bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of a packaging cell line for prolonged large‐scale production of high‐titer HIV‐1‐based lentiviral vector
Authors: Ni Yajin , Sun Susan , Oparaocha Ibe , Humeau Laurent , Davis Brian , Cohen Reuben , Binder Gwendolyn , Chang Yung‐Nien , Slepushkin Vladimir , Dropulic Boro
Published: February 2005

Background

An Erratum has been published for this article in Journal of Gene Medicine 7(6), 2005, 835.

A stable packaging cell line facilitates large‐scale lentivirus vector manufacture. However, it has been difficult to produce clinical‐scale HIV‐1‐based lentiviral vectors using a packaging cell line, in part due to toxicity of packaging genes, and gene silencing that occurs during the long culture period necessary for sequential addition of packaging constructs.

Methods

To avoid these problems, we developed a three‐level cascade gene regulation system designed to remove tetracycline transactivator (tTA) from cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter (CMV)‐controlled expression to reduce cytotoxicity from constitutive expression of tTA and leaky expression of packaging genes. We also performed a one‐step integration of the three packaging plasmids to shorten the culture time for clonal selection.

Results

Although leaky expression of p24 and vector production still occurred despite the three‐level regulation system, little cytotoxicity was observed and producer cells could be expanded for large‐scale production. Producer cells yielded remarkably stable vector production over a period greater than 11 days with the highest titer 3.5 × 107 transducing units (TU)/ml and p24 300 ng/ml, yielding 2.2 × 1011 TU and 1.8 milligram (mg) p24 from one cell factory. No replication‐competent lentivirus (RCL) was detected. Long‐term analysis demonstrated that, although the cells are genetically stable, partial gene silencing occurs after 2–3 months in culture; however, the one‐step construct integration allowed prolonged vector production before significant gene silencing. Concentrated vector resulted in 90% transduction in CD4+ lymphocytes at 20 TU per cell. CD34+ progenitor cells were transduced at 41–46% efficiency, and long‐term initiating culture (LTC‐IC) was transduced at 45–51%.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate for the first time HIV‐1‐based lentiviral vector production on the large scale using a packaging cell line. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
P21‐activated kinase‐1 is necessary for depolarization‐mediated neuronal survival
Authors: Johnson Kyle , D'Mello Santosh R.
Published: February 2005

Cerebellar granule neurons undergo apoptosis when switched from culture medium containing high potassium (HK) to medium that contains low potassium (LK). HK treatment leads to an activation of p21‐activated kinase‐1 (PAK‐1). Overexpression of a constitutively active form of PAK‐1 protects against apoptosis in LK medium. Overexpression of a dominant‐negative form of PAK‐1 blocks survival in HK. Although PAK‐1 is usually considered to be a downstream effector of Rac and Cdc42, we were unable to detect association between PAK‐1 and either Rac1 or Cdc42 in cerebellar granule neurons. Interaction between PAK‐1 and PDK1 is detected in granule neurons, although there is no change in the extent of interaction in neurons primed to die. Neuronal survival by PAK‐1 overexpression is not inhibited by PD98059 or LY294002, which inhibit the activity of MEK and PI‐3 kinase, respectively. The ability of PAK‐1 to maintain neuronal survival is, however, blocked by ML‐9, a compound known to inhibit Akt. Our results show that that PAK‐1 is necessary for neuronal survival in HK and suggest that its neuroprotective action may be mediated by a GTPase‐independent, but Akt‐dependent, mechanism. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychological success: When the career is acalling
Authors: Hall Douglas T. , Chandler Dawn E.
Published: February 2005

This article has the dual purpose of expanding an understanding of the relationship between subjective and objective careers, and describing one condition under which the subjective career takes on particular salience: when the person feels a sense of calling in his or her career (that is, a sense of purpose, that this is the work one was meant to do.) This sense of calling does not necessarily have to be connected to a set of religious beliefs. We present a model of psychological success based on the career as a calling in order to clarify relationships between the subjective and objective career, and we offer propositions related to the model. Further, we offer a case study to illustrate the notion of the career as a calling, as proposed in the model. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Turning point behaviour in tunnel ionization of atoms in super-strong, low-frequency laser fields
Authors: Ristić V M , Radulović M M , Premović T S
Published: February 2005

In the case of the short-range potential [1,5,8,9], the estimation of the probability of ionization of atoms is carried along taking into account the approximation (Keldysh approximation) which states that this kind of potential does not affect the energy of the final statefof the ejected electron in the laser field, because the electron is far enough from the nucleus. When the Coulomb potential is taken into account, it can be treated as a perturbation to the energy of the final state [1,10]. Yet, originally [1,10], the Coulomb potential in this kind of estimation was not included into calculating the turning point. This was done in [7], but only for the fields below the atomic field (1016W/cm2). Now, based on the results [11,12], we are extending our calculation that included the Coulomb correction into the estimating the turning point to the fields that are much stronger (up to 1017W/cm2). That results in the shift of the position of the turning point τ. This paper is dealing with the influence of that shift on the ionization probability for atoms in the low-frequency electromagnetic field of superstrong lasers.
Stimulated photon echo in magnetic field: research for optical memory
Authors: Rubtsova N N , Ishchenko V N , Khvorostov E B , Kochubei S A , Yevseyev I V
Published: February 2005

Shape correlation and magnetic field control of
stimulated photon echo (SPE) are investigated as basic properties
useful for optical data storage and treatment. The SPE
polarization was investigated in ytterbium vapour at the
intercombination transition (6s6p) 3P1
→ (6s2) 1S0 for the first time in a wide
range of longitudinal magnetic field strength. SPE was generated
by three resonant laser pulses of identical linear polarization
and wave vectors directed symmetrically at small angles to the
axis of cylindric vapour cell. SPE polarization is close to linear
one in zero magnetic field. As magnetic field increases, the SPE
polarization acquires ellipticity with the ellipse axis rotated
around magnetic field vector. Components of SPE polarization show
oscillations versus magnetic field with higher contrast of the
oscillations in the weak field.
Evaluating methods for the reliability of a large 2‐dimensional rectangular k‐within‐consecutive‐(r, s)‐out‐of‐(m, n):F system
Authors: Yamamoto Hisashi , Akiba Tomoaki
Published: February 2005

A 2‐dimensional rectangular k‐within‐consecutive‐(r, s)‐out‐of‐(m, n):F system consists of m × n components, and fails if and only if k or more components fail in an r × s submatrix. This system can be treated as a reliability model for TFT liquid crystal displays, wireless communication networks, etc. Although an effective method has been developed for evaluating the exact system reliability of small or medium‐sized systems, that method needs extremely high computing time and memory capacity when applied to larger systems. Therefore, developing upper and lower bounds and accurate approximations for system reliability is useful for large systems. In this paper, first, we propose new upper and lower bounds for the reliability of a 2‐dimensional rectangular k‐within‐consecutive‐(r, s)‐out‐of‐(m, n):F system. Secondly, we propose two limit theorems for that system. With these theorems we can obtain accurate approximations for system reliabilities when the system is large and component reliabilities are close to one. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2005
Shock model in Markovian environment
Authors: Li Gang , Luo Jiaowan
Published: February 2005

A Markov modulated shock models is studied in this paper. In this model, both the interarrival time and the magnitude of the shock are determined by a Markov process. The system fails whenever a shock magnitude exceeds a pre‐specified level η. Nonexponential bounds of the reliability are given when the interarrival time has heavy‐tailed distribution. The exponential decay of the reliability function and the asymptotic failure rate are also considered for the light‐tailed case. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2005
Regime change and nation building: can donors restore governance in post‐conflict states?
Authors: Rondinelli Dennis A. , Montgomery John D.
Published: February 2005

Foreign aid agencies and international assistance organisations are now heavily involved in nation building in post‐conflict states. Their record of strengthening democratic governance in countries where civil war or military force replaced unpopular regimes is mixed. Experience suggests that a complex set of conditions must be created quickly in order to rebuild indigenous governance. Ensuring security, providing assistance through a transparent and coherent plan of action, coordinating donors' activities, establishing strong and legitimate national authority, strengthening democratic political processes, transferring responsibility and resources for development to a new government, stabilising the economy and strengthening social capital and human assets must all be done in quick succession. Achieving these goals requires a cadre of civilian and, sometimes, military personnel with expertise in post‐conflict nation building. The frequency with which government aid programmes and international assistance organisations engage in post‐conflict reconstruction also suggests the need for more explicit national and international policies and the creation of specialised nation‐building agencies to undertake these difficult tasks. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strengthening democratic governance of the security sector in conflict‐affected countries
Authors: Ball Nicole
Published: February 2005

Security for people, communities and states is essential for sustainable development, democratisation and conflict mitigation. Politicised, badly managed or ineffective security bodies and justice systems often create instability and insecurity, largely due to the lack of effective democratic systems. Strengthening democratic security‐sector governance after conflict presents enormous challenges, particularly: (1) developing and implementing a legal framework consistent with international law and democratic practice; (2) developing effective, well‐functioning civil management and oversight bodies; (3) developing viable, accountable and affordable security forces; (4) ensuring that the institutional culture of the security forces supports the legal framework, international law, good democratic practice and civil management and oversight bodies. Addressing these challenges requires professional security forces, capable civil authorities, rule of law and regional approaches. Reform activities should be guided by local ownership, sensitivity to the politics of reform, local capacity, local context and a comprehensive sector‐wide framework. Local stakeholders must make hard decisions about priorities on the availability of domestic resources available and the costs and benefits of accepting external assistance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decentralisation, democracy and development in a post‐conflict society: commune councils in Cambodia
Authors: Blunt Peter , Turner Mark
Published: February 2005

This article explores explanations for the development of a particular form of decentralisation in the post‐conflict state of Cambodia. It looks at the context in which decentralisation has taken place, and analyses critical aspects of the functioning of the main elements of decentralisation: the commune councils. The article demonstrates that decentralisation has faltered due to a lack of fit with Cambodia's socio‐cultural and institutional context. This helps to explain why there has been relatively little devolution of decision‐making power to commune councils in Cambodia. But this is not the complete answer. A more powerful explanation is one in which an unconducive general environment for decentralisation complements a lack of real political enthusiasm for the idea, and a government agenda that is more consistent with pragmatic short‐term political gains (such as the consolidation of political party interests) than it is with the bolder, largely ideologically‐driven interests of donors in the post‐conflict establishment of strong forms of popular participation and political pluralism. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In search of the true group animal: the effects of affiliation orientation and social comparison orientation upon group satisfaction
Authors: Buunk Bram P. , Nauta Aukje , Molleman Eric
Published: February 2005

A study among 653 undergraduate students examined the effects upon group satisfaction of social comparison orientation (Gibbons & Buunk, 1999) and affiliation orientation, i.e. the preference for doing things together and in groups versus a preference for doing things alone. Affiliation orientation correlated positively with extraversion and agreeableness, and social comparison orientation correlated negatively with emotional stability and openness to experience. A multi‐level analysis showed that individual level variance in group satisfaction was explained by an interaction effect of affiliation orientation and social comparison orientation: a high level of affiliation orientation was associated with high group satisfaction of individual group members, but only among those low in social comparison orientation. Among those high in social comparison orientation, a high level of affiliation orientation was even associated, though not very strongly, with low group satisfaction. These effects were upheld when simultaneously controlling for all ‘Big Five’ personality dimensions. It was concluded that the typical ‘group animal’ is someone who has a strong preference for affiliation, combined with a low tendency to compare him‐ or herself with others. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perspectives in spicing up proteomics with splicing
Authors: Godovac‐Zimmermann Jasminka , Kleiner Oliver , Brown Larry R. , Drukier Andrzej K.
Published: February 2005

In the post‐genomics era there has been an acceleration of understanding of cellular and organismal biology and this acceleration has moved the goalposts for proteomics. Higher eukaryotes use alternative promoters, alternative splicing, RNA editing and post‐translational modification to produce multiple isoforms of proteins from single genes. Switching amongst these isoforms is a major mechanism for control of cellular function. At present fundamental limitations in sensitivity, in absolute quantitation of proteins and in the characterization of protein structure at functionally important levels strongly limit the applicability of proteomics to higher eukaryotes. Recent developments suggest that quantitative, top‐down proteomics analyses of complete proteins at sub‐attomole levels are necessary for physiologically relevant studies of higher eukaryotes. New proteomics technologies which will ensure the future of proteomics as an important technology in medicine and cellular biology of higher eukaryotes are becoming available.
A new application of microwave technology to proteomics
Authors: Juan Hsueh‐Fen , Chang Shing‐Chuan , Huang Hsuan‐Cheng , Chen Shui‐Tein
Published: February 2005

Two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) combined with mass spectrometry has significantly improved the possibilities of large‐scale identification of proteins. However, 2‐DE is limited by its inability to speed up the in‐gel digestion process. We have developed a new approach to speed up the protein identification process utilizing microwave technology. Proteins excised from gels are subjected to in‐gel digestion with endoprotease trypsin by microwave irradiation, which rapidly produces peptide fragments. The peptide fragments were further analyzed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization technique for protein identification. The efficacy of this technique for protein mapping was demonstrated by the mass spectral analyses of the peptide fragmentation of several proteins, including lysozyme, albumin, conalbumin, and ribonuclease A. The method reduced the required time for in‐gel digestion of proteins from 16 hours to as little as five minutes. This new application of microwave technology to protein identification will be an important advancement in biotechnology and proteome research.
Automatic annotation of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization N‐glycan spectra
Authors: Goldberg David , Sutton‐Smith Mark , Paulson James , Dell Anne
Published: February 2005

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) is the pre‐eminent technique for mass mapping of glycans. In order to make this technique practical for high‐throughput screening, reliable automatic methods of annotating peaks must be devised. We describe an algorithm called Cartoonist that labels peaks in MALDI spectra of permethylated N‐glycans with cartoons which represent the most plausible glycans consistent with the peak masses and the types of glycans being analyzed. There are three main parts to Cartoonist. (i) It selects annotations from a library of biosynthetically plausible cartoons. The library we currently use has about 2800 cartoons, but was constructed using only about 300 archetype cartoons entered by hand. (ii) It determines the precision and calibration of the machine used to generate the spectrum. It does this automatically based on the spectrum itself. (iii) It assigns a confidence score to each annotation. In particular, rather than making a binary yes/no decision when annotating a peak, it makes all plausible annotations and associates them with scores indicating the probability that they are correct.
Analysis of O‐glycosylation site occupancy in bovine κ‐casein glycoforms separated by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Holland John W. , Deeth Hilton C. , Alewood Paul F.
Published: February 2005

The ability of two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) to separate glycoproteins was exploited to separate distinct glycoforms of κ‐casein that differed only in the number of O‐glycans that were attached. To determine where the glycans were attached, the individual glycoforms were digested in‐gel with pepsin and the released glycopeptides were identified from characteristic sugar ions in the tandem mass spectrometry (MS) spectra. The O‐glycosylation sites were identified by tandem MS after replacement of the glycans with ammonia / aminoethanethiol. The results showed that glycans were not randomly distributed among the five potential glycosylation sites in κ‐casein. Rather, glycosylation of the monoglycoform could only be detected at a single site, T152. Similarly the diglycoform appeared to be modified exclusively at T152 and T163, while the triglycoform was modified at T152, T163 and T154. While low levels of glycosylation at other sites cannot be excluded the hierarchy of site occupation between glycoforms was clearly evident and argues for an ordered addition of glycans to the protein. Since all five potential O‐glycosylation sites can be glycosylated in vivo, it would appear that certain sites remain latent until other sites are occupied. The determination of glycosylation site occupancy in individual glycoforms separated by 2‐DE revealed a distinct pattern of in vivo glycosylation that has not been recognized previously.
Isoelectric beads for proteome pre‐fractionation. II: Experimental evaluation in a multicompartment electrolyzer
Authors: Fortis Frédéric , Girot Pierre , Brieau Olivier , Castagna Annalisa , Righetti Pier Giorgio , Boschetti Egisto
Published: February 2005

Proteome pre‐fractionation in multicompartment electrolyzers is proposed here, with substantial modifications as compared to the standard technique. First of all, the classical isoelectric, buffering membranes, delimiting each compartment and acting, in pairs, as isoelectric traps, have been replaced by isoelectric buffering beads, operating on the same principle, but allowing unhindered migration of proteins (lack of sieving properties, contrary to typical continuous membrane barriers). Secondly, the isoelectric beads are not made in the conventional manner, with ionic acrylamide derivative monomers throughout their central core, but are composed of a hard, ceramic core, coated with an amphoteric buffering polymer. This minimizes mass transfer resistance of proteins that are transiently adsorbed onto the beads. As a result, significantly reduced separation times, of the order of ca. 3 h, are required for developing steady‐state patterns, as compared to the lengthy times (overnight and much longer) in conventional multicompartment electrolyzers operating with isoelectric membranes. Examples of separation of standard marker proteins, as well as entire Escherichia coli lysates and human serum proteins, are given. The obtained fractions are analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and by surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
A transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of the effect of CpG‐ODN on human THP‐1 monocytic leukemia cells
Authors: Kuo Cheng‐Chin , Kuo Chu‐Wei , Liang Chi‐Ming , Liang Shu‐Mei
Published: February 2005

The CpG motif of bacterial DNA (CpG‐DNA) is a potent immunostimulating agent whose mechanism of action is not yet clear. Here, we used both DNA microarray and proteomic approaches to investigate the effects of oligodeoxynucleotides containing the CpG motif (CpG‐ODN) on gene transcription and protein expression profiles of CpG‐ODN responsive THP‐1 cells. Microarray analysis revealed that 2 h stimulation with CpG‐ODN up‐regulated 50 genes and down‐regulated five genes. These genes were identified as being associated with inflammation, antimicrobial defense, transcriptional regulation, signal transduction, tumor progression, cell differentiation, proteolysis and metabolism. Longer stimulation (8 h) with CpG‐ODN enhanced transcriptional expression of 58 genes. Among these 58 genes, none except one, namely WNTI inducible signaling pathway protein 2, was the same as those induced after 2 h stimulation. Proteomic analysis by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, followed by mass spectrometry identified several proteins up‐regulated by CpG‐ODN. These proteins included heat shock proteins, modulators of inflammation, metabolic proteins and energy pathway proteins. Comparison of microarray and proteomic expression profiles showed poor correlation. Use of more reliable and sensitive analyses, such as reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and functional assays, on several genes and proteins, nonetheless, confirmed that there is indeed good correlation between mRNA and protein expression after CpG‐ODN treatment. This study also revealed that several anti‐apoptotic and neuroprotective related proteins, not previously reported, are activated by CpG‐DNA. These findings have extended our knowledge on the activation of cells by CpG‐DNA and may contribute to further understanding of mechanisms that link innate immunity with acquired immune response(s).
Towards royal jelly proteome
Authors: Scarselli Roberta , Donadio Elena , Giuffrida Maria Gabriella , Fortunato Donatella , Conti Amedeo , Balestreri Ettore , Felicioli Romano , Pinzauti Mauro , Sabatini Anna Gloria , Felicioli Antonio
Published: February 2005

The recent availability of the honey‐bee Apis mellifera genome and trascriptome of both the female castes, has stimulated new efforts in investigating the protein composition of royal jelly (RJ), its role in caste differentiation and its quality and typicality by a proteomic approach. This study is aimed both to separate and identify proteins of royal jelly and to detect some of them in honey‐bee pollen‐bread by using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and by de novo sequencing. All the identified proteins belonged to the Apis mellifera genome. Apalbumin 1 was also confirmed to be present in honey‐bee pollen‐bread where the presence of apalbumin 2 was also found. In addition several fragments of apalbumin 1 and apalbumin 3 were also found in RJ. These could be the result of protease activity other than that of serine‐protease. This study is a contribution to the description of royal jelly proteome.
Negative‐working photoresist based on a first‐generation dendrimer consisting of 4,4‐diphenylpentyloxy units
Authors: Kamimura Yasushi , Haba Osamu , Endo Takeshi , Ueda Mitsuru
Published: February 2005

A first‐generation dendrimer (2), containing phenol groups in the exterior for solubilization in aqueous alkaline solutions, was evaluated as a new negative‐working, alkaline‐developable photoresist material. A negative‐working photoresist based on 2, 4,4′‐methylenebis[2,6‐bis(hydroxymethyl)phenol] as a crosslinker, and diphenyliodonium 9,10‐dimethoxyanthracene‐2‐sulfonate as a photoacid generator was demonstrated. This resist gave a clear negative pattern through postbaking at 90 °C after exposure to UV light, which was followed by development with a 2.38% aqueous tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide solution at room temperature. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1210–1215, 2005
Reaction of phenylacetylene with Ti(OR)4AlEt3 and V(acac)3AlEt3: Cyclotrimerization versus chain oligomerization
Authors: Rodríguez J. G. , Lafuente A. , Martín‐Villamil R.
Published: February 2005

The polymerization of phenylacetylene with the microheterogeneous Ti(OR)4AlEt3 and homogeneous vanadium acetylacetonate/aluminum triethyl Ziegler–Natta catalyst systems was analyzed. The effects of some cocatalysts (e.g., pyridine and phenylacetylide) and the solvent, temperature, and time were analyzed. Both catalyst systems produced poly(phenylacetylene) (PPA) and a 1,2,4‐triphenylbenzene (1,2,4‐TPB)/1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene (1,3,5‐TPB) cyclotrimer mixture in various molar ratios. The titanium catalyst showed the lowest PPA/triphenylbenzene ratio. The 1,2,4‐TPB/1,3,5‐TPB molar ratio decreased with increasing PPA. On the basis of the spectroscopic data, PPA had a cis–transoidal stereoregular structure. The molecular mass of PPA was determined with vapor pressure osmometry and gel permeation chromatography. A mechanism for the polymerization reaction versus cyclotrimerization was proposed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1228–1237, 2005
Pinecone‐like Cu(II) crystal growth on the surface of amine‐group‐immobilized polymers
Authors: Ko Young Gun , Shin Dong Hun , Choi Ung Su
Published: February 2005

Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to monitor pinecone‐like Cu(II) crystal growth on polymeric fibers for various growth times. In FESEM images, Cu(II) complexes and Cu(OH)2 crystal growth on poly(acryloamidino ethylene amine) and poly(acryloamidino diethylenediamine) were observed. Up to an elapsed time of 16 min, crystal growth was observed in only one direction. However, after an elapsed time of 20 h, pinecone‐like crystals covered the entire surfaces of the synthesized polymers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used for analysis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1238–1247, 2005
Massive tensor multiplets in N = 1 supersymmetry
Authors: Louis J. , Schulgin W.
Published: February 2005

We derive the action for a massive tensor multiplet coupled to chiral and vector multiplets as it can appear in orientifold compactifications of type IIB string theory. We compute the potential of the theory and show its consistency with the corresponding Kaluza‐Klein reduction of N = 1 orientifold compactifications. The potential contains an explicit mass term for the scalar in the tensor multiplet which does not arise from eliminating an auxiliary field. A dual action with an additional massive vector multiplet is derived at the level of superfields.
Flux vacua statistics for two‐parameter Calabi‐Yau's
Authors: Misra A. , Nanda A.
Published: February 2005

We study the number of flux vacua for type IIB string theory on an orientifold of the Calabi‐Yau expressed as a hypersurface in WCP4[1,1,2,2,6] by evaluating a suitable integral over the complex‐structure moduli space as per the conjecture of Douglas and Ashok. We show that away from the singular conifold locus, one gets a power law, and that the (neighborhood) of the conifold locus indeed acts as an attractor in the (complex structure) moduli space. In the process, we evaluate the periods near the conifold locus. We also study (non)supersymmetric solutions near the conifold locus, and show that supersymmetric solutions near the conifold locus do not support fluxes.
Scanning tunnelling microscopy observations at initial stage of Cs adsorption on Si(111)‐$\sqrt{3}$ × $\sqrt{3}$‐Ag surface
Authors: Liu Canhua , Matsuda Iwao , Hasegawa Shuji
Published: February 2005

The growth and ordering behaviour of Cs adatoms at the initial stage of adsorption on the Si(111)‐$\sqrt{3}$ × $\sqrt{3}$‐Ag surface have been investigated using low‐temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). It was revealed that the Cs overlayer conducts two‐dimensional gas–liquid–solid phase transitions by changing the Cs coverage below 0.143 monolayer. The STM images show that the Cs adatoms adsorb on a specific site in the unit cell of Si(111)‐$\sqrt{3}$ × $\sqrt{3}$‐Ag structure and move around by hopping among the equivalent sites in the liquid state. As the coverage increases, the Cs adatoms condense into the solid state, forming the surface superstructure Si(111)‐$\sqrt{21}$ × $\sqrt{21}$‐(Ag + Cs). Its atomic structure model was proposed based on STM observations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transvaginal sonography in the diagnosis, management and follow‐up of complex paraurethral abnormalities
Authors: Yang J.‐M. , Huang W.‐C. , Yang S.‐H.
Published: February 2005

Most urethral diverticula are thought to result from infection and obstruction of the paraurethral ducts and glands. When rupture of a resulting retention cyst or abscess occurs into the urethra, a diverticulum is formed. We report two cases of paraurethral abnormalities: urethral diverticulum and paraurethral abscess. Transvaginal sonography, with its high‐resolution visualization of the lower urinary tract, may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders. Using three‐dimensional technology, the internal architecture of the paraurethral abnormalities and their spatial relationship to the urethra and bladder, important considerations at surgery, are clearly demonstrated on ultrasonography. Complete excision of complex paraurethral anomalies may be performed under transvaginal sonographic monitoring without inadvertent injury to the bladder or urethra. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender Makes a Difference in the Description of Dyspnoea in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Ekman Inger , Boman Kurt , Olofsson Mona , Aires Nibia , Swedberg Karl
Published: February 2005

Background: Dyspnoea is a common symptom of chronic heart failure (CHF). In the community setting, patients with CHF are most often women.

Aim: To examine the impact of gender on the description of dyspnoea and to explore which clinical variables support a diagnosis of CHF.

Methods: From four primary health care centres, 158 patients with CHF were included. Patients were examined with echocardiography and a cardiologist assessed the diagnosis of CHF. The patients filled in a questionnaire containing 11 descriptors of dyspnoea.

Results: A diagnosis of CHF was confirmed in 87 (55%) patients (47 males and 40 females). One descriptor, I feel that I am suffocating, was significantly scored higher in CHF patients ( p=0.014) as compared to non-CHF patients. Three descriptors, My breath does not go in all the way ( p=0.006), I feel that I am suffocating ( p=0.040), and I cannot get enough air ( p=0.0327) were significantly scored higher among men with CHF, compared to no descriptor among women with CHF. Being male (OR=2.7; CI: 1.3–5.6, p=0.008), having diabetes (OR=5.6; CI: 1.7–18.2, p=0.004), IHD (OR=3.3; CI: 1.3–8.5, p=0.014), and a borderline significance for age (OR=1.04; CI: 0.99–1.08, p=0.058) predicted a confirmed diagnosis of CHF.

Conclusion: Three descriptors of dyspnoea were associated with CHF among men, whereas no such association was found among women. Our results suggest that gender is an important factor and should—together with age, underlying heart disease, and diabetes—be taken into account when symptoms are evaluated in the diagnosis of CHF in primary care.
Is Heart Failure Nursing Practice at the Level of a Clinical Nurse Specialist or Advanced Nurse Practitioner? The Irish Experience
Authors: Ryder Mary
Published: February 2005

Since 2000 there has been a significant increase of Heart Failure Nursing positions in the Irish health service. The background to these positions has been based on the model established at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin since 1998. Recognition of nursing practice in Ireland has also transformed with the introduction of Clinical Nurse Specialist and Advance Nurse Practitioner positions. To date Clinical Nurse Specialists coordinate and manage heart failure programmes, however it remains to be seen whether current practices are within the scope of practice of these nurses. Advanced Nurse Practitioner is a new position in Irish Nursing from examining guidelines and education this may be the way forward for Heart Failure Nursing in Ireland.
Brain processing of tonic muscle pain induced by infusion of hypertonic saline
Authors: Thunberg Johan , Lyskov Eugene , Korotkov Alexander , Ljubisavljevic Milos , Pakhomov Sergey , Katayeva Galina , Radovanovic Sasa , Medvedev Sviatoslav , Johansson Håkan
Published: February 2005

Most of the previous studies on the effects of pain on Regional Cerebral Blood Flow (rCBF) had been done with brief cutaneous or intramuscular painful stimuli. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect on rCBF of long lasting tonic experimental muscle pain. To this end we performed PET investigations of rCBF following tonic experimental low back pain induced by continuous intramuscular infusion of hypertonic (5%) saline (HS) with computer controlled infusion pump into the right erector spinae on L3 level in 19 healthy volunteers. Changes in rCBF were measured with the use of 15O labelled water during four conditions: Baseline (before start of infusion), Early Pain (4 min after start of infusion), Late Pain (20 min after start of infusion) and Post‐Pain (>15 min after stop of infusion) conditions.

Results of SPM analysis showed relative rCBF increase in the right insula and bilateral decrease in the temporo‐parieto‐occipital cortex during initial phase of painful stimulation (Early Pain) followed by activation of the medial prefrontal region and bilateral inhibition of insula, anterior cingulate and dorso‐lateral prefrontal cortex mainly in ipsilateral hemisphere during Late Pain conditions. The results show that longer lasting tonic experimental muscle pain elicited by i.m infusion of HS results in decreases rather than increases in rCBF. Possible explanations for differences found in rCBF during tonic hypertonic saline‐induced experimental muscle pain as compared with previous findings are discussed.
Delayed onset muscle soreness in neck/shoulder muscles
Authors: Nie Hongling , Kawczynski Adam , Madeleine Pascal , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars
Published: February 2005

The aim of the present study is to: (1) induce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in the neck and shoulder muscles; (2) compare the pressure pain sensitivity of muscle belly with that of musculotendinous tissue after DOMS; (3) examine the gender differences in the development of DOMS. An eccentric shoulder exercise was developed to induce DOMS on neck/shoulder muscles using a specially designed dynamometer. Eccentric shoulder contraction consisted of 5 bouts, each bout lasted 3 min, with 3 min rest period between each bout. The right shoulder was elevating against a downward pressure force of 110% maximal voluntary contraction force exerted by the dynamometer. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) of 11 sites (seven sites measured were muscle belly and four sites were myotendinous area) on neck/shoulder region were measured before, immediately after, 24 and 48 h after exercise. Pain intensity, pain area and index of McGill pain questionnaire were assessed and all were increased after exercise. DOMS was induced in the shoulder muscles. PPT was significantly decreased and reached lowest values at 24 h. The muscle belly sites are more sensitive to pain than the musculotendinous sites. No gender differences were found in any of the parameters used to assess the development of DOMS. DOMS did not distribute evenly in the neck/shoulder region. Soreness after exercise in the neck and shoulder seems not to be among the conditions that produce predominant musculoskeletal pain in females.
Changes in the North Sea fish community: evidence of indirect effects of fishing?
Authors: Daan Niels , Gislason Henrik , G. Pope John , C. Rice Jake
Published: February 2005

We investigate changes in the North Sea fish community with particular reference to possible indirect effects of fishing, mediated through the ecosystem. In the past, long-term changes in the slope of size spectra of research vessel catches have been related to changes in fishing effort, but such changes may simply reflect the cumulative, direct effects of fishing through selective removal of large individuals. If there is resilience in a fish community towards fishing, we may expect increases in specific components, for instance as a consequence of an associated reduction in predation and/or competition. We show on the basis of three long-term trawl surveys that abundance of small fish (all species) as well as abundance of demersal species with a low maximum length (Lmax) have steadily and significantly increased in absolute numbers over large parts of the North Sea during the last 30 years. Taking average fishing mortality of assessed commercial species as an index of exploitation rate of the fish community, it appears that fishing effort reached its maximum in the mid-1980s and has declined slightly since. If the observed changes in the community are caused by indirect effects of fishing, there must be a considerable delay in response time, because the observed changes generally proceed up to recent years, although both size and Lmax spectra suggest some levelling off, or even recovery in one of the surveys. Indeed, significant correlations between all community metrics and exploitation rate were obtained only if time lags ≥6 years were introduced.
Response of potential fish community indicators to fishing
Authors: Piet G.J. , Jennings S.
Published: February 2005

Fish community metrics and diversity indices have often been proposed as indicators to support an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management. The response of eight fish community indicators to spatio-temporal changes in fishing effort was studied by comparing the rate of change in (i) areas subject to different levels (high, medium, and low) of fishing effort and (ii) areas inside and outside a closed area (the plaice box) where management measures led to changes in fishing effort over time. Several indicators showed broadly consistent responses to fishing effort (slope of the biomass-size spectra, mean weight, and mean maximum length) while a range of biodiversity indices and biomass did not. The response of the indicators to spatio-temporal changes in fishing effort showed that, with the exception of the slope of the biomass-size spectra, none of the indicators reliably detected the effects of spatial management measures at the scales of time and space that were used for these analyses. While some of the size-based indicators we tested did provide evidence for fishing impacts on communities, the response of the indicators to fishing was not straightforward and may have depended on environmental conditions and historic fishing regimes. Therefore, the indicators would provide limited support for assessing the effects of short-term and small-scale management actions and must be applied with caution until we have an improved theoretical understanding of their response to fishing and the environment.
Fidelity of mature Icelandic plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) to spawning and feeding grounds
Authors: Solmundsson Jon , Palsson Jonbjorn , Karlsson Hjalti
Published: February 2005

About 2200 plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) were tagged on spawning and feeding grounds off Iceland. The aim was to reveal the migration pattern of mature plaice and to estimate fidelity rates to spawning and feeding grounds. From a total of 183 plaice tagged on the spawning ground and recaptured in successive spawning seasons, 91% of males and 88% of females were recaptured within 30 km of the tagging site. From 55 plaice tagged in the feeding area and recaptured in subsequent feeding seasons, all males and 91% of females were recaptured within 30 km of the tagging location, supposedly after migration to distant spawning grounds as indicated by recaptures in the spawning season. When weighing the number of recaptures with a standardized fishing effort, a minimum level of fidelity to the spawning ground was estimated at 94% for the spawning season one year after tagging and at 72% for the second and third spawning seasons. Fidelity to the feeding area was estimated at 90% after one year and at 100% after two and three years from tagging. The study provides insights into the population structure of Icelandic plaice, relevant to the management and conservation of the population.
The effects of marine sand and gravel extraction on the macrobenthos at a commercial dredging site (results 6 years post-dredging)
Authors: Boyd S.E. , Limpenny D.S. , Rees H.L. , Cooper K.M.
Published: February 2005

Benthic recolonization was investigated at a site historically used for the extraction of marine sand and gravel. The main objective was to assess the effects of different levels of dredging intensity on the recolonization of benthic fauna and sediments. Preliminary observations from this study indicated that the fauna within an area of seabed exposed to high dredging intensities remained in a perturbed state some 4 years after the cessation of dredging. Thereafter, annual monitoring surveys of the benthos and sediments at the “treatment” and “reference” sites have followed the recolonization process. Results from univariate and multivariate data analyses show that distinct differences in the nature of assemblages at sites exposed to high and lower levels of dredging intensity persist at least 6 years after the cessation of dredging. This paper presents the physical and biological findings 6 years after dredging, together with a generic framework for evaluating post-cessation recolonization studies.
Developmental lead exposure alters mitochondrial monoamine oxidase and synaptosomal catecholamine levels in rat brain
Authors: Devi C.B. , Reddy G.H. , Prasanthi R.P.J. , Chetty C.S. , Reddy G.R.
Published: February 2005

Rats were lactationally exposed to low‐ (0.2%) and high‐level (1%) lead (Pb) from postnatal day 1 (PND1) through PND21 through the drinking water of the mother. The levels of catecholamines, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine and the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) were determined in the cerebellum, hippocampus and cerebral cortex in young (1‐month‐old) and adult (3‐month‐old) rats. Pb‐exposure decreased the activity of mitochondrial MAO in all the brain regions in a dose‐dependent manner. The synaptosomal catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine), however, increased with low level (0.2%) Pb‐exposure and significantly decreased with high level (1%) Pb‐exposure in both the age groups. In general, the young rats seem to be more vulnerable to Pb‐neurotoxicity. These data suggest that Pb‐exposure perturbs the aminergic system in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus and may contribute to the cognitive and behavioural impairments observed in Pb‐exposed rats.
e-Government as a Carrier of Context
Authors: HEEKS RICHARD
Published: February 2005

e-Government is a global project of technology transfer taking designs from one context into a different context. Using examples of ‘e-transparency’ projects, this paper finds that the context of design inscribed into e-government systems in both explicit and implicit ways can produce a mismatch with the context in which it is deployed. This creates a contextual collision that can often lead to e-government failure. In other cases, there is some form of accommodation between the two contexts: users may appropriate inscribed elements to their own purposes or there may even be a reciprocating accommodation leading to a viable system. Factors that shape either failure or accommodation are identified, as are the networks of interests that determine the design inscription and deployment accommodation processes. Conclusions are drawn about policy on e-government project design and development of e-government capacities; and about the relevance of developing/transitional economy cases for the literature on the sociology of technology.
Organisational Transformation Through the Internet
Authors: ZUURMOND ARRE
Published: February 2005

In this article we show that organisational structures are changing fundamentally. This change is caused by the growing use of ICT and the scope of services they now cover. Since public administrations face higher demands from citizens and society – higher level of services, lower costs of service production – the ICT and internet are used to redesign, not only the service delivery process, but also the organisational structure of the organisations involved. In this article we introduce some benchmarks that show the growth path in this transformation and the use and scope of ICT, and we present a case study to illustrate changes in depth. We also try to analyse these changes, using classical literature from organisational sociology. Amendments to the work of Joan Woodward and Max Weber are proposed to deliver extra heuristic power to understand recent developments in organisational change.
Global-net for Global Movements? A Network of Networks for a Movement of Movements
Authors: DELLA PORTA DONATELLA , MOSCA LORENZO
Published: February 2005

This article focuses on the use of Computer-Mediated Communication by the movement for global justice, with special attention to the organisations involved in the movement and its activists. We examined data collected during two supranational protest events: the anti-G8 protest in Genoa in July 2001 and the European Social Forum (ESF) in Florence in November 2002. In both cases, we have complemented an analysis of the Genoa Social Forum and ESF websites with a survey of activists, including questions about their use of the Internet. We then examine hypotheses about changes new technologies introduce in collective action. The Internet empowers social movements in: (a) purely instrumental ways (an additional logistical resource for ‘resource-poor’ actors), (b) a protest function (direct expression of protest); (c) symbolically (as a medium favouring identification processes in collective actors) and (d) cognitively (informing and sensitising public opinion).