bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus ORF6 Antagonizes STAT1 Function by Sequestering Nuclear Import Factors on the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum/Golgi Membrane
Authors: Frieman Matthew , Yount Boyd , Heise Mark , Kopecky-Bromberg Sarah A. , Palese Peter , Baric Ralph S.
Published: June 2007

The host innate immune response is an important deterrent of severe viral infection in humans and animals. Nuclear import factors function as key gatekeepers that regulate the transport of innate immune regulatory cargo to the nucleus of cells to activate the antiviral response. Using severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) as a model, we demonstrate that SARS-COV ORF6 protein is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi membrane in infected cells, where it binds to and disrupts nuclear import complex formation by tethering karyopherin alpha 2 and karyopherin beta 1 to the membrane. Retention of import factors at the ER/Golgi membrane leads to a loss of STAT1 transport into the nucleus in response to interferon signaling, thus blocking the expression of STAT1-activated genes that establish an antiviral state. We mapped the region of ORF6, which binds karyopherin alpha 2, to the C terminus of ORF6 and show that mutations in the C terminus no longer bind karyopherin alpha 2 or block the nuclear import of STAT1. We also show that N-terminal deletions of karyopherin alpha 2 that no longer bind to karyopherin beta 1 still retain ORF6 binding activity but no longer block STAT1 nuclear import. Recombinant SARS-CoV lacking ORF6 did not tether karyopherin alpha 2 to the ER/Golgi membrane and allowed the import of the STAT1 complex into the nucleus. We discuss the likely implications of these data on SARS-CoV replication and pathogenesis.
An Adenovirus Vector-Mediated Reverse Genetics System for Influenza A Virus Generation
Authors: Ozawa Makoto , Goto Hideo , Horimoto Taisuke , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: June 2007

Plasmid-based reverse genetics systems allow the generation of influenza A virus entirely from cloned cDNA. However, since the efficiency of virus generation is dependent on the plasmid transfection efficiency of cells, virus generation is difficult in cells approved for vaccine production that have low transfection efficiencies (e.g., Vero cells). Here we established an alternative reverse genetics system for influenza virus generation by using an adenovirus vector (AdV) which achieves highly efficient gene transfer independent of cell transfection efficiency. This AdV-mediated reverse genetics system will be useful for generating vaccine seed strains and for basic influenza virus studies.
Virus Evolution: Insights from an Experimental Approach
Authors: Elena Santiago F. , Sanjuán Rafael
Published: June 2007

Viruses represent a serious problem faced by human and veterinary medicine and agronomy. New viruses are constantly emerging while old ones evolve and challenge the latest advances in antiviral pharmaceutics, thus generating tremendous social alarm, sanitary problems, and economical losses. However, they constitute very powerful tools for experimental evolution. These two faces of virology are tightly related because future antiviral treatments shall be rationally designed by considering evolutionary principles. Evidence indicates that the evolution of viruses is determined mainly by key features such as their small genomes, enormous population sizes, and short generation times, and at least for RNA viruses, large selection coefficients, antagonistic epistasis, and high mutation rates. We summarize recent advances in the field of experimental virus evolution. Increasing our understanding of the roles of selection, mutation, chance, and historical contingency on the ecology and epidemiology of viral infections could determine our ability to combat them.
Recent Developments in the Fabrication and Operation of Germanium Detectors
Authors: Vetter Kai
Published: June 2007

Although developed and first demonstrated more than 40 years ago, germanium detectors still represent the gold standard in detecting γ radiation for energies ranging from approximately 100 keV to 10 MeV. The combination of high-efficiency and excellent energy resolution and many recent technological developments have significantly increased the range of applications for Ge detectors. We review the state of the art in the fabrication and operation of Ge detectors by mapping recent developments in Ge detector technologies to a range of applications. These include research in nuclear physics, fundamental physics, and astrophysics, as well as applications in medical imaging and homeland security. Ge detector technologies will remain vitally important for applied and basic research instruments for high-sensitivity γ-ray detection in the future.
Contribution of KCNQ1 to the regulatory volume decrease in the human mammary epithelial cell line MCF-7
Authors: vanTol Brenna L. , Missan Sergey , Crack Julie , Moser Shasta , Baldridge William H. , Linsdell Paul , Cowley Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2007

Using the human mammary epithelial cell line MCF-7, we have investigated volume-activated changes in response to hyposmotic stress. Switching MCF-7 cells from an isosmotic to a hyposmotic solution resulted in an initial cell swelling response, followed by a regulatory volume decrease (RVD). This RVD response was inhibited by the nonselective K+channel inhibitors Ba2+, quinine, and tetraethylammonium chloride, implicating K+channel activity in this volume-regulatory mechanism. Additional studies using chromonol 293B and XE991 as inhibitors of the KCNQ1 K+channel, and also a dominant-negative NH2-terminal truncated KCNQ1 isoform, showed complete abolition of the RVD response, suggesting that KCNQ1 plays an important role in regulation of cell volume in MCF-7 cells. We additionally confirmed that KCNQ1 mRNA and protein is expressed in MCF-7 cells, and that, when these cells are cultured as a polarized monolayer, KCNQ1 is located exclusively at the apical membrane. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings from MCF-7 cells revealed a small 293B-sensitive current under hyposmotic, but not isosmotic conditions, while recordings from mammalian cells heterologously expressing KCNQ1 alone or KCNQ1 with the accessory subunit KCNE3 reveal a volume-sensitive K+current, inhibited by 293B. These data suggest that KCNQ1 may play important physiological roles in the mammary epithelium, regulating cell volume and potentially mediating transepithelial K+secretion.
Paxillin phosphorylation, actin polymerization, noise temperature, and the sustained phase of swine carotid artery contraction
Authors: Rembold Christopher M. , Tejani Ankit D. , Ripley Marcia L. , Han Shaojie
Published: June 2007

Histamine stimulation of swine carotid artery induces both contraction and actin polymerization. The importance of stimulus-induced actin polymerization is not known. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the scaffolding protein paxillin is thought to be an important regulator of actin polymerization. Noise temperature, hysteresivity, and phase angle are rheological measures of the fluidity of a tissue, i.e., whether the muscle is more a “Hookean solid” or a “Newtonian liquid.” Y118 paxillin phosphorylation, crossbridge phosphorylation, actin polymerization, noise temperature, hysteresivity, phase angle, real stiffness, and stress were measured in intact swine carotid arteries that were depolarized with high K+or stimulated with histamine. The initial rapid force development phase of high-K+or histamine-induced contraction was associated with increased crossbridge phosphorylation but no significant change in Y118 paxillin phosphorylation, actin polymerization, noise temperature, hysteresivity, or phase angle. This suggests that the initial contraction was caused by the increase in crossbridge phosphorylation and did not alter the tissue's rheology. Only after full force development was there a significant increase in Y118 paxillin phosphorylation and actin polymerization associated with a significant decrease in noise temperature and hysteresivity. These data suggest that some part of the sustained contraction may depend on stimulated actin polymerization and/or a transition to a more “solid” rheology. Supporting this contention was the finding that an inhibitor of actin polymerization, latrunculin-A, reduced force while increasing noise temperature/hysteresivity. Further research is needed to determine whether Y118 paxillin phosphorylation, actin polymerization, and changes in rheology could have a role in arterial smooth muscle contraction.
Oxytocin gene deletion mice overconsume palatable sucrose solution but not palatable lipid emulsions
Authors: Miedlar J. A. , Rinaman L. , Vollmer R. R. , Amico J. A.
Published: June 2007

We previously reported that oxytocin knockout (OT KO) mice display markedly enhanced intake of sweet and nonsweet carbohydrate solutions compared with intake by wild-type (WT) mice of the same background strain. The present study was conducted to determine whether OT KO mice demonstrate enhanced intake of Intralipid, a palatable lipid emulsion. Male or female mice of both genotypes that were naive to the test solution were given continuous two-bottle access to Intralipid and water with food available ad libitum for 3 days. Throughout the experiment, mice of both genotypes showed a marked preference for Intralipid over water. On the 1st day, OT KO mice displayed twofold greater preference and consumed nearly twice as much Intralipid compared with WT cohorts. However, on subsequent days of exposure, Intralipid preference and intake did not differ between genotypes over a range of lipid concentrations presented in descending or ascending order. Daily and hourly measures of lipid vs. sucrose intake confirmed that OT KO mice consumed more sucrose solution, but not lipid emulsion, than WT mice. During ad libitum access to Intralipid, both genotypes consumed significantly more calories from the emulsion as concentration increased. Both genotypes maintained consistent total daily caloric intake (lipid plus chow) and compensated by decreasing chow intake over the course of the study. These findings, coupled with prior reports from our laboratory, support the view that OT signaling pathways participate in limiting intake of palatable carbohydrate-containing solutions, but do not appear to play a role in limiting intake of Intralipid.
Male disadvantage? Fetal sex and cardiovascular responses to asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Bennet Laura , Booth Lindsea C. , Ahmed-Nasef Noha , Dean Justin M. , Davidson Joanne , Quaedackers Josine S. , Gunn Alistair J.
Published: June 2007

Clinically and experimentally male fetuses are at significantly greater risk of dying or suffering injury at birth, particularly after premature delivery. We undertook a retrospective cohort analysis of 60 female and 65 male singleton preterm fetal sheep (103–104 days, 0.7 gestation) with mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), heart rate, and carotid and femoral blood flow recordings during 25 min of umbilical cord occlusion in utero. Occlusions were stopped early if fetal MAP fell below 8 mmHg or if there was asystole for >20 s. Fetuses that were able to complete the full 25-min period of occlusion showed no differences between sexes for any cardiovascular responses. Similar numbers of occlusions were stopped early in males (mean: 21 min, n = 16) and females (mean: 23 min, n = 16); however, they showed different responses. Short-occlusion males ( n = 16) showed a slower initial fall in femoral vascular conductance, followed by greater bradycardia, hypotension, and associated organ hypoperfusion compared with full-occlusion fetuses. In contrast, short-occlusion females ( n = 16) showed a significantly more rapid early increase in femoral vascular conductance than the full-occlusion fetuses, followed by worsening of bradycardia and hypotension that was intermediate to the full-occlusion fetuses and short-occlusion males. Among all fetuses, MAP at 15 min of occlusion, corresponding with the time of the maximal rate of fall, was correlated with postmortem weight in males ( R2= 0.07) but not females. In conclusion, male and female fetuses showed remarkably similar chemoreflex and hemodynamic responses to severe asphyxia, but some males did show impaired hemodynamic adaptation within the normal weight range.
Lipotoxic and inflammatory phenotypes in rats with uncontrolled metabolic syndrome and nephropathy
Authors: Dominguez Jesus , Wu Pengfei , Packer C. Subah , Temm Constance , Kelly Katherine J.
Published: June 2007

Anomalous inflammatory responses triggered by the metabolic syndrome cause renal injury. This discovery links renal lipid accumulation with lipotoxicity to inflammation and may explain the insidious fibrosis and cellular decay characteristic of nephropathy in the metabolic syndrome. However, it is not clear whether control of inflammation protects the kidney independently of lipid accumulation, which is a required step for lipotoxicity in hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. We hypothesized that in rats with the metabolic syndrome, and overt nephropathy, treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; 10 mg·kg−1·day−1 ip for 14 wk) would reduce the abnormal renal lipid depots and limit renal inflammation and injury. We studied groups of lean and obese F1 hybrid Zucker fatty diabetic/spontaneous hypertensive heart failure (ZS) rats. MMF did not affect lean rats. In obese ZS rats, MMF did not change severe hyperglycemia or the higher kidney loads of unutilized lipid and peroxidation products. Nonetheless, MMF dramatically reduced diabetes/obesity-derived systemic and renal inflammation, limited renal size, hyperfiltration, and fibrosis. These data indicate that in rats, anti-inflammatory therapy presumably acting downstream, and independently of lipotoxicity, can effectively limit renal injury and fibrosis.
Lung volume and collapsibility of the passive pharynx in patients with sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Tagaito Yugo , Isono Shiroh , Remmers John E. , Tanaka Atsuko , Nishino Takashi
Published: June 2007

Lung volume dependence of pharyngeal airway patency suggests involvement of lung volume in pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea. We examined the structural interaction between passive pharyngeal airway and lung volume independent of neuromuscular factors. Static mechanical properties of the passive pharynx were compared before and during lung inflation in eight anesthetized and paralyzed patients with sleep-disordered breathing. The respiratory system volume was increased by applying negative extrathoracic pressure, thereby leaving the transpharyngeal pressure unchanged. Application of −50-cmH2O negative extrathoracic pressure produced an increase in lung volume of 0.72 (0.63–0.91) liter [median (25–75 percentile)], resulting in a significant reduction of velopharyngeal closing pressure of 1.22 (0.14–2.03) cmH2O without significantly changing collapsibility of the oropharyngeal airway. Improvement of the velopharyngeal closing pressure was directly associated with body mass index. We conclude that increase in lung volume structurally improves velopharyngeal collapsibility particularly in obese patients with sleep-disordered breathing.
Conversion of Silent Synapses Into the Active Pool by Selective GluR1-3 and GluR4 AMPAR Trafficking During In Vitro Classical Conditioning
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Zheng Zhaoqing , Keifer Joyce
Published: June 2007

The conversion of silent synapses into active sites is hypothesized to be a primary mechanism underlying learning and memory processes. Here we used an in vitro model of classical conditioning from turtles that demonstrates a neural correlate of eyeblink conditioning to examine whether the conversion of silent synapses has a role in this form of associative learning. This was accomplished by direct visualization of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits colocalized with synaptophysin (Syn) using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. In naive preparations, there was a relatively high level of synapses immunopositive for NR1-Syn alone interpreted to be silent synapses. After early stages of conditioning during acquisition of conditioned responses (CRs), there was a significant increase in the colocalization of GluR1-3 AMPAR subunits at NR1-immunopositive synaptic sites. Later in conditioning, levels of GluR1-3 declined and enhanced colocalization of GluR4-containing AMPAR subunits at synapses was observed. The trafficking of these subunits during conditioning was NMDAR mediated and was accompanied by protein synthesis of GluR4 subunits. Examination of the postsynaptic density fraction confirmed the early and late synaptic insertion of GluR1-3 and GluR4, respectively, during conditioning. These findings suggest that there is differential trafficking of synaptic AMPARs during classical conditioning. Existing GluR1-3 AMPAR subunits are initially delivered to silent synapses early in conditioning to unsilence them followed by synthesis and insertion of GluR4 AMPAR subunits that are required for acquisition and expression of CRs.
Pleasure Rather Than Salience Activates Human Nucleus Accumbens and Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Sabatinelli Dean , Bradley Margaret M. , Lang Peter J. , Costa Vincent D. , Versace Francesco
Published: June 2007

Recent human functional imaging studies have linked the processing of pleasant visual stimuli to activity in mesolimbic reward structures. However, whether the activation is driven specifically by the pleasantness of the stimulus, or by its salience, is unresolved. Here we find in two studies that free viewing of pleasant images of erotic and romantic couples prompts clear, reliable increases in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity, whereas equally arousing (salient) unpleasant images, and neutral pictures, do not. These data suggest that in visual perception, the human NAc and mPFC are specifically reactive to pleasant, rewarding stimuli and are not engaged by unpleasant stimuli, despite high stimulus salience.
A Note on⊕-Cofinitely Supplemented Modules
Authors: Wang Yongduo , Sun Qing
Published: June 2007

LetRbe a ring andMa rightR-module. In this note, we show that a quotient of an⊕-cofinitely supplemented module is not in general⊕-cofinitely supplemented and prove that if a moduleMis an⊕-cofinitely supplemented multiplication module with Rad(M)≪M, thenMcan be written as an irredundant sum of local direct summand ofM. An extension of the result of Calisici and Pancar [1], here it is shown that an arbitrary module is cofinitely semiperfect if and only if it is an (amply) cofinitely supplemented by supplements which have projective covers.
Metal Acetylacetonates as General Precursors for the Synthesis of Early Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials
Authors: Willis Amanda L. , Chen Zhuoying , He Jiaqing , Zhu Yimei , Turro Nicholas J. , O'Brien Stephen
Published: June 2007

A versatile, convenient, and nontoxic solvothermal method for the synthesis of nanocrystalline iron, chromium, and manganese oxides is described. This method employs the reactions of metal acetylacetonate precursors and oxygen-containing solvents in a reaction to prepare metal oxide nanoparticles. Characterization of these nanocrystalline materials was carried out employing transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and elemental analysis.
Hydrodynamic and Hydromagnetic Stability of Viscous‐Viscoelastic Superposed Fluids in Presence of Suspended Particles
Authors: Kumar Pardeep , Singh Mahinder
Published: June 2007

The Rayleigh‐Taylor instability of a Newtonian viscous fluid overlying an Oldroydian viscoelastic fluid containing suspended particles is considered. As in both Newtonian viscous‐viscous fluids, the system is stable in the potentially stable case and unstable in the potentially unstable case, this holds for the present problem also. The effect of a variable horizontal magnetic field is also considered. The presence of magnetic field stabilizes a certain wavenumber band, whereas the system is unstable for all wavenumbers in the absence of the magnetic field for the potentially unstable arrangement.
Atmospheric Transport Modeling with 3D Lagrangian Dispersion Codes Compared with SF6 Tracer Experiments at Regional Scale
Authors: Van Dorpe François , Iooss Bertrand , Semenov Vladimir , Sorokovikova Olga , Fokin Alexey , Margerit Yves
Published: June 2007

The results of four gas tracer experiments of atmospheric dispersion on a regional scale are used for the benchmarking of two atmospheric dispersion modeling codes, MINERVE-SPRAY (CEA), and NOSTRADAMUS (IBRAE). The main topic of this comparison is to estimate the Lagrangian code capability to predict the radionuclide atmospheric transfer on a large field, in the case of risk assessment of nuclear power plant for example. For the four experiments, the results of calculations show a rather good agreement between the two codes, and the order of magnitude of the concentrations measured on the soil is predicted. Simulation is best for sampling points located ten kilometers from the source, while we note a divergence for more distant points results (difference in concentrations by a factor 2 to 5). This divergence may be explained by the fact that, for these four experiments, only one weather station (near the point source) was used on a field of 10 000 km2, generating the simulation of a uniform wind field throughout the calculation domain.
A Role for Excitatory Amino Acids in Diabetic Eye Disease
Authors: Pulido Jose E. , Pulido Jose S. , Erie Jay C. , Arroyo Jorge , Bertram Kurt , Lu Miao-Jen , Shippy Scott A.
Published: June 2007

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss. The primary clinical hallmarks are vascular changes that appear to contribute to the loss of sight. In a number of neurodegenerative disorders there is an appreciation that increased levels of excitatory amino acids are excitotoxic. The primary amino acid responsible appears to be the neurotransmitter glutamate. This review examines the nature of glutamatergic signaling at the retina and the growing evidence from clinical and animal model studies that glutamate may be playing similar excitotoxic roles at the diabetic retina.
The Superinfection of a Dermoid Cyst
Authors: Luk Janelle , Quaas Alexander , Garner Elizabeth
Published: June 2007

Mature cystic teratoma may be complicated by torsion, rupture, and malignant change, but is rarely complicated by infection. Here we report the case of a patient who presented with a tubo-ovarian abscess following a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure in the setting of an ovarian dermoid cyst.
Flexible Architecture of Ultra-Low-Power Current-Mode Interleaved Successive Approximation Analog-to-Digital Converter for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Długosz Rafał , Iniewski K.
Published: June 2007

A novel 8-bit current mode interleaved successive approximation (SAR) analog-digital
converter (ADC) has been proposed. The proposed converter architecture is very
flexible. Using two control DC voltages and one reference current, the converter can
be tuned to work with different sampling rates, number of bits of resolution, and power
consumption levels. Due to its very low-power consumption and flexibility, the converter is
particularly suitable for application in wireless sensor networks. Compared to other solutions
presented in the literature, the proposed converter achieves very high figure of merit (FOM)
value due to numerous low-power circuit innovations utilized in its design. The circuit has been
implemented in CMOS 0.18 μm technology. Minimum energy consumption has been found to be in
a 25–250 kS/s range (for clock sampling frequency in a 200 kHz--2 MHz
range) for a single SAR section with the corresponding power dissipation varying
from 220 nW to 560 nW for 0.55 V power supply.
Rapid Determination of Macrolide and Lincosamide Resistance in Group B Streptococcus Isolated from Vaginal-Rectal Swabs
Authors: Dela Cruz Wilfred P. , Richardson Joann Y. , Broestler Judith M. , Thornton Jennifer A. , Danaher Patrick J.
Published: June 2007

Objective. Our objective was to assess the ability of real-time PCR to predict in vitro resistance in isolates of group B streptococcus (GBS).Methods. The first real-time PCR assays for the genes known to confer resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin in GBS were developed. Three hundred and forty clinical GBS isolates were assessed with these assays and compared with conventional disk diffusion.Results. The presence of an erythromycin ribosome methylation gene (ermB orermTR variant A) predicted in vitro constitutive or inducible resistance to clindamycin with a sensitivity of 93% (95% CI 86%–97%), specificity of 90% (95% CI 85%–93%), positive predictive value of 76% (95% CI 67%–84%), and negative predictive value of 97% (95% CI 94%–99%).Conclusion. This rapid and simple assay can predict in vitro susceptibility to clindamycin within two hours of isolation as opposed to 18–24 hours via disk diffusion. The assay might also be used to screen large numbers of batched isolates to establish the prevalence of resistance in a given area.
Weighted Composition Operators fromH∞to the Bloch Space on the Polydisc
Authors: Li Songxiao , Stevic Stevo
Published: June 2007

LetDnbe the unit polydisc ofℂn,ϕ(z)=(ϕ1(z),…,ϕn(z))be a holomorphic self-map ofDn, andψ(z)a holomorphic function onDn. LetH(Dn)denote the space of all holomorphic functions with domainDn,H∞(Dn)the space of all bounded holomorphic functions onDn, andB(Dn)the Bloch space, that is,B(Dn)={f∈H(Dn)|‖f‖B=|f(0)|+supz∈Dn∑k=1n|(∂f/∂zk)(z)|(1−|zk|2)<+∞}. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the weighted composition operatorψCϕinduced byϕ(z)andψ(z)to be bounded and compact fromH∞(Dn)to the Bloch spaceB(Dn).
Endocannabinoid System and Synaptic Plasticity: Implications for Emotional Responses
Authors: Viveros María-Paz , Marco Eva-María , Llorente Ricardo , López-Gallardo Meritxell
Published: June 2007

The endocannabinoid system has been involved in the regulation of anxiety, and proposed as an inhibitory modulator of neuronal, behavioral and adrenocortical responses to stressful stimuli. Brain regions such as the amygdala, hippocampus and cortex, which are directly involved in the regulation of emotional behavior, contain high densities of cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Mutant mice lacking CB1 receptors show anxiogenic and depressive-like behaviors as well as an altered hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis activity, whereas enhancement of endocannabinoid signaling produces anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects. Genetic and pharmacological approaches also support an involvement of endocannabinoids in extinction of aversive memories. Thus, the endocannabinoid system appears to play a pivotal role in the regulation of emotional states. Endocannabinoids have emerged as mediators of short- and long- term synaptic plasticity in diverse brain structures. Despite the fact that most of the studies on this field have been performed using in vitro models, endocannabinoid-mediated plasticity might be considered as a plausible candidate underlying some of the diverse physiological functions of the endogenous cannabinoid system, including developmental, affective and cognitive processes. In this paper, we will focus on the functional relevance of endocannabinoid-mediated plasticity within the framework of emotional responses. Alterations of the endocannabinoid system may constitute an important factor in the aetiology of certain neuropsychiatric disorders, and, in turn, enhancers of endocannabinoid signaling could represent a potential therapeutical tool in the treatment of both anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Selective Photocatalytic Oxidation of Steroid Estrogens in the Presence of Copollutants in the Sanitary Fraction of Domestic Sewage
Authors: Karpova Tatyana , Preis Sergei , Kallas Juha
Published: June 2007

The photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) of the steroid estrogens (SEs),β-estradiol, and 17α-ethynylestradiol, competitive with some constituent compounds of the sanitary fraction of domestic sewage, was studied. The copollutants, urea, and saccharose, present in concentrations exceeding those of the SEs by a factor of a hundred to thousands, appeared to exert a weaker influence to the photocatalytic degradation of the SEs than was expected. The removal of the SEs from diluted urine proceeded, selectively, demonstrating the potential of PCO in the treatment of the separate sanitary fraction of domestic sewage.
Permanence and Stability of an Age-Structured Prey-Predator System with Delays
Authors: Cai Liming , Li Xuezhi , Song Xinyu , Yu Jingyuan
Published: June 2007

An age-structured prey-predator model with delays is proposed and analyzed. Mathematical analyses of the model equations with regard to boundedness of solutions, permanence, and stability are analyzed. By using the persistence theory for infinite-dimensional systems, the sufficient conditions for the permanence of the system are obtained. By constructing suitable Lyapunov functions and using an iterative technique, sufficient conditions are also obtained for the global asymptotic stability of the positive equilibrium of the model.
Active Suppression of Rotating Stall Inception with Distributed Jet Actuation
Authors: Vo Huu Duc
Published: June 2007

An analytical and experimental investigation of the effectiveness of full-span distributed jet actuation for active suppression of long length-scale rotating stall inception is carried out. Detailed modeling and experimental verification highlight the important effects of mass addition, discrete injectors, and feedback dynamics, which may be overlooked in preliminary theoretical studies of active control with jet injection. A model of the compression system incorporating nonideal injection and feedback dynamics is verified with forced response measurements to predict the right trends in the movement of the critical pole associated with the stall precursor. Active control experiments with proportional feedback control show that the predicted stall precursors are suppressed to give a 5.5% range extension in compressor flow coefficient. In addition, results suggest that the proposed model could be used to design a more sophisticated controller to further improve performance while reducing actuator bandwidth requirements.
A Fixed Point Approach to the Stability of a Volterra Integral Equation
Authors: Jung Soon-Mo
Published: June 2007

We will apply the fixed point method for proving the Hyers-Ulam-Rassias stability of a Volterra integral equation of the second kind.
Patrol Mobile Robots and Chaotic Trajectories
Authors: Martins-Filho Luiz S. , Macau Elbert E. N.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents a study of special trajectories attainment for mobile robots based on the dynamical features of chaotic systems. This method of trajectories construction is envisaged for missions for terrain exploration, with the specific purpose of search or patrol, where fast scanning of the robot workspace is required. We propose the imparting of chaotic motion behavior to the mobile robot by means of a planner of goal positions sequence based on an area-preserving chaotic map. As a consequence, the robot trajectories seem highly opportunistic and unpredictable for external observers, and the trajectories's characteristics ensure the quick scanning of the patrolling space. The kinematic modeling and the closed-loop control of the robot are described. The results and discussion of numerical simulations close the paper.
Lemierre's Syndrome Complicating Pregnancy
Authors: Thompson M. , Awonuga A. O. , Bell J. , Ray C. , Awonuga M. T. , Helfgott A.
Published: June 2007

Lemierre's syndrome is an anaerobic suppurative thrombophlebitis involving the internal jugular vein secondary to oropharyngeal infection. There is only one previous case report in pregnancy which was complicated by premature delivery of an infant that suffered significant neurological damage. We present an atypical case diagnosed in the second trimester with a live birth at term. By reporting this case, we hope to increase the awareness of obstetricians to the possibility of Lemierre's syndrome when patients present with signs of unabating oropharyngeal infection and pulmonary symptoms.
Some Local Asymptotic Laws for the Cauchy Process on the Line
Authors: Okoroafor A. Chukwuemeka
Published: June 2007

This paper investigates the lim inf behavior of the sojourn time process and the escape rate process associated with the Cauchy process on the line. The monotone functions associated with the lower asymptotic growth rate of the sojourn time are characterized and the asymptotic size of the large values of the escape rate process is developed.
Controllable and Observable Polynomial Description for 2D Noncausal Systems
Authors: Boudellioua M. S.
Published: June 2007

Two-dimensional state-space systems arise in applications such as image processing, iterative circuits, seismic data processing, or more generally systems described by partial differential equations. In this paper, a new direct method is presented for the polynomial realization of a class of noncausal 2D transfer functions. It is shown that the resulting realization is both controllable and observable.
Acute Stroke Imaging for Thrombolytic Therapy – An Update
Authors: Köhrmann Martin , Jüttler Eric , Huttner Hagen B. , Nowe Tim , Schellinger Peter D.
Published: June 2007

More than ten years after its approval intravenous thrombolysis with rtPA still is the only approved therapy for acute ischemic stroke. In this review we aim to give an up-to-date overview of acute stroke imaging within and outside of approved indications for thrombolysis. We discuss the potential applications of modern CT techniques such as CT angiography and perfusion CT as well as stroke MRI for the selection-based treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Recent publications regarding diagnostic strength as well as new randomized trials and larger prospective but open studies are reviewed and discussed. Finally we present a suggestion for the selection of patients for thrombolysis within and beyond the 3-hour time window in the form of an institutional algorithm prioritizing according to present evidence and pathophysiological reasoning.
Statins and Stroke Prevention
Authors: Paciaroni Maurizio , Hennerici Michael , Agnelli Giancarlo , Bogousslavsky Julien
Published: June 2007

Over the past decade, statins have been proven to significantly decrease coronary events in primary and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. Recent clinical trials have indicated that statins significantly reduce stroke risk in patients with vascular disease. The Cholesterol Treatment Trialists’ Collaborators in a meta-analysis including 90,056 patients found that the use of statins determined a significant 17% proportional reduction in the incidence of first-ever stroke of any type per 1 mmol/l low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduction. During an average of 5 years of treatment, the reduction in the overall incidence of stroke was about one sixth per 1 mmol/l LDL cholesterol decrease meaning that 8 fewer participants have any stroke per 1,000 among those with preexisting coronary artery disease at baseline, compared with 5 fewer per 1,000 among the participants with no such history. It is not known whether these findings might be due to the cholesterol reduction effect of statins or to pleiotropic effects of statins, such as improved endothelial function, decreased platelet aggregability, and reduced vascular inflammation. In secondary prevention of stroke, the Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) study found that treatment with atorvastatin reduced the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with recent stroke or transient ischemic attack but no history of heart disease. Combining the results of patients with no history of heart disease from the SPARCL study and Heart Protection Study in a mini meta-analysis, compared with placebo, statins were associated with a barely nonsignificant difference in recurrent stroke (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.75–1.01, p = 0.07) and a significant difference in the occurrence of major vascular events (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.68–0.88, p = 0.0001) at final follow-up.
Recent Progress in Tolerance Induction through Mixed Chimerism
Authors: Pree Ines , Pilat Nina , Wekerle Thomas
Published: June 2007

Organ transplant recipients require life-long treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Currently available immunosuppression is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and is ineffective in inhibiting chronic rejection and graft loss. Therefore, a permanent state of donor-specific tolerance remains a primary goal for transplantation research. The induction of mixed hematopoietic chimerism is an attractive concept in this regard. Hematopoietic chimerism modulates the immunologic repertoire by extending the mechanisms of self-tolerance to donor-specific allotolerance. Despite recent progress in developing nontoxic bone marrow transplantation protocols for rodents, translation to large animals has remained difficult. Here, we outline the concept of tolerance via mixed chimerism, and review recent progress and remaining challenges in bringing this approach to the clinical setting.
Elite and Leadership Change in Liberal Democracies
Authors: Pakulski Jan , Higley John
Published: June 2007

This article presents and assesses the thesis that a shift in the character of governing elites and leaders has been occurring in several important liberal democracies during recent years. Ascendant elites are more leonine and top leaders are more pugnacious. We attribute the shift to strong centripetal pressures that now impinge on elites and leaders, and we ask about the shift's consequences for the operation of liberal democracies.
Nordic Elites in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Ruostetsaari Ilkka
Published: June 2007

The article compares the Nordic, i.e., Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish, elite structures based on power studies which were completed in these countries in the 2000s. Despite differences in data collection methods, all of these studies employ the positional approach, and the composition of national elites is defined identically. Moreover, the four Nordic countries are associated with largely common history and political culture. The Nordic elites will be compared on the grounds of three dimensions, i.e. openness of recruitment into the elites, interaction between various elite groups, and interaction between the elites and the people. We will ask in what way the Nordic elite structures have changed as far as these dimensions are concerned and how many elites exist in the Nordic countries, i.e., one power elite or several mutually competitive elites.
Elite Integration and Institutional Trust in Norway
Authors: Gulbrandsen Trygve
Published: June 2007

In modern elite theory accommodation and compromise between national elite groups are seen as preconditions for the continuance and stability of a democratic society. It is claimed that elite accommodation is facilitated to the extent that the elites are integrated. In this article trust between the various elite groups and their respective institutions is investigated as a core aspect of elite integration. The analyses presented in the article demonstrate that in general there is a relatively high level of institutional trust among national elite groups in Norway. There is, however, some variation in how much trust the various elite groups accord the institutions to which other elite groups belong, and this is explained by (1) the extent to which one elite identifies with the functions of other elites, (2) has a similar ideological orientation, and (3) has social contact with members of other elites.
From Vietnam to Iraq: American Elites' Views on the Use of Military Force
Authors: Moore Gwen , Mack Stephanie
Published: June 2007

In this paper we present trends in US elites' opinions on the use of military force abroad in the period from the end of US military involvement in Vietnam in 1975 to 2004 during the 'war on terror.' With data from quadrennial surveys of US elites' foreign policy attitudes sponsored by the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations since 1975, we ask whether elites have become more militaristic or whether such views have been a long term characteristic of US elites. We find support for the view of United States leaders as prone to the use of military might, even without the support of allies. Yet the findings also indicate that American elites have held this military view of reality for a long time.
Political Elites in the Commonwealth of Independent States: Recruitment and Rotation Tendencies
Authors: Gaman-Golutvina Oxana
Published: June 2007

This paper deals with the process of elite recruitment in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The analysis of CIS countries' experiences allows a correlation to be drawn between the model of elite organization and the political and economic policies they pursue. As a rule, based on the mold of traditionalist (patron-client) relations, elites act as the agents of de-modernization and re-traditionalization. Organized on the principles of rational bureaucracy, elites are able to ensure modernization. Looking at the evolution of the CIS countries from this angle, the author investigates three groups of states. Two of these represent an almost 'ideal type' or 'clean' example of implementing the reference model. Byelorussia, at one end of the spectrum, is an example of a bureaucratically run state. On the other side of this spectrum are the countries of post-Soviet Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, which embody the model of the clannish elite. The third group of countries are those states maintaining an in-between position within the proposed line of analysis, or those post-Soviet polities marked by a complicated plexus and sometimes also by an acute struggle between different models (Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, and Moldova).
Present Day Industrial Conditions in Germany
Authors: Balderston R.W.
Published: June 2007

The author of this article had been in Germany about four months when he wrote this article for The Annals. Mr. Balderston is a careful observer of industrial affairs and has had exceptional opportunities to make first hand investigations of conditions in Germany as they now are. Being one of the mission of the American Friends Service Committee to aid in the distribution of food he has come into contact with all classes of the German population.—THE EDITOR.
Is There a Crisis in the American Trade-Union Movement?—The Trade Unionists' Views
Authors: Barkin Solomon , Blum Albert A.
Published: June 2007

A survey of thirty-eight union presidents and forty-seven union staff personnel indicates that many of them are concerned with the crisis facing American labor. They see as their main problems those of technical change or automation, unemployment, unfriendly legislation, weaknesses of union structure and tactics, increased management power, and an unsympathetic public opinion. Factors internal and external to the labor movement have brought these difficulties to the fore. If organized labor is to resolve its dilemmas and to expand again, unions will have to remove their blinders and, through self-analysis, seek answers to their problems within the changes occurring in twentieth-century America.
Automation—End or a New Day in Unionism?
Authors: Stern James L.
Published: June 2007

Automation adversely affects unions by changing the nature of work and reducing the solidarity of the work group. Strikes become more difficult to conduct because auto mation facilitates continued operation by nonbargaining-unit personnel. Organizational efforts are retarded by the changes in occupational characteristics, number, and location of jobs in the various sectors of the economy. Union power is reduced by the erosion of the bargaining unit caused by the creation of the increased number of technical jobs outside of the traditional unit. Automation enables corporations to extend their bound aries across industry lines while political considerations pres ently prevent the unions from revising their structure to match the increased corporate power at the bargaining table. Al though all of these considerations make the task of the union more difficult, none of these pose insurmountable problems. A reorientation of union program and function in line with the changes in work, in occupational characteristics, and in the background and attitudes of new young potential members is possible. Solidarity may be rebuilt upon common vocational interests in the establishment of nationally recognized training programs for the new technical occupations. Declining effec tiveness of strikes may be offset by increasing effectiveness of political activity to achieve union goals.
The Dilemma of Union Democracy
Authors: Stein Emanuel
Published: June 2007

American unions have been undergoing major internal shifts of power and authority resulting from their size, their new problems, and their functions. It is proving steadily more difficult to preserve the realities of democratic govern ment as distinct from the forms; the developments within unions resemble those of other types of organization, notably the large corporation. The real problem seems to be not how to make unions more democratic but how to devise methods of accommodating the concentration of power in the hands of officers to the protection of the interests of the members.
Defense against Gaullist Isolationism
Authors: Warburg James P.
Published: June 2007

De Gaulle's anti-"Anglo-Saxon" diplomacy has made it necessary to rethink the "grand design" for an Atlantic partnership. A possible move in the field of nuclear strategy which might take the wind out of de Gaulle's sails would be the formation of a unified command over Western nuclear power composed of a small group of Americans and Europeans, com parable to the wartime British-American combined chiefs of staff. Failing the prevention of the creation of an inward- looking, Gaullist Little Europe, countermeasures should be taken: The Trade Expansion Act should be amended to permit the President to reduce tariffs to zero if necessary to compete with a European bloc with no internal tariffs and common external tariffs. Most-favored-nation provisions should not be included in treaties and trade agreements with nations which follow France into a protectionist European Economic Com munity. Common policies should be developed with those nations which share the original aims of the Atlantic partner ship. The concept of Atlantic partnership should be widened into a "partnership of the free democracies." Within the partnership of free democracies a system of international pay ments should be developed to protect the currencies of its mem bers from outside interference. In all events, hostile retaliation must be avoided and the paths to peace must be explored.
The Sino-Soviet Balance Sheet in the Underdeveloped Areas
Authors: Fitzgerald C.P.
Published: June 2007

In the underdeveloped areas of the world, Russia and China are in competition not only with the West but also with each other. Russia stresses the solidarity of the system of Socialist states. China preaches revolutionary war. China accepts the risk of escalation into a general war but in practice moves carefully where this risk might be real. The Chinese believe that time is on their side. Russian hopes are limited principally by the fact that the masses in the underdeveloped countries are unlikely to wait passively for communism to tri umph through economic victory in the advanced countries. The Chinese contradict orthodox Marxism by using a racist appeal in their propaganda in Africa and Asia. The Russians repudiate racist distinctions but find it hard to deny that the working classes of the advanced countries evince little enthu siasm for revolution in the underdeveloped countries. These factors, along with Chinese national qualities of drive, ability, patience, and resilience, give China an ideological advantage in the struggle, even though her material resources and capacity for rendering direct military assistance to revolutions are not great.