bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the implications of empirical work on corporate growth rates
Authors: Geroski P. A.
Published: March 2005

This paper builds on the empirical literature on corporate growth rates — which suggests that corporate growth rates are very nearly random — and asks whether this empirical work is consistent with standard theories of the firm. We examine both static and dynamic optimizing models of firm output choice, before moving on to examine production functions modelling of corporate learning, models of R&D competition and diversification. In all cases, it seems clear that random corporate growth rates are more or less exactly what one would expect these models to predict. However, the literature on Penrose effects — dynamic managerial limitations to growth — and corporate competencies are not easy to reconcile with random corporate growth rates. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Problem‐solving and competence creation in the early development of new firms
Authors: Hugo Oliver , Garnsey Elizabeth
Published: March 2005

This paper aims to identify how entrepreneurial responses to ‘barriers’ can give rise to opportunities for new firms. The poor predictive record of studies analysing success attributes and favourable initial factors as determinants of new firm growth reflects the diversity of entrepreneurial responses to problems of growth, as illustrated by three case studies of new companies which were able to overcome adverse initial conditions despite the lack of early ‘success attributes’. They did so by finding alternative opportunities and by achieving resource economy, resource leverage and resource creation, aided by strategic relationships formed with other players. Spurred by the problems they encounter, entrepreneurial firms revise their business conjecture and engage in innovative activities, their business model evolving through trial and error. Creative responses to unexpected developments by entrepreneurial decision makers have implications for research methodology and business support. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Edith Penrose's legacy to the resource‐based view
Authors: Lockett Andy
Published: March 2005

In this paper I argue that Edith Penrose's work anticipated the modern approach to strategy in general, and the RBV in particular. Building on the central tenets of Penrose's arguments—that firms are heterogeneous, which is the result of their path dependency—the paper demonstrates how her writings can be used to explain the latest developments of the RBV. Furthermore, the paper argues that many of the insights scholars require to take the RBV forward are still available to those willing to re‐visit her writings. Simply stated: Her legacy endures. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Edith Penrose, organisational economics and business strategy: an assessment and extension
Authors: Pitelis Christos
Published: March 2005

The aim of this paper is to expound Penrose's contribution to the theory of the firm, and examine the contribution of her thinking to economics and business strategy, as well as to discuss some limitations and provide some generalizations of Penrose's work. We also discuss implications for managerial practice and public policy. We claim that Penrose's contribution was seminal. In recognizing the significance of organization to generate new knowledge she went well beyond the bounds of even her own agenda; from a theory of the growth of firms, to a theory of the generation of organizational knowledge and beyond. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A logistics scheduling model: Inventory cost reduction by batching
Authors: Qi Xiangtong
Published: March 2005

Logistics scheduling refers to the problems where the decisions of job scheduling and transportation are integrated in a single framework. In this paper, we discuss a logistics scheduling model where the raw material is delivered to the shop in batches. By making the batching and scheduling decisions simultaneously, the total inventory and batch setup cost can be reduced. We study different models on this issue, present complexity analysis and optimal algorithms, and conduct computational experiments. Some managerial insights are observed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2005.
Non‐iterative and exact method for constraining particles in a linear geometry
Authors: Tapia‐McClung Horacio , Grønbech‐Jensen Niels
Published: March 2005

We present a practical numerical method for evaluating the Lagrange multipliers necessary for maintaining a constrained linear geometry of particles in dynamical simulations. The method involves no iterations and is limited in accuracy only by the numerical methods for solving small systems of linear equations. As a result of the non‐iterative and exact (within numerical accuracy) nature of the procedure, there is no drift in the constrained geometry, and the method is therefore readily applied to molecular dynamics simulations of, for example, rigid linear molecules or materials of non‐spherical grains. We illustrate the approach through implementation in the commonly used second‐order velocity‐explicit Verlet method. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 911‐916, 2005
Dendritic cells generated from patients with androgen‐independent prostate cancer are not impaired in migration and T‐cell stimulation
Authors: Waeckerle‐Men Ying , Allmen Edith Uetz‐von , von Moos Roger , Classon Brendan J. , Scandella Elke , Schmid Hans‐Peter , Ludewig Burkhard , Groettrup Marcus , Gillessen Silke
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

Dendritic cell (DC)‐based vaccination has been investigated as immunotherapy for several types of cancer. A potential drawback to vaccination with autologous monocyte‐derived DCs (MoDCs) could be that MoDCs from patients are functionally impaired. In case of androgen‐independent prostate cancer (CaP), the cancer itself, diverse prior therapies, and the hormone manipulation may affect the immune system.

METHODS

MoDCs from patients suffering from androgen‐independent CaP were generated according to a clinically applicable protocol to evaluate the phenotype, maturation capacity, migration, and T‐cell stimulation of these cells compared with those generated from tumor‐free donors.

RESULTS

MoDCs generated from CaP patients could be fully matured and efficiently migrated towards the chemokine CCL21. They had a strong potency to activate allogeneic CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells and to present antigens to specific CTL.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that MoDCs from patients with androgen‐independent CaP are functionally intact and hence qualify as cellular vaccines for immunotherapy of advanced stage CaP. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aurora‐A over‐expression in high‐grade PIN lesions and prostate cancer
Authors: McKlveen Buschhorn Holly , Klein Robert R. , Chambers Susan M. , Hardy Margaret C. , Green Sylvan , Bearss David , Nagle Raymond B.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

Over‐expression of Aurora‐A (Aurora 2 kinase, STK‐15), a protein found in centrosomes thought to be associated with genetic instability, has been previously documented in prostate cancer [Pihan et al.: Cancer Res 61(5):2212–2219, 2001]. It is unknown if this protein is also over‐expressed in high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions.

METHODS

PIN lesions were examined for increased Aurora‐A using immunohistochemical staining on archival paraffin embedded prostatectomy tissue. Aurora‐A expression was scored using size, number, and staining intensity. Protein expression was examined and compared between stromal cells, normal glands, high‐grade PIN lesions, and invasive cancer.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry shows an increased expression of Aurora‐A in 96% of high‐grade PIN cases, and 98% in cancer lesions. Twenty‐nine percent of cases of normal glands from cancerous prostates also showed increased Aurora‐A expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Over‐expression of Aurora‐A is present in some normal and the majority of high‐grade PIN lesions indicating that this may be an early event that leads to the genetic instability seen in prostate carcinogenesis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Population‐based risk assessment for other cancers in relatives of hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) cases
Authors: Albright Lisa A. Cannon , Schwab Angela , Camp Nicola J. , Farnham James S. , Thomas Alun
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

To identify associations of other cancers with hereditary prostate cancer (HPC) we estimated relative risks (RRs) of 36 different cancers in relatives of prostate cancer cases in the Utah Population Data Base (UPDB), which combines genealogical and cancer data for Utah.

METHODS

We utilized known genetic relationships between prostate cancer cases and their relatives with cancer, combined with age‐ and sex‐specific cancer rates calculated internally from the UPDB, to estimate RRs for cancer in relatives of prostate cancer cases.

RESULTS

Multiple other cancers were observed in excess in both first‐ and second‐degree relatives of HPC cases including colon cancer, non‐Hodgkins lymphoma, multiple myeloma, rectal cancer, cancer of the gallbladder, and melanoma (skin).

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis supports the existence of heritable prostate cancer syndromes that include other cancers. We hypothesize that the study of homogeneous pedigrees co‐segregating prostate cancer and another cancer could allow more straightforward localization and identification of the gene(s) responsible. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome‐wide screen for prostate cancer susceptibility genes in men with clinically significant disease
Authors: Chang Bao‐Li , Isaacs Sarah D. , Wiley Kathy E. , Gillanders Elizabeth M. , Zheng S. Lilly , Meyers Deborah A. , Walsh Patrick C. , Trent Jeffrey M. , Xu Jianfeng , Isaacs William B.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

One of the difficulties confronting genetic studies of prostate cancer is the complex and heterogeneous etiology. Given the high population frequency of lesions meeting the histological definition of prostate cancer, a significant portion of men with a positive family history may be diagnosed due to increased surveillance and associated higher likelihood of biopsy. Over diagnosis decreases power to detect genes that increase susceptibility to a clinically significant prostate cancer.

METHODS

We re‐evaluated all 623 men with prostate cancer in our 188 hereditary prostate cancer families and identified a subset of 244 men with more aggressive disease based upon meeting at least one of the following clinical and/or pathologic criteria: tumor grade Gleason score ≥7, tumor stage T2c or higher, pretreatment PSA ≥20 ng/ml, rising PSA after treatment, evidence of metastasis, or death from prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Genome‐wide screens were re‐performed by defining men as affected only if they met the criteria for clinically significant disease. The new analyses identified stronger evidence for linkage in Xq27‐28 and 22q, as well as several novel loci, including 3p and 9p.

CONCLUSIONS

Although, these results need to be confirmed in independent studies, our approach represents an important step to overcome the impact of over diagnosis in genetic studies of prostate cancer. Larger studies that incorporate this approach are needed. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Obtaining fresh prostate cancer tissue for research: A novel biopsy needle and sampling technique for radical prostatectomy specimens
Authors: Walton Thomas J. , McCulloch Thomas A. , Rees Robert C. , Bishop Michael C.
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

Fresh or fresh‐frozen tissue samples are preferred for molecular profiling as formalin fixation degrades intracellular nucleic acids. Radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens are a valuable source of prostate cancer tissue, but the reliance on whole‐organ pathological processing for prognostication limits sampling opportunities. Few studies have addressed specific harvesting techniques using prostatectomy specimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ex vivo biopsies were performed on 23 consecutive fresh RP specimens using a purpose‐designed needle. A standard sextant approach was used with an additional lateral biopsy on each side. Cores from each lobe were snap‐frozen together and sections assessed by a pathologist blinded to the RP and pre‐operative biopsy pathology. Comparison with pre‐operative biopsies was performed using the t‐test and χ2 statistical tests. Eleven randomly selected RP specimens were further evaluated for the effects of needle tracks and margin perforation.

RESULTS

Cancer was detected in 19 of 23 specimens, giving a sensitivity of 83.6%. The average tumor involvement was 28.3% per section compared with 15.6% for pre‐operative biopsies (P < 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for either Gleason sum score concordance or tumor location concordance. In 3 of 11 cases, needle margin perforation was identified; in none of the cases did it compromise pathological assessment, although in one case a deeper block resection was required.

CONCLUSIONS

Ex vivo biopsy is a useful technique for retrieving fresh tissue whilst preserving organ morphology in RP specimens. The purpose‐designed needle and harvesting technique provide good yields of cancer tissue from a high proportion of sampled prostatectomy specimens. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental direct evaluation of functional barriers in PET recycled bottles: comparison of migration behaviour of mono‐ and multilayers
Authors: Pennarun P. Y. , Saillard P. , Feigenbaum A. , Dole P.
Published: March 2005

Recycling of used bottles into new bottles is associated with possible migration of pollutants arising from the previous life of the packages. To reduce or delay such migration, the recycled resin is depolluted or a functional barrier layer made of virgin plastics is used. Testing migration from such recycled bottles relies on the use of model pollutants (surrogates). In order to enable modelling of migration kinetics, each step of the use of surrogates is carefully investigated here in the case of PET. First, criteria underlying the selection of surrogates are carefully examined; together with volatility, polarity and diffusion behaviour, it is shown here that their solubility in the food simulant and their chemical stability strongly influence migration results. For aqueous test media, 2,4‐pentanedione and phenol should be used as surrogates. Second, a procedure is developed to impregnate surrogates at very large concentrations (several thousands of mg/kg PET) which are necessary to monitor migration kinetics. This procedure, which uses dichloromethane as solvent, allows a quick and reproducible impregnation, not sensitive to temperatures between 11–23°C, factors which favour its use at a plant scale. Third, flakes impregnated with this procedure are processed into bottles, and their physicochemical properties are compared to those of commercial bottles. Last, monolayer and tri‐layer polluted bottles (model pollutants in inner layer) are tested for migration for more than 1.5 years. With multilayers, the migration lag time of the fastest surrogates is 6 months with 3% acetic acid and 3 months with ethanol as the simulant, due to plasticization of PET by ethanol. The sequence of migration of surrogates is different with monolayer and multilayer bottles, which shows that partition effects (solubility) play an essential role, especially with monolayer materials. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study of laser light generation and color image formation:FA1:Cs+andFA2:Li+centers at the low coordination (100) and (110) surfaces of AgCl and AgBr
Authors: Shalabi A. S. , Kamel M. A. , Ammar H. Y.
Published: March 2005

TheFA1:Cs+andFA2:Li+color centers at the low coordination (100) and (110) surfaces of AgCl and AgBr play important roles in laser light generation and color image formation. Double‐well potentials at these surfaces are investigated by using ab initio calculations. Quantum clusters were embedded in the simulated Coulomb fields that closely approximate the Madelung fields of the host surfaces, and ions that are the nearest neighbors to theFA− defect site are allowed to relax to equilibrium. The calculated Stokes shifts suggest that laser light generation is sensitive to the simultaneous effects of the vibrational coupling mode, the impurity cation, the coordination number of the surface ion, the lattice anion, and the choice of the basis set centered on the anion vacancy. An attempt has been made to explain these effects in terms of Madelung potential, electron affinity, and optical–optical conversion efficiency. All relaxed excited states of the defect‐containing surfaces are deep below the lower edges of the conduction bands of the ground‐state defect‐free surfaces, suggesting that theFA(I):Cs+andFA(II):Li+centers are suitable laser defects. The dependence of orientational destruction, recording sensitivity, and exciton (energy) transfer on the empty cation; the coordination number of the surface ion; and the lattice anion is clarified. The Glasner–Tompkins empirical rule was generalized to include the impurity cation and the coordination number of the surface ion. As far as color image formation is concerned, the supersensitizer was found to increase the sensitizing capabilities of two primary dyes in the excited states by increasing the relative yield of quantum efficiency. The (110) surfaces of AgBr and AgCl were more sensitive than the corresponding (100) surfaces, and AgBr thin film was found to be more sensitive than that of AgCl. On the basis of quasi‐Fermi levels, the difference in the sensitizing capabilities between the examined dyes in the excited states is determined. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
An AES study of Sn surface segregation in Cu single crystals
Authors: Asante J. K. O. , Terblans J. J. , Roos W. D.
Published: March 2005

Quantitative treatment of Sn segregation data in the three low‐index planes of Cu(111), Cu(110) and Cu(100) was carried out. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) was used to acquire the data by heating the sample linearly with time (positive linear temperature ramp, PLTR) from 450 to 900 K and immediately cooling it linearly with time (negative linear temperature ramp, NLTR) from 900 to 650 K. The experimental data were fitted using the Darken model for the PLTR profiles. Two supportive models—Fick's integral and the Bragg–Williams equations—were used to extract the starting segregation parameters for the Darken model. Fick's integral was used to fit part of the data for the PLTR profile and the Bragg–Williams equations were used for the NLTR profile, which accounts for an extended equilibrium segregation region.

The Sn segregation parameters, namely the interaction energy ΩCuSn, the diffusion coefficient D and the segregation energy ΔG, were found as:

Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post-cranial remains of ‘coelurosaurs’ (Dinosauria, Theropoda) from the Late Jurassic of Tanzania
Authors: RAUHUT OLIVER W. M.
Published: March 2005

Small theropod post-cranial material from Tendaguru, Tanzania, the only known Late Jurassic theropod locality in the Southern Hemisphere, is reviewed. Material originally described as ‘coelurosaurs’ includes at least one taxon of basal tetanuran and one taxon of small abelisauroid. Together with the abelisauroid Elaphrosaurus and the presence of a larger ceratosaur in Tendaguru, this material indicates that ceratosaurs were an important faunal element of Late Jurassic East African theropod faunas. One bone furthermore shares derived characters with the holotype of the poorly known Middle Jurassic Australian theropod Ozraptor and allows the identification of the latter as the oldest known abelisauroid, thus indicating an early divergence of ceratosaurids and abelisauroids within ceratosaurs. Abelisauroids might have originated in Gondwana and represent important faunal elements of Cretaceous Gondwanan theropod faunas in general.
Discovery of Llandovery (Silurian) graptolites and probable Devonian corals in the Southalpine Metamorphic Basement of the Eastern Alps (Agordo, NE Italy)
Authors: DIENI IGINIO , GIORDANO DANILO , LOYDELL DAVID K. , SASSI FRANCESCO P.
Published: March 2005

We report the discovery of Aeronian (Middle Llandovery) graptolites, and corals of probable Devonian age, in boudins hosted by greenschists, within the Southalpine Metamorphic Basement. These discoveries provide key constraints to the depositional age range of the protoliths. This remarkable occurrence of almost undeformed graptolites and compound corals in boudins within a metamorphic shear zone indicates very marked local strain partitioning.
Geochemistry and time-series analyses of orbitally forced Upper Cretaceous marl–limestone rhythmites (Lehrte West Syncline, northern Germany)
Authors: NIEBUHR BIRGIT
Published: March 2005

A cyclic marl–limestone succession of Middle–Late Campanian age has been investigated with respect to a Milankovitch-controlled origin of geochemical data. In general, the major element geochemistry of the marl–limestone rhythmites can be explained by a simple two-component mixing model with the end-members calcium carbonate and ‘average shale’-like material. Carbonate content varies from 55 to 90%. Non-carbonate components are clay minerals (illite, smectite) and biogenic silica from sponge spicules, as well as authigenically formed zeolites (strontian heulandite) and quartz. The redox potential suggests oxidizing conditions throughout the section. Trace element and stable isotopic data as well as SEM investigations show that the carbonate mud is mostly composed of low-magnesium calcitic tests of planktic coccolithophorids and calcareous dinoflagellate cysts (calcispheres). Diagenetic overprint results in a decrease of 2% δ18O and an increase in Mn of up to 250 ppm. However, the sediment seems to preserve most of its high Sr content compared to the primary low-magnesium calcite of co-occurring belemnite rostra. The periodicity of geochemical cycles is dominated by 413 ka and weak signals between 51 and 22.5 ka, attributable to orbital forcing. Accumulation rates within these cycles vary between 40 and 50 m/Ma. The resulting cyclic sedimentary sequence is the product of (a) changes in primary production of low-magnesium calcitic biogenic material in surface waters within the long eccentricity and the precession, demonstrated by the CaCO3 content and the Mg/Al, Mn/Al and Sr/Al ratios, and (b) fluctuations in climate and continental weathering, which changed the quality of supplied clay minerals (the illite/smectite ratio), demonstrated by the K/Al ratio. High carbonate productivity correlates with smectite-favouring weathering (semi-arid conditions, conspicuously dry and moist seasonal changes in warmer climates). Ti as the proxy indicator for the detrital terrigenous influx, as well as Rb, Si, Zr and Na, shows only low frequency signals, indicating nearly constant rates of supply throughout the more or less pure pelagic carbonate deposition of the long-lasting third-order Middle–Upper Campanian sedimentary cycle.
Blood-feeding in the young adult filarial wormsLitomosoides sigmodontis
Authors: ATTOUT T. , BABAYAN S. , HOERAUF A. , TAYLOR D. W. , KOZEK W. J. , MARTIN C. , BAIN O.
Published: March 2005

In this study with the filarial modelLitomosoides sigmodontis, we demonstrate that the worms ingest host red blood cells at a precise moment of their life-cycle, immediately after the fourth moult. The red blood cells (RBC) were identified microscopically in live worms immobilized in PBS at 4 °C, and their density assessed. Two hosts were used: Mongolian gerbils, where microfilaraemia is high, and susceptible BALB/c mice with lower microfilaraemia. Gerbils were studied at 12 time-points, between day 9 post-inoculation (the worms were young 4th stage larvae) and day 330 p.i. (worms were old adults). Only the very young adult filarial worms had red blood cells in their gut. Haematophagy was observed between days 25 and 56 p.i. and peaked between day 28 and day 30 p.i. in female worms. In males, haematophagy was less frequent and intense. Similar kinetics of haematophagy were found in BALB/c mice, but frequency and intensity tended to be lower. Haematophagy seems useful to optimize adult maturation. These observations suggest that haematophagy is an important step in the life-cycle ofL. sigmodontis. This hitherto undescribed phenomenon might be characteristic of other filarial species including human parasites.
Parasitism and growth in the earthwormLumbricus terrestris: fitness costs of the gregarine parasiteMonocystissp.
Authors: FIELD S. G. , MICHIELS N. K.
Published: March 2005

Parasites inflict fitness costs on their hosts, but often the exact reduction in fitness is not well understood. We investigated the influence of infection by the gregarine genusMonocystissp. on growth and female investment (cocoon production) of its earthworm host,Lumbricus terrestris. Earthworms (n=81) were observed in a laboratory setting for 8 months, after which parasite load was determined. The results revealed a significant negative relationship between parasite load and growth, yet no association to cocoon production was found. Although the exact nature, strength, and evolutionary consequence of reduced growth are still unclear, the results are the first indication for a clear, albeit weak effect ofMonocystison host fitness.
Proteolytic expression inBlastocrithidia culicis: influence of the endosymbiont and similarities with virulence factors of pathogenic trypanosomatids
Authors: D'AVILA-LEVY C. M. , ARAUJO F. M. , VERMELHO A. B. , SOARES R. M. A. , SANTOS A. L. S. , BRANQUINHA M. H.
Published: March 2005

Blastocrithidia culicisis an insect trypanosomatid that presents bacterial endosymbionts. The cell-associated and secreted proteinases of the endosymbiont-bearing and aposymbiotic strains were compared through the incorporation of proteinaceous substrates into sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Few qualitative changes could be detected in the proteolytic zymograms in the 2 strains studied when gelatin, casein, haemoglobin or bovine serum albumin (BSA) were tested. However, the level of proteolytic activities was significantly higher in the aposymbiotic strain. Some of theB. culicisproteins reacted in Western blots with antibodies raised against gp63, a zinc-metalloproteinase, and cruzipain, a cysteinyl-proteinase, which are virulence factors of the human pathogenic trypanosomatids,Leishmaniaspp. andTrypanosoma cruzi, respectively. The anti-cross-reacting determinant (CRD) antibody recognized 2 polypeptides (50 and 58 kDa) in the spent culture media and in the supernatant from glycosylphosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C (GPI-PLC)-treated cells, suggesting that these proteins are GPI-anchored to the plasma membrane. In addition, the anti-gp63 reacted with the 50 kDa protein. The identification of protein homologues in trypanosomatids with distinct life-cycles may help to determine the importance of proteinases in trypanosomatids.
Cystic echinococcosis: analysis of the serological profile related to the risk factors in individuals without ultrasound liver changes living in an endemic area of Tacuarembó, Uruguay
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ A. , CARDOZO G. , DEMATTEIS S. , BAZ A. , TRIAS N. , NUÑEZ H. , BARRAGUÉ A. , LÓPEZ L. , FUENTES J. , LÓPEZ O. , FERREIRA C.
Published: March 2005

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a high prevalence zoonosis among the rural population of Tacuarembó (Uruguay). The correlation between serological data and the incidence of risk factors was studied in a survey carried out in 1998 among rural communities where 480 individuals were examined by means of abdominal sonography (local prevalence=0·8%). Serum samples (305) were analysed by ELISA to determine specific IgG against crude antigens from Echinococcus granulosus. A total of 27 individuals exhibiting no detectable changes in abdominal sonographic examination were found to be seropositive (‘ultrasound normal group’). Of these individuals 9 were seroreactive against purified antigen B. A significant degree of correlation was found between seroreactivity and the incidence of some risk factors (CE antecedent in the family, P<0·005 and use of rural water, P<0·0001) among this group. Follow-up of individuals of the ‘ultrasound normal group’ was carried out after 2 years to evaluate the implications of this serological reactivity. No predictive value for cyst development was assessed with complementary image study; in contrast transient antibodies were observed with both crude and purified antigen as approximately 60% of individuals became negative when re-sampled.
The Use of Dielectric Permittivity for the Control of the Biomass Level during Biotransformations of Toxic Substrates in Continuous Culture
Authors: Markx Gerard H. , Kell Douglas B.
Published: March 2005

Since the permittivity signal of a cell suspension measured using dielectric spectroscopy at radio frequencies is essentially determined only by viable (intact) cells, it can be used to monitor the concentration of viable cells in a fermentor in which a large proportion of the cells is nonviable. This could be used to select for organisms that are highly resistant to stress, for example from toxic chemicals used in biotransformations. We sought to control the concentration of viable yeast cells in a fermentor by adding small amounts of benzaldehyde, thus imposing a selection regime for cells highly resistant to benzaldehyde. However, after the addition of benzaldehyde, an increase in the permittivity is seen first followed by a decrease, thus making the control of biomass using a standard on‐off controller difficult. It is shown that it is possible effectively to control the level of viable biomass in the fermentor in the presence of a large concentration of necromass using a combination of an inverse response compensator and a PID controller.
Northern Red Sea: Nucleation of an oceanic spreading center within a continental rift
Authors: Cochran James R.
Published: March 2005

The northern Red Sea is an amagmatic continental rift in which an oceanic spreading center is beginning to develop. A new compilation of marine geophysical data permits delineation of the structure of the northern Red Sea and of the manner in which the transition from continental to oceanic extension is occurring in this rift. The margins of the northern Red Sea are formed by large, apparently active faults on the seaward edge of the narrow continental shelves. The morphology of the main trough is a series of terraces stepping down to an axial depression. The terraces are a subdued expression of the basement structure, which consists of a series of large rotated fault blocks. The axial depression is an often fault‐bounded axis of deep water that extends south from the Suez triple junction. The rift is segmented along‐strike by throughgoing accommodation zones spaced at 40–60 km intervals along the rift. In the main trough, accommodation zones truncate or offset rift‐parallel bathymetric and gravity features. The axial depression consists of a series of discrete depressions offset from each other and separated by slightly shallower areas corresponding to accommodation zones. Within each segment, the axial depression deepens away from the accommodation zones toward a small deep, a few kilometers across and a few hundred meters deeper than the surrounding seafloor. A pair of small volcanoes is perched on top of the scarps bounding the axial depression on either side of the deep within each segment. The volcanoes are all normally magnetized and interpreted as very young. The crust is uniformly thin (5–8.5 km) throughout the main trough, implying extension evenly spread across the rift through much of its development. As extension recently became concentrated at the axis, melt began to be generated and is focused to a location within the segment where it ascends along faults bounding the axial depression to form the pair of volcanoes flanking the axis. A volcano is also found on the floor of the axial depression in one segment. This isolated volcano appears to be the first step in the development of the seafloor spreading cells that are observed in the central Red Sea. The individual cells then grow and coalesce to become a continuous spreading axis.
A smaller global estimate of the second indirect aerosol effect
Authors: Rotstayn Leon D. , Liu Yangang
Published: March 2005

Global estimates of the indirect aerosol effect much larger than 1 W m−2 in magnitude are difficult to reconcile with observations, yet climate models give estimates between −1 and −4.4 W m−2. We use a climate model with a new treatment of autoconversion to reevaluate the second indirect aerosol effect. We obtain a global‐mean value of −0.28 W m−2, compared to −0.71 W m−2 with the autoconversion treatment most often used in climate models. The difference is due to (1) the new scheme's smaller autoconversion rate, and (2) an autoconversion threshold that increases more slowly with cloud droplet concentration. The impact of the smaller autoconversion rate shows the importance of accurately modeling this process. Our estimate of the total indirect aerosol effect on liquid‐water clouds changes from −1.63 to −1.09 W m−2.
Identification of functional relationships between atmospheric pressure and CO2 in the cave of Lascaux using the concept of entropy of curves
Authors: Denis A. , Lastennet R. , Huneau F. , Malaurent P.
Published: March 2005

The cave of Lascaux (Dordogne, France) is a reputable place known for its paintings and engravings. Since 1963, its conservation has been given a priority. Many and various sensors have been set into and around the cave to know underground flow conditions, climatic conditions and carbon dioxide fluctuation. For this gas, abnormal concentrations have been recorded in the lower part of the Lascaux cave. The gas is produced by biogenic activity but the source is still not understood. We have been studying the functional relationship between the concentration of CO2 and the atmospheric pressure, by means of the technique of entropy of curves, which leads to a more rigorous statistical analysis. Results show that external parameter such as rainfall could influence CO2 fluctuation and that a sandy‐clayey formation, located all around the cave, may be the major source of carbon dioxide.
A numerical study of the run‐up generated by three‐dimensional landslides
Authors: Lynett Patrick , Liu Philip L.‐F.
Published: March 2005

A large set of numerical experiments are designed to examine the maximum run‐up generated by three‐dimensional (3‐D) submerged and subaerial, solid body landslides. A depth‐integrated numerical model is utilized, allowing for the efficient simulation of landslides in shallow and intermediate water. Six dimensionless parameters are introduced: the slide thickness, the slide wave number, a slide shape parameter, the horizontal aspect ratio of the slide, the specific gravity of the slide mass, and the slope of the beach. Six sets of simulations are first presented, wherein one of the six dimensionless parameters are singularly varied. This allows for the identification of parameter dependence on maximum run‐up. After combining the dependencies a number of relationships appear. Most notably, a very clear division between the near and far field is observed, where here the far field is defined as the region displaced from the projection of the landslide, on the nearby beach, where edge waves may dominate the wave pattern. For submerged slides a nondimensional estimation of the maximum run‐up just landward of the slide is found as well as the location and magnitude of the secondary run‐up peak. This secondary peak is due to the propagation of edge waves and is in some cases larger than the peak immediately landward of the slide. The results presented in this paper may be useful for preliminary hazard assessment, where a simple and quick estimation of the maximum run‐up height and locations are required. Additionally, the formulas developed will be particularly beneficial to those developing 3‐D landslide experiments.
Bayesian estimation of input parameters of a nitrogen cycle model applied to a forested reference watershed, Hubbard Brook Watershed Six
Authors: Hong Bongghi , Strawderman Robert L. , Swaney Dennis P. , Weinstein David A.
Published: March 2005

We present a Bayesian parameter estimation technique for improving estimates of simulation model input parameters and apply the technique to the nitrogen cycle model SINIC, which has been used to simulate the streamflow and streamflow nitrate flux at Hubbard Brook Watershed 6, New Hampshire, during the 1964–1994 period. Uncertainty in initial estimates of model input parameters was incorporated by replacing each estimate with a probability distribution of values, or “prior” distribution, usually centered at the initial estimate and having a large variance. These prior distributions were then “updated” by incorporating available data on model output variables, producing a “posterior” probability distribution of parameter values. Several key parameters used for calculating the N mineralization rate were identified as controlling the predicted nitrate export from this watershed. The level of uncertainty in these parameters was substantially reduced by incorporating the observations on streamflow and streamflow nitrate flux. The posterior distribution of predicted yearly streamflow nitrate flux shifted from year to year, with relatively large uncertainties in years with high streamflow nitrate flux.
Muscarinic receptor binding, plasma concentration and inhibition of salivation after oral administration of a novel antimuscarinic agent, solifenacin succinate in mice
Authors: Oki Tomomi , Sato Shuichi , Miyata Keiji , Yamada Shizuo
Published: March 2005

A novel muscarinic receptor antagonist, solifenacin succinate, inhibited specific binding of [N‐methyl‐3H]‐scopolamine ([3H]‐NMS) in the mouse bladder, submaxillary gland and heart in a concentration‐dependent manner. This inhibitory effect was greatest in the submaxillary gland, followed by the bladder and heart.

After oral administration of oxybutynin (76.1 μmol kg−1) or solifenacin (62.4, 208 μmol kg−1), a significant dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in KD values for specific [3H]‐NMS binding was seen in the bladder, prostate, submaxillary gland, heart, colon and lung, compared with control values. The increase in KD induced by oxybutynin in each tissue reached a maximum 0.5 h after oral administration and then rapidly declined, while that induced by solifenacin was greatest 2 h after administration and was maintained for at least 6 or 12 h, depending on the dose. The muscarinic receptor binding of oral solifenacin was slower in onset and of a longer duration than that of oxybutynin.

Plasma concentrations of oxybutynin and its active metabolite (N‐desethyl‐oxybutynin, DEOB) were maximum 0.5 h after its oral administration and then declined rapidly. Oral solifenacin persisted in the blood for longer than oxybutynin.

Pilocarpine‐induced salivary secretion in mice was significantly reduced by oral administration of solifenacin and was completely abolished 0.5 h after oral oxybutynin. Although the suppression induced by solifenacin was more persistent than that due to oxybutynin, the antagonistic effect of solifenacin on the dose–response curves to pilocarpine was significantly weaker than that of oxybutynin. It is concluded that oral solifenacin persistently binds to muscarinic receptors in tissues expressing the M3 subtype, such as the bladder.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 219–227. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706184
Critical currents, phase slip centers, and phase slip lines in superconducting films in the absence of external magnetic field
Authors: Dmitriev V. M. , Zolochevskii I. V. , Salenkova T. V. , Khristenko E. V.
Published: March 2005

The temperature dependence of the current–voltage characteristics of high-quality thin films of tin from 7 to 50 μm thick is investigated in the absence of external magnetic field. For the first time on the same samples phase slip centers are observed near Tc, where the films are narrow channels, and phase slip lines are observed at lower temperatures, where the films become wide. The critical current exhibits temperature crossover, which affects its absolute value, but in a certain temperature interval a temperature dependence of the form (1−T/Tc)3/2 is maintained. When the temperature is decreased further, the critical current at which vortices due to the self-field of the current can enter the sample depends linearly on temperature and corresponds to the Aslamazov–Lempitsky theory. The temperature at the start of crossover with decreasing temperature coincides with the temperature at which the film width is equal to four times the penetration depth of a weak magnetic field perpendicular to the film plane. On one side of this equality the films are narrow, and on the other side they are wide. The current at which the first phase slip center forms is the Ginzburg–Landau critical current for pair-breaking, distributed uniformly over the width of the film. The current of formation of the first phase slip line is the current of vortex-state instability predicted by Aslamazov and Lempitsky, which is distributed over the width of the film in a specific way.
A study of conduction in the transition zone between homologous and ZnO-rich regions in the In2O3–ZnO system
Authors: Kumar Bhupendra , Gong Hao , Akkipeddi Raman
Published: March 2005

Indium zinc oxide thin films were deposited by radio-frequency cosputtering and characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x-ray diffraction, energy dispersion x-ray spectrometry, Hall-effect measurement, and spectrophotometry techniques. All the films have zinc∕(zinc+indium) atomic ratio (define as M ratio) higher than 0.60 and exhibited n-type degenerate semiconductor behavior irrespective of their composition. The conductive films have been observed to have a very wide transmittance window (300–2000nm). An XPS analysis revealed a diminishing oxygen vacancy contribution to carrier concentration with an increase in the M ratio. However, we observed a gradual decrease in carrier concentration until M ratio of 0.79 and then, a significant rise in carrier concentration for M ratio of 0.84, and this was attributed to the replacement of zinc from its lattice position by indium. The XPS studies also revealed asymmetry in zinc 2p3∕2 peak, which might be associated with the structure of this ternary system. The effect of the effective mass on the optical band gap of the films was also observed and discussed further.
New quantum states in the fractional quantum Hall effect regime
Authors: Pashitskii E. A.
Published: March 2005

It is shown that the new fractional values of the filling factor observed experimentally in the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) regime, ν=4/11, 4/13, 5/13, 5/17, 6/17, 3/8, and 3/10 (and also the complementary fractions 5/8 and 7/11), which do not fit the standard composite fermion model, can be described in the framework of an expanded systematics of the quantum states of the FQHE, based on Halperin’s conjecture of the coexistence of free electrons and bound electron pairs in two-dimensional (2D) systems in the thermodynamic limit. The possibility of existence of bound triplet “Cooper” pairs in a completely polarized state at the lowest spin Landau level may be due to the electron–phonon interaction of 2D electrons with 2D surface acoustic and optical phonons localized near the interface in semiconductor heterostructures. The proposed expanded systematics includes as particular cases the Laughlin model, the early hierarchical models of the FQHE, and the composite fermion model, including certain generalizations of it, and permits a description of absolutely all of the observed fractional values of ν, including fractions with even denominators (in particular, ν=3/8 and 3/10) and also predicts the possibility of existence of new “exotic” fractions (e.g., ν=5/14, 5/16, and 3/20).
Photon-stimulated recombination of self-trapped holes with electrons in pre-irradiated solid Ar
Authors: Gumenchuk G. B. , Bludov M. A. , Belov A. G.
Published: March 2005

Spatially separated stable charge centers—trapped electrons and self-trapped holes—are generated in Ar cryocrystals by a low-energy electron beam. A combination of the cathodoluminescence and photon-stimulated luminescence methods has been used to probe recombination reactions. Photon-stimulated vacuum ultraviolet intrinsic recombination luminescence from pre-irradiated solid Ar was detected for the first time. The 1.96 eV laser light has been demonstrated to release electrons from their traps, giving rise to the well-known M band at 9.8 eV. Additional information on the photostability of charge centers at low temperatures is obtained.
Does Selective Attention Influence the Octave Illusion?
Authors: Chambers Christopher D , Mattingley Jason B , Moss Simon A
Published: March 2005

The octave illusion occurs when each ear receives a sequence of tones alternating by one octave, but with different frequencies in each ear. Most listeners report a high pitch in one ear alternating with a low pitch in the opposite ear. Deutsch and Roll proposed an influential suppression model of the illusion in which the pitch is determined by ear dominance, while the location of this pitch is determined by high-frequency dominance. Deutsch later suggested that this unusual division between ‘what’ and ‘where’ mechanisms is facilitated by sequential interactions within the eliciting sequence. A recent study has raised doubts about the suppression model and the role of sequential interactions in the illusion (Chambers et al, 2002 Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance28 1288–1302). Here, we examined whether this previous null effect of sequential interactions may have arisen because of uncontrolled influences of selective attention. The results reveal no evidence of a link between selective attention and sequential interactions, thus consolidating doubts about the validity of the suppression model.
Mycobacterial catalase–peroxidase is a tissue antigen and target of the adaptive immune response in systemic sarcoidosis
Authors: Song Zhimin , Marzilli Lisa , Greenlee Brian M. , Chen Edward S. , Silver Richard F. , Askin Frederic B. , Teirstein Alvin S. , Zhang Ying , Cotter Robert J. , Moller David R.
Published: March 2005

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by noncaseating epithelioid granulomas, oligoclonal CD4+ T cell infiltrates, and immune complex formation. To identify pathogenic antigens relevant to immune-mediated granulomatous inflammation in sarcoidosis, we used a limited proteomics approach to detect tissue antigens that were poorly soluble in neutral detergent and resistant to protease digestion, consistent with the known biochemical properties of granuloma-inducing sarcoidosis tissue extracts. Tissue antigens with these characteristics were detected with immunoglobulin (Ig)G or F(ab′)2 fragments from the sera of sarcoidosis patients in 9 of 12 (75%) sarcoidosis tissues (150–160, 80, or 60–64 kD) but only 3 of 22 (14%) control tissues (all 62–64 kD; P = 0.0006). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis catalase–peroxidase (mKatG) as one of these tissue antigens. Protein immunoblotting using anti-mKatG monoclonal antibodies independently confirmed the presence of mKatG in 5 of 9 (55%) sarcoidosis tissues but in none of 14 control tissues (P = 0.0037). IgG antibodies to recombinant mKatG were detected in the sera of 12 of 25 (48%) sarcoidosis patients compared with 0 of 11 (0%) purified protein derivative (PPD)− (P = 0.0059) and 4 of 10 (40%) PPD+ (P = 0.7233) control subjects, suggesting that remnant mycobacterial catalase–peroxidase is one target of the adaptive immune response driving granulomatous inflammation in sarcoidosis.