bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value for Taxpayers’ Dollars: What VA Care Would Cost at Medicare Prices
Authors: Nugent Gary N. , Hendricks Ann , Nugent Linda , Render Marta L.
Published: November 2004

Critics charge that Veterans Health Administration (VA) medical centers are inefficient and the cost of veteran health care would be reduced if VApurchased care for its patients directly from private-sector providers. This analysis compares VAmedical care expenditures with estimates of total payments under a hypothetical Medicare fee-for-service payment system reimbursing providers for the same counts of each service VA medical centers provided in fiscal 1999. At six study sites, hypothetical payments were more than 20 percent greater than actual budgets. Nationally, this represented more than $3 billion in 1999 and more than $5 billion in 2003. Data limitations suggest the estimate is conservative. Less than half of the difference is due to VA’s low pharmacy costs. The study demonstrates the potential savings to patients and taxpayers of the VA health care system.
Globotopia
Authors: Wissenburg Marcel
Published: November 2004

The antiglobalization movement (AGM) focuses on action directed against neoliberal economic globalization. It shuns theory and theorizing; yet to deserve intellectual credit, it needs such a foundation and a perspective on the alternative it offers. In addition to its current forms of critique of economic policy, this article argues that the AGM also needs a far more elaborate and radical articulation of its environmental interests. Both as a form of reflection on its possible aims and as a useful tool in an academic analysis of the (in)consistencies of AGM critique, the author introduces a new research tool—“controlled” or “laboratory” utopianism—and illustrates the use of this tool by giving an outline and critique of the AGM’s implicit vision of a better world (Globotopia) by combining the ideals defended by the movement.
Liberation Sociology and Advocacy for the Sokaogon Ojibwe
Authors: Gedicks Al
Published: November 2004

As Native peoples have challenged the assault on their lands and cultures by mining and oil corporations, social scientists have become increasingly involved in research, consultation, and advocacy on behalf of Native peoples. Although there is considerable controversy about the appropriate role of social scientists in these conflicts, little academic commentary about the effects of nongovernmental environmental advocacy organizations on the outcomes of these conflicts exists. Nor is sufficient attention paid to the specific historical dynamics of Native struggles over resources in social movement theory. This Wisconsin case study addresses these issues with an examination of the author’s participation in an Indian, environmental, and sport fishing alliance that defeated the world’s largest resource corporation (Exxon) and the world’s largest mining company (BHP Billiton). The author’s involvement with the Sokaogon Ojibwe is used to reflect on the role of the sociologist as advocate and the political consequences of engaging in participatory action research.
The Impact of Economic Development in James Bay, Canada
Authors: Whiteman Gail
Published: November 2004

Although there has been a tremendous amount of past and future development in the James Bay region of northern Canada, there has been very little empirical research that examined the impact of economic development on Cree tallymen, who are the senior grassroots managers of this vulnerable ecosystem. This oversight is particularly important because the region is currently facing the possibility of additional large-scale hydroelectric development and there is no existing baseline information on past impacts on Cree tallymen. In addition, tallymen continue to have important cultural significance to the Cree Nation and also broader significance to the field of sustainable management. This article attempts to fill this gap by providing ethnographic research on the impact of past development on Cree tallymen from the perspectives of the tallymen themselves. The author also draws implications for environmental impact assessments in the region and, more broadly, for the future study of ecologically embedded managers such as the Cree tallymen.
An Investigation of Visualization and Documentation Strategies in Services Advertising
Authors: Hill Donna J. , Blodgett Jeff , Baer Robert , Wakefield Kirk
Published: November 2004

This study examines two advertising strategies— documentation and visualization—on several measures of ad effectiveness across two different types of service offerings (utilitarian and hedonic). For both service types, a visualization strategy was found to have a positive effect on informativeness, perceived quality, and likelihood of use (but had no effect on uniqueness). As expected, the documentation strategy had a positive effect on all of the dependent measures within the hedonic service environment but had no effect in the utilitarian setting. This is consistent with dual processing theories and suggests that individuals are more attentive to various forms of documentary information (e.g., statistics, figures, charts, testimonials, comparisons) when the service offering provides hedonic value.
Innovation Strategy and the Impact of a Composite Model of Service Product Development on Performance
Authors: Hull Frank M.
Published: November 2004

This article investigates how the magnitude of innovation strategy moderates the impact of a model of product development on performance in 62 large service enterprises. The model includes a strategy of fast-paced development cycles and an organization core of three sets of practices dealing with organization, processes, and tools. Results for services are compared with findings in goods industries.
ESTIMA, a tool for EST management in a multi-project environment
Authors: Kumar Charu G , LeDuc Richard , Gong George , Roinishivili Levan , Lewin Harris A , Liu Lei
Published: November 2004

Background

Single-pass, partial sequencing of complementary DNA (cDNA) libraries generates thousands of chromatograms that are processed into high quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs), and then assembled into contigs representative of putative genes. Usually, to be of value, ESTs and contigs must be associated with meaningful annotations, and made available to end-users.

Results

A web application, Expressed Sequence Tag Information Management and Annotation (ESTIMA), has been created to meet the EST annotation and data management requirements of multiple high-throughput EST sequencing projects. It is anchored on individual ESTs and organized around different properties of ESTs including chromatograms, base-calling quality scores, structure of assembled transcripts, and multiple sources of comparison to infer functional annotation, Gene Ontology associations, and cDNA library information. ESTIMA consists of a relational database schema and a set of interactive query interfaces. These are integrated with a suite of web-based tools that allow a user to query and retrieve information. Further, query results are interconnected among the various EST properties. ESTIMA has several unique features. Users may run their own EST processing pipeline, search against preferred reference genomes, and use any clustering and assembly algorithm. The ESTIMA database schema is very flexible and accepts output from any EST processing and assembly pipeline.

ESTIMA has been used for the management of EST projects of many species, including honeybee (Apis mellifera), cattle (Bos taurus), songbird (Taeniopygia guttata), corn rootworm (Diabrotica vergifera), catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Ictalurus furcatus), and apple (Malus x domestica). The entire resource may be downloaded and used as is, or readily adapted to fit the unique needs of other cDNA sequencing projects.

Conclusions

The scripts used to create the ESTIMA interface are freely available to academic users in an archived format from http://titan.biotec.uiuc.edu/ESTIMA/. The entity-relationship (E-R) diagrams and the programs used to generate the Oracle database tables are also available. We have also provided detailed installation instructions and a tutorial at the same website. Presently the chromatograms, EST databases and their annotations have been made available for cattle and honeybee brain EST projects. Non-academic users need to contact the W.M. Keck Center for Functional and Comparative Genomics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, for licensing information.
Efficacy of repeated intrathecal triamcinolone acetonide application in progressive multiple sclerosis patients with spinal symptoms
Authors: Hellwig Kerstin , Stein Franz Josef , Przuntek Horst , Müller Thomas
Published: November 2004

Background

There are controversial results on the efficacy of the abandoned, intrathecal predominant methylprednisolone application in multiple sclerosis (MS) in contrast to the proven effectiveness in intractable postherpetic neuralgia.

Methods

We performed an analysis of the efficacy of the application of 40 mg of the sustained release steroid triamcinolone acetonide (TCA). We intrathecally injected in sterile saline dissolved TCA six times within three weeks on a regular basis every third day in 161 hospitalized primary and predominant secondary progressive MS patients with spinal symptoms. The MS patients did not experience an acute onset of exacerbation or recent distinct increased progression of symptoms. We simultaneously scored the MS patients with the EDSS and the Barthel index, estimated the walking distance and measured somatosensory evoked potentials. Additionally the MS patients received a standardized rehabilitation treatment.

Results

EDSS score and Barthel index improved, walking distance increased, latencies of somatosensory evoked potentials of the median and tibial nerves shortened in all MS patients with serial evaluation (p < 0.0001 for all variables). Side effects were rare, five patients stopped TCA application due to onset of a post lumbar puncture syndrome.

Conclusions

Repeated intrathecal TCA application improves spinal symptoms, walking distance and SSEP latencies in progressive MS patients in this uncontrolled study. Future trials should evaluate the long-term benefit of this invasive treatment.
Biology and Clinical Development of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Targeted Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rini Brian I. , Small Eric J.
Published: November 2004

Purpose

To review the biology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) leading to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression and the clinical results of VEGF blockade in metastatic RCC.

Methods

A review of relevant published literature regarding VEGF, von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene inactivation and VEGF overexpression in RCC was performed. Further, a review of the mechanism, toxicity, and clinical development of VEGF-targeted therapy in metastatic RCC was undertaken.

Results

VEGF is the major proangiogenic protein that exerts a biologic effect through interaction with cellular receptors. The majority of sporadic clear-cell RCC tumors are characterized by VHL tumor suppressor gene inactivation. The resulting VHL gene silencing leads to VEGF overexpression. An antibody to VEGF (bevacizumab) has demonstrated a significant prolongation of time to disease progression compared with placebo in patients with metastatic RCC. Small molecules with inhibitory effects against the VEGF receptor have undergone initial clinical testing in metastatic RCC with substantial objective response rates.

Conclusion

Therapeutic targeting of VEGF in RCC has strong biologic rationale and preliminary clinical efficacy. Further investigation will determine the optimal timing, sequence, and utility of these agents in RCC.
Phase I Trial of Iodine-131 Tositumomab With High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation for Relapsed Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Vose Julie M. , Bierman Philip J. , Enke Charles , Hankins Jordan , Bociek Gregory , Lynch James C. , Armitage James O.
Published: November 2004

Purpose

To determine the maximum outpatient dose of iodine-131 tositumomab (up to 0.75 Gy) combined with high-dose carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM) followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) for the treatment of chemotherapy-resistant relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

Patients and Methods

Twenty-three patients with chemotherapy-refractory or multiply-relapsed B-cell NHL were treated in a phase I trial combining iodine-131 tositumomab (ranging from 0.30 to 0.75 Gy total-body dose [TBD]) with high-dose BEAM followed by ASCT.

Results

The complete response rate after transplantation was 57%, and the overall response rate was 65%. Short-term and long-term toxicities were similar to historical control patients treated with BEAM alone. With a median follow-up of 38 months (range, 27 to 60 months), the overall survival (OS) rate was 55%, and the event-free survival (EFS) rate was 39%.

Conclusion

There were no significant added toxicities apparent with the addition of iodine-131 tositumomab up to a dose of 0.75 Gy TBD to high-dose BEAM chemotherapy followed by ASCT. The EFS and OS were encouraging in this group of chemotherapy-resistant or refractory B-cell NHL patients. A follow-up phase II trial with iodine-131 tositumomab at the dose of 0.75 Gy TBD with BEAM is currently ongoing.
Modelling and simulation of a PC-based computer numerically controlled drilling machine worktable
Authors: Chand P , Onwubolu G C , Kumar S
Published: November 2004

This paper describes the mathematical modelling and simulation of a PC-based computer numerically controlled (CNC) drilling machine worktable. The mathematical model includes: (a) a model of the stepper motor driver board, (b) a model of the hybrid stepper motor and load combination, (c) a model of angular to linear movement conversion and (d) the interconnection of all three models to form the complete model of the X or Y axis drive. The model is designed to be simulated by Simulink®, a standard simulation package. The simulation of the mathematical model for the X axis drive is then described, as well as the tests carried out to validate the model. The test results from the simulation and the machine show some agreement.
An investigation into plate deformation in flexographic printing
Authors: Bould D C , Claypole T C , Bohan M F J
Published: November 2004

Deformation of the flexographic printing plate is an important factor in determining the quality of the printed image. A numerical model of the individual dots has been developed and used to examine the deformation of the plate under a range of printing conditions and image characteristics. Two mechanisms have been identified for the deformation of the image on the plate: expansion of the dot surface and dot barrelling. These results have been combined with those from an experimental study to apportion the dot gain due to ink spreading and physical deformation of the dot.

The results have shown the low-coverage dots at high line rulings to be particularly affected by the effect of variation in the impression pressure. This has significant implications for the ability of the process to reproduce high-resolution images that combine both highlight and shadow regions successfully and consistently. Ink spreading has been identified as the major cause of dot gain, except at low coverages, where the deformation of the dots makes a significant contribution.
A hybrid approach for modelling and analysis of an integrated machine
Authors: Chang Y S , Lee H Y , Fowler J W
Published: November 2004

For the past few years, integrated machines (i.e. cluster tools) in wafer fabrication have been widely used to achieve reductions in cycle time, contamination, operator handling, capital costs and required floor space. The integration among several processing steps can lead to savings in cycle time, labour costs and inventory, and often provides a dramatic opportunity for yield improvement by preventing contamination. However, because of its complex configurations, modelling and analysis on the activities of an integrated machine is not an easy task. In this paper, a hybrid approach is introduced in order to model and to analyse the activities of the integrated machine.
Effect of workpiece/fixture dynamics on the machining process output
Authors: Deiab I M , Elbestawi M A
Published: November 2004

Selection of fixturing system parameters is a very important part of any manufacturing process. These parameters become more important when machining flexible parts, as the classical trial-and-error approach used in industry leads to more scrapped parts before reaching an acceptable fixture scenario. The presented simulation system integrates the effects of workpiece/fixture dynamics with the other factors contributing to the machining process dynamics and stability. It provides more accurate prediction of the process output, which helps in the design of the optimum fixture configuration prior to the production stage, consequently reducing both cost and lead time. Modelling of the frictional contact behaviour between the fixture element helps improve the prediction accuracy of the simulation system which accelerates the convergence to the optimum fixture configuration design and consequently improves the machined part dimensional accuracy and geometric integrity. The developed simulation is capable of modelling complicated part geometries by interfacing with commercial packages. The workpiece/fixture frictional contact is modelled using the finite element method. The frictional characteristics of the contact were determined experimentally. Face milling was used as a case study. Simulation results showed good agreement with the experimental validation.
Three-dimensional finite element modelling of high-speed milling of Inconel 718
Authors: Soo S L , Aspinwall D K , Dewes R C
Published: November 2004

The paper details research and development of a three-dimensional finite element (FE) model to simulate the ball nose end milling process using a commercial Lagrangian based code, ABAQUS Explicit. An elastic—plastic constitutive relationship was employed for the Inconel 718 workpiece material, which took account of inertia, strain hardening, strain rate and temperature on the material's flow stress. Associated yield stress behaviour was determined experimentally using an elevated strain rate and temperature compression testing (up to 100s−1 850°C respectively), with the former subsequently extrapolated to the levels encountered in metal cutting. Ball nose end mill geometry was based on commercial tools and was created externally on a computer aided design (CAD) system and imported into the FE domain. Different cutting speeds were simulated with chip shape, cutting forces and temperature results detailed for the initial cut. Resultant cutting forces were found to be essentially constant across the range of speeds simulated, while average cutting temperatures increased with cutting speed, although not dramatically, both of which agreed with trends from experimental work.
Development of an obstacle-avoiding mobile robotic platform using a low-end budget PIC microcontroller
Authors: Reddy H M , Maharaj A R C , Prasad S D , Onwubolu G C
Published: November 2004

This article presents the obvious constraints of using an end-controller to produce autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance behaviour. This system depends solely on the accuracy and precision of the hardware peripherals such as the infrared sensor used in this project to eliminate the noise problem of ultrasonic sensors in most conventional robots. A new approach has been taken to coordinate the infrared sensors in a similar manner to laser sensors. The circular platform design reflects its type of application such as an automated hall cleaning system.
The mechanical design and construction of a mobile outdoor multi-terrain robot
Authors: Carnegie D A , Cordes J C
Published: November 2004

This paper describes the design and construction of a low-cost caterpillar-track robot intended for outdoor use in a variety of irregular terrains. Many components for such a mechatron cannot be commercially sourced and so were custom manufactured. The resulting vehicle can carry a payload of 100 kg, can operate for a period of at least 1 h and is reasonably immune to variations in weather or ground conditions. The robot is equipped with sufficient processing power and sensors to become capable eventually of autonomously completing assigned tasks.
Suppression of bending after steel bar drawing by heavy-reduction pass
Authors: Kuboki T , Furuta H , Akiyama M
Published: November 2004

Heavy-reduction drawing with a reduction in area of over 23 per cent was proposed in order to suppress bending after drawing of a steel bar. Firstly, as the result of experimental investigation, it was found that the drawing direction should be adjusted on the die axis to suppress bending, just as intuitively sensed. However, even if the drawing direction is appropriately adjusted, bending occurs when the bar is initially bent. This kind of initial bending is inevitable in industrial operation. After applying various kinds of reduction in the area of an initially bent bar, it was finally found that heavy-reduction drawing with a reduction in area of over 23 per cent is an effective method to suppress bending. Moreover, a series of numerical analyses was carried out on plate drawing in order to compare it with experimental bar drawing. The results of numerical plate drawing and experimental bar drawing were in good agreement qualitatively and quantitatively. By observing the axial stress of a drawn plate at the exit, the mechanism of high-reduction drawing to suppress bending was studied. A method to approximate a group of points into an arc with one radius was proposed. The approximation was used in the analysis to calculate curvature of the drawn plate.
On measuring the progress of industry teams
Authors: Byer N A , Weston R H
Published: November 2004

The context is one of needing to resource business processes with suitable teams that should evolve their behaviours in harmony with other enterprise systems. In that context the engineering of team systems is considered with respect to teamworking development and task realization. Relevant theories derived from the literature on ‘human systems’ are described that were used as a basis for characterizing developmental aspects of team systems. The paper describes two complementary means of identifying the progress required and/or made by specific teams and concludes with a generalized discussion about the combined use of human system and enterprise modelling theories and concepts and how they might be used in industry to measure team progress.
Heat management in solid free-form fabrication based on deposition by welding
Authors: Jandric Z , Kovacevic R
Published: November 2004

Solid free-form fabrication (SFF) based on gas-tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is one of the few rapid prototyping techniques that has the capability to build three-dimensional metallic parts. For this application, a mild steel (AISI 1018) was used. The most important problem in this process was to find the optimal process parameters.

The goal is to build complex three-dimensional parts by depositing metal by welding in a form of layers. The building of a three-dimensional part by welding is especially sensitive to inadequate heat input. The traditional way of manually adjusting the heat input cannot be used because of the dynamic changes in the underlying substrate geometry. To investigate this problem a finite element model (FEM) has been developed that correlates the influence of the different underlying substrate geometry to the quality of the welding-based deposition process. The results from the FEM suggested that influence of the geometry is significant and cannot be neglected. Extensive experiments were designed and performed in order to verify the conclusions derived from the results of the FEM. A real-time adaptive controller of the welding parameters is proposed. This controller performs heat management in real time according to the volume changes of the material of the underlying layers in the vicinity of the heat source. In addition, the overall system performance was monitored and recorded by through-the-arc sensing in order to demonstrate the versatility and robustness of the controller.
Modeling merchandise returns in direct marketing
Authors: Hess James D. , Mayhew Glenn E.
Published: November 2004

Returns are a significant problem for many direct marketers. New models to more accurately explain and predict returns, as well as models that will allow accurate scoring of customers and merchandise for return propensity, would be useful in an industry where returns can exceed 20 percent of sales. We offer a split adjusted hazard model as an alternative to simple regression of return times. We explain why the hazard model is robust and offer an example of its estimation using data of actual returns from an apparel direct marketer.
Significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/soluble VEGF receptor‐1 relationship in breast cancer
Authors: Toi Masakazu , Bando Hiroko , Ogawa Taeko , Muta Mariko , Hornig Carsten , Weich Herbert A.
Published: November 2004

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is controlled by a balance between positive and negative endothelial regulatory factors. Soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐1 (sVEGFR1), a naturally occurring soluble form of VEGFR1, is a negative counterpart of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway, which has been characterized as one of the most important endothelial regulators in human tumor angiogenesis. In our study, we examined the expression of sVEGFR1 in 110 primary breast carcinomas, and assessed its clinical significance. Ninety‐four of 110 tumors showed ≥0.1 ng/mg protein of sVEGFR1 (range:0. 1–6.9 ng/mg protein; median: 1.03 ng/mg protein) as determined by a specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunoblot analysis confirmed the presence of sVEGFR1 in breast tumor tissues. The levels of sVEGFR1 were correlated significantly with the levels of VEGF. There was no significant correlation between the levels of sVEGFR1 and any clinico‐pathological factors including age, menopause, nodal involvement and hormone receptor status. A univariate prognosis analysis showed that the intratumoral VEGF status, as determined by ELISA, was a significant prognostic indicator, but sVEGFR1 status was not. In the combined analysis, however, the ratio of sVEGFR1 and VEGF levels provided more statistically significant prognostic value than VEGF status alone. Tumors in which the sVEGFR1 levels exceeded VEGF levels 10‐fold had a markedly favorable prognosis. Multivariate analysis also demonstrated that the ratio of sVEGFR1 and VEGF was an independent prognostic indicator after nodal status. In conclusion, sVEGFR1, an intrinsic inhibitor of VEGF, frequently co‐expressed with VEGF in primary breast cancer tissues. The intratumoral balance between sVEGFR1 and VEGF levels might be crucial for the progression of breast cancer. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of the human MDR1 promoter for heat‐inducible expression of therapeutic genes
Authors: Walther Wolfgang , Stein Ulrike , Schlag Peter M.
Published: November 2004

The promoter of the human multidrug resistance gene (mdr1) harbors stress‐responsive elements, which can be induced e.g., by heat or cytostatic drugs. In previous studies the drug‐responsiveness of the mdr1 promoter was successfully used for the drug‐inducible expression of the human TNF‐α gene in vitro and in vivo. Beside the drug‐responsive elements of the mdr1 promoter, heat‐shock responsive elements have also been identified, which could be exploited for construction of heat‐inducible expression vectors. To analyze the hyperthermia‐inducibility of the mdr1 promoter we used the pmdr‐p‐CAT and pM3mdr‐p‐hTNF vector constructs. Both constructs carry the mdr1 promoter fragment spanning from −207 to +153 to drive expression of the CAT‐reporter or TNF‐α gene. We tested the heat‐induced CAT‐reporter and TNF‐α expression in vitro in transduced HCT15 and HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells. For the studies the transduced tumor cells were treated with hyperthermia at 41.5°C or 43°C for 2 hr to induce CAT or TNF‐α expression. Cells and supernatants were harvested before hyperthermia and at certain time points (0–120 hr) after heat shock. The heat‐induced CAT‐reporter expression or TNF‐α secretion was determined by specific ELISA. The experiments indicate that hyperthermia activates the mdr1 promoter in a temperature and time dependent manner. This induction leads to an 2‐ to 4‐fold increase in CAT‐reporter or 2‐ to 7‐fold increase in TNFα expression in the tumor cell lines. These experiments reveal that the mdr1 promoter driven expression of therapeutic genes can be employed for combined cancer gene therapy approaches. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatocyte growth factor enhances protein phosphatase Cdc25A inhibitor compound 5‐induced hepatoma cell growth inhibition via Akt‐mediated MAPK pathway
Authors: Wang Ziqiu , Wang Meifang , Carr Brian I.
Published: November 2004

We have previously shown that Compound 5 (Cpd 5), an inhibitor of protein phosphatase Cdc25A, inhibits Hep3B human hepatoma cell growth. We now show that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a hepatocyte growth stimulant, can strongly enhance Cpd 5‐induced growth inhibition in Hep3B cells, and this enhancement in cell growth inhibition is correlated with a much stronger ERK phosphorylation when compared to cells treated with Cpd 5 or HGF separately. We found that HGF/Cpd 5‐induced ERK phosphorylation and cell growth inhibition were mediated by Akt (protein kinase B) pathway, since combination HGF/Cpd 5 treatment of Hep3B cells inhibited Akt phosphorylation at Ser‐473 and its kinase activity, which led to the suppression of Raf‐1 phosphorylation at Ser‐259. The suppression of Raf‐1 Ser‐259 phosphorylation caused the induction of Raf‐1 kinase activity, as well as hyper‐ERK phosphorylation. Transient transfection of Hep3B cells with dominant negative Akt c‐DNA further enhanced both Cpd 5‐ and HGF/Cpd 5‐induced ERK phosphorylation, while over‐expression of wild‐type Akt c‐DNA diminished their effects. In contrast, HGF antagonized the growth inhibitory actions of Cpd 5 on normal rat hepatocytes, thus showing a selective effect on tumor cells compared to normal cells. Our data suggest that Akt kinase negatively regulates MAPK activity at the Akt‐Raf level. Suppression of Akt activity by either combination HGF/Cpd 5 treatment or by dominant negative Akt c‐DNA transfection antagonizes the Akt inhibitory effect on Raf‐1, resulting in an enhancement of Cpd 5‐induced MAPK activation and cell growth inhibition. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heart inflow tract of the African lungfish Protopterus dolloi
Authors: Icardo José M. , Ojeda José L. , Colvee Elvira , Tota Bruno , Wong Wai P. , Ip Yuen K.
Published: November 2004

We report a morphologic study of the heart inflow tract of the African lungfish Protopterus dolloi. Attention was paid to the atrium, the sinus venosus, the pulmonary vein, and the atrioventricular (AV) plug, and to the relationships between all these structures. The atrium is divided caudally into two lobes, has a common part above the sinus venosus, and appears attached to the dorsal wall of the ventricle and outflow tract through connective tissue covered by the visceral pericardium. The pulmonary vein enters the sinus venosus and runs longitudinally toward the AV plug. Then it fuses with the pulmonalis fold and disappears as an anatomic entity. However, the oxygenated blood is directly conveyed into the left atrium by the formation of a pulmonary channel. This channel is formed cranially by the pulmonalis fold, ventrally by the AV plug, and caudally and dorsally by the atrial wall. The pulmonalis fold appears as a wide membranous fold which arises from the left side of the AV plug and extends dorsally to form the roof of the pulmonary channel. The pulmonalis fold also forms the right side of the pulmonary channel and sequesters the upper left corner of the sinus venosus from the main circulatory return. The AV plug is a large structure, firmly attached to the ventricular septum, which contains a hyaline cartilaginous core surrounded by connective tissue. The atrium is partially divided into two chambers by the presence of numerous pectinate muscles extended between the dorsal wall of the atrium and the roof of the pulmonary channel. Thus, partial atrial division is both internal and external, precluding the more complete division seen in amphibians. The present report, our own unpublished observations on other Protopterus, and a survey of the literature indicate that not only the Protopterus, but also other lungfish share many morphologic traits. J. Morphol. 263:30–38, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructure of testicular macrophages in aging mice
Authors: Giannessi Francesco , Giambelluca Maria A. , Scavuzzo Maria C. , Ruffoli Riccardo
Published: November 2004

Testicular macrophages of aging mice were studied by TEM. Testicular macrophages retained with Leydig cells the close morphological relationships observed in the adult young animals, but digitations were not found. Lipofuscin granules like those of the Leydig cells from aging mice were observed in the cytoplasm. These organelles were generally absent in the testicular macrophages of young adult mice. Testicular macrophages did not display phagocytosis of the lipofuscin granules. In addition, the latter were not found in the intercellular spaces. These observations indicated that lipofuscin granules were formed, at least in a great part, within testicular macrophages as a consequence of metabolic changes occurring with age. Fine lamellar organization was seen in the lipofuscin granules of both Leydig cells and testicular macrophages. Frequently, lipofuscin granules originated from secondary lysosomes containing lipidic vacuoles only. Together with accumulation of the lipofuscin granules, changes of testicular macrophage fine morphology were observed. Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus became poorly developed, and coated vesicles were rarely found. Fewer mitochondria were encountered, but their ultrastructure was not altered. These results suggest that in testicular macrophages lipofuscin accumulation is associated with a functional involution. J. Morphol. 263:39–46, 2005.© 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrastructure of mesoderm in embryos of Opisthopatus roseus (Onychophora, Peripatopsidae): Revision of the “long germ band” hypothesis for Opisthopatus
Authors: Mayer Georg , Bartolomaeus Thomas , Ruhberg Hilke
Published: November 2004

In previous studies, an unusual pattern of development which resembles the “long germ band” development of some insects has been described in the onychophoran Opisthopatus cinctipes. This pattern has been proposed to be a characteristic of the genus Opisthopatus. To test this assumption, the ultrastructure of embryos of O. roseus, the sister species of O. cinctipes, was examined. Two kinds of paired, segmentally arranged coelomic cavities were found in the embryos studied: 1) dorsolateral coelomic cavities lined by extremely thin epithelia, and 2) ventral coelomic cavities situated within the anlagen of ventrolateral body appendages. Only the dorsolateral coelomic cavities can be considered “somites,” since they occur earlier during embryogenesis. This is in contrast with the previous view that suggested a ventral position of “somites” in O. cinctipes. In addition, an anterior‐to‐posterior gradient occurs in the development of O. roseus. Based on our findings, we reevaluated the previous data on O. cinctipes. From this survey, no evidence in support of a “long germ band” hypothesis in Opisthopatus was found. Instead, the embryogenesis in representatives of Opisthopatus is more similar to that in other onychophorans than expected. J. Morphol. 263:60–70, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diel vertical distribution of fish larvae during the winter-mixing period in the Northwestern Mediterranean
Authors: Sabatés A.
Published: November 2004

The vertical distributions of the larvae of shelf and oceanic fish species that spawn during the winter-mixing period in the Mediterranean are described from 22 vertically stratified plankton tows. Diel differences in the vertical distribution patterns in relation to physical data and potential prey abundance throughout the water column were examined. Even in absence of stratification, the larvae of the various fish species showed different patterns of vertical distribution and diel changes. The larvae of shelf-dwelling species were found in the surface layers, mainly above 50-m depth, and with some exceptions, with very little diel variation in depth distribution. Therefore, the vertical distribution of the larvae of these species coincided with the maximum concentrations of their potential food, nauplii and copepodite stages of copepods. The larvae of mesopelagic fishes showed deeper distributions in the water column and most of these species were located closer to the surface during the day than at night. Given the homogeneity of the physical characteristics throughout the water column, except for light, this behaviour may be determined not only by the higher concentration of prey in the surface layers but also by adequate light levels for feeding.
REPRESENTATION OF ATOMIC OPERATORS AND EXTENSION PROBLEMS
Authors: Stepanov Eugene
Published: November 2004

The notion of an atomic operator between spaces of measurable functions was introduced in 2002 in a paper by Drakhlin, Ponosov and Stepanov in order to provide a reasonable generalization of local operators useful for applications. It has been shown that, roughly speaking, atomic operators amount to compositions of local operators with shifts. A natural problem is then when a continuous-in-measure atomic operator can be represented as a composition of a Nemytskiiˇ (composition) operator generated by a Carathéodory function, and a shift operator. In this paper we will show that the answer to this question is inherently related to the possibility of extending an atomic operator with continuity from a space of functions measurable with respect to some $\sigma$-algebra to a larger space of functions measurable with respect to a larger $\sigma$-algebra, as well as to the possibility of extending any $\sigma$-homomorphism from a smaller-measure algebra to a $\sigma$-homomorphism on a larger-measure algebra. We characterize precisely the condition on the respective $\sigma$-algebras which provides such possibilities and induces the positive answer to the above representation problem.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 47B38; 47A67; 34K05
OPERATORS THAT ARE NUCLEAR WHENEVER THEY ARE NUCLEAR FOR A LARGER RANGE SPACE
Authors: Oja Eve
Published: November 2004

Let $X$ be a Banach space and let $Y$ be a closed subspace of a Banach space $Z$. The following theorem is proved. Assume that $X^*$ or $Z^*$ has the approximation property. If there exists a bounded linear extension operator from $Y^*$ to $Z^*$, then any bounded linear operator $T:X\rightarrow Y$ is nuclear whenever $T$ is nuclear from $X$ to $Z$. The particular case of the theorem with $Z=Y^{**}$ is due to Grothendieck and Oja and Reinov. Numerous applications are presented. For instance, it is shown that a bounded linear operator $T$ from an arbitrary Banach space $X$ to an $\mathcal{L}_\infty$-space $Y$ is nuclear whenever $T$ is nuclear from $X$ to some Banach space $Z$ containing $Y$ as a subspace.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 46B20; 46B28; 47B10
PROBABILISTIC INTERPRETATION AND PARTICLE METHOD FOR VORTEX EQUATIONS WITH NEUMANN’S BOUNDARY CONDITION
Authors: Jourdain Benjamin , Méléard Sylvie
Published: November 2004

We are interested in proving the convergence of Monte Carlo approximations for vortex equations in bounded domains of $\mathbb{R}^2$ with Neumann’s condition on the boundary. This work is the first step towards justifying theoretically some numerical algorithms for Navier–Stokes equations in bounded domains with no-slip conditions.

We prove that the vortex equation has a unique solution in an appropriate energy space and can be interpreted from a probabilistic point of view through a nonlinear reflected process with space-time random births on the boundary of the domain.

Next, we approximate the solution $w$ of this vortex equation by the weighted empirical measure of interacting diffusive particles with normal reflecting boundary conditions and space-time random births on the boundary. The weights are related to the initial data and to the Neumann condition. We prove a trajectorial propagation-of-chaos result for these systems of interacting particles. We can deduce a simple stochastic particle algorithm to simulate $w$.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 60K35; 76D05
ON THE DISTANCE BETWEEN ROOTS OF INTEGER POLYNOMIALS
Authors: Bugeaud Yann , Mignotte Maurice
Published: November 2004

We study families of integer polynomials having roots very close to each other.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 11C08
NEW MARTINGALE INEQUALITIES IN REARRANGEMENT-INVARIANT FUNCTION SPACES
Authors: Kikuchi Masato
Published: November 2004

We establish various martingale inequalities in a rearrangement-invariant (RI) Banach function space. If $X$ is an RI space that is not too small, we associate with it RI spaces $\mathcal{H}_p(X)$ $(1\leq p\lt\infty)$ and $K(X)$, and discuss martingale inequalities in these spaces. One of our results is as follows. Let $1\leq p\lt\infty$, let $f=(f_n)$ be an $L_p$-bounded martingale, and let $|f|^p=g+h$ be the Doob decomposition of the submartingale $|f|^p=(|f_n|^p)$ into a martingale $g=(g_n)$ and a predictable non-decreasing process $h=(h_n)$ with $h_0=0$. Then, in the case where $1\ltp\lt\infty$, we obtain the inequalities

$$ \|h_{\infty}^{1/p}\|_X\leq2\|f_{\infty}\|_{\mathcal{H}_p(X)}\quad\text{and}\quad \Big\|\sup_n|g_n|^{1/p}\Big\|_X\leq4\|f_{\infty}\|_{\mathcal{H}_p(X)}, $$

and, in the case where $p=1$, we obtain the inequalities

$$ \|h_{\infty}\|_X\leq\sup_{n\in\mathbb{Z}_{+}}\|f_n\|_{K(X)}\quad\text{and}\quad \sup_{n\in\mathbb{Z}_{+}}\|g_n\|_X\leq2\sup_{n\in\mathbb{Z}_{+}}\|f_n\|_{K(X)}. $$

For some specific choices of $X$, we can give explicit expressions for $\mathcal{H}_p(X)$ and $K(X)$. For example, $\mathcal{H}_1(L_1)=L\log L$, $\mathcal{H}_p(L_{p,\infty})=L_{p,1}$, and so on. Furthermore, if the Boyd indices of $X$ satisfy $0\lt\alpha_{X}\leq\beta_{X}\lt1/p$ (respectively, $0\lt\alpha_{X}$), then $\mathcal{H}_p(X)=X$ (respectively, $K(X)=X$). In any case, $\mathcal{H}_p(X)$ is embedded in $K(X)$, and $K(X)$ is embedded in $X$.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 60G42; 60G46. Secondary 46E30
THE ANALYSIS OF WARNER BOUNDEDNESS
Authors: Kaķol Jerzy , Saxon Stephen A. , Todd Aaron R.
Published: November 2004

In answer to Jarchow’s 1981 text, we recently characterized when $C_{\textrm{c}}(X)$ is a $df$-space, finding along the way attractive analytic characterizations of when the Tychonov space $X$ is pseudocompact. Analogues now reveal how exquisitely Warner boundedness lies between these two notions. To illustrate, $X$ is pseudocompact, $X$ is Warner bounded or $C_{\textrm{c}}(X)$ is a $df$-space if and only if for each sequence $(\mu_{n})_{n}\subset C_{\textrm{c}}(X)'$ there exists a sequence $(\varepsilon_{n})_{n}\subset(0,1]$ such that $(\varepsilon_{n}\mu_{n})_{n}$ is weakly bounded, is strongly bounded or is equicontinuous, respectively. Our characterizations and proofs add to and simplify Warner’s.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 46A08; 46A30; 54C35
CONVOLUTION SUMS INVOLVING THE DIVISOR FUNCTION
Authors: Cheng Nathalie , Williams Kenneth S.
Published: November 2004

The series

\begin{alignat*}{2} L_{r,4}(q)\amp=\sum_{n=0}^\infty\sigma(4n+r)q^{4n+r},\amp\quad r\amp=0,1,2,3, \\ M_{r,4}(q)\amp=\sum_{n=0}^\infty\sigma_3(4n+r)q^{4n+r},\amp\quad r\amp=0,1,2,3, \\ N_{r,4}(q)\amp=\sum_{n=0}^\infty\sigma_5(4n+r)q^{4n+r},\amp\quad r\amp=0,1,2,3, \end{alignat*}

are evaluated and used to prove convolution formulae such as

$$ \sum_{m\le n}\sigma(4m-3)\sigma(4n-(4m-3))=4\sigma_3(n)-4\sigma_3(\tfrac12n). $$

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 11A25
The Discourse on the Thunders, by the Taoist Wang Wen-ch'ing (1093–1153)
Authors: Reiter Florian C.
Published: November 2004

This article deals with thunder magic during the time of emperor Sung Hui-tsung (r.1100-1126), focusing on theoretical expositions (Discourse on the Thunders) by Wang Wen-ch'ing (1093-1153). Thunder magic is a general term that summarises a large array of exorcist practices in Heavenly Masters Taoism (Cheng-i tao). Court Taoists like Wang Wen-ch'ing sublimated with literary means such practices that in a stunning way resembled shaman methods that were designed to avert disasters like droughts. Wang Wen-ch'ing used the Book of Changes and some astronomical notions in order to formulate his Discourse on the Thunders, describing the workings of the cosmos that set the frame for ritual interferences in terms of Taoist thunder magic. The article shows the actual application of these theoretical notions in religion. The author translates and interprets relevant texts, which all are taken from the canonical collection Tao-fa hui-yüan. These texts show the way Wang Wen-ch'ing identifies the cosmos with divine forces that can be addressed and administered by thunder rituals. Taoist priests even today know and use such ritual methods, which prove thunder magic to be a living religious tradition.
Anniversary General Meeting of the Royal Asiatic Society, Thursday 13 May 2004
Authors: Robinson Francis
Published: November 2004

I should like to begin by thanking the Honorary Treasurer for his admirably succinct report for 2003. I would like to assure you that Council takes his main points very seriously, that is the need to eliminate the current deficit of around £35k, and the connected imperative to move to a more suitable building in a more suitable location. Over the past seven years the Honorary Treasurer has been a great servant of the Society. On behalf of Council, and the fellowship, I thank him for his skills and for keeping us focussed on the need to act.
Evaluating carbon sequestration efficiency in an ocean circulation model by adjoint sensitivity analysis
Authors: Hill Chris , Bugnion Véronique , Follows Mick , Marshall John
Published: November 2004

We demonstrate the application of the adjoint method to develop three‐dimensional maps of carbon sequestration efficiency and mean residence time in an ocean general circulation model. In contrast to perturbation sensitivity experiments, the adjoint approach provides a computationally efficient way to characterize both temporal and spatial variations of sequestration efficiency and residence time for a complete global model domain. Sequestration efficiency (the percentage of carbon injected at a continuous point source that remains in the ocean after an elapsed time), for injections at the base of the main thermocline (∼900 m), is initially lowest in the North Atlantic basin (except for regions of deep convection in the Labrador Sea) relative to the North Pacific. For injection periods of the order of a century or more, however, the model suggests that Pacific injection sites are generally less efficient for a constant rate injection source. The mean residence time (defined as the average period that impulsively injected carbon from a particular point source remains within the ocean) is also evaluated and mapped. This measure also suggests that Atlantic sequestration is more efficient in the long term. Our calculations draw out the dual role of convective mixing, both exposing shallow sequestration sources to the atmosphere and also, in the subpolar Atlantic and Labrador Sea, feeding carbon from shallow injection sources into the deep circulation away from the atmosphere.