bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DESIGN OF HIGH VOLTAGE 4H-SiC SUPERJUNCTION SCHOTTKY RECTIFIERS
Authors: Zhu Lin , Losee Peter , Chow T. Paul
Published: August 2005

This paper presents a novel Schottky rectifier structure based on the superjunction approach, which is utilizes 2- and 3-D field shaping to increase the avalanche breakdown voltage. Device forward and blocking characteristics are analyzed with numerical simulations and compared with conventional 4 H - SiC Schottky rectifiers. Optimal design tradeoffs between breakdown voltage and specific on-resistance are obtained for high voltage 4 H - SiC superjunction Schottky rectifiers. The results show that the new structure can provide a 20 × lower R on,sp than conventional Schottky rectifier for 6kV device. In addition, device termination and possible fabrication steps for the superjunction devices are also presented.
Electroacupuncture Therapy for Weight Loss Reduces Serum Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and LDL Cholesterol Levels in Obese Women
Authors: Tuǧrul Cabıoǧlu Mehmet , Ergene Neyhan
Published: August 2005

Our purpose in this study was to investigate the effect of acupuncture therapy on body weight and on levels of the serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in obese women. Fifty-five women were studied in three groups as follows: (1) control group ( n = 12; mean age = 43.3 ± 4.3, and mean body mass index { BMI } = 32.2 ± 3.4); (2) electroacupuncture (EA) ( n = 22; mean age = 39.8 ± 5.3, and BMI = 34.8 ± 3.3); and (3) diet restriction ( n = 21; mean age = 42.7 ± 3.9, and BMI = 34.9 ± 3.3). EA was performed using the ear points, Sanjiao (Hungry) and Shen Men (Stomach), and the body points, LI 4, LI 11, St 25, St 36, St 44 and Liv 3, once daily, for 30 minutes, for 20 days, whereas patients on diet restriction had a 1425 Kcal diet program, that consisted of 1425 Kcal daily for 20 days. There was a 4.8% weight reduction in patients with EA application, whereas patients on diet restriction had a 2.5% weight reduction. There were significant decreases in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in EA and diet groups compared with the control group ( p < 0.05 in both cases). Furthermore, there was a decrease in LDL levels in the EA group compared with the control group ( p < 0.05). No significant changes could be found in HDL levels among the three groups. Our results suggest that EA application in obese women may decrease the serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels by increasing the serum beta endorphin level. This lipolytic effect of EA may also reduce the morbidity of obesity by mobilizing the energy stores that result in weight reduction.
"Tien-Hsien Liquid" Can Modulate Antigen-Stimulated Cytokine Production by T-Cells Isolated from Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Ulcerations
Authors: Sun Andy , Chia Jean-San , Wang Won-Bo , Chiang Chun-Pin
Published: August 2005

Recurrent aphthous ulcerations (RAU) represent a common oral mucosal disease with altered humoral and cellular immunities. Tien-Hsien liquid (THL) is an extract of Chinese medicinal herbs with immunomodulating effects. Our previous study found that THL can modulate the antigen-stimulated proliferative response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T-cells isolated from RAU patients. In this study, we further tested whether THL can modulate the antigen-stimulated cytokine production by T-cells isolated from RAU patients. To achieve this goal, T-cells isolated from 19 RAU patients were incubated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA), glutaraldehyde-inactivated tetanus toxoid (TT), glucosyltransferase D (GtfD), or antigens of Streptococcus mutans in the presence or absence of THL. The levels of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, or IL-10 in the supernatants of T-cell cultures were measured by cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. We found that THL significantly increased the PHA- or TT-stimulated TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 production by T-cells isolated from RAU patients. However, THL could also significantly decrease the TT-stimulated IL-2 production, the GtfD-stimulated IL-2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 production, and the S. mutans-stimulated IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 production by T-cells isolated from RAU patients. These results indicate that THL can modulate the antigen-stimulated cytokine production by T-cells isolated from RAU patients. Because RAU is probably a Thl-mediated disease with elevated levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6 in either the patient's sera or oral lesions and these increased levels of cytokines can be reduced by THL, we suggest that THL may be a potential immunoceutical agent for treatment of RAU.
Long-Term Oral Administration of Ginseng Extract Modulates Humoral Immune Response and Spleen Cell Functions
Authors: Liou Chian-Jiun , Huang Wen-Chung , Tseng Jerming
Published: August 2005

Ginseng radix (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is a popular herbal medicine in Oriental countries. We investigated the effect of long-term oral administration of ginseng extract on the antigen-specific antibody response. Male BALB/c mice were treated orally for 30 consecutive days with 2 g/kg of a 50% ethanol extract of ginseng root. Mice treated with ginseng and immunized with ovalbumin (OVA), resulting in an eight-fold increase in titers of anti-OVA immunoglobulin (Ig)G in the serum compared to the group receiving OVA immunization without ginseng treatment; the level of IgG was also significantly elevated in the mice treated with ginseng and immunized with OVA. Mice treated with ginseng without OVA immunization exhibited significantly reduced IgG and IgA production by spleen cells. However, IgG production was not affected in mice treated with ginseng and OVA immunization in spleen cells. Interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-4 secretion by spleen cells from either ginseng-treated mice or OVA-immunized mice were down-regulated compared to that in the control group; while the production of IL-10 was unchanged. The percentage of CD8+ cells was significantly reduced in spleen cells from ginseng-treated, OVA-immunized mice. Thus, long-term oral administration of ginseng extract appears to potentiate humoral immune response but suppress spleen cell functions.
A Novel Approach to Estimate In Vitro Antibacterial Potency of Chinese Medicine Using a Concentration-Killing Curve Method
Authors: Liu Yu-Qing , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Sun Cai-Yun , Gao Pei-Ji
Published: August 2005

The antibacterial pharmacodynamics against E. coli of Chinese medicine (CM) Rhizoma coptidis (Coptis Root) and its formula Sanhuang, and the control antibiotics enoxacin, were analyzed by a concentration-killing curve (CKC) approach, and the novel parameters BC50 and r for antibacterial potency were proposed. Using the agar plate method, about 400 cells of E. coli were evenly inoculated into LB agar plates containing a series of different concentrations of CM or antibiotic, and after a 24 hour incubation at 37°C, all the viable colonies were enumerated. This resulted in a sigmoid concentration-killing curve that could be closely fitted (R2 > 0.9) with the function: [Formula: see text], in which N0, BC50 and r represent meaningfully inoculums size, median bactericidal concentration, and bactericidal intensity, respectively. N modeled the survival of colony-forming units on each plate (CFU/plate) in a concentration series x of the drug. The CKC was symmetrical about its single inflexion (BC50, N0/2). Therefore theoretically, 2BC50 can replace MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration). [Formula: see text], the drug concentration at which only one colony survived, was the least critical value of MBC in CKC. The parameters 2BC50 and BC1 agreed more closely with the definition of MBC, and were little affected by either the biochemical basis of the antibacterial or the inoculum's size (200–400 CFU/plate), and were determined by a multi-point curve. As a result, these were more accurate, reproducible and practical as metrics than was the endpoint of MBC. The two-dimensional CKC, involving BC50 and r, captures the intrinsic dynamics of the antibacterial effect of CM/strain versus concentration, and it is consistent with the Logistic equation of the bacterial growth curve in the format. This verified approach has considerable value as a tool for the accurate and proper administration of CM. The CKC of CM, different from that of antibiotics, is likely to be the resultant force of each ingredient in certain CM, which provides a clue to solve the problem of antibiotic resistance.
THE MUCOOL/MICE LH2 ABSORBER PROGRAM
Authors: CUMMINGS M. A. C.
Published: August 2005

The continuing LH2 R & D by the MuCool group, conducted by Illinois Consortium for Accelerator Research (ICAR) institutions (NIU, IIT and UIUC), the University of Mississippi, Oxford University and Fermilab, are summarized here, including results for the first hydrogen tests of an absorber prototype from Osaka University and KEK cooled by internal convection at the newly constructed FNAL MuCool Test Area (MTA). The program includes designs for the high-powered test of an absorber prototype (external heat exchange) at the MTA which are nearing completion to be installed by fall 2005, an alternative absorber design (internal heat exchange) being finalized for the approved cooling experiment (MICE) at Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory, and a novel idea for gaseous hydrogen absorbers being developed at Fermilab for a high powered test at the MTA in 2006.
PLASTIC BUCKLING OF MODERATELY THICK ANNULAR PLATES
Authors: AUNG TUN MYINT , WANG C. M. , CHAKRABARTY J.
Published: August 2005

This paper is concerned with the plastic buckling of moderately thick annular plates under a uniform compressive stress state. The analysis is based on the incremental theory of plasticity which employs the Prandtl–Reuss equations and the plate material is assumed to obey the Ramberg–Osgood stress–strain relation. The effect of transverse shear deformation is taken into consideration by adopting the Mindlin plate theory. The governing differential equations for the plastic buckling problem are solved analytically and the plastic buckling stress factors for annular plates with the allowance of transverse shear deformation are presented for the first time. The influences of the boundary conditions, thickness to outer radius ratios, and inner to outer radius ratios on the buckling stress factors are also examined.
RANKING THE EFFICIENCY PERFORMANCE WITHIN A SET OF DECISION MAKING UNITS BY DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: LI HONGYU , ZHU JISHAN
Published: August 2005

In contrast to parametric approaches which try to optimize a single regression function through the observed data set, DEA optimizes on each individual observation with a objective of calculating a discrete piece-wise linear frontier. In the so-called preliminary DEA efficiency evaluation, whether or not a DMU is efficient is solely determined by the solution of the linear programming problem constructed for this particular DMU. In our proposed ranking method, we assess the efficiency performance of a particular DMU based not only on its efficiency score when the DMU is standing out in the objective function of the linear problem but also its efficiency ratios under the optimal solutions of other n-1 linear programming problems. This constitutes the overall efficiency performance of a DMU. A ranking procedure is developed to rank the n DMUs in terms of the overall efficiency performance.
PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH, TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY, AND RETURNS TO SCALE IN THE WASHINGTON STATE SAWMILL INDUSTRY
Authors: HELVOIGT TED L. , GROSSKOPF SHAWNA
Published: August 2005

We employed data envelopment analysis (DEA) to examine the technical and scale efficiency of the sawmill industry of Washington State. We found that there is regional variation in the rate of technical efficiency and that for most years the industry in aggregate operated at a point of modest scale inefficiency. In addition, we examined the industry's rate of productivity growth and technical change between the early 1970s and late 1990s using the Malmquist input-oriented productivity index. We found that the industry experienced a modest average annual decline in productivity and technical change during the 1970s, but experienced strong productivity growth and technical change during the 1980s and 1990s.
LITTLE HIGGS THEORIES
Authors: Schmaltz Martin , Tucker-Smith David
Published: August 2005

▪ Abstract  Recently there has been renewed interest in the possibility that the Higgs particle of the Standard Model is a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson. This development was spurred by the observation that if certain global symmetries are broken only by the interplay between two or more coupling constants, then the Higgs mass-squared is free from quadratic divergences at one loop. This collective symmetry breaking is the essential ingredient in little Higgs theories, which are weakly coupled extensions of the Standard Model with little or no fine tuning, describing physics up to an energy scale ∼10 TeV. Here we give a pedagogical introduction to little Higgs theories. We review their structure and phenomenology, focusing mainly on the SU(3) theory, the Minimal Moose, and the littlest Higgs as concrete examples.
Mitochondrial density determines the cellular sensitivity to cisplatin-induced cell death
Authors: Qian Wei , Nishikawa Manabu , Haque Anwarul Md. , Hirose Masaki , Mashimo Masayuki , Sato Eisuke , Inoue Masayasu
Published: August 2005

We studied the relationship between the mitochondrial density in the cells and the cellular sensitivity to the toxicity of cis-diaminedichloroplatinum II (cisplatin), a potent anticancer agent. Biochemical analyses revealed that the density of mitochondria in the intestinal epithelium changed markedly along its entire length. The density was the highest at the duodenum, medium at the jejunum, and the lowest at the ileum. The sensitivity of epithelial cells to cisplatin toxicity was the highest at the duodenum, medium at the jejunum, and the lowest at the ileum as judged from the occurrence of apoptosis. Similar correlation between the cisplatin sensitivity and mitochondrial density was also observed with in vitro experiments, in which intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) and their ρ0 cells with reduced number of mitochondria were used. The ρ0 cells had a strong resistance to cisplatin compared with the control cells. Cisplatin markedly increased mitochondrial generation of reactive oxygen species in IEC-6 but not in ρ0 cells. We analyzed the sensitivity of eight cell lines with different density of mitochondria to cisplatin and found the same positive correlation. These observations clearly show that cellular density of mitochondria is the key factor for the determination of the anticancer activity and side effects of cisplatin.
Aldosterone and tight junctions: modulation of claudin-4 phosphorylation in renal collecting duct cells
Authors: Le Moellic Cathy , Boulkroun Sheerazed , González-Nunez Daniel , Dublineau Isabelle , Cluzeaud Francoise , Fay Michel , Blot-Chabaud Marcel , Farman Nicolette
Published: August 2005

Aldosterone classically modulates Na transport in tight epithelia such as the renal collecting duct (CD) through the transcellular route, but it is not known whether the hormone could also affect paracellular permeability. Such permeability is controlled by tight junctions (TJ) that form a size- and charge-selective barrier. Among TJ proteins, claudin-4 has been highlighted as a key element to control paracellular charge selectivity. In RCCD2 CD cells grown on filters, we have identified novel early aldosterone effects on TJ. Endogenous claudin-4 abundance and cellular localization were unaltered by aldosterone. However, the hormone promoted rapid (within 15–20 min) and transient phosphorylation of endogenous claudin-4 on threonine residues, without affecting tyrosine or serine; this event was fully developed at 10 nM aldosterone and appeared specific for aldosterone (because it is not observed after dexamethasone treatment and it depends on mineralocorticoid receptor occupancy). Within the same delay, aldosterone also promoted an increased apical-to-basal passage of 125I (a substitute for 36Cl), whereas 22Na passage was unaffected; paracellular permeability to [3H]mannitol was also reduced. Later on (45 min), a fall in transepithelial resistance was observed. These data indicate that aldosterone modulates TJ properties in renal epithelial cells.
Self-Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation During Swallowing
Authors: Burnett Theresa A. , Mann Eric A. , Stoklosa Joseph B. , Ludlow Christy L.
Published: August 2005

Hyolaryngeal elevation is essential for airway protection during swallowing and is mainly a reflexive response to oropharyngeal sensory stimulation. Targeted intramuscular electrical stimulation can elevate the resting larynx and, if applied during swallowing, may improve airway protection in dysphagic patients with inadequate hyolaryngeal motion. To be beneficial, patients must synchronize functional electrical stimulation (FES) with their reflexive swallowing and not adapt to FES by reducing the amplitude or duration of their own muscle activity. We evaluated the ability of nine healthy adults to manually synchronize FES with hyolaryngeal muscle activity during discrete swallows, and tested for motor adaptation. Hooked-wire electrodes were placed into the mylo- and thyrohyoid muscles to record electromyographic activity from one side of the neck and deliver monopolar FES for hyolaryngeal elevation to the other side. After performing baseline swallows, volunteers were instructed to trigger FES with a thumb switch in synchrony with their swallows for a series of trials. An experimenter surreptitiously disabled the thumb switch during the final attempt, creating a foil. From the outset, volunteers synchronized FES with the onset of swallow-related thyrohyoid activity (∼225 ms after mylohyoid activity onset), preserving the normal sequence of muscle activation. A comparison between average baseline and foil swallows failed to show significant adaptive changes in the amplitude, duration, or relative timing of activity for either muscle, indicating that the central pattern generator for hyolaryngeal elevation is immutable with short term stimulation that augments laryngeal elevation during the reflexive, pharyngeal phase of swallowing.
Gaze Orienting in Dynamic Visual Double Steps
Authors: Vliegen Joyce , Van Grootel Tom J. , Van Opstal A. John
Published: August 2005

Visual stimuli are initially represented in a retinotopic reference frame. To maintain spatial accuracy of gaze (i.e., eye in space) despite intervening eye and head movements, the visual input could be combined with dynamic feedback about ongoing gaze shifts. Alternatively, target coordinates could be updated in advance by using the preprogrammed gaze-motor command (“predictive remapping”). So far, previous experiments have not dissociated these possibilities. Here we study whether the visuomotor system accounts for saccadic eye–head movements that occur during target presentation. In this case, the system has to deal with fast dynamic changes of the retinal input and with highly variable changes in relative eye and head movements that cannot be preprogrammed by the gaze control system. We performed visual–visual double-step experiments in which a brief (50-ms) stimulus was presented during a saccadic eye–head gaze shift toward a previously flashed visual target. Our results show that gaze shifts remain accurate under these dynamic conditions, even for stimuli presented near saccade onset, and that eyes and head are driven in oculocentric and craniocentric coordinates, respectively. These results cannot be explained by a predictive remapping scheme. We propose that the visuomotor system adequately processes dynamic changes in visual input that result from self-initiated gaze shifts, to construct a stable representation of visual targets in an absolute, supraretinal (e.g., world) reference frame. Predictive remapping may subserve transsaccadic integration, thus enabling perception of a stable visual scene despite eye movements, whereas dynamic feedback ensures accurate actions (e.g., eye–head orienting) to a selected goal.
Ca2+-Activated K+-Current Density Is Correlated With Soma Size in Rat Vestibular-Afferent Neurons in Culture
Authors: Limón Agenor , Pérez Cristina , Vega Rosario , Soto Enrique
Published: August 2005

Vestibular-afferent neurons (VANs) transmit information about linear and angular accelerations during head movements from vestibular end organs to vestibular nuclei. In situ, these neurons show heterogeneous discharge patterns that may be produced by differences in their intrinsic properties. However, little is known about the ionic currents underlying their different firing patterns. Using the whole cell patch-clamp technique, we analyzed the expression of Ca2+and Ca2+-activated K+currents ( IKCa) in primary cultured neurons isolated from young rats (p7–p10). We found two overlapping subpopulations of VANs classified according to low-threshold Ca2+-current [low-voltage–activated (LVA)] expression; LVA (−) neurons, formed by small cells, and LVA (+) neurons composed of medium to large cells. The IKCain both cell-groups was carried through channels of high (BK), intermediate (IK), and low conductance (SK), besides a resistant channel to classical blockers (IR). BK was expressed preferentially in LVA (+) cells, whereas IR expression was preferentially in LVA (−) cells. No correlation between SK and IK expression with the soma size was found. Current-clamp experiments showed that BK participates in the adaptation of discharge and in the duration of the action potential, whereas SK and IK did not show a significant contribution to electrical discharge of cultured VANs. However, because of the low number of VANs in culture with repetitive firing it is difficult to interpret our results in terms of discharge patterns. Our results demonstrate that vestibular-afferent neurons possess different Ca2+-activated K+(KCa) channels and that their expression, heterogeneous among the cells, would contribute to explain some of the differences in the electrical-firing properties of these neurons.
Effects of δ-Conotoxins PVIA and SVIE on Sodium Channels in the Amphibian Sympathetic Nervous System
Authors: West Peter J. , Bulaj Grzegorz , Yoshikami Doju
Published: August 2005

δ-Conotoxins are a family of small, disulfide-rich peptides found in the venoms of predatory cone snails ( Conus). We examined in detail the effects of δ-conotoxin PVIA from the fish hunting cone snail Conus purpurascens on sodium currents in dissociated sympathetic neurons from the leopard frog Rana pipiens. We also compared this toxin’s effects with those of δ-conotoxin SVIE from Conus striatus, another piscivorous cone snail. d-PVIA slowed the time-course of inactivation of δ sodium currents and shifted the voltage-dependence of activation and steady-state inactivation to more hyperpolarized potentials. Similar, albeit more pronounced, effects were seen with d-SVIE. While the effects of d-PVIA were reversed by washing, those of d-SVIE were largely irreversible over the time-course of these experiments. The effects of d-PVIA could be suppressed by conditioning depolarizations in a voltage- and time-dependent manner, whereas the effects of d-SVIE were largely resistant to conditioning depolarizations. Last, in intact sympathetic nervous system preparations, d-PVIA inhibited evoked trains of compound action potentials. Many of these effects of d-PVIA and d-SVIE are remarkably similar to those of toxins that bind to site 3 on voltage-gated sodium channels.
Semicompactness in L‐topological spaces
Authors: Shi Fu-Gui
Published: August 2005

The concepts of semicompactness, countable semicompactness, and
the semi‐Lindelöf property are introduced in L‐topological
spaces, where L is a complete de Morgan algebra. They are
defined by means of semiopen L‐sets and their inequalities. They
do not rely on the structure of basis lattice L and no distributivity in L is required. They can also be characterized by semiclosed L‐sets
and their inequalities. When L is a completely distributive de
Morgan algebra, their many characterizations are presented.
Fractional powers of hyponormal operators of Putnam type
Authors: Diagana Toka
Published: August 2005

We are concerned with fractional powers of the so‐called
hyponormal operators of Putnam type. Under some suitable
assumptions it is shown that if A, B are closed hyponormal
linear operators of Putnam type acting on a complex Hilbert space
ℍ, then for each α ∈ (0, 1). As an application, a large class of the Schrödinger′s operator with a
complex potential is considered.
On Semiabelian Groups
Authors: Kuzennyi N. F. , Subbotin I. Ya.
Published: August 2005

We establish some structural results on the semiabelian groups,
that is, groups generated by their cyclic normal subgroups. Such
groups play a significant role in the theory of supersoluble
groups. A description of two‐generated semiabelian groups and
torsion‐free semiabelian groups is obtained.
Plasmid‐Mediated Dimethoate Degradation by Bacillus licheniformis Isolated From a Fresh Water Fish Labeo rohita
Authors: Mandal Manisha Deb , Mandal Shyamapada , Pal Nishith Kumar
Published: August 2005

The Bacillus licheniformis strain isolated from the intestine of Labeo rohita by an enrichment technique showed capability of utilizing dimethoate as the sole source of carbon. The bacterium rapidly utilized dimethoate beyond 0.6 mg/mL and showed prolific growth in a mineral salts medium containing 0.45 mg/mL dimethoate. The isolated B licheniformis exhibited high level of tolerance of dimethoate (3.5 mg/mL) in nutrient broth, while its cured mutant did not tolerate dimethoate beyond 0.45 mg/mL and it was unable to utilize dimethoate. The wild B licheniformis strain transferred dimethoate degradation property to E coli C600 (Na r, F −) strain. The transconjugant harbored a plasmid of the same molecular size (approximately 54 kb) as that of the donor plasmid; the cured strain was plasmid less. Thus a single plasmid of approximately 54 kb was involved in dimethoate degradation. Genes encoding resistance to antibiotic and heavy metal were also located on the plasmid.
Finite Element Analysis of Cell Coarsening in Plastic Foaming
Authors: Zhu Z. , Xu D. , Park C. B. , Fenton R. G.
Published: August 2005

In this study, cell coarsening in plastic foaming is investigated through numerical simulation. Cell coarsening occurring in two adjacent bubbles of different sizes in a finite volume of polymer melt is considered to be representative of the whole foaming system. A quadratic triangle-based finite element analysis with an implicit scheme for time evolution is utilized to solve the governing diffusion equation in the axisymmetric coordinate system. The effects of the bulk gas concentration, the intercellular distance, and the initial bubble sizes on cell coarsening are estimated. Efforts are made to improve a fundamental understanding of cell coarsening in plastic foaming.
Rational Mediation: A Theory and a Test
Authors: Terris Lesley G. , Maoz Zeev
Published: August 2005

Although mediation between disputing states seems to have become a prevalent method of conflict resolution, especially in the post-Cold War era, the fact remains that in only 35% of all militarized disputes since World War II did some form of third-party mediation take place. This suggests that some conflict situations are more open to mediation than others. This study develops and tests a rational model of the conditions under which mediation will occur in international conflicts. The model explores the mediator’s intervention dilemma in terms of her perceived ability to transform the game that characterizes the present conflict into a game of (partial or complete) cooperation. The measure of conflict versatility is offered to denote the likelihood of, and difficulty involved in, such transformation. It is argued that the greater the versatility of the conflict, (1) the more likely are disputants to seek mediation, (2) the more likely are outside parties to mediate, and (3) the more intrusive the mediation strategies employed. Examining data on Militarized Interstate Disputes (MIDs) since World War II, the authors find substantive support for these hypotheses. The article concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and empirical implications of these findings.
A Sociological Case Study on the Attitudes and Behavior of Students in Urban Turkey
Authors: Ecevit Mehmet C. , Kasapolu M. Aytül
Published: August 2005

This research article examines relationships between health-promoting attitudes and behaviors of students in different urban, socioeconomic settings. A quantitative survey was carried out to compare attitudes and behaviors of Turkish adolescents in eighth-grade primary school. The survey results showed that socioeconomic status might be a predictor of student attitudes and behaviors and that poverty itself might serve as a measure adolescent health. There are positive and negative affects of socioeconomic status on student attitudes and behaviors, which require further investigation.
Recommendations for Care Related to Follow-Up of Abnormal Cancer Screening Tests
Authors: Puleo Elaine , Zapka Jane G. , Goins Karin Valentine , Yood Marianne Ulcickas , Mouchawar Judy , Manos Michele , Somkin Carol , Taplin Stephen
Published: August 2005

When using patient self-report of processes of care as part of measuring quality performance, validity and reliability are important considerations. In this study, the congruence of patient report of recommendations of screening follow-up care was compared with record audit data. Survey data were collected from a random sample of patients with abnormal breast (n = 230) or cervical (n = 219) cancer screening tests from four health centers. With patient consent, record audits were conducted to validate self-report. Measures of congruence for recommendations for follow-up were calculated along with sensitivity and specificity for procedure-specific recommendations. Overall congruence was higher in the mammography sample (81%) as compared to the Pap sample (61%). Predictors of overall congruence for the abnormal Pap test sample included health plan, self-reported health status, and test result. There were no significant predictors of congruence for the abnormal mammogram test sample from the potential variables collected. Raw agreement rates support using patient self-report in assessing abnormal test follow-up recommendations.
Regiochemistry of Nickel-Catalyzed Polymerization of 1,5-Dichlorobenzophenone in the Presence of Coordinating Ligands
Authors: Quirk Roderic P. , Yu Wenxin
Published: August 2005

The regiochemistry of the nickel-catalyzed polymerization of 2,5-dichlorobenzophenone in the presence of excess zinc and triphenylphosphine with (PBP-B) and without added coligand, 2,2′-bipyridine (PBP-A), has been re-examined. The carbonyl region of the 13 C NMR spectra have been interpreted by analysis of dimeric models for the H–T, H–H and T–T units in the polymer, i.e. 2,3′-bisbenzophenone, 2,2′-bisbenzophenone and 3,3′-bisbenzophenone. Based on the NMR spectral assignments for these model compounds, it has been concluded that PBP-B has few if any H–H units, whereas these units are present in significant amounts in PBP-A. Based on these results, it is proposed that what determines the conjugation length in the UV-vis spectra of PBPs is the occurrence of H–H units along the polymer backbone and not the percentage of H–T units in the chains.
Modeling and Reduction of Centrifuging in Magnetorheological (MR) Transmission Clutches for Automotive Applications
Authors: Neelakantan Vijay A. , Washington Gregory N.
Published: August 2005

Conventional shear mode transmission clutches using magnetorheological fluids (MRFs) can be either disc-shaped or cylindrical. The major drawbacks of these devices include the effect of centrifuging at high rotational speeds and the subsequent sealing problems associated with it. This study develops models aimed at describing centrifuging and mitigates this issue by developing a MR clutch design where the fluid is encapsulated in a highly absorbent polyurethane foam.
A Comparison of the Correlational Structures and Elevation Patterns of the MMPI-2 Restructured Clinical (RC) and Clinical Scales
Authors: Wallace Amanda , Liljequist Laura
Published: August 2005

The relationship between the MMPI-2 restructured clinical scales and the original clinical scales was evaluated using an outpatient clinical sample (N = 150). Similar patterns of correlations to those reported by Tellegen et al. in 2003, such as high correlations between the restructured scales and their original scale counterparts and lower intercorrelations among the restructured scales than among the original scales, were found in the outpatient sample. The former provided evidence of convergence between the two sets of scales, whereas the latter increases the potential for discriminant validity in the restructured scale profiles. Mean T-scores of the restructured scales were significantly lower than their original scale counterparts for every clinical scale except Scale 1 (hypochondriasis). Individual profiles exhibited fewer scale elevations using the restructured clinical scales (M = 2.15, Mdn = 2.0) than the original clinical scales (M = 3.29, Mdn = 3.0). The majority of client profiles (56%) had fewer scale elevations when plotted using the restructured scales versus the original clinical scales.
Culture-Fair Cognitive Ability Assessment
Authors: Verney Steven P. , Granholm Eric , Marshall Sandra P. , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Saccuzzo Dennis P.
Published: August 2005

Valid assessment with diverse populations requires tools that are not influenced by cultural elements. This study investigated the relationships between culture, information processing efficiency, and general cognitive capacities in samples of Caucasian and Mexican American college students. Consistent with the neural efficiency hypothesis, pupillary responses (indexing mental effort) and detection accuracy scores on a visual backward-masking task were both significantly related to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) Full Scale scores. These measures of information processing efficiency were similar in the two groups. However, they were related only to Caucasian American, but not to a comparable sample of Mexican American, students’ WAIS-R scores. Therefore, the differential validity in prediction suggests that the WAIS-R test may contain cultural influences that reduce the validity of the WAIS-R as a measure of cognitive ability for Mexican American students. Information processing and psychophysiological approaches may be helpful in developing culture-fair cognitive ability measures.
The Utility of the Rorschach Coping Deficit Index as a Measure of Depression and Social Skills Deficits in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Stredny Rebecca Vauter , Ball J. D.
Published: August 2005

Little research has evaluated the validity of the Coping Deficit Index (CDI) of the Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS). Because the CS Depression Index (DEPI) has frequently been found to yield false negatives, the CDI has been proposed as an alternative means of assessing social coping skills that may relate to depression. This study examined potential correlates of the CDI using the Personality Inventory for Children-Second Edition (PIC-2). Sixty-five children and adolescents were assessed with the Rorschach CS and the PIC-2. None of the PIC-2 clinical scales or subscales measuring withdrawal or social skills predicted a positive CDI, and none of the depression-related PIC-2 scales predicted a positive CDI or DEPI. The only significant relationship found was a negative relationship between the CDI and a PIC-2 subscale measuring sleep problems and preoccupation with death. Implications of these findings for clinicians and further research are discussed.
The implementation of a revised physical education syllabus in Ireland: circumstances, rewards and costs
Authors: MacPhail Ann , Halbert John
Published: August 2005

This study is concerned with the particular circumstances, personal rewards and costs, which Irish post-primary principals and physical education (PE) teachers identify as affecting the implementation of the revised junior cycle PE syllabus and in the future revised senior cycle physical education and new Leaving Certificate PE. The concepts of the 'local context of implementation' (Kirk and Macdonald, 2001) and 'zones of enactment' (Spillane, 1999) are utilized to illustrate those factors that impact on decisions made to embrace revised curriculum. Qualitative data are reported from questionnaires returned by school principals ( n = 417) and PE teachers ( n = 405). A common constraint affecting the implementation of the revised syllabus included an already over-crowded curriculum. Benefits and costs of implementation related to the examination of physical education increasing the status of PE (reward) and the reduction in non-examinable PE (cost).
Space, chance, time: walking backwards through the hours on the left and right banks of Paris
Authors: Fenton Jill
Published: August 2005

In connection with cultural geography’s current interest in themes of exploring and intervening in the city, this paper narrates an intervention in Paris authored by Jean-Pierre Le Goff. Le Goff is renowned in France for his interventions in both town and country that play with the dictates of chance. The walk takes participants to 12 locations on an imaginary geographical clock that Le Goff has plotted on a map of Paris. Participants are invited to walk anticlockwise the hours on the clock and at the site of each hour to place as many cards as the hour, drawn at random from a deck of tarot. In the progress of the walk the participants find themselves caught up in disclosing a cryptogram that links with individual mythologies while revealing a city within a city. The subterranean temporalities of Le Goff’s intervention connect with ideas of play and re-enchanting the city; they unearth incidences of objective chance and the uncanny as well as the city’s hidden signs. They enable countercultural practices to evolve that suggest the lived moment is significant to thinking about alternative narratives in studies of urban geography.
Polymorphisms in Inflammation Genes and Bladder Cancer: From Initiation to Recurrence, Progression, and Survival
Authors: Leibovici Dan , Grossman H. Barton , Dinney Colin P. , Millikan Randal E. , Lerner Seth , Wang Yunfei , Gu Jian , Dong Qiong , Wu Xifeng
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Since chronic inflammation contributes to tumorigenesis, we hypothesized that the risk and clinical outcome of bladder cancer (BC) might be modulated by genetic variations in inflammation genes.

Methods

Using the TaqMan method, we genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms in interleukin (IL) -6 (−174 G→C), IL-8 (−251 T→A), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α; −308 G→A), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG; Pro12Ala), and determined their associations with BC initiation and clinical outcome.

Results

We found that the IL-6 variant genotype (C/C) was associated with an increased BC risk (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.51). There were joint effects between the variant IL-6 genotypes and smoking status, and between the variant genotypes of IL-6 and other genes. To assess effect on recurrence, we grouped non-muscle-invasive BC patients according to intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) treatment status: no BCG, induction BCG (iBCG), and maintenance BCG (mBCG). In the Cox proportional hazards model, the variant IL-6 genotype was associated with an increased recurrence risk (hazard ratio [HR], 4.60; 95% CI, 1.24 to 17.09) in patients receiving mBCG. The variant PPARG genotype was associated with a reduced recurrence risk (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.86) among untreated patients. In patients with non-muscle-invasive BC, the variant IL-6 genotype was associated with an increased progression risk (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 0.80 to 4.11). In patients with invasive BC, variant IL-6 was associated with improved 5-year overall and disease-specific survival (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.94 and HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.15 to 1.00, respectively).

Conclusion

Inflammation gene polymorphisms are associated with modified BC risk, treatment response, and survival.
Prognostic Value of Circulating Plasma Cells in Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance
Authors: Kumar Shaji , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kyle Robert A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Dispenzieri Angela , Fonseca Rafael , Lust John A. , Gertz Morie A. , Greipp Philip R. , Witzig Thomas E.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) progresses to multiple myeloma or another related plasma cell disorder (PCD) at a rate of approximately 1% per year. Identification of patients with MGUS at high risk of progression will allow development of preventive strategies. We studied the prognostic value of circulating plasma cells (PCs) in patients with MGUS to predict progression.

Patients and Methods

Patients were eligible for this retrospective analysis if they were seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1984 and 1997, were diagnosed with MGUS, and had an analysis of the peripheral blood for circulating PCs by the slide-based immunofluorescence method. Patients were observed for progression to another PCD.

Results

Three hundred twenty-five patients were eligible and 63 (19%) had circulating PCs. Patients with circulating PCs were twice as likely (hazard ratio, 2.1) to experience progression to another PCD (most commonly myeloma), compared with those without circulating PCs (95% CI, 1.1 to 4.3; P = .03). In patients with circulating PCs, the median progression-free survival was 138 months compared with a median not yet reached for those without circulating PCs (P = .028). The median overall survival also was shorter for those with circulating PCs. Other factors with prognostic value were high levels of M protein and non–immunoglobulin G heavy-chain type.

Conclusion

The presence of circulating PCs, especially when combined with other known prognostic factors such as M protein concentration and immunoglobulin isotype, identify a group of individuals with MGUS at higher risk of progression to overt multiple myeloma.
Drug-Metabolizing Enzyme Polymorphisms Predict Clinical Outcome in a Node-Positive Breast Cancer Cohort
Authors: DeMichele Angela , Aplenc Richard , Botbyl Jeffrey , Colligan Theresa , Wray Lisa , Klein-Cabral Melissa , Foulkes Andrea , Gimotty Phyllis , Glick John , Weber Barbara , Stadtmauer Edward , Rebbeck Timothy R.
Published: August 2005

Purpose

Adjuvant chemotherapy cures only a subset of women with nonmetastatic breast cancer. Genotypes in drug-metabolizing enzymes, including functional polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 (CYP) and glutathione S-transferases (GST), may predict treatment-related outcomes.

Patients and Methods

We examined CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A5*3, and deletions in GST μ (GSTM1) and θ (GSTT1), as well as a priori–defined combinations of polymorphisms in these genes. Using a cohort of 90 node-positive breast cancer patients who received anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy followed by high-dose multiagent chemotherapy with stem-cell rescue, we estimated the effect of genotype and other known prognostic factors on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

Patients who carried homozygous CYP3A4*1B and CYP3A5*3 variants and did not carry homozygous deletions in both GSTM1 and GSTT1 (denoted low-drug genotype group) had a 4.9-fold poorer DFS (P = .021) and a four-fold poorer OS (P = .031) compared with individuals who did not carry any CYP3A4*1B or CYP3A5*3 variants but had deletions in both GSTT1 and GSTM1 (denoted high-drug genotype group). After adjustment for other significant prognostic factors, the low-drug genotype group retained a significantly poorer DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.9; 95% CI, 1.7 to 14.6; P = .004) and OS (HR = 4.8; 95% CI, 1.8 to 12.9; P = .002) compared with the high- and intermediate-drug combined genotype group. In the multivariate model, having low-drug genotype group status had a greater impact on clinical outcome than estrogen receptor status.

Conclusion

Combined genotypes at CYP3A4, CYP3A5, GSTM1, and GSTT1 influence the probability of treatment failure after high-dose adjuvant chemotherapy for node-positive breast cancer.
Patient Involvement in Surgery Treatment Decisions for Breast Cancer
Authors: Katz Steven J. , Lantz Paula M. , Janz Nancy K. , Fagerlin Angela , Schwartz Kendra , Liu Lihua , Deapen Dennis , Salem Barbara , Lakhani Indu , Morrow Monica
Published: August 2005

Purpose

High rates of mastectomy and marked regional variations have motivated lingering concerns about overtreatment and failure to involve women in treatment decisions. We examined the relationship between patient involvement in decision making and type of surgical treatment for women with breast cancer.

Methods

All women with ductal carcinoma-in-situ and a 20% random sample of women with invasive breast cancer aged 79 years and younger who were diagnosed in 2002 and reported to the Detroit and Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries were identified and surveyed shortly after receipt of surgical treatment (response rate, 77.4%; n = 1,844).

Results

Mean age was 60.1 years; 70.2% of the women were white, 18.0% were African American, and 11.8% were from other ethnic groups. Overall, 30.2% of women received mastectomy as initial treatment. Most women reported that they made the surgical decision (41.0%) or that the decision was shared (37.1%); 21.9% of patients reported that their surgeon made the decision with or without their input. Among white women, only 5.3% of patients whose surgeon made the decision received mastectomy compared with 16.8% of women who shared the decision and 27.0% of women who made the decision (P < .001, adjusted for clinical factors, predisposing factors, and number of surgeons visited). However, this association was not observed for African American women (Wald test 10.0, P = .041).

Conclusion

Most women reported that they made or shared the decision about surgical treatment. More patient involvement in decision making was associated with greater use of mastectomy. Racial differences in the association of involvement with receipt of treatment suggest that the decision-making process varies by racial groups.