bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rebel Colours: ‘Framing’ in Global Social Movements
Authors: Chesters Graeme , Welsh Ian
Published: July 2004

This paper presents data gathered during and since the protests against the IMF and World Bank meetings in Prague in September 2000. It describes the interactional and deliberative processes that were undertaken by activists involved in framing the protests and the manifestation of this ‘frame-work’ in three separate marches denoted by different colours, which took place on September 26th during a ‘global day of action’.

The paper utilises ethnographic detail to develop a critically engaged model of social movement frame analysis that focuses upon the genesis of these ‘action frames’, including the elaborate negotiation of conflicting ideological and tactical dispositions that lay behind them, and the variety of democratic decision making forums which were instrumental in their design.
Negotiating Space with Family and Kin in Identity Construction: The Narratives of British Non-Heterosexual Muslims
Authors: Yip Andrew K.T.
Published: July 2004

This paper highlights significant moments, strategies, and themes in British non-heterosexual Muslims' management of familial and kin relations. Significant socio-cultural and religious factors constitute the framework within which they negotiate such relations. These factors are: the strict religious censure of non-heterosexuality (specifically homosexuality) based on various Islamic written sources, the pervasive cultural censure of homosexuality as a ‘western disease’, the expectation of marriage as a cultural and religious obligation, the respect for parents, and the maintenance of family honour ( izzat) particularly in the close-knit kinship network. These factors, which significantly inform the participants' responses and experiences, also reflect the social position of this religious and ethnic minority in British society. Specifically, the participants highlighted the complexity of secrecy, silence and discretion in balancing individualism (ie expression of sexuality) and socio-religious obligations. In general, the data demonstrate the intricate inter-relatedness of structure and agency, and the cultural embeddedness of the production and management of identity and social relations.
Institutional Holes and Entrepreneurship in China
Authors: Yang Keming
Published: July 2004

Theories of entrepreneurship and institutions have grown up in partial isolation, but they are actually complementary. By analogy with Ronald Burt's structural holes, the idea of institutional holes calls attention to the ways entrepreneurs create connections among sites kept separate by existing institutions. Especially in transitional economies, entrepreneurs strike a risky balance between acquiring institutional support for new enterprises without allowing institutions to absorb those enterprises, on one side, and creating profit-making connections, on the other. The experience of a daring Chinese entrepreneur illustrates both the exploitation of institutional holes and the perils of institutional entrepreneurship.
Development of a Suction Detection System for Axial Blood Pumps
Authors: Vollkron Michael , Schima Heinrich , Huber Leopold , Benkowski Robert , Morello Gino , Wieselthaler Georg
Published: July 2004

Abstract:  Axial flow blood pumps for cardiac assistance have proven their clinical viability and benefit in recent years. However, the clinical systems to date have no direct mechanism to decrease pump speed when adequate supply is not available. This may lead to ventricular collapse or increase the probability of hemolysis and thrombotic risks. Based on various experiences with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients in various states of recovery, at implant, in the intensive care unit, in the standard ward, and during physical exercise, 11 different algorithms were developed for the automatic detection of ventricular suction. These detection algorithms analyze the flow pattern for the presence of distinct suction indicators. For selection and optimization of the algorithms, 1000 records from approximately 100 patients were collected. Each record contains 5 s of pump flow, current, and arterial pressure. Three experts classified these records in terms of suction probability and other abnormalities. The optimization was developed in Matlab, capable of solving a fifth‐dimensional optimization problem with 256 different algorithm combinations. The optimization resulted in a set of 6 algorithms, each with specific thresholds. The system detects 100% of the known suction events with 0.28% of false‐positive interpretations. If tuned to avoid any false‐positive detection, 90.7% of the certain events would be detected. A strategy for the development of a robust suction detection system for axial blood pumps was found. This system will be integrated into an automatic pump speed control system to provide adequate perfusion for the LVAD recipient, without excessive unloading of the ventricle.
Evaluation of Chitosan‐alginate‐hyaluronate Complexes Modified by an RGD‐containing Protein as Tissue‐engineering Scaffolds for Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Hsu Shan‐hui , Whu Shu Wen , Hsieh Shu‐Chih , Tsai Ching‐Lin , Chen David Chanhen , Tan Tai‐Sheng
Published: July 2004

Abstract:  In this study, a series of natural biodegradable materials in the form of chitosan (C)‐alginate (A)‐hyaluronate (H) complexes are evaluated as tissue‐engineering scaffolds. The weight ratio of C/A is 1 : 1 or 1 : 2. Sodium hyaluronate is mixed in 2%. The complexes can be cast into films or fabricated as scaffolds. Their surface can be further modified by an Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD)‐containing protein, a cellulose‐binding domain‐RGD (R). Cytocompatibility tests of the films are conducted using immortalized rat chondrocyte (IRC) as well as primary articular chondrocytes harvested from rabbits. The neocartilage formation in cell‐seeded scaffolds is examined in vitro as well as in rabbits, where the scaffolds are implanted into the defect‐containing joints. The results from cytocompatibility tests demonstrate that R enhances cell attachment and proliferation on C‐A and C‐A‐H complex films. Complex C1A1HR (C : A = 1 : 1 with H and R) has better performance than the other formulation. Cells retain their spherical morphology on all C‐A and C‐A‐H complexes. The in vitro evaluation of the seeded scaffolds indicates that the C1A1HR complex is the most appropriate for 3‐D culture, manifested by the better cell growth as well as higher  glycosaminoglycan  and  collagen  contents.  When the chondrocyte scaffolds are implanted into rabbit knee cartilage defects, partial repair is observed after 1 month in C1A1HR as well as in C1A1 (C : A = 1 : 1 without H and R) scaffolds. The defects are completely repaired in 6 months when C1A1HR constructs are implanted. It is concluded that C1A1HR is a potential tissue‐engineering scaffold for cartilage regeneration.
Risks for the Long Run: A Potential Resolution of Asset Pricing Puzzles
Authors: Bansal Ravi , Yaron Amir
Published: July 2004

We model consumption and dividend growth rates as containing (1) a small long‐run predictable component, and (2) fluctuating economic uncertainty (consumption volatility). These dynamics, for which we provide empirical support, in conjunction with Epstein and Zin's (1989) preferences, can explain key asset markets phenomena. In our economy, financial markets dislike economic uncertainty and better long‐run growth prospects raise equity prices. The model can justify the equity premium, the risk‐free rate, and the volatility of the market return, risk‐free rate, and the price–dividend ratio. As in the data, dividend yields predict returns and the volatility of returns is time‐varying.
The Nature of Discipline by Corporate Takeovers
Authors: Kini Omesh , Kracaw William , Mian Shehzad
Published: July 2004

This paper provides a comprehensive examination of the disciplinary role of the corporate takeover market using a sample of U.S. target firms over the period 1979 to 1998. The time period spanned allows a broader study not only of the disciplinary role of the takeover market in general, but also of the interaction between the takeover market and alternative governance mechanisms during the 1980s and 1990s. Overall, our evidence is consistent with the view of the corporate takeover market as a “court of last resort,” that is, it is an external source of discipline that intercedes when internal control mechanisms are relatively weak or ineffective.
Employee Stock Options, Corporate Taxes, and Debt Policy
Authors: Graham John R. , Lang Mark H. , Shackelford Douglas A.
Published: July 2004

We find that employee stock option deductions lead to large aggregate tax savings for Nasdaq 100 and S&P 100 firms and also affect corporate marginal tax rates. For Nasdaq firms, including the effect of options reduces the estimated median marginal tax rate from 31% to 5%. For S&P firms, in contrast, option deductions do not affect marginal tax rates to a large degree. Our evidence suggests that option deductions are important nondebt tax shields and that option deductions substitute for interest deductions in corporate capital structure decisions, explaining in part why some firms use so little debt.
Improving the Acceptability of the Atrial Defibrillator:
Authors: BOODHOO LANA , MITCHELL ANDREW , UJHELYI MICHAEL , SULKE NEIL
Published: July 2004

Acceptability of the atrial defibrillator is partly limited by concerns about shock related anxiety and discomfort. Sedation and/or automatic cardioversion therapy during sleep may ease shock discomfort and improve patient acceptability. Three atrial cardioversion techniques were compared: patient‐activated cardioversion with sedation, automatic night cardioversion with sedation, and automatic night cardioversion without sedation. Sedation was oral midazolam (15 mg). Fifteen patients aged 60 ± 13 years were assigned each strategy randomly for three consecutive episodes of persistent atrial fibrillation requiring cardioversion. Patients completed questionnaires for multiple parameters immediately and again at 24 hours postcardioversion.

Atrial cardioversion strategies with oral sedation (patient‐activated and automatic) significantly reduced shock recall by 77% (P < 0.005), therapy dissatisfaction by 57%‐71% (P < 0.03), shock discomfort by 61%‐73% (P < 0.01), shock pain by 79%‐83% (P < 0.001), and shock intensity by 73%‐77% (P < 0.03), compared to automatic night cardioversion without sedation (P < 0.02). Atrial shock pain was short‐lived and caused little disruption to the patients' daily routines. Automatic night cardioversion without sedation, resulted in sleep disturbances not seen with the other strategies (42% vs 0%, P < 0.001) as well as concerns about future pain or discomfort. Twelve patients (80%) chose patient‐activated cardioversion with sedation as their preferred treatment, and three (20%) remainder chose automatic night cardioversion with sedation. Ninety percent of patients chose automatic night cardioversion without sedation as the least acceptable therapy. Sedation significantly increases atrial shock acceptability regardless of cardioversion method. Shocks without sedation are significantly less acceptable to patients using the atrial defibrillators. (PACE 2004; 27:910–917)
High Incidence of Appropriate and Inappropriate ICD Therapies in Children and Adolescents with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: KORTE THOMAS , KÖDITZ HARALD , NIEHAUS MICHAEL , PAUL THOMAS , TEBBENJOHANNS JÜRGEN
Published: July 2004

Appropriate and inappropriate therapies of implantable cardioverter defibrillators have a major impact on morbidity and quality of life in ICD recipients, but have not been systematically studied in children and young adults during long‐term follow‐up. ICD implantation was performed in 20 patients at the mean age of 16 ± 6 years, 11 of which had prior surgical repair of a congenital heart defect, 9 patients had other cardiac diseases. Implant indications were aborted sudden cardiac death in six patients, recurrent ventricular tachycardia in 9 patient, and syncope in 5 patients. Epicardial implantation was performed in 6 and transvenous implantation in 14 patients. Incidence, reasons and predictors (age, gender, repaired congenital heart disease, history of supraventricular tachycardia, and epicardial electrode system) of appropriate and inappropriate ICD therapies were analyzed during a mean follow‐up period of 51 ± 31 months range 18‐132 months. There were a total 239 ICD therapies in 17 patients (85%) with a therapy rate of 2.8 per patient‐years of follow‐up. 127 (53%) ICD therapies in 15 (75%) patients were catagorized as appropriate and 112 (47%) therapies in 10 (50%) patients as inappropriate, with a rate of 1.5 appropriate and 1.3 inappropriate ICD therapies per patient‐years of follow‐up. Time to first appropriate therapy was 16 ± 18 months. Appropriate therapies were caused by ventricular fibrillation in 29 and ventricular tachycardia in 98 episodes. Termination was successful by antitachycardia pacing in 4 (3%) and by shock therapy in 123 episodes (97%). Time to first inappropriate therapy was 16 ± 17 months. Inappropriate therapies were caused by supraventricular tachycardia in 77 (69%), T wave oversensing in 19 (17%), and electrode defect in 16 episodes (14%). It caused shocks in 87 (78%) and only antitachycardia pacing in 25 episodes (22%). No clinical variable could be identified as predictor of either appropriate or inappropriate ICD therapies.

There is a high rate of ICD therapies in young ICD recipients, the majority of which occur during early follow‐up. The rate of inappropriate therapies is as high as 47% and is caused by supraventricular tachycardia and electrode complications in the majority of cases. Prospective trials are required to establish preventative startegies of ICD therapies in this young patient population. (PACE 2004; 27:924–932)
Surgical Open‐Chest Ventricular Defibrillation:
Authors: ZHANG YI , BODDICKER KIMBERLY A. , DAVIES LOYD R. , JONES JANICE L. , KERBER RICHARD E.
Published: July 2004

Triphasic shocks have been evaluated for endocardial defibrillation but not for open‐chest epicardial defibrillation. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of biphasic versus triphasic shocks for epicardial defibrillation in a porcine model. Twenty‐two adult swine (18–28 kg) were deeply anesthetized and intubated. After 30 seconds electrically induced VF, each pig received truncated exponential biphasic (7.2‐ms positive pulse duration and 7.2‐ms negative pulse duration, total waveform duration 14.4 ms) and triphasic (4.8/4.8/4.8 ms, total waveform duration 14.4 ms) epicardial shocks. Pigs in group 1 (n = 11) received epicardial biphasic and triphasic shocks from large hand held paddle electrodes (44.2 cm2); pigs in group 2 (n = 11) received shocks from small paddle electrodes (15.9 cm2). Shocks were given at five selected energy levels (3–30 J) in random sequence. Four shocks were delivered at each energy level to construct an energy versus percentage of success curve. In group 1 (large paddle electrodes), percentage of shock success was significantly higher for triphasic shocks at the energy levels of 3, 5, 10, and 20 J compared to biphasic shocks. In group 2 (small paddle electrodes), triphasic shocks yielded a significantly higher percentage of shock success than biphasic shocks at the energy levels of 5, 10, and 20 J). Shock induced ventricular tachycardia was similar for both waveforms; asystole was rare. For open‐chest defibrillation, triphasic waveform shocks were superior to biphasic waveform shocks for VF termination at energy levels of 3–20 J and were as safe as biphasic shocks. (PACE 2004; 27:941–948)
The World Survey of Cardiac Pacing and Cardioverter Defibrillators: Calendar Year 2001
Authors: MOND HARRY G. , IRWIN MARLEEN , MORILLO CARLOS , ECTOR HUGO
Published: July 2004

A worldwide cardiac pacing and ICD survey was undertaken for calendar year 2001. Fifty countries, 22 from Europe, 16 from the Asia Pacific region, 3 from the Middle East and Africa, and 9 from the Americas contributed to the survey. The United States had by far the largest number of cardiac pacemaker implants, although Germany had the highest new implants per million population. Virtually all countries that participated in the 1997 survey showed significant increases in implant numbers over the 4 years. High degree atrioventricular block and sick sinus syndrome remain the major indications for implantation of a cardiac pacemaker with < 2% biventricular pacing in those countries that implanted such systems in 2001. There remains a high percentage of VVIR pacing in the developing countries with only a few countries using substantial numbers of single lead VDD and AAIR systems. There has been an increase in the use of DDDR systems in most countries since the 1997 survey. Pacing leads were predominantly transvenous, bipolar, and passive fixation. There was an increased use of active‐fixation leads in the atrium. There was a significant rise in the use of ICDs with the largest usage occurring in the United States. A group of enthusiastic survey coordinators has now been established. Recruitment of new countries will hopefully continue to obtain a fully global experience of cardiac pacing and ICD usage. (PACE 2004; 27:955–964)
Cooled Intramural Needle Catheter Ablation Creates Deeper Lesions than Irrigated Tip Catheter Ablation
Authors: THIAGALINGAM ARAVINDA , CAMPBELL CRAIG R. , BOYD ANITA C. , EIPPER VICKI E. , ROSS DAVID L. , KOVOOR PRAMESH
Published: July 2004

Endocardial radiofrequency ablation of the left ventricle does not create transmural lesions reliably even with active electrode cooling. The authors developed a prototype catheter with an internally cooled needle electrode that could be advanced an adjustable distance into the myocardium. Freshly excised hearts from eight male sheep were perfused and superfused using oxygenated ovine blood. Ablations were performed for 2 minutes using the prototype catheter and a conventional endocardial 5‐mm irrigated tip ablation catheter at target temperatures of 80°C and 50°C, respectively. The prototype catheter needle was inserted 12 mm deep for all ablations. The maximal power and irrigation rate was 50 W, 20 mL/min for the irrigated tip catheter and 20 W, 10 mL/min for the intramural needle catheter. Intramural needle lesions were significantly deeper (13.5 ± 2.3 vs 9.1 ± 1.3 mm, P < 0.01) but less wide (8.7 ± 1.5 vs 12.7 ± 1.9 mm, P < 0.01) than irrigated tip lesions. Popping occurred during 12 (37%) of the 32 irrigated tip ablations. Popping did not occur during intramural needle ablation. The cooled intramural needle ablation catheter creates lesions that are significantly deeper than irrigated tip catheters with less tissue boiling. In contrast to irrigated tip ablation, electrode temperature monitoring can be used to determine if a lesion has been created during intramural needle ablation. The cooled intramural needle ablation lesions were of a clinically useful width, addressing one of the main recognized deficiencies of intramural needle ablation. (PACE 2004; 27:965–970)
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Arrhythmic Storm in Patients with An Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: SILVA ROSE M.F.L. , MONT LLUÍS , NAVA SANTIAGO , ROJEL ULISES , MATAS MARIONA , BRUGADA JOSEP
Published: July 2004

The aim of the study was to analyze the usefulness of RFA in controlling arrhythmic storm due to hemodynamically stable VT in a cohort of patients with an ICD and to evaluate the incidence of arrhythmic storm among patients with an ICD. A group of 13 (3%) of 403 consecutive ICD recipients were submitted to RFA of VT during an arrhythmic storm. Two additional patients were referred from other institutions. Standard criteria were used for VT endocardial ablation. A transcatheter epicardial approach was required in three patients. A total of 18 procedures were performed in 15 patients. A mean of 13.2 ± 9.7 pulses of RF were delivered. Clinical tachycardia was successfully ablated in 12 (80%) patients. One patient died in incessant VT, 1 patient underwent heart transplant, and 1 was treated with direct current ablation. During a mean follow‐up of 12 ± 17 months, only two patients suffered a single episode of VT. Arrhythmic storm requiring VT ablation was uncommon among patients with an ICD and occurred late after ICD implantation. The arrhythmic episode was successfully controlled in the majority of patients with endocardial or epicardial RFA. (PACE 2004; 27:971–975)
Pacemaker Lead Infection Secondary to Haemophilus Parainfluenzae
Authors: PAI RAKESH K. , PERGAM STEVEN A. , KEDIA ANITA , CADMAN CHRISTOPHER S. , OSBORN LARRY A.
Published: July 2004

Cardiac device infections are a rare complication of pacing and defibrillator therapy. The number of implanted devices will likely continue to rise with increasing implantation of the cardioverter defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization devices. This report describes a case of an uncommon pathogen for device‐associated endocarditis. (PACE 2004; 27:1008–1010)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Based Biventricular Pacemaker Upgrade
Authors: RÓKA ATTILA , SIMOR TAMÁS , VÁGÓ HAJNALKA , MINORICS CSABA , ACSÁDY GYÖRGY , MERKELY BÉLA
Published: July 2004

This report describes a patient with drug refractory severe chronic ischemic heart failure, atrial fibrillation with bradycardia, and left bundle branch block who had a failed implantation of a biventricular pacemaker because of a high left ventricular pacing threshold. VVI pacemaker implantation had not improved the patient's condition. MRI‐guided biventricular pacemaker upgrade had been performed with a left ventricular epicardial lead at the lateral region where a 4‐mm thickening during systole had been proven. After 6 months of effective resynchronization, the patient's functional class improved to NYHA II without further need of hospitalization. (PACE 2004; 27:1011–1013)
Retrograde Cycle Length Alternans During Supraventricular Tachycardia:
Authors: CHIAMVIMONVAT NIPAVAN , CAIN JIM , GLATTER KATHRYN A.
Published: July 2004

Cycle length alternans is occasionally seen during supraventricular tachycardia due to oscillations in the antegrade atrioventricular nodal (AVN) refractoriness. However, alternans due to retrograde variation in AVN conduction has not been reported. This report describes the case of a 36‐year‐old man with atypical AVN reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) whose episodes of tachycardia were characterized by continuous oscillations in retrograde AVN conduction. Ablation at one spot eliminated the tachycardia. Cycle length alternans due to oscillations in retrograde AVN conduction, although rare, can be seen during atypical AVNRT and should be considered. (PACE 2004; 27:1017–1019)
Brugada Pattern Electrocardiographic Changes Associated with Profound Electrolyte Disturbance
Authors: KOVACIC JASON C. , KUCHAR DENNIS L.
Published: July 2004

Only a few case reports of Brugada pattern ECG changes caused by electrolyte disturbance exist in the literature, all of which lack adequate electrophysiological exclusion (or inclusion) of an underlying Brugada syndrome. This report describes a case of an otherwise healthy 38‐year‐old man who presented to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis, profound electrolyte disturbance, and Brugada pattern ECG changes. Subsequent flecanide drug challenge and electrophysiological studies ruled out an underlying Brugada syndrome. (PACE 2004; 27:1020–1023)
Pulmonary Vein Isolation During Atrial Fibrillation Using a Circumferential Cryoablation Catheter
Authors: ROSTOCK THOMAS , WEISS CHRISTIAN , VENTURA RODOLFO , WILLEMS STEPHAN
Published: July 2004

Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation is limited by procedure related complications, such as PV stenosis and occlusions. We report about a PV isolation using a circumferential cryoablation catheter which applies the ablation energy simultaneously at the entire circumference by cooling down to a minimal temperature of −80°C. (PACE 2004; 27:1024–1025)
Keeping a good heart: The experience of Japanese elders in a health‐care facility for the elderly
Authors: HAMAHATA Akiko , MAGILVY Kathy , HOSHINO Junko , KOMATSU Misa
Published: July 2004

Aim:  To clarify the experience of elderly people admitted to a health‐care facility for the elderly.

Methods:  An ethnographic approach and qualitative descriptive design was used to understand and describe the viewpoints of the elderly living in a health‐care facility. A semistructured interview was conducted in the resident's room. One at a time, the transcript of each participant's interview was read repeatedly and the parts corresponding to the participant's experience were extracted and analysed qualitatively.

Results:  The participants were seven elderly residents of a health‐care facility for the elderly who were over 65 years of age and able to converse. The current experience of the seven elderly participants were divided into seven categories based upon the qualitative descriptive analysis: family ties, emotional response to entering the facility, rehabilitation to support independence, principles for living and getting along with others, life after leaving the facility, relationships with facility staff, and memories. An over‐arching theme was also identified, ‘keeping a good heart’ described as following the category descriptions.

Conclusions:  Keeping a good heart symbolized the resilience and positive acceptance of life in the health‐care facility for the elderly.
Effects of a flexed posture in the prone position with boundaries following endotracheal suction in very low birthweight infants
Authors: KONDOH Yoshie
Published: July 2004

Aim:  The purpose of this study is to determine the differences in behavioral responses (signs of stress and sleep‐wake state) following endotracheal suction in very low birthweight infants between routine care and flexed posture with boundaries. The nine infants in this study had a mean gestational age of 26.96 weeks (ranging from 23 weeks and 6 days to 28 weeks and 6 days) and a mean birthweight of 968.4 g (ranging from 572 to 1524 g).

Methods:  Heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation were monitored to assess autonomic functions, while motor system parameters were assessed visually through observation. Autonomic and motor system variables were combined and used to trace signs of stress. States of sleep were assessed according to the Thoman classification system. Observations were made every 2 min for 30 min, commencing at baseline and finishing 30 min after the end of suctioning.

Results:  A total of 42 sessions were recorded, comprising 20 for the experimental group and 22 for the control group. The two groups did not differ significantly in birthweight and gestational age at birth. The results of a two‐way repeated measures (anova) for each variable indicated that the groups differed significantly in signs of stress. There were significant differences in the effects of time (F = 3.530, P = 0.0001), intervention (F = 12.476, P = 0.001), and intervention‐by‐time interaction for signs of stress (F = 3.018, P = 0.001). The experimental group exhibited fewer signs of stress than the control group. The time before onset of a quiet sleep state differed significantly between the groups (t = −2.529, d.f. = 35, P = 0.016); the time for the experimental group was significantly shorter than for the control group.

Conclusion:  The flexed posture in the prone position with boundaries around the infant's body is needed to enhance self‐regulatory behavior in very low birthweight infants and to help them maintain behavioral integrity.
People‐centered initiatives in health care and health promotion
Authors: KOMATSU Hiroko
Published: July 2004

The research themes of our center of excellence (COE) program are derived from nursing practice based on the art of wisdom, sensitivity and love; the pillar of education at St Luke's College of Nursing since its foundation. The goal of the COE is to establish, in collaboration with the general public, a foundation of nursing for people‐centered initiatives in health care and health promotion. The COE aims to deliver up‐to‐date nursing service with a high quality and easy access to people who promote health and relevant services. Through the cycle of delivery, assessment and feedback, the program also aims to help St Luke's College of Nursing to become one of the international nuclei of dynamic nursing practice research. Eleven research projects are conducted to achieve the goals of the COE. There are six research projects focusing on the ‘Nursing Service Development’ including Japanese Genetic Nursing and Women‐Centered Care. ‘Nursing Service Dissemination Strategy Development and Assessment’ involves three research projects: (i) program development of health education practice; (ii) nursing practice development for international collaboration; and (iii) nursing practice for supporting the daily lives of patients. The rest includes: (i) collection and communication of research outcomes that promotes the COE; and (ii) application and assessment of research outcomes that serves to navigate the COE. The COE is further promoted through collaboration with communities as explained, and through the sharing of outcomes with people in wider communities, whom we interact with online. In this way, the COE will be further expanded while maintaining its orientation towards providing good health for people.
Center for the creation and dissemination of a new Japanese nursing science incorporating culturally appropriate care: Establishment and development of nursing science and arts based on clinical knowledge
Authors: ISHIGAKI Kazuko
Published: July 2004

This program aims to describe nursing care appropriate to the Japanese culture and to internationally disseminate the importance of culturally based care. Research will be conducted in a graduate school of nursing in collaboration with other graduate schools at Chiba University, such as those for social science and medical science.
Large Perturbations of the Carbon Cycle During Recovery from the End-Permian Extinction
Authors: Payne Jonathan L. , Lehrmann Daniel J. , Wei Jiayong , Orchard Michael J. , Schrag Daniel P. , Knoll Andrew H.
Published: July 2004

High-resolution carbon isotope measurements of multiple stratigraphic sections in south China demonstrate that the pronounced carbon isotopic excursion at the Permian-Triassic boundary was not an isolated event but the first in a series of large fluctuations that continued throughout the Early Triassic before ending abruptly early in the Middle Triassic. The unusual behavior of the carbon cycle coincides with the delayed recovery from end-Permian extinction recorded by fossils, suggesting a direct relationship between Earth system function and biological rediversification in the aftermath of Earth's most devastating mass extinction.
Acquired Dendritic Channelopathy in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Bernard Christophe , Anderson Anne , Becker Albert , Poolos Nicholas P. , Beck Heinz , Johnston Daniel
Published: July 2004

Inherited channelopathies are at the origin of many neurological disorders. Here we report a form of channelopathy that is acquired in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the most common form of epilepsy in adults. The excitability of CA1 pyramidal neuron dendrites was increased in TLE because of decreased availability of A-type potassium ion channels due to transcriptional (loss of channels) and posttranslational (increased channel phosphorylation by extracellular signal-regulated kinase) mechanisms. Kinase inhibition partly reversed dendritic excitability to control levels. Such acquired channelopathy is likely to amplify neuronal activity and may contribute to the initiation and/or propagation of seizures in TLE.
Rapid Late Pleistocene Incision of Atlantic Passive-Margin River Gorges
Authors: Reusser Luke J. , Bierman Paul R. , Pavich Milan J. , Zen E-an , Larsen Jennifer , Finkel Robert
Published: July 2004

The direct and secondary effects of rapidly changing climate caused large rivers draining the Atlantic passive margin to incise quickly into bedrock beginning about 35,000 years ago. Measured in samples from bedrock fluvial terraces, 10-beryllium shows that both the Susquehanna and Potomac Rivers incised 10- to 20-meter-deep gorges along steep, convex lower reaches during the last glacial cycle. This short-lived pulse of unusually rapid down-cutting ended by 13,000 to 14,000 years ago. The timing and rate of downcutting are similar on the glaciated Susquehanna and unglaciated Potomac Rivers, indicating that regional changes, not simply glacial meltwater, initiated incision.
Shifts in Deep-Sea Community Structure Linked to Climate and Food Supply
Authors: Ruhl Henry A. , Smith Kenneth L.
Published: July 2004

A major change in the community structure of the dominant epibenthic megafauna was observed at 4100 meters depth in the northeast Pacific and was synchronous to a major El Niño/La Niña event that occurred between 1997 and 1999. Photographic abundance estimates of epibenthic megafauna from 1989 to 2002 show that two taxa decreased in abundance after 1998 by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude, whereas several other species increased in abundance by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude. These faunal changes are correlated to climate fluctuations dominated by El Niño/La Niña. Megafauna even in remote marine areas appear to be affected by contemporary climatic fluctuations. Such faunal changes highlight the importance of an adequate temporal perspective in describing biodiversity, ecology, and anthropogenic impacts in deep-sea communities.
How Life Makes Hard Stuff
Authors: Davis Mark E.
Published: July 2004

Biomineralization
. Patricia M. Dove, James J. De Yoreo, and Steve Weiner, Eds. Mineralogical Society of America and Geochemical Society, Washington, DC, 2003. 395 pp. Paper, $36. ISBN 0-939950-66-9. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, vol. 54.

The contributors offer specialists and nonspecialists alike a comprehensive introduction to the processes of biological mineralization and to the effects of these processes on Earth history.
Chlamydia trachomatis-Specific Human CD8+T Cells Show Two Patterns of Antigen Recognition
Authors: Matyszak Malgosia K. , Gaston J. S. Hill
Published: July 2004

Chlamydia trachomatisis an intracellular gram-negative bacteria which causes several clinically important diseases. T-cell-mediated immunity and the production of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) are known to be essential for the clearance of the bacteria in vivo. Here we have investigated CD8+-T-cell responses toC. trachomatisin patients with previous episodes of chlamydia infection. To isolateC. trachomatis-specific CD8+-T-cell lines, dendritic cells (DC) were infected withC. trachomatisand cocultured with purified CD8+T cells to generateC. trachomatis-specific CD8+-T-cell lines which were then cloned. Two patterns of recognition ofC. trachomatis-infected cells by CD8+-T-cell clones were identified. In the first,C. trachomatisantigens were recognized in association with classical class I HLA antigens, and responses were inhibited by class I HLA-specific monoclonal antibodies. The second set of clones was unrestricted by classical HLA class I, and further studies showed that CD1 molecules were also not the restriction element for those clones. Both types of clones produced IFN-γ in response toC. trachomatisand were able to lyseC. trachomatis-infected target cells. However, unrestricted clones recognizedC. trachomatis-infected cells at much earlier time points postinfection than HLA-restricted clones. Coculture ofC. trachomatis-infected DC with theC. trachomatis-specific clones induced DC activation and a rapid enhancement of interleukin-12 (IL-12) production. Early production of IL-12 duringC. trachomatisinfection, facilitated by unrestricted CD8+-T-cell clones, may be important in ensuring a subsequent Th1 T-cell-mediated response by classical major histocompatibility complex-restricted CD4+and CD8+T cells.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisDiverts Alpha Interferon-Induced Monocyte Differentiation from Dendritic Cells into Immunoprivileged Macrophage-Like Host Cells
Authors: Mariotti Sabrina , Teloni Raffaela , Iona Elisabetta , Fattorini Lanfranco , Romagnoli Giulia , Gagliardi Maria Cristina , Orefici Graziella , Nisini Roberto
Published: July 2004

Dendritic cells (DCs) are critical for initiating a pathogen-specific T-cell response. During chronic infections the pool of tissue DCs must be renewed by recruitment of both circulating DC progenitors and in loco differentiating monocytes. However, the interaction of monocytes with pathogens could affect their differentiation.Mycobacterium tuberculosishas been shown to variably interfere with the generation and function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In this study we found that when alpha interferon (IFN-α) is used as an inductor of monocyte differentiation,M. tuberculosisinhibits the generation of DCs, forcing the generation of immunoprivileged macrophage-like cells instead. Cells derived fromM. tuberculosis-infected monocyte-derived macrophages (M. tuberculosis-infected MoMφ) retained CD14 without acquiring CD1 molecules and partially expressed B7.2 but did not up-regulate B7.1 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules. They synthesized tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-10 (IL-10) but not IL-12. They also showed a reduced ability to induce proliferation and functional polarization of allogeneic T lymphocytes. Thus, in the presence of IFN-α,M. tuberculosismay hamper the renewal of potent APCs, such as DCs, generating a safe habitat for intracellular growth.M. tuberculosis-infected MoMφ, in fact, showed reduced expression of both signal 1 (CD1, MHC classes I and II) and signal 2 (B7.1 and B7.2), which are essential for mycobacterium-specific T-lymphocyte priming and/or activation. These data further suggest thatM. tuberculosishas the ability to specifically interfere with monocyte differentiation. This ability may represent an effectiveM. tuberculosisstrategy for eluding immune surveillance and persisting in the host.
Mouse Susceptibility to Anthrax Lethal Toxin Is Influenced by Genetic Factors in Addition to Those Controlling Macrophage Sensitivity
Authors: Moayeri Mahtab , Martinez Nathaniel W. , Wiggins Jason , Young Howard A. , Leppla Stephen H.
Published: July 2004

Bacillus anthracislethal toxin (LT) produces symptoms of anthrax in mice and induces rapid lysis of macrophages (Mφ) derived from certain inbred strains. We used nine inbred strains and two inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) knockout C57BL/6J strains polymorphic for the LT Mφ sensitivityKif1Clocus to analyze the role of Mφ sensitivity (to lysis) in LT-mediated cytokine responses and lethality. LT-mediated induction of cytokines KC, MCP-1/JE, MIP-2, eotaxin, and interleukin-1β occurred only in mice having LT-sensitive Mφ. However, while iNOS knockout C57BL/6J mice having LT-sensitive Mφ were much more susceptible to LT than the knockout mice with LT-resistant Mφ, a comparison of susceptibilities to LT in the larger set of inbred mouse strains showed a lack of correlation between Mφ sensitivity and animal susceptibility to toxin. For example, C3H/HeJ mice, harboring LT-sensitive Mφ and having the associated LT-mediated cytokine response, were more resistant than mice with LT-resistant Mφ and no cytokine burst. Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4)-deficient, lipopolysaccharide-nonresponsive mice were not more resistant to LT. We also found that CAST/Ei mice are uniquely sensitive to LT and may provide an economical bioassay for toxin-directed therapeutics. The data indicate that while the cytokine response to LT in mice requires Mφ lysis and while Mφ sensitivity in the C57BL/6J background is sufficient for BALB/cJ-like mortality of that strain, the contribution of Mφ sensitivity and cytokine response to animal susceptibility to LT differs among other inbred strains. Thus, LT-mediated lethality in mice is influenced by genetic factors in addition to those controlling Mφ lysis and cytokine response and is independent of Tlr4 function.
Attenuation of the Bacterial Load in Blood by Pretreatment with Granulocyte-Colony-Stimulating Factor Protects Rats from Fatal Outcome and Brain Damage duringStreptococcus pneumoniaeMeningitis
Authors: Brandt Christian T. , Lundgren Jens D. , Lund Søren Peter , Frimodt-Møller Niels , Christensen Thomas , Benfield Thomas , Espersen Frank , Hougaard David M. , Østergaard Christian
Published: July 2004

A model of pneumococcal meningitis in young adult rats receiving antibiotics once the infection was established was developed. The intent was to mimic clinical and histopathological features of pneumococcal meningitis in humans. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate whether medical boosting of the peripheral neutrophil count affected the outcome of the meningitis. The risk of terminal illness over the first 7 days after infection was significantly reduced for rats who had elevated peripheral white blood cell counts after receiving granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prior to the infection compared to that for untreated rats (P= 0.039 by the log rank test). The improved outcome was associated with reduced signs of cerebral cortical damage (P= 0.008). Furthermore, the beneficial effects of G-CSF were associated with reduced bacterial loads in the cerebrospinal fluid (median, 1.1 × 105versus 2.9 × 105CFU/ml;P= 0.023) and in blood (median, 2.9 × 102versus 6.3 × 102CFU/ml;P= 0.024), as well as attenuated pleocytosis (median, 800 × 106versus 1,231 × 106cells/liter;P= 0.025), 24 h after the infection. Conversely, initiation of G-CSF therapy 28 h postinfection did not alter the clinical or histological outcome relative to that for non-G-CSF-treated rats. The magnitude of bacteremia and pretreatment with G-CSF were found to be prognostic factors for both outcome and brain damage. In summary, elevated neutrophil levels prior to the development of meningitis result in reduced risks of death and brain damage. This beneficial effect is most likely achieved through improved control of the systemic disease.
Disruption of theAspergillus fumigatusGene Encoding Nucleolar Protein CgrA Impairs Thermotolerant Growth and Reduces Virulence
Authors: Bhabhra Ruchi , Miley Michael D. , Mylonakis Eleftherios , Boettner Doug , Fortwendel Jarrod , Panepinto John C. , Postow Michael , Rhodes Judith C. , Askew David S.
Published: July 2004

Aspergillus fumigatusCgrA is the ortholog of a yeast nucleolar protein that functions in ribosome synthesis. To determine how CgrA contributes to the virulence ofA. fumigatus, a ΔcgrAmutant was constructed by targeted gene disruption, and the mutant was reconstituted to wild type by homologous introduction of a functionalcgrAgene. The ΔcgrAmutant had the same growth rate as the wild type at room temperature. However, when the cultures were incubated at 37°C, a condition that increased the growth rate of the wild-type and reconstituted strains approximately threefold, the ΔcgrAmutant was unable to increase its growth rate. The absence ofcgrAfunction caused a delay in both the onset and rate of germination at 37°C but had little effect on germination at room temperature. The ΔcgrAmutant was significantly less virulent than the wild-type or reconstituted strain in immunosuppressed mice and was associated with smaller fungal colonies in lung tissue. However, this difference was less pronounced in aDrosophilainfection model at 25°C, which correlated with the comparable growth rates of the two strains at this temperature. To determine the intracellular localization of CgrA, the protein was tagged at the C terminus with green fluorescent protein, and costaining with propidium iodide revealed a predominantly nucleolar localization of the fusion protein in living hyphae. Together, these findings establish the intracellular localization of CgrA inA. fumigatusand demonstrate thatcgrAis required for thermotolerant growth and wild-type virulence of the organism.
Protective and Nonprotective Human Immunoglobulin M Monoclonal Antibodies toCryptococcus neoformansGlucuronoxylomannan Manifest Different Specificities and Gene Use Profiles
Authors: Maitta Robert W. , Datta Kausik , Chang Qing , Luo Robin X. , Witover Bradley , Subramaniam Krishanthi , Pirofski Liise-anne
Published: July 2004

The features of protective murine antibodies to theCryptococcus neoformanscapsular polysaccharide glucuronoxylomannan (GXM) have been rigorously investigated; however, the characteristics of protective human antibodies to GXM have not been defined. We produced monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) from XenoMouse mice (transgenic mice that express human immunoglobulin M [IgM], IgG2, and κ) which were immunized with aC. neoformansserotype D strain 24067 GXM-diphtheria toxoid conjugate. This study reports the specificity and efficacy of three human IgM MAbs, G14, G15, and G19, generated from these mice. Each MAb was specific for GXM, but G14 and G19 had different specificity based on their binding to serotype A strain H99 and SB4 GXMs, to which G15 did not bind. Nucleic acid sequence analysis revealed that G15 uses VH3-64 in the germ line configuration. G14 and G19 use VH6-1, which has somatic mutations. All of the MAbs use Vκ DPK22/A27. Studies of MAb efficacy in BALB/c mice showed that administration of 0.1 mg, but not 1 or 0.01 mg, of G15 prolonged survival against lethalC. neoformansstrain 24067 challenge, whereas G14 and G19 were not protective at any dose. This panel of MAbs illustrates that serotype D GXM has epitopes that elicit human antibodies that can be either protective or nonprotective. Our findings suggest that VHgene use may influence GXM specificity and efficacy, and they provide insights into the possible contribution that VHgene use may have in resistance and susceptibility to cryptococcosis.
Traces for hardware verification
Authors: Stokes Roger
Published: July 2004

Traces are histories of signal values. Traces can be used for describing and formally reasoning about digital circuits, at the register-transfer level where there is synchronous logic. Two proofs are given for an example circuit, and proved with the aid of a mechanical theorem-prover. The first proof is of correctness - that the required behaviour is a consequence of internal structure. The second proof is of consistency - that the given structure can in fact exist.
Design of a distributed system support based on a centralized parallel bus
Authors: Kirner Claudio , Marques Eduardo
Published: July 2004

This paper presents the design of a distributed system based in a centralized parallel bus. The architecture of the system is described and the design of the bus and communication processor is analysed.
The virtual machine
Authors: Fujimoto Richard M.
Published: July 2004

A parallel computer architecture is proposed that is based on an optimistic style of execution. Specifically, the
Virtual Time Machine
(VTM) detects violations of data dependence constraints at runtime, and automatically recovers from them. In order to efficiently implement this mechanism, a sophisticated, two-dimensional memory system is proposed that is addressed using both a spatial and a
temporal
coordinate. Initially targeted for discrete event simulation applications, the long term goal of this work is to develop a general purpose parallel computer that will support a wide range of parallel programming paradigms.This paper outlines the motivations behind the VTM architecture, the underlying computation model, a proposed implementation, and initial performance results. A recurring theme that pervades the entire paper is our contention that existing shared memory and message-base machines do not pay adequate attention to the dimension of
time
.