bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Annotated Historical Account of Canine Parvovirus
Authors: Carmichael L. E.
Published: October 2005

A brief annotated history of canine parvovirus‐type 2 (CPV‐2) and its variants is summarized with emphasis on the most significant contributions of individuals involved in the initial recognition of CPV‐2 and subsequent discoveries that have advanced our knowledge of the nature and evolution of this novel canine virus.

Time has obscured the observations of many veterinary clinicians and researchers throughout the world who sensed the presence of a new disease when CPV‐2 first made its appearance in 1978 and then, within 1–2 years, spread worldwide. Since 1979, nearly 600 articles, papers, numerous text chapters and monographs have been published on the subject of CPV‐2. The early history is well known by veterinary infectious diseases specialists and noteworthy publications are recorded on the National Library of Medicine (USA) website, PubMed and in review articles. Because of the great number of publications, it is not practicable to cite them individually; however, reference is made to certain individuals, reviews and selected papers that I consider particularly relevant to the history of progress in the understanding of CPV‐2 and the disease it causes.

The clinical disease caused by CPV‐2 and its variants, the immune response to infection or vaccines, host range and the development of practical diagnostic assays are noted in historical context. The basic biological properties and the physical, molecular and antigenic structure of CPV‐2 and its variants are also discussed briefly. Finally, key players who have contributed to the antigenic and DNA sequence (evolutionary) relationships between CPV‐2 and the other autonomous parvoviruses of carnivores are noted and hypotheses regarding the origin and evolution of CPV‐2 and its variants are mentioned.
Antibody Levels and Protection to Canine Parvovirus Type 2
Authors: Elia G. , Cavalli A. , Cirone F. , Lorusso E. , Camero M. , Buonavoglia D. , Tempesta M.
Published: October 2005

The relationship between maternally derived antibody (MDA) levels and protection to canine parvovirus (CPV) infection in pups is reported. Twelve pups with a wide range of haemagglutination inhibiting (HI) titres of MDA to CPV were divided into four groups, with each group balanced for antibody titres. The dogs were inoculated with a field CPV‐2b strain and clinical signs, virus shedding and antibody response were assessed. The CPV was not detected in the faeces of dogs with HI titres of 320 at any time. In dogs with HI titres up to 160, active CPV replication after challenge was demonstrated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The successful infection of dogs with HI titres of 80 and 160 was confirmed by seroconversion, evaluated at day 14 post‐infection. These findings demonstrated that CPV infection could also occur in the presence of MDA HI titres (≥80) usually considered fully protective.
Microbiological investigation of methane‐ and hydrocarbon‐discharging mud volcanoes in the Carpathian Mountains, Romania
Authors: Alain Karine , Holler Thomas , Musat Florin , Elvert Marcus , Treude Tina , Krüger Martin
Published: October 2005

Paclele Mici is a terrestrial mud volcano field located in the Carpathian Mountains (Romania), where thermal alteration of sedimentary organic compounds leads to methane, higher hydrocarbons and other petroleum compounds that are continuously released into the environment. The hydrocarbons represent potential substrates for microorganisms. We studied lipid biomarkers, stable isotope ratios, the effect of substrate (methane, other organic compounds) addition and 16S rRNA genes to gain insights into the hitherto unknown microbial community at this site. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that bacteria were much more abundant than archaea. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rDNA clone sequences indicated the presence of bacterial and archaeal lineages generally associated with the methane cycle (methanogens, aerobic and anaerobic methanotrophs), the sulfur cycle (sulfate reducers), and groups linked to the anaerobic degradation of alkanes or aromatic hydrocarbons. The presence of sulfate reducers, methanogens and methanotrophs in this habitat was also confirmed by concurrent surveys of lipid biomarkers and their isotopic signatures. Incubation experiments with several common and complex substrates revealed the potential of the indigenous microbial community for sulfate reduction, methanogenesis and aerobic methanotrophy. Additionally, consistently to the detection of methane‐oxidizing archaea (ANME) and 13C‐depleted archaeal lipids, a weak but significant activity of anaerobic methane oxidation was measured by radiotracer techniques and in vitro. This survey is the first to report the presence and activity of ANME in a terrestrial environment.
Microbial degradation of street dust polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in microcosms simulating diffuse pollution of urban soil
Authors: Johnsen Anders R. , De Lipthay Julia R. , Sørensen Søren J. , Ekelund Flemming , Christensen Peter , Andersen Ole , Karlson Ulrich , Jacobsen Carsten S.
Published: October 2005

Diffuse pollution with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of topsoil in urban regions has caused increasing concerns in recent years. We simulated diffuse pollution of soil in microcosms by spiking sandy topsoil (A‐horizon) and coarse, mineral subsoil (C‐horizon) with street dust (PM63) isolated from municipal street sweepings from central Copenhagen. The microbial communities adapted to PAH degradation in microcosms spiked with street dust in both A‐horizon and C‐horizon soils, in spite of low PAH‐concentrations. The increased potential for PAH degradation was demonstrated on several levels: by slowly diminishing PAH‐concentrations, increased mineralization of14C‐PAHs, increasing numbers of PAH degraders and increased prevalence ofnahandpdo1PAH degradation genes, i.e. the microbial communities quickly adapted to PAH degradation. Three‐ and 4‐ring PAHs from the street dust were biodegraded to some extent (10–20%), but 5‐ and 6‐ring PAHs were not biodegraded in spite of frequent soil mixing and high PAH degradation potentials. In addition to biodegradation, leaching of 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐ring PAHs from the A‐horizon to the C‐horizon seems to reduce PAH‐levels in surface soil. Over time, levels of 2‐, 3‐ and 4‐ring PAHs in surface soil may reach equilibrium between input and the combination of biodegradation and leaching. However, levels of the environmentally critical 5‐ and 6‐ring PAHs will probably continue to rise. We presume that sorption to black carbon particles is responsible for the persistence and low bioaccessibility of 5‐ and 6‐ring PAHs in diffusely polluted soil.
An Integrative Framework for Measuring the Extent to which Organizational Variables Influence the Success of Process Improvement Programmes
Authors: Lok Peter , Hung Richard Y. , Walsh Paul , Wang Paul , Crawford John
Published: October 2005

abstract  Studies on the three types of process improvement programmes (Continuous Improvement, Reengineering and Benchmarking) have appeared many times in the literature. These studies suggest that certain organizational variables act as enablers and their presence or absence can significantly influence success rates. Such studies have tended to examine companies where a single programme has been implemented. In contrast, this paper examines a sample of companies who have experienced all three programmes. Our aim is to compare and contrast each programme's impact on firm performance and identify which organizational variables are common and which are programme‐specific enablers of success. We build and test an integrative framework to support our analysis. Our study found that: (1) Reengineering delivered the greatest impact on performance; (2) executive commitment was needed to make this happen; (3) strategic alignment was the major influence on the success rate of Reengineering and Continuous Improvement programmes; and (4) employee empowerment was necessary for each programme to work effectively.
Micro‐Practices of Strategic Sensemaking and Sensegiving: How Middle Managers Interpret and Sell Change Every Day*
Authors: Rouleau Linda
Published: October 2005

abstract  This paper looks at the workings of ongoing primary sensemaking and sensegiving micro‐practices by which middle managers interpret and sell strategic change at the organizational interface. Through middle managers’ routines and conversations related to the implementation of a strategic change in a top‐of‐the‐line clothing company, the article shows how they contribute to renewing links with stakeholders, in particular clientele, by drawing on their tacit knowledge. Interpretative analysis of these routines and conversations highlights four micro‐practices of strategic sensemaking and sensegiving: translating the orientation, overcoding the strategy, disciplining the client, and justifying the change. The paper outlines a practice perspective of sensemaking and sensegiving. It ends by suggesting the necessity of looking at middle managers’ role as interpreters and sellers of strategic change at the micro level for a better understanding of their contribution in sustaining competitive advantage through their everyday activities.
An Approximate Innovation Method For The Estimation Of Diffusion Processes From Discrete Data
Authors: Jimenez J. C. , Ozaki T.
Published: October 2005

Abstract.  In this paper, an approximate innovation method is introduced for the estimation of diffusion processes, given a set of discrete and noisy observations of some of their components. The method is based on a recent extension of local linearization filters to the general case of continuous–discrete state–space models with multiplicative noise. This filtering method provides adequate approximations for the prediction and filter estimates that are required by the innovation method in the estimation of the unknown parameters and the unobserved component of the diffusion process. The performance of approximate innovation estimators is illustrated by means of numerical simulations.
Recurrent herpes labialis during isotretinoin therapy: is there a role for photosensitivity?
Authors: Yazici AC , Baz K , Ikizoglu G
Published: October 2005

Isotretinoin (13‐cis‐retinoic acid) is one of the synthetic retinoids derived from vitamin A. Vitamin A derivatives demonstrate virucidal activity, both in vivo and in vitro. Isotretinoin has been used for the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex with encouraging results. However, we present a case with frequent attacks of herpes labialis during isotretinoin therapy for acne, who had a marked decrease in frequency of recurrences following strict use of sunscreens.
A comparison of pure and comorbid CD/ODD and depression
Authors: Ezpeleta Lourdes , Domènech Josep M. , Angold Adrian
Published: October 2005

Background:  We studied the symptomatology of conduct/oppositional defiant disorder and major depression/dysthymic disorder in ‘pure’ and comorbid presentations.

Method:  The sample comprised 382 children of 8 to 17 years of age attending for psychiatric outpatient consultation. Ninety‐two had depressive disorders without conduct disorders, 165 conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder without depressive disorders and 125 had both.

Results:  In general, there were few differences in the distributions of the symptoms of shared disorders between the pure and the comorbid groups. Comorbidity accentuated depressive and emotional symptoms and functional impairment. After controlling for the presence of other disorders and severity of symptoms, comorbid children were more globally impaired than the pure conduct group and more impaired than the pure depressive group in school, the home, and in relationships with other people.

Conclusions:  The clinical presentations of ‘pure’ and comorbid depressive and conduct disorders are similar. Differences found in phenomenology and in functional impairment between the groups have implications for treatment planning and for nosology.
Plants actively control nitrogen cycling: uncorking the microbial bottleneck
Authors: Chapman Samantha K. , Langley J. Adam , Hart Stephen C. , Koch George W.
Published: October 2005

Ecologists have tried to link plant species composition and ecosystem properties since the inception of the ecosystem concept in ecology. Many have observed that biological communities could feed back to, and not simply result from, soil properties. But which group of organisms, plants or microorganisms, drive those feedback systems? Recent research asserts that soil microorganisms preclude plant species feedback to soil nitrogen (N) transformations due to strong microbial control of soil N cycling. It has been well documented that litter properties influence soil N cycling. In this review, we stress that under many circumstances plant species exert a major influence over soil N cycling rates via unique N attainment strategies, thus influencing soil N availability and their own fitness. We offer two testable mechanisms by which plants impart active control on the N cycle and thereby allow for plant–litter–soil–plant feedback. Finally, we describe the characteristics of plants and ecosystems that are most likely to exhibit feedback.
Young People and Contemporary Art
Authors: Illeris Helene
Published: October 2005

In this article empirical examples are used to connect theories about young people, contemporary art forms and learning. The first part of the article introduces the new forms of consciousness which, according to the youth researchers Birgitte Simonsen and Thomas Ziehe, characterize young people of today. In the second part, the qualities of contemporary art forms experienced by young people are connected to the theories of the French art critic Nicholas Borriaud regarding ‘relational aesthetics’. Finally, the third part of the article discusses four preconditions for learning, which were experienced as positive by the young people included in the empirical material: ‘the hook’, ‘the experience of otherness’, ‘social interaction’, and ‘meta‐reflection’.
Attitudes to Making Art in the Primary School
Authors: Watts Robert
Published: October 2005

Recent research suggests that the majority of primary school teachers in the UK believe that the purpose of teaching art and design is to develop skills associated with creativity, communication and expression. This article is based on research into the attitudes held by primary school pupils towards making art. The reflective nature of many of the responses to the survey provides persuasive evidence of young children's capacity for absorbing relatively complex ideas, which in turn has implications for teacher expectations of pupil learning in art and design.
Educating Turkish Primary School Teachers in Visual Arts: the Past and the Future
Authors: Ilhan Ayse C.
Published: October 2005

Every educational system should meet certain criteria that establish quality in teaching and learning. These criteria are often provided by aims and objectives listed in school curricula. After describing and commenting on the history of school education in Turkey, the main question posed in this research is how to change the Turkish primary school education in visual arts so that its quality will improve. After analysing the situation, this work provides an outline of how this may be achieved. In the future, the insights gained may be very useful for an incorporation of European standards into the Turkish educational system.
Concealed/Revealed
Authors: Parsons Kate
Published: October 2005

This article deals with a cross‐cultural, interdisciplinary approach to sculpture in a practice‐based PhD. The research centred on context in relationship to the Giriama Commemorative Grave Posts of Kenya and my art practice in the UK. This heuristic investigation culminated in the construction of wall and floor fragments relating to vernacular architecture in both cultures. The natural environment and my previous teaching experience in Kenya had a major impact on the work. The self‐reflexive and visual aspects of the research were documented through diaries and photographic record. Feelings of vulnerability and insecurity led to the main theme of mortality. The practical work progressed through themes of binary opposition and semiotic reference in particular reference to the materials and processes I used. The first body of work was shown to an African audience at the National Museum of Kenya, and then later work at the Brunei Gallery, School of Oriental and African Studies, London. This reinforced the significance of familiar readings of the work through cultural context and symbolic recognition, often reflecting a culturally specific interpretation.
Calcite–graphite isotope thermometry in amphibolite facies marble, Bancroft, Ontario
Authors: DUNN S. R.
Published: October 2005

This study presents calcite–graphite carbon isotope fractionations for 32 samples from marble in the northern Elzevir terrane of the Central Metasedimentary Belt, Grenville Province, southern Ontario, Canada. These results are compared with temperatures calculated by calcite–dolomite thermometry (15 samples), garnet–biotite thermometry (four samples) and garnet–hornblende thermometry (three samples). Δcal‐grvalues vary regularly across the area from >6.5‰ in the south to 4.0‰ in the north, which corresponds to temperatures of 525 °C in the south to 650 °C in the north. Previous empirical calibration of the calcite–graphite thermometer agrees very well with calcite–dolomite, garnet–biotite and garnet–hornblende thermometry, whereas, theoretical calibrations compare less well with the independent thermometry. Isograds in marble based on the reactions rutile + calcite + quartz =titanite and tremolite + calcite + quartz = diopside, span temperatures of 525–600 °C and are consistent with calculated temperature–X(CO2) relations. Results of this study compare favourably with large‐scale regional isotherms, however, local variation is greater than that revealed by large‐scale sampling strategies. It remains unclear whether the temperature–Δcal‐grrelationship observed in natural materials below 650 °C represents equilibrium fractionations or not, but the regularity and consistency apparent in this study demonstrate its utility for thermometry in amphibolite facies marble.
Interpreting prograde‐growth histories of Al2SiO5 triple‐point rocks using oxygen‐isotope thermometry: an example from the Truchas Mountains, USA
Authors: LARSON T. E. , SHARP Z. D.
Published: October 2005

Oxygen‐isotope compositions of kyanite, andalusite, prismatic sillimanite and fibrolite from the Proterozoic terrane in the Truchas Mountains, New Mexico differ from one another, suggesting that these minerals did not grow in equilibrium at the Al2SiO5 (AS) polymorph‐invariant point as previously suggested. Instead, oxygen‐isotope temperature estimates indicate that growth of kyanite, andalusite and prismatic sillimanite occurred at c. 575, 615 and 640 °C respectively. Temperature estimates reported in this paper are interpreted as those of growth for the different AS polymorphs, which are not necessarily the same as peak metamorphic temperatures for this terrane. Two distinct temperature estimates of c. 580 °C and c. 700 °C are calculated for most fibrolite samples, with two samples yielding clear evidence of quartz‐fibrolite oxygen‐isotope disequilibrium. These data indicate that locally, and potentially regionally, oxygen‐isotope disequilibrium between quartz and fibrolite may have resulted from rapid fibrolite nucleation. Pressures of mineral growth that were extrapolated from oxygen‐isotope thermometry results and calculated using petrological constraints suggest that kyanite and one generation of fibrolite grew during M1 at 5 kbar, and that andalusite, prismatic sillimanite and a second generation of fibrolite grew during M2 at 3.5 kbar. M1 and M2 therefore represent two distinct metamorphic events that occurred at different crustal levels. The ability of the AS polymorphs to retain δ18O values of crystallization make these minerals ideal to model prograde‐growth histories of mineral assemblages in metamorphic terranes and to understand more clearly the pressure–temperature histories of multiple metamorphic events.
Case‐parent Triads: Estimating Single‐ and Double‐dose Effects of Fetal and Maternal Disease Gene Haplotypes
Authors: GJESSING H. K. , LIE R. T.
Published: October 2005

Case‐parent triad data are considered a robust basis for studying association between variants of a gene and a disease. Methods evaluating statistical significance of association, like the TDT‐test and its extensions, are frequently used. When there are prior hypotheses of a causal effect of the gene under study, however, methods measuring penetrance of alleles or haplotypes as relative risks will be more informative. Log‐linear models have been proposed as a flexible tool for such relative risk estimation. We demonstrate an extension of the log‐linear model to a natural framework for also estimating effects of multiple alleles or haplotypes, incorporating both single‐ and double‐dose effects. The model also incorporates effects of single‐ and double‐dose maternal haplotypes on a fetus during pregnancy. Unknown phase of haplotypes as well as missing parents are accounted for by the EM algorithm. A number of numerical improvements to maximum likelihood estimation are also implemented to facilitate a larger number of haplotypes. Software for these analyses, HAPLIN, is publicly available through our web site. As an illustration we have re‐analyzed data on the MSX1 homeobox‐gene on chromosome 4 to show how haplotypes may influence the risk of oral clefts.
Multiple Imputation of Missing Genotype Data for Unrelated Individuals
Authors: Souverein O. W. , Zwinderman A. H. , Tanck M. W. T.
Published: October 2005

The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of multiple imputation of missing genotype data for unrelated individuals using the polytomous logistic regression model, focusing on different missingness mechanisms, percentages of missing data, and imputation models. A complete dataset of 581 individuals, each analysed for eight biallelic polymorphisms and the quantitative phenotype HDL‐C, was used. From this dataset one hundred replicates with missing data were created, in different ways for different scenarios. The performance was assessed by comparing the mean bias in parameter estimates, the root mean squared standard errors, and the genotype‐imputation error rates. Overall, the mean bias was small in all scenarios, and in most scenarios the mean did not differ significantly from ‘no bias’. Including polymorphisms that are highly correlated in the imputation model reduced the genotype‐imputation error rate and increased precision of the parameter estimates. The method works well for data that are missing completely at random, and for data that are missing at random. In conclusion, our results indicate that multiple imputation with the polytomous logistic regression model can be used for association studies to deal with the problem of missing genotype data, when attention is paid to the imputation model and the percentage of missing data.
A Socio‐Dynamic Understanding of Markets
Authors: Liljenberg Anders
Published: October 2005

Abstract  Economic sociology furthers a healthy alternative to price‐theory–oriented economics as it sets out to remedy the invisibility of the market within the latter. There is, however, no doubt that such a market‐oriented sociology is still in its infancy, given among other issues its inability to shoulder market change. The void thus recognized opens up the potential for a market idea with both social and dynamic properties. There is good reason to believe that such an endeavor would benefit from the constructive blending of economic sociology and Austrian economics. This paper argues that such a “socio‐Austrian” connection is in the position to enrich the socioeconomic discourse in general and its market conception in particular.
Fish pass effectiveness for bullhead (Cottus gobio), perch (Perca fluviatilis) and roach (Rutilus rutilus) in a regulated lowland river
Authors: Knaepkens G. , Baekelandt K. , Eens M.
Published: October 2005

Abstract –  The effectiveness of a pool‐and‐weir fish pass in the regulated river Laarse Beek (Belgium) was assessed for bullhead (Cottus gobio), perch (Perca fluviatilis) and roach (Rutilus rutilus) from August 2002 to April 2003. Fish were caught by electrofishing downstream, within and upstream of the fish pass. They were marked with visible implant elastomer tags and released downstream of the fish pass. Our results suggest that the fish pass is ineffective for the bullhead because none of the 1270 tagged bullheads were recaptured in the upstream study area. Passage failure most likely resulted from excessive water velocities in the fish pass. On the contrary, 8% of the tagged perch and 29% of the tagged roach were recaptured in the upstream study area. Several management strategies are proposed to allow free upstream passage of the endangered bullhead at the fish pass under study.
Hairpin ribozymes in combination with siRNAs against highly conserved hepatitis C virus sequence inhibit RNA replication and protein translation from hepatitis C virus subgenomic replicons
Authors: Jarczak Dominik , Korf Mortimer , Beger Carmela , Manns Michael P. , Krüger Martin
Published: October 2005

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a clinically important liver disease with limited therapeutic options in a significant proportion of patients. Therefore, novel efficient therapeutic agents are needed. Because the 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of HCV are highly conserved and functionally important for HCV replication, they are attractive targets for RNA‐cleaving ribozymes or small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). In this study hairpin ribozymes (Rz) targeting HCV 5′‐ and 3′‐UTR sequences were expressed from a retroviral vector transcript under control of two different RNA polIII promoters (tRNAVal, U6). Ribozymes were evaluated in monocistronic, subgenomic I389/hyg‐ubi/NS3‐3′/5.1 HCV replicon cells as single agents or in combination with siRNAs against HCV 5′‐ or 3′‐UTR recently demonstrated to inhibit HCV replicons. Additionally, ribozyme constructs were generated with the 3′‐terminus of the ribozyme flanked by constitutive transport element (CTE) sequences, an RNA motif that has previously been shown to enhance cleavage activity of hammerhead ribozymes. In our study, tRNAVal as well as U6 promoter‐driven Rzs markedly reduced HCV replicon RNA expression and HCV internal ribosome entry site (IRES)‐mediated HCV NS5B protein translation from monocistronic subgenomic replicons. However, attachment of CTE sequences to the 3′‐terminus did not significantly enhance activity of Rzs tested in this study. Interestingly, we detected additive HCV inhibitory effects for combinations of tRNAVal‐driven Rzs and U6‐derived siRNAs both directed against highly conserved 5′‐ and 3′‐UTR sequence, suggesting that a dual strategy of ribozymes and siRNAs might become a powerful molecular tool to specifically silence HCV RNA replication.
His374 of wheat endoxylanase inhibitor TAXI‐I stabilizes complex formation with glycoside hydrolase family 11 endoxylanases
Authors: Fierens Katleen , Gils Ann , Sansen Stefaan , Brijs Kristof , Courtin Christophe M. , Declerck Paul J. , De Ranter Camiel J. , Gebruers Kurt , Rabijns Anja , Robben Johan , Van Campenhout Steven , Volckaert Guido , Delcour Jan A.
Published: October 2005

Wheat endoxylanase inhibitor TAXI‐I inhibits microbial glycoside hydrolase family 11 endoxylanases. Crystallographic data of an Aspergillus niger endoxylanase‐TAXI‐I complex showed His374 of TAXI‐I to be a key residue in endoxylanase inhibition [Sansen S, De Ranter CJ, Gebruers K, Brijs K, Courtin CM, Delcour JA & Rabijns A (2004) J Biol Chem 279, 36022–36028]. Its role in enzyme–inhibitor interaction was further investigated by site‐directed mutagenesis of His374 into alanine, glutamine or lysine. Binding kinetics and affinities of the molecular interactions between A. niger, Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma longibrachiatumendoxylanases and wild‐type TAXI‐I and TAXI‐I His374 mutants were determined by surface plasmon resonance analysis. Enzyme–inhibitor binding was in accordance with a simple 1 : 1 binding model. Association and dissociation rate constants of wild‐type TAXI‐I towards the endoxylanases were in the range between 1.96 and 36.1 × 104m−1·s−1 and 0.72–3.60 × 10−4·s−1, respectively, resulting in equilibrium dissociation constants in the low nanomolar range. Mutation of TAXI‐I His374 to a variable degree reduced the inhibition capacity of the inhibitor mainly due to higher complex dissociation rate constants (three‐ to 80‐fold increase). The association rate constants were affected to a smaller extent (up to eightfold decrease). Substitution of TAXI‐I His374 therefore strongly affects the affinity of the inhibitor for the enzymes. In addition, the results show that His374 plays a critical role in the stabilization of the endoxylanase–TAXI‐I complex rather than in the docking of inhibitor onto enzyme.
Structural and functional specificities of PDGF‐C and PDGF‐D, the novel members of the platelet‐derived growth factors family
Authors: Reigstad Laila J. , Varhaug Jan E. , Lillehaug Johan R.
Published: October 2005

The platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) family was for more than 25 years assumed to consist of only PDGF‐A and ‐B. The discovery of the novel family members PDGF‐C and PDGF‐D triggered a search for novel activities and complementary fine tuning between the members of this family of growth factors. Since the expansion of the PDGF family, more than 60 publications on the novel PDGF‐C and PDGF‐D have been presented, highlighting similarities and differences to the classical PDGFs. In this paper we review the published data on the PDGF family covering structural (gene and protein) similarities and differences among all four family members, with special focus on PDGF‐C and PDGF‐D expression and functions. Little information on the protein structures of PDGF‐C and ‐D is currently available, but the PDGF‐C protein may be structurally more similar to VEGF‐A than to PDGF‐B. PDGF‐C contributes to normal development of the heart, ear, central nervous system (CNS), and kidney, while PDGF‐D is active in the development of the kidney, eye and brain. In adults, PDGF‐C is active in the kidney and the central nervous system. PDGF‐D also plays a role in the lung and in periodontal mineralization. PDGF‐C is expressed in Ewing family sarcoma and PDGF‐D is linked to lung, prostate and ovarian cancers. Both PDGF‐C and ‐D play a role in progressive renal disease, glioblastoma/medulloblastoma and fibrosis in several organs.
Sleep Exacerbation of Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome in a Postmenopausal Woman
Authors: Wylie Kevan , Levin Roy , Hallam-Jones Ruth , Goddard Amanda
Published: October 2005

Aim

To investigate possible causes and treatment of persistent sexual arousal syndrome, which was exacerbated by sleep onset, in a postmenopausal subject.

Methods

A clinical examination and interviews with the patient to obtain her case history and follow-up of the effects of drug treatments. Pretreatment laboratory investigations monitored vaginal blood flow by photoplethysmography and heated electrode. Routine blood chemistry and endocrine assessments were undertaken. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of brain, pelvis, and spinal cord and genito-sensory neural analysis of clitoral and vaginal areas were performed. A selective internal iliac artery arteriogram was utilized to check the normality of the pelvic blood supply.

Results

Genitalia appeared normal and uncongested. No structural abnormalities were observed in the MRI scans. Hormonal levels and blood chemistry were commensurate with the subject's postmenopausal status. Basal vaginal blood flow (heat electrode) was within the range of normal premenopausal women and showed (photoplethysmography) normal vasomotion. On becoming drowsy and falling lightly asleep in the laboratory the vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) increased by 95% of the basal value and the low-amplitude VPAs were replaced by high-amplitude VPAs—all evidence of increased vaginal blood flow and congestion and confirming the subject's complaint of persistent sexual arousal during sleep. A simple cognitive task of repeatedly subtracting 7 from 500 out aloud did not hasten the reversion to the basal level. There was no evidence of malfunction of the brain, spinal cord, or pelvic area by MRI but genito-sensory analysis of the clitoral and vaginal area showed evidence of reduced sensory function.

Conclusions

Of the treatments tried only risperidone has been effective allowing the subject to sleep throughout the night without disturbance and according to the subject has significantly reduced the aggravation of the arousal during the day.
Impact of Physician Gender on Sexual History Taking in a Multispecialty Practice
Authors: Burd Irina D. , Nevadunsky Nicole , Bachmann Gloria
Published: October 2005

Introduction

Identification of sexual dysfunction may help physicians diagnose problems such as diabetes, pituitary tumors, atherosclerosis, and depression. Sexual concerns are common among patients; however, there is evidence to suggest that these concerns are not appropriately investigated by clinicians.

Aim

To examine the impact of physician gender on sexual history taking.

Methods

One hundred and thirty-one study questionnaires were sent to OB/Gyns, family practitioners, internists, pediatricians, and surgeons. Physicians were asked to rank their discomfort during interviews with patients of different ages, races, marital status, sexual preference, religious beliefs, and academic achievement, and they were asked to rank their perception of patient discomfort.

Main Outcome Measures

A cross-sectional descriptive analysis was generated, Fisher's exact test was performed utilizing SPSS software, and confidence intervals were developed utilizing SAS software.

Results

Of the 78 questionnaires (59%) returned, 69 (88%) reported taking sexual histories. Characteristics identified by physicians as causing discomfort included patient's age younger than 18 and greater than 65, patient's academic achievement below college level, and patient's divorced or single marital status. Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between male and female physicians reporting their discomfort when interviewing males (19% and 50%, respectively) and females (35% and 12%, respectively).

Conclusion

Although a high percentage of practitioners report taking a sexual history, physicians reported and perceived greatest discomfort when interviewing opposite gender patients as well as patients of very young and old ages. It is clear that not only is there a need for physician education on the topic of sexual history taking, but also consideration of the impact of physician and patient gender.
Polymorphisms at +49A/G and CT60 sites in the 3′ UTR of the CTLA‐4 gene and APECED‐related AIRE gene mutations analysis in sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Goswami R. , Gupta N. , Ray D. , Rani R. , Tomar N. , Sarin R. , Vupputuri M. R.
Published: October 2005

Autoimmune diseases such as Graves’ disease and type 1 diabetes have been linked with +49A/G and CT60 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 3′ UTR of the cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) gene. Both these SNPs are functionally relevant and linked with T‐lymphocyte activation. Hypoparathyroidism is seen in 70% of patients with autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy syndrome (APECED). Although calcium sensing receptor autoantibodies (CaSRAb) and generalized activation of T lymphocytes are reported among patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (SIH), CTLA‐4 gene SNPs and APECED‐related autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene mutations have not been assessed in them. We studied lead CTLA‐4 gene SNPs and APECED‐related AIRE gene mutations in 73 patients with SIH and 114 healthy subjects. The CTLA‐4 gene SNPs +49A/G in exon 1, CT60A/G in 3′ UTR and −318C/T in the promoter region were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment‐length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) using BstEII, NcoI and MseI endonucleases, respectively. The APECED‐related AIRE gene mutations, which is R257X (Finn‐major) in exon 6, 4‐bp insertion and 13‐bp deletion in exon 8, and Iranian Jews population ‘Y85C’ mutation in exon 2, were studied by PCR‐RFLP (Taq‐I), PCR and nucleotide sequencing, respectively. CaSRAb were studied by immunoblotting. The frequencies of CTLA‐4 A/A49, A/G49 and G/G49 genotypes in the patients (47.9%, 38.4% and 13.7%) and controls (45.6%, 39.5% and 14.9%, respectively) and the frequencies of CT60 A/A, A/G, and G/G genotypes in the patient (42.4%, 37.0% and 20.6%) and the control (38.6%, 40.4% and 21.0%, respectively) groups were not significantly different. The frequencies of various haplotypes including genetic loci +49A/G and CT60 and frequencies of G alleles at these positions were comparable between patient and the control groups and its presence did not correlate with clinical and biochemical indices of the disease. None of the patients had APECED‐related AIRE gene mutations. Lack of significant difference in the pattern of CTLA‐4 A/G49 and/or CT60A/G genotypes and absence of common APECED syndrome‐related AIRE gene mutations among patients and controls suggest that these sites do not play a role in the development of the SIH.
HLA and eye disease: a synopsis
Authors: Goverdhan S. V. , Lotery A. J. , Howell W. M.
Published: October 2005

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene products have been implicated in the pathogenesis of an increasing number of eye diseases, mainly inflammatory in nature. This perspective reviews the current hypotheses for why HLA polymorphisms are associated with specific eye diseases. Statistical problems in studies involving HLA associations are discussed, and possible solutions outlined. The relevance of HLA testing in routine ophthalmic practice, its practical and cost implications is also assessed.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Cavitating Flow Characteristics of Pressurized Liquid Nitrogen in a Horizontal Rectangular Nozzle
Authors: Ishimoto Jun , Onishi Masahiro , Kamijo Kenjiro
Published: October 2005

The thermodynamic effect on cryogenic cavitating flow characteristics of pressurized liquid nitrogen in a horizontal rectangular nozzle is precisely investigated by numerical analysis based on an unsteady thermal nonequilibrium two-fluid model and by flow visualization measurement. According to the numerical and experimental study, the sufficiently useful results are proposed to realize the further development and high performance of a type of cryogenic two-phase cooling system. It is numerically and experimentally found that the inception of cryogenic cavitation occurs and the cavity grows in the vicinity of the wall surface of the inlet throat section. It is also found that the continuous process and behavior of cavitation inception, cloud cavity growth, and gas phase diffusion behavior with time in pressurized liquid nitrogen are dominated not only by several additional forces in the gas-phase momentum equation, but also by the thermodynamic effect that acts on the cavitation bubbles due to the inherent properties of cryogenic fluid. Especially under conditions of the same temperature and same aspect ratio of the cloud cavity, similar generating behavior of cavitation can be often found in the high Reynolds number region in spite of large cavitation number.
Weight Functions for T-Stress for Edge Cracks in Thick-Walled Cylinders
Authors: Li Jian , Tan Choon-Lai , Wang Xin
Published: October 2005

This paper presents T-stress solutions for an internal edge crack in thick-walled cylinders. Elastic fracture mechanics analysis using the boundary element method (BEM) is performed to determine the T-stress solutions for a wide range of radius ratios and relative crack lengths. The loading cases considered in the BEM analysis for the cracked cylinder are crack-face pressures with polynomial stress distributions acting on the crack face. T-stress results for the uniform and linearly varying crack-face pressure cases are subsequently used as the reference solutions to derive weight functions for T-stress. Boundary element results of T-stress for other stress distributions, namely, other nonlinear crack face loading, internal pressure, and steady-state thermal loading, are used to validate the derived T-stress weight functions. Excellent agreement between the results from the weight function predictions and those directly computed is shown to be obtained. The weight functions derived are suitable for obtaining T-stress solutions for thick-walled cylinders with an internal edge crack under any complex stress fields.
Introduction of the Element Interaction Technique for Welding Analysis and Simulation
Authors: Fanous Ihab F. Z. , Younan Maher Y. A. , Wifi Abdalla S.
Published: October 2005

The residual stresses generated due to welding in pressure components may have several harmful effects, such as decrease in the resistance to cycling load and corrosive environments. The analysis of the welding process has been developed extensively in two and three dimensions. The element movement technique has been shown to be very effective in simulating the filler material deposition leading to a reduction in the analysis time. However, when attempted for wider fields of applications, it had some limitations, especially when moving the elements toward the base-plate. In this paper, the element interaction technique is introduced utilizing the concepts of both the element movement and element birth techniques. The new technique is verified versus the currently developed procedures. In this technique, the elements of the weld pool are held in place in contact with the elements of the base plate, and the interaction is made to be a function of time. This gave several flexibilities in modeling the welding process. Hence, the technique is then used to analyze simple fillet welding of a plate and circumferential butt welding of a pipe.
Analysis on the Dynamic Load in a Water Pool during Air Discharge from Submerged Sparger
Authors: Uchida Ken , Shimizu Takeshi , Komuro Mitsuo
Published: October 2005

This paper presents a study of the applicability of the VOF (volume of fluid) method to estimation of dynamic load in a water pool induced by oscillation of bubbles that are ejected through sparger holes. We choose the VOF method to simulate this phenomenon, and the pressure of a bubble is given by entropy change in order to consider the compressible effect of the bubble and the effect of gas coming into the bubble. In calculation of the airflow rate passing through the holes, the effect of two-phase pressure drop is incorporated. In order to investigate applicability of this method, a simplified blowdown test is carried out. According to the numerical results, the pressure-time history inside the sparger and that in a water pool are both generally reproduced well with analysis, except that the magnitude of first peak pressure in a water pool is overestimated. The most likely reason is that the bubble cloud has especially low void fraction at the early stage of bubble formation, and small bubbles around a major bubble work as a buffer, which is discussed, in detail, in this paper.
Benchmark of a Fast-Running Computational Tool for Analysis of Massive Radioactive Material Packages in Fire Environments
Authors: Are Narendra , Greiner Miles , Suo-Anttila Ahti
Published: October 2005

Federal regulations (10CFR71) require radioactive material transport packages to safely withstand a 30min fully engulfing fire. The three-dimensional Container Analysis Fire Environment (CAFE-3D) computer code was developed at Sandia National Laboratories to simulate the response of massive packages to large fires for design and risk studies. These studies require rapid and accurate estimates of the package temperature distribution for a variety of package designs and fire environments. To meet these needs CAFE-3D links a finite element model that calculates the package response to the Isis-3D CFD fire model. ISIS-3D combines computational fluid dynamics with reaction chemistry and thermal radiation models to rapidly estimate the heat transfer from a fire. In the current work, parameters used in the fire model were determined. Simulations were then performed of a test that modeled the conditions of a truck-sized nuclear waste package in a regulatory fire under light wind conditions. CAFE-3D underestimated the ability of the wind to tilt the fire and deliver oxygen to the region above the fuel pool. However, it accurately and rapidly estimated the total heat transfer to the test object. CAFE-3D will become a more useful tool for estimating the response of transport packages to large fires once it has been benchmarked against a larger range of fire conditions.
The Effect of Autofrettage on Uniform Arrays of Three-Dimensional Unequal-Depth Cracks in a Thick-Walled Cylindrical Vessel
Authors: Perl M. , Ostraich B.
Published: October 2005

The distribution of the mode I stress intensity factor (SIF), resulting from autofrettage, along the fronts of radial, semi-elliptical surface cracks pertaining to large uniform arrays of unequal-depth cracks emanating at the bore of an overstrained thick-walled cylinder is studied. The three-dimensional analysis is based on the “two-crack depth level model” previously proposed and is performed via the finite element method employing singular elements along the crack front. The autofrettage residual stress field is simulated using an equivalent thermal load. The distribution of KIA, the stress intensity factor due to autofrettage, for numerous uneven array configurations bearing n=n1+n2=8-128 cracks, a wide range of crack depth-to-wall thickness ratios, a1∕t=0.01-0.4, and various crack ellipticities, a1∕c1=0.3-1.5, are evaluated for a cylinder of radii ratio Ro∕Ri=2. The results clearly indicate that unevenness, as reflected in KIA distribution, depends on all three parameters (i.e., the number of cracks in the array, cracks’ depth, and cracks’ ellipticity). The “interaction range” for the different combinations of crack arrays and crack depths is then evaluated. The range of influence between adjacent cracks on the maximal SIF, KAmax, is found to be dependent on the density of the array, as reflected in the intercrack aspect ratio, as well as on the cracks’ ellipticity.
Flexural Torsional Guided Wave Mechanics and Focusing in Pipe
Authors: Sun Zongqi , Zhang Li , Rose Joseph L.
Published: October 2005

Theoretical work on flexural torsional guided waves in pipe is presented along with angular profile experimental justification. Combined with previous work on flexural longitudinal modes and axisymmetric longitudinal and torsional modes, this work now forms a framework of nonaxisymmetric guided wave mechanics in pipe. Pipe inspection experiments are also carried out by flexural torsional wave focusing to demonstrate the advantages of the focusing technique.
How do clarinet players adjust the resonances of their vocal tracts for different playing effects?
Authors: Fritz Claudia , Wolfe Joe
Published: October 2005

In a simple model, the reed of the clarinet is mechanically loaded by the series combination of the acoustical impedances of the instrument itself and of the player’s airway. Here we measure the complex impedance spectrum of players’ airways using an impedance head adapted to fit inside a clarinet mouthpiece. A direct current shunt with high acoustical resistance allows players to blow normally, so the players can simulate the tract condition under playing conditions. The reproducibility of the results suggest that the players’ “muscle memory” is reliable for this task. Most players use a single, highly stable vocal tract configuration over most of the playing range, except for the altissimo register. However, this “normal” configuration varies substantially among musicians. All musicians change the configuration, often drastically for “special effects” such as glissandi and slurs: the tongue is lowered and the impedance magnitude reduced when the player intends to lower the pitch or to slur downwards, and vice versa.