bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLOBAL TRENDS IN THE LOWEST POSITIVE- AND NEGATIVE-PARITY LEVELS OF p- AND sd-SHELL NUCLEI
Authors: HESS P. O. , LÉVAI G.
Published: November 2005

A schematic but systematic study is presented for p- and sd-shell nuclei to investigate the position of the first opposite-parity state relative to the ground state. This approach rests on the assumption that a probe using a dominant quadrupole-quadrupole interaction and observing the Pauli principle is sufficient to trace qualitatively the position of these states. It is argued that even if the SU (3) symmetry is broken, the lowest states in each shell have contributions from the dominant SU (3) states only, and therefore their relative energies are not influenced significantly by the mixing. It is shown that the global properties and trends of the above-mentioned energy difference are governed by the allowed SU (3) configurations including a pronounced odd-even staggering effect. In some regions, strongly prolate 2ℏω states are found to appear at energies comparable to that of 0ℏω states, indicating that in realistic calculations mixing to excited configurations might become important, and this can explain the anomalous properties of some neutron-rich nuclei. An analysis of the available quadrupole moments is also presented, and a qualitative agreement between calculated and experimental values is found.
RETARDATION EFFECTS IN COVARIANT THREE-DIMENSIONAL BOUND STATE WAVE FUNCTIONS
Authors: PILOTTO F. , DILLIG M.
Published: November 2005

We investigate the influence of retardation effects on covariant 3-dimensional wave functions for bound hadrons. Within a quark-(scalar) diquark representation of a baryon, the four-dimensional Bethe–Salpeter equation is solved for a 1-rank separable kernel which simulates Coulombic attraction and confinement. We project the manifestly covariant bound state wave function into three dimensions upon integrating out the non-static energy dependence and compare it with solutions of three-dimensional quasi-potential equations obtained from different kinematical projections on the relative energy variable. We find that for long-range interactions, as characteristic in QCD, retardation effects in bound states are of crucial importance.
ENERGIES 0.16 AND 0.53 eV FOR DISLOCATION RECOVERY IN AlSi11.35Mg0.23 BY POSITRON LIFETIME
Authors: ABDEL-RAHMAN M. A. , ABDALLAH M. S. , BADAWI EMAD A.
Published: November 2005

The recovery behavior of 20% plastically deformed AlSi 11.35 Mg 0.23 in various stages of isochronal annealing is investigated by positron lifetime (LT). Experimental results show that the positron mean lifetime is a function of annealing temperature. The lifetime of the positron annihilating in a perfect lattice is 187.3 ps. It is 229.8 ps in a 20% deformed one. There are two regions in the isochronal annealing, one of them is related to the point defect and the other to the dislocation. The activation enthalpy for the dislocation is calculated from the isothermal study in the dislocation region from 575–675 K by slow and fast cooling and it is 0.16 ± 0.02 and 0.53 ± 0.06 eV , respectively.
INTERACTION OF DISSIMILAR PLANE PARALLEL DOUBLE LAYER AT ARBITRARY POTENTIAL
Authors: ZHANG SHIMIN
Published: November 2005

Several elliptic integrals related to the interaction energy between two dissimilar parallel plates (the potentials on the two plates are of the same sign) are expanded in several fast convergent series for lower and higher surface potentials, respectively. The number of series terms required to obtain the interaction energy with six significant figures is not more than four for the dimensionless surface potential from 0 to 20 if the series fit for the lower potential is combined with the series fit for the higher potential. The approximate expressions with different precisions can be obtained by retaining different series terms. The results of Devereux and de Bruyn are discovered to be incorrect when the surface potential is very low or very high.
PREPARATION AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF THIN TiO2 FILMS CONTAINING Ca AND P USING MICRO-ARC OXIDATION
Authors: DONG QING , CHEN CHUANZHONG , WANG DIANGANG , JI QIANMAO
Published: November 2005

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) is a novel technique for producing oxide films on metals like Al , Mg , Ti and Zr . A ceramic-like film containing Ca and P was deposited on Ti-6Al-4V substrate by MAO in an electrolytic solution using a pulsed power supply. XRD indicated that the film was a mixture of anatase, rutile and VO. SEM showed that the surface of the film was microporous with 1–2 μm pores. EDS gave the element distributions of the cross-section. The result indicated that elements like Ca and P could be incorporated into the film during MAO process. The microhardness test showed that the film had an average hardness of 540 HV0.025.
DEVELOPMENT OF PREPARATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL THIN FILMS BY PULSED LASER DEPOSITION
Authors: ZHAO YAFAN , CHEN CHUANZHONG , CHEN LUBIN , BAO QUANHE
Published: November 2005

Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) exhibits unique advantages for the preparation of functional thin films which are widely used in microelectronics, photoelectrons, integrate circuits, superconductors and biomedical fields. The principle of and the characteristics of PLD are introduced, its applications in ferroelectrics, high-temperature superconductors, diamond-like and superlattices. The future application trend is reviewed.
SUBWAVELENGTH PERIODIC RIPPLE FORMATION ON GaN SURFACE BY FEMTOSECOND LASER PULSES
Authors: WANG X. C. , LIM G. C. , NG F. L. , LIU W. , CHUA S. J.
Published: November 2005

The formation of femtosecond pulsed laser-induced periodic surface structure on GaN is reported for the first time (to our knowledge) in this paper. It has been found that the formation of the laser-induced ripples is very much dependent and quite sensitive to the laser conditions of the incident laser beam energy fluence and pulse numbers. Possibly due to the unique property of high-defect density of GaN material, the process window for laser-induced ripple formation is quite narrow compared to other materials such as InP , GaP , Al 2 O 3 etc. Nevertheless, through finely adjusting laser beam fluence and pulse number, subwavelength periodic ripples could be formed on the GaN surface. The formation of such periodic two-dimensional structures was attributed to optical interference of the incident laser light with scattered waves from a surface disturbance. Photoluminescence emission could still be detected on the GaN ripple area, indicating little degradation of GaN optical property after femtosecond laser processing. The femtosecond laser-induced ripple structure has potential applications in the fabrication of nanostructures for the GaN -based devices.
From document to knowledge base
Authors: Carlson Patricia A.
Published: November 2005

InThe Nürnberg Funnel: Designing Minimalist Instruction for Practical Computer Skill, John Carroll builds a case for online training as a replacement for a user's manual, a traditional part of the paper library for computer products. In this commentary, I too will argue for a type of minimalist online tutorial as the primary means of user support, but I'll suggest something far different from the "minimal manual."
The role of balloon help
Authors: Farkas David K.
Published: November 2005

Balloon Help, which is becoming standard in the Macintosh world, enables the user to display brief annotations of interface objects by passing the pointer (cursor) over those objects. This investigation explains the operation of Balloon Help, presents the theoretical and empirical rationale for Balloon Help, assesses its value in supporting both exploration of an interface and task-focused behavior, considers its relationship with other forms of help, and evaluates some possible modifications of Balloon Help. Balloon Help is viewed as a successful implementation of minimalist principles that nevertheless needs to be supplemented by other forms of documentation.
Toward an ethos of rationale
Authors: Carroll John M.
Published: November 2005

Professor Farkas' article address itself to a single interface technique. As he makes clear, the Balloon Help technique fills a fairly narrow role, which is nonetheless an interesting and potentially important role. The plan of the article is to first briefly explain what the technique is, then analyze its rationale in terms of theories and facts about users and documentation. Next, the article focuses down on some characteristic situations of use, specializing the rationale and reflecting more specifically on potential problems and strengths of the technique in these usage contexts. Finally, it turns to contrasts and conflicts of the technique with related techniques, and possibilities for extending the technique.
Concerning SIGDOC 92
Authors: Mehlenbacher Brad
Published: November 2005

Maes, Goutier, and van der Linden (1992, pp. 175--182) begin their SIGDOC 92 paper with a sentence that, I believe, best captures the spirit of last year's Ottawa conference: "It can confidently be assumed that in the coming decades a growing number of readers will be confronted with a growing number and a growing variety of reading situations in which information is offered online" (p. 175). Focusing on the implications of this assertion, this article reviews the 40 research papers presented at last year's SIGDOC 92 conference sponsored by The Association for Computing Machinery, Northern Telecom and Bell-Northern Research. Also, this overview should act as an introduction to this year's 11th Annual International Conference, SIGDOC 93, for researchers and practitioners unfamiliar with the Special Interest Group on Systems Documentation, its contributors, and their research on how to better produce accurate, complete, and understandable documentation.
Information retrieval and comprehension in humans and computers
Authors: Jonassen David H.
Published: November 2005

In one sense, I feel that it is unfair to comment on Professor Miller's paper, since so much has changed since it was published in 1968. Technology has shrunk in size and increased in power by orders of magnitude. Theories of learning and information processing have transcended one or more paradigm shifts. So, reconciling what I know now with what Professor Miller wrote two and one half decades ago appears to give me an unfair advantage. What makes it a reasonable task, however, is that, in light of these technological and theoretical changes, so many of Professor Miller's ideas about spatial cueing and imaging for facilitating information retrieval remain cogent and plausible. So, I will assume the challenge by first stating some fundamental assumptions of my research and beliefs about learning and the future of technology and later enumerate some research conclusions related to retrieval of information and then comprehension of information, all the while trying to relate the research to Professor Miller's remarks.
Ethics in technical communication
Authors: Clark Gregory
Published: November 2005

Professional technical communicators and academicians who study and teach technical communication have opposing perspectives on the ethics that should guide the work of communicating technical information. Valuing most the well-being of their profession and the organizations in which they work, the professionals advocate an ethics in which competence is the principle and market success the purpose that guides good technical communication. The academicians, valuing most the well-being of the larger society in which all technology is situated, advocate an ethics in which responsibility is the guiding principle and the protection of that society's interests the guiding purpose. An alternative perspective founded upon rhetoric might be acceptable to both. Valuing the protection of all interests involved in a communication situation, this perspective makes cooperation the principle and compromise the purpose that should guide technical communication, suggesting an ethics in which open interaction and collaborative judgment become the context in which technical communication functions.
Gregory Clark's take on technical communication ethics
Authors: Brockmann R. John
Published: November 2005

Gregory Clark's essay on ethics offers a very flimsy method of ethical technical communication, compromise, a very fragile goal, co-operation, and the hope for overwhelming ethical allegiance to be vested by individuals in a temporary group's ethics. Compromise, cooperation, and allegiance to temporary groups lack any kind of sanction and rely upon simple goodwill. But Clark's focus upon the need to depend upon each other's goodwill in the area of ethical technical communication is correct...and is, perhaps, our only recourse.
How computer graphing programs change the graph design process
Authors: Brasseur Lee E.
Published: November 2005

Graphing experts often critique the fill patterns which appear in many computer-generated graphs and charts because they can distract from and even distort the information. One of the reasons these fill patterns are so problematic is that they are automatically inserted into any plot a user chooses. In this paper I present both a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of fill patterns and the results of research which compares the ways in which both computer designers and paper-and-pencil designers fill the enclosed areas of their graphs and charts. Results show that automatically placed fill patterns exert strong behavioral influences on computer designers and result in decisions that might be different than if they were using paper and pencil.
Comments on Brasseur's fill pattern article
Authors: Borland Russell
Published: November 2005

Lee Brasseur has conducted some important and useful research from which program designers and documentation designers can draw some useful advice. But there are areas of her paper that raise questions we need Brasseur or others to answer before we can be sure we travel the right track to software and document design that improves users' qualitative performance as well as their quantitative. My comments, then, are a series of questions and observations about the paper itself. The answers to these questions and the clarification of these observations might be the basis for further research.
Computer-aided design?
Authors: Gustafson Jolene
Published: November 2005

In her "How Computer Graphing Programs Change the Graph Design Process: Results of Research on the Fill Pattern Feature," Lee Brasseur begins her analysis by stating that "some of the studies' results are not surprising." I agree. The result I find least surprising, though, is the one she considers most surprising. Namely, "the strong influence that automatically generated fill patterns had on computer designers' decision making."
Commentary on “object-oriented documentation” by Johannes Sametinger
Authors: Boyle Craig
Published: November 2005

Sametinger deals with the integration of object-oriented documentation (OOD) into an object oriented programming (OOP) environment. Software engineers have long known of the benefits of OOP, typically it is taking documentation technology a long time to catch up. This paper is an important prototypical effort at combining OO software technology with similarly-structured systems documentation.
Using contextual inquiry to learn about your audiences
Authors: Raven Mary Elizabeth , Flanders Alicia
Published: November 2005

This article discusses how technical communicators can use Contextual Inquiry (a field research method) to gather information about their audiences and their specific needs for online and hardcopy documentation. Inquiry is based on three principles: 1. Data gathering must take place in the context of the users' work. 2. The data-gatherer and the user form a partnership to explore issues together. 3. The inquiry is based on a focus; that is, the inquiry is based on a clearly defined set of concerns, rather than on a list of specific questions (as in a survey). This article includes a description of Contextual Inquiry as we have used it at Digital Equipment Corporation and examples from our experiences as technical communicators and usability engineers on various projects that have used this method.
A seven-dimensional approach to graphics
Authors: Dowhal Danny
Published: November 2005

As the media used for delivering documentation and information about computer systems become more diversified and multimodal, a new, broader perspective of the graphics and illustrations used for supporting documentation is needed. Information developers, already challenged with understanding graphic design and illustration fundamentals for hardcopy, now have a plethora of new graphical considerations in a world that encompasses multimedia, 3D computer animation, virtual reality, and the internet. This paper proposes a seven-dimensional spectrum or framework for graphics. It is certainly not meant to be a detailed how-to guide---to address in detail all the graphical techniques and technologies touched upon would require several volumes. Rather, the discussion is meant to present a broader perspective and unifying psychological framework to help documentation experts deal with the increasingly complex galaxy of graphics-use scenarios they will face in the future. Each graphical dimension addressed in the paper is progressively more future-oriented, and will require a greater synergism between participants in the documentation process, and between the information delivery technologies they command.
Designing information-supported performance
Authors: Wright Patricia
Published: November 2005

This paper discusses the progress we have made in document design and suggests some of the issues remaining to be addressed, particularly in relation to multimedia documents. In order to sharpen these issues, it reports three empirical studies of the varying effects that graphics in electronic documents have on readers and the reading process in different contexts. It concludes by discussing how to represent our growing knowledge about the effects of design features, and suggests that such an information resource is more usefully thought of as a "map" to be consulted than a recipe to be followed. The varied factors that must be taken into account when reaching design decisions may mean that the "map" will need to be an interactive document in order to be a useful tool for designers scaling the heights in the online century ahead.
Information, technical writing, knowledge and power
Authors: Valentino Mattio
Published: November 2005

The study of technology should not limit its scope to hardware, software, applications and systems; it should also involve language, how language shapes and is shaped by information, how information becomes knowledge, and how dominant knowledge can become power, all within the complex contexts of human culture. Technology transfer, the transfer of the knowledge of technology, is mediated by language, which, paradoxically, is itself a technology. What happens, then, when one community attempts to transfer knowledge of technology to an outside community? Sometimes the transfer occurs smoothly resulting in different and diverse communities willingly constructing shared knowledge together. Sometimes conflicts arise and the transfer of knowledge, when forced, can become a struggle on social, economic, and political levels.
Anticipations of hypertext
Authors: Bernstein Mark
Published: November 2005

The STOP methodology, like contemporary hypertext theory, arose from a confluence of novel technological and literary ideas. While the engineering and literary factors that shaped STOP are very different from those that shape hypertext, the similarities between the STOP prescription and contemporary hypertext design are striking.
Tech report Browse
Authors: Bramwell Bob
Published: November 2005

This article describes Browse: an on-line manual system oriented to VDUs, consisting of a manual database and a retrieval program. Browse was built to provide a reasonable user-interface to the Berkley Unix on-line manual at fairly low cost in terms of system resources. The retrieval program provides a basic set of user commands for selecting desired information from menus. To overcome some of the tedious aspects of the basic commands, higher level operations have been defined. Currently only an extremely primitive mechanism exists for producing hardcopy output from Browse: performing this task "properly" is seen as a hard problem. In spite of this, user acceptance over a period of eight months has been quite good.This work has been supported, in part, by grants from NSERC.
The adventure of training
Authors: Komar James
Published: November 2005

In preparing WP training packages for Philips Information Systems in North America, I aim to offer the trainee an adventure in learning, a useful growth experience: one which is interactive and interesting, not passive and intimidating; one which presents goals that are clearly defined and attainable; one which motivates the trainee to meet those goals and offers feedback every step of the way.
The effect of Windows on man-machine interfaces (or opening doors with windows
Authors: Holcomb Richard , Tharp Alan L.
Published: November 2005

A recent development in human-machine interfaces is the partitioning of a computer terminal screen into distinct "windows" of information. This paper defines the concept of "windows" and describes its most common features and applicable operations. It then investigates the utility and application of windowing and compares its features with those of existing user interfaces. The emphasis is on improving the human-machine interface.
ESTC - a computer file for the scholarly community
Authors: Crump M. J.
Published: November 2005

Taken in its widest sense to cover all attempts to explain a computer file to its users, the documentation of the Eighteenth-century Short Title Catalogue (ESTC) has been a complicated business. The sources for information concerning the online file are various, as indeed they have to be because the online file is carried by two (soon to be four) computer networks. In addition, the different groups of users require different forms of explanation. It is perhaps best, at the outset of this paper, that I identify some of the peculiar problems that have arisen in a project of this size so that I can then proceed to explain the steps that have been taken to overcome them.
The editorial role in developing an online user interface
Authors: Dameron Deborah
Published: November 2005

As the quality of online systems escalates as a marketing issue, the Editor becomes proportionately more important to the development of a usable and consistent user interface. Editors are vital to the development of a quality user interface for any online system, be it a software product, its accompanying help, or more extensive online documentation. Editors negotiate for quality, lending an experienced eye for detail to each stage of product development, working as part of the Development Team to build a consistent product that meets user needs
.
The mythical task
Authors: Hallgren Chris
Published: November 2005

We confront a time in society when phrases such as “information anxiety” have become cliches. As documentation developers, we have a mission to sort information into structures that help users perform their work on computers. Task-based documentation has emerged as one of the most popular models for explaining the principals of sorting information into useful instructions or learning materials. This paper deals with environments where standard task-analysis flounders, either due to the conflicts between different audiences who use the same task elements in different ways, or the complexity of the domain, which makes discrete task modules nearly impossible to define. Under these conditions, we equate the definition of clear tasks with myth -- meaning a symbolic goal more than a real possibility.

This paper will explore ways to track down the
mythical tasks
in the information that describes a large, open computer graphics system. This discussion will also serve as a model for analyzing the use of open systems. First we supply the technological history that has led to this information breakdown. Then we present two models from the computer graphics field to use as examples in the application of the theories in this paper. Following this, the paper discusses Tour Books, Tool Books, Job Books, and the importance of both precise and alternate terminology. Finally, it will discuss the usefulness and limitations of indexes, cross references, alphabetic references and hyper text (extended indexes and cross references).
Metabolic response to carbohydrate ingestion during exercise in males and females
Authors: Wallis Gareth A. , Dawson Ruth , Achten Juul , Webber Jonathan , Jeukendrup Asker E.
Published: November 2005

The present study investigated potential sex-related differences in the metabolic response to carbohydrate (CHO) ingestion during exercise. Moderately endurance-trained men and women ( n = 8 for each sex) performed 2 h of cycling at ∼67% V̇o2 max with water (WAT) or CHO ingestion (1.5 g of glucose/min). Substrate oxidation and kinetics were quantified during exercise using indirect calorimetry and stable isotope techniques ([13C]glucose ingestion, [6,6-2H2]glucose, and [2H5]glycerol infusion). In both sexes, CHO ingestion significantly increased the rates of appearance (Ra) and disappearance (Rd) of glucose during exercise compared with WAT ingestion [males: WAT, ∼28–29 μmol·kg lean body mass (LBM)−1·min−1; CHO, ∼53 μmol·kg LBM−1·min−1; females: WAT, ∼28–29 μmol·kg LBM−1·min−1; CHO, ∼61 μmol·kg LBM−1·min−1; main effect of trial, P < 0.05]. The contribution of plasma glucose oxidation to the energy yield was significantly increased with CHO ingestion in both sexes (from ∼10% to ∼20% of energy expenditure; main effect of trial, P < 0.05). Liver-derived glucose oxidation was reduced, although the rate of muscle glycogen oxidation was unaffected with CHO ingestion (males: WAT, 108 ± 12 μmol·kg LBM−1·min−1; CHO, 108 ± 11 μmol·kg LBM−1·min−1; females: WAT, 89 ± 10 μmol·kg LBM−1·min−1; CHO, 93 ± 11 μmol·kg LBM−1·min−1). CHO ingestion reduced fat oxidation and lipolytic rate (Ra glycerol) to a similar extent in both sexes. Finally, ingested CHO was oxidized at similar rates in men and women during exercise (peak rates of 0.70 ± 0.08 and 0.65 ± 0.06 g/min, respectively). The present investigation suggests that the metabolic response to CHO ingestion during exercise is largely similar in men and women.
Chlamydia pneumoniaein foci of “early” calcification of the tunica media in arteriosclerotic arteries: an incidental presence?
Authors: Bobryshev Yuri V. , Lord Reginald S. A. , Tran Dinh
Published: November 2005

Only a few previous works investigated the involvement of Chlamydia pneumoniae ( Chlamydophila pneumoniae) in arterial calcification. The present study investigated a possible association between C. pneumoniae and medial calcification. Carotid artery segments obtained by endarterectomy from 60 patients were examined by PCR and immunohistochemistry to identify the presence of C. pneumoniae. Arterial specimens showing double-positive ( n = 17), double-negative ( n = 22), and single-positive results ( n = 21) were further analyzed by a combination of histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Medial calcification occurred in 10 of 17 (58.8%) C. pneumoniae double-positive arterial specimens, but no medial calcification was observed in any of 22 C. pneumoniae double-negative arterial specimens. Electron microscopy indicated C. pneumoniae in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in foci of medial calcification. Medial SMCs showing damage to the cytoplasm and basement membrane contained the structures with the appearance of elementary, reticulate, and aberrant bodies of C. pneumoniae. The presence of C. pneumoniae in SMCs was confirmed by electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry. In the extracellular matrix, calcification was observed in C. pneumoniae aberrant bodies that exited the SMCs. The findings offer a new hypothesis of arterial calcification: they suggest that C. pneumoniae infection of medial SMCs may be associated with the pathophysiological events of arteriosclerotic calcification of the tunica media.
Hemorrhagic shock-activated neutrophils augment TLR4 signaling-induced TLR2 upregulation in alveolar macrophages: role in hemorrhage-primed lung inflammation
Authors: Fan Jie , Li Yuehua , Vodovotz Yoram , Billiar Timothy R. , Wilson Mark A.
Published: November 2005

Hemorrhagic shock renders patients susceptible to the development of acute lung injury in response to a second inflammatory stimulus by as yet unclear mechanisms. We investigated the role of neutrophils (PMN) in alveolar macrophage (AMφ) priming, specifically, the role in mediating Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and TLR2 cross talk in AMφ. Using a mouse model of hemorrhagic shock followed by intratracheal administration of LPS, we explored a novel function of shock-activated PMN in the mechanism of TLR2 upregulation induced by LPS-TLR4 signaling in AMφ. We showed that antecedent hemorrhagic shock enhanced LPS-induced TLR2 upregulation in AMφ. In neutropenic mice subjected to shock, the LPS-induced TLR2 expression was significantly reduced, and the response was restored upon repletion with PMN obtained from shock-resuscitated mice but not by PMN from sham-operated mice. These findings were recapitulated in mouse AMφ cocultured with PMN. The enhanced TLR2 upregulation in AMφ augmented the expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-2, TNF-α, and macrophage migration inhibitory factor in the AMφ in response to sequential challenges of LPS and peptidoglycan, a prototypical TLR2 ligand, which physiologically associated with amplified AMφ-induced PMN migration into air pouch and lung alveoli. Thus TLR2 expression in AMφ, signaled by TLR4 and regulated by shock-activated PMN, is an important positive-feedback mechanism responsible for shock-primed PMN infiltration into the lung after primary PMN sequestration.
Involvement of phospholipase A2 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-mediated PMN transepithelial migration
Authors: Hurley Bryan P. , Williams Natecia L. , McCormick Beth A.
Published: November 2005

Inflammation resulting from bacterial infection of the respiratory mucosal surface during pneumonia and cystic fibrosis contributes to pathology. A major consequence of the inflammatory response is recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) to the infected site. To reach the airway, PMNs must travel through several cellular and extracellular barriers, via the actions of multiple cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. Using a model of polarized lung epithelial cells (A549 or Calu-3) grown on Transwell filters and human PMNs, we have shown that Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces PMN migration across lung epithelial barriers. The process is mediated by epithelial production of the eicosanoid hepoxilin A3 (HXA3) in response to P. aeruginosa infection. HXA3 is a PMN chemoattractant metabolized from arachidonic acid (AA). Given that release of AA is believed to be the rate-limiting step in generating eicosanoids, we investigated whether P. aeruginosa infection of lung epithelial cells resulted in an increase in free AA. P. aeruginosa infection of A549 or Calu-3 monolayers resulted in a significant increase in [3H]AA released from prelabeled lung epithelial cells. This was partially inhibited by PLA2 inhibitors ONO-RS-082 and ACA as well as an inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase. Both PLA2 inhibitors dramatically reduced P. aeruginosa-induced PMN transmigration, whereas the diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor had no effect. In addition, we observed that P. aeruginosa infection caused an increase in the phosphorylation of cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2), suggesting a mechanism whereby P. aeruginosa activates cPLA2 generating free AA that may be converted to HXA3, which is required for mediating PMN transmigration.
Genetic variations of tubular sodium reabsorption leading to “primary” hypertension: from gene polymorphism to clinical symptoms
Authors: Bianchi Giuseppe
Published: November 2005

The definition of the most appropriate strategy to demonstrate causation of a given genetic-molecular mechanism in a complex multifactorial polygenic disease like hypertension is hampered by the underestimation of the complexity arising from the genetic and environmental interactions. To disentangle this complexity, we developed a strategy based on six steps: 1) isolation of a rodent model of hypertension (Milan hypertensive strain and Milan normotensive strain) that shares some pathophysiological abnormalities with human primary hypertension; 2) definition in the model of the sequence of events linking these abnormalities to a genetic molecular mechanism; 3) determination of the polymorphism of the three adducin genes discovered in the model both in rats and in humans; 4) comparison at biochemical and physiological levels between the rodent models and the hypertensive carriers of the “mutated” gene variants; 5) evaluation of the impact of the adducin genes in hypertension and its organ complications with association and linkage studies in humans, also considering the genetic and environmental interactions; and 6) development of a pharmacogenomic approach aimed at establishing the therapeutic benefit of a drug interfering with the sequence of events triggered by adducin and their effect's size. The bulk of data obtained demonstrates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach considering a variety of genetic and environmental interactions. Adducin functions within the cells as a heterodimer composed of a combination of three subunits. Each of these subunits is coded by genes mapping to different chromosomes. Therefore, the interaction among these genes, taken together with the interactions with other modulatory genes or with the environment, is indispensable to establish the adducin clinical impact. The hypothesis that adducin polymorphism favors the development of hypertension via an increased tubular sodium reabsorption is well supported by a series of consistent experimental and clinical data. Many mechanistic aspects, underlying the link between these genes and clinical symptoms, need to be clarified. The clinical effect size of adducin must be established also with the contribution of pharmacogenomics with a drug that selectively interferes with the sequence of events triggered by the mutated adducin.
Metabolic Syndrome as a Precursor of Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wilson Peter W.F. , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Parise Helen , Sullivan Lisa , Meigs James B.
Published: November 2005

Background—

The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been well defined in persons with the metabolic syndrome (at least 3 of the following: abdominal adiposity, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, and impaired fasting glucose). The objective was to investigate risk for CVD, CHD, and T2DM according to metabolic syndrome traits.

Methods and Results—

The study followed a cohort of 3323 middle-aged adults for the development of new CVD, CHD, and T2DM over an 8-year period. In persons without CVD or T2DM at baseline, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (≥3 of 5 traits) was 26.8% in men and 16.6% in women. There were 174 incident cases of CVD, 107 of CHD, and 178 of T2DM. In men, the metabolic syndrome age-adjusted relative risk (RR) and 95% CIs were RR=2.88 (95% CI 1.99 to 4.16) for CVD, RR=2.54 (95% CI 1.62 to 3.98) for CHD, and RR=6.92 (95% CI 4.47 to 10.81) for T2DM. Event rates and RRs were lower in women for CVD (RR=2.25, 95% CI 1.31 to 3.88) and CHD (RR=1.54, 95% CI 0.68 to 3.53), but they were similar for T2DM (RR=6.90, 95% CI 4.34 to 10.94). Population-attributable risk estimates associated with metabolic syndrome for CVD, CHD, and T2DM were 34%, 29%, and 62% in men and 16%, 8%, 47% in women.

Conclusions—

Metabolic syndrome is common and is associated with an increased risk for CVD and T2DM in both sexes. The metabolic syndrome accounts for up to one third of CVD in men and approximately half of new T2DM over 8 years of follow-up.
Continuous Aortic Flow Augmentation
Authors: Konstam Marvin A. , Czerska Barbara , Böhm Michael , Oren Ron M. , Sadowski Jerzy , Khanal Sanjaya , Abraham William T. , Wasler Andrae , Dahm Johannes B. , Gavazzi Antonello , Gradinac Sinisa , Legrand Victor , Mohacsi Paul , Poelzl Gerhard , Radovancevic Branislav , Van Bakel Adrian B. , Zile Michael R. , Cabuay Barry , Bartus Krzysztof , Jansen Piet
Published: November 2005

Background—

Diminished aortic flow may induce adverse downstream vascular and renal signals. Investigations in a heart failure animal model have shown that continuous aortic flow augmentation (CAFA) achieves hemodynamic improvement and ventricular unloading, which suggests a novel therapeutic approach to patients with heart failure exacerbation that is inadequately responsive to medical therapy.

Methods and Results—

We studied 24 patients (12 in Europe and 12 in the United States) with heart failure exacerbation and persistent hemodynamic derangement despite intravenous diuretic and inotropic and/or vasodilator treatment. CAFA (mean±SD 1.34±0.12 L/min) was achieved through percutaneous (n=19) or surgical (n=5) insertion of the Cancion system, which consists of inflow and outflow cannulas and a magnetically levitated and driven centrifugal pump. Hemodynamic improvement was observed within 1 hour. Systemic vascular resistance decreased from 1413±453 to 1136±381 dyne · s · cm
−5
at 72 hours (
P
=0.0008). Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased from 28.5±4.9 to 19.8±7.0 mm Hg (
P
<0.0001), and cardiac index (excluding augmented aortic flow) increased from 1.97±0.44 to 2.27±0.43 L · min
−1
· m
−2
(
P
=0.0013). Serum creatinine trended downward during treatment (overall
P
=0.095). There were 8 complications during treatment, 7 of which were self-limited. Hemodynamics remained improved 24 hours after CAFA discontinuation.

Conclusions—

In patients with heart failure and persistent hemodynamic derangement despite intravenous inotropic and/or vasodilator therapy, CAFA improved hemodynamics, with a reduction in serum creatinine. CAFA represents a promising, novel mode of treatment for patients who are inadequately responsive to medical therapy. The clinical impact of the observed hemodynamic improvement is currently being explored in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.
Optimal Timing of Intervention in Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Ryan Jason W. , Peterson Eric D. , Chen Anita Y. , Roe Matthew T. , Ohman E. Magnus , Cannon Christopher P. , Berger Peter B. , Saucedo Jorge F. , DeLong Elizabeth R. , Normand Sharon-Lise , Pollack Charles V. , Cohen David J.
Published: November 2005

Background—

Recent studies indicate that a routine invasive approach for patients with unstable angina (UA) and non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) yields improved outcomes compared with a conservative approach, but the optimal timing of this approach remains open to debate.

Methods and Results—

We used day of hospital presentation as an instrumental variable to study the impact of timing of cardiac catheterization and revascularization therapy on acute outcomes (death, reinfarction, stroke, cardiogenic shock, or congestive heart failure) among patients with UA and NSTEMI. Between January 2001 and September 2003, 56 352 patients with UA or NSTEMI were treated at 310 US hospitals participating in the CRUSADE national quality improvement initiative. Weekend patients were defined as those who presented to the hospital between 5
pm
on Friday and 7
am
on Sunday. All other patients were classified as weekday. Weekday patients were similar to weekend patients in terms of demographics, clinical characteristics, and the use of medical therapies in the first 24 hours. Although overall rates of cardiac catheterization and revascularization were similar for the 2 groups, median time to catheterization was significantly longer for weekend than for weekday patients (46.3 versus 23.4 hours,
P
<0.0001). This delay was not associated with increased in-hospital adverse events, including death (weekend 4.4% versus weekday 4.1%,
P
=0.23), recurrent MI (2.9% versus 3.0%,
P
=0.36), or their combination (6.6% versus 6.6%,
P
=0.86). These findings were not affected by risk adjustment or use of alternative definitions of weekend versus weekday presentation. When weekend presentation was used as the basis for an instrumental variable analysis, we found that catheterization within the first 12 hours of presentation was associated with a nonsignificant trend toward reduced in-hospital mortality (absolute risk reduction 1.9%; 95% CI 6.7% lower to 2.9% higher;
P
=0.43) that decreased with longer treatment delays.

Conclusions—

Although weekend presentation is associated with a delay in invasive management among patients with UA and NSTEMI, in the context of contemporary medical therapy, this does not increase adverse events. Weekend presentation appears to fulfill accepted criteria as an instrumental variable for studying the optimal timing of invasive management for acute coronary syndrome patients. Using weekend status as an instrumental variable, we found no significant benefit to early catheterization, although we could not exclude an important risk reduction, particularly for catheterization within 12 hours of presentation.
Noninvasive Targeted Imaging of Matrix Metalloproteinase Activation in a Murine Model of Postinfarction Remodeling
Authors: Su Haili , Spinale Francis G. , Dobrucki Lawrence W. , Song James , Hua Jing , Sweterlitsch Sarah , Dione Donald P. , Cavaliere Patti , Chow Conroy , Bourke Brian N. , Hu Xiao-Yu , Azure Michael , Yalamanchili Padmaja , Liu Richard , Cheesman Edward H. , Robinson Simon , Edwards D. Scott , Sinusas Albert J.
Published: November 2005

Background—

Time-dependent activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after myocardial infarction (MI) contributes to adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling; however, noninvasive methods to monitor this process serially are needed.

Methods and Results—

MMP-targeted radiotracers were developed that displayed selective binding kinetics to the active MMP catalytic domain. Initial nonimaging studies were performed with a
111
In-labeled MMP-targeted radiotracer (
111
In-RP782) and negative control compound (
111
In-RP788) in control mice (Ctrl) and in mice 1 week after surgically induced MI. Localization of
111
In-RP782 was demonstrated within the MI by microautoradiography. A 334±44% increase (
P
<0.001 versus Ctrl) in relative retention of
111
In-RP782 was confirmed by gamma well counting of myocardium. Subsequent high-resolution dual-isotope planar and hybrid micro–single-photon emission computed tomography/CT imaging studies with an analogous
99m
Tc-labeled MMP-targeted radiotracer (
99m
Tc-RP805) and
201
Tl demonstrated favorable biodistribution and clearance kinetics of
99m
Tc-RP805 for in vivo cardiac imaging, with robust retention 1 to 3 weeks after MI in regions of decreased
201
Tl perfusion. Gamma well counting yielded a similar ≈300% increase in relative myocardial retention of
99m
Tc-RP805 in MI regions (Ctrl, 102±9%; 1 week, 351±77%; 2 weeks, 291±45%; 3 weeks, 292±41%;
P
<0.05 versus Ctrl). Myocardial uptake in the MI region was also significantly increased ≈5-fold when expressed as percentage injected dose per gram tissue. There was also a significant 2-fold increase in myocardial activity in remote regions relative to control mice, suggesting activation of MMPs in regions remote from the MI.

Conclusions—

This novel noninvasive targeted MMP radiotracer imaging approach holds significant diagnostic potential for in vivo localization of MMP activation and tracking of MMP-mediated post-MI remodeling.
On the Choice of the Offspring Population Size in Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Jansen Thomas , Jong Kenneth A. De , Wegener Ingo
Published: November 2005

Evolutionary algorithms (EAs) generally come with a large number of parameters that have to be set before the algorithm can be used. Finding appropriate settings is a diffi- cult task. The influence of these parameters on the efficiency of the search performed by an evolutionary algorithm can be very high. But there is still a lack of theoretically justified guidelines to help the practitioner find good values for these parameters. One such parameter is the offspring population size. Using a simplified but still realistic evolutionary algorithm, a thorough analysis of the effects of the offspring population size is presented. The result is a much better understanding of the role of offspring population size in an EA and suggests a simple way to dynamically adapt this parameter when necessary.
The Law of International Organizations: A Subject which needs Exploration and Analysis
Authors:   Amerasinghe
Published: November 2005

The law of international organizations, including the institutional law, has been somewhat neglected in the past, even though, or perhaps because, international organizations are creations largely of the 20th century. In my treatise on Principles of the Institutional Law of International Organizations, first published in late 1996 and going now, at the request of the publisher, into a second edition, I directed attention, perhaps in a seminal way, to this institutional law, its importance and its qualification to be considered a specific category not only of general international law but also of international organizational law. In my view there is ample room for further thorough study of various aspects particularly of this law without neglecting the functional international law of international organizations. Apart from principle, their application or non-application in practice may usefully be studied. This by itself justifies a law journal devoted to the subject of international organizational law in general. Moreover, the justification is further reinforced by the fact that now international organizations have become a feature of everyday life in the world. Here, at the risk of repeating what I have said in my book referred to above, because such repetition can only emphasize the importance of the subject matter, I shall concentrate on four aspects which are relevant to international organizational law, to its importance as a part of international law and to its influence on international relations: (i) the pervasiveness of international organizations; (ii) the concept of international institutional law; (iii) its nature; and (iv) its sources.