bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity analysis for relaxed cocoercive nonlinear quasivariational inclusions
Authors: Verma Ram U.
Published: May 2006

Some results on the sensitivity analysis for relaxed cocoercive
quasivariational inclusions are obtained, which generalize similar
sensitivity analysis results on strongly monotone quasivariational
inclusions. Furthermore, some suitable examples of relaxed
cocoercive mappings are illustrated.
Mixed quasi‐equilibrium‐like problems
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam
Published: May 2006

We use the auxiliary principle technique in conjunction with the Bregman function to suggest and analyze a three‐step predictor‐corrector method for solving mixed quasi‐equilibrium‐like problems. We also study the convergence criteria of this new method under some mild conditions. As special cases, we obtain various new and known methods for solving variational‐like inequalities and related optimization problems.
Bond portfolio′s duration and investment term‐structure management problem
Authors: Liu Daobai
Published: May 2006

In the considered bond market, there are N zero‐coupon bonds
transacted continuously, which will mature at equally spaced
dates. A duration of bond portfolios under stochastic interest
rate model is introduced, which provides a measurement for the
interest rate risk. Then we consider an optimal bond investment
term‐structure management problem using this duration as a
performance index, and with the short‐term interest rate process
satisfying some stochastic differential equation. Under some
technique conditions, an optimal bond portfolio process is obtained.
Operator self‐similar processes on Banach spaces
Authors: Matache Mihaela T. , Matache Valentin
Published: May 2006

Operator self‐similar (OSS) stochastic processes on arbitrary
Banach spaces are considered. If the family of expectations of
such a process is a spanning subset of the space, it is proved
that the scaling family of operators of the process under
consideration is a uniquely determined multiplicative group of
operators. If the expectation‐function of the process is
continuous, it is proved that the expectations of the process have
power‐growth with exponent greater than or equal to 0, that is, their norm is less than a nonnegative constant times such a
power‐function, provided that the linear space spanned by the
expectations has category 2 (in the sense of Baire) in its
closure. It is shown that OSS processes whose expectation‐function
is differentiable on an interval (s0, ∞), for some s0 ≥ 1, have a unique scaling family of operators of the form
{sH : s > 0}, if the expectations of the process span a dense
linear subspace of category 2. The existence of a scaling family
of the form {sH : s > 0} is proved for proper Hilbert space
OSS processes with an Abelian scaling family of positive
operators.
On covariance generating functions and spectral densities of periodically correlated autoregressive processes
Authors: Shishebor Z. , Nematollahi A. R. , Soltani A. R.
Published: May 2006

Periodically correlated autoregressive nonstationary processes of finite order are considered. The corresponding Yule‐Walker equations are applied to derive the generating functions of the
covariance functions, what are called here the periodic
covariance generating functions. We also provide closed formulas
for the spectral densities by using the periodic covariance
generating functions, which is a new technique in the spectral
theory of periodically correlated processes.
The Genomic Distribution of L1 Elements: The Role of Insertion Bias and Natural Selection
Authors: Graham Todd , Boissinot Stephane
Published: May 2006

LINE‐1 (L1) retrotransposons constitute the most successful family of retroelements in mammals and account for as much as 20% of mammalian DNA. L1 elements can be found in all genomic regions but they are far more abundant in AT‐rich, gene‐poor, and low‐recombining regions of the genome. In addition, the sex chromosomes and some genes seem disproportionately enriched in L1 elements. Insertion bias and selective processes can both account for this biased distribution of L1 elements. L1 elements do not appear to insert randomly in the genome and this insertion bias can at least partially explain the genomic distribution of L1. The contrasted distribution of L1 and Alu elements suggests that postinsertional processes play a major role in shaping L1 distribution. The most likely mechanism is the loss of recently integrated L1 elements that are deleterious (negative selection) either because of disruption of gene function or their ability to mediate ectopic recombination. By comparison, the retention of L1 elements because of some positive effect is limited to a small fraction of the genome. Understanding the respective importance of insertion bias and selection will require a better knowledge of insertion mechanisms and the dynamics of L1 inserts in populations.
ApoE Polymorphism Is Associated With C‐Reactive Protein in Low‐HDL Family Members and in Normolipidemic Subjects
Authors: Kahri Juhani , Soro-Paavonen Aino , Ehnholm Christian , Taskinen Marja-Riitta
Published: May 2006

The study was aimed to compare inflammatory parameters between
carriers of apoE4 isoforms (apoE4/3, apoE4/2, and apoE4/4
phenotypes) and those of carrying apoE3 isoform without apoE4
isoform (apoE3/3 phenotypes and apoE2/3 phenotypes). The
concentrations of serum hsCRP, sVCAM‐1, sICAM‐1, and sE‐selectin
were measured in 211 subjects from Finnish low‐HDL families and in
157 normolipidemic subjects. The subjects with apoE4 isoform had
lower concentrations of serum hsCRP both in low‐HDL family members
(p < 0.05) and in normolipidemic subjects (p < 0.01). The
differences in serum CRP values remained significant after
adjustment for age, BMI, smoking status, hypertension, gender,
lipoprotein variables, and family number. We conclude that apoE
phenotype has a strong influence on serum CRP values.
Elevated Circulating IL‐1β and TNF‐Alpha, and Unaltered IL‐6 in First‐Trimester Pregnancies Complicated by Threatened Abortion With an Adverse Outcome
Authors: Vitoratos Nicolaos , Papadias Constantinos , Economou Emmanuel , Makrakis Evangelos , Panoulis Constantinos , Creatsas George
Published: May 2006

The purpose of the present study was to examine the profile of selected proinflammatory cytokines in maternal serum of first‐trimester pregnancies complicated by threatened abortion (TACP) and its relevance to obstetric outcome. Serum levels of Th1‐type cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐alpha), and Th2‐type cytokine interleukin 6 (IL‐6) were measured, by ELISA, in 22 women with TACP and adverse outcome at admission (group A) and compared with the corresponding levels of 31 gestational age‐matched women with TACP and successful outcome at admission (group B1) and discharge (group B2) and 22 gestational age‐matched women with first‐trimester uncomplicated pregnancy (group C) who served as controls. Mann‐Whitney U or Wilcoxon test was applied as appropriate to compare differences between groups. IL‐1β and TNF‐alpha were detected with significantly higher levels in group A, compared to all other groups. On the contrary, IL‐6 levels were detected with no significant difference among all the other groups studied. It is concluded that in first‐trimester TACP with adverse outcome, a distinct immune response, as reflected by elevated maternal IL‐1β, TNF‐alpha, and unaltered IL‐6 levels, is relevant to a negative obstetric outcome.
Investigation of Midtrimester Amniotic Fluid Factors as Potential Predictors of Term and Preterm Deliveries
Authors: Malamitsi-Puchner Ariadne , Vrachnis Nikolaos , Samoli Evi , Baka Stavroula , Alexandrakis George , Puchner Karl-Philipp , Iliodromiti Zoe , Hassiakos Demetrios
Published: May 2006

Aims. Our aim is to investigate, in 13 cases (delivering preterm) and 21 matched (for age, parity, and gestational age) controls (delivering at term), whether midtrimester amniotic fluid concentrations of elastase, secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule predict asymptomatic intra‐amniotic inflammation/infection and preterm labor. Results. Concentrations of all substances were not statistically different among mothers, delivering preterm or at term. SLPI concentrations significantly increased in women, going into labor without ruptured membranes, irrespective of pre‐ or term delivery (P < .007, P < .001, resp) and correlated with
elastase (r = 0.508, P < .002). Conclusions. Midtrimester amniotic fluid SLPI concentrations significantly decrease when membrane rupture precedes pre‐ or full‐term labor. However, none of the investigated substances predict preterm delivery.
Research of nonlinear vibrations of orthotropic plates with a complex form
Authors: Kurpa L. V. , Shmatko T. V. , Onufrienko O. G.
Published: May 2006

This paper deals with effects of large amplitude on the free and
forced flexural vibrations of elastic orthotropic plates of
arbitrary shape. R‐function method (RFM) is applied to obtain
the basis functions need for expansion of sought solution into
Fourier series. The initial nonlinear system of differential
equations with partial derivatives is reduced to system of
ordinary nonlinear differential equations by Galerkin procedure.
The solving‐obtained system is carried out by Runge‐Kutta or
Galerkin methods. The numerical results for the plate of complex
form and also rectangular form and different boundary conditions
have been presented and compared with other known results.
Intersection test and blossoming perturbation for disk parametric curves and ball parametric surfaces
Authors: Lin Qun , Rokne J. G.
Published: May 2006

Errors in curve and surface representation due to inaccuracies in
the data are considered and accounted for by introducing disk
parametric curves and ball parametric surfaces. Intersection test
algorithms and interval extensions using blossoming are discussed
for each of the three cases of Bézier curves, tensor product
surfaces, and triangular patches. A stability analysis is also
performed for each of the three cases. It is shown that under
certain restrictions disk Bézier curves and triangular ball
Bézier patches are stable with respect to perturbations of the
control disks (balls); whereas tensor product ball Bézier
surfaces are in general not.
The transversal creeping vibrations of a fractional derivative order constitutive relation of nonhomogeneous beam
Authors: Hedrih Katica (Stevanovic)
Published: May 2006

We considered the problem on transversal oscillations
of two‐layer straight bar, which is under the action of the
lengthwise random forces. It is assumed that the layers of the bar
were made of nonhomogenous continuously creeping material and the
corresponding modulus of elasticity and creeping fractional order
derivative of constitutive relation of each layer are continuous
functions of the length coordinate and thickness coordinates.
Partial fractional differential equation and particular solutions
for the case of natural vibrations of the beam of creeping
material of a fractional derivative order constitutive relation in
the case of the influence of rotation inertia are derived. For the
case of natural creeping vibrations, eigenfunction and time
function, for different examples of boundary conditions, are
determined. By using the derived partial fractional differential
equation of the beam vibrations, the almost sure stochastic
stability of the beam dynamic shapes, corresponding to the nth shape of the beam elastic form, forced by a bounded axially noise
excitation, is investigated. By the use of S. T. Ariaratnam′s
idea, as well as of the averaging method, the top Lyapunov exponent
is evaluated asymptotically when the intensity of excitation
process is small.
Multiwave nonlinear couplings in elastic structures
Authors: Kovriguine D. A. , Maugin G. A. , Potapov A. I.
Published: May 2006

This short contribution considers the essentials of nonlinear wave
properties in typical mechanical systems such as an infinite
straight bar, a circular ring, and a flat plate. It is found that
nonlinear resonance is experienced in all the systems exhibiting
continuous and discrete spectra, respectively. Multiwave
interactions and the stability of coupled modes with respect to
small perturbations are discussed. The emphasis is placed on
mechanical phenomena, for example, stress amplification, although
some analogies with some nonlinear optical systems are also
obvious. The nonlinear resonance coupling in a plate within the
Kirchhoff‐Love approximation is selected as a two‐dimensional
example exhibiting a rich range of resonant wave phenomena. This
is originally examined by use of Whitham′s averaged Lagrangian
method. In particular, the existence of three basic resonant
triads between longitudinal, shear, and bending modes is shown.
Some of these necessarily enter cascade wave processes related to
the instability of some mode components of the triad under small
perturbations.
Autoparametric vibrations of a nonlinear system with pendulum
Authors: Warminski J. , Kecik K.
Published: May 2006

Vibrations of a nonlinear oscillator with an attached pendulum,
excited by movement of its point of suspension, have been analysed
in the paper. The derived differential equations of motion show
that the system is strongly nonlinear and the motions of both
subsystems, the pendulum and the oscillator, are strongly coupled
by inertial terms, leading to the so‐called autoparametric
vibrations. It has been found that the motion of the oscillator,
forced by an external harmonic force, has been dynamically
eliminated by the pendulum oscillations. Influence of a nonlinear
spring on the vibration absorption near the main
parametric resonance region has been carried out analytically,
whereas the transition from regular to chaotic vibrations has been
presented by using numerical methods. A transmission force on the
foundation for regular and chaotic vibrations is presented as
well.
Quotient of Laplace and Gumbel random variables
Authors: Nadarajah Saralees
Published: May 2006

The Gumbel and the Laplace distributions are perhaps two of the most applied distributions
in engineering. Motivated by engineering issues, the exact distribution of the
quotient |X/Y| is derived when X and Y are independent Gumbel and Laplace random
variables. Tabulations of the associated percentage points and a computer program for
generating them are also given.
A Markov time related to a priority system
Authors: Vanderperre Edmond J.
Published: May 2006

We consider a basic renewable duplex system characterized by cold standby and subjected to a priority rule. Apart from a general stochastic analysis presented in the previous literature, we introduce a Markov time called the recovery time of the system. In order to obtain the corresponding Laplace‐Stieltjes transform, we employ a stochastic process endowed with transition measures satisfying generalized coupled differential equations. The solution is provided by the theory of sectionally holomorphic functions.
Evidence of Linkage to Chromosome 9q22.33 in Colorectal Cancer Kindreds from the United Kingdom
Authors: Kemp Zoe E. , Carvajal-Carmona Luis G. , Barclay Ella , Gorman Margaret , Martin Lynn , Wood Wendy , Rowan Andrew , Donohue Claire , Spain Sarah , Jaeger Emma , Evans D. Gareth , Maher Eamonn R. , Bishop Timothy , Thomas Huw , Houlston Richard , Tomlinson Ian ,   and the Colorectal Tumour Gene Identification Study Consortium
Published: May 2006

About 30% of all colorectal cancers are thought to have a genetic basis and the known predisposing genes can only account for a small fraction of cases. A previous report suggested that a colorectal cancer candidate gene, explaining at least 20% of colorectal cancer cases with family history, was located within a 25 cM region on chromosome 9q22.2-q31.3. We typed 16 polymorphic markers encompassing the region of putative linkage in 57 colorectal tumor families from the United Kingdom. Known Mendelian syndromes had been excluded. We found suggestive evidence of linkage, as positive parametric (HLOD = 1.23) and nonparametric (NPL = 1.21, P = 0.11) LOD scores were obtained by analysis of the whole family set. Enrichment for cases with a priori genetic etiology by analyzing families with at least one person affected at <45 years of age (n = 39 families) gave a maximum multipoint NPL score of 2.65 (P = 0.007). In this group, significant NPL scores >1.67 (P < 0.05) were found in a 6.5 cM region between D9S1851 and D9S277. With a more stringent threshold (NPL>2.4, P < 0.01), the linked region was 1.7 cM between D9S971 and D9S272/D9S173. Exclusion from the analysis of kindreds with a phenotype of multiple polyposis also found evidence of linkage in the same region (NPL = 2.47 at close to D9S277, P = 0.009). The type I transforming growth factor-β receptor, a prime candidate gene, was excluded as a cause of disease. The results presented here further support the existence of a colorectal cancer susceptibility gene on chromosome 9q and refine its likely location. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(10): 5003-6)
Antithrombin reduces endotoxin-induced hypotension by enhancing pulmonary sensory neuron activation in rats
Authors: Harada Naoaki , Isobe Hirotaka , Uchiba Mitsuhiro , Okajima Kenji
Published: May 2006

We recently demonstrated that activation of the pulmonary sensory neurons plays a critical role in prevention of endotoxininduced shock by releasing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in rats. CGRP increased the endothelial production of prostacyclin (PGI2) in the lungs, thereby preventing endotoxininduced shock response by inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production. Since antithrombin (AT) enhances sensory neuron activation, we hypothesized that AT might reduce endotoxin-induced hypotension by enhancing the activation of pulmonary sensory neurons in rats. We examined this possibility using a rat model of endotoxin shock. AT-induced effects including reduction of hypotension (n=5) and inhibition of induction of iNOS (n=4 or 5) and TNF-α (n=5) in the lungs of endotoxin-treated animals were completely reversed by pretreatment with capsazepine (CPZ) (n=4 or 5), a vanilloid receptor antagonist, or CGRP(8–37), a CGRP receptor antagonist (n=4 or 5). AT enhanced endotoxin-induced increases in lung tissue levels of CGRP (n=4), but this effect of AT was not seen in animals pretreated with CPZ (n=4). CGRP produced therapeutic effects (n=5) similar to those induced by AT, and such therapeutic effects were completely abrogated by pretreatment with indomethacin (n=4). AT increased CGRP release from cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons only in the presence of anandamide (n=5),andAT-induced increase in CGRP release was not observed in the presence KT5720, an inhibitor of protein kinase A (n=5). AT markedly increased intracellular levels of cAMP in the presence of anandamide (n=5).These results strongly suggested that AT might reduce endotoxin-induced hypotension in rats by enhancing activation of sensory neurons via activation of protein kinase A.
Thromboembolism risk reduction in multiple myeloma patients treated with immunomodulatory drug combinations
Authors: Hussein Mohamad
Published: May 2006

Deep vein thrombosis and its lethal complication pulmonary embolism are manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is typically associated with cancer and recent major surgery. Certain solid tumors and hematologic malignancies impose an inherently elevated risk of VTE that is compounded by chemotherapy and other risk factors. Multiple myeloma (MM) and other plasma cell dyscrasias are thrombogenic as a consequence of their multiple hemostatic effects, including elevated interleukin-6 levels, pro-coagulant antibody formation, paraprotein interference with fibrin structure, activated protein C re sistance, and endothelial damage. The oral immunomodulatory drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide have produced major therapeutic responses in patients with MM when used in combination with oral steroids and chemotherapy, but a high incidence of VTE has been reported. Various VTE prophylaxis strategies with thalidomide- and lenalidomide-containing combinations have been investigated in clinical studies. This review discusses emerging results on the use of VTE prophylaxis to minimize VTE risks associated with MM treatment regimens containing thalidomide and lenalidomide.
The influence of sodium ion binding on factor IXa activity
Authors: Gopalakrishna Kota , Rezaie Alireza
Published: May 2006

Sodium plays an important role in modulating both the amidolytic and proteolytic activities of thrombin. By contrast, while the optimal amidolytic activity of factor Xa requires Na+, the proteolytic activity of factor Xa in the prothrombinase complex is minimally affected by the monovalent cation. In this study, we analyzed the effect of Na+ on the amidolytic and proteolytic activity of factor IXa in the absence and presence of factor VIIIa. Factor IXa exhibited normal activity towards a fIXa-specific chromogenic substrate and antithrombin in the presence of physiological concentrations of Ca2+ with no obvious requirement for Na+ in either reaction. Further studies revealed that factor IXa binds to its cofactor factor VIIIa with a normal affinity in the absence of Na+ and that the catalytic function in the intrinsic Xase complex is also independent of Na+ in the presence of physiological concentrations of Ca2+.These results suggest that unlike the important role that Na+ plays in modulating the macromolecular substrate specificity of thrombin, the monovalent cation is not required for the physiological function of factor IXa in the intrinsic Xase complex.
Cardiovascular Function in a Rat Model of Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Carroll Joan F. , Zenebe Woineshet J. , Strange Taylor B.
Published: May 2006

The obesity-prone/obesity-resistant rat model has been used to study mechanisms responsible for obesity-related abnormalities in renal function and blood pressure, but whether this model exhibits cardiac dysfunction has not been determined. We tested the hypothesis that obesity-prone rats would display cardiovascular abnormalities seen in other diet-induced obese models (ie, hypertension, tachycardia, left ventricular hypertrophy, increased collagen deposition, reduced cardiac contractility, and increased end diastolic pressure). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a control diet or a moderate fat diet containing 32% kcal as fat while hemodynamics were continuously monitored using telemetry. After 12 weeks, obesity-prone rats were significantly heavier and had greater body fat compared with obesity-resistant rats and controls, but daily (20 hours/d) averages and diurnal rhythms of blood pressure and heart rate did not differ among groups. Echocardiographic indices of cardiac structure and function, histological evidence of cardiac collagen, and directly measured heart weights did not differ among groups. Peak left ventricular pressure, end diastolic pressure, +dP/dt, and −dP/dt were also not significantly different among groups. Plasma cholesterol and hepatic cholesterol were significantly higher in obesity-prone rats compared with obesity-resistant rats and controls; hepatic triglycerides were higher in obesity-prone rats compared with controls (
P
≤0.05). Leptin was significantly higher in obesity-prone rats compared with controls and across all groups was significantly correlated with body fat (
P
≤0.05). These results suggest that 12 weeks of a moderate fat diet in the obesity-prone/obesity-resistant rat model induced lipid and endocrine abnormalities typical of obesity but was not sufficient to cause significant cardiac abnormalities.
High-Resolution Quantitative Computed Tomography Demonstrating Selective Enhancement of Medium-Size Collaterals by Placental Growth Factor-1 in the Mouse Ischemic Hindlimb
Authors: Li Weiming , Shen Weiqun , Gill Robert , Corbly Angela , Jones Bonita , Belagaje Rama , Zhang Yuke , Tang Shaoqing , Chen Yan , Zhai Yan , Wang Guoming , Wagle Asavari , Hui Kwan , Westmore Michael , Hanson Jeffrey , Chen Yun-Fei , Simons Michael , Singh JaiPal
Published: May 2006

Background—

The process of arteriogenesis after occlusion of a major artery is poorly understood. We have used high-resolution microcomputed tomography (μ-CT) imaging to define the arteriogenic response in the mouse model of hindlimb ischemia and to examine the effect of placental growth factor-1 (PlGF-1) on this process.

Methods and Results—

After common femoral artery ligation, μ-CT imaging demonstrated formation of collateral vessels originating near the ligation site in the upper limb and connecting to the ischemic calf muscle region. Three-dimensional μ-CT and quantitative image analysis revealed changes in the number of segments and the segmental volume of vessels, ranging from 8 to 160 μm in diameter. The medium-size vessels (48 to 160 μm) comprising 85% of the vascular volume were the major contributor (188%) to the change in vascular volume in response to ischemia. Intramuscular injections of Ad-PlGF-1 significantly increased Sca1
+
cells in the circulation, α-actin–stained vessels, and perfusion of the ischemic hindlimb. These effects were predominantly associated with an increase in vascular volume contributed by the medium-size (96 to 144 μm) vessels as determined by μ-CT.

Conclusions—

High-resolution μ-CT delineated the formation of medium-size collaterals representing a major vascular change that contributed to the restoration of vascular volume after ischemia. This effect is selectively potentiated by PlGF-1. Such selective enhancement of arteriogenesis by therapeutically administered PlGF-1 demonstrates a desirable biological activity for promoting the growth of functionally relevant vasculature.
Transvenous Pacing Leads and Systemic Thromboemboli in Patients With Intracardiac Shunts
Authors: Khairy Paul , Landzberg Michael J. , Gatzoulis Michael A. , Mercier Lise-Andrée , Fernandes Susan M. , Côté Jean-Marc , Lavoie Jean-Pierre , Fournier Anne , Guerra Peter G. , Frogoudaki Alexandra , Walsh Edward P. , Dore Annie
Published: May 2006

Background—

The risk of systemic thromboemboli associated with transvenous leads in the presence of an intracardiac shunt is currently unknown.

Methods and Results—

To define this risk, we conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of 202 patients with intracardiac shunts: Sixty-four had transvenous leads (group 1), 56 had epicardial leads (group 2), and 82 had right-to-left shunts but no pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator leads (group 3). Patient-years were accrued until the occurrence of systemic thromboemboli or study termination. Censoring occurred in the event of complete shunt closure, death, or loss to follow-up. Mean ages for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 33.9±18.0, 22.2±12.6, and 22.9±15.0 years, respectively. Respective oxygen saturations were 91.2±9.1%, 88.1±8.1%, and 79.7±6.7%. During respective median follow-ups of 7.3, 9.3, and 17.0 years, 24 patients had at least 1 systemic thromboembolus: 10 (15.6%), 5 (8.9%), and 9 (11.0%) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Univariate risk factors were older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.05;
P
=0.0001), ongoing phlebotomy (HR, 3.1;
P
=0.0415), and an transvenous lead (HR, 2.4;
P
=0.0421). In multivariate, stepwise regression analyses, transvenous leads remained an independent predictor of systemic thromboemboli (HR, 2.6;
P
=0.0265). In patients with transvenous leads, independent risk factors were older age (HR, 1.05;
P
=0.0080), atrial fibrillation or flutter (HR, 6.7;
P
=0.0214), and ongoing phlebotomy (HR, 14.4;
P
=0.0349). Having had aspirin or warfarin prescribed was not protective. Epicardial leads were, however, associated with higher atrial (
P
=0.0407) and ventricular (
P
=0.0270) thresholds and shorter generator longevity (HR, 1.9;
P
=0.0176).

Conclusions—

Transvenous leads incur a >2-fold increased risk of systemic thromboemboli in patients with intracardiac shunts.
Difference in the House of Lords
Authors: Rackley Erika
Published: May 2006

Taking the media reaction to Brenda Hale’s appointment to the appellate committee of the House of Lords in January 2004 as its starting point, this article considers the impact difference might have on understandings of both the judge and judging. It argues that beneath the surface of the somewhat simplistic personality-based alternatives posited in the British press lies a more organic response to the woman judge generally and her perceived difference. Drawing on Hale’s potential for difference in relation to familial (dis)connection, unwanted parenthood and indecent assault, the article concludes that, far from being a malevolent threat, the perceived difference of the woman judge offers an opportunity to consider the possibility of alternative adjudicative approaches and new understandings of the judge.
Globalisation and Regional Integration: A Comparative Analysis of Europe and East Asia
Authors: Petit Pascal
Published: May 2006

The analysis of the contemporary phase of internationalisation implies an assessment of the diverse processes of regional integration. They are key issues in the construction of post-Fordist regimes that can no longer be developed on strict national bases. Internationalisation is also stemmed by directly global developments interacting with regional processes. This paper identifies two ideal types of regional dynamic, which together account for the economic, politic and social dimensions of these processes. In each case, I specify the regional dynamics of convergence or divergence and discuss their stability. I then investigate how interactions with global trends can lead to hybrid forms of regions.
State- and Regulation-Theoretical Perspectives on the European Union and the Failure of the Lisbon Agenda
Authors: Jessop Bob
Published: May 2006

This paper develops a state- and regulation-theoretical approach to the European Union as an emerging political system and its role in promoting economic growth. Based on critical reviews of alternative theoretical positions, it argues that: (a) the emerging Europolity is a crucial political site in an evolving system of multi-scalar meta-governance, organized in the shadow of post-national statehood, of the contradictory and conflictual processes of Europeanization in a still emerging world society; (b) the Europolity is a key element in an ongoing transition from different forms of Keynesian welfare national state to different forms of Schumpeterian workfare post-national regime, with the EU having a major role in promoting the knowledge-based economy and the modernization of social policy through new forms of economic and political organization; and (c) an important element in this new role for the Europolity is the open method of coordination, which can nonetheless be seen as flawed, for reasons that in part affect most forms of governance in capitalist societies and in part are specific to the open method of coordination in a European context.
The New Role and Status of Intellectual Property Rights in Contemporary Capitalism
Authors: Orsi Fabienne , Coriat Benjamin
Published: May 2006

While the importance of finance in contemporary capitalism is broadly acknowledged, this paper explores its relationship with the knowledge economy through the shifting regimes of intellectual property rights (IPR). Distinguishing between the public science model of Fordism, which saw IPR as a public good, and the IPR of the knowledge economy, which grants exclusive licenses to private firms, the paper demonstrates how new institutions have evolved which support financial accumulation through the commodification of IPR. The paper examines how legislation has been passed to protect the IPR of the North and then forced upon developing states. The commodification of IPR has been an important source of complementarity for financial markets, providing opportunities for speculation on the value of invisible assets in new markets. Unlike previous periods when technology transfer was made possible through weaker IPR regimes in less developed states, and so enabled catch up, in contemporary capitalism IPR regimes are specifically designed to maintain unequal growth. The paper illustrates the consequence of this inequality in relation to the inaccessibility of drugs to treat HIV and the maintenance of an unequal international system.
Social Structures of Accumulation, the Regulation Approach and the European Union
Authors: McDonough Terrence , Nardone Emlyn
Published: May 2006

In addressing the urgent task of formulating a regulation theory approach to the question of the European Union it is also helpful to examine closely related approaches. This article first undertakes a comparison between the American Social Structure of Accumulation Framework (SSAF) and the Regulation Approach (RA). A considerable convergence of the two approaches can be identified, especially in those works that maintain a commitment to foundational Marxian as well as Keynesian concepts. While European Union structures operate at a somewhat novel supra-national level, both the RA and the SSAF have developed in the context of analyzing specifically national economies. Thus both schools face a challenge in understanding the EU. Recent work within the SSAF that discusses accumulation at scales different from the national is reviewed including the ‘spatialization school’. In addition, two perspectives from international political economy (IPE), specifically the new medievalism and Gramscian IPE are found to be helpful in approaching the globalization of economic governance of which the emerging EU structures are an example.
Social Contingency: An Avenue for Engaging Régulation Theory with System Theory
Authors: Kessler Oliver
Published: May 2006

Within the current transformation of both social and economic theory, the French régulation school (FRS) and German autopoietic social theory (ASS) hold two prominent positions, yet without much of an engagement if not even mutual neglect. This paper suggests an avenue for mutual engagement by emphasising similarities. In particular, it will use the common interest in the social nature of contingency and crises as a vantage point to suggest a common research agenda on risk, non-knowledge and governance regimes. This proposal suggests two amendments to the régulation school which are of central importance for social systems theorists and where the latter might provide useful stimulus. First, this paper proposes an incorporation of science and other knowledge-producing networks as an institutional form. Second, this paper argues for the introduction of the idea of ‘social differentiation’ to describe the changing interdependencies of the economy, politics, law and science due to a reconfiguration of the boundaries between national and international regimes.
Hybrids and Regulation in the Global Political Economy
Authors: Graz Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2006

While regulation theory literature has made important contributions to the much-debated domain of globalisation by focusing on various aspects of post-Fordism, it has not yet fully engaged with the implications that can be drawn from critical approaches in international political economy. Recent studies have explored the transnational bases of new patterns and agents of change beyond states, firms and institutions traditionally involved in regulatory practices. Hybrid is often used as a default attribute reflecting lack of clear understanding of the breadth of this new type of influence and the opacity of the means involved. Drawing on the insights of philology and mythology, the paper argues that the notion of hybrid is relevant in elucidating the ontological ambiguity between imaginary and real aspects of globalisation. Furthermore, it specifies the categories involved in the analysis of emerging forms of hybrid regulation. Recent scholarship on globalisation tends to focus on the private–public nexus of the subjects involved in new forms of institutional arrangements and authority. Here, subjects, objects and space are analysed as joint issues. By focusing particularly on transformations affecting the role of the state, forms of competition, and their rescaling on a transnational basis, the concept of global hybrid is seen as complementary to the emancipation of regulation approaches from early emphasis on national levels of compromises.
Is the Competition State the New, Post-Fordist, Mode of Regulation? Regulation Theory from an International Political Economic Perspective
Authors: Palan Ronen
Published: May 2006

An unfortunate drift towards theories of structural recurrence informs much of the thinking about post-Fordism. In a typical structuralist manner, the idea is that once a particular regime of regulation collapses, a transition period ensues culminating in a new regime of accumulation. Historical evidence suggests otherwise. The paper re-assesses the concept of Fordism in light of the experience of the US, and in particularl in the context of the powerful anti-trust movement of the early twentieth century, which fused with a broader ‘constructivist’ agenda of the First New Deal administration. I am not arguing that Fordism should not be considered as a social mechanism for coping with the advent of the new corporation and mass production. But it should equally be understood as a wide-ranging political movement that brought together elements of small business, middle and working classes in response to the emerging trusts or cartels and the immense corruption of the ‘robber barons’. Conversely, the Post-Fordist period saw not only the collapse of the Fordist compromise, but also of the collapse of that political movement and its replacement by the pro-business politics associated with the Competition State.
Induction of release and up-regulated gene expression of interleukin (IL)-8 in A549 cells by serine proteinases
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Zheng Yanshan , He Shaoheng
Published: May 2006

Background

Hypersecretion of cytokines and serine proteinases has been observed in asthma. Since protease-activated receptors (PARs) are receptors of several serine proteinases and airway epithelial cells are a major source of cytokines, the influence of serine proteinases and PARs on interleukin (IL)-8 secretion and gene expression in cultured A549 cells was examined.

Results

A549 cells express all four PARs at both protein and mRNA levels as assessed by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thrombin, tryptase, elastase and trypsin induce a up to 8, 4.3, 4.4 and 5.1 fold increase in IL-8 release from A549 cells, respectively following 16 h incubation period. The thrombin, elastase and trypsin induced secretion of IL-8 can be abolished by their specific inhibitors. Agonist peptides of PAR-1, PAR-2 and PAR-4 stimulate up to 15.6, 6.6 and 3.5 fold increase in IL-8 secretion, respectively. Real time PCR shows that IL-8 mRNA is up-regulated by the serine proteinases tested and by agonist peptides of PAR-1 and PAR-2.

Conclusion

The proteinases, possibly through activation of PARs can stimulate IL-8 release from A549 cells, suggesting that they are likely to contribute to IL-8 related airway inflammatory disorders in man.
Generation of H9 T-cells stably expressing a membrane-bound form of the cytoplasmic tail of the Env-glycoprotein: lack of transcomplementation of defective HIV-1 virions encoding C-terminally truncated Env
Authors: Holtkotte Denise , Pfeiffer Tanya , Bosch Valerie
Published: May 2006

H9-T-cells do not support the replication of mutant HIV-1 encoding Env protein lacking its long cytoplasmic C-terminal domain (Env-CT). Here we describe the generation of a H9-T-cell population constitutively expressing the HIV-1 Env-CT protein domain anchored in the cellular membrane by it homologous membrane-spanning domain (TMD). We confirmed that the Env-TMD-CT protein was associated with cellular membranes, that its expression did not have any obvious cytotoxic effects on the cells and that it did not affect wild-type HIV-1 replication. However, as measured in both a single-round assay as well as in spreading infections, replication competence of mutant pNL-Tr712, lacking the Env-CT, was not restored in this H9 T-cell population. This means that the Env-CTper secannot transcomplement the replication block of HIV-1 virions encoding C-terminally truncated Env proteins and suggests that the Env-CT likely exerts its function only in the context of the complete Env protein.
Human, viral or mutant human IL-10 expressed after local adenovirus-mediated gene transfer are equally effective in ameliorating disease pathology in a rabbit knee model of antigen-induced arthritis
Authors: Keravala Annahita , Lechman Eric R , Nash Joan , Mi Zhibao , Robbins Paul D
Published: May 2006

IL-10 is a Th2 cytokine important for inhibiting cell-mediated immunity while promoting humoral responses. Human IL-10 (hIL-10) has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive as well as immunostimulatory characteristics, whereas viral IL-10 (vIL-10), a homologue of hIL-10 encoded by Epstein Barr virus (EBV), lacks several immunostimulatory functions. The immunostimulatory characteristic of hIL-10 has been attributed to a single amino acid, isoleucine at position 87, which in vIL-10 is alanine. A mutant hIL-10 in which isoleucine has been substituted (mut.hIL-10) is biologically active with only immunosuppressive, but not immunostimulatory, functions, making it a potentially superior therapeutic for inflammatory diseases. To compare the efficacy of mut.hIL-10 with hIL-10 and vIL-10 in blocking the progression of rheumatoid arthritis, we used replication defective adenoviral vectors to deliver intra-articularly the gene encoding hIL-10, vIL-10 or mut.hIL-10 to antigen-induced arthritic (AIA) knee joints in rabbits. Intra-articular expression of hIL-10, vIL-10, and mut.hIL-10 resulted in significant improvement of the pathology in the treated joints to similar levels. These observed changes included a significant reduction in intra-articular leukocytosis and the degree of synovitis, as well as normalization of cartilage matrix metabolism. Our results suggest that hIL-10, vIL-10, and mut.hIL-10 are all equally therapeutic in the rabbit AIA model for treating disease pathology.
The Impact of Corruption on Entry Strategy: Evidence from Telecommunication Projects in Emerging Economies
Authors: Uhlenbruck Klaus , Rodriguez Peter , Doh Jonathan , Eden Lorraine
Published: May 2006

With globalization and the growth in emerging economies, multinational enterprises (MNEs) now frequently confront challenges associated with corrupt governments. Already, a growing body of research has demonstrated that corruption significantly reduces a country’s aggregate inflows of foreign direct investment through its effects on firm performance. We move the analysis of corruption from aggregate financial flows toward managerial theory and practice by examining how firms adjust their strategy for entering foreign markets in corrupt environments and how different types of corruption affect firms’ choices. Building on institutional theory, we predict that MNEs will respond to pervasive and arbitrary corruption in a host country by selecting particular types of equity and nonequity modes of entry. Using data on 220 telecommunications development projects in 64 emerging economies, we find that firms adapt to the pressures of corruption via short-term contracting and entry into joint ventures. We also find that the arbitrariness surrounding corrupt transactions has a significant impact on firms’ decisions, in addition to the overall level of corruption. In contrast to extant research, we show that MNEs use nonequity-entry modes or partnering as an adaptive strategy to participate in markets despite the presence of corruption.
From concept to implementation: challenges facing evidence-based social work
Authors: Mullen Edward J. , Shlonsky Aron , Bledsoe Sarah E. , Bellamy Jennifer L.
Published: May 2006

English

Evidence-based practice and policy is an innovative concept born out of medicine and surrounded by a great deal of debate. Although researchers have begun to define and build frameworks for the process of evidence-based social work (EBSW), few practitioners appear to employ evidence-based approaches and relatively little is known about how to facilitate this form of knowledge transfer. Arguments in favour of evidence-based practice include its potential to enhance the quality of decisions about the care of individual clients, manage constantly evolving research knowledge, incorporate clients’ values and expectations into the practice process and choices, provide a framework for education and self-directed life-long learning and encouraging high-quality practice-relevant research. Although EBSW appears promising and complementary to social work values, there have been many arguments made in opposition to its use. This article outlines the origins of EBSW, current thoughts about its definition and application, as well as a discussion of eight key challenges to the application of evidence-based practice and policy in social work. These challenges include: (1) evidence of effectiveness; (2) authority; (3) conflicting hierarchy; (4) definition of evidence; (5) shortage of evidence; (6) application of group effects to individual events or clients; (7) efficacy versus effectiveness, and (8) adoption and implementation. Historically, other promising innovations within social work have materialised and disintegrated without gaining widespread acceptance. Social work's response to these challenges will dictate the shape EBSW takes, and whether or not it is implemented widely across the field.
Theorising the evidence on discretionary decision making: alternative perspectives
Authors: Campbell Elaine
Published: May 2006

English

In recent years, a diversity of critical paradigms of evaluation research have been proposed, developed and implemented by both academic and professional evaluators. At the heart of this ‘Kuhnian revolution’ lies a questioning of the ontological, epistemological and methodological premises of quasi-experimental designs, and a commitment to insert ‘theory’ into evaluative research of the kind which underpins and informs evidence-based practice. This article adds to the growing number of case studies which not only challenge the hegemony of positivistic perspectives, but which demonstrate the merits of a sociologically informed approach to evaluation research. Two possible routes to evaluating the Prosecution and Diversion Policy of a southern police force area in the UK are outlined and discussed – one informed by positivistic evaluation; the other by structurationist principles. In the light of the evidence of policy ineffectiveness, the positivistic model has little to offer by way of explanation. By contrast, the theory-driven, structurationist approach provides rich insights into the socio-cultural, legal and organisational relations of ‘policy-failure’, and furnishes a radically different interpretation of discretionary decision-making processes.