bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RECURSIVE SEARCH METHOD APPLIED TO A NONEQUILIBRIUM PHASE TRANSITION
Authors: da SILVA P. C. , LYRA M. L. , FULCO U. L. , da SILVA L. R.
Published: July 2004

In this work, we extend the recursive search method to locate the critical point and to obtain the relevant critical exponents of a nonequilibrium phase transition. In particular, the method is applied to the contact process which presents a nonequilibrium phase transition between a steady active to a single inactive absorbing state belonging to the directed percolation universality class. We present the appropriate scaling analysis which allows for precise estimates of the critical parameters with a relatively small computational effort. The proposed scheme can be directly applied to general model systems presenting nonequilibrium transitions into absorbing states including reaction–diffusion and pair contact processes.
PERMUTATION GROUP APPROACH TO THE ONE-DIMENSIONAL XXX HEISENBERG OPEN SPIN-1/2 CHAINS
Authors: PAN FENG , DAI LIAN-RONG , ZHANG DAN , DRAAYER J. P.
Published: July 2004

Permutation group approach to the one-dimensional XXX Heisenberg open spin-1/2 chain with nearest neighbor interaction is proposed, which is formulated not only for half-filling excitations, but also for general case. Regularity of energy matrices and the corresponding wavefunctions are made up by using an induction method, which makes it possible to study the eigenvalue problem systematically. A Mathematica package for generating the energy matrices is implemented according to this procedure.
TUNING FORCE-FIELD PARAMETERS BY PRESSURE MEASUREMENTS IN MICRO-CANONICAL SIMULATIONS
Authors: LA PENNA G. , MINICOZZI V. , MORANTE S. , ROSSI G. C.
Published: July 2004

We show that the dramatic dependence of pressure on the parameters of the inter-molecular potential can be exploited to tune them to their best values. We support the viability of this strategy by a careful study of a fully diffusive Lennard–Jones fluid, showing that Lennard–Jones parameters can be easily optimized to better than a 1% accuracy.
STRONG EVENTS IN THE SAND-PILE MODEL
Authors: SHAPOVAL A. B. , SHNIRMAN M. G.
Published: July 2004

Here is a sand-pile introduced by Bak et al. The system accumulates particles one by one. From time to time it topples. Every toppling initiates an event. The distribution of the events' size follows a power law for all the events except the strongest ones. The fraction of the strongest events does not depend on the system length. The number of particles and their clustering increase before the strongest events.
PENNA BIT-STRING MODEL WITH CONSTANT POPULATION
Authors: de OLIVEIRA P. M. C , de OLIVEIRA S. MOSS , SÁ MARTINS J. S.
Published: July 2004

We removed from the Penna model for biological aging any random killing Verhulst factor. Deaths are due only to genetic diseases and the population size is fixed, instead of fluctuating around some constant value. We show that these modifications give qualitatively the same results obtained in an earlier paper, where the random killings (used to avoid an exponential increase of the population) were applied only to newborns.
FROM NEXT NEAREST NEIGHBOR SITE PERCOLATION TO CONTINUUM PERCOLATION: APPLICATION TO HIGH-Tc SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: STOLL E. P.
Published: July 2004

In high-Tc superconductors dopant atoms supply holes or excess electrons, and electric conduction is established in the neighborhood of the dopant. We propose that percolation of these conducting areas leads to global electric conduction. To investigate these processes numerical procedures to simulate continuum percolation are developed. The relation between the concentration of connecting discs and the fraction of the area of the plane covered by all discs is computed in the whole range between next nearest neighbor site percolation and continuum percolation. This method is applied to investigate underdoped copper oxides where small hole or excess electron concentrations are insufficient to establish electric conduction. The results of this study are applied to the model of mobile charge carriers which consist of or are accompanied by diffusing d-electrons. Our investigations show that with increasing doping the Neel temperature of the antiferromagnetism vanishes and spin glass states appear in accordance with experiments. Furthermore, the peaks in the specific heat become very broad. This broadening due to randomness and loss of translation invariance has been observed in nuclear magnetic resonance peaks of doped superconducting cuprates.
LATTICE BOLTZMANN METHOD FOR SIMULATING GAS FLOW IN MICROCHANNELS
Authors: TANG G. H. , TAO W. Q. , HE Y. L.
Published: July 2004

Isothermal gas flows in microchannels is studied using the lattice Boltzmann method. A novel equation relating Knudsen number with relaxation time is derived. The slip-velocity on the solid boundaries is reasonably realized by combining the bounce-back reflection with specular reflection in a certain proportion. Predicted characteristics in a two-dimensional microchannel flow, including slip-velocity, nonlinear pressure drop, friction factors, velocity distribution along the streamwise direction and mass flow rate, are compared with available analytical and experimental results and good agreement is achieved.
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF THE THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY AND SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY USING A TWO-WIRE METHOD
Authors: GIARETTO V. , TORCHIO M. F.
Published: July 2004

A prototype apparatus that uses two platinum wires for the simultaneous estimation of the thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of liquids is described. The first wire is used both as a hot wire and a resistance thermometer, while the second one is used as a resistance thermometer. The aim of the work was to experimentally verify the advantages of employing a second wire to improve the reliability of the estimation of the properties. Three different liquids: water, propylene glycol, and a mixture of these are considered. An analytical solution with a changing heat flux is adopted. The thermal conductivity and the specific heat capacity are simultaneously estimated with a nonlinear regression (Maximum Likelihood) of the experimental data, using two-wire measurements or only hot-wire measurements. A comparison between these two approaches is reported and discussed.
OHMIC PROPERTY OF A SINGLE-ELECTRON TUNNEL-JUNCTION SYSTEM AND ITS APPLICATION TO NEURAL NETWORK SYNAPSES
Authors: SHIN MINCHEOL
Published: July 2004

We have studied the ohmic property of parallel coupled single-electron tunnel-junction arrays. When a current flows in one array ('driving' array), the Coulomb blockade state of the other array ('passive' array) is lifted, leading to an ohmic relationship between the tunneling current and the bias voltage. The driving current basically plays the role of a switch for the current in the passive array, as it can vary the ohmic conductance as well. Since the ohmic characteristic and the switching function are quite robust to the background or stray charges, the parallel coupled tunnel-junction system can be used as a variable resistor in logic circuits. As its specific application, we have proposed a Hopfield neural network with single-electron synapses.
SCHRÖDINGER MODAL STRUCTURE OF A SODIUM ATOM BETWEEN PARALLEL PLATES
Authors: AL-AWFI S.
Published: July 2004

We investigate the vibrational energy eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the neutral sodium atom trapped by the optical dipole potential due to a cavity mode. Our model is based on the optical confinement of a sodium atom between parallel plates with its dipole moment vector fixed in the axial direction of the cavity. The negative detuning situation and suitable parameters are taken in order to maintain a sufficiently deep central well of the optical dipole potential to allow many quasi harmonics trapped states of the atom.
ENTANGLED STATES, SQUEEZED STATES GAINED VIA THE ROUTE OF DEVELOPING DIRAC'S SYMBOLIC METHOD AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
Authors: FAN HONG-YI
Published: July 2004

Via the route of developing Dirac's symbolic method by virtue of the technique of integration within an ordered product (IWOP) of operators we derive various entangled state representations, squeezed states, and operator ordering formulae. We show how the entangled states can be applied to many aspects of quantum optics theory. The applications of the entangled states in the interdisciplinary study of quantum optics and Fourier optics are also introduced. All these discussions exhibit the power of Dirac's symbolic method with the aid of the IWOP technique.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE DANTE PULSE SEQUENCE FOR SELECTIVE NMR EXCITATION IN STRONGLY INHOMOGENEOUS MAGNETIC FIELDS
Authors: TODICA M. , BLÜMICH B.
Published: July 2004

The possibility to improve the quality of the selective excitation, at low radio-frequency power, in the strongly inhomogeneous magnetic fields of the NMR-MOUSE is explored. Important safe of RF power is obtained by replacing the standard Hahn echo pulse sequence by DANTE–DANTE echo pulse sequence. The quality of the response spectrum is analyzed in function of the parameters of DANTE pulse sequence. The development of low-power selective excitation in unilateral NMR is an important step towards low-power operation of the NMR-MOUSE to increase its mobility.
STRUCTURAL INVESTIGATION OF Fe2O3-B2O3-KF GLASSES BY IR AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPIES
Authors: PĂŞCUŢĂ P. , MANIU D. , ARDELEAN I.
Published: July 2004

Glasses of the x Fe 2 O 3·(100-x)[3 B 2 O 3· KF ] system, with 0≤x≤35 mol %, were prepared and investigated by infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopies in attempt to determine the local structure of glasses. The results shown that BO 3 and BO 4 are the main structural units of the glass system and the iron ions are located in the network as FeO 4 and FeO 6.
TRANSFER-MATRIX APPROACH TO ELEMENTARY EXCITATIONS IN SEMI-INFINITE FERROMAGNETIC SUPERLATTICE WITH IMPURITY CELL
Authors: PANTIĆ M. , MANOJLOVIĆ M. , ŠKRINJAR M. , PAVKOV M. , KAPOR D. , STOJANOVIĆ S.
Published: July 2004

A transfer matrix formalism is employed to study the occurrence of the localized modes associated with an impurity cell embedded within a semi-infinite Heisenberg ferromagnetic superlattice with nearest-neighbor exchange interactions. The cell is at arbitrary distance from the deformed surface cell. We find that, in addition to bulk spin waves, there may arise localized modes associated both with the impurity cell and with the surface. Two situations were analyzed numerically: impurity is close to the surface and the impurity is practically in the bulk region. The modes influence each other when the impurity cell is near the surface, modifying spin wave energies.
SUM-RULE CONSTRAINTS FOR OPEN MESOSCOPIC CONDUCTORS
Authors: THAKUR JAGDISH S. , GREEN FREDERICK , DAS MUKUNDA P.
Published: July 2004

The conserving sum rules for the electron gas form a set of fundamental and powerful constraints on the description of electronic transport, at any length scale. We examine the particular role of the compressibility sum rule for open mesoscopic conductors, and show that the compressibility in such systems is absolutely invariant under nonequilibrium transport. The compressibility sum rule provides a stringent consistency check on models of mesoscopic conduction.
COMPENSATION TEMPERATURE OF A MIXED SPIN-1 AND SPIN-1/2 HEISENBERG FERRIMAGNETIC MODEL
Authors: LI JUN , WEI GUOZHU , DU AN
Published: July 2004

The behavior of the compensation of a mixed spin-1 and spin-1/2 Heisenberg ferrimagnetic system on a square lattice is investigated theoretically by a two-time Green-function technique which takes into account the quantum nature of Heisenberg spins. The model includes the nearest and next-nearest neighbor interactions between spins, a crystal field and an external magnetic field. This model can be relevant for understanding the magnetic behavior of bimetallic molecular ferrimagnets that are currently being synthesized by several experimental groups. We study the spin-wave spectra of the ground state and investigate the effects of the next-nearest neighbor interactions, a crystal field and an external magnetic field on the compensation temperature. It is found that a compensation point appears and it is basically unchanged when the next-nearest-neighbor interaction between spin-1/2 is taken into account and exceeds a minimum value for other values in Hamiltonian fixed. The compensation temperature is influenced by the next-nearest-neighbor interaction between spin-1 and the external magnetic field and it is disappearing as these parameters exceed the trivial values.
SIMILAR IMAGE RETRIEVAL BASED ON WAVELET TRANSFORMATION
Authors: CHANG CHIN-CHEN , CHUANG JUN-CHOU , HU YIH-SHIN
Published: July 2004

In this paper, a novel similar image retrieval scheme based on wavelet transformation will be presented. Our scheme is built upon a block-based query system. Our new scheme employs the wavelet transformation technique to transform each block in the spatial domain to the wavelet domain. Then, from each transformed block, the mean value and the edge types are extracted. These extracted features are then used to compute the similarity between a query image and the images in the database. In order to increase the similarity in the query result, the current block can be further divided into many sub-blocks, and then features can be extracted from these sub-blocks. Finally, the query result will be a set of ranked images in the database with respect to the query. According to our experiment, the proposed scheme can obtain satisfactory results.
TIME-FREQUENCY LOCALIZATIONS FOR MODULATION SPACES ON LOCALLY COMPACT ABELIAN GROUPS
Authors: PANDEY S. S.
Published: July 2004

In the present paper we define weighted modulation spaces on a LCA group [Formula: see text] with respect to a window function drawn from a suitable Banach space of test functions and prove a theorem to establish uncertainty principle for these modulation spaces. Also, using the concept of Zak transform, we generalize an earlier result of Heil (1990) on the Balian–Low theorem for the Wiener amalgam space [Formula: see text]. Our theorems include the corresponding results on Euclidean spaces as particular cases.
THE CRITERIA OF WEAK GENERALIZED LOCALIZATION FOR MULTIPLE WALSH–FOURIER SERIES OF FUNCTIONS IN ORLICZ CLASSES
Authors: BLOSHANSKAYA S. K.
Published: July 2004

For the wide class of measurable sets [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], N≥1, the criteria are found (in terms of structural and geometric characteristics of sets [Formula: see text] called [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] properties) for validity of the weak generalized localization almost everywhere (WGL) for multiple Walsh–Fourier series of functions equal zero on [Formula: see text], in the Orlicz classes Φ(L)(IN) "lying between" L1 and Lp, p>1. In particular, it is found that in the class L( log +L)2WGL holds on the set [Formula: see text] iff [Formula: see text] has the [Formula: see text] property and in any class L( log + log +L)1-ε, 0<ε<1, WGL holds on [Formula: see text] iff [Formula: see text] has the [Formula: see text] property.
STUDY ON RECURSIVE CONSTRUCTION METHOD OF BIORTHOGONAL WAVELETS FOR SIGNAL PROCESSING
Authors: YAN ZHONGHONG , LI JIAN PING , YANG YONG QIN , TANG YUAN YAN
Published: July 2004

Wavelet has been applying in signal analyzing, image processing model recognizing, computer sense etc. But among them biorthogonal wavelets with symmetry characteristics (or antisymmetry) in the image compressing, signal examination has more special functions, this paper research a recursive construction method, at the same time, It is valuable to notice that our recursive methods are not the same as the W. Seldens's lifting scheme, the new technique has important mean to adaptive signal processing and more application: such as for QMF•CQF etc. filters. It is very easy to choose the wavelet bases match to questions by dynamically.
THERMAL TRANSPORT IN NANOFLUIDS
Authors: Eastman J.A. , Phillpot S.R. , Choi S.U.S. , Keblinski P.
Published: July 2004

▪ Abstract  Nanofluids, consisting of nanometer-sized solid particles and fibers dispersed in liquids, have recently been demonstrated to have great potential for improving the heat transfer properties of liquids. Several characteristic behaviors of nanofluids have been identified, including the possibility of obtaining large increases in thermal conductivity compared with liquids without nanoparticles, strong temperature-dependent effects, and significant increases in critical heat flux. Observed behavior is in many cases anomalous with respect to the predictions of existing macroscopic theories, indicating the need for a new theory that properly accounts for the unique features of nanofluids. Theoretical studies of the possible heat transfer mechanisms have been initiated, but to date obtaining an atomic- and microscale-level understanding of how heat is transferred in nanofluids remains the greatest challenge that must be overcome in order to realize the full potential of this new class of heat transfer fluids.
l-Carnitine transport in human placental brush-border membranes is mediated by the sodium-dependent organic cation transporter OCTN2
Authors: Lahjouji Karim , Elimrani Ihsan , Lafond Julie , Leduc Line , Qureshi Ijaz A. , Mitchell Grant A.
Published: July 2004

Maternofetal transport of l-carnitine, a molecule that shuttles long-chain fatty acids to the mitochondria for oxidation, is thought to be important in preparing the fetus for its lipid-rich postnatal milk diet. Using brush-border membrane (BBM) vesicles from human term placentas, we showed that l-carnitine uptake was sodium and temperature dependent, showed high affinity for carnitine (apparent Km = 11.09 ± 1.32 μM; Vmax = 41.75 ± 0.94 pmol·mg protein−1·min−1), and was unchanged over the pH range from 5.5 to 8.5. l-Carnitine uptake was inhibited in BBM vesicles by valproate, verapamil, tetraethylammonium, and pyrilamine and by structural analogs of l-carnitine, including d-carnitine, acetyl-d,l-carnitine, and propionyl-, butyryl-, octanoyl-, isovaleryl-, and palmitoyl-l-carnitine. Western blot analysis revealed that OCTN2, a high-affinity, Na+-dependent carnitine transporter, was present in placental BBM but not in isolated basal plasma membrane vesicles. The reported properties of OCTN2 resemble those observed for l-carnitine uptake in placental BBM vesicles, suggesting that OCTN2 may mediate most maternofetal carnitine transport in humans.
Nonselective cation transport in native esophageal epithelia
Authors: Awayda Mouhamed S. , Bengrine Abderrahmane , Tobey Nelia A. , Stockand James D. , Orlando Roy C.
Published: July 2004

Rabbit esophageal epithelia actively transport Na+ in a manner similar to that observed in classic electrically tight Na+-absorbing epithelia, such as frog skin. However, the nature of the apical entry step is poorly understood. To address this issue, we examined the electrophysiological and biochemical nature of this channel. Western blotting experiments with epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) subunit-specific antibodies revealed the presence of all three ENaC subunits in both native and immortalized esophageal epithelial cells. The amino acid sequence of the rabbit α-ENaC cloned from native rabbit esophageal epithelia was not significantly different from that of other published α-ENaC homologs. To characterize the electrophysiological properties of this native apical channel, we utilized nystatin permeabilization to eliminate the electrical contribution of the basolateral membrane in isolated native epithelia mounted in Ussing-type chambers. We find that the previously described apical Na+ channel is nonselective for monovalent cations (Li+, Na+, and K+). Moreover, this channel was not blocked by millimolar concentrations of amiloride. These findings document the presence of a nonselective cation channel in a native Na+ transporting epithelia, a finding that hereto has been thought to be limited to artificial culture conditions. Moreover, our data are consistent with a potential role of ENaC subunits in the formation of a native nonselective cation channel.
Dual role of PKA in phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells by extracellular ATP
Authors: Hogarth D. Kyle , Sandbo Nathan , Taurin Sebastien , Kolenko Vladimir , Miano Joseph M. , Dulin Nickolai O.
Published: July 2004

Extracellular ATP is released from activated platelets and endothelial cells and stimulates proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We found that ATP stimulates a profound but transient activation of protein kinase A (PKA) via purinergic P2Y receptors. The specific inhibition of PKA by adenovirus-mediated transduction of the PKA inhibitor (PKI) attenuates VSMC proliferation in response to ATP, suggesting a positive role for transient PKA activation in VSMC proliferation. By contrast, isoproterenol and forskolin, which stimulate a more sustained PKA activation, inhibit VSMC growth as expected. On the other hand, the activity of serum response factor (SRF) and the SRF-dependent expression of smooth muscle (SM) genes, such as SM-α-actin and SM22, are extremely sensitive to regulation by PKA, and even transient PKA activation by ATP is sufficient for their downregulation. Analysis of the dose responses of PKA activation, VSMC proliferation, SRF activity, and SM gene expression to ATP, with or without PKI overexpression, suggests the following model for the phenotypic modulation of VSMC by ATP, in which the transient PKA activation plays a critical role. At low micromolar doses, ATP elicits a negligible effect on DNA synthesis but induces profound SRF activity and SM gene expression, thus promoting the contractile VSMC phenotype. At high micromolar doses, ATP inhibits SRF activity and SM gene expression and promotes VSMC growth in a manner dependent on transient PKA activation. Transformation of VSMC by high doses of ATP can be prevented and even reversed by inhibition of PKA activity.
Noninvasive delivery of small inhibitory RNA and other reagents to pulmonary alveoli in mice
Authors: Massaro Donald , Massaro Gloria DeCarlo , Clerch Linda Biadasz
Published: July 2004

A technically easy, noninvasive means of delivering molecules to alveoli, which act selectively or specifically in the lung, would be experimentally and therapeutically useful. As proof of principle, we took advantage of the spreading ability of pulmonary surface active material (InfaSurf), mixed it with elastase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) small inhibitory RNA (siRNA), or all- trans retinoic acid (ATRA), and instilled microliter amounts of the mixture into the nose of lightly anesthetized mice. One instillation of elastase caused diffuse alveolar destruction (emphysema) demonstrating widespread alveolar delivery. A single nasal instillation of GAPDH siRNA, compared with scrambled GAPDH siRNA, lowered GAPDH protein in lung, heart, and kidney by ∼50–70% 1 and 7 days later. To test the possibility of lung-specific delivery of a potentially therapeutic drug, we administered ATRA and monitored its effect on expression of cellular retinol binding protein (CRBP)-1 mRNA, whose translation product is a key molecule in retinoid metabolism. Given intranasally, ATRA elevated CRBP-1 mRNA 4.3-fold in a lung-specific manner. The same dose and dose schedule of ATRA given intraperitoneally increased CRBP-1 mRNA only ∼1.8-fold in lung; intraperitoneally administered ATRA elevated expression of CRBP-1 mRNA 1.7-fold or more in brain cortex, cerebellum, and testes, thereby increasing the risk of untoward effects. This simple noninvasive technique allows regulation of specific proteins in the lung and lung-specific delivery of reagents of experimental and potentially therapeutic importance.
Cigarette smoke induces cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E2synthase in human lung fibroblasts: implications for lung inflammation and cancer
Authors: Martey Christine A. , Pollock Stephen J. , Turner Chantal K. , O'Reilly Katherine M. A. , Baglole Carolyn J. , Phipps Richard P. , Sime Patricia J.
Published: July 2004

Cigarette smoking can lead to many human pathologies including cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Recent studies have defined a role for fibroblasts in the development of colon cancer. Moreover, fibroblasts are now thought of as key “sentinel” cells that initiate inflammation by releasing proinflammatory mediators including prostaglandins (PGs). Pathological overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and excess eicosanoid production are found in the early stages of carcinogenesis. By promoting chronic inflammation, COX-2 and eicosanoid production may actually cause a predisposition to malignancy. Furthermore, the associated inflammation induced by production of these mediators is central to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Little is known of the responses of normal lung fibroblasts to cigarette smoke, despite their abundance. We report herein that normal human lung fibroblasts, when exposed to cigarette smoke extract, induce COX-2 with concurrent synthesis of prostaglandin E2(PGE2). The mechanisms by which cigarette-derived toxicants lead to increased COX-2 levels and PGE2synthesis include increases in steady-state COX-2 mRNA levels (approximately four- to fivefold), phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and nuclear translocation of the p50 and p65 subunits of the transcription factor NF-κB, which are important elements in COX-2 expression. Furthermore, there was a dramatic 25-fold increase in microsomal prostaglandin E synthase, the key enzyme involved in the production of PGE2. We propose that normal human lung fibroblasts, when exposed to cigarette smoke constituents, elicit COX-2 expression with consequent prostaglandin synthesis, thus creating a proinflammatory environment. This chronic inflammatory state may act as one of the first steps towards epithelial transformation.
Role of CPI-17 in the regulation of endothelial cytoskeleton
Authors: Kolosova Irina A. , Ma Shwu-Fan , Adyshev Djanybek M. , Wang Peyi , Ohba Motoi , Natarajan Viswanathan , Garcia Joe G. N. , Verin Alexander D.
Published: July 2004

We have previously shown that myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase (MLCP) is critically involved in the regulation of agonist-mediated endothelial permeability and cytoskeletal organization (Verin AD, Patterson CE, Day MA, and Garcia JG. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 269: L99–L108, 1995). The molecular mechanisms of endothelial MLCP regulation, however, are not completely understood. In this study we found that, similar to smooth muscle, lung microvascular endothelial cells expressed specific endogenous inhibitor of MLCP, CPI-17. To elucidate the role of CPI-17 in the regulation of endothelial cytoskeleton, full-length CPI-17 plasmid was transiently transfected into pulmonary artery endothelial cells, where the background of endogenous protein is low. CPI-17 had no effect on cytoskeleton under nonstimulating conditions. However, stimulation of transfected cells with direct PKC activator PMA caused a dramatic increase in F-actin stress fibers, focal adhesions, and MLC phosphorylation compared with untransfected cells. Inflammatory agonist histamine and, to a much lesser extent, thrombin were capable of activating CPI-17. Histamine caused stronger CPI-17 phosphorylation than thrombin. Inhibitory analysis revealed that PKC more significantly contributes to agonist-induced CPI-17 phosphorylation than Rho-kinase. Dominant-negative PKC-α abolished the effect of CPI-17 on actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that the PKC-α isoform is most likely responsible for CPI-17 activation in the endothelium. Depletion of endogenous CPI-17 in lung microvascular endothelial cell significantly attenuated histamine-induced increase in endothelial permeability. Together these data suggest the potential importance of PKC/CPI-17-mediated pathway in histamine-triggered cytoskeletal rearrangements leading to lung microvascular barrier compromise.
Effect of relocating to areas of reduced atmospheric particulate matter levels on the human circulating leukocyte count
Authors: Sakai Mitsuaki , Sato Yukio , Sato Shoko , Ihara Satoshi , Onizuka Masataka , Sakakibara Yuzuru , Takahashi Hideto
Published: July 2004

A high level of atmospheric particulate matter induces an increase in circulating polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) counts and an increase in serum inflammatory cytokine levels. The particulate level in Antarctica is extremely low compared with that in industrial countries. We hypothesized that this low level would reduce circulating leukocyte counts and serum inflammatory cytokine levels in people visiting Antarctica from industrial countries. The number density of particulates with aerodynamic diameters of <10.0 μm was measured in Japan and in Antarctica during the 41st Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition. Circulating leukocyte counts, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-6 levels, and pulmonary function were determined at regular intervals in 39 expedition members. The particulate number density was <1% of that measured in Japan. Total leukocytes, segmented and band-formed PMN, monocyte counts, and serum interleukin-6 levels decreased in Antarctica compared with the initial values measured in Japan. Pulmonary function parameters did not change except for maximal voluntary ventilation. Particulate matter levels had more significant effects on segmented PMN, band-formed PMN, and monocyte counts than cigarette smoking and the type of work. Exposure to reduced atmospheric particulates is considered to be a major factor for decreasing circulating leukocyte counts and serum cytokine levels.
Testing the “rate of living” model: further evidence that longevity and metabolic rate are not inversely correlated inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Van Voorhies Wayne A. , Khazaeli Aziz A. , Curtsinger James W.
Published: July 2004

In a recent study examining the relationship between longevity and metabolism in a large number of recombinant inbred Drosophila melanogaster lines, we found no indication of the inverse relationship between longevity and metabolic rate that one would expect under the classical “rate of living” model. A potential limitation in generalizing from that study is that it was conducted on experimental material derived from a single set of parental strains originally developed over 20 years ago. To determine whether the observations made with those lines are characteristic of the species, we studied metabolic rates and longevities in a second, independently derived set of recombinant inbred lines. We found no correlation in these lines between metabolic rate and longevity, indicating that the ability to both maintain a normal metabolic rate and have extended longevity may apply to D. melanogaster in general. To determine how closely our measurements reflect metabolic rates of flies maintained under conditions of life span assays, we used long-term, flow-through metabolic rate measurements and closed system respirometry to examine the effects of variables such as time of day, feeding state, fly density, mobility of the flies, and nitrogen knockout on D. melanogaster metabolic rate. We found that CO2production estimated in individual flies accurately reflects metabolic rates of flies under the conditions used for longevity assays.
Influence of corticosteroids on myonuclear domain size in the rat diaphragm muscle
Authors: Verheul A. Jeroen , Mantilla Carlos B. , Zhan Wen-Zhi , Bernal Miguel , Dekhuijzen P. N. Richard , Sieck Gary C.
Published: July 2004

Skeletal muscle fibers are multinucleated. Each myonucleus regulates gene products and protein expression in only a restricted portion of the muscle fiber, the myonuclear domain (MND). In the rat diaphragm muscle (DIAm), corticosteroid (CoS) treatment causes atrophy of fibers containing myosin heavy chain (MHC): MHC2Xand/or MHC2B. We hypothesized that DIAm fiber MND size is maintained during CoS-induced atrophy. Adult male rats received methylprednisolone for 11 days at 1 (CoS-Low, n = 8) or 8 mg·kg−1·day−1(CoS-High, n = 8). Age-matched (CTL-AgeM, n = 8), sham-operated (SHAM-AgeM, n = 8), and weight-matched (CTL-WtM, n = 8) animals served as controls. In single DIAm fibers, cross-sectional area (CSA), MND size, and MHC expression were determined. Fiber CSA and MND size were similar in CTL-AgeM and SHAM-AgeM groups. Only fibers containing MHCslowor MHC2Adisplayed smaller CSA in CTL-WtM than in CTL-AgeM and SHAM-AgeM groups, and MND size was reduced in all fibers. Thus fibers containing MHCslowand MHC2Amaintain the number of myonuclei, whereas MHC2Xor MHC2Bfibers show loss of myonuclei during normal muscle growth. Both CoS groups displayed smaller CSA and MND size than CTL-AgeM and SHAM-AgeM groups. However, compared with CTL-WtM DIAm fibers, only fibers containing MHC2Xor MHC2Bdisplayed reduced CSA and MND size after CoS treatment. Thus little, if any, loss of myonuclei was associated with CoS-induced atrophy of MHC2Xor MHC2BDIAm fibers. In summary, MND size does not appear to be regulated during CoS-induced DIAm atrophy.
Genetic kininogen deficiency contributes to aortic aneurysm formation but not to atherosclerosis
Authors: Kaschina Elena , Stoll Monika , Sommerfeld Manuela , Steckelings U. Muscha , Kreutz Reinhold , Unger Thomas
Published: July 2004

Brown Norway (BN) and BN Katholiek (BN/Ka) rat strains are both susceptible to develop lesions in the internal elastic lamina (IEL) of the aorta. BN/Ka rats are characterized by a single point mutation in the kininogen gene leading to deficiency in high- and low-molecular-weight kininogen. Recently, a suggestive quantitative trait locus for lesions in the IEL of the abdominal aorta was identified in an F2 intercross between Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) and BN rats, implicating kininogen as a positional candidate gene. Therefore, BN and BN/Ka rat strains represent ideal model organisms with which to study the contribution of kininogen to the genetic predisposition to IEL lesion formation and to characterize the early events underlying vascular remodeling. Here we present data demonstrating that genetic kininogen deficiency promotes the formation of aneurysms in the abdominal aorta but not the development of atherosclerosis upon 12-wk treatment with an atherogenic diet. Aneurysm formation was associated with an enhanced elastolysis, increased expression of MMP-2 and MMP-3, downregulation of TIMP-4, and with FasL- and caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. Kininogen-deficient animals also featured changes in plasma cytokines compatible with apoptotic vascular damage, i.e., upregulation of IFN-γ and downregulation of GM-CSF and IL-1β. Finally, in response to atherogenic diet, kininogen-deficient animals developed an increase in HDL/total cholesterol index, pronounced fatty liver and heart degeneration, and lipid depositions in aortic media without atherosclerotic plaque formation. These findings suggest that genetic kininogen deficiency renders vascular tissue prone to aneurysmatic but not to atherosclerotic lesions.
Some fuzzy SP‐topological properties
Authors: Abbas S. E.
Published: July 2004

We introduce r‐fuzzy strongly preopen and r‐fuzzy strongly preclosed sets in fuzzy topological space in view of the definition of šostak (1985). We investigate some properties of them. Moreover, the concepts of fuzzy SP‐continuous, fuzzy SP‐irresolute continuous, fuzzy SP‐irresolute open (closed) mappings, and a fuzzy SP‐irresolute homeomorphism are introduced and studied. Some of their characteristic properties are considered.
On the denseness of Jacobi polynomials
Authors: Yadav Sarjoo Prasad
Published: July 2004

Let X represent either a space C[−1, 1] or , 1 ≤ p < ∞, of functions on [−1, 1]. It is well known that X are Banach spaces under the sup and the p‐norms, respectively. We prove that there exist the best possible normalized Banach subspaces of X such that the system of Jacobi polynomials is densely spread on these, or, in other words, each can be represented by a linear combination of Jacobi polynomials to any degree of accuracy. Explicit representation for has been given.
Trial of Preventing Hypertension
Authors: Julius Stevo , Nesbitt Shawna , Egan Brent , Kaciroti Niko , Schork M. Anthony , Grozinski Melissa , Michelson Eric
Published: July 2004

The TRial Of Preventing HYpertension (TROPHY) study is an investigator-initiated trial to examine whether early pharmacological treatment in subjects with “high-normal” blood pressure (BP) might prevent or delay the development of clinical hypertension. This is a 4-year, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study in untreated subjects aged 30 to 65 years with entry BPs of 130 to 139/≤89 or ≤139/85 to 89. The participants were randomized either to placebo or to a fixed (16 mg once daily) dose of candesartan cilexetil (candesartan). After 2 years, the candesartan group was switched to placebo, and the placebo group continued taking placebo. The main outcome measure was the development of clinical (treatment-requiring) hypertension assessed by an automated (blinded) BP measurement device. We randomized 809 subjects (59% males, average age 49.0±SD 8.1 years) in 71 study centers in the United States. The entry BP was 134±4.3/84.8±3.9 mm Hg. During the first 2 years, 187 subjects (23%) developed clinical hypertension. All have been given antihypertensive treatment, and 170 continue to be followed in study centers. The study dropout rate is 14.8% (120 subjects). The hypertension rates are higher than anticipated, whereas the rates of dropout are within the sample size projections; thus, the study will have sufficient power to evaluate its hypotheses. In this article, we describe baseline characteristics of TROPHY subjects and discuss novel analytical issues and statistical approaches to evaluate the findings in this trial of primary prevention of hypertension.
Ambiguities in Kreitton logos?
Authors:   Papageorgiou
Published: July 2004

In the Agon of Aristophanes' Clouds, Pheidippides has to choose Kreitton logos or Hetton logos in order to get the proper education at Socrates' thinking-shop. Kreitton logos's account is a praise of old-time education. He praises courage, endurance and hard work but at the same time his account is full of sexual remarks. In an influential discussion, Dover found a paradox at the heart of Kreitton logos's account: "Kreitton logos is obsessed with boys' genitals", according to Dover. In this article, I shall argue that in the context of archaic and classical Greece desire is compatible with temperance, and, accordingly, that the message of the speaker is not undermined by the copious references to sex. Using evidence from the orators, as well as philosophical texts, I argue that the call for temperance is not subverted by the lurid details, and that Kreitton logos's account can be seen as a call for modesty and self-control. I also question the approach to characterization in comedy underlying interpretations which see Kreitton logos's account as subverted by the dramatist.
Herakles and Hercules: The Hero's Ambivalence in Euripides and Seneca
Authors: Papadopoulou Thalia
Published: July 2004

Madness presents Herakles/Hercules in an unprecedented state of extreme vulnerability and becomes an apt device for dramatizing the fragility of life and the responses to tragic reversals of fortune. The present article compares the dramatic treatments of this theme by Euripides and Seneca not in terms of a strict adaptation of a source/model but in terms of the dramatic purposes underlying and determining both similarities and differences. It investigates the connotations of madness and explores the ways in which the associations of themes such as the reversal of fortune, the nature of violence or the political overtones may have guided the reception of each drama by a Greek and a Roman audience respectively.
Tempestuous Poetry: Storms in Ovid's Metamorphoses, Heroides and Tristia
Authors:   Bate
Published: July 2004

This article considers the most prominent storm-narratives within the Ovidian corpus. These storm-narratives include the description of the storm in the first book of the Metamorphoses, the story of Ceyx and Alcyone in the eleventh book of the Metamorphoses, the story of Hero and Leander in the Heroides (Her. 18-9), and the three storm-poems in the first book of the Tristia (1.2, 1.4, 1.11). A brief summary on the literary tradition of storms provides the necessary context for my discussion of these individual passages. Three principal arguments are put forward in my analysis of the specific storm-narratives. Firstly, I point out that there are extensive verbal and thematic inter-connections between the various passages, and that this encourages us to see the 'storm theme' as a poetic subject which Ovid consciously exploits. Secondly, I focus on Ovid's treatment of the generic conflict between the epic and elegiac aspects of storms. Here I show that Ovid is capable of producing 'epic storms', but more often deploys storms within elegiac, or erotic, narratives. Thirdly, I consider how Ovid utilises the symbolic capabilities of storms to reflect the psychological turmoil of lovers like Alcyone and Leander, and exiles like himself.
Settlers and Dispossessed in the Athenian Empire
Authors:   Zelnick-Abramovitz
Published: July 2004

The Athenian settlements overseas during the fifth and fourth centuries BC have been much discussed, and the ancient sources give a fairly clear picture of the Athenian imperial machinery. The question of the status of local inhabitants in places where the Athenians settled, whether as colonists, cleruchs, or as private holders of lands, however, is very rarely referred to and remains to a large degree a riddle. This article tries to handle this question and suggests some possible answers. By illustrating the ways by which the Athenians acquired land abroad and by analyzing the ancient sources, including those which do not relate directly to the subject of Athenian settlements abroad, the article presents the hypothesis that these locals were used as leaseholders and hirelings on lands which had formerly belonged to them. This situation is reflected in Thucydides' and Ps.-Xenophon's depiction of the Athenians' operations against other Greek poleis as 'enslavement'.
Martial 12.32: An Indigent Immigrant?
Authors: Watson Lindsay
Published: July 2004

When, in Epigrams 12.32, Martial graphically and unsympathetically depicts the eviction of Vacerra and his family from their lodgings for non-payment of rent, he is drawing upon a long-established literary tradition which viewed the penniless as legitimate targets for mockery. Of particular importance as formal models are Catullus' deeply sarcastic attack on the destitution of Furius and his relatives (Catul. 23) and the so-called parva casa motif, which Martial has here refashioned with sardonic intent. The most striking and original feature of the epigram is that, as indicated by a number of ethnically-coloured details, Vacerra and his relatives are depicted as Celts who have taken up residence in Rome: hence one purpose of 12.32 was to express the Schadenfreude and gleeful sense of superiority which Martial, himself of Celtiberian origin, felt towards immigrants who had met with disaster in the metropolis where he had so conspicuously made his mark.
The Earth Charter and Ecological Integrity—Some Policy Implications
Authors: Mackey Brendan
Published: July 2004

The concept of ecological integrity is deeply embedded within the Earth Charter. Ecological integrity refers to the full functioning of a suite of natural processes. "Natural" refers to processes that exist without human input. Arguments against the scientifi c validity of ecological integrity are based on the proposition that the current state of ecological systems merely refl ects past contingencies and consequently there is no natural, healthy condition that can be prescribed scientifi cally. Hence, nature conservation and environmental management goals are a matter of individual and social values and priorities. This argument can be rejected largely on the grounds that integrity of ecosystem processes can be empirically demonstrated, and that the continued wellbeing of humanity depends on the ecological integrity of various natural processes known as Earth's life support systems. The main policy implications of ecological integrityfl ow from accepting that the future wellbeing of the human endeavour is irrevocably coupled to the ongoing integrity of the total Earth system. The caring and compassionate attitude towards wild animals also promoted by the Earth Charter provides additional moral impetus to protecting habitat in situ and consequently ecological integrity. Protecting ecological integrity will require both reorientating the human endeavour towards new patterns of production and consumption together with a commitment to making room for wild nature.
The Earth Charter and Beyond: Prioritizing Natural Space
Authors: Lucier Ruth Miller
Published: July 2004

In this paper I give reasons for holding that the Earth Charter's support for the preservation of natural ecosystems needs to be undergirded by rigorous theory. To assist with this, I off er a continuum-based defi nition of the concept of "Natural Primordial Space" (viz. NPS) and then off er reasons for believing that NPS is worthwhile both (1) intrinsically, and (2) contingently—as an enhancer of the moral quality of human life. I conclude by suggesting that the merits of this part of earth's environment justify giving the preservation of NPS a pre-eminent ranking on any prioritized list of Earth Charter concerns.
Chartering the Earth for Life's Odyssey
Authors: Donnelley Strachan
Published: July 2004

This essay argues for considering the Earth Charter as a text requiring ongoing interpretation, embodying a philosophic worldview (or worldviews) needing continuous exploration. The author off ers his own interpretations, explorations, and critiques of the Earth Charter from a philosophical naturalist perspective, centrally informed by evolutionary biology and ecology, which hefi nds insuffi ciently presented in the Earth Charter as it presently stands.
Integrated Earth Charter Ethics
Authors: Hessel Dieter
Published: July 2004

After a brief review of the spirit and content of Charter principles, this essay proposes that integrated ethical re fl ection should deliberately: draw on main principles and supporting principles as interactive imperatives for a sustainable way of life; think across the four parts of the Earth Charter to emphasize combinations of principles; and bring Charter principles to bear both as general ideals and as practical guidelines. Moreover, these principles become quite lively, and we gain multi-dimensional issue perspective, when we hold the Charter in one hand and material presenting a contemporary issue analysis in the other. The essay moves on to illustrate how to make integrated use of Earth Charter principles in ethical refl ection on three key global issues: destructive economic integration, loss of biologically diverse habitat, and close confi nement of animals. In each case, the author "gathers" Earth Charter principles that illumine the problem's philosophical, ecological, socio-economic, and political dimensions, and help to shape a constructive response.
A Covenant Model of Global Ethics
Authors: Engel J. Ronald
Published: July 2004

There is increasing conviction that to enjoy and promote the mutual fl ourishing of human life in mutual relationship to the fl ourishing of all life on Earth is the ultimate meaning of human history. Yet the contemporary human condition is one of profound alienation from that meaning. The metaphor and model of a new global covenant, a new covenant with Earth, provides the most constructive and practical way individuals and communities can respond to this spiritual situation, and inspires e ff orts such as the Earth Charter, and draft International Covenant on Environment and Development, to articulate a new global ethic. The new model of Earth covenant has emerged over a long course of history from interactions between Earth-affirming religious sensibilities, evolutionary/ecological understandings, and democratic ideals. Although it is still very much in the making, and requires much wider global dialogue, we can extrapolate ten major normative themes central to the new covenantal vision.