bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lost and Found Possible Selves, Subjective Well‐Being, and Ego Development in Divorced Women
Authors: King Laura A. , Raspin Courtney
Published: April 2004

Abstract Divorced women, who had been married for an average of 22 years, wrote narrative descriptions of their best possible future selves before the divorce (retrospectively) and after the divorce, rated the salience of these narratives, and completed measures of SWB and ED. Independent raters coded the narratives for amount of elaboration (i.e., vivid detail). The salience of the lost possible self was negatively related to SWB while the salience of the current possible self was positively related to SWB. Elaboration of the found possible self was associated with concurrent ED as well as ED two years later. Lost self elaboration interacted with time since divorce to predict ED, controlling for age and Time 1 ED. Results are interpreted as indicating that, while happiness may require us to avoid thinking about what might have been, maturity might require an awareness of the losses and sacrifices of adulthood.
Platelet transfusion in an infant leading to formation of anti‐D: implications for immunoprophylaxis
Authors: Haspel Richard L. , Walsh Lorna , Sloan Steven R.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: The immature infant immune system rarely makes RBC alloantibodies; however, most studies confirming the absence of alloantibodies in infants have involved transfusions that were matched for one of the most immunogenic antigens, rhesus D. The potential for D– infants to develop anti‐D is unknown. Specifically, this issue has not been analyzed for infants receiving whole‐blood‐derived PLTs from D+ donors. The importance of understanding such risk is underscored by the fact that anti‐D formation can be prevented by the administration of Rh immunoglobulin.

CASE REPORT: A D– infant with congenital heart disease received two D‐mismatched whole‐blood‐derived PLT units at 17 weeks of age. He did not receive Rh immunoglobulin prophylaxis. Upon a subsequent admission 13 months later, anti‐D was identified in his plasma sample.

CONCLUSION: The case presented here demonstrates that a young infant can respond to less than 0.6 mL of D+ RBCs and documents the youngest patient to have developed a RBC alloantibody from a PLT transfusion. To prevent anti‐D formation, we recommend administering Rh immunoglobulin to all pediatric patients that receive PLT transfusions from D+ donors.
Salivary IgA reactions to cell‐surface antigens of oral streptococci
Authors: Lundin Wallengren M. L. , Hamberg K. , Ericson D.
Published: April 2004

Background:  In the immunoblot technique, using whole bacteria cell extracts as antigens, both intra‐ and extracellular antigens are detected, which gives a large number of immunoglobulin A (IgA) reactions (immunoblot bands) when incubated with saliva. It is important to distinguish which immunoblot bands represent bacterial cell‐surface antigens, since these antigens could be involved in adhesion mechanisms and be available for blocking in vivo.

Methods:  Bacterial extracts of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus parasanguis and the streptococcal antigen I/II were separated using SDS–PAGE. The antigens were detected with saliva in Western blot. Untreated saliva and saliva in which cell‐surface reactive IgA had been absorbed with whole bacteria cells were analyzed.

Results:  Approximately half the number of the bands were absent for saliva absorbed with homologous cells, compared to untreated saliva. The absorption pattern was almost identical for S. mutans and S. sobrinus but not for S. parasanguis. Salivary IgA reactive against streptococcal antigen I/II was absorbed by S. mutans cells, to a lesser extent by S. sobrinus cells, and not at all by S. parasanguis cells.

Conclusion:  It is likely that the bands that were absent after absorption represented cell‐surface antigens. For S. mutans and S. sobrinus, these bands were probably the streptococcal antigen I/II.
Implementation of a strategy to prevent TRALI in a regional blood centre
Authors: Insunza A. , Romon I. , Gonzalez‐Ponte M. L. , Hoyos A. , Pastor J. M. , Iriondo A. , Hermosa V.
Published: April 2004

summary Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) can be a life‐threatening complication of transfusion and it is probably underdiagnosed. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) and granulocyte antibodies are thought to play a major role, but preventive measures are difficult to implement. In our regional blood centre, we implemented a preventive strategy avoiding donor deferral. Previously, pregnant apheresis donors were screened for HLA antibodies, and those with positive results were assigned to a plasma‐only protocol. Plasma from these donors and from all previously pregnant whole blood donors was diverted for protein fractionation. Plasma‐poor red blood cells (in additive solution, buffy coat removed) and platelets (pools with additive solution) were prepared. Prestorage leucodepletion was also applied.

We found HLA antibodies in 18·1% of previously pregnant apheresis donors, and our strategy caused a 6·0% loss of apheresis platelets, a 4·8% increase of apheresis fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and a 7·8% loss of transfusable apheresis FFP. The effect on FFP from whole blood donors could be compensated. The platelet preparation method reduced the mean volume of plasma from each donor to 24·4 mL. Fifteen months after the start of our strategy, no cases of TRALI have been reported. Our experience shows that a practical strategy to prevent TRALI is feasible.
Progression and regression in renal vascular and glomerular fibrosis
Authors: Chatziantoniou Christos , Boffa Jean‐Jacques , Tharaux Pierre‐Louis , Flamant Martin , Ronco Pierre , Dussaule Jean‐Claude
Published: April 2004

End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) is characterized by the development of fibrotic lesions in the glomerular, interstitial and vascular compartments. Renal fibrogenesis, a common complication of diabetes and hypertension, is a complex dynamic process involving several players such as inflammatory agents, cytokines, vasoactive agents and enzymes participating in extracellular matrix assembly, anchoring or degradation. The only available treatment today against chronic renal failure is dialysis or kidney transplantation, making thus ESRD one of the most expensive diseases to treat on a per‐patient basis. An emerging challenge for clinicians, maybe the nephrologist's Holy Grail in the 21st century, is to stop definitively the decline of renal function and, if possible, to achieve regression of renal fibrosis and restoration of renal structure. Over the last 5 years, different approaches have been tested in experimental models of nephropathy with variable degree of success. In this review, we will focus on the mechanisms of the hypertension‐associated fibrosis and the few recent studies that gave promising results for a therapeutic intervention.
An Agenda for Future Research on Applicant Reactions to Selection Procedures: A Construct‐Oriented Approach
Authors: Chan David , Schmitt Neal
Published: April 2004

This article offers an agenda for future research on applicant reactions to selection procedures. Advocating a construct‐oriented approach, we propose that future research focuses attention on fundamental issues subsumed under seven distinct although related areas namely: (1) dimensions of applicant reactions, (2) changes in applicant reactions over time, (3) determinants of applicant reactions, (4) applicant reactions and test constructs, (5) criterion outcomes of applicant reactions, (6) reactions to new technology in testing, and (7) methodological and data analysis issues.
The Decisions Job Applicants Must Make: Insights From a Bayesian Perspective
Authors: Murphy Kevin R. , Tam Anita P.
Published: April 2004

The application/selection process can be thought of as a set of Bayesian opinion revision tasks, in which applicants obtain new information about the organization at each stage of the process and must integrate this information with their prior perceptions of the organization and the jobs. The Bayesian perspective provides useful insights for understanding serial decisions of this type. It suggests that real‐world decision‐makers are too sensitive to the valence and insufficiently sensitive to the diagnosticity of the information they obtain from interviewers, assessors, etc., and that the effects of information obtained early in the process depends on both the applicant's state of perceived uncertainty and on the relationship between the applicant's preconceptions and this early information.
The rationale for antidepressant therapy in functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Castle M. Z. D. , Silk D. B. A. , Libby G. W.
Published: April 2004

The rationale for antidepressants in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGDs) has been the subject of much interest. However, because of our incomplete understanding of FGDs, this rationale remains unclear. A key point is whether the high degree of psychiatric co‐morbidity associated with FGDs (40–90%) represents a shared pathophysiology or the ascertainment bias of tertiary referral patients.

Our aims were four‐fold: (i) to review the current rationale for antidepressant therapy in FGDs; (ii) to review the studies comparing the characteristics of FGDs with both organic gastrointestinal disease and psychiatric disorders; (iii) to propose a model of FGDs which explains the high psychiatric co‐morbidity; (iv) to compare the treatment regimes and effectiveness of antidepressants in FGDs and psychiatric illnesses.

The review highlights two important observations. Firstly, the characteristics of FGDs are similar to those of affective disorders and dissimilar to those of organic disease. Secondly, although antidepressants benefit FGD sufferers, their benefits in psychiatric illnesses are greater.

We conclude that, in view of the degree of similarity between FGDs and affective disorders, FGDs could be considered as affective disorders in their own right and, if the prescription of antidepressants conformed to their use in affective disorders, FGD morbidity would be reduced.
Infliximab downregulates basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in Crohn's disease patients
Authors: Di Sabatino A. , Ciccocioppo R. , Benazzato L. , Sturniolo G. C. , Corazza G. R.
Published: April 2004

Background : The use of infliximab in the treatment of Crohn's disease patients with symptomatic stenosis is controversial.

Aim : To explore the influence of this agent on intestinal fibrogenesis by measuring in infliximab‐treated Crohn's disease patients the serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, two factors known to be involved in the process of intestinal wound healing and fibrosis in this condition.

Methods : Serum levels of basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 22 patients with steroid refractory or fistulizing Crohn's disease before, during (2 weeks) and after 12 weeks of treatment with infliximab, administered at week 0, 2 and 6 in a dose of 5 mg/kg.

Results : A substantial improvement in 19 of the 22 Crohn's disease patients was accompanied by a rapid and durable reduction in basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor serum levels.

Conclusions : The action of infliximab in reducing serum basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor would seem to suggest a role of this agent in down‐regulating the process of intestinal fibrogenesis in Crohn's disease.
Incidence of a clinical diagnosis of the irritable bowel syndrome in a United States population
Authors: Locke G. R. , Yawn B. P , Wollan P. C. , Melton L. J. , Lydick E. , Talley N. J.
Published: April 2004

Background : The incidence of irritable bowel syndrome is uncertain. We aimed to determine the incidence of clinically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome in the community.

Methods : Using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, all diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome made among adult residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, over a 3‐year period were identified. The complete medical records of a random sample of the potential subjects were reviewed for the 10 years prior to the irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis and any patient who had received a previous diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome was excluded (prevalent cases).

Results : The diagnostic index listed 1245 possible irritable bowel syndrome patients; 416 patient charts were reviewed and, of these, 149 were physician diagnosed incident cases of irritable bowel syndrome. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence rate was 196 per 100 000 person‐years and increased with age (P = 0.006). The age‐adjusted annual incidence per 100 000 in women was higher than in men: 238 vs. 141 (ratio 3:2; P = 0.005). The overall symptom frequency at the time of diagnosis was abdominal pain (73%), diarrhoea (41%) and constipation (16%).

Conclusions : The incidence of a clinical diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome in adults was estimated to be two per 1000 per year, increased with age and was higher in women than men. As many people with irritable bowel syndrome do not seek care, the true incidence of irritable bowel syndrome is likely to be higher.
Cyanobacteria — a neglected component of biodiversity: patterns of species diversity in inland marshes of northern Belize (Central America)
Authors: Rejmánková Eliška , Komárek Jiří , Komárková Jaroslava
Published: April 2004

Cyanobacterial mats, widely distributed in the inland alkaline marshes of northern Belize and other regions in the Caribbean, are not only important and functionally complex components of these habitats, but they are also significant reservoirs of biological diversity. Highly diverse and (relatively) isolated marshes have provided conditions suitable for cyanoprokaryotic organisms and conditioned the adaptation and stabilization of numerous specialized eco‐ and morphotypes. Species richness of cyanobacteria assemblages follows the conductivity gradient and is highest in the marshes of medium conductivity (c. 1000–2000 µS cm−1) and decreases at low (< 500 µS cm−1) and high (> 3000 µS cm−1) conductivities. This ecologically unique cyanobacterial microflora is very sensitive to nutrient enrichment, both directly and indirectly through shading by expanding macrophytes. Species richness of cyanobacterial assemblages decreases dramatically as a result of eutrophication. Similar cyanobacterial communities are widely distributed in limestone‐based areas of Florida, Central America and Caribbean but none of them is currently under any legal protection status. The purpose of this paper is to bring attention to an ecologically important group of organisms that have traditionally not been considered in species diversity evaluations or conservation efforts.
Angiotensin I‐converting‐enzyme‐inhibitory and antimicrobial bioactive peptides
Authors: Gobbetti Marco , Minervini Fabio , Rizzello Carlo G
Published: April 2004

Bioactivities of peptides encrypted in major milk proteins are latent until they are released and activated by enzymatic proteolysis. After a brief description of the properties of some bioactive peptides, an overview of the angiotensin I‐converting‐enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory and antimicrobial peptides is given. Emphasis is on the capacity of lactic acid bacteria to generate ACE‐inhibitory peptides and on the exploitation of the potential role of antimicrobial peptides derived from milk proteins.
Attachment dimensions and sexual motives
Authors: Schachner Dory A. , Shaver Phillip R.
Published: April 2004

Little research has examined the relation between the attachment behavioral system and the sexual behavioral system, although these two systems, along with the caregiving system, are theorized to constitute romantic love (Fraley & Shaver, 2000; Hazan & Shaver, 1987). College students (N = 400) completed measures of two dimensions of attachment style, anxiety and avoidance, and motives for having sex. Anxiety was predicted to be associated with having sex to reduce insecurity and foster intense intimacy. Avoidance was predicted to correlate inversely with having sex to foster intimacy and positively with nonromantic goals, such as increasing one's status and prestige among peers. The results supported both sets of predictions. People high on the attachment anxiety dimension reported having sex to reduce insecurity and establish intense closeness; people high on the attachment avoidance dimension reported having sex to impress their peer group, especially if they were having casual, uncommitted sex. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Human platelet antigen systems in allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation: effect of human platelet antigen mismatch on platelet engraftment and graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: García‐Malo M.D. , Corral J. , González M. , Solano C. , González‐Conejero R. , Caballero M.D. , Pérez R. , Moraleda J.M. , Vicente V.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: Alloimmune incompatibility in allo‐geneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), pregnancy, and blood transfusion might trigger an immune response with clinical consequences. Human PLT antigens (HPAs), which play a significant role in pregnancy or blood transfusion‐associated alloimmune thrombocytopenia, are also expressed on the surface of tissues affected by GVHD. Thus, HPA mismatch in HLA‐identical ASCT could play a potential role in PLT engraftment and GVHD.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied the HPA‐1, ‐2, and ‐5 genotypes in Caucasian donors and patients involved in 77 HLA‐identical ASCTs. We evaluated the association of HPA compatibility with clinical outcome, analyzing the relevance of host‐versus‐donor HPA incompatibility in PLT engraftment and donor‐versus‐host HPA incompatibility in GVHD.

RESULTS: PLT engraftment and transfusion require‐ments were similar in HPA‐compatible and HPA‐incompatible ASCT. Cases with severe thrombocytopenia or significant delayed PLT engraftment did not display host‐versus‐donor HPA incompatibility. Moreover, the incidence of GVHD did not correlate with HPA compatibility.

CONCLUSION: Our results support no role for these antigens in immune complications of ASCT: PLT engraftment, requirement of PLT transfusions, and GVHD.
Which factors can affect cord blood variables?
Authors: Mohyeddin Bonab M.A. , Alimoghaddam K.A. , Goliaei Z.A. , Ghavamzadeh A.R.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND: The number of nucleated cells (NCs) infused into the recipient is highly correlated with the probability and speed of cord blood (CB) HPC trans‐plantation, therefore it is necessary to obtain CB units with sufficient NCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: 190 CB units were collected from normal vaginal and caesarian deliveries with placenta in uterus and immediately processed and assessed for volume and NC count. These variables were correlated with maternal and neonatal charac‐teristics such as mother's age, weight, parity, type of delivery, gestational age, baby's birth weight, height, and sex.

RESULT: In univariate analysis, total nucleated cell (TNC) count was significantly increased in vaginal deliveries (VDs) (p = 0.001), women older than 25 years (p = 0.02), women with one or two parities (p = 0.03), and babies heavier than 3100 g (p = 0.001). In multiple regression analysis, significant increase was observed only in VDs and heavier babies (p = 0.03, r2= 0.07).

CONCLUSION: Our data indicates that VD and heavier babies showed significant increase in TNC by multiple regression analysis. However, r2= 0.07 and even when all factors were considered, r2= 0.16, which is a percentage too insignificant to be applied for ideal CB screening.
Beyond Foundations: Signs of a New Normativity in Philosophy of Education
Authors: Goor Roel van , Heyting Frieda , Vreeke Gert‐Jan
Published: April 2004

We analyzed how philosophers of education received the ‘antifoundationalist’ turn in epistemology, particularly with respect to its practical relevance. Our main conclusion is, that antifoundationalist philosophers of education discharge the primacy of epistemology, replacing it by a primacy of commitment. Consequently, they no longer understand practical relevance in terms of contributing to ‘improved’ foundations for educational judgement. Stressing the contextual embedding of any justification, they rather concentrate on demonstrating the restrictive, excluding, implications of any educational judgement. We check the tenability of this position against some critical objections. Finally, we contrast the ‘new normativity’ that emerges from this contextualist approach with traditional, prescriptive normativity as well as with the non‐prescriptive normativity of the Frankfurt School from the nineteen‐seventies.
Presynaptic kainate receptor facilitation of glutamate release involves protein kinase A in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Rodríguez‐Moreno Antonio , Sihra Talvinder S.
Published: April 2004

We have explored the mechanisms involved in the facilitation of glutamate release mediated by the activation of kainate receptors in the rat hippocampus using isolated nerve terminal (synaptosome) and slice preparations. In hippocampal nerve terminals, kainate (KA) produced an increase of glutamate release at concentrations of agonist ranging from 10 to 1000 μm. In hippocampal slices, KA at low nanomolar concentrations (20–50 nm) also produced an increase of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) at mossy fibre–CA3 synapses. In both, synaptosomes and slices, the effect of KA was antagonized by CNQX, and persisted after pretreatment with a cocktail of antagonists for other receptors whose activation could potentially have produced facilitation of release. These data indicate that the facilitation of glutamate release observed is mediated by the activation of presynaptic glutamate receptors of the kainate type. Mechanistically, the observed effects of KA appear to be the same in synaptosomal and slice preparations. Thus, the effect of KA on glutamate release and mossy fibre–CA3 synaptic transmission was occluded by the stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by forskolin and suppressed by the inhibition of protein kinase A by H‐89 or Rp‐Br‐cAMP. We conclude that kainate receptors present at presynaptic terminals in the rat hippocampus mediate the facilitation of glutamate release through a mechanism involving the activation of an adenylyl cyclase–second messenger cAMP–protein kinase A signalling cascade.
HPV infections and tonsillar carcinoma
Authors: Syrjänen S
Published: April 2004

Since human papillomavirus (HPV) was first linked to laryngeal/oral carcinomas in 1983, several studies have confirmed its causal role in a subgroup of upper aerodigestive tract tumours. Of the non-genital cancers, tonsillar carcinomas (TCs) have the strongest association with HPV. By the end of 2002, 432 TCs had been analysed for HPV DNA. Overall detection rate was 51%, with HPV-16 being the most prevalent (84%). The original proposal that HPV-33 would be the most frequent HPV in TCs has not been confirmed, being present in only 4.6% of cases. HPV copy numbers are similar to those found in genital carcinomas (10–300 copies/cell), although HPV is mainly episomal in TC. The importance of this observation is unclear, although a role for subepithelial proliferative lymphatic tissue has been speculated. Patients with HPV-16 positive tumours have better overall and disease specific survival than HPV negative patients. They are also younger and the association with conventional risk factors—smoking and drinking—is less significant than in HPV negative patients. Thus, recent data suggest a distinct pattern for HPV-16 positive TCs.
Augmented pulmonary IL-4 and IL-13 receptor subunit expression in idiopathic interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Jakubzick C , Choi E S , Kunkel S L , Evanoff H , Martinez F J , Puri R K , Flaherty K R , Toews G B , Colby T V , Kazerooni E A , Gross B H , Travis W D , Hogaboam C M
Published: April 2004

Background:Some idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) are characterised by fibroproliferation and deposition of extracellular matrix. Because efficacious treatment options are limited, research has been directed towards understanding the cytokine networks that may affect fibroblast activation and, hence, the progression of certain IIPs.

Aims:To examine the expression of interleukin 4 (IL-4), IL-13, and their corresponding receptor subunits in the various forms of IIP and normal patient groups.

Methods:Molecular and immunohistochemical analysis of IL-4, interferon γ (IFNγ), IL-13, IL-4 receptor (IL-R), and IL-13 receptor subunits in surgical lung biopsies (SLBs) from 39 patients (21 usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), six non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), eight respiratory bronchiolitic interstitial lung disease (RBILD), and five normal controls).

Results:Molecular analysis demonstrated that IL-13Rα2, IL-13Rα1, and IL-4Rα were present in a greater proportion of upper and lower lobe biopsies from patients with UIP than patients with NSIP and RBILD. Immunohistochemical analysis of patients with UIP, NSIP, and RBILD revealed interstitial staining for all three receptor subunits, whereas such staining was only seen in mononuclear cells present in normal SLBs. Fibroblastic foci in patients with UIP strongly stained for IL-4Rα and IL-13Rα2. Localised expression of IL-4Rα was also seen in SLBs from patients with NSIP but not in other groups.

Conclusion:Some histological subtypes of IIP are associated with increased pulmonary expression of receptor subunits responsive to IL-4 and IL-13. These findings may be of particular importance in understanding the pathogenesis of IIP and, more importantly, may provide important novel therapeutic targets.
Synergistic Effect of Scutellaria baicalensis and Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins on Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species in Vitro
Authors: Shao Zuo-Hui , Vanden Hoek Terry L. , Li Chang-Qing , Schumacker Paul T. , Becker Lance B. , Chan Kim Chai , Qin Yimin , Yin Jun-Jie , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: April 2004

Scutellaria baicalensis (SbE) is a commonly used Chinese herb medicine and grape seed proanthocyanidins is a popular herbal supplement in the United States. Both herbs have been shown to possess potent antioxidant effects. Using an in vitro model to produce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation ( H 2 O 2/ FeSO 4 for hydroxyl radicals, xanthine/xanthine oxidase for suproxide), we observed that Scutellaria baicalensis and grape seed proanthocyanidins acted synergistically to scavenge ROS. Our data suggest that a combination of these two herbs can potentially enhance their antioxidant efficacy, allowing lower dosages of each drug to be used. This has the advantage of avoiding possible side effects that may arise when higher doses of a single herb are used in an attempt to achieve a maximum degree of antioxidant activity.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Allergic Rhinitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Magnusson Anna-Lena , Svensson Rita E. B. , Leirvik Carin , Gunnarsson Ronny K.
Published: April 2004

Allergic rhinitis is a common health problem usually treated with drug therapy. Some patients experience side effects of drug therapy while others fear the use of drugs. Acupuncture is an interesting alternative to traditional treatment. The few studies evaluating acupuncture indicate a possible clinical effect on allergic rhinitis. This study compared active versus sham acupuncture in 40 consecutive patients with a history of allergic rhinitis and a positive skin test. Patients were randomized and assessed prior to treatment and then reassessed after 12 months. Improvements in symptoms using visual analogue scales, reduction in skin test reactions and levels of specific immunoglobin E (IgE) were used to compare the effect of treatment. For one allergen, mugwort, a greater reduction in levels of specific IgE ( p =0.019, 0.039) and skin test reaction ( p =0.004) was seen in the group receiving active acupuncture compared to the group receiving sham acupuncture. However, this finding might be an artifact. No differences in clinical symptoms were seen between active versus sham acupuncture, thus the conclusion being that the effect of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis should be further evaluated in larger randomized studies.
FROM CIRCUITS TO NEUROFUZZY NETWORKS: SYNTHESIS BY NUMERICAL AND LINGUISTIC INFORMATION
Authors: PANELLA MASSIMO , RIZZI ANTONELLO , MASCIOLI FABIO MASSIMO FRATTALE , MARTINELLI GIUSEPPE
Published: April 2004

Neurofuzzy networks allow to directly manipulate the information concerning the realization of a required input–output mapping. They constitute an important sector of the emerging field of Intelligent Signal Processing. In the present paper a comparison is firstly carried out between the neurofuzzy and the circuit approaches, taking into account that traditionally the latter plays the same role as the former with respect to signal processing. In the case of neurofuzzy networks, the mapping of interest is described by numerical examples and by linguistic sentences regarding its properties, as given by experts on the basis of their experience. This information is manipulated by neurofuzzy networks on the basis of fuzzy logic. After a short survey of the basic ingredients of a neurofuzzy network, two representative architectures and several synthesis procedures are proposed. Traditional synthesis methods cannot be applied for pursuing numerical information and are consequently replaced by clustering algorithms. The linguistic information, on the contrary, can be directly incorporated in the network architecture, as it is given by the experts. As a consequence, the neurofuzzy networks partially mimic humans in facing the task to be accomplished. Detailed examples are presented for illustrating the proposed architectures and synthesis procedures.
LOW-VOLTAGE MOS CHAOTIC OSCILLATOR BASED ON THE NONLINEARITY OF Gm
Authors: RADWAN AHMED G. , SOLIMAN AHMED M. , EL-SEDEEK ABDEL-LATIF
Published: April 2004

This paper presents a chaotic oscillator based on the nonlinearity of the typical transconductance (Gm). This chaotic circuit only consists of 13 MOS transistors and three grounded capacitors, which is one of the smallest chaotic oscillators. This circuit operates on low voltage supply (± 1.5 V). The dimensionless form of the circuit is also introduced to confirm the circuit simulation.
STOCHASTIC RESONANCE IN HAIR CELL MECHANOELECTRICAL TRANSDUCTION
Authors: BENNETT MATTHEW , WIESENFELD KURT , JARAMILLO FERNAN
Published: April 2004

Hair cells are the mechanoelectrical transducers in the auditory system of many species, including humans. Experiments show that transduction in individual hair cells displays stochastic resonance, with optimum response at the natural noise level of living cells. We find that many of the observed features are captured by a simple version of a physiologically faithful model of the transduction mechanism. These findings may resolve a longstanding puzzle in evolutionary biology concerning the structure of the cochlea.
PSYCHOPHYSICS OF STOCHASTIC RESONANCE
Authors: WARD LAWRENCE M.
Published: April 2004

Although stochastic resonance has been demonstrated for many physical and biological systems, in both dynamic and threshold forms, its study in whole human beings presents special problems. Psychophysics provides theoretical and methodological tools for measuring information processing by humans, but modern psychophysics seems to be incompatible with some of the concepts of current theories of stochastic resonance. In this paper I review some of these problems, providing suggestions for solutions where none have as yet appeared. In particular, I discuss incompatibilities between signal detection theory and threshold stochastic resonance, and the problem of the effect of noise on information transfer across a "soft" threshold.
WALKING ON RATCHETS WITH TWO BROWNIAN MOTORS
Authors: MATEOS JOSE L.
Published: April 2004

We analyze a model for a walker moving on an asymmetric periodic ratchet potential. This model is motivated by the properties of transport of the motor protein kinesin. The walker consists of two feet represented as two particles coupled nonlinearly through a double-well bistable potential. In contrast to linear coupling, the bistable potential admits a richer dynamics where the ordering of the particles can alternate during the walking. The transitions between the two stable points on the bistable potential, correspond to a walking with alternating particles. In our model, each particle is acted upon by independent white noises, modeling thermal noise, and additionally we have an external time-dependent force that drives the system out of equilibrium, allowing directed transport. In the equilibrium case, where only white noise is present, we perform a bifurcation analysis which reveals different walking patterns. In particular, we distinguish between two main walking styles: alternating and no alternating. These two ways of walking resemble the hand-over-hand and the inchworm walking in kinesin, respectively. Numerical simulations showed the existence of current reversals and significant changes in the effective diffusion constant. We obtained an optimal coherent transport, characterized by a maximum dimensionless ratio of the current and the effective diffusion (Péclet number), when the periodicity of the ratchet potential coincides with the equilibrium distance between the two particles.
INDICATIONS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL RELEVANCE OF NOISE AND CHAOS
Authors: BRAUN HANS A. , VOIGT KARL , KRIEG J. CHRISTIAN , HUBER MARTIN T.
Published: April 2004

In recent years biophysical approaches have had particular impact on the progress in physiological and biological research. In systems biology such progress is often associated with the terms "noise" and "chaos". The introduction of these physically based concepts into life sciences has essentially been promoted by the work of Frank Moss and his group. This paper provides evidence of the physiological relevance of such biophysically based approaches with examples from quite different physiological and pathophysiological functions like temperature transduction in peripheral sensory receptors and the progression of mood disorders. We will use modelling studies, based on experimental and clinical data, to illustrate that both systems can attain specific dynamical states where chaos and/or noise plays an essential role and we will try to describe under which conditions functionally relevant noise effects or chaotic behaviour can be expected.
EXACT QUANTUM FOURIER TRANSFORMS AND DISCRETE LOGARITHM ALGORITHMS
Authors: MOSCA MICHELE , ZALKA CHRISTOF
Published: April 2004

We show how the Quantum Fast Fourier Transform (QFFT) can be made exact for arbitrary orders (first showing it for large primes). Most quantum algorithms only need a good approximation of the quantum Fourier transform of order 2n to succeed with high probability, and this QFFT can in fact be done exactly. Kitaev1 showed how to approximate the Fourier transform for any order. Here we show how his construction can be made exact by using the technique known as "amplitude amplification". Although unlikely to be of any practical use, this construction allows one to make Shor's discrete logarithm quantum algorithm exact. Thus we have the first example of an exact non black box fast quantum algorithm, thereby giving more evidence that "quantum" need not be probabilistic.

We also show that in a certain sense the family of circuits for the exact QFFT is uniform. Namely, the parameters of the gates can be approximated efficiently.
MEASURED QUANTUM FOURIER TRANSFORM OF 1024 QUBITS ON FIBER OPTICS
Authors: TOMITA AKIHISA , NAKAMURA KAZUO
Published: April 2004

Quantum Fourier transform (QFT) is a key function to realize quantum computers. A QFT followed by measurement was demonstrated on a simple circuit based on fiber-optics. The QFT was shown to be robust against imperfections in the rotation gate. Error probability was estimated to be 0.01 per qubit, which corresponded to error-free operation on 100 qubits. The error probability can be further reduced by taking the majority of the accumulated results. The reduction of error probability resulted in a successful QFT demonstration on 1024 qubits.
Uptake and trafficking of fluorescent conjugates of folic acid in intact kidney determined using intravital two-photon microscopy
Authors: Sandoval Ruben M. , Kennedy Michael D. , Low Philip S. , Molitoris Bruce A.
Published: April 2004

Intravital two-photon microscopy was used to follow the uptake and trafficking of fluorescent conjugates of folic acid in the rat kidney. Intravenously administered folate-linked dye molecules quickly filled the plasma volume but not cellular components of the blood. Glomerular filtration occurred immediately and binding to proximal tubule cells was seen within seconds. Fluorescence from a pH-insensitive conjugate of folic acid, folate Texas red (FTR), was readily observed on the apical surface of the proximal tubules and in multiple cellular compartments, but little binding or uptake could be detected in any other kidney cells. Fluorescence from a pH-sensitive conjugate of folic acid, folate fluorescein, was seen only on the apical surface of proximal tubule cells, suggesting that internalized folate conjugates are localized to acidic compartments. The majority of the FTR conjugate internalized by proximal tubules accumulated within a lysosomal pool, as determined by colocalization studies. However, portions of FTR were also shown by electron microscopy to undergo transcytosis from apical to basal domains. Additional studies with colchicine, which is known to depolymerize microtubules and interrupt transcytosis, produced a marked reduction in endocytosis of FTR, with accumulation limited to the subapical region of the cell. No evidence of cytosolic release of either folate conjugate was observed, which may represent a key difference from the cytosolic deposition seen in neoplastic cells. Together, these data support the argument that folate conjugates (and, by extrapolation, physiological folate) bind to the apical surface of proximal tubule cells and are transported into and across the cells in endocytic compartments.
Mechanism of cicaprost-induced desensitization in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells involves a PKA-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase
Authors: Sobolewski Anastasia , Jourdan Karen B. , Upton Paul D. , Long Lu , Morrell Nicholas W.
Published: April 2004

Long-term infusion of prostacyclin, or its analogs, is an effective treatment for severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. However, dose escalation is often required to maintain efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of prostacyclin receptor desensitization using the prostacyclin analog cicaprost in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Desensitization of the cAMP response occurred in 63 nM cicaprost after a 6-h preincubation with agonist. This desensitization was reversed 12 h after agonist removal, and resensitization was inhibited by 10 μg/ml of cycloheximide. Desensitization was heterologous since desensitization to other Gsα-adenylyl cyclase (AC)-coupled agonists, isoproterenol (1 μM), adrenomedullin (100 nM), or bradykinin (1 μM), was also reduced by preincubation with cicaprost. The reduced cAMP response to prolonged cicaprost exposure appeared to be due to inhibition of AC activity since the responses to the directly acting AC agonist forskolin (3 μM) and the selective AC5 activator NKH-477 were similarly reduced. Expression of AC2 and AC5/6 protein levels transiently decreased after 1 h of cicaprost exposure. The PKA inhibitor H-89 (1 μM) added 1 h before cicaprost preincubation (6 h, 63 nM) completely reversed cicaprost-induced desensitization, whereas the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide (100 nM) was only partly effective. Desensitization was not prevented by the Giinhibitor pertussis toxin. In conclusion, chronic treatment of PASMCs with cicaprost induced heterologous, reversible desensitization by inhibition of AC activity. Our data suggest that heterologous Gsα desensitization by cicaprost is mediated predominantly by a PKA-inhibitable isoform of AC, most likely AC5/6.
Effect of body size on breathing pattern and fine-particle deposition in children
Authors: Bennett William D. , Zeman Kirby L.
Published: April 2004

Interchild variability in breathing patterns may contribute to variability in fine particle lung deposition and morbidity in children associated with those particles. Fractional deposition (DF) of fine particles (2-μm monodisperse, carnauba wax particles) was measured in healthy children, age 6–13 yr ( n = 36), while they followed a resting breathing pattern previously determined by respiratory inductance plethysmography. Interchild variation in DF, measured by photometry at the mouth, was most strongly predicted by their tidal volume (Vt) ( r =0.79, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis further showed that, for any given height and age, Vt increased with increasing body mass index (BMI) ( P < 0.001). The overweight children (≥95th percentile BMI) ( n = 8) had twice the DF of those in the lowest BMI quartile (<25th percentile) ( n = 9; 0.28 ± 0.13 vs. 0.15 ± 0.06, respectively; P < 0.02). In the same groups, resting minute ventilation was also significantly higher in the overweight children (8.5 ± 2.2 vs. 5.9 ± 1.1 l/min; P < 0.01). Consequently, the rate of deposition (i.e., particles depositing/time) in the overweight children was 2.8 times that of the leanest children ( P < 0.02). Among all children, the rate of deposition was significantly correlated with BMI ( r = 0.46, P = 0.004). These results suggest that increased weight in children may be associated with increased risk from inhalation of pollutant particles in ambient air.
Calcium Modulates the Frequency and Amplitude of Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions in the Bobtail Skink
Authors: Manley Geoffrey A. , Sienknecht Ulrike , Köppl Christine
Published: April 2004

Active processes in the inner ear of lizards can be monitored using spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAE) measured outside the eardrum. In the Australian bobtail lizard, SOAE are generated by an active motility process in the hair-cell bundle. This mechanism has been shown to be sensitive to the calcium-chelating agent 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane- N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid and is presumed to be related to the calcium-sensitive transduction-channel motor implicated in other nonmammalian hair cell systems. In studies of frog saccular and turtle auditory papillar hair cells in vitro, the frequency and amplitude of bundle oscillations depend on the concentration of calcium in the bathing solutions. In the present study, the calcium concentration in the endolymph was changed in vivo in the Australian bobtail lizard Tiliqua rugosa, and SOAE were monitored. Glass pipettes with large tips and containing different calcium concentrations in their fluids were introduced into scala media, and their contents were allowed to passively flow into the endolymph. Low calcium concentrations resulted in a downward shift in the frequency of SOAE spectral peaks and generally an increase in their amplitudes. Calcium concentrations >2 mM resulted in increases in frequency of SOAE peaks and generally a loss in amplitude. These frequency shifts were consistent with in vitro data on the frequencies and amplitudes of spontaneous oscillation of hair cell bundles and thus also implicate calcium ions in the generation of active motility in nonmammalian hair cells. The data also suggest that in this lizard species, the ionic calcium concentration in the cochlear endolymph is ≥1 mM.
Transgresión de normas: variables del contexto y procesos psicosociales
Authors: Revuelta Juan-Luis
Published: April 2004

Este trabajo plantea una propuesta para ilustrar algunos aspectos relativos a la transgresión de normas. El estudio se centra en el ámbito de las organizaciones de trabajo y presta atención a variables del contexto y a procesos psicosociales que facilitarían la transgresión y su mantenimiento. El estudio del contexto se realiza desde la perspectiva del Modelo de Norma Perversa (Fernández Dols, 1992, 1993). En cuanto a los procesos, en la propuesta se incluyen la comparación social y la disonancia cognitiva (Festinger, 1957), como propiciadoras de un cambio de actitudes que serviría para justificar y mantener estas conductas.
¡Nos gusta que nos vean…como somos! Implicaciones de la teoría de la auto-verificación a nivel intergrupal
Authors: Gómez Ángel , Huici Carmen , Morales J.-Francisco
Published: April 2004

La teoría de la auto-verificación manifiesta que las personas desean que los demás les vean tal y como ellos se ven a sí mismos. Según este supuesto harán lo posible por conseguir una coherencia psicológica y valorarán positivamente aquellas circunstancias que les permitan conseguir dicha coherencia. El presente trabajo trata de extender este supuesto a un nivel intergrupal. Se llevaron a cabo dos estudios manipulando una situación de contacto intergrupal (n=112 y n=69 respectivamente) y un tercer estudio manipulando la semejanza intergrupal en valores con un exogrupo (n=6l). Como se predijo, los tres estudios muestran que estas estrategias mejoran la imagen del exogrupo. Además, y como resultado más relevante, las dos estrategias (el contacto intergrupal y la semejanza intergrupal en valores) aumentan el solapamiento entre cómo los sujetos creen que les perciben los miembros del exogrupo (meta-estereotipo)y cómo se perciben a sí mismos.
Identidad etnolingüística en contextos multiculturales y multilingües. El caso del Valle de Arán
Authors: Lapresta Cecilio , Huguet Ángel
Published: April 2004

Las situaciones de contacto entre lenguas y culturas diferenciadas son una realidad cada vez más frecuente en las sociedades occidentales. Estos contextos multiculturales suponen la coexistencia y la convivencia de diferentes colectivos etnolingüísticos.

La comarca del Valle de Arán se encuentra situada en el extremo nor-occidental de la provincia de Lleida, en plenos Pirineos. En las últimas décadas, esta comarca está experimentando un profundo proceso de transformación sociodemográfica y cultural. La situación viene determinada por varios aspectos: a) un fuerte incremento de población, proveniente principalmente de la inmigración; b) la coexistencia en el territorio de tres lenguas oficiales; el occitano-aranés, como lengua propia de la comarca, el catalán y el castellano; y c) como consecuencia de los dos primeros aspectos, una situación de contacto entre lenguas y culturas diferenciadas. Bajo el marco de la Teoría de la Identidad Etnolingüística (Giles y Jonhson, 1987; Sachdev y Bourhis, 1990), proponemos realizar un análisis de la población de la comarca del Valle de Arán, así como examinar la influencia de dos de las dimensiones que conforman la Identidad Etnolingüística, la dimensión cultural y la dimensión lingüística.