bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Ideals and Income Realities: Discourses about Labor and Gender in Uzbekistan
Authors: Kamp Marianne
Published: September 2005

In Uzbekistan, the 1990s brought significant and sometimes drastic change in employment and income security and in earning opportunities. In focus groups conducted in 1996 and 1997 with citizens of Uzbekistan from various ethnicities, regions and social classes, it was within the context of discussion of work and income that the idea of “transition” came through most clearly: life was once normal, and will be normal again sometime, but meanwhile nothing is certain. In these focus groups there was a pervasive sense that “the transition” is an aberration; this was expressed most succinctly in criticisms of those women who transgressed gender norms in order to earn an income in the “shuttle” trade.
Hierarchies of Place, Hierarchies of Empowerment: Geographies of Talk about Postsocialist Change in Uzbekistan
Authors: Liu Morgan Y.
Published: September 2005

This study concerns how people throughout Uzbekistan were making sense of the tremendous socioeconomic changes taking place in their Central Asian republic during their first decade of independence from Soviet rule in 1991. This paper analyzes talk about the daily struggles of Uzbekistanis in order to arrive at ground-level insight about the kind of postsocialist state Uzbekistan was becoming in the 1990s, and how its citizens envisioned it. The extent to which people felt empowered to understand and potentially act on social issues, I argue, depended on geographical location. Looking at a series of focus group interviews conducted in three Uzbekistani cities in 1996, I identify spatial inflections in talk about social problems. The results of the study allow us to think about the Uzbekistani state's changing bases of legitimation since the late 1990s.
Space-time Coordinated Distributed Sensing Algorithms for Resource Efficient Narrowband Target Localization and Tracking
Authors: Phoha Shashi , Koch John , Grele Eric , Griffin Christopher , Madan Bharat
Published: September 2005

Distributed sensing has been used for enhancing signal to noise ratios for space-time localization and tracking of remote objects using phased array antennas, sonar, and radio signals. The use of these technologies in identifying mobile targets in a field, emitting acoustic signals, using a network of low-cost narrow band acoustic micro-sensing devices randomly dispersed over the region of interest, presents unique challenges. The effects of wind, turbulence, and temperature gradients and other environmental effects can decrease the signal to noise ratio by introducing random errors that cannot be removed through calibration. This paper presents methods for dynamic distributed signal processing to detect, identify, and track targets in noisy environments with limited resources. Specifically, it evaluates the noise tolerance of adaptive beamforming and compares it to other distributed sensing approaches. Many source localization and direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation methods based on beamforming using acoustic sensor array have been proposed. We use the approximate maximum likelihood parameter estimation method to perform DOA estimation of the source in the frequency domain. Generally, sensing radii are large and data from the nodes are transmitted over the network to a centralized location where beamforming is done. These methods therefore depict low tolerance to environmental noise. Knowledge based localized distributed processing methods have also been developed for distributed in-situ localization and target tracking in these environments. These methods, due to their reliance only on local sensing, are not significantly affected by spatial perturbations and are robust in tracking targets in low SNR environments. Specifically, Dynamic Space-time Clustering (DSTC)-based localization and tracking algorithm has demonstrated orders of magnitude improvement in noise tolerance with nominal impact on performance. We also propose hybrid algorithms for energy efficient robust performance in very noisy environments. This paper compares the performance of hybrid algorithms with sparse beamforming nodes supported by randomly dispersed DSTC nodes to that of beamforming and DSTC algorithms. Hybrid algorithms achieve relative high accuracy in noisy environments with low energy consumption. Sensor data from a field test in the Marine base at 29 Palms, CA, were analyzed for validating the results in this paper. The results were compared to “ground truth” data obtained from GPS receivers on the vehicles.
Visual memory for moving scenes
Authors: DeLucia Patricia R. , Maldia Maria M.
Published: September 2005

In the present study, memory for picture boundaries was measured with scenes that simulated self-motion along the depth axis. The results indicated that boundary extension (a distortion in memory for picture boundaries) occurred with moving scenes in the same manner as that reported previously for static scenes. Furthermore, motion affected memory for the boundaries but this effect of motion was not consistent with representational momentum of the self (memory being further forward in a motion trajectory than actually shown). We also found that memory for the final position of the depicted self in a moving scene was influenced by properties of the optical expansion pattern. The results are consistent with a conceptual framework in which the mechanisms that underlie boundary extension and representational momentum (a) process different information and (b) both contribute to the integration of successive views of a scene while the scene is changing.
Crossing the Pillars of Hercules: The Role of Spatial Frames of Reference in Error Making
Authors: Di Nocera Francesco , Couyoumdjian Alessandro , Ferlazzo Fabio
Published: September 2005

This paper introduces a perspective accounting for errors that may occur as a result of the human interaction with the three-dimensional (3D) space. Particularly, we are interested in errors that are caused by cognitively crossing the boundary between peripersonal and extrapersonal space. Several behavioural, neurophysiological, and neuropsychological perspectives are reviewed in order to develop the theoretical framework on which our ideas are founded. We argue that cognitively crossing the boundary implies switching from one frame of reference to another, which, as a consequence, implies specific costs. The results of five experiments (overall involving 76 participants) support our hypothesis, suggesting the existence of different action-oriented spatial frames of reference.
Incrementality in naming and reading complex numerals: evidence from eyetracking
Authors: Korvorst Marjolein , Roelofs Ardi , Levelt Willem J. M.
Published: September 2005

Individuals speak incrementally when they interleave planning and articulation. Eyetracking, along with the measurement of speech onset latencies, can be used to gain more insight into the degree of incrementality adopted by speakers. In the current article, two eyetracking experiments are reported in which pairs of complex numerals were named (arabic format, Experiment 1) or read aloud (alphabetic format, Experiment 2) as house numbers and as clock times. We examined whether the degree of incrementality is differentially influenced by the production task (naming vs. reading) and mode (house numbers vs. clock time expressions), by comparing gaze durations and speech onset latencies. In both tasks and modes, dissociations were obtained between speech onset latencies (reflecting articulation) and gaze durations (reflecting planning), indicating incrementality. Furthermore, whereas none of the factors that determined gaze durations were reflected in the reading and naming latencies for the house numbers, the dissociation between gaze durations and response latencies for the clock times concerned mainly numeral length in both tasks. These results suggest that the degree of incrementality is influenced by the type of utterance (house number vs. clock time) rather than by task (reading vs. naming). The results highlight the importance of the utterance structure in determining the degree of incrementality.
Executive functions and achievements in school: Shifting, updating, inhibition, and working memory
Authors: St Clair-Thompson Helen L. , Gathercole Susan E.
Published: September 2005

Links have recently been established between measures of educational attainment and both verbal and visuo-spatial aspects of working memory. Relationships have also been identified between specific executive functions—shifting, updating, and inhibition—and scholastic achievement. In the present study, scholastic attainment, shifting, updating, inhibition, and verbal and visuo-spatial working memory were assessed in 11- and 12-year-old children. Exploratory factor analysis identified two executive factors: one associated with updating functions and one associated with inhibition. Updating abilities were closely linked with performance on both verbal and visuo-spatial working memory span tasks. Working memory was closely linked with attainment in English and mathematics, and inhibition was associated with achievement in English, mathematics, and science. Domain-specific associations existed between verbal working memory and attainment in English, and between visuo-spatial working memory and attainment in English, mathematics and science. Implications of the findings for the theoretical analysis of executive functioning, working memory and children's learning are discussed.
The role of perceptual integration in the recognition of assimilated word forms
Authors: Mitterer Holger , Csépe Valéria , Blomert Leo
Published: September 2005

We investigated how spoken words are recognized when they have been altered by phonological assimilation. Previous research has shown that there is a process of perceptual compensation for phonological assimilations. Three recently formulated proposals regarding the mechanisms for compensation for assimilation make different predictions with regard to the level at which compensation is supposed to occur as well as regarding the role of specific language experience. In the present study, Hungarian words and nonwords, in which a viable and an unviable liquid assimilation was applied, were presented to Hungarian and Dutch listeners in an identification task and a discrimination task. Results indicate that viably changed forms are difficult to distinguish from canonical forms independent of experience with the assimilation rule applied in the utterances. This reveals that auditory processing contributes to perceptual compensation for assimilation, while language experience has only a minor role to play when identification is required.
Cell adhesion molecules regulate Ca2+-mediated steering of growth cones via cyclic AMP and ryanodine receptor type 3
Authors: Ooashi Noriko , Futatsugi Akira , Yoshihara Fumie , Mikoshiba Katsuhiko , Kamiguchi Hiroyuki
Published: September 2005

Axonal growth cones migrate along the correct paths during development, not only directed by guidance cues but also contacted by local environment via cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Asymmetric Ca2+ elevations in the growth cone cytosol induce both attractive and repulsive turning in response to the guidance cues (Zheng, J.Q. 2000. Nature. 403:89–93; Henley, J.R., K.H. Huang, D. Wang, and M.M. Poo. 2004. Neuron. 44:909–916). Here, we show that CAMs regulate the activity of ryanodine receptor type 3 (RyR3) via cAMP and protein kinase A in dorsal root ganglion neurons. The activated RyR3 mediates Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) into the cytosol, leading to attractive turning of the growth cone. In contrast, the growth cone exhibits repulsion when Ca2+ signals are not accompanied by RyR3-mediated CICR. We also propose that the source of Ca2+ influx, rather than its amplitude or the baseline Ca2+ level, is the primary determinant of the turning direction. In this way, axon-guiding and CAM-derived signals are integrated by RyR3, which serves as a key regulator of growth cone navigation.
PERK and GCN2 Contribute to eIF2α Phosphorylation and Cell Cycle Arrest after Activation of the Unfolded Protein Response Pathway
Authors: Hamanaka Robert B. , Bennett Beth S. , Cullinan Sara B. , Diehl J. Alan
Published: September 2005

Exposure of cells to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leads to activation of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) phosphorylation, repression of cyclin D1 translation, and subsequent cell cycle arrest in G1phase. However, whether PERK is solely responsible for regulating cyclin D1 accumulation after unfolded protein response pathway (UPR) activation has not been assessed. Herein, we demonstrate that repression of cyclin D1 translation after UPR activation occurs independently of PERK, but it remains dependent on eIF2α phosphorylation. Although phosphorylation of eIF2α in PERK–/– fibroblasts is attenuated in comparison with wild-type fibroblasts, it is not eliminated. The residual eIF2α phosphorylation correlates with the kinetics of cyclin D1 loss, suggesting that another eIF2α kinase functions in the absence of PERK. In cells harboring targeted deletion of both PERK and GCN2, cyclin D1 loss is attenuated, suggesting GCN2 functions as the redundant kinase. Consistent with these results, cyclin D1 translation is also stabilized in cells expressing a nonphosphorylatable allele of eIF2α; in contrast, repression of global protein translation still occurs in these cells, highlighting a high degree of specificity in transcripts targeted for translation inhibition by phosphorylated eIF2α. Our results demonstrate that PERK and GCN2 function to cooperatively regulate eIF2α phosphorylation and cyclin D1 translation after UPR activation.
Re-entrant corner flows of UCM fluids: the initial formation of lip vortices
Authors: Evans J.D
Published: September 2005

We discuss here a third type of boundary-layer structure that arises in steady planar flows at re-entrant corners for the upper convected Maxwell fluid. This structure extends the class of similarity solutions that are associated with the inviscid flow equations and hold in an outer core region local to the corner. In previous work (

Renardy 1995
J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech.
58
, 83–39

;

Evans 2005
Proc. R. Soc. A
461
, 117–142

), single and double layer structures were used to the match outer core similarity solutions to wall boundary layers in which viscometric behaviour is obtained. Here a second double layer structure is discussed, which completes the range of validity for the core similarity solutions. This structure is fundamentally different to the single layer structure in that it only admits reverse flow solutions at the upstream wall, a situation of practical relevance to describe the initial formation of lip vortices in contraction flows.
Bounds for some non-standard problems in porous flow and viscous Green–Naghdi fluids
Authors: Quintanilla R , Straughan B
Published: September 2005

A. E. Green, F. R. S. and P. M. Naghdi developed a new theory of continuum mechanics based on an entropy identity rather than an entropy inequality. In particular, within the framework of this theory they developed a new set of equations to describe viscous flow. The new theory additionally involves vorticity and spin of vorticity. We here derive energy bounds for a class of problem in which the ‘initial data’ are given as a combination of data at time
t
=0 and at a later time
t
=
T
. Such problems are in vogue in the mathematical literature and may be used, for example, to give estimates of solution behaviour in an improperly posed problem where one wishes to continue a solution backward in time. In addition, we derive similar energy bounds for a solution to the Brinkman–Forchheimer equations of viscous flow in porous media.
On the granular lubrication theory
Authors: Jang J.Y , Khonsari M.M
Published: September 2005

The governing equations for the flow of a granular material within the context of the lubrication theory are derived. The resulting analysis gives a generalized Reynolds equation that predicts the pressure generation capacity in a bearing with consideration of side flow. A series of simulations are presented that characterize the three-dimensional flow behaviour of powder in a slider bearing.
Dynamic portfolio selection with nonlinear transaction costs
Authors: Chellathurai Thamayanthi , Draviam Thangaraj
Published: September 2005

The dynamic portfolio selection problem with bankruptcy and nonlinear transaction costs is studied. The portfolio consists of a risk-free asset, and a risky asset whose price dynamics is governed by geometric Brownian motion. The investor pays transaction costs as a (piecewise linear) function of the traded volume of the risky asset. The objective is to find the stochastic controls (amounts invested in the risky and risk-free assets) that maximize the expected value of the discounted utility of terminal wealth. The problem is formulated as a non-singular stochastic optimal control problem in the sense that the necessary condition for optimality leads to explicit relations between the controls and the value function. The formulation follows along the lines of Merton (Merton 1969
Rev. Econ. Stat.
51
, 247–257; Merton 1971
J. Econ. Theory
3
, 373–413) and Bensoussan & Julien (Bensoussan & Julien 2000
Math. Finance
10
, 89–108) in the sense that the controls are the amounts of the risky asset bought and sold, and they are bounded. It differs from the works of Davis & Norman (Davis & Norman 1990
Math. Oper. Res.
15
, 676–713), who use, in the presence of proportional transaction costs, a singular-control formulation in which the controls are rates of buying and selling of the risky asset, and they are unbounded. Numerical results are presented for buy/no transaction and sell/no transaction interfaces, which characterize the optimal policies of a constant relative risk aversion investor. The no transaction region, in the presence of nonlinear transaction costs, is not a cone. The Merton line, on which no transaction takes place in the limiting case of zero transaction costs, need not lie inside the no transaction region for all values of wealth.
Eshelby formalism for nano-inhomogeneities
Authors: Duan H.L , Wang J , Huang Z.P , Karihaloo B.L
Published: September 2005

The Eshelby formalism for inclusion/inhomogeneity problems is extended to the nano-scale at which surface/interface effects become important. The interior and exterior Eshelby tensors for a spherical inhomogeneous inclusion with the interface stress effect subjected to an arbitrary uniform eigenstrain embedded in an infinite alien matrix, and the stress concentration tensors for a spherical inhomogeneity subjected to an arbitrary remote uniform stress field are obtained. Unlike their counterparts at the macro-scale, the Eshelby and stress concentration tensors are, in general, not uniform inside the inhomogeneity but are position-dependent. They have the property of radial transverse isotropy. It is also shown that the size-dependence of the Eshelby tensors and the stress concentration tensors follow very simple scaling laws. Finally, the Eshelby formula to calculate the strain energy in the presence of the interface effect is given.
Does kin selection influence fostering behaviour in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella)?
Authors: Hoffman Joseph. I , Amos William
Published: September 2005

A recent observation that female Antarctic fur seals foster pups born to related females raises the fascinating possibility that kin selection may promote altruistic behaviour even on a crowded breeding beach, where individual interactions are frequent and complex. However, the use of genetic markers to identify small numbers of unusually highly related individuals is fraught with difficulty due to the likely presence of genotyping errors and related problems. Consequently, we examined an enlarged dataset where errors had been reduced to an absolute minimum by a combination of close scrutiny and repeat genotyping. We find no support for the idea that females preferentially suckle pups born to female relatives. Instead, the previously reported pattern can be explained by a combination of genotyping errors andde novomutations. Our study emphasizes the need for caution when interpreting rare events that occur at a rate approaching that expected for normal genotyping errors.
The role of competition and clustering in population dynamics
Authors: Brännström Å , Sumpter D.J.T
Published: September 2005

A simple argument based on the distribution of individuals amongst discrete resource sites is used to show how the form of single species population models depends on the type of competition between, and the spatial clustering of, the individuals. For scramble competition between individuals, we confirm earlier demonstrations that the Ricker model is a direct consequence of a uniform random distribution of individuals across resources. By introducing spatial clustering of individuals according to a negative binomial distribution, we are able to derive the Hassell model. Furthermore, the tent map model is seen to be a consequence of scramble competition and an ideal-free distribution of individuals. To model contest competition under different degrees of spatial clustering we derive a new three-parameter model, of which the Beverton–Holt and Skellam models are special cases, where one of the parameters relates directly to the clustering distribution. Other population models, such as the quadratic model and the theta-Ricker models, cannot be derived in our framework. Taken together our derivations of population models allows us to make a more rigorous prescription for model choice when fitting to particular datasets.
Preferences of newborn mice for odours indicating closer genetic relatedness: is experience necessary?
Authors: Todrank Josephine , Busquet Nicolas , Baudoin Claude , Heth Giora
Published: September 2005

Evidence from studies with adult rodents indicates that individual recognition enables distinctions between familiar individuals irrespective of relatedness (but including close kin) and a separate mechanism enables discriminations based on genetic relatedness without prior familiarity. For example, adult mice could assess the extent of their genetic relatedness to unfamiliar individuals using perceptual similarities between their individual odours. The ontogeny of this genetic relatedness assessment mechanism, however, had not been investigated. Here, in two-choice tests, newborn mice differentially preferred odours of more genetically similar lactating females (paternal aunts to unrelated conspecific and conspecific to heterospecific) even without prior direct exposure to adults with the tested genotypes. The results provide a direct demonstration of genetic relatedness assessment abilities in newborns and show that experience with parental odours is not necessary for genetic relatedness distinctions. Future studies will be necessary to determine whether exposure to odours of other foetuses in the womb or littermates shortly after birth affects this genetic relatedness assessment process.
Newton's constant and the twenty-first century laboratory
Authors: Speake Clive C
Published: September 2005

The main aim of this paper is to describe the problems that confront experimentalists who attempt to determine Newton's constant of gravitation,
G
. I will motivate this work by discussing the role of Newton's constant of gravitation in classical physics and recent ideas as to its role in quantum physics. I will then discuss some key aspects of a precision determination of
G
. This will include criteria for the selection of the detector of the gravitational torque from the point of view of random uncertainties due to read-out noise, thermal and vibrational noise. Another important factor in precise determinations of
G
is the control of systematic effects (type B uncertainties) such as those due to uncertainties in absolute calibration of the gravitational torque, density homogeneity of source masses and length metrology. I will illustrate the discussion using the determination of
G
currently underway at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in France, and describe other experimental configurations that have been used in the past or are being currently developed.
Subfertility in children and young people treated for solid and haematological malignancies
Authors: Brougham Mark F. H. , Wallace W. H. B.
Published: September 2005

Children treated for cancer may exhibit impaired fertility in later life. A number of chemotherapeutic agents have been identified as being gonadotoxic, and certain treatment regimens are particularly associated with subsequent infertility. Radiotherapy can also cause gonadal damage, most notably after direct testicular or pelvic irradiation or following total body irradiation. Because of the varied nature of the cytotoxic insult, it can be difficult to predict the likelihood of infertility in later life. Currently, cryopreservation of spermatozoa, oocytes or embryos is the only method of preserving fertility in patients receiving gonadotoxic therapy. This is only applicable to postpubertal patients and can be problematic in the adolescent age group. At present there is no provision for the prepubertal child, although there are a number of experimental methods being investigated. However, in addition to the many scientific and technical issues to be overcome before clinical application of such techniques, a number of ethical and legal issues must also be addressed to ensure a safe and realistic prospect for future fertility in these patients.
Distinctive IGH gene segment usage and minimal residual disease detection in infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemias
Authors: Li Aihong , Goldwasser Meredith A. , Zhou Jianbiao , Armstrong Scott A. , Wang Hongjun , Dalton Virginia , Fletcher Jonathan A. , Sallan Stephen E. , Silverman Lewis B. , Gribben John G.
Published: September 2005

Infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) represents a rare but unique subset with poor prognosis. We analysed mixed‐lineage leukaemia (MLL) gene rearrangements and the sequences of complete and incomplete immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangements (IGH) in 14 infants (age ≤12 months at diagnosis) enrolled on Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 95–01. The dynamics of the leukaemic clone were followed during the course of the disease by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of IGH rearrangements. Sixteen sequences were obtained from 13 (93%) of these infants. There was marked over usage of the VH6.1 gene segment (64%) in infants compared with older children with ALL (8%), (P < 0·001) and overusage of DH6 (P = 0·004) and JH1 (P = 0·004). Poor outcome was associated with MLL gene rearrangements rather than any specific VHDHJH gene usage patterns. Levels of minimal residual disease (MRD) at the end of induction appeared to be high in infants with ALL compared with older children, and although the number of infant cases studied was small, there were no differences in MRD levels after induction therapy in infant ALL with or without MLL gene rearrangements (P = 0·41) and quantitative MRD assessment at the early time points may not be predictive of outcome. Novel treatment strategies are required to improve the outcome in this poor prognosis subset of children with ALL.
How we do it: Regular infusion of local anaesthetic in the pedicle of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap to shorten hospitalization of surgically treated head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Valkila J. , Laranne J. , Baer G., , Pukander J.
Published: September 2005

Keypoints

Regular infusion of the flap with local anaesthetic for 6 days postoperative via an indwelling catheter is easy.

It does not cause any complications.

It shortens hospitalization by 7 days.

The necessary catheter is readily available.
A prospective study comparing conventional methods against a structured method of gaining patients’ informed consent for tonsillectomy
Authors: Nixon I. , Balaji N. , Hilmy O. , Fu B. , Brown C.
Published: September 2005

Objective:  By providing junior members of medical staff with appropriate guidelines one can achieve an improved standard of informed consent for tonsillectomy, than is provided at present.

Design:  A prospective study of 138 consecutive patients.

Setting:  District General Hospital.

Participants:  A total of 138 patients undergoing routine tonsillectomy split into two groups. Group A (n = 87), the conventional group, gave consent in our unit's standard manner to various grades of doctors by using a hospital general surgical consent form. Most gave their consent as outpatients, while some consented on admission. Group B (n = 51), the structured consent group, gave their consent in pre‐admission clinic, to an SHO using a standardized tonsillectomy consent form and a structured interview technique.

Main outcome measures:  A preoperative questionnaire regarding the knowledge of tonsillectomy.

Results:  Improvement of the awareness of the risks involved with tonsillectomy was achieved by the structured consent Group B; 82% of Group A were aware of postoperative pain compared with 94% of group B (P = 0.04); 63% of group A were aware of infection compared with 82% of group B (P = 0.02); 100% of group B had read the consent form before signing compared with 80% of group A (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the awareness of postoperative haemorrhage (91 versus 98%, P = 0.15).

Conclusion:  By providing junior medical staff with guidelines, senior staff retain responsibility for consent while improving the standard of informed consent for tonsillectomy.
Induction of antigen‐specific regulatory T cells in the liver‐draining celiac lymph node following oral antigen administration
Authors: Hultkrantz Susanne , Östman Sofia , Telemo Esbjörn
Published: September 2005

Regulatory T cells are induced by oral administration of an antigen, but the physiological requirements and localization of the inductive sites are largely unknown. Using an adoptive transfer system of cells transgenic for ovalbumin T‐cell receptor (OVA TCR tg), we found that antigen‐specific CD4+ T cells were activated in the liver‐draining celiac lymph node (CLN) shortly after ovalbumin feeding, and that a significantly higher proportion of the T cells in the CLN developed into the putative regulatory phenotype [co‐expressing CD25 with the glucocortico‐induced tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family related gene (GITR), cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen (CTLA)‐4 and CD103] than in Peyer's patches, the mesenteric and peripheral lymph nodes and the spleen. In addition, a particularly high level of expression of CD103 on the OVA‐specific T cells in the CLN may favour homing to the epithelium of the intestine. While equally suppressive, OVA tg T cells isolated from the CLN of OVA‐fed DO11·10 mice were less dependent on transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β for suppression than cells isolated from the peripheral and mesenteric lymph nodes, which indicates the involvement of an additional suppressive mechanism. The expression of FoxP3 was not up‐regulated in any of the lymph node compartments studied. Our phenotypic and functional findings suggest that the induction of regulatory T cells in the CLN may be relevant in the control of the immune response to dietary antigens.
Induction of macrophage‐derived SLPI by Mycobacterium tuberculosis depends on TLR2 but not MyD88
Authors: Ding Aihao , Yu Hongwei , Yang Jingxuan , Shi Shuangping , Ehrt Sabine
Published: September 2005

Macrophages respond to Mycobacterium tuberculosis by regulating expression of gene products that initiate a host innate response to this micro‐organism. In this study, we report that exposure of murine peritoneal macrophages to heat‐killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (HK‐Mtb) led to an increase in secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) gene expression and protein secretion in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. HK‐Mtb‐induced SLPI mRNA expression was sensitive neither to a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, nor to an actin polymerization blocker, cytochalasin D. Treatment of macrophages with interferon (IFN)‐γ inhibited HK‐Mtb‐induced SLPI expression. RAW264·7 cells stably expressing SLPI produced a reduced level of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in response to HK‐Mtb as compared with mock transfectants. Aerosol infection of mice with live M. tuberculosis resulted in an induction of SLPI gene expression in infected lungs. Macrophages from Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)–/– or MyD88–/– mice responded to M. tuberculosis similarly to wild‐type macrophages by exhibiting increased SLPI expression. In contrast, macrophages from TLR2–/– mice were incapable of inducing SLPI in response to M. tuberculosis. This induction signifies the presence of a TLR2‐dependent but MyD88‐independent M. tuberculosis signalling pathway, suggesting involvement of adaptor protein(s) other than MyD88 in M. tuberculosis‐mediated induction of SLPI.
The optimization of vacuum frying to dehydrate carrot chips
Authors: Fan Liu‐ping , Zhang Min , Xiao Gong‐nian , Sun Jin‐cai , Tao Qian
Published: September 2005

The effects of pretreatment and processing conditions, such as frying temperature, absolute vacuum pressure and frying time; on the properties of fried carrot chips were studied. Statistical analysis with response surface regression showed that moisture content, fat content and breaking force of carrot chips were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with frying temperature, vacuum absolute pressure and frying time. The optimum conditions were a vacuum frying temperature of 100–110 °C, a vacuum absolute pressure of 0.010–0.020 MPa and a frying time of 15 min.
A computer attitude scale for computer science freshmen and its educational implications
Authors: Palaigeorgiou G.E. , Siozos P.D. , Konstantakis N.I. , Tsoukalas I.A.
Published: September 2005

Abstract The successful integration of computers in educational environments depends, to a great extent, on students' attitudes towards them. Widely used computer attitude scales (CASs) focus on the beliefs of typical computer users and do not reveal the more refined attitudes of groups that use computers extensively and develop unique relations with them. This study presents the development and validation of a CAS especially designed for computer science freshmen (CASF). The scale consists of five factors, namely, self‐confidence in previous knowledge, hardware usage anxiety, computer engagement, fears of long‐lasting negative consequences of computer use and evaluation of positive consequences of computers in personal and social life. Using an analytic computer experience construct, the scale's components were related to multiple aspects of students' computer experience. CASF responses can inform a variety of instructional decisions and classroom management strategies for the first phase of the students' studies.
Intact glycans from cestode antigens are involved in innate activation of myeloid suppressor cells
Authors: GÓMEZ‐GARCÍA L. , LÓPEZ‐MARÍN L. M. , SAAVEDRA R. , REYES J. L. , RODRÍGUEZ‐SOSA M. , TERRAZAS L. I.
Published: September 2005

During helminthic infections, strong Th2 type‐biased responses concomitant with impaired cell‐proliferative responses to parasitic and unrelated antigens are major immunological hallmarks. Parasite glycan structures have been proposed to play a role in modulating these responses. To understand early events related to immune modulation during cestode infection, we have examined the role of intact glycans of antigens from Taenia crassiceps in the recruitment of innate cells. Soluble antigens from this cestode contained higher levels of carbohydrates than proteins. Intraperitoneal injection of the antigens rapidly recruited a cell population expressing F4/80+/Gr‐1+surface markers, which adoptively suppressed naïve T‐cell proliferation in vitro in response to anti‐CD3/CD28 MAb stimulation in a cell‐contact dependent manner. Soluble antigens with altered glycans by treatment with sodium periodate significantly reduced the recruitment of F4/80+/Gr1+cells, concomitantly their suppressive activity was abrogated, indicating that glycans have a role in the early activation of these suppressor cells. Using C3H/HeJ and STAT6‐KO mice, we found that expansion and suppressive activity of F4/80+Gr1+cells induced by T. crassiceps intact antigens was TLR4 and Th2‐type cytokine independent. Together with previous studies on nematode and trematode parasites, our data support the hypothesis that glycans can be involved on a similar pathway in the immunoregulation by helminths.
A duplicated pair of Arabidopsis RING‐finger E3 ligases contribute to the RPM1‐ and RPS2‐mediated hypersensitive response
Authors: Kawasaki Tsutomu , Nam Jaesung , Boyes Douglas C. , Holt Ben F. , Hubert David A. , Wiig Aaron , Dangl Jeffery L.
Published: September 2005

The Arabidopsis RPM1 protein confers resistance to disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae strains delivering either the AvrRpm1 or AvrB type III effector proteins into host cells. We characterized two closely related RPM1‐interacting proteins, RIN2 and RIN3. RIN2 and RIN3 encode RING‐finger type ubiquitin ligases with six apparent transmembrane domains and an ubiquitin‐binding CUE domain. RIN2 and RIN3 are orthologs of the mammalian autocrine motility factor receptor, a cytokine receptor localized in both plasma membrane caveolae and the endoplasmic reticulum. RIN2 is predominantly localized to the plasma membrane, as are RPM1 and RPS2. The C‐terminal regions of RIN2 and RIN3, including the CUE domain, interact strongly with an RPM1 N‐terminal fragment and weakly with a similar domain from the Arabidopsis RPS2 protein. RIN2 and RIN3 can dimerize through their C‐terminal regions. The RING‐finger domains of RIN2 and RIN3 encode ubiquitin ligases. Inoculation with P. syringae DC3000(avrRpm1) or P. syringae DC3000(avrRpt2) induces differential decreases of RIN2 mobility in SDS‐PAGE and disappearance of the majority of RIN2. A rin2 rin3 double mutant expresses diminished RPM1‐ and RPS2‐dependent hypersensitive response (HR), but no alteration of pathogen growth. Thus, the RIN2/RIN3 RING E3 ligases apparently act on a substrate that regulates RPM1‐ and RPS2‐dependent HR.
Relational problems and psychiatric symptoms in couple therapy
Authors: Lundblad Ann‐Marie , Hansson Kjell
Published: September 2005

This article describes couples attending family counselling in Sweden. The study group is compared with clinical groups and non‐clinical groups. Self‐rating instruments were com‐pleted by 317 women and 312 men to evaluate the following: marital satisfaction (DAS), expressed emotion (QAFM), family climate (FC), psychiatric symptoms (SCL‐90) and sense of coherence (SOC). This group had several problems: marital relationships, disrupted family functioning, dyadic interactions characterised by criticism and open arguments, and multiple psychological symptoms. The women were espe‐cially discontent in the relationship, and they exhibited higher symptom strain and lower sense of coherence than the men did. Compared with non‐clinical populations, this group was severely distressed and was similar to in‐patient families in child psychiatric clinics. The low sense of coherence of the individuals in the group under study means that their sense of having a meaningful life and their ability to comprehend and manage problems were severely compromised. Adequate and comprehensive treatment within the framework of social pro‐grammes should be made available to these couples and others in a similar situation.
Changes in the group defined as severely mentally ill: five years after the mental health‐care reform in Sweden
Authors: Arvidsson Hans
Published: September 2005

A mental health‐care reform was implemented in Sweden in 1995. The objective of this study has been to investigate whether, five years after the reform, there were any changes in the group of persons considered to be severely mentally ill. To estimate the number and needs of severely mentally ill persons, a survey was made in 1995/96 and again in 2000/2001, using the same definition of ‘severely mentally ill’, and the same interview form used on both occasions. Needs were assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need. In the 1995/96 survey, 602 individuals were identified as severely mentally ill. In 2000/2001, the number was 828. Those surveyed in 2000/2001 had, on average, fewer unmet needs. The results indicate that one reason for the difference in the size of the groups was that the way the concept of severely mentally ill was interpreted had changed.
Citizenship: locating people with learning disabilities
Authors: Gilbert Tony , Cochrane Alan , Greenwell Steward
Published: September 2005

This article first identifies citizenship as an ambiguous con‐cept with changing and contested meanings. Next it discusses the methodological commitment of a study conducted in 2001 exploring the conceptions of citizenship permeating learning disability services. The third section identifies four themes linked to the citizenship of disabled people: work, participa‐tion, community and consumption. Lastly, the article looks to locate the citizenship of people with learning disability within the framework of governmentality. The analysis of interview material from the 2001 study suggested that there was no coherent idea of citizenship operating through the services. However, the analysis of governmentality provides a richer picture. The different discourses of citizenship, while produc‐ing contradictory positions for individuals with learning disability, do nevertheless provide positions to be had when less than half a century ago no such positions existed. In this sense these discourses are productive.
Visibility and ‘child view’ in the assessment process of social work: cross‐national comparisons
Authors: Nybom Jenny
Published: September 2005

In Western societies, national and international legislation and agreements are giving increasing support to the principle that children must be regarded as subjects, with the right to be in focus and to express their own views in the assessment process of social work. The empirical data in the present study, collected from more than 700 social workers through open‐ended questions, and generated in a cross‐national vignette study of child protection cases in Denmark, Germany, Sweden, Britain and Texas, are analysed within a conceptual framework of ‘child visibility’ and ‘child view’. The results reveal a number of systematic patterns within and between the areas under study. The child is visible to different extents but also with varying emphasis across the countries. The possibility for the views of the child to be included in assessment processes differs due to the age of the child and across the countries.
Gender differences in bipolar disorder: retrospective data from the first 500 STEP‐BD participants
Authors: Baldassano Claudia F , Marangell Lauren B , Gyulai Laszlo , Nassir Ghaemi S , Joffe Hadine , Kim Deborah R , Sagduyu Kemal , Truman Christine J , Wisniewski Stephen R , Sachs Gary S , Cohen Lee S
Published: September 2005

Objective:  To examine gender differences in a large sample of patients with bipolar illness.

Methods:  Exploratory analysis of baseline data from the first 500 patients in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP‐BD), a multi‐center NIMH project. Participants are allowed to have medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and to enter in any mood state, thus making the population more generalizable than many research cohorts. Diagnoses and history were assessed using structured clinical instruments administered by certified investigators. Given the exploratory nature of these analyses, there is no correction of for multiple comparisons. However, we emphasize findings that are statistically significant at the more stringent p < 0.01 level.

Results:  Compared with men, women had higher rates of BPII (15.3% M versus 29.0% F, p < 0.01), comorbid thyroid disease (5.7% M versus 26.9% F, p < 0.01), bulimia (1.5% M versus 11.6% F, p < .0.01) and post‐traumatic stress disorder (10.6% M versus 20.9% F, p < 0.01). Women and men had equal rates of history of lifetime rapid cycling and depressive episodes. Men were more likely to have a history of legal problems (36% M versus 17.5% F, p < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Potentially important gender differences in certain illness characteristics were found in our study; however, in contrast to other reports, we did not find higher rates of lifetime depressive episodes or rapid cycling in women. Although our study is limited by its retrospective study design, its results are strengthened by our large sample size and use of structured interviews.
Neuroanatomical abnormalities as risk factors for bipolar disorder
Authors: Hajek Tomas , Carrey Normand , Alda Martin
Published: September 2005

Objective:  Neuroimaging studies show structural brain abnormalities in bipolar patients. Some of the abnormalities may represent biological risk factors conveying vulnerability for the disease. This paper aims to identify neuroanatomical risk factors for bipolar disorder (BD).

Methods:  We reviewed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in populations in which the effects of the disease or treatment are minimal or where the chances of finding genetically coded risk factors shared within the families are increased. Such populations include unaffected relatives of bipolar patients, first‐episode patients, children or adolescents with BD and patients with familial BD.

Results:  MEDLINE search revealed 30 relevant scientific papers. Abnormalities in the volume of the striatum, left hemispheric white matter, thalamus and anterior cingulate as well as quantitative MRI signal hyperintensities were identified already in unaffected relatives of bipolar patients. Subjects in the early stages of the disease showed volume changes of the ventricles, white matter, caudate, putamen, amygdala, hippocampus and the subgenual prefrontal cortex. Reduction in the subgenual prefrontal cortex volume was replicated in three of four studies in patients with familial BD.

Conclusions:  Possible candidates for neuroanatomical risk factors for BD are volumetric abnormalities of the subgenual prefrontal cortex, striatum, white matter, and probably also the hippocampus and amygdala. Qualitative finding of white matter hyperintensities was already utilized as an endophenotype.