bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTS OF STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE EXERCISE ON CALCIUM-REGULATING HORMONES BETWEEN DIFFERENT LEVELS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: LIN LINDA L. , HSIEH SANDY S.
Published: June 2005

Physical activity has shown to maintain bone mineral density (BMD) through the effects of mechanical loading on bone metabolism. However, the effects of exercise on the calcium-regulating hormones and other metabolic variables are not known. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of strength and endurance exercise on blood pH, total serum calcium, ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin (CT) between males with different levels of physical activities. METHODS: The experimental group consisted of 9 physically active males (runners) and the control group consisted of 10 males who had not exercised regularly for the past year. Subjects were asked to perform both strength (eccentric action) and endurance exercises (VO2 peak). The blood pH, total serum calcium, ionized calcium, PTH and CT were measured before and after exercise. A two-way ANCOVA was used for data analysis. RESULTS: (1) When the control group did anaerobic exercise, the free ionized calcium increased significantly (p < 0.05). (2) Mode and intensity of physical activity have no significant effects on the body's calcium regulating hormones. (3) The level of physical activity plays a major role in increasing bone density. High levels of physical activities plus strength exercises can have an additive effect on bone density. CONCLUSION: Regular high intensity exercise will help increase bone density. Strength exercises can maintain bone density not only through mechanical loading, but also through blood pH and biochemical changes in free ionized calcium, which can positively affect bone density.
COMPRESSIVE PROPERTIES OF TRABECULAR BONE RELATED TO MICROCT EVALUATED MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: PERILLI EGON , BALEANI MASSIMILIANO , RAATJES WOUTER , BARUFFALDI FABIO , CAPPELLO ANGELO , TONI ALDO
Published: June 2005

This work describes the preliminary results of an ongoing study, that aims to obtain relationships between the experimentally determined mechanical properties of trabecular bone of the human femoral head and the morphometric parameters evaluated by microCT.

Thirteen cylindrical samples of human trabecular bone were extracted from the femoral head of thirteen patients. They were examined by microCT and then mechanically tested in compression along the main axis observable in the trabeculae. After mechanical testing, the ash density of the samples was determined.

Linear relationships were found between ash density and the bone volume fraction (R2 = 0.83), elastic modulus and bone volume fraction (R2 = 0.72), ultimate stress and bone volume fraction (R2 = 0.81), in agreement with what reported in literature.

The described protocol will be used to investigate trabecular bone samples collected from patients with different pathologies.
A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR COMPENSATING THE SOFT TISSUE ARTEFACT AT THE UPPER-ARM: IN VITRO VALIDATION
Authors: CUTTI ANDREA GIOVANNI , CAPPELLO ANGELO , DAVALLI ANGELO
Published: June 2005

Soft tissue artefact is the dominant source of error in human movement analysis whenever this is carried out using systems based on skin-mounted markers. At the upper-arm, the most corrupted measure is the humerus internal-external rotation: the aim of this work is to propose a new technique for compensating the artefact affecting this measure. The technique is based on the definition of a humerus bone-embedded frame (H2) almost "artefact free" but influenced by the elbow orientation in the measurement of the humeral axial rotation, and on an algorithm designed to solve this kinematic coupling. The algorithm was tested in vitro correcting H2 distortions during different tasks imposed to a mechanical model of the upper-limb; in the most general case of a motion involving all the degrees of freedom of shoulder and elbow, the application of the algorithm reduced the root mean squared error between the known and the measured axial rotation from 8.60° to just 0.12°. By means of the algorithm, therefore, H2 becomes a reliable humerus reference system and its future application for in vivo artefact compensation appears promising.
ASSESSMENT OF THE BIOMECHANICAL COMPATIBILITY OF AN INTERSPINOUS IMPLANT FOR "DYNAMIC STABILIZATION" THROUGH THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: CONTRO R. , VENA P. , GASTALDI D. , FRANZOSO G.
Published: June 2005

The paper addresses the biomechanical compatibility of an interspinous implant used for "dynamic stabilization" of a diseased intervertebral disc. A comparison between the behaviour of a titanium alloy ( Ti 6 Al 4 V ) implant and that of a superelastic alloy ( Ni - Ti ) implant has been carried out.

The assessment of the biomechanical compatibility was achieved by means of the finite element method, in which suitably implemented constitutive laws for the materials have been used. The L4–L5 lumbar system in healthy state has been assumed as target for a biomechanically compatible implant. The L4–L5 system with the interspinous implant subjected to compressive force and bending moments has been simulated. A strength analysis for the bearing bone tissue in the posterior processes was also carried out.

The results have shown that both implants were able to decrease the force on the apophyseal joints; however, the titanium-based implant exhibited a low biomechanical compatibility under extension-flexion in the sagittal plane; whereas the Ni - Ti exhibited a higher compatibility.
DESIGN OF UPPER LIMB PROSTHESES: A NEW SUBJECT-ORIENTED APPROACH
Authors: TRONCOSSI MARCO , PARENTI-CASTELLI VINCENZO , DAVALLI ANGELO
Published: June 2005

The challenge to develop innovative electrically actuated prostheses for upper limb amputees is the basis of this study. The whole project is intended to provide high-level bilateral amputees with devices which can give them back a sufficient quality of life, since current prostheses are rather limited. High mobility, advanced control and good "wearability" are the main features required of artificial arms. The method presented here provides the specifications needed to guide the mechanical design of the prosthetic system, defining its architecture (i.e., geometry and topology of its model) as a trade-off solution between contrasting requirements like, for instance, functionality and simplicity. The approach is subject-oriented, that is, the process is based upon the specific needs of patients undergoing prosthetic rehabilitation; the expected result of the proper application of the procedure is the systematic determination of a limited number of prosthesis architectures suitable for a few corresponding classes of amputee profiles. Thus, the mechanical design of the prosthetic system is based on these indications.
POSTERIOR STABILIZED AND CRUCIATE RETAINING KNEE PROSTHESES: COMPARISON OF IN VIVO 3D KINEMATICS USING FLUOROSCOPY
Authors: FANTOZZI SILVIA , LEARDINI ALBERTO , ENSINI ANDREA , CAPPELLO ANGELO , CATANI FABIO
Published: June 2005

Accurate measurement of in vivo kinematics of total joint replacement is fundamental to improve prosthesis design and clinical outcome. In fluoroscopic analysis, the 3D relative pose of joint prosthesis components is reconstructed from the knowledge of the 3D geometry of each component and from a single plane projection. This is achieved with an accuracy of a few millimetres and a few degrees. Twenty-three patients with cruciate retaining and posterior stabilized prostheses were analyzed in order to assess the in vivo performance of the spine-cam mechanism. The posterior stabilized design exhibits a more physiological pattern of the anteroposterior motion of the condyles during flexion. This result is well-suited with the larger active knee flexion exhibited by the posterior stabilized knees.
TOO MUCH FOR TOO FEW: Problems of Indigenous Land Rights in Latin America
Authors: Stocks Anthony
Published: June 2005

In a number of countries in Latin America, recent changes in the constitutional and legislative environment under which indigenous people hold or claim land and natural resource rights have triggered a number of processes and projects to demarcate, legalize, or otherwise consolidate indigenous lands. This review begins with a look at Nicaragua and goes on to examine five of the South American processes, allegedly with the most favorable legal and policy environments, and concludes that they suffer from common problems related to (a) the amount of land and resources being claimed by relatively small numbers of people, (b) the contestation of the claims by non-indigenous sectors, and (c) the nature of indigenous organizations and the NGOs that support them. The confrontation between policy and reality yields some lessons for the future.
ARCHAEOLOGY, ECOLOGICAL HISTORY, AND CONSERVATION
Authors: Hayashida Frances M.
Published: June 2005

Ecologists have increasingly turned to history, including human history, to explain and manage modern ecosystems and landscapes. The imprint of past land use can persist even in seemingly pristine areas. Archaeology provides a long-term perspective on human actions and their environmental consequences that can contribute to conservation and restoration efforts. Case studies illustrate examples of the human history of seemingly pristine landscapes, forest loss and recovery, and the creation or maintenance of places that today are valued habitats. Finally, as archaeologists become more involved in research directed at contemporary environmental issues, they need to consider the potential uses and abuses of their findings in management and policy debates.
COMMUNICABILITY, RACIAL DISCOURSE, AND DISEASE
Authors: Briggs Charles L.
Published: June 2005

This review proposes a model for analyzing the power of ideologies of communication in producing subjectivities, organizing them hierarchically, and recruiting people to occupy them. By way of illustration, it compares this productive capacity, which is herein termed communicability, with schemes of racialization and medicalization. The argument draws on critical discourse analysis, conversational analysis, post-Habermasian research on publics, Bakhtin, Bourdieu, Foucault, and work on language ideologies to synthesize a framework for studying spheres of communicability. The concept is then used in exploring how constructions of race and health intersect in some of the most powerful spheres of communicability—those associated with colonial medicine, HIV/AIDS, severe accute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Alzheimer’s, genetics, clinical trials, “race-based medicine,” organ transplant, and biostatistics. The review attempts to connect linguistic anthropology and discourse analysis more productively to medical anthropology, the history of medicine and public health, medical sociology, public health, genetics, and science studies.
New Light on Stellar Abundance Analyses: Departures from LTE and Homogeneity
Authors: Asplund Martin
Published: June 2005

▪ Abstract  The information on the chemical compositions of stars encoded in their spectra plays a central role in contemporary astrophysics. Stellar element abundances are, however, not observed: to decipher the spectral fingerprints in terms of abundances requires realistic models for the stellar atmospheres and the line-formation processes. Still today, the vast majority of abundance analyses of late-type stars rely on one-dimensional (1D), hydrostatic model atmospheres and the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). In this review possible systematic errors in studies of F-, G- and K-type stars introduced by these questionable approximations are discussed. Departures from LTE are commonplace and often quite severe, in particular for low surface gravities or metallicities, with minority species and low-excitation transitions being the most vulnerable. Recently, time-dependent, 3D, hydrodynamical model atmospheres have started to be employed for stellar abundance purposes, with large differences compared with 1D modeling found in particular for metal-poor stars. An assessment of non-LTE and 3D effects for individual elements as well as on the estimated stellar parameters is presented.
Deep Extragalactic X-Ray Surveys
Authors: Brandt W.N. , Hasinger G.
Published: June 2005

▪ Abstract  Deep surveys of the cosmic X-ray background are reviewed in the context of observational progress enabled by the Chandra X-Ray Observatory and the X-Ray Multi-Mirror Mission-Newton. The sources found by deep surveys are described along with their redshift and luminosity distributions, and the effectiveness of such surveys at selecting active galactic nuclei (AGN) is assessed. Some key results from deep surveys are highlighted, including (a) measurements of AGN evolution and the growth of supermassive black holes, (b) constraints on the demography and physics of high-redshift AGN, (c) the X-ray AGN content of infrared and submillimeter galaxies, and (d) X-ray emission from distant starburst and normal galaxies. We also describe some outstanding problems and future prospects for deep extragalactic X-ray surveys.
Regulation of CFTR channels by HCO3−-sensitive soluble adenylyl cyclase in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Yan , Lam Chak Sum , Wu Fan , Wang Wen , Duan Yuanyuan , Huang Pingbo
Published: June 2005

CFTR channels conduct HCO3− in addition to Cl− in airway epithelial cells. A defective HCO3−-transporting function of CFTR may underlie the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis. In the present study, we have investigated whether a HCO3−-sensitive soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is functionally coupled with CFTR and thus forms an autoregulatory mechanism for HCO3− transport in human airway epithelial Calu-3 cells. A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction showed that transcripts of both full-length and truncated sACs are present in Calu-3 cells. Truncated sAC protein is the predominant, if not the only, isoform expressed in Calu-3 cells. HCO3− stimulated a modest increase in cAMP production, and the increase was sensitive to 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-HE), a sAC inhibitor, but not to SQ22,536, a blocker of conventional transmembrane adenylyl cyclases. These results suggest that sAC is functional in Calu-3 cells. Adding 25 mM HCO3− to the bath stimulated CFTR-mediated whole cell currents in the absence, but not in the presence, of 2-HE. In cell-attached membrane patches, 25 or 50 mM HCO3− in the bath markedly increased the product of channel number and open probability of CFTR, and this activation was attenuated by 2-HE. These findings demonstrate that sAC signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of CFTR function in human airway epithelium and thereby provides a link between the level of intracellular HCO3−/CO2 and the modulation of HCO3−-conductive CFTR function by cAMP/PKA.
l-Type amino acids stimulate gastric acid secretion by activation of the calcium-sensing receptor in parietal cells
Authors: Busque Stephanie M. , Kerstetter Jane E. , Geibel John P. , Insogna Karl
Published: June 2005

Parietal cells are the primary acid secretory cells of the stomach. We have previously shown that activation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) by divalent (Ca2+) or trivalent (Gd3+) ions stimulates acid production in the absence of secretagogues by increasing H+,K+-ATPase activity. When overexpressed in HEK-293 cells, the CaSR can be allosterically activated by l-amino acids in the presence of physiological concentrations of extracellular Ca2+ (Cao2+; 1.5–2.5 mM). To determine whether the endogenously expressed parietal cell CaSR is allosterically activated by l-amino acids, we examined the effect of the amino acids l-phenylalanine (l-Phe), l-tryptophan, and l-leucine on acid secretion. In ex vivo whole stomach preparations, exposure to l-Phe resulted in gastric luminal pH significantly lower than controls. Studies using d-Phe (inactive isomer) failed to elicit a response on gastric pH. H+-K+-ATPase activity was monitored by measuring the intracellular pH (pHi) of individual parietal cells in isolated rat gastric glands and calculating the rate of H+ extrusion. We demonstrated that increasing Cao2+ in the absence of secretagogues caused a dose-dependent increase in H+ extrusion. These effects were amplified by the addition of amino acids at various Cao2+ concentrations. Blocking the histamine-2 receptor with cimetidine or inhibiting system l-amino acid transport with 2-amino-2-norbornane-carboxylic acid did not affect the rate of H+ extrusion in the presence of l-Phe. These data support the conclusion that amino acids, in conjunction with a physiological Cao2+ concentration, can induce acid secretion independent of hormonal stimulation via allosteric activation of the stomach CaSR.
Mitochondrial permeability transition pore as a target for cardioprotection in the human heart
Authors: Shanmuganathan Selvaraj , Hausenloy Derek J. , Duchen Michael R. , Yellon Derek M.
Published: June 2005

After an episode of myocardial ischemia, opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), at the onset of reperfusion, is a critical determinant of myocyte death. We investigated the role of the mPTP as a target for cardioprotection in the human heart. We subjected human atrial tissue, harvested from patients undergoing cardiac surgery, to a period of lethal hypoxia and investigated the effect of suppressing mPTP opening at the onset of reoxygenation. We found that suppressing mPTP opening at the onset of reoxygenation with known mPTP inhibitors cyclosporin A (CsA, 0.2 μmol/l) and sanglifehrin A (SfA, 1.0 μmol/l) 1) improved recovery of baseline contractile function from 29.4 ± 2.0% under control conditions to 48.7 ± 2.2% with CsA and 46.1 ± 2.3% with SfA ( P < 0.01) and 2) improved cell survival from 62.8 ± 5.3% under hypoxic control conditions to 91.4 ± 4.1% with CsA and 87.2 ± 6.2% with SfA ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, with a cell model in which oxidative stress was used to induce mPTP opening in human atrial myocytes, we demonstrated directly that CsA and SfA mediated their cardioprotective effects by inhibiting mPTP opening, as evidenced by an extension in the time required to induce mPTP opening from 116 ± 8 s under control conditions to 189 ± 10 s with CsA and 183 ± 12 s with SfA ( P < 0.01). We report that suppressing mPTP opening at the onset of reoxygenation protects human myocardium against lethal hypoxia-reoxygenation injury. This suggests that, in the human heart, the mPTP is a viable target for cardioprotection.
Programming of glucose-insulin metabolism in adult sheep after maternal undernutrition
Authors: Gardner D. S. , Tingey K. , Van Bon B. W. M. , Ozanne S. E. , Wilson V. , Dandrea J. , Keisler D. H. , Stephenson T. , Symonds M. E.
Published: June 2005

The present study examines the effects of late vs. early gestation undernutrition on adult glucose-insulin homeostasis in sheep and investigates whether the lower birth weight of twins alters glucose-insulin handling in adult life. Pregnant sheep were fed to requirement (100% intake) from day 0 of gestation to term [∼147 days of gestation (dGA), control singles (CS) n = 5; control twins (CT) n = 5] or to 50% requirement from days 0– 30 dGA [nutrient restricted during early gestation (NRE); n = 5] or day 110-term [NR during late nutrition (NRL); n = 4]. At all other times, NR sheep received 100% intake. All sheep lambed naturally; offspring were weaned at 10 wk and were reared on pasture until 1 yr of age. At this time, indwelling catheters were inserted, and 2–4 days later, basal metabolic and endocrine status and responses to an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and feeding were assessed. Adipose and skeletal muscle were then sampled after humane euthanasia and were analyzed for expression of insulin-signaling proteins and GLUT4. Between groups, birth weight of singletons was similar and increased relative to twins. At 1 yr of age, weights were similar between groups. The areas under the curve for glucose and insulin during the IVGTT were greater in NRL vs. other groups, indicating glucose intolerance. This was associated with reduced adipose, but not muscle, GLUT4, and increased adipose tissue mass. Adult glucose-insulin homeostasis in sheep was unaffected by fetal number. In conclusion, prenatal undernutrition, specifically during late gestation, affects adult offspring intermediary metabolism, and, in particular, glucose-insulin homeostasis.
Effectiveness of mask and helmet interfaces to deliver noninvasive ventilation in a human model of resistive breathing
Authors: Racca Fabrizio , Appendini Lorenzo , Gregoretti Cesare , Stra Elisa , Patessio Antonio , Donner Claudio F. , Ranieri V. Marco
Published: June 2005

The helmet, a transparent latex-free polyvinyl chloride cylinder linked by a metallic ring to a soft collar that seals the helmet around the neck, has been recently proposed as an effective alternative to conventional face mask to deliver pressure support ventilation (PSV) during noninvasive ventilation in patients with acute respiratory failure. We tested the hypothesis that mechanical characteristics of the helmet (large internal volume and high compliance) might impair patient-ventilator interactions compared with standard face mask. Breathing pattern, CO2 clearance, indexes of inspiratory muscle effort and patient-ventilator asynchrony, and dyspnea were measured at different levels of PSV delivered by face mask and helmet in six healthy volunteers before (load-off) and after (load-on) application of a linear resistor. During load-off, no differences in breathing pattern and inspiratory muscle effort were found. During load-on, the use of helmet to deliver pressure support increased inspiratory muscle effort and patient-ventilator asynchrony, worsened CO2 clearance, and increased dyspnea compared with standard face mask. Autocycled breaths accounted for 12 and 25% of the total minute ventilation and for 10 and 23% of the total inspiratory muscle effort during mask and helmet PSV, respectively. We conclude that PSV delivered by helmet interface is less effective in unloading inspiratory muscles compared with PSV delivered by standard face mask. Other ventilatory assist modes should be tested to exploit to the most the potential benefits offered by the helmet.
Direct Excitation of Hypocretin/Orexin Cells by Extracellular ATP at P2X Receptors
Authors: Wollmann Guido , Acuna-Goycolea Claudio , van den Pol Anthony N.
Published: June 2005

Hypocretin/orexin (hcrt) neurons play an important role in hypothalamic arousal and energy homeostasis. ATP may be released by neurons or glia or by pathological conditions. Here we studied the effect of extracellular ATP on hypocretin cells using whole cell patch-clamp recording in hypothalamic slices of transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) exclusively in hcrt-producing cells. Local application of ATP induced a dose-dependent increase in spike frequency. In the presence of TTX, ATP (100 μM) depolarized the cells by 7.8 ± 1.2 mV. In voltage clamp under blockade of synaptic activity with the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline, and ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists dl-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP-5) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), ATP (100 μM) evoked an 18 pA inward current. The inward current was blocked by extracellular choline substitution for Na+, had a reversal potential of −27 mV, and was not affected by nominally Ca2+-free external buffer, suggesting that ATP activated a nonselective cation current. All excitatory effects of ATP showed rapid attenuation. ATP-induced excitatory actions were mimicked by nonhydrolyzable ATP-γ-S but not by α,β-MeATP and inhibited by the purinoceptor antagonists suramin and pyridoxal phosphate-6-azo(benzene-2,4-disulfonic acid) tetrasodium salt (PPADS). The current was potentiated by a decrease in bath pH, suggesting P2X2 subunit involvement. Frequency and amplitude of spontaneous and miniature synaptic events were not altered by ATP. Suramin, but not PPADS, caused a small suppression of evoked excitatory synaptic potentials. Together, these results show a depolarizing response to extracellular ATP that would lead to an increased activity of the hypocretin arousal system.
Relationship of the Reserve Vesicle Population to Synaptic Depression in the Tergotrochanteral and Dorsal Longitudinal Muscles ofDrosophila
Authors: Koenig J. H. , Ikeda Kazuo
Published: June 2005

We have previously demonstrated that Drosophila synapses possess two vesicle populations—a small active zone population replenished by “fast” recycling and a much larger reserve population replenished by a slower recycling mechanism that includes endosomal intermediates. In this paper, we demonstrate that the synapses onto the tergotrochanteral muscle (TTM) are very unusual in that they possess only the active zone vesicle population but not the reserve population. The depression characteristics to repetitive stimulation of the TTM were compared with those of the dorsal longitudinal muscle (DLM), the synapses of which possess both an active zone and a reserve population. It was observed that the TTM response depressed more quickly than that of the DLM. To further explore the possible contribution of the reserve population to release, using the shibire mutant, DLM synapses were experimentally constructed that possess only the active zone population, and their depression characteristics were compared with those of the same synapses possessing both populations. It was observed that responses from DLM synapses possessing only the active zone population depressed more quickly than the same synapses possessing both populations. These experiments were conducted under conditions of blocked recycling so that the difference in stimulation tolerance represents the contribution of the reserve population to release. Furthermore, the depression curve of the DLM synapses lacking a reserve population now closely approximated that of the TTM synapses. These data suggest that the reserve vesicle population of DLM synapses may contribute to transmitter release during repetitive firing at physiological frequencies (5–10 Hz).
Multilateral Trade Negotiations in the GATT and the WTO: Lessons for Asia
Authors: Fung K. C. , Iizaka Hitomi , Lin Chelsea , Ng Francis
Published: June 2005

This paper aims to help Asian trade negotiators by examining the processes and results of the Uruguay Round. Analysts argue that trade negotiations are based on mercantilistic rules. But the actual outcome of the Uruguay Round suggests that trade bargaining was not based on strict reciprocity. In terms of tariff reductions, Asian economies received more than they gave, but relative to tariff bindings, Asian economies gave more than they received. Asian economies that undertook trade reforms prior to the trade talks did not lose bargaining power. The paper also presents econometric evidence on the determinants of bargaining power of nations.
Liberalization of the Agricultural Sector in Northeast Asia: The Effects of the Doha Development Agenda
Authors: Kang In Soo , Song Yoocheul
Published: June 2005

Despite its importance, the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) has not been successful so far. Although negotiations about agricultural-sector trade liberalization have been built into the agenda of the DDA, the views of countries within the Cairns group are not easily reconciled with those of non–Cairns group countries. This paper examines the quantitative effects of liberalization of the agricultural sector in Northeast Asia based on the proposal of Stuart Harbinson, chairman of WTO's agriculture negotiating committee. The simulations undertaken here suggest that welfare gains from partial agricultural liberalization would be relatively modest in China (US$59 million), South Korea (US$687 million), and Japan (US$2.4 billion). However, the welfare distribution would be very uneven in South Korea and Japan. Most of the welfare losses would originate from impacts on rice farmers in these two countries, and losses would be politically difficult to accept. If rice were to be treated as a strategic product, the uneven welfare distribution would be considerably mitigated.
Toward Developing Regional Bond Markets in East Asia
Authors: Park Daekeun , Park Yung Chul
Published: June 2005

Creating regional bond markets in East Asia has emerged as an important policy topic in discussions of how to promote regional monetary and financial cooperation to prevent future crises in the region. We evaluate the rationale and the strategies and propose a road map for developing regional bond markets in East Asia. We propose a market-oriented approach to development of the regional bond markets with the role of the official sector limited to such activities as building the regional financial infrastructure. We also suggest that the eventual goal of regional bond market development should be the development of domestic bond markets in the region. If domestic bond markets are fortified by domestic financial infrastructure and are deregulated and opened to foreign borrowers and investors, many of the Asian countries will be able to mitigate maturity and currency mismatch problems.
Chronogaster tessellata n. sp. (Nematoda: Chronogastridae) from Senegal
Authors: Mounport Danamou
Published: June 2005

Chronogaster tessellata n. sp. is described from soil samples collected around roots of weed plants in the Saloum region, Senegal. It differs from all the species hitherto described by the presence of 40 longitudinal lines over the entire circumference of body giving the cuticle a tessellated appearance. The new species comes close to C. magnifica Andrássy, 1956 (20–24 longitudinal lines) but is less slender (a = 20–29.5 vs 29–44), with a shorter tail length (78–104 vs 114–147 μm), the radial tubules originating at 16.5–17.2 vs 19–21.5 μm posterior to base of mouth cavity. It can be separated from C. alata Gerlach, 1956 (18 longitudinal lines) by its shorter body length (0.63–0.77 vs 1.44 mm), smaller a and c′ ratios (20–29.5 vs 53 and 5.8–7.5 vs 17, respectively), and tail terminus with a mucro bearing four ventrally recurved prongs vs finely rounded in C. alata.
Distribution of Xiphinema pyrenaicum Dalmasso, 1969 with notes on X. aceri Chizhov, Tiev & Turkina, 1986 (Nematoda: Longidoridae)
Authors: Arias María , Escuer Miguel , Arcos Susana C. , Bello Antonio
Published: June 2005

A study of the distribution and morphometric characteristics of Xiphinema
pyrenaicum and X. aceri was done because of their presence and distribution
in Spain. More than 50 populations of X. pyrenaicum were studied and one
population of X. aceri, of which the latter included the four juvenile
stages not previously described. The study revealed both species to be
typical of Mediterranean environments, X. pyrenaicum being widespread in the
circum-mediterranean basin.
Feeding behaviour of the predatory nematodes Laimydorus baldus and Discolaimus major (Nematoda: Dorylaimida)
Authors: Bilgrami Anwar L. , Gaugler Randy
Published: June 2005

Feeding activities of the predatory nematodes Laimydorus baldus and
Discolaimus major were studied under laboratory conditions in relation to
temperature (5–40°C), prey density (25–250 individuals), predator starvation
(0–12 days) and prey incubation (4–24 h) using the rice root nematode,
Hirschmanniella oryzae, as prey. Prey search duration, rate of predation,
and the number and duration of predators feeding and aggregating at feeding
sites were studied. Discolaimus major killed more prey, and fed and
aggregated longer than L. baldus. Predator activities at the feeding site
were optimal at 30°C. Predators starved for 6 days required the briefest
prey search duration, and remained aggregated at the feeding site for a
longer duration. Predators were increasingly efficient at search prey as
prey density increased. Prey search and feeding durations were shortest when
prey nematodes were incubated between 8–16 h. Predation rate was optimal
when prey were incubated for 16 h. Prey search and killing abilities of L.
baldus and D. major were governed by temperature, prey density, starvation
and prey incubation, and depended upon feeding duration, number of predators
feeding and aggregating at the feeding sites.
Benthic community patterns and the composition of feeding types and reproductive modes in freshwater nematodes
Authors: Michiels Iris C. , Traunspurger Walter
Published: June 2005

We characterised benthic invertebrate community composition in 11
oligotrophic, alpine lakes. Nematodes were the most abundant benthic taxa in
most lakes but community composition differed markedly. Several
relationships between the invertebrate taxa were found but there was no
strong evidence that competition or predation shaped the benthic community
structure. Most lakes were dominated by a few nematode species with
cosmopolitan distribution. Obligate and/or facultative parthenogenetic
species were most abundant. With increasing species richness, the overall
sex-ratio increased and the relative abundance of parthenogenetic species
decreased.
Questioning Paradigms: A Close Reading of 'Abd Al-Razzāq al-Baytār's Hilya in order to gain some new insights into the Damascene Salafiyya
Authors: Eich Thomas
Published: June 2005

By applying several methods of traditional source criticism to Baytār's Hilya it becomes possible to make this source "speak" and provide some information about its author. It becomes clear that unequal access to wealth and power at Damascus cannot be seen as the major driving force behind the formation of a group of intellectuals who represented the first stage of the formation of the Damascene salafiyya. Thus the so-called middle'ulamā' thesis has to be refuted. In addition it is shown that the dichotomy of "conservative" and "reformist" turuq did not exist in the mind of leading salafīs themselves. Hence, it also cannot be assumed that "reformist" salafīs were "naturally" attracted to "reformist" turuq.
Autonomy and Relatedness in Cultural Context
Authors: Kagitcibasi Cigdem
Published: June 2005

Autonomy and agency are used extensively and often interchangeably; there is a debate regarding their intersections with relatedness and separateness. This scholarship occurs within mainly a Euro-American cultural context that provides an ideological background of individualism, shedding light on psychological thinking. The article attempts to provide a broad overview of the issues involved. Two distinct dimensions, agency and interpersonal distance, are seen to underlie the self constructs involving autonomy and relatedness that are developed in different spheres of psychological inquiry. Autonomy and relatedness are viewed as basic human needs, and though apparently conflicting, are proposed to be compatible. Problems of conceptualization and operationalization are noted that have prevented the recognition of this compatibility. A model is put forward that involves a fourfold combination of the two dimensions, leading to different types of self and the societal and familial contexts in which they develop. Recent research provides credibility to the model proposed.
Efficacy of Multicultural Education for Preschool Children
Authors: Perkins Donna M. , Mebert Carolyn J.
Published: June 2005

The efficacy of multicultural curricula for the development of “racial expertise” was examined in 79 pre-school children. Children in preschools with multicultural and emergent curricula ( n = 43) were compared with children in preschools with multicultural but no emergent curricula ( n = 20) and children in preschools with neither multicultural nor emergent curricula ( n = 16) in their responses to the Multi-Response Racial Attitude Scale and domain-specific measures of racial groups knowledge. Results suggest children in preschools with both multicultural and emergent curricula have more domain-specific racial knowledge but not less biased attitudes than other preschool children.
Interaction quality between IS professionals and users: impacting conflict and project performance
Authors: Wang Eric T.G. , Chen Henry H.G. , Jiang James J. , Klein Gary
Published: June 2005

The quality of the interaction between the information system project team and the users in a development project is not clearly linked to the success of projects in terms of meeting budgets and product goals. Quality interaction may be crucial in understanding why past research is equivocal in support of the development maxim that user involvement is crucial to the success of an information system project. In this study, internal conflict among the IS project team is separated from the conflict of project team members with external users. Both internal and external team conflicts are found to impact interaction quality negatively, which in turn is strongly and positively related to project performance. These relationships indicate that attention to both internal and external conflict is crucial in achieving project goals.
Attachment as a moderator of the effect of security in mentoring on subsequent perceptions of mentoring and relationship quality with college teachers
Authors: Larose Simon , Bernier Annie , Soucy Nathalie
Published: June 2005

The purpose of this study was to examine if college students’ attachment insecurity, as evaluated by the Adult Attachment Interview, moderates the effect of affective security in mentoring on subsequent perceptions of the mentoring program and relationship quality with other teachers. Academically at-risk students were involved in a 10-hour mentoring program and completed measures at three points in time. Security in mentoring was associated with a subsequent positive perception of mentoring and with low conflict with teachers, although not with supportive relationships with teachers. As expected, these associations were moderated by attachment insecurity. Security in mentoring was positively related to subsequent perceptions of mentoring only for students showing low preoccupation with attachment, and inversely related to conflict with teachers only for students showing high dismissing attachment tendencies.
A Typology of Israelite Marriage: Kinship, Socio-Economic, and Religious Factors
Authors: Guenther Allen
Published: June 2005

This article examines the less commonly used Israelite language of marriage. The thesis is that the literary contexts of the marriage accounts leave traces of significant social, economic, and religious factors. These factors contributed to the shaping of Israelite culture and history. The words under examination are ‭ותח‬, ‭אשנ‬, ‭בישה‬, ‭לעב‬.
Evaluating the Legacy of Community Health Initiatives
Authors: Beery William L. , Senter Sandra , Cheadle Allen , Greenwald Howard P. , Pearson David , Brousseau Ruth , Nelson Gary D.
Published: June 2005

Community health initiatives typically involve time-limited funding from foundation or government grants to support their initial activities. But if there are to be lasting improvements in health outcomes, initiative activities must be sustained over a relatively long period of time. Despite the importance of sustaining work begun under health initiatives, there have been few attempts to track sustainability after the period of funding has ended. This article provides a framework for evaluating the legacy of community health initiatives and illustrates its use with the legacy evaluation from The California Wellness Foundation’s Health Improvement Initiative (HII). The HII was largely successful in sustaining its core elements of collaborative partnerships, community-level systems changes, direct services, and population health measurement. The authors discuss differences in evaluation design and data collection between the funded-period and legacy evaluations; these differences may justify a distinct methodological approach.
Chicanas and Higher Education: Three Decades of Literature and Thought
Authors: Cuádraz Gloria Holguín
Published: June 2005

The severe under representation of Chicanas in higher education reveals the need to chronicle the evolution of the field of Chicanas and higher education. This article highlights key studies and significant events related to the field of Chicanas and higher education for three decades, beginning with the 1970s and ending with the 1990s. The author synthesizes the schools of thought influential for each decade and concludes with a summary and recommendations for further research.
Expression of HSP47 in Usual Interstitial Pneumonia and Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Kakugawa Tomoyuki , Mukae Hiroshi , Hayashi Tomayoshi , Ishii Hiroshi , Nakayama Seiko , Sakamoto Noriho , Yoshioka Sumako , Sugiyama Kanako , Mine Mariko , Mizuta Yohei , Kohno Shigeru
Published: June 2005

Background

Heat shock protein (HSP) 47, a collagen-specific molecular chaperone, is involved in the processing and/or secretion of procollagens, and its expression is increased in various fibrotic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether quantitative immunohistochemical evaluation of the expression levels of HSP47, type I procollagen and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) allows the differentiation of idiopathic usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) from UIP associated with collagen vascular disease (CVD) and idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP).

Methods

We reviewed surgical lung biopsy specimens of 19 patients with idiopathic UIP, 7 with CVD-associated UIP and 16 with idiopathic NSIP and assigned a score for the expression of HSP47, type I procollagen and α-SMA in type II pneumocytes and/or lung fibroblasts (score 0 = no; 1 = weak; 2 = moderate; 3 = strong staining).

Results

The expression level of HSP47 in type II pneumocytes of idiopathic UIP was significantly higher than in CVD-associated UIP and idiopathic NSIP. The expression of HSP47 in fibroblasts was significantly higher in idiopathic UIP and idiopathic NSIP than in CVD-associated UIP. The expression of type I procollagen in type II pneumocytes was significantly higher in idiopathic UIP than in idiopathic NSIP. The expression of type I procollagen in fibroblasts was not different in the three groups, while the expression of α-SMA in fibroblasts was significantly higher in idiopathic UIP than in idiopathic NSIP.

Conclusion

Our results suggest the existence of different fibrotic pathways among these groups involved in the expression of HSP47 and type I procollagen.
Inhibition or knock out of Inducible nitric oxide synthase result in resistance to bleomycin-induced lung injury
Authors: Genovese Tiziana , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna , Failla Marco , Mazzon Emanuela , Sortino Maria Angela , Frasca Giuseppina , Gili Elisa , Crimi Nunzio , Caputi Achille P , Vancheri Carlo
Published: June 2005

Background

In the present study, by comparing the responses in wild-type mice (WT) and mice lacking (KO) the inducible (or type 2) nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), we investigated the role played by iNOS in the development of on the lung injury caused by bleomycin administration. When compared to bleomycin-treated iNOSWT mice, iNOSKO mice, which had received bleomycin, exhibited a reduced degree of the (i) lost of body weight, (ii) mortality rate, (iii) infiltration of the lung with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (MPO activity), (iv) edema formation, (v) histological evidence of lung injury, (vi) lung collagen deposition and (vii) lung Transforming Growth Factor beta1 (TGF-β1) expression.

Methods

Mice subjected to intratracheal administration of bleomycin developed a significant lung injury. Immunohistochemical analysis for nitrotyrosine revealed a positive staining in lungs from bleomycin-treated iNOSWT mice.

Results

The intensity and degree of nitrotyrosine staining was markedly reduced in tissue section from bleomycin-iNOSKO mice. Treatment of iNOSWT mice with of GW274150, a novel, potent and selective inhibitor of iNOS activity (5 mg/kg i.p.) also significantly attenuated all of the above indicators of lung damage and inflammation.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that iNOS plays an important role in the lung injury induced by bleomycin in the mice.
Visualization-based discovery and analysis of genomic aberrations in microarray data
Authors: Myers Chad L , Chen Xing , Troyanskaya Olga G
Published: June 2005

Background

Chromosomal copy number changes (aneuploidies) play a key role in cancer progression and molecular evolution. These copy number changes can be studied using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) or gene expression microarrays. However, accurate identification of amplified or deleted regions requires a combination of visual and computational analysis of these microarray data.

Results

We have developed ChARMView, a visualization and analysis system for guided discovery of chromosomal abnormalities from microarray data. Our system facilitates manual or automated discovery of aneuploidies through dynamic visualization and integrated statistical analysis. ChARMView can be used with array CGH and gene expression microarray data, and multiple experiments can be viewed and analyzed simultaneously.

Conclusion

ChARMView is an effective and accurate visualization and analysis system for recognizing even small aneuploidies or subtle expression biases, identifying recurring aberrations in sets of experiments, and pinpointing functionally relevant copy number changes. ChARMView is freely available under the GNU GPL at http://function.princeton.edu/ChARMView.
Polymorphisms within the canine MLPH gene are associated with dilute coat color in dogs
Authors: Philipp Ute , Hamann Henning , Mecklenburg Lars , Nishino Seiji , Mignot Emmanuel , Günzel-Apel Anne-Rose , Schmutz Sheila M , Leeb Tosso
Published: June 2005

Background

Pinschers and other dogs with coat color dilution show a characteristic pigmentation phenotype. The fur colors are a lighter shade, e.g. silvery grey (blue) instead of black and a sandy color (Isabella fawn) instead of red or brown. In some dogs the coat color dilution is sometimes accompanied by hair loss and recurrent skin inflammation, the so called color dilution alopecia (CDA) or black hair follicular dysplasia (BHFD). In humans and mice a comparable pigmentation phenotype without any documented hair loss is caused by mutations within the melanophilin gene (MLPH).

Results

We sequenced the canine MLPH gene and performed a mutation analysis of the MLPH exons in 6 Doberman Pinschers and 5 German Pinschers. A total of 48 sequence variations was identified within and between the breeds. Three families of dogs showed co-segregation for at least one polymorphism in an MLPH exon and the dilute phenotype. No single polymorphism was identified in the coding sequences or at splice sites that is likely to be causative for the dilute phenotype of all dogs examined. In 18 German Pinschers a mutation in exon 7 (R199H) was consistently associated with the dilute phenotype. However, as this mutation was present in homozygous state in four dogs of other breeds with wildtype pigmentation, it seems unlikely that this mutation is truly causative for coat color dilution. In Doberman Pinschers as well as in Large Munsterlanders with BHFD, a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) around exon 2 was identified that show a highly significant association to the dilute phenotype.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that coat color dilution is caused by one or more mutations within or near the MLPH gene in several dog breeds. The data on polymorphisms that are strongly associated with the dilute phenotype will allow the genetic testing of Pinschers to facilitate the breeding of dogs with defined coat colors and to select against Large Munsterlanders carrying BHFD.