bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Lacunar Strokes Really Different?
Authors: Jackson Caroline , Sudlow Cathie
Published: March 2005

Background and Purpose—

Differences in risk factors between lacunar and nonlacunar infarcts might support a distinct arterial pathological process underlying lacunar infarction.

Methods—

We did a systematic review of studies comparing risk factors in patients with lacunar versus nonlacunar infarction. For each risk factor, we calculated study-specific and pooled relative risks (RRs) for lacunar versus nonlacunar infarction.

Results—

A total of 16 of 28 studies included risk factors in their ischemic stroke subtype definitions. Hypertension and diabetes appeared commoner among patients with lacunar versus nonlacunar infarction. However, analyses confined to studies using risk factor–free ischemic subtype definitions found only a marginal excess of hypertension with lacunar versus nonlacunar infarction (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.19) and no difference for diabetes (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.09). Atrial fibrillation and carotid stenosis were associated more with nonlacunar than lacunar infarction but less so when only studies using risk factor–free classifications were considered. Otherwise, there was no evidence of differences in risk factor profiles.

Conclusions—

Risk factor–free ischemic stroke subtype classification methods should be used for comparing risk factor profiles between lacunar and nonlacunar subtypes.
The Quality of Factor Solutions in Exploratory Factor Analysis: The Influence of Sample Size, Communality, and Overdetermination
Authors: Hogarty Kristine Y. , Hines Constance V. , Kromrey Jeffrey D. , Ferron John M. , Mumford Karen R.
Published: March 2005

The purpose of this studywas to investigate the relationship between sample size and the quality of factor solutions obtained from exploratory factor analysis. This research expanded upon the range of conditions previously examined, employing a broad selection of criteria for the evaluation of the quality of sample factor solutions. Results showed that when communalities are high, sample size tended to have less influence on the quality of factor solutions than when communalities are low. Overdetermination of factors was also shown to improve the factor analysis solution. Finally, decisions about the quality of the factor solution depended upon which criteria were examined.
Divorce Law Practices and the Origins, Myths, and Realities of Judicial “Mediation” in China
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: March 2005

Using archival records of 216 court cases, this article argues that divorce law practices lie at the core of the tradition of “Maoist justice” that remains profoundly influential in the present-day Chinese civil justice system. These practices were born of a distinctive set of historical circumstances: the need to steer a middle course between an early radical promise of divorce on demand and the reality of peasant opposition, and the merging of peasant practices with Communist Party methods and doctrines. They must be understood in terms not of an either/or binary—modernity and tradition, party and peasant—but rather of the interaction between them. They involve on-site investigations by judges and aggressive efforts at “mediation,” as well as the formulation of ganqing ( emotional relationship) as the basis for marriage and divorce. They have in fact been centrally important in shaping the civil justice system as a whole.
Information Technology and Urban Form: Challenges to Smart Growth
Authors: Audirac Ivonne
Published: March 2005

This article discusses how information and communications technology (ICT), construed either as evolutionary or revolutionary, permeates two broad urban research traditions of metropolitan change. It reviews research findings from these two research traditions concerning metropolitan population and employment redistribution. It suggests that synergies between ICT and our car, truck, and airplane society may be a thrust behind well-established urban decentralization and deconcentration trends. Furthermore, a review of research on ICT-intensive firms, assumed to be the “glue” of urban agglomerations, reveals that metropolitan dispersion and regional deconcentration are also occurring in this sector. Although both centrifugal and centripetal forces are shaping the form of the information age metropolis, rather than central city renaissance or absolute urban dissolution, the resulting spatially distributed network pattern is polycentric and evolving into a regional constellation of ICT agglomerations interconnected via high-speed transportation and digital networks. The increasingly spread-out metropolitan form embodies the time-sensitive logic of the information age. However, such logic poses serious challenges to smart growth’s metropolitan agenda.
Smart Growth and the Transportation-Land Use Connection: What Does the Research Tell Us?
Authors: Handy Susan
Published: March 2005

The connection between transportation and land use lies at the center of efforts in the United States to combat sprawl through smart growth strategies. Proponents of smart growth commonly make several specific propositions about the relationships between transportation and land use: (1) building more highways will contribute to more sprawl, (2) building more highways will lead to more driving, (3) investing in light rail transit systems will increase densities, and (4) adopting new urbanism design strategies will reduce automobile use. This article explores how well the available evidence supports these four propositions and provides an overview of the theory, research efforts, and current debates associated with each of these propositions. This overview shows that the four propositions have not yet been fully resolved: researchers have made more progress on some of these propositions than others, but even in the best cases, our ability to predict the impact of smart growth policies remains limited.
The Meaning of Child Abuse for Nurses in Taiwan
Authors: Feng Jui-Ying , Jezewski Mary Ann , Hsu Tsung-Wei
Published: March 2005

The purpose of this study was to explore nurses’ experiences and perspectives regarding child abuse in Taiwan. Semistructured interviews with Taiwanese nurses were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim for this descriptive study. The method of category development proposed by the grounded theory method was used to develop categorical themes that reflected the nurses’ experiences and perspectives. From the 18 registered nurses interviewed, four major categorical themes emerged that were integral to nurses’ experiences working with abused children: the meaning of child abuse, conflict, feeling frustrated, and nurses’ roles. Findings provide a base for understanding child abuse from the perspectives of nurses and a beginning understanding of interventions needed to improve identification and reporting of child abuse in Taiwan. Although nurses have considerable awareness and concern about child abuse, additional education related to this issue is needed.
Superiority of thalidomide and dexamethasone over vincristine-doxorubicindexamethasone (VAD) as primary therapy in preparation for autologous transplantation for multiple myeloma
Authors: Cavo Michele , Zamagni Elena , Tosi Patrizia , Tacchetti Paola , Cellini Claudia , Cangini Delia , de Vivo Antonio , Testoni Nicoletta , Nicci Chiara , Terragna Carolina , Grafone Tiziana , Perrone Giulia , Ceccolini Michela , Tura Sante , Baccarani Michele ,   for the writing committee of the Bologna 2002 study
Published: March 2005

The aim of the present study was to compare thalidomide-dexamethasone (Thal-Dex) and vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone (VAD) as primary therapy in preparation for autologous peripheral blood stem-cell (PBSC) transplantation for multiple myeloma (MM). For this purpose, we performed a retrospective matched case-control analysis of 200 patients who entered 2 consecutive studies from 1996 to 2004 and received Thal-Dex (n = 100) or VAD (n = 100) administered for 4 months before collection of PBSCs and autologous transplantation. Matching criteria included age, clinical stage, and serum β2-microglobulin levels. In comparison with VAD, Thal-Dex resulted in a significantly higher response rate (52% versus 76%, respectively; P < .001) and effected more profound reduction in myeloma cell mass of both immunoglobulin G (IgG; P = .02) and IgA (P = .03) type. More frequent toxicities included nonfatal deep vein thrombosis with Thal-Dex (15%) and granulocytopenia with VAD (12%). In each of the 2 treatment groups, 91% of patients proceeded to PBSC mobilization. The median number of collected CD34+ cells was 7.85 × 106/kg in the Thal-Dex group and 10.5 × 106/kg in the control group. Thal-Dex may be considered an effective and relatively well-tolerated oral alternative to the more complex VAD regimen as front-line therapy for MM patients who are candidates for subsequent autologous transplantation.
A configuration space of homologous proteins conserving mutual information and allowing a phylogeny inference based on pair-wise Z-score probabilities
Authors: Bastien Olivier , Ortet Philippe , Roy Sylvaine , Maréchal Eric
Published: March 2005

Background

Popular methods to reconstruct molecular phylogenies are based on multiple sequence alignments, in which addition or removal of data may change the resulting tree topology. We have sought a representation of homologous proteins that would conserve the information of pair-wise sequence alignments, respect probabilistic properties of Z-scores (Monte Carlo methods applied to pair-wise comparisons) and be the basis for a novel method of consistent and stable phylogenetic reconstruction.

Results

We have built up a spatial representation of protein sequences using concepts from particle physics (configuration space) and respecting a frame of constraints deduced from pair-wise alignment score properties in information theory. The obtained configuration space of homologous proteins (CSHP) allows the representation of real and shuffled sequences, and thereupon an expression of the TULIP theorem for Z-score probabilities. Based on the CSHP, we propose a phylogeny reconstruction using Z-scores. Deduced trees, called TULIP trees, are consistent with multiple-alignment based trees. Furthermore, the TULIP tree reconstruction method provides a solution for some previously reported incongruent results, such as the apicomplexan enolase phylogeny.

Conclusion

The CSHP is a unified model that conserves mutual information between proteins in the way physical models conserve energy. Applications include the reconstruction of evolutionary consistent and robust trees, the topology of which is based on a spatial representation that is not reordered after addition or removal of sequences. The CSHP and its assigned phylogenetic topology, provide a powerful and easily updated representation for massive pair-wise genome comparisons based on Z-score computations.
ask MEDLINE: a free-text, natural language query tool for MEDLINE/PubMed
Authors: Fontelo Paul , Liu Fang , Ackerman Michael
Published: March 2005

Background

Plain language search tools for MEDLINE/PubMed are few. We wanted to develop a search tool that would allow anyone using a free-text, natural language query and without knowing specialized vocabularies that an expert searcher might use, to find relevant citations in MEDLINE/PubMed. This tool would translate a question into an efficient search.

Results

The accuracy and relevance of retrieved citations were compared to references cited in BMJ POEMs and CATs (critically appraised topics) questions from the University of Michigan Department of Pediatrics. askMEDLINE correctly matched the cited references 75.8% in POEMs and 89.2 % in CATs questions on first pass. When articles that were deemed to be relevant to the clinical questions were included, the overall efficiency in retrieving journal articles was 96.8% (POEMs) and 96.3% (CATs.)

Conclusion

ask MEDLINE might be a useful search tool for clinicians, researchers, and other information seekers interested in finding current evidence in MEDLINE/PubMed. The text-only format could be convenient for users with wireless handheld devices and those with low-bandwidth connections in remote locations.
Random convex hulls: a variance revisited
Authors: Finch Steven , Hueter Irene
Published: March 2005

An exact expression is determined for the asymptotic constant c2 in the limit theorem by P. Groeneboom (1988), which states that the number of vertices of the convex hull of a uniform sample of n random points from a circular disk satisfies a central limit theorem, as n → ∞, with asymptotic variance 2πc2n1/3.
Stochastic properties of the linear multifractional stable motion
Authors: Stoev Stilian , Taqqu Murad S.
Published: March 2005

We study a family of locally self-similar stochastic processes Y = {Y(t)}t∈ℝ with α-stable distributions, called linear multifractional stable motions. They have infinite variance and may possess skewed distributions. The linear multifractional stable motion processes include, in particular, the classical linear fractional stable motion processes, which have stationary increments and are self-similar with self-similarity parameter H. The linear multifractional stable motion process Y is obtained by replacing the self-similarity parameter H in the integral representation of the linear fractional stable motion process by a deterministic function H(t). Whereas the linear fractional stable motion is always continuous in probability, this is not in general the case for Y. We obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the continuity in probability of the process Y. We also examine the effect of the regularity of the function H(t) on the local structure of the process. We show that under certain Hölder regularity conditions on the function H(t), the process Y is locally equivalent to a linear fractional stable motion process, in the sense of finite-dimensional distributions. We study Y by using a related α-stable random field and its partial derivatives.
Photoswitching of Intramolecular Magnetic Interaction Using Diarylethene Photochromic Spin Couplers
Authors: Matsuda Kenji
Published: March 2005

Diarylethene is a photochromic molecule, which is potentially applicable to various optoelectronic devices. In diarylethenes the π-system of the two aryl rings is separated in the open-ring isomer, while the π-system is delocalized throughout the molecule in the closed-ring isomer. Based on this idea the exchange interaction between two nitronyl nitroxide radicals connected by a diarylethene unit was photocontrolled reversibly along with photochromism. The switching efficiency is more than 150-fold and thiophene spacer transmits the interaction more efficiently. When diarylethene dimer is used for the switching unit, the electric circuit-like behavior was observed. Moreover, reversed switching is achieved by reversing the thiophene ring. Magnetochemical and photochemical behavior of the radical-substituted diarylethene is described extensively.
A Convenient Catalytic Method for the Synthesis of Ethers from Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Fujii Yasuyuki , Furugaki Hisakazu , Tamura Eiko , Yano Shinji , Kita Katsumi
Published: March 2005

Dialkyl ethers and alkyl fluoroalkyl ethers are obtained in excellent yields by the reaction of alcohols and carbonyl compounds in the presence of Pd/C under the atmospheric pressure of hydrogen, when water produced by the reaction is continuously removed by bubbling hydrogen through the reaction mixture.
The effect of temperature and lipid on the conformational transition of gramicidin A in lipid vesicles
Authors: Lin Ta‐Hsien , Huang Hsien‐bin , Wei H.‐A. , Shiao S.‐H. , Chen Y. C.
Published: March 2005

The present study investigated the effect of temperature and lipid/peptide molar ratio on the conformational changes of the membrane peptide gramicidin A from a double‐stranded helix to a single‐stranded helical dimmer in 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐glycerol‐3‐phosphochloine (DMPC) vesicles. Tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy results suggested that the conformational transition fitted a three‐state (two‐step) “folding” model. Rate constants, k1 and k2, were determined for each of the two steps. Since k1 and k2 increased with an increase in temperature, we hypothesized that the process corresponded to the breakage and formation of the backbone hydrogen bonds. The k1 was from 10 to 45 folds faster than k2, except for lipid/peptide molar ratios above 89.21, where k2 increased rapidly. At molar ratios below 89.21, k2 was insensitive to changes in lipid concentration. To account for this phenomenon, we proposed that while the driving interaction at high molar ratios is between the indole rings of the tryptophan residues and the lipid head groups, at low molar ratios there may be an intermolecular interaction between the tryptophan residues that causes gramicidin A to form an organized aggregated network. This aggregated network, caused by the tryptophan–tryptophan interaction, may be the main effect responsible for the slow down of the conformation change. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 78: 179–186, 2005
Mean squared error of prediction (MSEP) estimates for principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR)
Authors: Mevik Bjørn‐Helge , Cederkvist Henrik René
Published: March 2005

This paper presents results from simulations based on real data, comparing several competing mean squared error of prediction (MSEP) estimators on principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR): leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, K‐fold and adjusted K‐fold cross‐validation, the ordinary bootstrap estimate, the bootstrap smoothed cross‐validation (BCV) estimate and the 0.632 bootstrap estimate. The overall performance of the estimators is compared in terms of their bias, variance and squared error. The results indicate that the 0.632 estimate and leave‐one‐out cross‐validation are preferable when one can afford the computation. Otherwise adjusted 5‐ or 10‐fold cross‐validation are good candidates because of their computational efficiency. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Kinetic Model to Describe Nanocrystal Growth by the Oriented Attachment Mechanism
Authors: Ribeiro Caue , Lee Eduardo J. H. , Longo Elson , Leite Edson R.
Published: March 2005

The classical model of particle coagulation on colloids is revisited to evaluate its applicability on the oriented attachment of nanoparticles. The proposed model describes well the growth behavior of dispersed nanoparticles during the initial stages of nanoparticle synthesis and during growth induced by hydrothermal treatments. Moreover, a general model, which combines coarsening (i.e., Ostwald ripening) and oriented attachment effects, is proposed as an alternative to explain deviations between experimental results and existing theoretical models.
Defining antigen‐dependent stages of T cell migration from the blood to the central nervous system parenchyma
Authors: Archambault Angela S. , Sim Julia , Gimenez Mary Ann T. , Russell John H.
Published: March 2005

In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), intravenous transfer of activated CD4+ myelin‐specific T cells is sufficient to induce disease. Transferred T cells access the CNS parenchyma by trafficking across the blood brain barrier (BBB) vascular endothelium into the perivascular space, and then across the glial limitans that is made up of astrocytes and microglia. Flow cytometry analysis of cells isolated from CNS tissue does not distinguish between T cell populations at the various stages of migration. In this study, we have used GK1.5 (anti‐CD4) treatment along with immunohistochemistry to distinguish between populations of T cells that are associated with the vasculature, T cells that have migrated into the perivascular space, and T cells in the parenchyma. We have also re‐evaluated antigen specificity requirements of T cells as they are recruited to the CNS parenchyma. Activated myelin‐specific T cells are restricted to the CNS vasculature for at least 24 h post transfer. MHC class II expression on the recipient is required for cells to traffic across the CNS vascular endothelium. Further, Con A‐stimulated or non‐CNS‐specific (ovalbumin‐specific) T cells fail to migrate into the perivascular space, and only enter the CNS parenchyma when co‐transferred with myelin‐specific T cells. Our results indicate that Th1 populations cannot accumulate in the perivascular (subarachnoid, Virchow‐Robbins) space without a CNS antigen‐specific signal.
A genetic contamination in MHC‐congenic mouse strains reveals a locus on chromosome 10 that determines autoimmunity and arthritis susceptibility
Authors: Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: March 2005

Among the arthritis‐susceptible MHC (H‐2)‐congenic mouse strains, B10.RIII mice are highly susceptible to collagen‐induced arthritis. Surprisingly, the B10.RIII strain was also more susceptible to the T cell independent model CAIA (collagen‐antibody‐induced arthritis). Through genome‐wide genotyping, we found that the B10.RIII and B10.Q strains differed not only in chromosome 17 (MHC) but also in a region on chromosome 10, which contained a fragment from the MHC donor RIIIS/J. We isolated the chromosome 10 as well as the chromosome 17 segments on the B10.RIII and B10.Q backgrounds. Congenic mice containing the RIIIS/J‐derived chromosome 10 segment showed significantly higher susceptibility and severity of arthritis with an enhanced autoimmune response to type II collagen. Furthermore, this chromosomal segment significantly promoted CAIA. Similarly, the RIIIS/J segment in chromosome 17 also promoted CAIA independently of other gene segments. These data show that other gene regions, apart from MHC class II, may explain effects both at the priming and effector level of arthritis observed in widely used MHC congenic strains. These new congenic fragments, on both chromosome 10 and 17, provide new mouse strains suitable for studies aiming at positional cloning of new genes associated with arthritis.
The dependence of the sporicidal effects on the power and pressure of RF‐generated plasma processes
Authors: Lassen Klaus S. , Nordby Bolette , Grün Reinar
Published: March 2005

The sporicidal effect of 20 different radio‐frequency plasma processes produced by combining five different gas mixtures [O2, Ar/H2 (50/50%), Ar/H2 (5/95%), O2/H2 (50/50%), O2/H2 (95/5%)] with four power/pressure settings were tested. Sporicidal effects of oxygen‐containing plasmas were dependent on power at low pressure settings but not at high pressure settings. In the absence of oxygen no power dependency was observed at either high or low pressure settings. Survivor curves obtained with the use of nonoxygen plasmas typically had a tailing tendency. Only a mixture‐optimized Ar/H2 (15/85%) plasma process was not encumbered by tailing, and produced a decimal reduction time (D value) below 2 min for Bacillus stearothermophilus spores. Scanning electron microscopy showed that a CF4/O2 plasma did more damage to the substrate than the 15/85% Ar/H2 plasma. The present results indicate that UV irradiation inactivation is swift and power and pressure independent. Additionally, it is produced at low energy. However, it is not complete. Inactivation through etching is highly power and pressure dependent; finally, inactivation by photodesorption is moderately power and pressure dependent. A sterilization process relying on this mechanism is very advantageous because it combines a highly sporicidal effect with low substrate damage. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater
Nonstoichiometric polycondensation of 4‐acetoxybenzoic acid in the presence of monoacetate
Authors: Kohama Shin‐ichiro , Kimura Kunio , Yamashita Yuhiko
Published: March 2005

Nonstoichiometric polycondensation of 4‐acetoxybenzoic acid (ABA) was examined in the presence of three kinds of aromatic monoacetates: 4‐hexyloxyphenyl acetate, 4‐decyloxyphenyl acetate, and 4‐octadecyloxyphenyl acetate. Polymerizations were carried out in liquid paraffin at 320 °C under nonstoichiometric conditions, in which the acetoxy group was in large excess of the carboxyl group. Poly(4‐oxybenzoyl) (POB) was obtained as crystal at the molar ratio of monoacetates in feed (χ) of less than 80 mol %, meaning that the concentration of the acetoxy group was five times that of the carboxylic group. The obtained POB possessed much higher number average degree of polymerization (DPn), ranging from 353 to 467, than the calculated DPn on the basis of χ. High molecular weight polymer was synthesized even under nonstoichiometric conditions via crystallization of oligomers and the following solid‐state polymerization in the crystals. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 1757–1766, 2005
Information asymmetry and investor valuation of IPOs: top management team legitimacy as a capital market signal
Authors: Cohen Boyd D. , Dean Thomas J.
Published: March 2005

The condition of information asymmetry between current owners and potential IPO investors creates a context wherein the legitimacy of the top management team (TMT) may serve as a valid signal of value to potential investors. The results confirm our hypotheses that TMT legitimacy is negatively correlated with post‐IPO stock value run‐up. Our results support a previously unexplored view of the TMT as an important signal of value in IPOs, and suggest that dual benefits accrue to the TMT selection process in IPO firms. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical synapse formation disrupts calcium‐dependent exocytosis, but not vesicle mobilization
Authors: Neunuebel Joshua P. , Zoran Mark J.
Published: March 2005

Electrical coupling exists prior to the onset of chemical connectivity at many developing and regenerating synapses. At cholinergic synapses in vitro, trophic factors facilitated the formation of electrical synapses and interfered with functional neurotransmitter release in response to photolytic elevations of intracellular calcium. In contrast, neurons lacking trophic factor induction and electrical coupling possessed flash‐evoked transmitter release. Changes in cytosolic calcium and postsynaptic responsiveness to acetylcholine were not affected by electrical coupling. These data indicate that transient electrical synapse formation delayed chemical synaptic transmission by imposing a functional block between the accumulation of presynaptic calcium and synchronized, vesicular release. Despite the inability to release neurotransmitter, neurons that had possessed strong electrical coupling recruited secretory vesicles to sites of synaptic contact. These results suggest that the mechanism by which neurotransmission is disrupted during electrical synapse formation is downstream of both calcium influx and synaptic vesicle mobilization. Therefore, electrical synaptogenesis may inhibit synaptic vesicles from acquiring a readily releasable state. We hypothesize that gap junctions might negatively interact with exocytotic processes, thereby diminishing chemical neurotransmission. Synapse 56:154–165, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recollections of parent characteristics and attachment patterns for college women of intact vs. non‐intact families☆
Authors: Kilmann Peter R. , Carranza Laura V. , Vendemia Jennifer M.C.
Published: March 2005

This study contrasted offsprings’ attachment patterns and recollections of parent characteristics in two college samples: 147 females from intact biological parents and 157 females of parental divorce. Secure females from intact or non‐intact families rated parents positively, while insecure females rated parents as absent, distant, and demanding. In contrast to females from intact families, females of parental divorce reported a less secure attachment, lower self‐esteem, a greater fearful avoidance pattern, and rated their biological fathers and mothers more negatively.
Childhood discipline, perceptions of parents, and current functioning in female college students
Authors: Renk Kimberly , McKinney Cliff , Klein Jenny , Oliveros Arazais
Published: March 2005

This study examined the relationships among the childhood discipline styles experienced by 116 female college students, their perceptions of their parents, and their current functioning. Results of this study indicated that female college students’ report of childhood discipline, their perceptions of their parents, and their outcomes were related uniquely when examining responses for mothers and fathers. Further, regression analyses suggested that negative perceptions of mothers may mediate the relationship between maternal psychologically assaultive discipline and female college students’ depression and self‐esteem and mediate partially the relationship between maternal psychologically and physically assaultive discipline and female college students’ anxiety. In contrast, fathers’ use of psychologically assaultive discipline and female college students’ positive and negative perceptions of their fathers predicted depression, whereas only their perceptions predicted anxiety and self‐esteem. These results suggested the importance of examining discipline and perceptions of parents when examining the functioning of late adolescents and emerging adults.
Predictors of close family relationships over one year among homeless young people☆
Authors: Milburn Norweeta G. , Jane Rotheram‐Borus Mary , Batterham Philip , Brumback Babette , Rosenthal Doreen , Mallett Shelley
Published: March 2005

Predictors of perceived family bonds were examined among homeless young people who initially left home one year earlier. Newly homeless young people aged 12–20 years who had recently left home were recruited in Los Angeles County, United States () and Melbourne, Australia () and followed longitudinally at 3, 6, and 12 months (follow‐up rates ranging from 72% to 86% overall). These homeless young people varied substantially in their bonds to their families. Family bonds at one year were predicted in multivariate regression analyses by having significantly fewer problem behaviours when leaving home and decreasing rates of problem behaviours over the next year. Having more emotional support and more instrumental financial support were also significantly associated with greater family bonds one year later. These results suggest that efforts to reunite families may be a viable intervention strategy for newly homeless young people.
A case of rabbit syndrome treated with quetiapine
Authors: Altindag A , Yanik M
Published: March 2005

Rabbit syndrome is characterized by rapid, fine, rhythmic movements of the perioral muscles along a vertical axis, mimicking the chewing actions of a rabbit. The present case demonstrates the possible usefulness of quetiapine as a mono-drug treatment strategy for dealing with rabbit syndrome and simultaneously treating psychotic symptoms.
Development of highly stable galectins: Truncation of the linker peptide confers protease‐resistance on tandem‐repeat type galectins
Authors: Nishi Nozomu , Itoh Aiko , Fujiyama Aimi , Yoshida Naoko , Araya Shin-ichi , Hirashima Mitsuomi , Shoji Hiroki , Nakamura Takanori
Published: March 2005

Galectin‐9 and galectin‐8, members of β‐galactoside‐binding animal lectin family, are promising agents for the treatment of immune‐related and neoplastic diseases. The proteins consist of two carbohydrate recognition domains joined by a linker peptide, which is highly susceptible to proteolysis. To increase protease resistance, we prepared mutant proteins by serial truncation of the linker peptide. As a result, mutant forms lacking the entire linker peptide were found to be highly stable against proteolysis and retained their biological activities. These mutant proteins might be useful tools for analyzing the biological functions and evaluating the therapeutic potential of galectin‐9 and galectin‐8.
Control of the Ralstonia solanacearum Type III secretion system (Hrp) genes by the global virulence regulator PhcA
Authors: Genin Stéphane , Brito Belen , Denny Timothy P. , Boucher Christian
Published: March 2005

Expression of several virulence factors in the plant pathogen bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum is controlled by a complex regulatory network, at the center of which is PhcA. We provide genetic evidence that PhcA also represses the expression of hrp genes that code for the Type III protein secretion system, a major pathogenicity determinant in this bacterium. The repression of hrp genes in complete medium is relieved in a phcA mutant and two distinct signals, a quorum‐sensing signal and complex nitrogen sources, appear to trigger this PhcA‐dependent repression. This control of hrp gene expression by PhcA is realized at the level of the HrpG regulatory protein.
The esterase from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius as a reporter enzyme and affinity tag for protein biosynthesis
Authors: Agafonov Dmitry E. , Rabe Kersten S. , Grote Michael , Huang Yiwei , Sprinzl Mathias
Published: March 2005

Esterase from thermophilic bacteria Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius can be produced up to 200 μg/ml by coupled in vitro transcription/translation system derived from Escherichia coli. The synthesized thermostable enzyme can be determined by photometrical and fluorescent assays at least up to 10−8
M concentration or by activity staining in the polyacrylamide gels. Enhanced green fluorescence protein‐esterase fusion protein was bound to a matrix with immobilized esterase inhibitor and purified by affinity chromatography. Thus, the esterase is suited as a reporter enzyme to monitor the expression of polypeptides coupled to its N‐terminus and simultaneously, as a cleavable tag for polypeptide purification.
Extending the supply chain: Integrating operations and marketing in the online grocery industry
Authors: Boyer Kenneth K. , Hult G. Tomas M.
Published: March 2005

This study reports results from case studies of four Internet‐ordering and home‐delivery grocers and 2440 of their customers. Each grocer follows a different operations strategy as determined by choice of where to fulfill customer orders (from existing stores or from a dedicated DC) and by choice of delivery method (direct to the customer's home/office or indirect via customer pickup or third‐party logistics provider). The survey data from customers are used to assess the degree of integration between marketing and operations and the relationship with customer behavioral intentions. The results indicate that eBusiness‐, product‐, and service‐quality, all have a significant direct effect on customer behavioral intentions to purchase again. There is limited support for technology as a moderating factor. Finally, the relationships between the predictor variables and customer behavioral intentions differ across grocers. This supports the idea that grocers utilizing different operational strategies should focus attention on different facets of their business and provides insight as to where efforts should be directed.
Effective repair of a fresh osteochondral defect in the rabbit knee joint by articulated joint distraction following subchondral drilling
Authors: Kajiwara Ryoji , Ishida Osamu , Kawasaki Kenzo , Adachi Nobuo , Yasunaga Yuji , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: March 2005

Purpose: Joint distraction has been used to treat osteoarthritis and was found to delay the need for arthrodesis or joint replacement. However, there has been little basic research on articulated joint distraction for the repair of osteochondral defects. We investigated the effects of joint distraction with motion after drilling on a fresh osteochondral defect in the weight bearing area of the rabbit knee joint.

Methods: A full thickness osteochondral defect was created in the weight bearing area of both medial femoral condyles of an adult Japanese white rabbit. After drilling of the defect, the experimental knee joint was distracted for 1.5 mm using a pair of external fixators to decrease compression force. The contralateral knee joint was used as a control with no apparatus. Gross findings and histological evaluation were assessed to study morphology of the repaired cartilage.

Results: A partial repair with cartilage‐like tissue was observed in the joints of the experimental group at 4 weeks. While cartilagelike tissue stained with Safranin O was found in the experimental group at 8 and 12 weeks, destructive changes were observed in the control joints. Morphological changes were evaluated using the histological grading scale [Wakitani S, Goto T, Pineda SJ, et al. Mesenchymal cell‐based repair of large, full‐thickness defect of articular cartilage. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1994;76(4):579–92]. There was no significant difference between experimental and control groups at 4 weeks (mean 11.2 and 13.8 points, respectively). However, the mean scores of the experimental groups at 8 and 12 weeks (mean 6.8 and 7.5, respectively) were significantly better than those of the control groups at the same time points (mean 14 points each). Between the experimental groups, the scores at 8 and 12 weeks were both significantly better than those at 4 weeks.

Conclusion: A combination of subchondral drilling, joint motion and distraction by an articulated external fixator promoted repair of a fresh osteochondral defect in the weight bearing area. Although distraction for 4 weeks was not a long enough period to repair the defect, distraction for 8 and 12 weeks resulted in a good outcome. © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Topographic and climatic influences on accelerated loess accumulation since the last glacial maximum in the Palouse, Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Sweeney Mark R. , Busacca Alan J. , Gaylord David R.
Published: March 2005

Topographic and climatic influences have controlled thick loess accumulation at the southern margin of the Palouse loess in northern Oregon. Juniper and Cold Springs Canyons, located on the upwind flank of the Horse Heaven Hills, are oriented perpendicular to prevailing southwesterly winds. These canyons are topographic traps that separate eolian sand on the upwind side from thick accumulations (nearly 8 m) of latest Pleistocene to Holocene L1 loess on the downwind side. Silt- and sand-rich glacial outburst flood sediment in the Umatilla Basin is the source of eolian sand and loess for the region. Sediment from this basin also contributes to loess accumulations across much of the Columbia Plateau to the northeast. Downwind of Cold Springs Canyon, Mt. St. Helens set S and Glacier Peak tephras bracket 4 m of loess, demonstrating that approximately 2500 g m−2 yr−1 of loess accumulated between about 15,400–13,100 cal yr B.P. Mass accumulation rates decreased to approximately 250 g m−2 yr−1 from 13,100 cal yr B.P. to the present. Tephrochronology suggests that the bulk of near-source Palouse loess accumulated in one punctuated interval in the latest Pleistocene characterized by a dry and windy climate.
Phasic Alertness and the Residual Task-Switching Cost
Authors: Meiran Nachshon , Chorev Ziv
Published: March 2005

Abstract. Participants switched between two randomly ordered discrimination tasks and each trial began with the presentation of a task cue instructing which task to execute. The authors induced phasic alertness by presenting a salient uninformative stimulus after the task cue was provided, and at variable intervals before the target stimulus was presented (Experiments 1-3) or before the task cue (Experiment 4). When the alerting stimulus preceded the target stimulus or the task cue by an optimal interval, RT was faster, indicating an alert state and the task-switching cost was reduced. These results support the suggestion of De Jong (Acta Psychologica, 1999 ) that alertness improves the overcoming of retrieval competition through improved goal representation, but also show that the effect is specific to the residual task-switching cost.
Limited Benefit of Septal Pre‐Excitation in Pace Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: DUYTSCHAEVER MATTIAS , FIRSOVAITE VIDA , COLPAERT RUDY , ALLESSIE MAURITS , TAVERNIER RENE
Published: March 2005

Background: Pre‐excitation of the intra‐atrial septum (IAS) by pacing at the ostium of the coronary sinus (CSO) can prevent atrial fibrillation (AF) in case of single atrial premature beats (APBs). We investigated whether pre‐excitation of IAS, either by pacing at CSO or at the right ventricle in the presence of retrograde conduction (RV), can prevent atrial tachyarrhythmia triggered by single and multiple APBs. AF vulnerability was compared to pacing at the right atrium (RA) and sinus rhythm (SR).

Methods: Seventeen patients, age 52 ± 21 years, who exhibited retrograde VA conduction and reproducible induction of atrial tachyarrhythmia during an electrophysiological procedure, were studied. Both during SR and pacing (S1‐S1:600 ms) at RA, CSO, and right ventricle (RV), single (A1‐S2:200 ms) and multiple premature stimuli (A1‐S2‐S3‐S4:200–180–180 ms) were delivered at RA (4 × diastolic threshold).

Results: During pacing at RA, single and multiple APBs invariably induced runs of atrial tachyarrhythmia (mean duration 34 ± 67 sec and 37 ± 69 sec, range 1 sec to 20 min). During preventive pacing at CSO and RV, single APBs (A1‐S2:200 ms) did not induce atrial arrhythmia (0 ± 0 sec, 0 ± 0 sec, P < 0.05 vs pacing at RA). In contrast, when multiple APBs were applied, pacing at CSO or RV failed to prevent initiation of AF (mean duration 36 ± 63 sec, 38 ± 65 sec, NS). Also during SR, single APBs did not induce AF (0 ± 0 sec, P < 0.05 vs pacing at RA) whereas multiple APBs invariably induced AF (39 ± 74 sec, NS).

Conclusions: Compared to pacing at RA, pre‐excitation of IAS either by pacing at CSO or at RV with retrograde conduction can prevent initiation of paroxysms of atrial tachyarrhythmia triggered by single but not by multiple right APBs. These findings imply that the potential benefit of choosing an optimal pacing site in patients requiring atrial‐based pacing is limited. Moreover, in the absence of bradycardia, no specific pacing site offers incremental benefit over the natural “protective” effect of sinus rhythm.
Mechanism of Induction of Atrioventricular Node Reentry by Simultaneous Anterograde Conduction Over the Fast and Slow Pathways
Authors: KERTESZ NAOMI J. , FOGEL RICHARD I. , PRYSTOWSKY ERIC N.
Published: March 2005

Introduction: AV node reentry (AVNRT) is typically induced with anterograde (Ant) block over the fast pathway (FP) and conduction over the slow pathway (SP), with subsequent retrograde (Ret) conduction over the FP. Rarely, a premature atrial complex (PAC) conducts simultaneously over the FP and SP to induce AVNRT (2 for 1). This study investigates the mechanism of 2 for 1 induction.

Methods and Results: Of 192 consecutive patients (pts) undergoing posteroseptal radiofrequency ablation to treat AVNRT, 4 pts (2%) had 2 for 1 AVNRT induction. All needed isoproterenol for AVNRT initiation, and Ant conduction was over the SP during AVNRT. Controls (n = 15) were randomly selected from the remaining 188 pts and required isoproterenol to induce AVNRT with Ant block over the FP. For 2 for 1 versus control, respectively, there was no difference in mean age (55 vs. 46 yr), AVNRT cycle length (420 vs. 320 ms), or the Ant effective refractory period of the FP (320 vs. 344 ms). Of note, the PAC that induced AVNRT had a significantly longer AH interval over the SP in pts with 2 for 1 versus control (470 vs. 320 ms, P = 0.016), even though the A1A2 interval for induction was longer for 2 for 1 (315 vs. 260 ms, P = 0.003). Ret conduction over the SP was relatively poor in the 2 for 1 group as evidenced by 4/4 pts with induction of AVNRT during incremental ventricular pacing versus only 1/15 control pts (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The unique induction of AVNRT by a PAC with simultaneous conduction over the FP and SP is best explained by minimal to no retrograde invasion of the SP from the anterogradely conducted fast pathway impulse, and consistent with this observation is the initiation of slow/fast AVN reentry during incremental RV pacing.
Unsuccessful Internal Defibrillation in Brugada Syndrome: Focus on Refractoriness and Ventricular Fibrillation Cycle Length
Authors: WATANABE HIROSHI , CHINUSHI MASAOMI , SUGIURA HIROTAKA , WASHIZUKA TAKASHI , KOMURA SATORU , HOSAKA YUKIO , FURUSHIMA HIROSHI , WATANABE HIROSHI , HAYASHI JUNICHI , AIZAWA YOSHIFUSA
Published: March 2005

Introduction: In patients with Brugada syndrome, implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the only reliable treatment to prevent sudden death though, in some cases, internal defibrillation may be unsuccessful. The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of defibrillation failure, with a focus on electrophysiologic characteristics.

Methods: The study included 51 patients treated with ICD: 22 with Brugada syndrome and 29 with structural heart disease (SHD). The prevalence of defibrillation energy requirement precluding the programming of a 10‐J safety margin, the mean right ventricular effective refractory period (ERP), and mean induced ventricular fibrillation cycle length (VFCL) from the stored ICD electrograms, were compared between the two patient groups.

Results: High defibrillation requirements were observed in 18% of patients with Brugada syndrome versus 0% of patients with SHD. However, the patients with SHD had larger heart size than those with Brugada syndrome. Mean VFCL and mean ERP were both significantly shorter in patients with Brugada syndrome than in patients with SHD, and ERP and VFCL were significantly correlated.

Conclusion: Patients with Brugada syndrome have a high prevalence of high defibrillation energy requirement, and short ventricular ERP and VFCL.
Stimulated Raman scattering of relativistic laser beam in plasmas
Authors: Salih H. A. , Mahmoud S. T. , Sharma R. P. , Rafat M.
Published: March 2005

This paper presents the stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of relativistic laser beam in unmagnetized plasma. The effect of the relativistic electron mass nonlinearity and the relativistic self-focusing of the pump laser on the SRS process is studied. The effect of nonlinear coupling between the pump laser and scattered laser beam has been incorporated. Semianalytical solution for the back reflectivity for SRS has been obtained. For a typical laser wavelength (λ0=1.053μm), intensity (1018Wcm−2), and a plasma having density (ne∕nc=0.08), the back reflectivity comes out to be ∼10%.
The effects of Lowe–Andersen temperature controlling method on the polymer properties in mesoscopic simulations
Authors: Chen Li-Jun , Lu Zhong-Yuan , Qian Hu-Jun , Li Ze-Sheng , Sun Chia-Chung
Published: March 2005

Lowe–Andersen (LA) temperature controlling method [C. P. Lowe, Europhys. Lett. 47, 145 (1999)] is applied in a series of mesoscopic polymer simulations to test its validity and efficiency. The method is an alternative for dissipative particle dynamics simulation (DPD) technique which is also Galilean invariant. It shows excellent temperature control and gives correct radial distribution function as that from DPD simulation. The efficiency of LA method is compared with other typical DPD integration schemes and is proved to be moderately efficient. Moreover, we apply this approach to diblock copolymer microphase separation simulations. With LA method, we are able to reproduce all the results from the conventional DPD simulations. The calculated structure factors of the microphases are consistent with the experiments. We also study the microphase evolution dynamics with increasing χN and find that the bath collision frequency Γ does not affect the order of appearing phases. Although the thermostat does not affect the surface tension, the order-disorder transition (ODT) is somewhat sensitive to the values of Γ, i.e., the ODT is nonmonotonic with increasing Γ. The dynamic scaling law is also tested, showing that the relation obeys the Rouse theory with various Γ.