (b) Testing, and (c) What Next? Participants identified HIV testing as stressful, even when they regarded the process positively. Findings can sensitize providers to women’s perceptions, decision making, and barriers to testing. Providers are challenged to provide accessible testing that protects confidentiality in conjunction with supportive discussion of concerns.
Miracles of Modern Medicine/Casualties of Modern Medicine
Authors: Cassell Joan
Published: March 2005

The author uses an autoethnographic account of a close friend’s emergency cardiac surgery, and its disastrous outcome, to explore and critique the contemporary search for medical “miracles” and the patchwork and inequitable system of medical reimbursement in the United States.
Discipline and Resistance: Order and Disorder in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic
Authors: Wheatley Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2005

The author of this article offers an analysis of cardiac rehabilitation based on fieldwork conducted in two cardiac rehabilitation clinics. Disciplinary power is exercised through confessional, disciplinary, and surveillance technologies of cardiac rehabilitation. Through her analysis, the author shows how clients adhere to but also challenge agendas of rehabilitation. Transgressing, complaining about, and clowning despite the rules and regimens of the clinic, clients actively create and negotiate the social world of the clinic. Order and disorder prevail, as the scope of the medical gaze is contingent and tenuous. The analysis reveals pleasurable and productive possibilities experienced by clients and describes enabling bodily, self, and social transformations made possible by the disciplinary, confessional, and surveillance technologies of rehabilitation.
“Do We Really Need All That Equipment?“: Factors Influencing Colorectal Cancer Screening Decisions
Authors: Wackerbarth Sarah B. , Peters Jane C. , Haist Steven A.
Published: March 2005

The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 2.5 to 5% in the general population. Colorectal screening can prevent mortality, and there are a number of screening methods, ranging from noninvasive to highly invasive. Although recommendations have been widely disseminated in the media and scientific journals, screening usage is low. In this project, the authors examine the factors that influence individuals’ decisions regarding colorectal screening. They conducted semistructured interviews with 30 people (13 men and 17 women) selected to provide a maximum variation sample. They categorized factors into the following themes: concern for one’s personal well-being, competing demands, preparing for the procedure, the screening process, gender concerns, fear of having cancer, feeling healthy, cost, the experiences of others, and turning 50 years old.
Strengthening Capacity to Limit Intrusion: Theorizing Family Health Promotion in the Aftermath of Woman Abuse
Authors: Ford-Gilboe Marilyn , Wuest Judith , Merritt-Gray Marilyn
Published: March 2005

Children’s health is a key factor in women’s decisions to leave abusive partners, yet how these families promote their health after leaving is poorly understood. In this feminist grounded theory study, the authors conducted repeat interviews with 40 single-parent families that had left abusive partners/fathers and analyzed the data using constant comparative methods. Findings reveal the central problem faced by families is intrusion, unwanted interference in everyday life that stems from abuse and its fallout. Over time, families promote their health through the basic social process of strengthening capacity to limit intrusion via four subprocesses: providing, regenerating family, renewing self, and rebuilding security. Depending on the degree of intrusion, the focus strengthening capacity shifts between practical goals of surviving and more proactive efforts directed toward positioning for the future. This theory adds to our knowledge of the long-term consequences of IPV for families and provides direction for practice and policy.
How Do Stressful Family Environments Relate to Reported Access and Use of Health Care by Low-Income Children?
Authors: Fairbrother Gerry , Kenney Genevieve , Hanson Karla , Dubay Lisa
Published: March 2005

This study examines the effect of stressful family environments on children's access to and use of health care, using a sample of 9,854 low-income children from the 1999 National Survey of America's Families. Indicators of stress included aspects of family structure, economic hardship, family turbulence, and parental ill health; these were combined into a composite family stress indicator. Having health insurancewas the strongest predictor of health care access and use, but stressful family environments were significantly and inversely associated with parents' having confidence in the ability of family members to obtain health care, children having health care needs met, and children having any dental care in the previous year. The authors concluded that while enrollment in health insurance may be necessary to access and use health care, it is not sufficient. Stressful family environments also appear to influence the ability of parents to obtain care for their children.
Evolving Perceptions of Japanese Workplace Motivation
Authors: Brislin Richard W. , MacNab Brent , Worthley Reginald , Kabigting Florencio , Zukis Bob
Published: March 2005

This research effort specifically examines perceptions of workplace motivation in Japan between employees and managers while highlighting results that are somewhat counterintuitive to the traditional western perception of Japanese ethnography. Specifically, we find some evidence for a potentially shifting movement toward a self-orientation with more emphasis on lifetime employability over lifetime employment. During a period when incremental efficiencies are arguably more important than ever for the Japanese economy, practitioners therein stand to maintain the highest level of productivity by better understanding exactly how workforce motivation is currently evolving rather than relying on potentially dated assumptions. Specifically this effort advances cross cultural management studies by blending insight from past American research and theory with current research on Japan - which allows the additional benefit of comparing traditional Japanese cultural platforms to potentially more modern, dynamic realities. In partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Human Resource Solutions, a survey was undertaken in the metropolitan Tokyo area that examined motivation of the Japanese worker using the two-factor Herzberg model, which seems to be valid in Japan. The study indicates that there has been a movement from a more traditional, collective/company orientation toward more self-orientation. The study also demonstrates that Japanese managers seem to have an acceptable understanding of what motivates employees but that there is still room for improvement.
CyProQuant-PCR: a real time RT-PCR technique for profiling human cytokines, based on external RNA standards, readily automatable for clinical use
Authors: Boeuf Philippe , Vigan-Womas Inès , Jublot Delphine , Loizon Séverine , Barale Jean-Christophe , Akanmori Bartholomew Dicky , Mercereau-Puijalon Odile , Behr Charlotte
Published: March 2005

Background

Real-time PCR is becoming a common tool for detecting and quantifying expression profiling of selected genes. Cytokines mRNA quantification is widely used in immunological research to dissect the early steps of immune responses or pathophysiological pathways. It is also growing to be of clinical relevancy to immuno-monitoring and evaluation of the disease status of patients. The techniques currently used for "absolute quantification" of cytokine mRNA are based on a DNA standard curve and do not take into account the critical impact of RT efficiency.

Results

To overcome this pitfall, we designed a strategy using external RNA as standard in the RT-PCR. Use of synthetic RNA standards, by comparison with the corresponding DNA standard, showed significant variations in the yield of retro-transcription depending the target amplified and the experiment. We then developed primers to be used under one single experimental condition for the specific amplification of human IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-13, IL-15, IL-18, IFN-γ, MIF, TGF-β1 and TNF-α mRNA. We showed that the beta-2 microglobulin (β2-MG) gene was suitable for data normalisation since the level of β2-MG transcripts in naïve PBMC varied less than 5 times between individuals and was not affected by LPS or PHA stimulation. The technique, we named CyProQuant-PCR (Cytokine Profiling Quantitative PCR) was validated using a kinetic measurement of cytokine transcripts under in vitro stimulation of human PBMC by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Staphylococcus aureus strain Cowan (SAC). Results obtained show that CyProQuant-PCR is powerful enough to precociously detect slight cytokine induction. Finally, having demonstrated the reproducibility of the method, it was applied to malaria patients and asymptomatic controls for the quantification of TGF-β1 transcripts and showed an increased capacity of cells from malaria patients to accumulate TGF-β1 mRNA in response to LPS.

Conclusion

The real-time RT-PCR technique based on a RNA standard curve, CyProQuant-PCR, outlined here, allows for a genuine absolute quantification and a simultaneous analysis of a large panel of human cytokine mRNA. It represents a potent and attractive tool for immunomonitoring, lending itself readily to automation and with a high throughput. This opens the possibility of an easy and reliable cytokine profiling for clinical applications.
Heterologous expression in Tritrichomonas foetus of functional Trichomonas vaginalis AP65 adhesin
Authors: Kucknoor Ashwini S , Mundodi Vasanthakrishna , Alderete JF
Published: March 2005

Background

Trichomonosis, caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, is the number one, nonviral sexually transmitted infection that has adverse consequences for the health of women and children. The interaction of T. vaginalis with vaginal epithelial cells (VECs), a step preparatory to infection, is mediated in part by the prominent surface protein AP65. The bovine trichomonad, Tritrichomonas foetus, adheres poorly to human VECs. Thus, we established a transfection system for heterologous expression of the T. vaginalis AP65 in T. foetus, as an alternative approach to confirm adhesin function for this virulence factor.

Results

In this study, we show stable transfection and expression of the T.vaginalisap65 gene in T. foetus from an episomal pBS-ap65-neo plasmid. Expression of the gene and protein was confirmed by RT-PCR and immunoblots, respectively. AP65 in transformed T. foetus bound to host cells. Specific mAbs revealed episomally-expressed AP65 targeted to the parasite surface and hydrogenosome organelles. Importantly, surface-expression of AP65 in T. foetus paralleled increased levels of adherence of transfected bovine trichomonads to human VECs.

Conclusion

The T. vaginalis AP65 adhesin was stably expressed in T. foetus, and the data obtained using this heterologous system strongly supports the role of AP65 as a prominent adhesin for T. vaginalis. In addition, the heterologous expression in T. foetus of a T. vaginalis gene offers an important, new approach for confirming and characterizing virulence factors.
Measuring body composition in overweight individuals by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
Authors: Brownbill Rhonda A , Ilich Jasminka Z
Published: March 2005

Background

Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is widely used for body composition measurements in normal-weight and overweight/obese individuals. The limitations of bone densitometers have been frequently addressed. However, the possible errors in assessing body composition in overweight individuals due to incorrect positioning or limitations of DXA to accurately assess both bone mineral density and body composition in obese individuals have not received much attention and are the focus of this report.

Discussion

We discuss proper ways of measuring overweight individuals and point to some studies where that might not have been the case. It appears that currently, the most prudent approach to assess body composition of large individuals who cannot fit under the scanning area would be to estimate regional fat, namely the regions of thigh and/or abdomen. Additionally, using two-half body scans, although time consuming, may provide a relatively accurate measurement of total body fat, however, more studies using this technique are needed to validate it.

Researchers using bone densitometers for body composition measurements need to have an understanding of its limitations in overweight individuals and address them appropriately when interpreting their results. Studies on accuracy and precision in measurements of both bone and soft tissue composition in overweight individuals using available densitometers are needed.
Admission to hospital following head injury in England: Incidence and socio-economic associations
Authors: Tennant Alan
Published: March 2005

Background

Head injury in England is common. Evidence suggests that socio-economic factors may cause variation in incidence, and this variation may affect planning for services to meet the needs of those who have sustained a head injury.

Methods

Socio-economic data were obtained from the UK Office for National Statistics and merged with Hospital Episodes Statistics obtained from the Department of Health. All patients admitted for head injury with ICD-10 codes S00.0–S09.9 during 2001–2 and 2002–3 were included and collated at the level of the extant Health Authorities (HA) for 2002, and Primary Care Trust (PCT) for 2003. Incidence was determined, and cluster analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to look at patterns and associations.

Results

112,718 patients were admitted during 2001–2 giving a hospitalised incidence rate for England of 229 per 100,000. This rate varied across the English HA's ranging from 91–419 per 100,000. The rate remained unchanged for 2002–3 with a similar magnitude of variation across PCT's. Three clusters of HA's were identified from the 2001–2 data; those typical of London, those of the Shire counties, and those of Other Urban authorities. Socio-economic factors were found to account for a high proportion of the variance in incidence for 2001–2. The same pattern emerged for 2002–3 at the PCT level. The use of public transport for travel to work is associated with a decreased incidence and lifestyle indicators, such as the numbers of young unemployed, increase the incidence.

Conclusion

Head injury incidence in England varies by a factor of 4.6 across HA's and PCT's. Planning head injury related services at the local level thus needs to be based on local incidence figures rather than regional or national estimates. Socio-economic factors are shown to be associated with admission, including travel to work patterns and lifestyle indicators, which suggests that incidence is amenable to policy initiatives at the macro level as well as preventive programmes targeted at key groups.
On the methodological unification in electroencephalography
Authors: Durka Piotr J
Published: March 2005

Background

This paper presents results of a pursuit of a repeatable and objective methodology of analysis of the electroencephalographic (EEG) time series.

Methods

Adaptive time-frequency approximations of EEG are discussed in the light of the available experimental and theoretical evidence, and applicability in various experimental and clinical setups.

Results

Four lemmas and three conjectures support the following conclusion.

Conclusion

Adaptive time-frequency approximations of signals unify most of the univariate computational approaches to EEG analysis, and offer compatibility with its traditional (visual) analysis, used in clinical applications.
Muscarinic receptors participation in angiogenic response induced by macrophages from mammary adenocarcinoma-bearing mice
Authors: de la Torre Eulalia , Davel Lilia , Jasnis María A , Gotoh Tomomi , de Lustig Eugenia Sacerdote , Sales María E
Published: March 2005

Introduction

The role of macrophages in tumor progression has generated contradictory evidence. We had previously demonstrated the ability of peritoneal macrophages from LMM3 murine mammary adenocarcinoma-bearing mice (TMps) to increase the angiogenicity of LMM3 tumor cells, mainly through polyamine synthesis. Here we investigate the ability of the parasympathetic nervous system to modulate angiogenesis induced by TMps through the activation of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAchR).

Methods

Peritoneal macrophages from female BALB/c mice bearing a 7-day LMM3 tumor were inoculated intradermally (3 × 105 cells per site) into syngeneic mice. Before inoculation, TMps were stimulated with the muscarinic agonist carbachol in the absence or presence of different muscarinic antagonists or enzyme inhibitors. Angiogenesis was evaluated by counting vessels per square millimeter of skin. The expression of mAchR, arginase and cyclo-oxygenase (COX) isoforms was analyzed by Western blotting. Arginase and COX activities were evaluated by urea and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, respectively.

Results

TMps, which stimulate neovascularization, express functional mAchR, because carbachol-treated TMps potently increased new blood vessels formation. This response was completely blocked by preincubating TMps with pirenzepine and 4-diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP), M1 and M3 receptor antagonists, and partly by the M2 receptor antagonist methoctramine. M1 receptor activation by carbachol in TMps triggers neovascularization through arginase products because Nω-hydroxy-L-arginine reversed the agonist action. Preincubation of TMps with methoctramine partly prevented carbachol-stimulated urea formation. In addition, COX-derived liberation of PGE2 is responsible for the promotion of TMps angiogenic activity by M3 receptor. We also detected a higher expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in TMps than in macrophages from normal mice. Carbachol significantly increased VEGF expression in TMps, and this effect was totally reversed by methoctramine and pirenzepine. Arginase and COX inhibitors partly decreased VEGF derived from TMps.

Conclusion

TMps themselves induce a potent angiogenic response that is augmented by carbachol action. mAchR activation triggers arginine metabolism, PGE2 synthesis and VEGF production, promoting neovascularization.
Patterning across the ascidian neural plate by lateral Nodal signalling sources
Authors: Hudson Clare , Yasuo Hitoyoshi
Published: March 2005

Ascidians are invertebrate chordates with a simple larval tadpole form containing a notochord and an overlying dorsal neural tube. As in vertebrates,the neural tube of ascidian larvae displays positional differences along the rostral-caudal and dorsal-ventral axes in terms of neuronal cell types generated, morphology and gene expression. However, how these differences are established in this simple chordate remains largely unknown. In this study, we show that a single blastomere named b6.5, which is situated in a lateral position in the 32-cell-stage embryo, is a source of signal(s) required for patterning across the medial-lateral axis (future ventral-dorsal axis) of the neural plate. We identify this signal as a Ciona homologue of Nodal, Ci-Nodal. Transcriptional activation of Ci-Nodal in b6.5 depends upon vegetally derived Ci-FGF9/16/20. Using three distinct reagents to inhibit Nodal signals, we show that Nodal signalling is required for neural plate patterning across the medial-lateral axis and that, in the absence of this signal, the caudal-lateral part of the neural plate adopts a medial-like fate. Secondary muscle fate is similarly affected. We conclude that specification of the lateral neural plate is initiated by signalling sources laterally flanking the neural plate and involves a cell-fate choice between lateral and medial neural fates, with Nodal signalling promoting lateral fate. This role for Nodal signalling during ascidian neural plate patterning contrasts with that in vertebrates, where it is implicated in promoting a medial neural fate, the floor plate.
Blood loss estimation in epistaxis scenarios
Authors: Beer H L , Duvvi S , Webb C J , Tandon S
Published: March 2005

Thirty-two members of staff from the Ear, Nose and Throat Department at Warrington General Hospital were asked to estimate blood loss in commonly encountered epistaxis scenarios. Results showed that once the measured volume was above 100 ml, visual estimation became grossly inaccurate. Comparison of medical and non-medical staff showed under-estimation was more marked in the non-medical group. Comparison of doctors versus nurses showed no difference in estimation, and no difference was found between grades of staff.
Thyroid gland tuberculosis with endolaryngeal extension: a case with laryngotracheal dyspnoea
Authors: Tas Abdullah , Yagiz Recep , Karasalihoglu Ahmet R
Published: March 2005

Tuberculosis affecting the thyroid gland is a rare condition. We present the case of a 30-year-old man with thyroid tuberculosis whose presenting complaints were dyspnoea and hoarseness. There was a cystic mass in the posterosuperior right thyroid lobe extending into the paraglottic space. There was also recurrent laryngeal nerve involvement. We performed surgery and administered post-operative antituberculous treatment
Radiological and radionuclide investigation of malignant otitis externa
Authors: Okpala N C E , Siraj Q H , Nilssen E , Pringle M
Published: March 2005

This study looks at case series of malignant otitis externa, outlines detailed structural (radiological) and functional (radionuclide) investigations, and discusses their utility in the initial diagnosis, patient management and follow up of this condition.

Patients were investigated by computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), two-phase planar and single-photon emission tomography (SPECT), technetium-99m methylenediphosphonate bone scans, gallium-67 planar and SPECT scans, and indium-111 or technetium-99m labelled WBC planar and SPECT scintigraphy.

We discuss example case reports with the various radiological and scintigraphic findings and outline a protocol for rational investigation.

It is concluded that CT and/or MRI should be supported by routine SPECT bone imaging for initial diagnosis of malignant otitis externa. Routine SPECT bone imaging further supplemented by gallium scintigraphy should be the investigation of choice in the follow up of these cases for assessing response to treatment and disease recurrence.
Perforation of cervical oesophagus
Authors: Shaligram A , Dugar N , Capper R
Published: March 2005

Spontaneous perforation of the oesophagus is an uncommon condition that almost invariably affects the thoracic oesophagus. We present an unusual case of perforation of the cervical oesophagus, in which an unsuspected ingested foreign body was ultimately found to be responsible.
Biomechanical Pulping of Agave sisalana
Authors: Idárraga G. , Ramos J. , Young R.A. , Denes F. , Zuñiga V.
Published: March 2005

The effect of biological pretreatment of sisal with several white rot fungi on the energy consumption in
refining and on the mechanical properties of the pulps was evaluated in this investigation. Improvements
were realized in all the mechanical properties (22–66 %) and a reduction in the energy consumption of
> 39% was realized for the treated pulps with the different fungi. The best strength improvement and
energy reduction results overall were obtained with the white-rot fungus, Ceriporiopsis subvermispora.
The incubation time was optimized for this fungus with the optimum mechanical properties obtained
with a two week treatment time.
Reduction of Residual Stresses in Medium Density Fibreboard. Part 1. Taguchi Analysis
Authors: Houts J. van , Bhattacharyya D. , Jayaraman K.
Published: March 2005

This paper demonstrates how the Taguchi method of experimental design can be utilised to investigate
methods for relieving the residual stresses present in medium density fibreboard (MDF). Panels have
been subjected to heat, moisture and pressure, and after equilibration to room conditions, the changes in
residual stresses through various layers have been measured using the dissection method. The application
of heat and/or moisture has reduced the magnitude of residual stresses while generally the application
of pressure has no effect on these stresses. The subsequent paper in this series uses Taguchi analysis
to investigate how other board properties such as thickness swell, internal bond strength, surface layer
tensile modulus and surface layer tensile strength are affected by the different treatment methods.
Evaluation of Pettys Nonlinear Model in Wood Permeability Measurement
Authors: Lu J. , Bao F. , Zhao Y.
Published: March 2005

To calculate the effective radii of two conductive elements in series in wood specimens by using the gas
permeability measurement, the four parameters from the curvilinear relationship of superficial specific
permeability against reciprocal mean pressure as illustrated in Petty's model must be evaluated. This
paper describes a detailed procedure for obtaining such parameters by using the least-squares fit calculated
from a statistical analysis system (SAS) program. Three different iterative optimization algorithms
and starting points were used separately to fit the Petty's nonlinear model based on the same experimental
data from one specimen of birch. The estimate of the parameters: A = 35.38 darcy, B = 80.51
darcy, l = 0.19 darcy atm, m = 6.34 darcy atm was recommended for the fitted model. Compared to the
results on the estimate of parameters obtained in the previous papers, this estimate for the parameters
was a global minimum, thus it was a refinement and more accurate. Since the Gauss-Newton method
resulted in almost the same convergence results for all the three sets of starting values with the least iterations
in the evaluation, it was the preferred optimization algorithm both for simplicity and accuracy in
solving the Petty's model. Because the same solutions for all three iterative optimization algorithms were
obtained by using two different sets of starting points produced from the grid search, a grid search
seemed to be very helpful for finding reasonable starting values for various iterative optimization techniques.
Development of an Apparatus to Investigate the Stress Variables Governing Unsaturated Soil Behavior
Authors: Tarantino A , Mongiovì L
Published: March 2005

The paper presents the development of an apparatus to investigate the stress variables governing unsaturated soil behavior. This apparatus was devised to explore the range of negative pore-water pressures. Tests were performed by preventing deformation and water content change of an unsaturated sample and measuring changes in normal net stress and matric suction in response to a change in pore-air pressure. The condition of null deformation and null water content change was achieved by specially designing the cell and the air supply system. Vented flush diaphragm transducers and vented Imperial College tensiometers were used to measure directly normal net stress and matric suction, respectively. A preliminary test demonstrated that an interaction occurred between the soil and the flush measurement diaphragms. A specific procedure was then devised to account for the error due to this interaction. The results from the experimental tests support the assumption that the stress variables governing unsaturated soil behavior can be reduced to two stress state variables, e.g., net stress and matric suction.
Effect of Residual Stresses on the Fatigue Crack Propagation in Welded Joints
Authors: Gubeljak N , Predan J , Pippan R , Oblak M
Published: March 2005

The effect of residual stress on the fatigue crack growth was investigated for cyclic tension. Three-point bend specimens were used with through thickness notches at the center line of the welded joint. The experiments were performed for different load amplitudes and load ratios under conditions of small-scale yielding. The influence of the residual stresses on fatigue crack growth was estimated by experimentally observed fatigue crack growth rate and measurement of residual stresses at the surface of specimen. This paper describes an approach taken in two models to estimate the residual stress effect on fatigue crack propagation and to predict remaining service life of a welded structure.
Fracture Resistance Characterization of Superpave Mixtures Using the Semi-Circular Bending Test
Authors: Wu Z , Mohammad LN , Wang LB , Mull MA
Published: March 2005

The fracture resistance of asphalt mixture is an important property directly related to pavement distresses, such as cracking. This paper reports the investigation of a newly-developed semicircular bending (SCB) test as a candidate test for the fracture resistance characterization of asphalt mixtures. Thirteen Superpave mixtures, designed with four different binder types (AC-30, PAC-40, PG70-22M, and PG76-22M) and four different compaction levels (Ndesign = 75, 97, 109, and 125), were considered in this study. The SCB tests were conducted at 25°C using a three-point bending fixture in a MTS testing system. The fracture resistance was analyzed based on an elasto-plastic fracture mechanics concept of critical strain energy release rate, also called the critical value of J-integral (JC). Preliminary results indicate that the JC values were fairly sensitive to changes in binder type and nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) used in Superpave mixtures. This study suggests that the SCB test could be a valuable correlative tool in the evaluation of fracture resistance of asphalt mixtures.
Simple Extraction of Sulfite and Sulfate in Cogeneration Plant Circulating Fluidized Bed Fly Ash for Ion Chromatographic Analysis
Authors: Cowen WF
Published: March 2005

A simple method is described for analyses of sulfite and sulfate, in cogeneration plant fly ash/bottom ash from a coal-fired circulating fluidized bed (CFB) steam-electricity cogeneration process. Ash is shaken for 3 h (room temperature) in 3 mM disodium EDTA solution, and then the filtrate is analyzed by ion chromatography/suppressed conductivity. The EDTA slows the rate of metal ion-catalyzed sulfite oxidation by dissolved oxygen without using formaldehyde preservative. Sulfite standards in EDTA solution were stable for up to 3 days at room temperature in the presence of air. Detection limits were 0.08% by mass SO32− and 0.1 % by mass SO42− for 0.1 g fly ash extracted with 100 m1 of the EDTA reagent.