bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of legislation on corporate disclosure practices
Authors: Owusu‐Ansah Stephen , Yeoh Joanna
Published: February 2005

This article investigates the effect of the Financial Reporting Act of 1993 (FRA) on mandatory disclosure practices of companies listed on the New Zealand Exchange Limited. The FRA gave statutory backing to financial reporting standards in New Zealand and made non‐compliance illegal. Using both univariate and multivariate analyses, we examine the association between (a) the levels of compliance with mandatory disclosure by the companies in our sample, and (b) disclosure regulatory regimes that prevailed in New Zealand before and after the implementation of the FRA. We find that mean corporate disclosure compliance levels in the periods after the enactment of the FRA are significantly higher than those in the periods before the enactment of the legislation. After controlling for the effects of other mandatory disclosure‐related variables documented in prior studies, we also find that the improvement in corporate disclosure compliance behaviour is the result of the implementation of the FRA. Alternative specifications of the primary regression model indicate that those findings are robust.
Do high levels of viral replication contribute to fulminant hepatitis A?
Authors: Fujiwara Keiichi , Yokosuka Osamu , Imazeki Fumio , Saisho Hiromitsu , Miki Makoto , Omata Masao
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background: The possible correlation between the severity of hepatitis A and the levels of viral replication has not been established.

Methods: We investigated the level of viral replication in sera from 31 patients with sporadic hepatitis A, comprising six patients with fulminant hepatitis, five with severe acute hepatitis, and 20 with acute hepatitis using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a multi‐cyclic PCR method.

Results: The hepatitis A virus RNA level was higher in fulminant hepatitis than in acute hepatitis (P=0.003).

Conclusion: We believe that this higher viral load in patients with fulminant and severe hepatitis A may be associated with the pathogenesis of disease severity.
Elevated plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with liver cirrhosis correlate with plasma insulin levels
Authors: Sohara Naondo , Takagi Hitoshi , Kakizaki Satoru , Sato Ken , Mori Masatomo
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background: Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by adipocytes and has anti‐diabetic and anti‐atherogenic properties. Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with insulin‐resistant diabetes and liver dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine plasma adiponectin and insulin levels in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Methods: Adiponectin and insulin levels were determined in 38 patients with cirrhosis and 30 healthy controls, and were correlated with various clinical and biochemical parameters. Patients included 21 with Child A, eight Child B, and nine with Child C liver cirrhosis.

Results: Log adiponectin and insulin levels were significantly elevated in patients with cirrhosis compared with the control. In liver cirrhosis, the level of adiponectin increased proportionately with the Child's classification score. In control subjects, plasma adiponectin correlated inversely with insulin levels. In contrast, plasma adiponectin correlated positively with insulin levels in patients with liver cirrhosis. Plasma adiponectin levels did not correlate with age, sex, body mass index, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, and fasting blood sugar levels in both groups, while alanine aminotransferase correlated negatively with adiponectin in control subjects as reported previously.

Conclusion: Our results of high plasma adiponectin in patients with liver cirrhosis could reflect an imbalance between its production by adipocytes and metabolism in the liver.
Cognition in liver disease
Authors: Collie Alexander
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background: Cognitive dysfunction has been observed in a range of liver diseases including chronic hepatitis C virus, alcoholic liver disease, primary biliary cirrhosis and Wilson's disease. Such dysfunction may range from mild cognitive changes to overt hepatic encephalopathy, and represents a significant complication of liver disease that may negatively impact the patient's quality of life, and normal activities of daily living (e.g., driving).

Method: This article reviews the published evidence relating to cognitive dysfunction in liver disease.

Outcome: Issues of definition, diagnosis, epidemiology, aetiology, treatment and outcome are discussed. Particular attention is devoted to identifying the mild cognitive changes that occur in liver diseases of different aetiology.
Consensus interferon enhances the anti‐proliferative effect of 5‐fluorouracil on human hepatoma cells via downregulation of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase expression
Authors: Dou Jian , Iwashita Yukio , Sasaki Atsushi , Kai Seiichiro , Hirano Seitaro , Ohta Masayuki , Kitano Seigo
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: The effectiveness of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) treatment is influenced by the activities of pyrimidine catabolic enzymes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether interferon (IFN)‐α influences expression of 5‐FU catabolic or target‐related enzymes in human hepatoma cells.

Methods: HepG2 cells were treated with 0, 0.15, 1.5, 15, and 150 ng/ml of consensus interferon (C‐IFN). Expression of mRNAs encoding dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), thymidine phosphorylase, and thymidylate synthase was examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction before and after C‐IFN treatment. To determine the effect of pretreatment with C‐IFN on 5‐FU+C‐IFN combination therapy, we performed WST‐1 cell proliferation assays.

Results: A significant reduction in the level of DPD mRNA was observed when HepG2 cells were pretreated with C‐IFN (P<0.05). This reduction occurred in a time‐dependent manner. Cell proliferation was reduced most significantly when HepG2 cells were treated with 5‐FU and C‐IFN. Furthermore, when cells were pretreated with C‐IFN for 3 days, the anti‐proliferative effect of 5‐FU+C‐IFN combination therapy was augmented significantly (P<0.05).

Conclusions: C‐IFN likely improves the anti‐tumor effect of 5‐FU via downregulation of DPD enzyme in hepatoma cells. Pretreatment with C‐IFN may increase the anti‐cancer effect of 5‐FU+C‐IFN combination therapy.
PHOSPHATE UPTAKE AND GROWTH KINETICS OFTRICHODESMIUM(CYANOBACTERIA) ISOLATES FROM THE NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN AND THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA1
Authors: Fu Fei‐Xue , Zhang Yaohong , Bell Peter R. F. , Hutchins David A.
Published: February 2005

We compared inorganic phosphate (Pi) uptake and growth kinetics of two cultures of the diazotrophic cyanobacteriumTrichodesmiumisolated from the North Atlantic Ocean (IMS101) and from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia (GBRTRLI101). Phosphate‐limited cultures had up to six times higher maximum Piuptake rates than P‐replete cultures in both strains. For strain GBRTRLI101, cell‐specific Piuptake rates were nearly twice as high, due to larger cell size, but P‐specific maximum uptake rates were similar for both isolates. Half saturation constants were 0.4 and 0.6 μM for Piuptake and 0.1 and 0.2 μM for growth in IMS101 and GBRTRLI101, respectively. Phosphate uptake in both strains was correlated to growth rates rather than to light or temperature. The cellular phosphorus quota for both strains increased with increasing Piup to 1.0 μM. The C:P ratios were 340–390 and N:P ratios were 40–45 for both strains under severely P‐limited growth conditions, similar to reported values for natural populations from the tropical Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The C:P and N:P ratios were near Redfield values in medium with >1.0 μM Pi. The North Atlantic strain IMS101 is better adapted to growing on Piat low concentrations than is GBRTRLI101 from the more Pi‐enriched Great Barrier Reef. However, neither strain can achieve appreciable growth at the very low (nanomolar) Piconcentrations found in most oligotrophic regimes. Phosphate could be an important source of phosphorus forTrichodesmiumon the Great Barrier Reef, but populations growing in the oligotrophic open ocean must rely primarily on dissolved organic phosphorus sources.
Abiotic factors promote plant heterogeneity and influence herbivore performance and mortality in Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii)
Authors: Yarnes Christopher T. , Boecklen William J.
Published: February 2005

Environmental gradients are expected to alter the relative effects of host‐plants and natural enemies on phytophagous insects. Moreover, studies of gradients may assist in an identification of the factors important to the outcomes of trophic interactions. We investigated the role of elevation‐based variation in environmental conditions (temperature and relative humidity) and foliar nitrogen on tri‐trophic interactions in Quercus gambelii Nutt. (Fagaceae) during 2001 and 2002. Quercus gambelii displayed significant elevational and seasonal fluctuation in foliar nitrogen content, and sites with similar environmental conditions produced similar foliar quality. However, leaf‐miners, Phyllonorycter spec. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and Cameraria spec. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), did not perform better on trees with a greater nitrogen content. Overall densities of both species declined significantly in 2002, most likely due to severe drought conditions in the south‐western USA. Both species exhibited significant, but distinct, patterns in emergence rate with elevation. While environmentally based fluctuation in foliar nitrogen failed to predict the result of trophic interactions, site environmental conditions, as measured by temperature and relative humidity, were strongly related to differences in leaf‐miner performance and mortality. The ordination of sites by variation in environmental conditions accurately predicts the relative effect of unexplained vs. natural‐enemy sources of mortality for leaf‐miners.
Detrimental and neutral effects of wild barley–Neotyphodium fungal endophyte associations on insect survival
Authors: Clement S.L. , Elberson L.R. , Bosque‐Pérez N.A. , Schotzko D.J.
Published: February 2005

Neotyphodium (Clavicipitaceae: Balansieae) fungal endophyte infection does not always confer temperate grass resistance to insect herbivores, although reports indicate that over 40 species are adversely affected by its infection. Laboratory and glasshouse experiments were conducted to improve our knowledge of the anti‐insect properties of Neotyphodium‐infected (E+) non‐commercial grasses, and E+ wild barley (Hordeum) specifically. Neotyphodium infection of four plant inventory (PI) lines of wild barley conferred resistance to Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), whereas none of the E+ wild barley accessions reduced the survival of Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae). Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) (Homoptera: Aphididae) densities were significantly lower on the E+ clones of Hordeum brevisubulatum ssp. violaceum (Boissier and Hohenacker) (PI 440420), compared with densities on endophyte‐free (E–) plants of this species in population growth experiments. Neotyphodium infection of three Hordeum bogdanii (Wilensky) PI lines did not confer resistance to M. dirhodum; however, one of these E+ lines (PI 314696) was resistant to this aphid in a second population growth experiment. Our results provide additional evidence that the outcome of a grass–endophyte–insect interaction is influenced by the host grass species or genotype, Neotyphodium species or genotype, and the insect species involved. They also reinforce this phenomenon for non‐commercial grass–endophyte–insect interactions and underscore the potential role of endophytes in mediating wild barley–insect interactions and their potential to act as defensive mutualists.
Laboratory studies on the olfactory behaviour of Anopheles quadriannulatus
Authors: Pates H.V. , Takken W. , Curtis C.F.
Published: February 2005

The host preference of Anopheles quadriannulatus Theobald (Diptera: Culicidae), the zoophilic member of the malaria mosquito complex Anopheles gambiae Giles, was investigated in a dual‐choice olfactometer. Naïve female mosquitoes were exposed to CO2, acetone, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, and skin emanations from cows and humans in various combinations. Their behavioural responses were recorded when they had entered one of either upwind traps from where the odours were being released. The mosquitoes did not respond to CO2 when released at human or cattle equivalent concentrations. Too few mosquitoes responded to acetone to allow for a statistical analysis. The combination of CO2+ 1‐octen‐3‐ol was repellent. Cow odour alone was slightly attractive, but there was a synergistic attractive effect of cow odour + CO2. Surprisingly, the mosquitoes were attracted to human odour, and in a choice situation human odour was selected above cow odour + CO2. Anthropophilic An. gambiae Giles s.s. was repelled by cow odour + CO2 in contrast to An. quadriannulatus. In a choice situation, both mosquito species selected human odour above cow odour + CO2. The implications of these results are discussed in the light of recent behavioural data from the field.
Pheromone‐mediated communication disruption in Guatemalan potato moth, Tecia solanivora
Authors: Felipe Bosa Carlos , Cotes Prado Alba Marina , Fukumoto Takehiko , Bengtsson Marie , Witzgall Peter
Published: February 2005

Chemical analysis of pheromone gland extracts followed by behavioural studies in the wind tunnel and by field trapping tests show that the sex pheromone of the Guatemalan potato moth, Tecia (Scrobipalpopsis) solanivora Povolny (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a blend of (E)‐3‐dodecenyl acetate, (Z)‐3‐dodecenyl acetate, and dodecyl acetate. A 100 : 1 : 20 blend of these compounds, formulated at 1000 µg on rubber septa, captured more males than the main compound alone. This lure was species‐specific and did not capture the potato tubermoth, Phthorimaea operculella. A potato field was treated with a blend of these three compounds at a rate of 28 g ha−1. Male T. solanivora attraction to synthetic pheromone traps was almost completely suppressed for 2 months, demonstrating the potential use of pheromones for control of this economically important insect pest of potato in Central and Southern America.
Torsade de pointes induced by psychotropic drugs and the prevalence of its risk factors
Authors: Justo D. , Prokhorov V. , Heller K. , Zeltser D.
Published: February 2005

Objective: To investigate all published case reports of torsade de pointes (TdP) induced by psychotropic drugs (PDs) in order to examine the prevalence of risk factors for TdP prior to the drug initiation.

Method: We found 45 reports on 70 patients with TdP induced by PDs. Each report was analyzed for the presence of risk factors for TdP: female gender, heart disease, hypokalemia, high doses of offending agent, concomitant use of a QT interval prolonging agent, and a history of long‐QT syndrome.

Results: Female gender was the most common risk factor for TdP (71.4%). The other studied risk factors were also frequently present (34.2–14.2%). Nearly all patients had at least one and 51 (73%) patients had >2 risk factors for TdP prior to PD initiation.

Conclusion: We wish to raise the level of awareness of risk factors for TdP in the psychiatric community.
Cognitive remediation for adolescents with early onset psychosis: a 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Ueland T. , Rund B. R.
Published: February 2005

Objective:  To investigate the long‐term effects of a cognitive remediation programme for adolescents with early onset psychosis.

Method:  Twenty‐five subjects (cognitive remediation, n = 14; control, n = 11) were assessed on cognitive, clinical and psychosocial measures 1 year after discharge. All patients had received a psychoeducational programme, while the experimental group received the addition of a 30‐h cognitive remediation programme.

Results:  A significant overall improvement for eight of 10 cognitive and three of four outcome measures was found. After controlling for IQ, there was a differential improvement in early visual information processing (P < 0.05) in favour of the remediation group. No other between‐group differences were found.

Conclusion:  The remediation programme may have a favourable long‐term effect for early visual information processing. Improved cognitive functioning in both groups may be caused by beneficial elements in the psychoeducational programme. Because the study may be underpowered, the results should be interpreted with caution.
Population genetics of the European trout (Salmo truttaL.) migration system in the river Rhine: recolonisation by sea trout
Authors: Schreiber A. , Diefenbach G.
Published: February 2005

Abstract – Allozyme genetics (34 loci) is studied in up to 1010 European trout (Salmo trutta) from the Rhine, Meuse, Weser, Elbe and Danube river systems in Central Europe. Population samples from single collection sites, chiefly small streams (GCG = 0.2126), rather than the divergence of the trout from Atlantic and Danubian drainages (GSG = 0.0711), contributed to the overall gene diversity ofGST = 0.2824. Sea trout (n = 164) and brown trout (n = 767) in Atlantic rivers adhere to the same biogeographical stock, but anadromous trout from the Rhine and the Elbe display more genetic cohesion than resident brown trout from the Rhine system alone. Strayers from the Elbe could have founded the recently re‐established sea trout population of the Rhine, after a few decades of absence or precarious rarity. Migrants may even connect the Rhine and Elbe stocks by ongoing gene flow. A release–recapture study confirms that all trout in the Rhine belong to one partly migratory population network: Six of 2400 juvenile sea trout released into a tributary of the Rhine were later recorded as emigrants to the Rhine delta, against three of 1600 released brown trout. One migrant had entered the open North Sea, but the other dispersers were recorded in fresh waters of the Rhine delta (Ijsselmeer, Amstelmeer). Stocking presumably elevated both heterozygosity and fixation indices of brown trout, but this effect is subtle within the range of the Atlantic population group. Improved sea trout management in the Rhine, and modifications to brown trout stocking in the upper Danubian area are recommended.
Do instream habitat variables and the abundance of brown troutSalmo trutta(L.) affect the distribution and growth of stone loach,Barbatula barbatula(L.)?
Authors: Nilsson E. , Persson A.
Published: February 2005

Abstract – Along a stream, we investigated whether the abundance of stone loach (Barbatula barbatula, L.) was related to the presence of brown trout (Salmo trutta, L.) and instream habitat variables. First, a field survey was carried out where different habitat variables and the densities of both species were quantified and subjected to principal components analysis. Then the abundance of stone loach was related to the scores of the retained axes (eigenvalues >1). The abundance of stone loach was positively correlated to substrate particle size, amount of shade, temperature, discharge and current velocity, but negatively correlated to brown trout abundance. Secondly, a month‐long field enclosure experiment in a stream was performed to test for any negative effects of brown trout on stone loach growth. Four treatments were used: intraspecific competition (stone loach at double density), interspecific competition (stone loach + small trout), predation (stone loach + large trout) and a control (stone loach alone). The results showed that large trout tended to have negative effects on final stone loach biomass. The absence of a negative effect of large trout on resource density suggests that nonlethal effects rather than resource competition caused this trend.
The smolt run and postsmolt survival of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., in relation to early summer water temperatures in the northern Baltic Sea
Authors: Jutila E. , Jokikokko E. , Julkunen M.
Published: February 2005

Abstract –  The timing of the smolt migration of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., was investigated during 1972–2002 in the Simojoki, a river flowing into the northern Baltic Sea. The onset of the smolt run was positively correlated with the river water temperature; a rise in water temperature above 10 °C being the main proximate environmental triggering factor. There was also a weaker correlation between the decreasing river discharge in the spring and the onset of the smolt migration. The duration of the main run was shorter in the years when the onset of the smolt run was delayed. No differences were found in the onset timing or in the duration of the smolt run between wild smolts and semi‐wild smolts released into the river as parr. A polynomial equation fitted to the annual data on the survival of Carlin‐tagged wild smolts and the sea surface temperature (SST) in June off the river mouth appeared to follow a dome‐shaped pattern. Survival was lower in cold early summers (SST <9 °C) than in those with an average SST (9–11.9 °C), and lower again, although not significantly, in warm early summers (SST ≥12 °C). Too low and probably also too a high water temperature in early summer could thus be one of the underlying reasons for the fluctuations observed in postsmolt survival in the Baltic Sea.
Observations about tempered martensite embrittlement
Authors: Pietikainen Juha
Published: February 2005

An investigation on the embrittlement of tempered martensite has been carried out with AISI 4340 steel using the static torsion and bending tests together with the instrumented Charpy tests. After the mechanical tests, the specimens were studied by scanning electron microscope. It was observed that in Charpy tests the use of energy was minor when the fracture spread out in the test specimen especially after annealing at tempered martensite embrittlement region. Based on the test results the idea was presented that at the embrittlement region the fracture is not critical, instead the point where dτ/dtgγ becomes negative.
Inhibition of Rab5a Exchange Activity Is a Key Step for Listeria monocytogenes Survival
Authors: Prada‐Delgado Amaya , Carrasco‐Marín Eugenio , Peña‐Macarro Carla , del Cerro‐Vadillo Elida , Fresno‐Escudero Manuel , Leyva‐Cobián Francisco , Alvarez‐Dominguez Carmen
Published: February 2005

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) modifies the phagocytic compartment by targeting Rab5a function through an unknown mechanism. Inhibition of Rab5a exchange by LM can be considered the main virulence mechanism as it favours viability of the parasite within the phagosome as well as the exclusion of putative listericidal lysosomal proteases such as cathepsin‐D. The significance of this survival mechanism is evidenced by the overexpression of Rab5a mutants in CHO cells that promoted GDP exchange on Rab5a and eliminated pathogenic LM. The following mutants showed listericidal effects: Rab5a:Q79L, a constitutively active mutant with accelerated GDP exchange and Rab5a GEF, Vps9, which overactivates the endogenous protein. Clearance of LM from these phagosomes was controlled by the hydrolytic action of cathepsin‐D as suggested by the lysosomal protease inhibitor chloroquine, or the cathepsin‐D inhibitor, pepstatin A, which caused a reversion of listericidal activity. Moreover, the effects of LM on Rab5a phagocytic function mimics those reported for the GDP locked dominant negative Rab5a mutant, S34N. Transfection of these mutants into CHO cells increased pathogen survival as they showed higher numbers of viable bacteria, complete inhibition of GDP exchange on Rab5a and impairment of the listericidal action probably exerted by cathepsin‐D. We cotransfected functional Rab5a GEF into this dominant negative mutant and restored normal LM intraphagosomal viability, Rab5a exchange and listericidal action of cathepsin‐D.
Regulation of Nuclear Transport: Central Role in Development and Transformation?
Authors: Poon Ivan K. H. , Jans David A.
Published: February 2005

Transport of macromolecules into and out of the nucleus is generally effected by targeting signals that are recognized by specific members of the importin/exportin transport receptor family. The latter mediate passage through the nuclear envelope‐embedded nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) by conferring interaction with NPC constituents, as well as with other components of the nuclear transport machinery, including the guanine nucleotide‐binding protein Ran. Importantly, nuclear transport is regulated at multiple levels via a diverse range of mechanisms, such as the modulation of the accessibility and affinity of target signal recognition by importins/exportins, with phosphorylation/dephosphorylation as a major mechanism. Alteration of the level of the expression of components of the nuclear transport machinery also appears to be a key determinant of transport efficiency, having central importance in development, differentiation and transformation.
Mechanisms of Receptor‐Mediated Nuclear Import and Nuclear Export
Authors: Pemberton Lucy F. , Paschal Bryce M.
Published: February 2005

Nuclear transport of proteins and RNA occurs through the nuclear pore complex and is mediated by a superfamily of transport receptors known collectively as karyopherins. Karyopherins bind to their cargoes by recognition of specific nuclear localization signals or nuclear export signals. Transport through the nuclear pore complex is facilitated by transient interactions between the karyopherins and the nuclear pore complex. The interactions of karyopherins with their cargoes are regulated by the Ras‐related GTPase Ran. Ran is assisted in this process by proteins that regulate its GTPase cycle and subcellular localization. In this review, we describe several of the major transport pathways that are conserved in higher and lower eukaryotes, with particular emphasis on the role of Ran. We highlight the latest advances in the structure and function of transport receptors and discuss recent examples of steroid hormone receptor import and regulation by signal transduction pathways. Understanding the molecular basis of nuclear transport may provide insight into human diseases by revealing how nucleocytoplasmic trafficking regulates protein activity.
Epithelial Cells in the Female Reproductive Tract: a Central Role as Sentinels of Immune Protection
Authors: Wira Charles R. , Grant‐Tschudy Katherine S. , Crane‐Godreau Margaret A.
Published: February 2005

The continued presence of bacterial and viral antigens in the lumen of the vagina coupled with the periodic presence of antigens in the lumena of the upper reproductive tract provide an ongoing challenge that can compromise female reproductive health and threaten life. Separating underlying tissues from luminal antigens, polarized epithelial cells of the cervix, uterus and Fallopian tubes have evolved to protect against potential pathogens. Once thought to function exclusively by providing a crucial barrier, mucosal epithelial cells are now known to function as sentinels that recognize antigens, respond in ways that lead to bacterial and viral killing, as well as signal to underlying immune cells when pathogenic challenge exceeds their protective capacity. Unique to epithelial cells of the female reproductive tract is the regulatory control of the female sex hormones. Acting both directly and indirectly through underlying stromal cells, estradiol and progesterone regulate epithelial cell innate and adaptive immune functions to protect against potential pathogens while providing an environment that supports an allogeneic fetus. In this article, we will outline how polarized epithelial cells function as the first line of defense against potential pathogens in the female reproductive tract.
Building Public Support from the Grassroots Up: The Impact of Presidential Travel on State‐Level Approval
Authors: COHEN JEFFREY E. , POWELL RICHARD J.
Published: February 2005

Presidential travel around the nation has become commonplace, yet very little research exists on its impact on public opinion. Although presidents “go public” for a variety of reasons, such as building and maintaining public support, existing research has been limited to examining the effects of going public on national‐level support for the president. In this study, we argue that presidents target state publics (and other sub‐national publics) when they travel around the nation. To test this possible linkage between travel and approval, we utilize data on presidential travel and newly available data on state‐level presidential approval ratings. After controlling for various factors that affect the level of presidential approval at the state level, we find that a presidential visit results in a modest, statistically significant increase in the president's state‐level job approval rating. Our analysis indicates that this effect is present only in non‐election periods and in large states, suggesting that presidents are more likely to stimulate public support when appearing presidential rather than as candidates for office or as partisan leaders.
The Femtosecond Energy Diffusion Sensor: A Non-contact Tool for Photovoltaic Characterization
Authors: McLeskey, James T. , Norris Pamela M.
Published: February 2005

The femtosecond energy diffusion sensor is presented as a non-contact tool for the use in the characterization of thin film hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photovoltaic cells. The sensor is based on the pump-probe technique and when used with the appropriate models, this non-contact, non-destructive tool is shown to be capable of measuring important material characteristics of each layer of a p-i-n junction including bandgap and density of states. When fully developed, it is believed that the sensor could be used in a factory environment to detect and solve problems rapidly and to maintain control of the entire manufacturing process.
Solar Blind Pyrometer Temperature Measurements in High Temperature Solar Thermal Reactors: A Method for Correcting the System-Sensor Cavity Reflection Error
Authors: Freid Aaron P. , Johnson Paul K. , Musella Manuela , Mu¨ller Reto , Steinbrenner Julie E. , Palumbo Robert D.
Published: February 2005

We developed a method that enables one to correct solar blind pyrometer cavity temperature measurements for the system-sensor reflection error. The method is valid for measurements made on diffusely emitting and reflecting cavity surfaces when there is no participating medium between the pyrometer and the surface of interest. The surfaces’ emissivities must be known. The procedure gives the uncertainty interval associated with the correction. The procedure was validated by measuring surface temperatures in a solar reactor insulated with Yttria-stabilized Zirconia felt receiving concentrated solar radiation. The temperature range of the experimental study was from 1100–1600 K. Temperature measurements made with a pyrometer having a narrow band filter centered at 1.398 μm were compared to temperatures measured with Zirconia felt shielded thermocouples. Uncorrected pyrometer measurements differed from the thermocouple measurements by as much as 350 K. The thermocouple measurements mostly fell within the system-sensor uncertainty interval of the corrected temperature measurements. The uncertainty interval depends both on the number of surfaces probed with the pyrometer and the nature of the solar blind filter. A numerical simulation study showed that a UV filter centered at a wavelength near 0.285 μm gives tighter system-sensor uncertainty intervals than an IR filter centered at 1.398 μm.
Electron Exposure Measurements of Candidate Solar Sail Materials
Authors: Albarado Tesia L. , Hollerman William A. , Edwards David , Hubbs Whitney , Semmel Charles
Published: February 2005

Solar sailing is a unique form of propulsion where a spacecraft gains momentum from incident photons. Since sails are not limited by reaction mass, they provide continual acceleration, reduced only by the lifetime of the lightweight film in the space environment and the distance to the Sun. Practical solar sails can expand the number of possible missions that are difficult by conventional means. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is concentrating research into the utilization of ultra lightweight materials for spacecraft propulsion. Solar sails are generally composed of a highly reflective metallic front layer, a thin polymeric substrate, and occasionally a highly emissive back surface. The Space Environmental Effects Team at MSFC is actively characterizing candidate sails to evaluate the thermo-optical and mechanical properties after exposure to electrons. This paper will discuss the preliminary results of this research.
Lubrication of Rough Surfaces by a Boundary Film-Forming Viscosity Modifier Additive
Authors: Glovnea R. P. , Olver A. V. , Spikes H. A.
Published: February 2005

In previous work it was shown that some functionalized polymers used as viscosity index improvers are able to form thick boundary lubricating films. This behavior results from adsorption of the polymer on metal surfaces to form a layer of enhanced viscosity adjacent to the surface. In the current work the behavior of one such polymer in rough surface contact conditions is studied, using both model and real rough surfaces. It is found that the polymer is able to form a thick boundary film in rough surface contact, just as it does with smooth surfaces. It is also shown that the effect of this boundary film is to significantly reduce friction in rolling-sliding, rough surface, lubricated contact.
Stability Analysis of a Rough Journal Bearing Considering Cavitation Effects
Authors: Rao T. V. V. L. N. , Sawicki Jerzy T.
Published: February 2005

A modified governing equation is derived incorporating the effects of roughness and cavitation in a journal bearing. The available theories of Reynolds roughness and cavitation algorithm proposed by Elrod are utilized in this work to develop a numerical procedure for stability analysis of a liquid lubricated rough journal bearing. The Elrod generalized theory of Reynolds roughness provides a governing equation based on the surface configuration. The Elrod cavitation algorithm conserves mass throughout the bearing and automatically predicts the full film and cavitation regions using a switch function. The roughness is considered on either or both the bearing and journal surfaces. The instability threshold speed increases significantly for the roughness patterns on the grooved bearing surface only at higher eccentricity ratios. The threshold speed increases significantly with increase in the inclination of herringbone type striated roughness patterns on the journal surface from 110° to 150°.
Tilt and Interfacial Fluid Pressure Measurements of a Disk Sliding on a Polymeric Pad
Authors: Ng Sum Huan , Borucki Len , Higgs C. Fred , Yoon Inho , Osorno Andre´s , Danyluk Steven
Published: February 2005

Previous experimental work has shown that negative fluid pressure does develop at the disk/pad interface during chemical mechanical polishing. However, these studies dealt with one-dimensional measurement and modeling. To better understand the problem, two-dimensional pressure mapping is carried out. In addition, the orientation of the disk is measured with a capacitive sensing technique. Results reveal a large negative pressure region at the disk/pad interface that is skewed toward the leading edge of the disk. The disk is also found to be leaning down toward the leading edge and toward the center of the pad. A mixed-lubrication model based on the Reynolds equation and taking into account the disk orientation angles has been developed. Modeling and experimental results show similar trends, indicating the tilting of the disk as a dominant factor in causing the negative pressure phenomenon.
Scale Effect in Dry Friction During Multiple-Asperity Contact
Authors: Nosonovsky Michael , Bhushan Bharat
Published: February 2005

Scale effect on dry friction during multiple-asperity contact is considered. The coefficient of friction is a sum of the adhesion component, two-body deformation component, three-body deformation (plowing) component, and a so-called ratchet component of friction. These components of the friction force depend on the relevant real area of contact (dependent on roughness and mechanical properties) and relevant shear strength during sliding. A model of rough surface topography based on an empirical power rule for scale dependence of roughness and contact parameters is proposed. The effect of load on contact parameters is also considered. Comparison of the model to experiment data on scale and load dependence of friction is presented.
Study of Generation Mechanism of Three-Body Particles in Linear Tape Recording
Authors: Shi Baogui , Sullivan J. L. , Wild M. A. , Saied S. O.
Published: February 2005

A major cause of magnetic spacing losses in data tape systems is pole tip recession (PTR). This study is an investigation of PTR in a linear data tape recording system and identification of the mechanisms responsible for these effects, but the results have implications for any head where the tape bearing surface is Al2O3/TiC, AlTiC. Tape cycling experiments were performed using the linear tape open system as the experimental platform with metal particle tape. All experiments were conducted within a matrix of pressure and humidity, which encompassed the system operating extremes. Atomic force microscopy was used to analyze the surface topography of the heads. Auger electron spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to analyze the chemical changes on the surface of the heads and tapes. Environment was found to have a significant influence on the head/tape interface. Head wear and PTR was highest at high temperature and humidity. Water vapor was found to transform the surface layers on the TiC grains in the tape-bearing surface to TiO2. This process results in the production of TiO2 fragments that become trapped in the recessed pole tip region, acting as three-body abrasive particles. The TiO2 present on the TiC grains and on the surface of heads increases with the water content after cycling against tapes. The hypothesis is supported by the presence of Ti on the poles.
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Anti-Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies Used as Markers for IgA-Deficient Celiac Disease Patients
Authors: Dahlbom Ingrid , Olsson Martin , Forooz Nahal Kazemi , Sjöholm Anders G. , Truedsson Lennart , Hansson Tony
Published: February 2005

The role of immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (IgA-tTG) as predictors of untreated celiac disease (CoD) is well documented, and the presence and levels of these antibodies are most accurately monitored with native or recombinant human antigens. However, IgA-deficient CoD patients are not identified by IgA serology, and conflicting results concerning the diagnostic validity of IgG antibodies against gliadin (IgG-AGA), endomysium (IgG-EmA), and tTG (IgG-tTG) have been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the utility of IgG-tTG for the detection of CoD in IgA-deficient patients. Samples from 115 IgA-deficient and 200 IgA-sufficient subjects were collected and tested for the presence of IgA and IgG antibodies against tTG, EmA, and AGA. Antibodies against tTG were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on recombinant human tTG, and antibodies against EmA were determined by immunofluorescence. The values for IgG-tTG showed a higher correlation (correlation coefficient [
r
] = 0.91) with those for IgG-EmA for the IgA-deficient subjects than for the IgA-sufficient subjects (
r
= 0.88). The overall concordance of the positive and negative results between IgG-tTG and IgG-EmA was 97%, and the IgG-tTG assay discriminated between IgG-EmA-positive and -negative subjects with IgA deficiency at a rate of 100%. Elevated levels of IgG-tTG and IgG-EmA were measured in 70% of the IgA-sufficient subjects. IgG-tTG detection with recombinant human tTG is a good alternative to IgG-EmA detection, and the addition of IgG-tTG assessment to present screening methods may improve the ability to identify IgA-deficient subjects with CoD.
Serum Antibody Responses in Children with Rotavirus Diarrhea Can Serve as Proxy for Protection
Authors: Xu J. , Dennehy P. , Keyserling H. , Westerman L. E. , Wang Y. , Holman R. C. , Gentsch J. R. , Glass R. I. , Jiang B.
Published: February 2005

We examined sera from 42 patients 1 to 30 months of age for rotavirus immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, IgG, and IgG subclasses and sought to determine if serum antibody could serve as a reliable marker for prediction of disease severity. Infants in the first few months of life usually had high maternal IgG titers and, when they were infected with rotavirus, had low IgM titers or no IgM in acute-phase sera and poor seroconversions 3 weeks later, suggesting that maternal antibodies had inhibited viral replication and antibody responses. All patients ≥6 months of age had IgM in acute-phase sera, indicating that IgM is a good marker for acute rotavirus infection. IgG was the best overall predictor of an infection, as the convalescent-phase sera of 81% of the patients had a fourfold rise in the IgG titer. IgA titers in convalescent-phase sera and conversion rates were higher among patients ≥12 months of age than among children younger than 12 months. IgG1 was the predominant subclass detected in the acute-phase sera of some children and in all 28 convalescent-phase serum samples examined. Patients with preexisting acute-phase IgG titers of ≥100 or ≥200 had diarrhea that was less severe or of a shorter duration. These results indicate that serum IgG is the most reliable marker for seroconversion and is a consistent proxy for protection against severe disease.
Alterations in Leukocyte Function following Surgical Trauma: Differentiation of Distinct Reaction Types and Association with Tumor Necrosis Factor Gene Polymorphisms
Authors: Majetschak Matthias , Krehmeier Ulrich , Ostroverkh Liljana , Blömeke Brunhilde , Schäfer Michael
Published: February 2005

Endotoxin-stimulated blood cytokine responses have been widely used to describe compromised host defense mechanisms after trauma. We investigated whether blood cytokine production after endotoxin stimulation is able to define distinct trauma-induced alteration patterns and whether alteration patterns are associated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene polymorphisms. In 48 patients undergoing joint replacement, the levels of TNF alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-8 production in blood after endotoxin stimulation were measured preoperatively on the day of surgery and 24 h thereafter. Patients were genotyped for the TNF-α position −308 G/A polymorphism and the TNF-β NcoI polymorphism. Postoperative alterations, i.e., increases or decreases of cytokine levels (TNF-α versus IL-6,
P
= 0.013; TNF-α versus IL-8,
P
= 0.001; IL-6 versus IL-8,
P
= 0.007), and relative postoperative changes, i.e., percentages of preoperative cytokine levels (TNF-α versus IL-6,

r
s

= 0.491,
P
< 0.001; TNF-α versus IL-8,

r
s

= 0.591,
P
< 0.001; IL-6 versus IL-8,

r
s

= 0.474,
P
< 0.001 [where

r
s

is the Spearman rank correlation coefficient]), had significant positive correlations among the cytokines. Overall enhanced postoperative alteration patterns were found in 10 patients, attenuated patterns were found in 18 patients, and mixed patterns were found in 20 patients. Preoperative cytokine production levels differed significantly between these groups (those of the overall enhanced pattern group were less than those of the mixed pattern group, which were less than those of the overall attenuated pattern group). TNF polymorphisms were not associated with overall alteration patterns, but the A*TNFB1 haplotype was associated with a postoperative increase in TNF-α production (
P
= 0.042). Whole-blood cytokine responses to endotoxin define the following preexisting patterns in leukocyte function: low baseline production and overall enhanced alteration patterns after trauma (type 1), intermediate baseline production and mixed alteration patterns (type 2), and high baseline production and overall attenuated alteration patterns (type 3). TNF gene polymorphisms were associated with changes in TNF-α production but do not explain the overall reaction patterns of cytokine production after trauma. The clinical correlate of these newly defined reaction types remains to be determined.
Cloning of a Novel
Babesia equi
Gene Encoding a 158-Kilodalton Protein Useful for Serological Diagnosis
Authors: Hirata Haruyuki , Yokoyama Naoaki , Xuan Xuenan , Fujisaki Kozo , Suzuki Naoyoshi , Igarashi Ikuo
Published: February 2005

In this study, we characterized a
Babesia equi
Be158 gene obtained by immunoscreening a
B. equi
cDNA expression phage library with
B. equi
-infected horse serum. The Be158 gene consists of an open reading frame of 3,510 nucleotides. The recombinant Be158 gene product was produced in
Escherichia coli
and used for the immunization of mice. In Western blot analysis, mouse immune serum against the Be158 gene product recognized 75- and 158-kDa proteins from the lysate of
B. equi
-infected erythrocytes. In an indirect fluorescent-antibody test with the mouse immune serum, the Be158 antigen appeared in the cytoplasm of Maltese cross-forming parasites (which consist of four merozoites) and was located mainly in the extraerythrocytic merozoite body. When the recombinant Be158 gene product was used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a serological antigen, it was found to react to
B. equi
-infected horse sera, indicating that the Be158 gene product is useful as a serologically diagnostic antigen for
B. equi
infection.
Relationship between Intracranial Granulomas and Cerebrospinal Fluid Levels of Gamma Interferon and Interleukin-10 in Patients with Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Mansour Adel M. , Frenck Robert W. , Darville Toni , Nakhla Isabelle A. , Wierzba Thomas F. , Sultan Yehia , Bassiouny Magdy I. , McCarthy Kathryn , Jacobs Richard F.
Published: February 2005

Cerebrospinal fluid gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 levels in 39 patients with tuberculous meningitis were serially measured. Cytokine levels did not predict intracranial granuloma (IG) development, but IFN-γ levels in the top quartile after 1 month of therapy were highly associated (odds ratio = 18) with detection of an IG by computed tomography scanning.
Annotation of Genes Involved in Glycerolipid Biosynthesis in
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
: Discovery of the Betaine Lipid Synthase BTA1
Cr
Authors: Riekhof Wayne R. , Sears Barbara B. , Benning Christoph
Published: February 2005

Lipid metabolism in flowering plants has been intensely studied, and knowledge regarding the identities of genes encoding components of the major fatty acid and membrane lipid biosynthetic pathways is very extensive. We now present an in silico analysis of fatty acid and glycerolipid metabolism in an algal model, enabled by the recent availability of expressed sequence tag and genomic sequences of
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
. Genes encoding proteins involved in membrane biogenesis were predicted on the basis of similarity to proteins with confirmed functions and were organized so as to reconstruct the major pathways of glycerolipid synthesis in
Chlamydomonas
. This analysis accounts for the majority of genes predicted to encode enzymes involved in anabolic reactions of membrane lipid biosynthesis and compares and contrasts these pathways in
Chlamydomonas
and flowering plants. As an important result of the bioinformatics analysis, we identified and isolated the
C. reinhardtii BTA1
(

BTA1
Cr

) gene and analyzed the bifunctional protein that it encodes; we predicted this protein to be sufficient for the synthesis of the betaine lipid diacylglyceryl-
N
,
N
,
N
-trimethylhomoserine (DGTS), a major membrane component in
Chlamydomonas
. Heterologous expression of

BTA1
Cr

led to DGTS accumulation in
Escherichia coli
, which normally lacks this lipid, and allowed in vitro analysis of the enzymatic properties of BTA1
Cr
. In contrast, in the bacterium
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
, two separate proteins, BtaA
Rs
and BtaB
Rs
, are required for the biosynthesis of DGTS. Site-directed mutagenesis of the active sites of the two domains of BTA1
Cr
allowed us to study their activities separately, demonstrating directly their functional homology to the bacterial orthologs BtaA
Rs
and BtaB
Rs
.