bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for Type 2 diabetes in the accident and emergency department
Authors: George P. M. , Valabhji J. , Dawood M. , Henry J. A.
Published: August 2005

Aim  To assess the proportion of patients, aged 40 years and over, attending an inner city accident and emergency department that have Type 2 diabetes, and the proportion previously undiagnosed, and to assess whether the identification of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes is feasible in this setting.

Methods  Five hundred unselected people participated. All completed a demographic questionnaire regarding risk factors for diabetes. In those without known diabetes, random capillary blood glucose (CBG) was measured. If this was greater than 7.0 mmol/l, patients were asked to return for two fasting blood glucose tests. Diagnosis of diabetes was based on World Health Organization criteria.

Results  Of the 500 participating subjects, 73 were already known to have Type 2 diabetes. Of the remaining 427 subjects, 36 had CBG > 7.0 mmol/l. All 36 returned for fasting blood tests: 13 fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Type 2 diabetes, eight for impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and 15 had normal fasting glucose values. The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was therefore 17.2%, including 2.6% with a new diagnosis, and 14.6% with pre‐existing disease; 1.6% were found to have IFG. Body mass index was greater in those with Type 2 diabetes (previously and newly diagnosed) [27.1 (5.15) (mean ± standard deviation)] vs. 25.8 (4.70) kg/m2; unpaired t‐test P = 0.0213), and those with Type 2 diabetes were more likely to be of black and minority ethnic origin (57 vs. 28%; χ2P < 0.001) and to have a first‐degree family history of diabetes (45 vs. 23%; χ2P < 0.001).

Conclusions  It can be estimated from this survey that, annually, this case‐finding methodology could identify 539 (95% CI 249–828) people aged 40 years and over attending our accident and emergency department with previously undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes.
What role do extracellular matrix changes contribute to the cardiovascular disease burden of diabetes mellitus?
Authors: Tayebjee M. H. , Lip G. Y. H. , MacFadyen R. J.
Published: August 2005

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their inhibitors (TIMP) are central factors in the control of extracellular matrix turnover. They are important in normal physiology and also during a range of pathological states. In this review, we have systematically identified clinical articles relevant to cardiovascular disease in diabetes from the last 10 years. Our aim was to outline the structure, function and regulation of metalloproteinases and their key roles in cardiomyopathy and vasculopathy in diabetes. We also explore the effects of drug intervention on both human subjects with diabetes and experimental animal models. The modulation of MMP and TIMP activity using drugs that affect the expression and function of these proteins may provide us with new ways to treat this serious and disabling disease, and we explore potential mechanisms and treatments.
Rural Vincentians’ (Caribbean) beliefs about the usage of non‐prescribable medicines for treating Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Moss M. C. , McDowell J. R. S.
Published: August 2005

Aims  To explore beliefs among persons in St. Vincent, a rural Caribbean Community, regarding the usage of non‐prescribable medicines for treating Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  A phenomenological enquiry explored people's experiences and the manner in which they interpret these. One focus‐group interview was conducted of persons attending a rural diabetes clinic in St Vincent to generate insights into the phenomenon. Analysis was undertaken using the four steps utilized in phenomological studies of bracketing, intuiting, analysis and description. The findings result in deeper understanding and definition of the phenomenon.

Results  A variety of non‐prescribable, predominantly herbal and folk, medicines were commonly used as a means of self care in diabetes. Usage was underpinned by a system of lay beliefs about diabetes and beliefs in the treatment efficacy of folk medicine. A strong religious influence formed the basis of diabetes treatment and offered some symptom relief and therefore treatment satisfaction through spiritual revelations about remedies. Conventional medicines were taken in conjunction with non‐prescribable treatments or else not at all.

Conclusions  Non‐prescribable medicines were believed by participants to be efficacious. Conventional medication was perceived as an access to medical care. Study findings may be relevant to other rural populations with strong social and religious mores.
Stability of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) measurements from frozen whole blood samples stored for over a decade
Authors: Selvin E. , Coresh J. , Jordahl J. , Boland L. , Steffes M. W.
Published: August 2005

Objective  Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a measure of long‐term glycaemic control, is at the centre of the clinical management of diabetes mellitus. However, the reproducibility of HbA1c measurements from whole blood samples which have been in long‐term storage is unknown. We undertook this study to assess the reproducibility of HbA1c measurements from whole blood samples that had been in storage at −70°C for over a decade.

Research design and methods  Three hundred and thirty‐six samples of frozen whole blood from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, stored at −70°C for 11–14 years assayed for HbA1c using a dedicated ion‐exchange HPLC assay (Tosoh A1c 2.2 Plus HPLC) were compared with measurements on these same samples conducted prior to storage (in 1990–92) using a Diamat (Bio‐Rad) HPLC instrument.

Results  HbA1c measurements from long‐term stored samples were strongly correlated with values obtained prior to long‐term storage (r = 0.97). The difference between HbA1c from long‐ and short‐term stored samples had a mean of 0.35% HbA1c (sd = 0.35) and a CV of 5.8%, which was approximately three times that of duplicate assays (CV 1.3 to 2.5%).

Conclusions  These data demonstrate that highly correlated but more variable and slightly higher HbA1c results were obtained from frozen whole blood samples that have been in storage for more than a decade. This highly reproducible assay performance would lead to comparable ranking of individuals and unbiased estimates of relative risks and odds ratios in epidemiological studies (case‐control and cohort designs), but results should be realigned when the absolute value is of interest. These results have important implications for epidemiological studies and clinical trials which have stored whole blood specimens.
Insulin sensitivity independently influences brachial–ankle pulse‐wave velocity in non‐diabetic subjects
Authors: Kasayama S. , Saito H. , Mukai M. , Koga M.
Published: August 2005

Aims  Measurement of pulse‐wave velocity (PWV) is a non‐invasive technique for assessing arterial stiffness. Although insulin resistance is associated with intimal–medial thickness of the carotid artery evaluated by B‐mode ultrasonography, it is not known whether it is related to PWV. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between homeostasis model assessment insulin sensitivity index (HOMA‐%S) and PWV in non‐diabetic subjects. We also examined the effects of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 2‐h glucose and plasma high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP) on PWV, as these two parameters are associated with atherosclerosis.

Methods  A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 1934 Japanese subjects who were undergoing health examinations. Of these subjects, we recruited 1541 non‐diabetic subjects without chronic or acute inflammation, malignant diseases, autoimmune disorders, elevated serum creatinine levels, and abnormal hepatic function tests. Subjects who had an abnormal ankle/brachial blood pressure index of less than 0.9 were also excluded. Brachial‐ankle PWV and plasma high‐sensitivity CRP were measured on 1541 subjects who satisfied the admission criteria.

Results  PWV was 12.55 ± 1.61 (mean ± sd) m/s and plasma CRP concentration was 0.4 mg/l (median, range, 0.1–5.8 mg/l) in the study subjects. By multivariate regression analysis, HOMA‐%S was found to be an independent negative risk factor for PWV, while systolic blood pressure, age and triglycerides were positively associated with PWV. OGTT 2‐h glucose was weakly and independently related to PWV in male subjects. Plasma CRP was not independently associated with PWV.

Conclusions  Insulin resistance is independently associated with PWV in non‐diabetic subjects.
INCOMMENSURABLE ALTERNATIVES AND RATIONAL CHOICE
Authors: Andreou Chrisoula
Published: August 2005

I consider the implications of incommensurability for the assumption, in rational choice theory, that a rational agent's preferences are complete. I argue that, contrary to appearances, the completeness assumption and the existence of incommensurability are compatible. Indeed, reflection on incommensurability suggests that one's preferences should be complete over even the incommensurable alternatives one faces.
THE ESSENTIAL AND THE ACCIDENTAL
Authors: Gorman Michael
Published: August 2005

The distinction between the essential and the accidental is nearly always understood in modal terms. After criticizing some recent writings by Kit Fine that question that understanding, I develop a theory according to which whether a given feature of a thing is essential turns on whether it is explained by other features of that thing. The theory differs from the modal view by leaving room for features that are accidental even though their bearers cannot exist without them. The theory has the additional advantage of being open to the results of scientific theory.
EASY's GETTIN’ HARDER ALL THE TIME: THE COMPUTATIONAL THEORY AND AFFECTIVE STATES
Authors: Megill Jason , Cogburn Jon
Published: August 2005

We argue that A. Damasio's (1994) Somatic Marker hypothesis can explain why humans don’t generally suffer from the frame problem, arguably the greatest obstacle facing the Computational Theory of Mind. This involves showing how humans with damaged emotional centers are best understood as actually suffering from the frame problem. We are then able to show that, paradoxically, these results provide evidence for the Computational Theory of Mind, and in addition call into question the very distinction between easy and hard problems in the contemporary philosophy of mind.
MONKEYS, TYPEWRITERS, AND OBJECTIVE CONSEQUENTIALISM
Authors: Wiland Eric
Published: August 2005

There have been several recent attempts to refute objective consequentialism on the grounds that it implies the absurd conclusion that even the best of us act wrongly. Some have argued that we act wrongly from time to time; others have argued that we act wrongly regularly. Here I seek to strengthen reductio arguments against objective consequentialism by showing that objective consequentialism implies that we almost never act rightly. I show that no matter what you do, there is almost certainly something else you could do that would have even better consequences. If objective consequentialism is true, the ratio of the number of your right actions to the number of your wrong actions is very close to zero.
Dysmenorrhoea: The Oldest Theories and the Newest Treatment
Authors: Cannon D. J.
Published: August 2005

Pain is the most important of complaints and the commonest and most clamant symptom with which the physician has to deal. It drives the patient to his doctor, whose most urgent task is often its relief, while the search for its cause provides some of the most difficult problems he has to face on the clinical side. Volumes have been written about it. There is hardly a single number of the recent issue of the journal of the American Medical Association in which there is not a reference to some aspect of the subject. Interest in pain is not confined t o the medical world. Philosophers have pondered over it, and the problem of pain has raised issues of deep significance in metaphysics and theology.–Waterson.1
Impaired glutamine metabolism in NMDA receptor hypofunction induced by MK801
Authors: Brenner Eiliv , Kondziella Daniel , Håberg Asta , Sonnewald Ursula
Published: August 2005

Paradoxically, glutamate receptor antagonists have neurotoxic and psychotogenic properties in addition to their neuroprotective potential during excessive glutamate release. In the present study the non‐competitive N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK801 was used to examine glial–neuronal interactions in NMDA receptor hypofunction. Rats were given a subanesthetic dose of MK801 together with [1‐13C]glucose and [1,2‐13C]acetate, and brains were removed 20 min later. Analyses of extracts from cingulate, retrosplenial plus middle frontal cortices (CRFC) and temporal lobe were performed using HPLC and 13C and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Hypofunction of the NMDA receptor induced similar changes in both brain areas investigated; however, the changes were most pronounced in the temporal lobe. Generally, only labeling from [1‐13C]glucose was affected by MK801. In CRFC and temporal lobe amounts of both labeled and unlabeled glutamine were increased, whereas those of aspartate were decreased. In the CRFC the decrease in labeling of aspartate was greater than the decrease in concentration, leading to decreased 13C enrichment. In temporal lobe, not in CRFC, increased concentrations of glutamate, GABA, succinate, glutathione and inositol were detected together with increased labeling of GABA and succinate from [1‐13C]glucose. 13C Enrichment was decreased in glutamate and increased in succinate. The results point towards a disturbance in glutamate–glutamine cycling and thus interaction between neurons and glia, since labeling of glutamate and glutamine from glucose was affected differently.
Metabolic correction in microglia derived from Sandhoff disease model mice
Authors: Tsuji Daisuke , Kuroki Aya , Ishibashi Yasuhiro , Itakura Tomohiro , Itoh Kohji
Published: August 2005

Sandhoff disease is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease caused by a defect of the β‐subunit gene (HEXB) associated with simultaneous deficiencies of β‐hexosaminidase A (HexA; αβ) and B (HexB; ββ), and excessive accumulation of GM2 ganglioside (GM2) and oligosaccharides with N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residues at their non‐reducing termini. Recent studies have shown the involvement of microglial activation in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration of this disease. We isolated primary microglial cells from the neonatal brains of Sandhoff disease model mice (SD mice) produced by disruption of the murine Hex β‐subunit gene allele (Hexb–/–). The cells expressed microglial cell‐specific ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)‐immunoreactivity (IR) and antigen recognized by Ricinus communis agglutinin lectin‐120 (RCA120), but not glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐IR specific for astrocytes. They also demonstrated significant intracellular accumulation of GM2 and GlcNAc‐oligosaccharides. We produced a lentiviral vector encoding for the murine Hex β‐subunit and transduced it into the microglia from SD mice with the recombinant lentivirus, causing elimination of the intracellularly accumulated GM2 and GlcNAc‐oligosaccharides and secretion of Hex isozyme activities from the transduced SD microglial cells. Recomibinant HexA isozyme isolated from the conditioned medium of a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line simultaneously expressing the human HEXA (α‐subunit) and HEXB genes was also found to be incorporated into the SD microglia via cell surface cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate receptor and mannose receptor to degrade the intracellularly accumulated GM2 and GlcNAc‐oligosaccharides. These results suggest the therapeutic potential of recombinant lentivirus encoding the murine Hex β‐subunit and the human HexA isozyme (αβ heterodimer) for metabolic cross‐correction in microglial cells involved in progressive neurodegeneration in SD mice.
Runx1 expression defines a subpopulation of displaced amacrine cells in the developing mouse retina
Authors: Stewart Lee , Potok Mary Anne , Camper Sally A. , Stifani Stefano
Published: August 2005

AML1/Runx1 (Runx1) is a mammalian transcription factor that plays critical roles in regulating the differentiation of a number of different cell types. In the present study, we have utilized mice expressing β‐galactosidase (β‐gal) under the control of the Runx1 promoter to characterize the spatiotemporal expression pattern of Runx1 during retinogenesis. Expression of β‐gal was first detected at embryonic day 13.5 in post‐mitotic cells located in the inner retina and overlapped with expression of the early amacrine and ganglion cell marker protein Islet1. During subsequent developmental stages, the number of β‐gal‐positive cells increased in a central‐to‐peripheral gradient until late embryogenesis but then decreased in the early post‐natal retina. β‐gal‐positive cells were located primarily in the ganglion cell layer by late embryonic/early post‐natal stages and were identified as a subpopulation of displaced amacrine cells by the continued expression of Islet1, as well as Pax6, and the coexpression of the amacrine cell subtype‐specific markers choline acetyltransferase, calretinin and the 65‐kDa isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase. These findings identify Runx1 as a novel marker for a restricted amacrine cell subtype and suggest a role for this gene in regulating the post‐mitotic development of these cells.
Neuronal K+/Cl– co‐transporter (KCC2) transgenes lacking neurone restrictive silencer element recapitulate CNS neurone‐specific expression and developmental up‐regulation of endogenous KCC2 gene
Authors: Uvarov Pavel , Pruunsild Priit , Timmusk Tõnis , Airaksinen Matti S.
Published: August 2005

The K+/Cl– co‐transporter KCC2 maintains the low intracellular chloride concentration required for fast synaptic inhibition and is exclusively expressed in neurones of the CNS. Here, we show that the KCC2 gene (alias SLC12a5) has multiple transcription start sites and characterize the activity of 6.8 kb of mouse KCC2 gene regulatory sequence (spanning 1.4 kb upstream from exon 1 to exon 2) using luciferase reporters. Overexpression of neurone‐restrictive silencer factor repressed the reporter activity in vitro, apparently via a neurone restrictive silencer element (NRSEKCC2) within intron 1 of the mouse KCC2 gene. In transgenic mice, however, KCC2 reporters with or without deletion of the NRSEKCC2 were expressed exclusively in neurones and predominantly in the CNS with a similar pattern and developmental up‐regulation as endogenous KCC2. Moreover, a third transgene with just a 1.4‐kb KCC2 promoter region lacking the NRSEKCC2‐bearing intron 1 was still expressed predominantly in neural tissues. Thus, developmental up‐regulation of the KCC2 gene does not require NRSEKCC2 and the 1.4‐kb KCC2 promoter is largely sufficient for neurone‐specific expression of KCC2.
Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci from Phaedranassa tunguraguae (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: OLEAS NORA H. , MEEROW ALAN W. , FRANCISCO‐ORTEGA JAVIER
Published: August 2005

Phaedranassa tunguraguae is an endangered species endemic to Ecuador. Eight highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched genomic library for this species. Levels of polymorphism were evaluated using a total of 31 individuals from a single natural population. An average of 14.1 alleles per locus was detected, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.387 to 0.903. All but one locus depart significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These loci are the first microsatellite primers isolated for Amaryllidaceae and will be utilized to investigate patterns of genetic variation of P. tunguraguae, which will contribute data relevant to the conservation of the species.
Development and characterization of novel di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus)
Authors: CANINO MICHAEL F. , SPIES INGRID B. , HAUSER LORENZ
Published: August 2005

The Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) supports large commercial fisheries in the northern Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. Here we characterize 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from enriched genomic libraries. Loci were screened on a sample of 96 spawning adults. The average number of alleles per locus was 25.3 (range 12–44), with expected heterozygosities (HE) ranging from 0.54 to 0.97. No significant deviations of genotypic proportions from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium or linkage equilibrium were detected. These markers will be used in future studies of population structure and mixed stock analysis of this important gadid species.
locuseater and shadowboxer: programs to optimize experimental design and multiplexing strategies for genetic mark–recapture
Authors: HOYLE SIMON D. , PEEL DAVID , OVENDEN JENNY R. , BRODERICK DAMIEN , BUCKWORTH RIK C.
Published: August 2005

Genetic mark–recapture requires efficient methods of uniquely identifying individuals. ‘Shadows’ (individuals with the same genotype at the selected loci) become more likely with increasing sample size, and bias harvest rate estimates. Finding loci is costly, but better loci reduce analysis costs and improve power. Optimal microsatellite panels minimize shadows, but panel design is a complex optimization process. locuseater and shadowboxer permit power and cost analysis of this process and automate some aspects, by simulating the entire experiment from panel design to harvest rate estimation.
Transport of low‐aH2O dehydration products to melt sites via reaction‐zone networks, Milford Sound, New Zealand
Authors: BLATTNER P.
Published: August 2005

The gabbroic/dioritic Pembroke Hornblende Granulite (PHG) of Milford Sound displays a geometrically simple mesoscopic network of sub‐planar garnet reaction zones (GRZ) in which the meta‐igneous hornblende granulite has been depleted of Na, Si, and H2O, and c. 25 vol.% almandine‐rich garnet has formed. Some studies postulate the initial presence of melt along the centres of all GRZ, explaining the frequent absence of feldspathic veins by selective melt loss. A more parsimonious model is necessitated by structural evidence and, together with chemical data, suggests a relationship between mid‐range metasomatic transport and anatexis. The Pembroke outcrops show a process of incipient melting of gabbro/diorite in an environment of relatively low aH2O in lithologies that have limited free quartz. A non‐equilibrium steady state is proposed, in which a sodic dehydration fluid moves some distance via the GRZ network towards areas of partial melting. Only in these areas are Na and Si reconstituted as albite, with more garnet as byproduct, having avoided the need for melt percolation. The combined structural and chemical evidence directs a focus on mass transport in low‐aH2O gabbroic environments. In subsequent events of shearing and complete transposition, both sets of garnet – the atypical GRZ residue and partial melt melanosomes – were inherited by the Milford Gneiss ‘facies’ of the PHG.
Nanotechnology and Molecular Homeostasis
Authors: Wiley Christopher
Published: August 2005

Molecular nanotechnology is a rapidly emerging field that will allow for the precise and purposeful arrangement of matter atom by atom and eventually the building of submicron‐scale medical sensors and therapeutic devices. These tools will provide the means to analyze, understand, and precisely control the molecular machinery of the human body. This will allow for the detection and correction of any undesired structural changes (disease or aging) at the finest level of detail and the earliest possible time. Genuine rejuvenation followed by the indefinite maintenance of an optimal physiologic state, or molecular homeostasis, may ultimately become possible. Current progress is rapid and accelerating, with a wide array of early nanoscale medical technologies under active development at the present time.
Aging in the United Kingdom and Europe—A Snapshot of the Future?
Authors: Carpenter George Iain
Published: August 2005

The implications for society of increasing life span to 120 years can only be guessed, but comparing the diversity of responses to aging in different countries may give insights into the possible effect. A European Union–funded study of the recipients of community care services in 11 European countries illustrates how such studies can help identify some of the issues.

The study, made possible by the availability of a multidimensional standardized assessment for community care, illustrates how diversity of social and political history and culture results in widely different patterns of dependency in those cared for at home, different levels of formal care, and informal caregiver burden.

There is wide variation in living arrangements, marital status, and dependency between countries. The average age of recipients of community care is approximately 82, regardless of the average age of the national population. In Italy, which has the oldest population in Europe, dependency in people supported at home in extended families is high, with little formal care and significant levels of informal caregiver burden. In contrast the Nordic countries have lower levels of dependency and greater proportions of people with no informal caregiver. In Germany, informal caregiver burden may be related to the regulatory mechanisms rather than dependency and levels of formal care.

With a life expectancy of 120, it will be these 80‐year‐olds who will be caring for their parents. Although humankind is resourceful, it will require a unified approach to aging to overcome the challenging diversity in our societies.
Comparison of Deformable and Elastic Foundation Finite Element Simulations for Predicting Knee Replacement Mechanics
Authors: Halloran Jason P. , Easley Sarah K. , Petrella Anthony J. , Rullkoetter Paul J.
Published: August 2005

Rigid body total knee replacement (TKR) models with tibiofemoral contact based on elastic foundation (EF) theory utilize simple contact pressure-surface overclosure relationships to estimate joint mechanics, and require significantly less computational time than corresponding deformable finite element (FE) methods. However, potential differences in predicted kinematics between these representations are currently not well understood, and it is unclear if the estimates of contact area and pressure are acceptable. Therefore, the objectives of the current study were to develop rigid EF and deformable FE models of tibiofemoral contact, and to compare predicted kinematics and contact mechanics from both representations during gait loading conditions with three different implant designs. Linear and nonlinear contact pressure-surface overclosure relationships based on polyethylene material properties were developed using EF theory. All other variables being equal, rigid body FE models accurately estimated kinematics predicted by fully deformable FE models and required only 2% of the analysis time. As expected, the linear EF contact model sufficiently approximated trends for peak contact pressures, but overestimated the deformable results by up to 30%. The nonlinear EF contact model more accurately reproduced trends and magnitudes of the deformable analysis, with maximum differences of approximately 15% at the peak pressures during the gait cycle. All contact area predictions agreed in trend and magnitude. Using rigid models, edge-loading conditions resulted in substantial overestimation of peak pressure. Optimal nonlinear EF contact relationships were developed for specific TKR designs for use in parametric or repetitive analyses where computational time is paramount. The explicit FE analysis method utilized here provides a unique approach in that both rigid and deformable analyses can be run from the same input file, thus enabling simple selection of the most appropriate representation for the analysis of interest.
The Development of Structural and Mechanical Anisotropy in Fibroblast Populated Collagen Gels
Authors: Thomopoulos Stavros , Fomovsky Gregory M. , Holmes Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2005

An in vitro model system was developed to study structure-function relationships and the development of structural and mechanical anisotropy in collagenous tissues. Fibroblast-populated collagen gels were constrained either biaxially or uniaxially. Gel remodeling, biaxial mechanical properties, and collagen orientation were determined after 72h of culture. Collagen gels contracted spontaneously in the unconstrained direction, uniaxial mechanical constraints produced structural anisotropy, and this structural anisotropy was associated with mechanical anisotropy. Cardiac and tendon fibroblasts were compared to test the hypothesis that tendon fibroblasts should generate greater anisotropy in vitro. However, no differences were seen in either structure or mechanics of collagen gels populated with these two cell types, or between fibroblast populated gels and acellular gels. This study demonstrates our ability to control and measure the development of structural and mechanical anisotropy due to imposed mechanical constraints in a fibroblast-populated collagen gel model system. While imposed constraints were required for the development of anisotropy in this system, active remodeling of the gel by fibroblasts was not. This model system will provide a basis for investigating structure-function relationships in engineered constructs and for studying mechanisms underlying the development of anisotropy in collagenous tissues.
Experimental Investigation Into the Deep Penetration of Soft Solids by Sharp and Blunt Punches, With Application to the Piercing of Skin
Authors: Shergold Oliver A. , Fleck Norman A.
Published: August 2005

An experimental study has been conducted on the penetration of silicone rubbers and human skin in vivo by sharp-tipped and flat-bottomed cylindrical punches. A penetrometer was developed to measure the penetration of human skin in vivo, while a conventional screw-driven testing machine was used to penetrate the silicone rubbers. The experiments reveal that the penetration mechanism of a soft solid depends upon the punch tip geometry: a sharp tipped punch penetrates by the formation and wedging open of a mode I planar crack, while a flat-bottomed punch penetrates by the growth of a mode II ring crack. The planar crack advances with the punch, and friction along the flanks of the punch leads to a rising load versus displacement response. In contrast, the flat-bottomed punch penetrates by jerky crack advance and the load on the punch is unsteady. The average penetration pressure on the shank cross section of a flat-bottomed punch exceeds that for a sharp-tipped punch of the same diameter. In addition, the penetration pressure decreases as the diameter of the sharp-tipped punch increases. These findings are in broad agreement with the predictions of Shergold and Fleck [Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A (in press)] who proposed models for the penetration of a soft solid by a sharp-tipped and flat-bottomed punch.
Determining Effective Centroid Position in Biomechanical Testing: A Technique for Simplifying Whole Bone Analysis
Authors: Whan Gabrielle , Runciman R. John , Hurtig Mark
Published: August 2005

Background: Whole bone in vitro biomechanical compressive testing can be complicated by three factors: sample asymmetry, heterogeneous material properties, and unknown effective centroid location. Method of approach: The technique presented here facilitates the calculation of effective centroid position, modulus of elasticity and equivalent uniform strain magnitude for a cross section of bone from a simple whole bone compressive test. Simplification of section response to load is achieved through a combination of linear beam and simple planer geometry theory. The technique requires three longitudinal strain gauges be affixed around the test specimen cross section of interest, gauge position need not be determined. Sample loading is then accomplished using a simple four point loading jig. Results: Results of the technique are presented on an object with known elasticity and geometry, an aluminium tube, and seven pairs of equine third metacarpal whole bones. Conclusions: Average cross section modulus of elasticity, equivalent uniform cross section strain, and effective centroid locations were all predicted to within the range of published values. Employing the testing setup and analysis technique presented in this paper resulted in a significant savings in both implementation complexity and cost over previously available techniques.
Inner Core Differential Motion Confirmed by Earthquake Waveform Doublets
Authors: Zhang Jian , Song Xiaodong , Li Yingchun , Richards Paul G. , Sun Xinlei , Waldhauser Felix
Published: August 2005

We analyzed 18 high-quality waveform doublets with time separations of up to 35 years in the South Sandwich Islands region, for which the seismic signals have traversed the inner core as
PKP
(
DF
). The doublets show a consistent temporal change of travel times at up to 58 stations in and near Alaska, and they show a dissimilarity of
PKP
(
DF
) coda. Using waveform doublets avoids artifacts of earthquake mislocations and contamination from small-scale heterogeneities. Our results confirm that Earth's inner core is rotating faster than the mantle and crust at about 0.3° to 0.5° per year.
Toll-Like Receptor 8-Mediated Reversal of CD4
+
Regulatory T Cell Function
Authors: Peng Guangyong , Guo Zhong , Kiniwa Yukiko , Voo Kui shin , Peng Weiyi , Fu Tihui , Wang Daniel Y. , Li Yanchun , Wang Helen Y. , Wang Rong-Fu
Published: August 2005

CD4
+
regulatory T (Treg) cells have a profound ability to suppress host immune responses, yet little is understood about how these cells are regulated. We describe a mechanism linking Toll-like receptor (TLR) 8 signaling to the control of Treg cell function, in which synthetic and natural ligands for human TLR8 can reverse Treg cell function. This effect was independent of dendritic cells but required functional TLR8-MyD88-IRAK4 signaling in Treg cells. Adoptive transfer of TLR8 ligand-stimulated Treg cells into tumor-bearing mice enhanced anti-tumor immunity. These results suggest that TLR8 signaling could play a critical role in controlling immune responses to cancer and other diseases.
OMNI-DIRECTIONAL REFLECTOR USING A LOW REFRACTIVE INDEX MATERIAL
Authors: XI J.-Q. , OJHA MANAS , CHO WOOJIN , GESSMANN TH. , SCHUBERT E. F. , PLAWSKY J. L. , GILL W. N.
Published: August 2005

Triple-layer omni-directional reflectors (ODRs) consisting of a semiconductor, a transparent quarter-wavelength dielectric layer and metal layer have high reflectivities at all angles of incidence. In this paper, triple-layer ODRs are demonstrated that incorporate nanoporous SiO 2, a novel low-refractive-index (low-n) material with refractive indices n ≪ 1.46 as well as dense SiO 2 (n = 1.46). GaP and Ag serve as the semiconductor and metal layer materials, respectively. An angle-integrated transverse electric (TE) mode reflectivity of R avg | TE = 99.9 % and transverse magnetic (TM) mode reflectivity R avg | TM = 98.9 % are calculated for the triple-layer ODRs employing nanoporous SiO 2. Reflectivity measurements, including the angular dependence of R, are presented. Novel hybrid ODRs consisting of semiconductor, a several micron thick low-n dielectric material layer, a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and metal layer have outstanding reflectivities for all incident angles. GaP and Ag serve as the semiconductor and metal layer, respectively. Nanoporous SiO 2 is used as the low-n material. TiO 2 and dense SiO 2 serve as the DBR materials. The angle-intergrated reflectivities of the TE and TM modes are calculated to be larger than 99.9 % for the hybrid ODRs. The results indicate the great potential of the ODRs for light-emitting diodes with high light extraction efficiency.
DEPENDENCE OF RF PERFORMANCE OF GaN/AlGaN HEMTS UPON AlGaN BARRIER LAYER VARIATION
Authors: FARACLAS ELIAS , WEBSTER RICHARD T. , BRANDES GEORGE , ANWAR A. F. M.
Published: August 2005

The dependence of microwave performance of GaN/AlGaN High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs), namely the unity gain current cut-off frequency (fT) and the maximum oscillation frequency (fMAX), are reported as a function of the mole fraction of Al and the thickness of the barrier AlGaN layer. The parameters are computed using a physics-based model and compared to experimental results. Schrödinger and Poisson's equations are solved self-consistently to relate the applied gate bias to the channel electron concentration. The contributions of both spontaneous and piezoelectric polarizations towards f T are explored. Finally, because of interest in using this family of devices at elevated temperatures, each simulation was repeated between 300K and 500K for comparison.
LOW FREQUENCY NOISE PARAMETERS IN AN AlGaN/GaN HETEROSTRUCTURE WITH 33% AND 75% Al MOLE FRACTION
Authors: VITUSEVICH S. A. , DANYLYUK S. V. , KLEIN N. , PETRYCHUK M. V. , BELYAEV A. E. , VERTIATCHIKH A. , EASTMAN L. F.
Published: August 2005

Transport and low frequency noise properties of undoped AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) heterostructures with 33% and 75% Al mole fractions in the ohmic and non-linear regimes of applied voltages are studied. In contrast to the low Al mole fraction, the noise properties of 75 % content structures are not affected by passivation. At small voltages both kinds of structures demonstrate about the same level of l/f excess noise. Deviations from conventional flicker noise were observed at high applied voltages. Additionally, differences in noise behaviour between the two structures were revealed. In the 75% content structures, a noise level suppression was registered in the non-linear regime, which is important for the development of low noise oscillator circuits.
SPICE MODEL OF AlGaN/GaN HEMTs AND SIMULATION OF VCO AND POWER AMPLIFIER
Authors: ISLAM SYED S. , ANWAR A. F. M.
Published: August 2005

SPICE model parameters are extracted from reported experimental data. The model is implemented in the Cadence Affirma Analog Circuit Design Environment and Spectre simulator is used to simulate class-E power amplifier and ring voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) circuits. The availability of the SPICE model for GaN HEMTs ensures optimization of analog/RF circuits before an expensive cut-and-try method is employed.
EFFECTS OF BUFFER LAYER THICKNESS AND DOPING CONCENTRATION ON SiC MESFET CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: MUKHERJEE SANKHA S. , ISLAM SYED S.
Published: August 2005

Two-dimensional simulations have been carried out using the Atlas® device simulator to investigate the effects of the buffer layer thickness and doping concentration on the electrical characteristics of the SiC MESFET. The variations of transconductance, output resistance, gate-source capacitance, gate-drain capacitance and (cutoff frequency) f T with respect to the change in buffer layer thickness and doping concentration have been investigated. It is observed that the performances of MESFET can be improved by reducing the leakage of channel carrier into the substrate at high drain bias, which is achieved by increasing buffer layer doping density and/or increasing buffer layer thickness. For a SiC MESFET with buffer layer thickness of 0.3μm and gate length of 1μm, drain current increases from 0.1A/ μm to above 0.45A/ μm as the buffer layer doping density is decreased from 1.9 × 1017 cm -3 to 1 × 1016 cm -3. The simulations were carried out at a gate-source voltage of –1V and a drain-source voltage of 15V. Under similar conditions, the output resistance decreases from 1.2 × 106 Ω/μ m to 1.2 × 106 Ω/μ m , and the transconductance decreases from 5.9mS/ μm to 5.3mS/ μm, and f T decreases from 11GHz to 8GHz.
Observation of New Hadronic ψ(2S) Decays at CLEO
Authors:   Representing the CLEO Collaboration., Huang G. S.
Published: August 2005

Using 5.46 pb-1 of e+e- annihilation data collected at the ψ(2S) with the CLEO detector we have observed a variety of new hadronic decay modes of the ψ(2S). A comprehensive set of branching ratios and upper limits is presented.
RECENT RESULTS ON CHARM PHYSICS FROM CDF
Authors:   on behalf of the CDF Collaboration., KARCHIN PAUL E.
Published: August 2005

Preliminary results are reported for measurements of the masses and widths of the L = 1 charm mesons [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], using data from Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron. Final results are presented for CP asymmetry and relative branching fraction for the decays D0 → K+K- and π+π-.
Charm Meson Decays to KSKSX at FOCUS
Authors:   on behalf of the FOCUS Collaboration., Cumalat John
Published: August 2005

Using data from the FOCUS experiment, we report on the decay of D mesons into states containing more than one [Formula: see text]. We present evidence for two new Cabibbo favored decay modes, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and measure their combined branching fraction relative to [Formula: see text]. We also report new measurements of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text].
Study of $B^- \to D^*_2(2460)^0 \pi^-$ and $B^- \to D_1(2420)^0 \pi^-$ Decays
Authors:   Representing the BABAR Collaboration., Eschenburg Vance O.
Published: August 2005

We report on a study of B mesons decaying into one of the narrow P -wave charm resonances, [Formula: see text] and D1(2420)0. Our preliminary results are based on 89 million [Formula: see text] pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric B Factory. Our study will be useful in the investigation of the properties of Heavy Quark Effective Theory.
Partial Reconstruction of $B^0 \to D_s^{*+}D^{*-}$ Decays and Measurement of the $D_s^+ \to \phi\pi^+$ Branching Fraction
Authors: Pennazzi Silvia
Published: August 2005

We present preliminary results on the branching fractions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], based on a data sample of approximately [Formula: see text] events collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e+e-B–factory. We reconstruct B0 mesons using both a partial and a full reconstruction technique. We obtain the following preliminary results: [Formula: see text] where the first error in each measurement is statistical, the second systematic.
LIGHT-FRONT APPROACH FOR STRONG AND WEAK DECAYS OF PENTAQUARKS
Authors: Cheng Hai-Yang
Published: August 2005

Strong and weak decays of pentaquarks are studied in the framework of the light-front approach.
Pentaquark searches at FOCUS
Authors:   on behalf of the FOCUS Collaboration., Stenson Kevin
Published: August 2005

We find no evidence for high-energy photoproduction of pentaquarks at 1540 MeV/c2, 1862 MeV/c2, or 3099 MeV/c2 using decay modes [Formula: see text], Ξ-π-, and D(*)-p, respectively.
A Study of $B^+ \to p{\bar p}K^+$ and a Search for a Θ*++ Pentaquark Candidate in B Decay
Authors:   For the BABAR Collaboration., Berger-Hryn'ova Tetiana
Published: August 2005

A study of the decay [Formula: see text] is performed using 81 fb-1 of data collected at the ϒ(4 S ) with the BABAR detector at PEP-II. The branching fraction of [Formula: see text] is measured to be (6.7 ± 0.9 ± 0.6) × 106. An upper limit on the branching fraction of [Formula: see text], where Θ*++ is a narrow state decaying to pK+, is set to be 1.5 × 10-7 for 1.43 < m(Θ*++) < 1.85 GeV/c 2 at 90% confidence level. All results are preliminary.
Measurement of direct photon production at Tevatron fixed target energies
Authors:   FOR THE E706 COLLABORATION., BEGEL MICHAEL
Published: August 2005

Measurements of the production of high-pT direct photons by a 515 GeV/c π- beam and 530 and 800 GeV/c proton beams in interactions with Be and H 2 targets are presented. The data span the kinematic ranges of 3.5 < pT < 12 GeV/c in transverse momentum and 1.5 units in rapidity. The inclusive direct-photon cross sections are compared with NLO pQCD calculations and expectations based on a phenomenological parton-kT model.
The X(3872) at CDF II
Authors:   Representing the CDF II Collaboration., Bauer G.
Published: August 2005

Last year's X(3872) discovery was confirmed with the CDF II detector in [Formula: see text] collisions. We measure its mass to be 3871.3±0.7±0.4 MeV/c 2. The source of X-mesons in the large CDF sample is resolved by studying their vertex displacement. We find 16.1±4.9±2.0% of our X-sample comes from decays of b-hadrons, and the remainder from prompt sources: either direct production or by decay of (unknown) short-lived particles. The mix of production sources is similar to that observed for the ψ(2S) charmonium state.
P-WAVE CHARM MESONS AS A WINDOW TO THE DsJ STATES
Authors: GODFREY STEPHEN
Published: August 2005

In my talk I discussed the properties of the newly discovered [Formula: see text], DsJ(2460), X(3872), and SELEX [Formula: see text] states and suggested experimental measurements that can shed light on them. In this writeup I concentrate on an important facet of under-standing the DsJ states, the properties of the closely related [Formula: see text] and D′1 states. These states are well described as the broad, j = 1/2 non-strange charmed P-wave mesons.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES FOR DISTRIBUTED DATABASE SERVICES HYPERINFRASTRUCTURE
Authors: VANIACHINE ALEXANDRE , MALON DAVID , VRANICAR MATTHEW
Published: August 2005

HEP collaborations are deploying grid technologies to address petabyte-scale data processing challenges. In addition to file-based event data, HEP data processing requires access to terabytes of non-event data (detector conditions, calibrations, etc.) stored in relational databases. Inadequate for non-event data delivery in these amounts, database access control technologies for grid computing are limited to encrypted message transfers. To overcome these database access limitations one must go beyond the existing grid infrastructure. A proposed hyperinfrastructure of distributed database services implements efficient secure data access methods. We introduce several technologies laying a foundation of a new hyperinfrastructure. We present efficient secure data transfer methods and secure grid query engine technologies federating heterogeneous databases. Lessons learned in a production environment of ATLAS Data Challenges are presented.
DATA REPROCESSING ON WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS
Authors: WICKE DANIEL
Published: August 2005

The DØ experiment faces many challenges in terms of enabling access to large datasets for physicists on four continents. The strategy for solving these problems on worldwide distributed computing clusters is presented. Since the beginning of Run II of the Tevatron (March 2001) all Monte-Carlo simulations for the experiment have been produced at remote systems. For data analysis, a system of regional analysis centers (RACs) was established which supply the associated institutes with the data. This structure, which is similar to the tiered structure foreseen for the LHC was used in Fall 2003 to reprocess all DØ data with a much improved version of the reconstruction software. This makes DØ the first running experiment that has implemented and operated all important computing tasks of a high energy physics experiment on systems distributed worldwide.
THE CAVES PROJECT — Collaborative Analysis Versioning Environment System, THE CODESH PROJECT — COllaborative DEvelopment SHell
Authors: Bourilkov Dimitri
Published: August 2005

A key feature of collaboration in science and software development is to have a log of what and how is being done - for private use and reuse and for sharing selected parts with collaborators, which most often today are distributed geographically on an ever larger scale. Even better if this log is automatic, created on the fly while a scientist or software developer is working in a habitual way, without the need for extra efforts. The CAVES and CODESH projects address this problem in a novel way, building on the concepts of virtual state and virtual transition to provide an automatic persistent logbook for sessions of data analysis or software development in a collaborating group. A repository of sessions can be configured dynamically to record and make available the knowledge accumulated in the course of a scientific or software endeavor. Access can be controlled to define logbooks of private sessions and sessions shared within or between collaborating groups.