bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estructura agraria y violencia rural en América Latina
Authors: Kay Cristóbal
Published: April 2005

La violencia rural ha adquirido niveles dramáticos en muchos países de América Latina durante las últimas décadas. Es por ello crucial analizar los orígenes de la violencia rural para buscar formas de solucionar los problemas que causan dicha violencia. El propósito de este ensayo es explorar las relaciones entre la estructura agraria, la reforma agraria y la violencia rural en América Latina. Sus interrelaciones se examinan desde una perspectiva histórica en la cual se privilegian los procesos globales de transformación. Factores tales como el régimen político, los mercados, la tecnología, los cultivos (por ejemplo, la coca) y las acciones del Estado tienen una presencia importante en los varios tipos de conflicto y violencia en el campo. Sin embargo, el grado de influencia de estos factores varía en buena medida según las características de la estructura agraria y las relaciones sociales existentes. Se examina en particular la influencia de las reformas agrarias y/o las demandas de los campesinos por una reforma agraria en los conflictos y la violencia rural tomando en consideración los casos de Chile, Perú, Colombia, Brasil, México y algunos países de América Central. En las conclusiones de este trabajo se presentan algunos discernimientos comparativos, si bien preliminares. Comprendo que éstos todavía deben desarrollarse más, pero espero que puedan constituir un punto de partida para otros análisis comparativos de mayor extensión. Los estudios sobre conflictos rurales y violencia se han enfocado hasta hoy principalmente en un país particular. Los estudios comparativos, en mi opinión, pueden aportar un marco analítico más amplio y el contexto comparativo puede abrir nuevas posibilidades para una mejor comprensión de las causas y consecuencias de la violencia rural en los países de América Latina.
Jeito de mulher rural: a busca de direitos sociais e da igualdade de gênero no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Van Der Schaaf Alie
Published: April 2005

Este trabalho trata de processos emancipatórios de mulheres, em especial de pequenas agricultoras no sul do Brasil, no Movimento de Mulheres Trabalhadoras Rurais do Rio Grande do Sul - MMTR-RS. A vida diária das agricultoras nos providencia elementos cruciais para entender a sua ação social, sendo o âmbito em que se produzem os significados culturais. Além disso, o enfoque na vida diária revela o impacto dos contextos históricos, econômicos, religiosos e políticos específicos em que a ação social acontece e nos ajuda a entender como as participantes chegam a problematizar demandas coletivas e a desafiar a arena política.
Desafios das Ciências Sociais no desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico contemporâneo
Authors: Sobral Fernanda
Published: April 2005

O artigo procura analisar o contexto amplo do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico que, ao mesmo tempo, torna possível e limita a produção do conhecimento em Ciências Sociais. Para isso, apresenta algumas idéias de estudos contemporâneos sobre as novas tendências do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico e aborda as políticas recentes de ciência e tecnologia, sob a ótica dessas idéias, enfatizando a transição para um modelo misto do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico. Em seguida, mostra resultados de pesquisa que indicam essas novas tendências e, finalmente, discute os desafios das Ciências Sociais diante desse quadro.
Relações laborais e emprego
Authors: Cerdeira Maria da Conceição
Published: April 2005

A problemática da transformação das relações laborais por pressão das mudanças económicas, tecnológicas e sociais em curso tem vindo a suscitar um interesse crescente dos analistas sociais, nas últimas décadas. O debate é intenso e a multiplicidade de obras publicadas apontam evoluções complexas e contraditórias. Este artigo começa por situar os termos mais importantes desse debate. Em seguida, procura dar conta das principais tendências do sistema de relações laborais português. Assim, são analisadas questões como a conflitualidade laboral manifesta em greve, a sindicalização e a negociação colectiva na sua estrutura e conteúdos. Por último, é o problema do processo de modernização das empresas das empresas que é analisado. Trata-se de mostrar em que medida os sindicatos, através da negociação, agem sobre os processos de reestruturação e de mudança técnico-organizativa das empresas e os problemas com os quais se confrontam com vista à defesa do emprego.
Gestão de recursos humanos: teorias e práticas
Authors: Santos Maria João Nicolau
Published: April 2005

É um facto que perante as actuais transformações sócio-económicas as empresas têm alterado significativamente o modo como gerem os recursos humanos. Todavia, ainda persiste um profundo hiato entre um discurso de gestão muito centrado na valorização do factor humano e as práticas efectivamente desenvolvidas pelas empresas. Ao nível teórico e conceptual tem havido uma redobrada atenção quanto à importância do potencial criativo das pessoas como estratégia crucial de adaptação das empresas à mudança. Este factor surge como condição básica de sobrevivência das empresas face a um contexto altamente competitivo e profundamente incerto. A actual difusão de conceitos e teorias sobre capital intelectual, gestão do conhecimento, inteligência emocional são um exemplo claro desta redobrada importância atribuída ao elemento humano. Contudo o funcionamento do sistema económico e social é bastante mais complexo. Evidencia uma realidade multifacetada que nem sempre se enquadra nesta abordagem conceptual, nem corresponde efectivamente às políticas empresariais veiculadas. Em vez da tão generalizada valorização do potencial humano, verifica-se antes a emergência de práticas dualistas e uma segmentação dos recursos humanos no interior das empresas. Relativamente ao mercado de trabalho, apesar de frequentemente se defender uma progressiva desregulamentação, geralmente em nome de uma maior flexibilização económica e criação de emprego, o facto é que esta diversificação das relações contratuais, tem estado frequentemente associada uma crescente precarização das relações de trabalho e de emprego. A reflexão sobre estes múltiplos movimentos e contradições entre pressupostos teóricos e as práticas concretas desenvolvidas pelas empresas serão objecto da nossa análise.
La autonomía de la voluntad y el pluralismo jurídico en nuestros días
Authors: Perrin Jean-François
Published: April 2005

La "autonomía de la voluntad", esa hermosa matriz del derecho privado liberal clásico ("quien dice contractual, dice justo"), es actualmente un instrumento importante de regulación de las relaciones sociales. La observación del funcionamiento real - efectivo - de esta herramienta legal, revela de forma paradigmática la identidad del individuo social post-moderno, cuya libertad es a la vez inmensa e irrisoria, fuente de poder ilimitado y de sujeción servil a las directivas de organizaciones, públicas y privadas, que establecen lo que se debe querer para querer eficazmente. Ejercer esta prerrogativa significa adherir a normas que se imponen - de hecho - independientemente de su fuente, mas en una medida que puede ser determinada. Esta medida, sociológicamente interesante y políticamente útil, implica una definición amplia del "pluralismo", normativo y jurídico, como lo proponía Gurvitch. Esta definición, sin exclusiones y bastante imprecisa, tiene la ventaja (y también el inconveniente) de acreditar a los hombres de derecho como los nuevos "profesionales" de ciertos dominios que les eran ajenos hasta hace muy poco. A quienes se preguntan por la oportunidad de estas intervenciones, se les podría responder que, en la práctica, las mismas constituyen con frecuencia garantías eficaces contra la arbitrariedad. El trabajo propone, así, ejemplos de esta evolución reciente en el campo del derecho deportivo y de la protección de la privacy (especialmente en Internet). De todas maneras, estos nuevos espacios ya han sido conquistados por los letrados y, consecuentemente, los sociólogos del derecho no tienen otra opción que interesarse por ellos si quieren ser profesionalmente fieles a los fenómenos de los de deben dar cuenta.
Relaciones entre control social y globalización: fordismo y disciplina. Post-fordismo y control punitivo
Authors: Bergalli Roberto
Published: April 2005

El artículo expone, en primer lugar, las diferencias - históricas, culturales, epistemológicas y metodológicas - entre las categorías de control social y control punitivo (estatal), vinculado este último a la tradición continental-europea. En este sentido, la remisión genérica a la idea de «regulación social», muy usada en varios campos disciplinarios, es objeto de análisis en relación con la de control social, nacida y empleada en un ámbito cultural y un período histórico muy precisos. En cualquier caso, y dentro de un marco de enfoques pluri-disciplinarios que tienen que ver con la organización de la sociedad y el control de la población, el autor considera que conviene alejar cualquier atisbo de aplicación del castigo o la punición que emerje de los sistemas penales modernos con un sentido «organizativo», «controlador» o «regulador». Una segunda parte del trabajo trata de la incidencia que, a juicio del autor, tienen las transformaciones acaecidas en las nociones de tiempo y espacio, en el terreno de las disciplinas físico-matemáticas, con respecto al control que se pretende ejercer a través de los medios que tradicionalmente se consideran instrumentos de control social. De este modo, se intenta explicar la distancia que en las disciplinas sociales y jurídicas, separa a los conceptos y a las instituciones cuando se presume que ellos y ellas pueden resultar eternamente idóneos para los mismos fines. Ello así, porque las formas del conocimiento están absolutamente conectadas y permeadas por fenómenos que, proviniendo de la esfera económica de las sociedades, atraviesan todos sus niveles. A partir de estos elementos se avanza en una tercera parte de la exposición, la cual está relacionada con la globalización y los distintos fenómenos que ella produce, particularizando el enfoque sobre las transformaciones que pueden constatarse en lo que actualmente se puede entender como control social.
Processos judiciais como fonte de dados: poder e interpretação
Authors: Oliveira Fabiana Luci de , Silva Virgínia Ferreira da
Published: April 2005

O artigo discute, a partir da experiência de pesquisa das autoras com processos criminais e constitucionais, a utilização de processos judiciais como fonte de dados, focalizando em duas implicações metodológicas principais, a questão do poder e a questão da interpretação. Abordando os processos judiciais como narrativas, demonstra-se como é possível discorrer sobre a construção do discurso empreendido por determinados grupos sociais envolvidos nesses processos.
Clinical Application of Stereolithographic Surgical Guides for Implant Placement: Preliminary Results
Authors: Giacomo Giovanni A.P. Di , Cury Patricia R. , de Araujo Ney Soares , Sendyk Wilson R. , Sendyk Claudio L.
Published: April 2005

Background: The success of implant‐supported restorations requires detailed treatment planning, which includes the construction of a surgical guide. Recently, computer‐aided rapid prototyping has been developed to construct surgical guides in an attempt to improve the precision of implant placement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the match between the positions and axes of the planned and placed implants when a stereolithographic surgical guide is employed.

Methods: Six surgical guides used in four patients (three women, one man; age from 23 to 65 years old) were included in the study and 21 implants were placed. A radiographic template was fabricated and computer‐assisted tomography (CT) was performed. The virtual implants were placed in the resulting 3‐dimensional image. Using a stereolithographic machine, liquid polymer was injected and laser‐cured according to the CT image data with the planned implants, generating three surgical guides, with increasing tube diameters corresponding to each twist drill diameter (2.2, 3.2, and 4.0 mm), for each surgical area. During the implant operation, the surgical guide was placed on the jawbone and/or the teeth. After surgery, a new CT scan was taken. Software was used to fuse the images of planned and placed implants, and the locations and axes were compared.

Results: On average, the match between the planned and the placed implant axes was within 7.25° ± 2.67°; the differences in distance between the planned and placed positions at the implant shoulder were 1.45 ± 1.42 mm, and 2.99 ± 1.77 mm at the implant apex. In all patients, a greater distance was found between the planned and placed positions at the implant apex than at the implant head.

Conclusions: Clinical data suggest that computer‐aided rapid prototyping of surgical guides may be useful in implant placement. However, the technique requires improvement to provide better stability of the guide during the surgery, in cases of unilateral bone‐supported and non‐tooth‐supported guides. Further clinical studies, using greater number of patients, are necessary to evaluate the real impact of the stereolithographic surgical guide on implant therapy. J Periodontol 2005;76:503‐507.
The Effectiveness of 1% Pimecrolimus Cream in the Treatment of Oral Erosive Lichen Planus
Authors: Swift Julie C. , Rees Terry D. , Plemons Jacqueline M. , Hallmon William W. , Wright John C.
Published: April 2005

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, relative safety, and tolerability of 1% pimecrolimus cream in the treatment of oral erosive lichen planus (OELP).

Methods: Twenty patients with OELP were randomized into equal groups; group 1 applied 1% pimecrolimus cream twice daily to their oral lesions for 4 weeks, whereas group 2 applied a placebo cream. Photographs of the lesions were taken and analyzed for areas of ulceration, erythema, and reticulation. Discomfort scores were also assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS). Blood samples were taken at baseline and at study completion; a complete blood count with differential and comprehensive metabolic panel was ordered. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used.

Results: The experimental group showed a decrease in ulceration (α = 0.068) and erythema (α = 0.005) at the mid‐point with continued reduction of erythema at the final (α = 0.075) time measurement. The control group demonstrated an increase in reticulation at the mid‐point (α = 0.017) and final (α = 0.007) time measurement. The VAS scores for the experimental group decreased during the study (α = 0.022). Blood levels were within the normal range.

Conclusions: The OELP lesion size in the 1% pimecrolimus group decreased and the pimecrolimus cream was found to significantly reduce the patient's pain scores. Further study of 1% pimecrolimus as therapy for OELP is warranted since it was shown to be effective, relatively safe, and well tolerated by patients within the limits of this short‐term study. J Periodontol 2005;76:627‐635.
Orthodontic Treatment in a Patient With Papillon‐Lefèvre Syndrome
Authors: Lux Christopher J. , Kugel Birgit , Komposch Gerda , Pohl Sabine , Eickholz Peter
Published: April 2005

Background: Report of a combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment in a patient with Papillon‐Lefèvre Syndrome (PLS).

Methods: A patient with PLS was treated orthodontically 26 months after the start of a combined mechanical and antibiotic therapy. Clinical periodontal parameters were obtained 26 (t1), 60 (t2), and 79 (t3) months after anti‐infective therapy. The deepest site of each tooth was sampled for microbiological analysis at 26 and 60 months. Periodontal maintenance therapy was provided every 6 weeks. After a stable periodontal situation was achieved, orthodontic treatment, consisting of space opening for the upper canines with a multibracket appliance and coil springs, was carried out. In the lower jaw, crowding was resolved by an orthodontic mesialization of the canines.

Results: Twenty‐six months (t1) after the beginning of the combined mechanical and antibiotic therapy, 6% of the sites exhibited 4 mm probing depth (PD) with bleeding on probing (BOP) or PD ≥5 mm. Sixty months (t2) after therapy the number of sites with 4 mm PD with BOP or PD ≥5 mm had increased to 17%, and 79 months after therapy (t3) 13% of all sites were similarly affected. From 26 to 60 months, a slight mean clinical attachment level (CAL) gain was observed, whereas the mean PD increased. From 60 to 79 months, there was a mean PD reduction. However, a significant mean attachment loss was also noted. After 26 months (t1), RNA probes failed to detect A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, or T. forsythensis from any site. Thirty‐four months later (t2), subgingival recolonization was observed. A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected by RNA probes at three sites. At 26 and 60 months (t1, t2), trypticase‐soy with serum, bacitracin, and vancomycin (TSBV) culture failed to detect A. actinomycetemcomitans at any of the sampled sites. Eighty‐two months after the beginning of therapy (t4), none of the applied methods could detect A. actinomycetemcomitans from the pooled samples from the deepest pockets of each quadrant or the oral mucosa. In the present case, concomitant orthodontic treatment with a fixed appliance could be performed without further pronounced periodontal deterioration. Space for eruption of the canines and premolars was created, in addition to an alignment of the teeth.

Conclusion: After a successful combined mechanical and antibiotic periodontal therapy of the PLS periodontitis, moderate orthodontic tooth movements may be possible within a complex interdisciplinary treatment regimen. J Periodontol 2005;76:642‐650.
Polyamide solid state polymerization: Evaluation of pertinent kinetic models
Authors: Vouyiouka S. N. , Papaspyrides C. D. , Weber J. , Marks D.
Published: April 2005

Nylon 6,6 resins, in the form of pellets, were solid state polymerized in the temperature range of 160–200°C in a fixed‐bed reactor under flowing nitrogen for times of 0–4 h. The kinetics of the solid state polymerization (SSP) of nylon 6,6 were examined by the evaluation of pertinent rate expressions and the selection of the most suitable one for describing the apparent overall process. The Flory‐theory‐based kinetic models were the most effective both for this study's data and for data previously published on SSP of different polyamides. Accordingly, SSP rate constants and activation energies were derived, and process parameters, such as the temperature and time, were investigated. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 671–681, 2005
Joint Effect of Selection, Linkage and Partial Inbreeding on Additive Genetic Variance in an Infinite Population
Authors: Nomura Tetsuro
Published: April 2005

Under the inifinitesimal model of gene effects, selection reduces the additive genetic variance by inducing negative linkage disequilibrium among selected genes. If the selected genes are linked, the decay of linkage disequilibrium is delayed, and the reduction of additive genetic variance is enhanced. Inbreeding in an infinite population also alters the additive genetic variance through the generation of positive association among genes within a locus. In the present study, the joint effect of selection, linkage and partial inbreeding (partial selfing or partial full‐sib mating) on the additive genetic variance was modeled. The recurrence relations of the additive genetic variance between successive generations and the prediction equation of the asymptotic additive genetic variance were derived. Numerical computation showed that although partially inbred populations initially maintain larger genetic variances, the accumulated effect of selection overrides the effect of inbreeding. Stochastic simulation was carried out to check the precision of prediction, showing that the obtained equations give a satisfactory prediction during initial generations. However, the predicted values always overestimate the simulated values, especially in later generations. Based on these results, possible extensions and perspectives of the assumed model were discussed. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cognitive functions correlate with white matter architecture in a normal pediatric population: A diffusion tensor MRI study
Authors: Schmithorst Vincent J. , Wilke Marko , Dardzinski Bernard J. , Holland Scott K.
Published: April 2005

A possible relationship between cognitive abilities and white matter structure as assessed by magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was investigated in the pediatric population. DTI was performed on 47 normal children ages 5–18. Using a voxelwise analysis technique, the fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were tested for significant correlations with Wechsler full‐scale IQ scores, with subject age and gender used as covariates. Regions displaying significant positive correlations of IQ scores with FA were found bilaterally in white matter association areas, including frontal and occipito‐parietal areas. No regions were found exhibiting correlations of IQ with MD except for one frontal area significantly overlapping a region containing a significant correlation with FA. The positive direction of the correlation with FA is the same as that found previously with age, and indicates a positive relationship between fiber organization and/or density with cognitive function. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that regionally specific increased fiber organization is a mechanism responsible for the normal development of white matter tracts. Hum Brain Mapp, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution H/D exchange studies on the HET‐s218–295 prion protein
Authors: Nazabal Alexis , Bonneu Marc , Saupe Sven. J. , Schmitter Jean‐Marie
Published: April 2005

In a search for improved resolution of hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange experiments analyzed by mass spectrometry (HXMS), we evaluated two methodologies for a detailed structural study of solvent accessibility in the case of the HET‐s218–295 prion protein. For the first approach, after incubation in the deuterated solvent, aggregated HET‐s218–295 was digested with pepsin and the generated peptides were analyzed by nanospray mass spectrometry in an ion trap, with and without collision‐induced dissociation (CID). We compared deuterium incorporation in peptides as determined on peptide pseudomolecular ions and on b and y fragments produced by longer peptides under CID conditions. For both b and y fragment ions, an extensive H/D scrambling phenomenon was observed, in contrast with previous studies comparing CID‐MS experiments and 1H NMR data. Thus, the spatial resolution of HXMS experiments could not be improved by means of MS/MS data generated by an ion trap mass spectrometer. In a second approach, the incorporation of deuterium was analyzed by MS for 76 peptides of the HET‐s218–289 peptide mass fingerprint, and the use of shared boundaries among peptic peptides allowed us to determine deuteration levels of small regions ranging from one to four amino acids. This methodology led to evidence of highly protected regions along the HET‐s218–295 sequence. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation and determination of flavonoids in Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection
Authors: Xu Xueqin , Qi Xiuzhen , Wang Wei , Chen Guonan
Published: April 2005

Five flavonoids (catechin, hyperoside, quercitrin, quercetin, and rutin) were separated and determined by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. Effects of several important factors, such as the pH and concentration of running buffer, separation voltage, injection time, and detection potential were investigated to determine the optimum conditions. The five flavonoids were baseline separated within 20 min in a 60 cm length capillary at a separation voltage of 19.5 kV with a running buffer consisting of 60 mmoL/L Na2B4O7–120 mmoL/L NaH2PO4 (pH = 8.8). The relationship between peak current and analyte concentration was linear over about two orders of magnitude with detection limits (S/N = 3) ranging from 0.02 to 0.05 μg/mL for all compounds. This method was successfully used to determine the above five flavonoids in Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. with relatively simple extraction procedures, and the assay results were satisfactory.
Comparative study between the polysaccharide‐based Chiralcel OJ and Chiralcel OD CSPs in chromatographic enantioseparation of imidazole analogues of Fluoxetine and Miconazole
Authors: Cirilli Roberto , Ferretti Rosella , Gallinella Bruno , La Torre Francesco , La Regina Giuseppe , Silvestri Romano
Published: April 2005

The enantiomeric separation of a series of imidazole analogues of Fluoxetine and Miconazole endowed with potent antifungal activity was performed using cellulose tris(4‐methylbenzoate) (Chiralcel OJ) and cellulose tris(3,5‐dimethylphenylcarbamate) (Chiralcel OD) as chiral stationary phases. Binary mixtures of n‐hexane and alcohol as well as pure alcohols (ethanol or 2‐propanol) were used as eluents. The enantiomer elution order was monitored by chiroptical detectors based on on‐line optical rotation and circular dichroism measurements. For some of the compounds studied very high enantioseparation factor values (α > 7) on Chiralcel OJ CSP were observed. In order to study the chiroptical characteristics of the two most biologically active compounds, chromatographic resolutions were carried out on a semipreparative scale. Assignment of the absolute configuration was empirically established by comparing the CD spectra of the separated enantiomers with those obtained from the enantiomers of Miconazole.
Validation of a pediatric caregiver diary to measure symptoms of postacute respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: Santanello Nancy C. , Norquist Josephine M. , Nelsen Linda M. , Williams Valerie S.L. , Hill Cheryl D. , Bisgaard Hans
Published: April 2005

Acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)‐induced bronchiolitis is often associated with continuing respiratory symptoms following hospitalization. To date, there is no validated objective measure to evaluate symptoms of RSV‐induced bronchiolitis. We report on the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the bronchiolitis caregiver diary (BCD) of symptoms and healthcare utilization associated with postacute RSV. The BCD measures four symptoms (daytime cough, wheeze, trouble breathing, and nighttime cough), healthcare utilization, and rescue medication for worsening of lung symptoms. Data from the 4‐week treatment period of the reported prospective, placebo‐controlled trial of montelukast for treatment of postacute RSV were used to assess reliability (internal consistency and test‐retest), construct validity (cross‐sectional and longitudinal correlations), discriminant validity (known‐groups analyses), and responsiveness. The primary outcome of this study was the percentage of symptom‐free days (SFD). The secondary outcome was a composite symptom score (CSS; average of daytime cough, wheezing, and trouble breathing). Cronbach's alpha of 0.85 indicated that the four symptoms were internally consistent, supporting a unidimensional scale structure. Test‐retest reliabilities for the percentage of SFD and CSS were above the recommended cut point of 0.70. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal correlations were sizeable and statistically significant, demonstrating construct validity. Hypothesized known‐group differences were statistically significant in the appropriate direction. Responsiveness analyses indicated moderate effect sizes for percentage of SFD. In conclusion, the BCD provides a valid, reliable, and responsive tool for the assessment of symptoms of postacute RSV‐induced bronchiolitis, capable of measuring moderate effect sizes, and demonstrating responsiveness to therapy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent progress in intersecting D‐brane models
Authors: Blumenhagen R.
Published: April 2005

The aim of this article is to review some recent progress in the field of intersecting D‐brane models. This includes the construction of chiral, semi‐realistic flux compactifications, the systematic study of Gepner model orientifolds, the computation of various terms in the low energy effective action and the investigation of the statistics of solutions to the tadpole cancellation conditions.
Noncommutative sine‐Gordon model
Authors: Lechtenfeld O.
Published: April 2005

As I briefly review, the sine‐Gordon model may be obtained by dimensional and algebraic reduction from 2+2 dimensional self‐dual U(2) Yang‐Mills through a 2+1 dimensional integrable U(2) sigma model. I argue that the noncommutative (Moyal) deformation of this procedure should relax the algebraic reduction from U(2) → U(1) to U(2) → U(1) × U(1). The result are novel noncommutative sine‐Gordon equations for a pair of scalar fields. The dressing method is outlined for constructing its multi‐soliton solutions. Finally, I look at tree‐level amplitudes to demonstrate that this model possesses a factorizable and causal S‐matrix in spite of its time‐space noncommutativity.
(Semi)classical analysis of sine‐Gordon model on a strip
Authors: Bajnok Z. , Palla L. , Takács G.
Published: April 2005

Classical sine‐Gordon theory on a strip with integrable boundary conditions is considered. The static (ground state) solutions, their existence and stability under small perturbations are analyzed. The classical analogue of Bethe‐Yang quantization conditions for the (linearized) first breather is derived, and the dynamics of the ground states is investigated as a function of the volume.
Superfield theory and supermatrix model
Authors: Park J.‐H.
Published: April 2005

We show that any superfield theory can be reformulated as a supermatrix model. The claim is based on a formal argument, turning on a non‐commutativity on the superspace and taking a fine tuned commutative limit. Once the non‐commutativity is introduced on the superspace, superfield theories can be formulated in two equivalent ways, through the star product formalism and in terms of the supermatrices. We elaborate the duality between them by constructing the isomorphism explicitly and relating the super space integral of the star product Lagrangian to the supertrace of the supermatrix model Lagrangian. We show there exists an interesting fine tuned commutative limit where the duality can be still maintained. More detailed analysis can be found in [1].
Renormalisation of scalar quantum field theory on noncommutative ℝ4
Authors: Grosse H. , Wulkenhaar R.
Published: April 2005

We give the main ideas our proof that the noncommutative ϕ4‐model is renormalisable to all orders. Compared with the commutative case, the bare action of relevant and marginal couplings contains necessarily an additional term: an harmonic oscillator potential in the free field action which solves the UV/IR‐mixing problem.
A note on four‐point functions in logarithmic conformal field theory
Authors: Flohr M. , Krohn M.
Published: April 2005

The generic structure of 4‐point functions of fields residing in indecomposable representations of arbitrary rank is given. The presented algorithm is illustrated with some non‐trivial examples and permutation symmetries are exploited to reduce the number of free structure‐functions, which cannot be fixed by global conformal invariance alone.
Classifying supergravity solutions
Authors: Gauntlett J.P.
Published: April 2005

We review the substantial progress that has been made in classifying supersymmetric solutions of supergravity theories usingG‐structures. We also review the construction of supersymmetric black rings that were discovered using the classification ofD= 5 supergravity solutions.
AdS/CFT duality and the Higgs branch of 𝒩 = 2 SYM
Authors: Guralnik Z. , Kovacs S. , Kulik B.
Published: April 2005

We construct the AdS description of the Higgs branch of the finite 𝒩 = 2 Sp(N) gauge theory with one antisymmetric hypermultiplet and four fundamental hypermultiplets. Holography, combined with the non‐renormalization of the metric on the Higgs branch, leads to novel constraints on unknown terms in the non‐abelian Dirac‐Born‐Infeld action. These terms include non‐minimal couplings of D‐branes to bulk supergravity fields.
New phases of thermal SYM and LST from Kaluza‐Klein black holes
Authors: Harmark T. , Obers N.A.
Published: April 2005

We review the recently found map that takes any static and neutral Kaluza‐Klein black hole, i.e. any static and neutral black hole on Minkowski‐space times a circle ℳ︁d × S1, and maps it to a corresponding solution for a non‐ and near‐extremal brane on a circle. This gives a precise connection between phases of Kaluza‐Klein black holes and the thermodynamic behavior of the non‐gravitational theories dual to near‐extremal branes on a circle. In particular, for the thermodynamics of strongly‐coupled supersymmetric Yang‐Mills theories on a circle we predict the existence of a new non‐uniform phase and find new information about the localized phase. We also find evidence for the existence of a new stable phase of (2,0) Little String Theory in the canonical ensemble for temperatures above its Hagedorn temperature.
The production of masses for higher spin gauge fields on ADS(4) from ADS/CFT correspondence
Authors: Rühl W.
Published: April 2005

Higher spin field theory on AdS(4) corresponds to the conformal sigma model on three‐dimensional space. The anomalous dimensions of the currents in the latter model can be used to derive the masses of the AdS gauge fields.
Exact treatment of D0 brane decay in two‐dimensional string theory
Authors: Teschner J.
Published: April 2005

We study the decay of the unstable D0‐branes in the $\hat{c}=1$ noncritical string theory with the help of the duality with free fermionic field theory.
Splitting strings and chains
Authors: Peeters K. , Plefka J. , Zamaklar M.
Published: April 2005

We review a study of the semiclassical decay of macroscopic spinning strings in AdS5 × S5 as well as its dual gauge theory description. The conservation of the infinite tower of commuting charges in the semiclassical string σ‐model description of the process suggests that the decay channel of maximal probability should preserve integrability in the gauge theory.
Intermittent cortical stimulation evokes sensitization to cocaine and enduring changes in matrix and striosome neuron responsiveness
Authors: Canales Juan J.
Published: April 2005

Both the behavioral sensitization syndrome and the changes in the responsiveness of striatal neurons evoked by chronic cocaine exposure may be linked to enhanced neocortical activity, yet a direct demonstration of the effects of cortical stimulation on these parameters is lacking. We have found that repeated stimulation of the rat prelimbic cortex with picrotoxin (0.25 μg/0.25 μl, five injections on alternate days followed by 7‐day withdrawal) contributed to increase c‐Fos protein expression in the striosomes of the dorsolateral striatum, while producing the opposite effect in the matrix compartment, after a single exposure to cocaine (25 mg/kg). Moreover, rats exposed to cortical stimulation showed decreased locomotor activation but enhanced stereotypy following acute cocaine treatment. Thus, pulsatile stimulation of the prelimbic cortex facilitated modifications in striatal activity typically produced by chronic cocaine treatment and sensitized drug‐naïve animals to acute cocaine challenge. These results suggest that enhanced activation of the prelimbic cortex may contribute to the long‐term adaptations induced by cocaine on neural activity and behavior. Synapse 57:56–60, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and distribution of kinin B1 receptor in the rat brain and alterations induced by diabetes in the model of streptozotocin
Authors: Campos Maria Martha , Ongali Brice , De Souza Buck Hudson , Schanstra Joost‐Peter , Girolami Jean‐Pierre , Chabot Jean‐Guy , Couture Réjean
Published: April 2005

A role for kinin B1 receptors was suggested in the spinal cord and peripheral organs of streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats. The present study aims at determining whether B1 receptors are also induced and over‐expressed in the brain of STZ‐rats at 2, 7, and 21 days post‐treatment. This was addressed by in situ hybridization using the [35S]‐UTPαS‐labeled riboprobe and by in vitro autoradiography with the radioligand [125I]‐HPP‐des‐Arg10‐Hoe 140. In control rats, B1 receptor mRNA was found widely distributed in many brain regions. Low mRNA levels were found in thalamus and hypothalamus (7–12 nCi/g) while high mRNA signals were detected in cortical regions and hippocampus (18–29 nCi/g). In diabetic rats, B1 receptor mRNA was markedly increased in hippocampus, temporal/parietal cortices and amygdala at 2 and 7 days (+88 to +150%). Low densities of B1 receptor binding sites were detected in all analyzed regions in control rats (0.18–0.37 fmol/mg tissue). In diabetic rats, B1 receptor binding sites were significantly increased in hippocampus, amygdala, temporal/parietal, and perhinal/piriform cortices (+ 55 to + 165 %) at 7 days only. Results highlight an early but transient and reversible up‐regulation of B1 receptors in specific brain regions of STZ‐diabetic rats. This may offer the advantage of reducing putative central side effects with B1 receptor antagonists if used for the treatment of diabetic complications in the periphery. Synapse 57:29–37, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of a high affinity taurine transporter which is not dependent on chloride
Authors: Shennan D. B.
Published: April 2005

Taurine transport by lactating gerbil mammary tissue has been examined. Taurine uptake is, mediated by a high-affinity system which is specific for β-amino acids. The uptake of taurine is Na+-dependent but appears not to be obligatorly dependent upon Cl−. Thus, replacing Na+ with choline almost abolished taurine uptake. Substituting Cl− with NO3− had no effect whereas SCN− induced a small but significant increase in taurine influx. Taurine uptake was Na+-dependent under conditions where Cl− had been replaced with NO3−. However, it is apparent that the Na+-dependent taurine transport system requires the presence of a permeable anion because replacing Cl− with gluconate markedly reduced taurine uptake. Cell-swelling, induced by a hyposmotic challenge, increased the efflux of taurine from gerbil mammary tissue via a pathway sensitive to niflumic acid.
Immunotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy of malignant disease with BCG and nonviable mycobacterial fractions
Authors: Schwarz Max A. , Gutterman Jordan U. , Hersh Evan M. , Richman Stephen P. , Mavligit Giora M.
Published: April 2005

The administration of Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) has been associated with restoration of general immunocompetence, augmentation of specific tumor immunity, activation of local and regional host defense mechanisms, and stimulation of the reticuloendothelial system. There is evidence that antigens from a variety of unrelated tumors are shared with, or are similar to, antigens in BCG. However, it is uncertain whether this cross‐reactivity is the basis for the antitumor activity of BCG. Numerous studies emphasize the importance of regional effects of immunotherapy. They suggest a two‐step mechanism for antitumor activity that involves recognition of BCG by host defense mechanisms, followed by activation and mobilization of macrophages by specifically produced lymphokines. The several nonviable derivatives of BCG have activity comparable to BCG without many of the problems associated with viable BCG. An optimal, completely standardized BCG preparation has not yet been produced.

Clinical studies on the immunotherapeutic effects of BCG and its derivatives in cancer patients indicate that in cutaneous malignant melanoma, intralesional injection of BCG causes complete regression of tumor in 65–90% of instances, with long‐term remission in patients with purely cutaneous metastatic disease. In patients with disseminated malignant melanoma, studies show prolongation of remission duration and overall survival in patients undergoing chemoimmunotherapy (with BCG + imidazole carboxamide) over those receiving chemotherapy alone. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia, one study has found a greater than 90% probability of survival in patients with the microlymphoblastic type undergoing immunotherapy after 5 years, yet other studies fail to show any therapeutic advantage. In most studies in acute myeloblastic leukemia, immunochemotherapy has given both qualitative and quantitative improvements in remission duration and particularly survival. Increased survival, particularly in stage I patients, has been reported in a trial of adjuvant BCG immunotherapy in lung cancer. Other studies on carcinoma of the colon, breast, and the head and neck, soft tissue sarcomas, and genitourinary cancers, utilizing various combinations of BCG and its derivatives, and chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy indicate enhanced remission duration and survival. However, more research is needed to determine the optimum therapy combination in each case, to make refinements in dose, route, and schedule of administration, to improve product characteristics, and to overcome the complications of BCG immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy of cancer with thymosin
Authors: Rossio Jeffrey L. , Goldstein Allan L.
Published: April 2005

Bovine thymosin fraction 5, a partially purified thymic extract, has been employed in phase I and phase II clinical studies in immunodeficient cancer patients. Some improvement in cell‐mediated immune functional parameters has been seen, notably an increase in percentages of peripheral blood T lymphocytes as detected by rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes. Thymosin‐induced rosette‐forming cell increases demonstrated in vitro prior to the institution of thymosin treatment generally were predictive of those patients who showed the in vivo rise in circulating T cells following thymosin administration. Although some patients exhibited clinical improvement, it is still too early to infer from these open studies whether or not these improvements can be attributed to thymosin treatment. Well‐controlled randomized trials are in progress to objectively examine the clinical efficacy of thymosin fraction 5 therapy in cancer patients.

Thymosin fraction 5 contains several thymus‐specific polypeptides which appear to act on lymphoid cells at a number of stages during their differentiation. Several of these individual polypeptides have been isolated, and one has been sequenced (thymosinα1) and found to have immunoenhancing activity. Cancer patients may be viewed in many cases as exhibiting an “acquired” disease‐related or treatment‐related deficiency in cell‐mediated immunity. This may render immunotherapeutic manipulations nonbeneficial and may in fact contribute to tumor progression and/or metastasis. By treating such patients with thymosin fraction 5 or the specific polypeptide(s) within fraction 5 required to allow the appearance of immunocompetent T lymphocytes, these patients may become amenable to immunotherapy, more resistant to infection with opportunistic organisms, and perhaps may develop endogenous antitumor defenses.
Transfer factor: A potential agent for immunotherapy of cancer
Authors: Meier C. Richard , LoBuglio Albert F.
Published: April 2005

Transfer factor (TF) is an extract from human leukocytes which has been shown to transfer specific skin test reactivity to previously nonreactive human recipients, and to produce measurable increases in in Vitro tests of lymphocyte activity. The results of the experimental use of TF as an immunotherapeutic agent for cancer are reviewed. TF therapy has been associated with tumor regression, temporary stabilization or reduced need for other treatment modalities in several reported cancer patients, and may have value as an adjuvant therapy in certain malignancies. However, most of the reports involve uncontrolled studies, and no agreement exists about the definition of TF donors. Controlled studies and the use of well characterized TF donors are essential before any conclusions can be drawn about the value of TF in the therapy of cancer and other diseases.
A case of fistula of the colon and fatal salmonella sepsis in advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Zer M. , Mintz U. , Kaznelson D. , Dintsman M.
Published: April 2005

A case of rapidly progressing Hodgkin's lymphoma is described in which two uncommon complications were observed. Perforation of the cecum due to lymphomatous invasion occurred with subsequent cecosigmoid fistula and pelvic abscess.Salmonella paratyphi B septicemia, refractory to all treatment, caused death of the patient approximately 2 years after initial diagnosis. The relevant literature is reviewed and the possible role of impaired function of immunological mechanisms due to both the malignancy and its treatment in exposing the patient to “opportunistic” infections is discussed. Although the complications in this patient were treated by further radiation therapy, antibiotics and supportive measures, early surgical intervention is probably the treatment of choice for complications of lymphomatous invasion of the gastrointestinal tract, so as to reduce undue exposure to the dangers of septic complications.
Microvascular free tissue transfers
Authors: Harii Kiyonori
Published: April 2005

Recent advances in microvascular surgery enable direct transfers of various types of large composite tissues by means of anastomoses of their small nutrient vessels. Such transferable tissues now include the free skin flap, muscle, bone, omentum, jejunum, and toes, sometimes in combination. The practical technique of microvascular free tissue transfer is described in this paper, and representative clinical cases are presented. A total of 256 microvascular transfers have been performed. These include 222 free skin flaps, some of which were combined with muscle, bone, and nerve. Necrosis (total, partial, and superficial) occurred in 33 free skin flaps with a satisfactory result in 189 (85%).