bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel double contrast MRI technique for intramyocardial detection of percutaneously transplanted autologous cells
Authors: Baklanov Dmitri V. , Demuinck Ebo D. , Thompson Craig A. , Pearlman Justin D.
Published: November 2004

Bone marrow cells (BMC) labeled with iron particles can be injected into the heart and detected with MRI. Improvement in conspicuity of labelled cells would be advantageous. This study examined if double contrast with iron oxide and Gd‐DTPA enhances cell MRI after transvascular transplantation in myocardial infarction. Ten pigs with week‐old myocardial infarction had transvascular peri‐infarct delivery of microspheres alone (Group I, n = 3) or mixed with iron‐labeled BMCs (Group II, n = 7). Gradient‐echo MRI before and 1 min after systemic Gd‐DTPA administration produced regions of interest with hypoenhancement that were compared to contralateral regions for contrast‐to‐noise (CNR) and signal‐to‐noise (SNR) ratios. All hearts were harvested for gross and microscopic analysis. Areas of focal hypoenhancement corresponding to the BMCs were detected in the myocardium in Group II. Early after administration of Gd‐DTPA CNR increased from 17.58 ± 8.5 to 27.25 ± 15.8 (P < 0.05) and SNR from 24.87 ± 9.6 to 35.08 ± 15.5 (P < 0.05). There was no hypoenhancement in Group I. Tissue examination confirmed presence of iron‐containing cells and microspheres in corresponding segments of the heart. The distribution of microspheres was similar between the groups. Double contrast with cellular iron and Gd‐DTPA in surrounding myocardium resulted in improved cell localization by MRI. Magn Reson Med 52:1438–1442, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
B factor dependence of the temporal characteristics of brain activation using dynamic apparent diffusion coefficient contrast
Authors: Harshbarger Todd B. , Song Allen W.
Published: November 2004

Functional MRI studies to date have been generally performed using the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast mechanism. Recently, it has been proposed that dynamic change in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), measured using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) weighting, can be used as a robust functional contrast mechanism. Based on the differences in the timing characteristics compared to the BOLD activation, the ADC contrast can be selectively sensitized to upstream vascular pools (e.g., arterial networks). In this study we further investigated the timing characteristics of the functional ADC contrast using multiple degrees of IVIM weighting. It was found that the time course in the high b factor range lagged behind that of the low b factor range, indicating that the low b factor ADC contrast included contributions from the larger and faster moving arteries, and the smaller arterioles and capillaries downstream were reflected in the high b factor changes. These changes help confirm the arterial origin of the ADC contrast and offer a direction to improve the localization of activity to small vessel networks. Magn Reson Med 52:1432–1437, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reduction of magnetic field inhomogeneity artifacts in echo planar imaging with SENSE and GESEPI at high field
Authors: Yang Qing X. , Wang Jianli , Smith Michael B. , Meadowcroft Mark , Sun Xiaoyu , Eslinger Paul J. , Golay Xavier
Published: November 2004

Geometric distortion, signal‐loss, and image‐blurring artifacts in echo planar imaging (EPI) are caused by frequency shifts and T relaxation distortion of the MR signal along the k‐space trajectory due to magnetic field inhomogeneities. The EPI geometric‐distortion artifact associated with frequency shift can be reduced with parallel imaging techniques such as SENSE, while the signal‐loss and blurring artifacts remain. The gradient‐echo slice excitation profile imaging (GESEPI) method has been shown to be successful in restoring tissue T relaxation characteristics and is therefore effective in reducing signal‐loss and image‐blurring artifacts at a cost of increased acquisition time. The SENSE and GESEPI methods are complementary in artifact reduction. Combining these two techniques produces a method capable of reducing all three types of EPI artifacts while maintaining rapid acquisition time. Magn Reson Med 52:1418–1423, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Burkitt lymphoma in a child with Joubert syndrome
Authors: Brinkman Josanne , de Nef Jaak J.E.M. , Barth Peter G. , Verschuur Arnauld C.
Published: November 2004

Joubert syndrome is a rare disorder, characterized by hypoplasia, or aplasia of the cerebellar vermis, hypotonia, ataxia, and psychomotor retardation. The molecular basis underlying the disease is still unknown. There are various syndromes, which are associated with malignancies. Previously known associations between Joubert syndrome and tumors, are benign soft tissue tumors of the tongue and laryngeal lymphangioma. This report describes a 17‐year‐old boy known with Joubert syndrome, who was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma. The boy received chemotherapy, which successfully induced complete remission. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pediatric nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Better prognosis and increased c‐Kit expression as compared to adults
Authors: Bar‐Sela Gil , Arush Myriam Weyl Ben , Sabo Edmond , Kuten Abraham , Minkov Ira , Ben‐Izhak Ofer
Published: November 2004

Introduction

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in children is distinguishable from the adult form by its close association with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection, a higher rate of undifferentiated histology, and a greater incidence of advanced locoregional disease.

Patients and Methods

Sixteen NPC patients, ≤20 years of age were identified from our 1976–2001 tumor registry records. Clinical stage, treatment, recurrence, and survival were evaluated. Sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for p53, Bcl‐2, Ki67, and c‐Kit and by in situ hybridization for EBER. Obtained data were compared to 32 adult patients. All patients had undifferentiated or non‐keratinizing NPC.

Results

EBER was positive in 100% of children, compared to 90% of adults. Comparing children to adults, median Ki67 index was 49% and 30%, p53 positive tumors were 69% and 94%, positive Bcl‐2 was 63% and 72%, and positive c‐Kit was 88% and 28%, respectively.

Conclusion

No parameter had significant predictive values for survival, although c‐Kit expression had a trend for better prognosis in the pediatric group. By univariate analysis of all 48 cases, positive c‐Kit was associated with better survival (P = 0.029), largely due to the better survival of the pediatric group. By multivariate analysis, increased stage (P = 0.006) and older age (P = 0.044) correlated with worse prognosis. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RNA expression analysis of a congenital intracranial teratoma
Authors: Yokoi Kentaro , Akiyama Masaharu , Yanagisawa Takaaki , Yoshino Masami , Nakazaki Hiromichi , Takahashi Koichi , Takahashi‐Fujigasaki Junko , Kanetsuna Yukiko , Yamada Hisashi , Oi Shizuo , Eto Yoshikatsu
Published: November 2004

Congenital intracranial tumors are extremely rare and account only for 0.5%–1.5% of brain tumors in children. We report a large intrauterine congenital teratoma in a female fetus at gestation weeks 37, which was diagnosed by detecting the tumor and associated craniomegaly with ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The tumor had replaced the cerebral hemispheres and produced prenatal manifestations. Pathologic examination showed an immature teratoma, which was differentiated from all three germ layers. Microarray analysis revealed upregulation of ten genes and downregulation of three genes, as well as upregulation of 41 genes of ribosomal proteins in teratoma cells, compared to normal brain tissue of the patient. The data from the microarray analysis offer not only the potential to help define disease pathogenesis but may also provide clues to identify potential molecular therapeutic targets. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A molecular dynamics study of the structural stability of HIV‐1 protease under physiological conditions: The role of Na+ ions in stabilizing the active site
Authors: Kovalskyy Dmytro , Dubyna Volodymyr , Mark Alan E. , Kornelyuk Alexander
Published: November 2004

HIV‐1 protease is most active under weakly acidic conditions (pH 3.5–6.5), when the catalytic Asp25 and Asp25′ residues share 1 proton. At neutral pH, this proton is lost and the stability of the structure is reduced. Here we present an investigation of the effect of pH on the dynamics of HIV‐1 protease using MD simulation techniques. MD simulations of the solvated HIV‐1 protease with the Asp25/25′ residues monoprotonated and deprotonated have been performed. In addition we investigated the effect of the inclusion of Na+ and Cl− ions to mimic physiological salt conditions. The simulations of the monoprotonated form and deprotonated form including Na+ show very similar behavior. In both cases the protein remained stable in the compact, “self‐blocked” conformation in which the active site is blocked by the tips of the flaps. In the deprotonated system a Na+ ion binds tightly to the catalytic dyad shielding the repulsion between the COO− groups. Ab initio calculations also suggest the geometry of the active site with the Na+ bound closely resembles that of the monoprotonated case. In the simulations of the deprotonated form (without Na+ ions), a water molecule bound between the Asp25 Asp25′ side‐chains. This disrupted the dimerization interface and eventually led to a fully open conformation. Proteins 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ground states of BeC and MgC: A comparative multireference Brillouin–Wigner coupled cluster and configuration interaction study
Authors: Teberekidis Vasilios I. , Kerkines Ioannis S. K. , Tsipis Constantinos A. , Čársky Petr , Mavridis Aristides
Published: November 2004

The competing X3Σ− and 5Σ− states of the experimentally unknown alkaline–earth metal carbides BeC and MgC are examined with the multireference Brillouin–Wigner coupled cluster method restricted to single and double excitations (MRBW‐CCSD). The results are compared against the traditional single‐reference CCSD approach, as well as with other single and multireference methods. In both molecules, the CCSD 5Σ− ← X3Σ− energy difference is underestimated, leading to an “erroneous” ground‐state prediction in BeC. The MRBW‐CCSD method corrects this anomalous behavior, leading to fair agreement with multireference configuration interaction (MR‐CI) predictions. Our results at the highest levels of theory are extrapolated to the basis set limit, and the core/valence correlation is taken into account, leading to very accurate energetics and spectroscopic constants in both carbides. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
How complex are random graphs in first order logic?
Authors: Kim Jeong Han , Pikhurko Oleg , Spencer Joel H. , Verbitsky Oleg
Published: November 2004

It is not hard to write a first order formula which is true for a given graph G but is false for any graph not isomorphic to G. The smallest number D(G) of nested quantifiers in such a formula can serve as a measure for the “first order complexity” of G. Here, this parameter is studied for random graphs. We determine it asymptotically when the edge probability p is constant; in fact, D(G) is of order log n then. For very sparse graphs its magnitude is Θ(n). On the other hand, for certain (carefully chosen) values of p the parameter D(G) can drop down to the very slow growing function log* n, the inverse of the TOWER‐function. The general picture, however, is still a mystery. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2005
Epibiota on vertical and on horizontal surfaces on natural reefs and on artificial structures
Authors: Knott N.A. , Underwood A.J. , Chapman M.G. , Glasby T.M.
Published: November 2004

Subtidal assemblages of epibiota on vertical and on horizontal surfaces of two natural reefs and two concrete breakwalls were sampled photographically during autumn and winter of 1998. Differences in the assemblages on the two types of substrata (natural reefs and concrete breakwalls) were detected between assemblages on horizontal surfaces, but not on vertical surfaces. The covers of several individual taxa (e.g. Herdmania momus, serpulid polychaetes, coralline encrusting algae) and number of sponge taxa showed clear differences between the two types of substrata. There were great differences between the assemblages on vertical and horizontal surfaces on each natural reef and artificial structure. Invertebrates consistently covered a larger area on vertical than on horizontal surfaces with sponges (as a group) and the ascidian Herdmania momus, the dominant invertebrates on these reefs, clearly showing this pattern. Nevertheless, this pattern was complex for sponges because several species covered a larger area on horizontal than on vertical surfaces and there was no difference in the number of taxa of sponges between the two orientations on natural reefs. Algae, contrary to the results of previous studies, did not show any consistent differences in their covers on vertical or on horizontal surfaces. The results of this study indicated that orientation may be of greater influence on the biological diversity of epibiota on subtidal reefs than whether reefs are natural or artificial.
Nematode diversity in the Gulf of Maine, USA, and a Web-accessible, relational database
Authors: Abebe Eyualem , E. Grizzle Raymond , Hope Duane , K. Thomas William
Published: November 2004

Nematode assemblages were studied from four sublittoral sites at 50–56 m depth in the Gulf of Maine, north-eastern coast of the USA, within the context of an open ocean aquaculture experimental site. All four sites, two potential impact and two control sites, had a similar muddy–sand bottom and low organic content. Seventy genera in 27 families were recorded from a total of 1072 individuals. All but one taxa could be related to known genera. Family Comesomatidae was the most dominant with close to a third (27·6%) of the total individuals. At the genus level Sabatieria and Setosabatieria were most dominant with a quarter of the total number of individuals. Composition of dominant families from the Gulf of Maine differed from all hitherto reported sublittoral or deep-sea communities from both sides of the Atlantic, and most similar with European estuaries.

Nematode diversity at the genus-level was reasonably high and was comparable with Mediterranean samples. Most diversity indices ordered the four sites similarly with Site 2 as the most diverse followed by Site 5 and then Site 6. By contrast the relative diversity of Site 4 depended on the index employed and its k-dominance curve crossed that of the others. Furthermore based on clustering the community at Site 4 was least similar to the others. Although these observations could be related to the fact that Site 4 is within the expected impact zone of the fish cage, the low number of fish introduced by the time of sampling and the lack of any difference in the maturity index among all the sites argue that these results can be considered before-impact data for further monitoring of the open ocean aquaculture experiment.

A new paradigm where morphological information is documented and communicated using digital multifocal images is introduced. Each video image is comparable with visualization of a specimen under a microscope where the movie can be played back and forth to mimic focusing through a specimen. Web-based and openly accessible digital multifocal images were used to document and effectively communicate the morphology of all the identified genera in this study. This approach for documenting and communicating survey results is proposed as a benchmark for future similar studies that would enhance standardization and quality control of meiofaunal taxonomy, ecology and biodiversity studies.
Habitat and distribution of the warm-water barnacle Solidobalanus fallax (Crustacea: Cirripedia)
Authors: Southward A.J. , Hiscock K. , Kerckhof F. , Moyse J. , Elfimov A.S.
Published: November 2004

New records are given of the occurrence of the warm-water barnacle Solidobalanus fallax in Britain and Europe. This barnacle is not found on rocks or stones, but settles on biological substrata, including algae, cnidarians, bivalves, gastropods and crustaceans. It also settles on plastic bags and nets, plastic-coated objects such as crab and lobster pots and octopus pots made of ceramic or plastic. With one exception the species was unrecorded in Europe before 1980; it may have increased in abundance during recent years as a result of rising temperatures. The cyprid larvae, which can metamorphose on plastic Petri dishes, appear to be adapted to seek out ‘low energy’ surfaces. One of the habitats colonized by S. fallax is the sea-fan Eunicella verrucosa, where it seems to have increased in recent years, possibly to the detriment of the cnidarian host. Solidobalanus fallax has the potential to be a serious pest of fish-farming structures to the south of Britain.
The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor BW284c51 is a potent blocker of Torpedo nicotinic AchRs incorporated into the Xenopus oocyte membrane
Authors: Olivera‐Bravo Silvia , Ivorra Isabel , Morales Andrés
Published: November 2004

This work was aimed to determine if 1,5‐bis(4‐allyldimethylammoniumphenyl)pentan‐3‐one dibromide (BW284c51), the most selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AchEI), affects the nicotinic acetylcholine (Ach) receptor (AchR) function.

Purified Torpedo nicotinic AchRs were injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes and BW284c51 effects on Ach‐ and carbamylcholine (Cch)‐elicited currents were assessed using the voltage‐clamp technique.

BW284c51 (up to 1 mM) did not evoke any change in the oocyte membrane conductance. When BW284c51 (10 pM–100 μM) and Ach were coapplied, Ach‐evoked currents (IAch) were reversibly inhibited in a concentration‐dependent manner (Hill coefficient, 1; IC50, 0.2–0.5 μM for 0.1–1000 μM Ach). Cch‐elicited currents showed a similar inhibition by BW284c51.

IAch blockade by BW284c51 showed a strong voltage dependence, being only apparent at hyperpolarising potentials. BW284c51 also enhanced IAch desensitisation.

BW284c51 changed the Ach concentration‐dependence curve of Torpedo AchR response from two‐site to single‐site kinetics, without noticeably affecting the EC50 value.

The BW284c51 blocking effect was highly selective for nicotinic over muscarinic receptors. BW284c51 inhibition potency was stronger than that of tacrine, and similar to that of d‐tubocurarine (d‐TC). Coapplication of BW284c51 with either tacrine or d‐TC revealed synergistic inhibitory effects.

Our results indicate that BW284c51 antagonises nicotinic AchRs in a noncompetitive way by blocking the receptor channel, and possibly by other, yet unknown, mechanisms.

Therefore, besides acting as a selective AchEI, BW284c51 constitutes a powerful and reversible blocker of nicotinic AchRs that might be used as a valuable tool for understanding their function.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 144, 88–97. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705965
Mobilisation and distribution of starch and total N in two grapevine cultivars differing in their susceptibility to shedding
Authors: Zapata Christophe , Deléens Eliane , Chaillou Sylvain , Magné Christian
Published: November 2004

As a part of a project aimed at elucidating the causal relationship between reserve mobilisation and the extent of shedding in Vitis vinifera L., we compared storage and fate of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) reserves in two varieties differing in their susceptibility to fruitlet abscission. Merlot (susceptible) and Pinot Noir (P. Noir, not susceptible) vines were grown in trenches under semi-controlled conditions over a 3-y period after planting. Mobilisation of stored C and N, distribution of reserve materials within the vines and 15N uptake were followed particularly during the spring growth flush and floral development in the third year. At dormancy, starch levels in the perennial tissues (roots, trunk, canes) were higher in Merlot than in P. Noir. During the spring growth flush, starch level decreased markedly in the roots of both cultivars until early bloom. At that time, starch started to accumulate in P. Noir but not in Merlot. Similar variations were found with total N. Accordingly, 15N analysis showed that translocation of storage N to the annual tissues was nearly achieved at early bloom in P. Noir while it continued until pea berry size in Merlot. In parallel, N uptake increased during the spring growth flush, and it was higher in P. Noir than in Merlot. These results indicate that transition between heterotrophic (root) and autotrophic (leaf) mode of nutrient allocation towards the developing inflorescences occurs earlier in P. Noir. Possible consequences are discussed in relation to the susceptibility of each cultivar to shedding.
Control of salt transport from roots to shoots of wheat in saline soil
Authors: Husain Shazia , von Caemmerer Susanne , Munns Rana
Published: November 2004

Wheat genotypes with 5-fold difference in shoot Na+ concentrations were studied over a salinity range of 1–150 mm NaCl and CaCl2 of 0.5–10 mm to assess their performance in saline and sodic soils. All genotypes had a maximum shoot Na+ concentration at 50 mm external NaCl when the supplemental Ca2+ provided an activity of 1 mm or more. Shoot Na+ concentrations either stayed constant from 50 to 150 mm external NaCl, or decreased in some genotypes at the higher salinity. Calculated rates of root uptake, and root : shoot transport, were at a maximum at 50 mm NaCl in all genotypes, and decreased at higher NaCl in some genotypes, indicating feedback regulation. K+ showed a pattern inverse to that of Na+. Cl– uptake and transport rates increased linearly with increasing salinity, and differed little between genotypes. Increasing external Ca2+ concentration reduced the accumulation of Na+ in the shoot, the effects being greater in the low Na+ genotypes, and greater as the salinity increased, indicating that the plateau in shoot Na+ concentration relied on the maintenance of a minimal Ca2+ activity of 1 mm. Increasing external Ca2+concentration did not reduce the root Na+ concentration, however, suggesting that Ca2+ influenced the loading of Na+ in the xylem.
A Soluble Form of the Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-1 Modulates the Inflammatory Response in Murine Sepsis
Authors: Gibot Sébastien , Kolopp-Sarda Marie-Nathalie , Béné Marie-C. , Bollaert Pierre-Edouard , Lozniewski Alain , Mory Françoise , Levy Bruno , Faure Gilbert C.
Published: November 2004

The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 is a recently discovered receptor expressed on the surface of neutrophils and a subset of monocytes. Engagement of TREM-1 has been reported to trigger the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines in the presence of microbial products. Previously, we have identified a soluble form of TREM-1 (sTREM-1) and observed significant levels in serum samples from septic shock patients but not controls. Here, we investigated its putative role in the modulation of inflammation during sepsis. We observed that sTREM-1 was secreted by monocytes activated in vitro by LPS and in the serum of animals involved in an experimental model of septic shock. Both in vitro and in vivo, a synthetic peptide mimicking a short highly conserved domain of sTREM-1 appeared to attenuate cytokine production by human monocytes and protect septic animals from hyper-responsiveness and death. This peptide seemed to be efficient not only in preventing but also in down-modulating the deleterious effects of proinflammatory cytokines. These data suggest that in vivo modulation of TREM-1 by sTREM peptide might be a suitable therapeutic tool for the treatment of sepsis.
Clonal Type I Interferon–producing and Dendritic Cell Precursors Are Contained in Both Human Lymphoid and Myeloid Progenitor Populations
Authors: Chicha Laurie , Jarrossay David , Manz Markus G.
Published: November 2004

Because of different cytokine responsiveness, surface receptor, and transcription factor expression, human CD11c− natural type I interferon–producing cells (IPCs) and CD11c+ dendritic cells were thought to derive through lymphoid and myeloid hematopoietic developmental pathways, respectively. To directly test this hypothesis, we used an in vitro assay allowing simultaneous IPC, dendritic cell, and B cell development and we tested lymphoid and myeloid committed hematopoietic progenitor cells for their developmental capacity. Lymphoid and common myeloid and granulocyte/macrophage progenitors were capable of developing into both functional IPCs, expressing gene transcripts thought to be associated with lymphoid lineage development, and into dendritic cells. However, clonal progenitors for both populations were about fivefold more frequent within myeloid committed progenitor cells. Thus, in humans as in mice, natural IPC and dendritic cell development robustly segregates with myeloid differentiation. This would fit with natural interferon type I–producing cell and dendritic cell activity in innate immunity, the evolutionary older arm of the cellular immune system.
A 2‐year experimental study on nutrient and predator influences on food web constituents in a shallow lake of north‐west Spain
Authors: Fernández‐Aláez Margarita , Fernández‐Aláez Camino , Bécares Eloy , Valentín María , Goma Joan , Castrillo Pedro
Published: November 2004

1. A 2‐year study was carried out on the roles of nutrients and fish in determining the plankton communities of a shallow lake in north‐west Spain. Outcomes were different each year depending on the initial conditions, especially of macrophyte biomass. In 1998 estimated initial ‘per cent water volume inhabited’ (PVI) by submerged macrophytes was about 35%. Phytoplankton biomass estimated as chlorophyll a was strongly controlled by fish, whereas effects of nutrient enrichment were not significant. In 1999 estimated PVI was 80%, no fish effect was observed on phytoplankton biomass, but nutrients had significant effects. Water temperatures were higher in 1998 than in 1999.

2. In the 1998 experiment, cladoceran populations were controlled by fish and cyanobacteria were the dominant phytoplankton group. There were no differences between effects of low (4 g fresh mass m−2) and high (20 g fresh mass m−2) fish density on total zooplankton biomass, but zooplankton biomass was higher in the absence of fish. With the high plant density in 1999, fish failed to control any group of the zooplankton community.

3. Total biovolume of phytoplankton strongly decreased with increased nutrient concentrations in 1998, although chlorophyll a concentrations did not significantly change. At higher nutrient concentrations, flagellate algae became more abundant with likely growth rates that could have overcompensated cladoceran feeding rates. This change in phytoplankton community composition may have been because of increases in the DIN : SRP ratio. Both chlorophyll a concentration and total phytoplankton biovolume increased significantly with nutrients in the 1999 experiment.

4. A strong decline of submerged macrophytes was observed in both years as nutrients increased, resulting in shading by periphyton. This shading effect could account for the plant decline despite lower water turbidity at the very high nutrient levels in 1998.
Rooting damage to farmland in Dorset, southern England, caused by feral wild boar Sus scrofa
Authors: WILSON CHARLES J.
Published: November 2004

1. Characteristics of damage to agricultural land caused by a small feral population of wild boar Sus scrofa in southern England were studied. Fifty‐eight reports of rooting damage to grassland and one of rooting in a cereal crop were recorded between December 1997 and November 2002. Most reports (74%) concerned damage in January, February or March.

2. Damage mainly occurred in fields adjacent to woodland, but there was no evidence of selection between different grassland types. The severity of damage was assessed and potential options for reducing damage in the future are suggested.
Echoes of Butler? The Conservative Research Department and the Making of Conservative Policy
Authors: CLARK GREG , KELLY SCOTT
Published: November 2004

Although it remains a comparatively little known institution, the Conservative Research Department (CRD) has played an important role in modern British political history. The last few years have seen a remarkable revival in its fortunes. In several important respects, this revival echoes that of the Department under the chairmanship of Rab Butler following the election defeat of 1945. This article examines some of the parallels to be drawn between the experience of the CRD between 1945 and 1951 and between 2001 and the present. It concludes by drawing some general conclusions about how the Conservative party should develop policy when in opposition.
Conservative Economics and Globalisation
Authors: EVANS TIM
Published: November 2004

Since 1979, modern Conservatism has been torn between a traditional regard for the nation state and a powerful, internationalising, global capitalism. Increasingly, radical free marketeers in the party reject the diffuse and patriotic political economy of big government. Instead, they prefer the consumption ethic of radical supply side reform and privatisation. However, in a country in which private healthcare is expanding, in which private schools and home education are booming, and in which for every one state policeman there are now at least two private security guards, how far will this process go? When a Labour government issues a green paper highlighting the scope for the greater use of private military companies and it accepts the commodification of public space through the use of road pricing, what room is left for Conservatives who believe that 'the people should be big and the state small'?
Saving the Union: Conservatives and the ‘Celtic Fringe’
Authors: LYNCH PHILIP
Published: November 2004

The creation of devolved institutions in Scotland and Wales has forced the Conservative party to rethink its Unionism. At Westminster, the Conservatives have highlighted the anomalies of the devolution settlement and pressed for a rebalancing of the constitution. With the re‐emergence of the West Lothian question in 2003, the Conservatives revived William Hague's proposal for 'English votes for English laws'. Fresh thinking on devolution is evident in the Scottish and Welsh Conservatives but they remain in the electoral doldrums. The Conservatives have taken tentative steps towards a 'new Unionism', but there are tensions between the focus on the 'English question' at Westminster and the efforts of Conservatives in Scotland and Wales to convince voters that they represent the interests of both the Union and their respective nations.
A British Gender Gap? Gender and Political Participation
Authors: CHILDS SARAH
Published: November 2004

The Electoral Commission's recently published report Gender and Political Participation captures in a clear and accessible fashion the ways in which gender determines the nature of women and men's political participation in the UK. Analysing existing academic survey research it establishes that there is an overall gender gap in political activism with men more active than women. However, it also finds that there is no gender gap in voter turnout at national, regional, or local elections and that in some political activities, such as signing petitions or boycotting products, women are more likely than men to be active. The report also raises important questions about the consequences ‐ substantive and in terms of legitimacy ‐ of women's lower levels of participation in party politics, and suggests that political parties should ensure that greater numbers of women are elected to our political institutions.
Market Valuation and Merger Waves
Authors: RHODES‐KROPF MATTHEW , VISWANATHAN S.
Published: November 2004

Does valuation affect mergers? Data suggest that periods of stock merger activity are correlated with high market valuations. The naïve explanation that overvalued bidders wish to use stock is incomplete because targets should not be eager to accept stock. However, we show that potential market value deviations from fundamental values on both sides of the transaction can rationally lead to a correlation between stock merger activity and market valuation. Merger waves and waves of cash and stock purchases can be rationally driven by periods of over‐ and undervaluation of the stock market. Thus, valuation fundamentally impacts mergers.
Collars and Renegotiation in Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: OFFICER MICAH S.
Published: November 2004

I examine the motivation for, and effect of, including a collar in a merger agreement. The most important cross‐sectional determinants of the bid structure (cash vs. stock, and whether to include a collar) are the market‐related stock return standard deviations for the bidder and target. This evidence supports the hypothesis that the method of payment is dependent on the sensitivities of the bidder and target to market‐related risk because either has the incentive to demand renegotiation of the merger terms if the value of the bidder's offer changes materially relative to the value of the target during the bid period.
Luxury Goods and the Equity Premium
Authors: AÏT‐SAHALIA YACINE , PARKER JONATHAN A. , YOGO MOTOHIRO
Published: November 2004

This paper evaluates the equity premium using novel data on the consumption of luxury goods. Specifying utility as a nonhomothetic function of both luxury and basic consumption goods, we derive pricing equations and evaluate the risk of holding equity. Household survey and national accounts data mostly reflect basic consumption, and therefore overstate the risk aversion necessary to match the observed equity premium. The risk aversion implied by the consumption of luxury goods is more than an order of magnitude less than that implied by national accounts data. For the very rich, the equity premium is much less of a puzzle.
The Effects of Different Mesh Generation Methods on Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis and Power Loss Assessment in Total Cavopulmonary Connection
Authors: Liu Yutong , Pekkan Kerem , Jones S. Casey , Yoganathan Ajit P.
Published: November 2004

The flow field and energetic efficiency of total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) models have been studied by both in vitro experiment and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). All the previous CFD studies have employed the structured mesh generation method to create the TCPC simulation model. In this study, a realistic TCPC model with complete anatomical features was numerically simulated using both structured and unstructured mesh generation methods. The flow fields and energy losses were compared in these two meshes. Two different energy loss calculation methods, the control volume and viscous dissipation methods, were investigated. The energy losses were also compared to the in vitro experimental results. The results demonstrated that: (1) the flow fields in the structured model were qualitatively similar to the unstructured model; (2) more vortices were present in the structured model than in the unstructured model; (3) both models had the least energy loss when flow was equally distributed to the left and right pulmonary arteries, while high losses occurred for extreme pulmonary arterial flow splits; (4) the energy loss results calculated using the same method were significantly different for different meshes; and (5) the energy loss results calculated using different methods were significantly different for the same mesh.
The pH 6 Antigen Is an Antiphagocytic Factor Produced byYersinia pestisIndependent ofYersiniaOuter Proteins and Capsule Antigen
Authors: Huang Xiao-Zhe , Lindler Luther E.
Published: November 2004

The pH 6 antigen (pH 6 Ag; PsaA) ofYersinia pestishas been shown to be a virulence factor. In this study, we set out to investigate the possible function ofY. pestisPsaA in a host cell line, RAW264.7 mouse macrophages, in order to better understand the role it might play in virulence.Y. pestisKIM5 derivatives with and without the pCD1 plasmid and theirpsaAisogenic counterparts andEscherichia coliHB101 and DΗ5α carrying apsaAclone or a vector control were used for macrophage infections. Macrophage-related bacteria and gentamicin-resistant intracellular bacteria generated from plate counting and direct microscopic examinations were used to evaluate these RAW264.7 macrophage infections.Y. pestis psaAisogenic strains did not show any significant difference in their abilities to associate with or bind to mouse macrophage cells. However, expression ofpsaAappeared to significantly reduce phagocytosis of bothY. pestisandE. coliby mouse macrophages (P< 0.05). Furthermore, we found that complementation ofpsaAmutantY. pestisstrains could completely restore the ability of the bacteria to resist phagocytosis. Fluorescence microscopy following differential labeling of intracellular and extracellularY. pestisrevealed that significantly lower numbers ofpsaA-expressing bacteria were located inside the macrophages. Enhanced phagocytosis resistance was specific for bacteria expressingpsaAand did not influence the ability of the macrophages to engulf other bacteria. Our data demonstrate thatY. pestispH 6 Ag does not enhance adhesion to mouse macrophages but rather promotes resistance to phagocytosis.
Cytokine and Fibrogenic Gene Expression in the Conjunctivas of Subjects from a Gambian Community Where Trachoma Is Endemic
Authors: Burton Matthew J. , Bailey Robin L. , Jeffries David , Mabey David C. W. , Holland Martin J.
Published: November 2004

The role of immunity in blinding trachoma is unclear. Conjunctival gene expression was measured in a population where trachoma is endemic. Proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1β [IL-1β]), anti-inflammatory (IL-10), and fibrogenic (matrix metalloprotease 9) gene expression was increased in active trachoma. Markers indicative of T-cell response (gamma interferon, IL-4, IL-12p40, and perforin) were increased when chlamydial infection was present.
The study of X-ray M-shell spectra of W ions from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Electron Beam Ion Trap
Authors: Neill P , Harris C , Safronova A S , Hamasha S , Hansen S , Safronova U I , Beiersdorfer P
Published: November 2004

M-shell spectra of W ions have been produced at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory EBIT-II electron beam ion trap-II at different energies of the electron beam. A survey has been performed at 2.4, 2.8, and 3.6 keV, and for steps in energy of 100 eV over the 3.94.6 keV energy range. The analysis of 11 W spectra has shown the presence of a wide variety of ionization stages from Se-like to Cr-like W; the appearances of these ionization stages correlate well with the energy of their production. The present paper focuses on the identification of 63 experimental features of W ions in a spectral region from 5 to 6 Å (1 Å = 1010 m) using calculations with inclusion of all ionization stages matching this spectral region. The majority of lines in all spectra have been identified and assigned to the 4f → 3d and 4d → 3p transitions. This is the first work that lists a comprehensive identification of so many resolved spectral features of X-ray M-shell transitions in W ions recorded in such detail in the laboratory. PACS Nos.: 52.58.Lq,32.30.Rj,52.70.La
Hydrogenic system in an off-centre confining oscillator potential
Authors: Patil S H , Varshni Y P
Published: November 2004

The hydrogenic system, confined in an off-centre oscillator potential, is separable in terms of elliptic coordinates. Its general properties are analysed and energies are obtained for some states, for some values of displacement and potential strength. A model wave function is developed and used to obtain the energies and polarizabilities for the ground state. PACS Nos.: 03.65.Ge, 73.21.La, 78.67.Hc
Magnetohydrodynamic flows of an Oldroyd 8-constant fluid in a porous medium
Authors: Wang Y. , Hayat T , Hutter K
Published: November 2004

An analysis is developed for the governing equations of steady magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows of an Oldroyd 8-constant electrically conducting fluid in a porous medium. The nonlinear differential equation for one-dimensional MHD steady flows is solved using a transformation method. Three nonlinear boundary value problems are then solved numerically. The effects of the material parameters, pressure gradients, exerted magnetic field, and the permeability of the porous medium on the velocity distribution are discussed. PACS Nos.: 47.50.+d, 47.55.Mh, 47.65.+a
LEARNING RECURSIVE LANGUAGES WITH BOUNDED MIND CHANGES
Authors: LANGE STEFFEN , ZEUGMANN THOMAS
Published: November 2004

In the present paper we study the learnability of enumerable families ℒ of uniformly recursive languages in dependence on the number of allowed mind changes, i.e. with respect to a well-studied measure of efficiency.

We distinguish between exact learnability (ℒ has to be inferred w.r.t. ℒ) and class preserving learning (ℒ has to be inferred w.r.t. some suitable chosen enumeration of all the languages from ℒ) as well as between learning from positive and from both, positive and negative data.

The measure of efficiency is applied to prove the superiority of class preserving learning algorithms over exact learning. In particular, we considerably improve results obtained previously and establish two infinite hierarchies. Furthermore, we separate exact and class preserving learning from positive data that avoids overgeneralization. Finally, language learning with a bounded number of mind changes is completely characterized in terms of recursively generable finite sets. These characterizations offer a new method to handle overgeneralizations and resolve an open question of Mukouchi.1
PARALLEL ALGORITHMS FOR FINDING MAXIMAL k-DEPENDENT SETS AND MAXIMAL f-MATCHINGS
Authors: DIKS KRZYSZTOF , GARRIDO OSCAR , LINGAS ANDRZEJ
Published: November 2004

Let k be a positive integer, a subset Q of the set of vertices of a graph G is k-dependent in G if each vertex of Q has no more than k neighbours in Q. We present a parallel algorithm which computes a maximal k-dependent set in a graph on n nodes in time O( log 4 n) on an EREW PRAM with O(n2) processors. In this way, we establish the membership of the problem of constructing a maximal k-dependent set in the class NC. Our algorithm can be easily adapted to compute a maximal k-dependent set in a graph of bounded valence in time O( log * n) using only O(n) EREW PRAM processors. Let f be a positive integer function defined on the set V of vertices of a graph G. A subset F of the set of edges of G is said to be an f-matching if every vertex vɛV is adjacent to at most f(v) edges in-F. We present the first NC algorithm for constructing a maximal f-matching. For a graph on n nodes and m edges the algorithm runs in time O( log 4 n) and uses O(n+m) EREW PRAM processors. For graphs of constantly bounded valence, we can construct a maximal f-matching in O( log * n) time on an EREW PRAM with O(n) processors.
ON STEPWISE EXPLICIT SUBSTITUTION
Authors: KAMAREDDINE FAIROUZ , NEDERPELT ROB
Published: November 2004

This paper starts by setting the ground for a lambda calculus notation that strongly mirrors the two fundamental operations of term construction, namely abstraction and application. In particular, we single out those parts of a term, called items in the paper, that are added during abstraction and application. This item notation proves to be a powerful device for the representation of basic substitution steps, giving rise to different versions of β-reduction including local and global β-reduction. In other words substitution, thanks to the new notation, can be easily formalised as an object language notion rather than remaining a meta language one. Such formalisation will have advantages with respect to various areas including functional application and the partial unfolding of definitions. Moreover our substitution is, we believe, the most general to date. This is shown by the fact that our framework can accommodate most of the known reduction strategies, which range from local to global. Finally, we show how the calculus of substitution of Abadi et al., can be embedded into our calculus. We show moreover that many of the rules of Abadi et al. are easily derivable in our calculus.
EXAMINING THE CHIR ALGORITHM PERFORMANCE FOR MULTILAYER NETWORKS AND CONTINUOUS INPUT VECTORS
Authors: Saad D. , Sasson R.
Published: November 2004

Learning by Choice of Internal Representations (CHIR) is a training algorithm presented by Grossman et al.1 based on modification of the Internal Representations (IR) along side of the direct weight matrix modification performed in conventional training methods. This algorithm was presented in several versions aimed to tackle the various training problems of nets with continuous and binary weights, multilayer and multi-output-neuron nets and training without storing the Internal Representations. The capability of one of these versions, the CHIR2 algorithm, to tackle multilayer training tasks of nets with continuous input vectors is examined in this paper. A comparison between the performance of this algorithm and of the Backpropagation algorithm2 is carried out via extensive computer simulations for the “two-spirals” problem, aimed to classify two classes of dots forming two intertwined spirals. The CHIR24 algorithm shows a rapid convergence rate for this problem, an order of magnitude faster than the results reported for the BP training algorithm (as well as those obtained by us) regarding the same training problem and network architecture.11 Moreover, the CHIR2 algorithm finds solution nets for the above mentioned problem with reduced architectures, reported as hard to solve by the BP training algorithm.11
MEMORY RETRIEVAL IN OPTIMAL SUBSPACES
Authors: Boffetta G. , Monasson R. , Zecchina R.
Published: November 2004

A simple dynamical scheme for Attractor Neural Networks with non-monotonic three state effective neurons is discussed. For the unsupervised Hebb learning rule, we give some basic numerical results which are interpreted in terms of a combinatorial task realized by the dynamical process (dynamical selection of optimal subspaces). An analytical estimate of optimal performance is given by resorting to two different simplified versions of the model. We show that replica symmetry breaking is required since the replica symmetric solutions are unstable.
TAGGING B AND C QUARK EVENTS IN e+e− COLLISIONS WITH NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Proriol J. , Falvard A. , Henrard P. , Jousset J. , Brandl B.
Published: November 2004

We give the different methods which were used to tag b and c quark events in e+ e− collisions using neural networks.
ERROR PROPAGATION OF THE UNCERTAINTY IN VARIOUS PARAMETERS TO THE UNCERTAINTY IN THE PRIMARY PIXE YIELD AND SECONDARY FLUORESCENCE YIELD
Authors: MUNNIK F. , MUTSAERS P.H.A. , ROKITA E. , de VOIGT M.J.A.
Published: November 2004

In this article the uncertainty in the PIXE yield due to the uncertainty in various parameters such as the ionization cross section, the stopping power, the X-ray attenuation coefficient, the matrix composition and the proton beam energy, is discussed. This is done for both the primary PIXE and the secondary fluorescence yield. A numerical approach to the propagation of an uncertainty in a parameter to the uncertainty in the yield is given. For this a new parameter, the propagation factor, which is the partial relative error in the yield due to the error in a parameter divided by the relative error in the parameter, is introduced. The dependence of the propagation factor on the X-ray and proton energies and or the matrix composition is investigated for the above named parameters. The physical background of these dependencies is explained; this also makes it possible to obtain a better physical insight in the formulas for the primary yield and the secondary fluorescence yield.