bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assimilation of Odin/SMR O3 and N2O measurements in a three‐dimensional chemistry transport model
Authors: El Amraoui L. , Ricaud P. , Urban J. , Théodore B. , Hauchecorne A. , Lautié N. , De La Noë J. , Guirlet M. , Le Flochmoën E. , Murtagh D. , Dupuy E. , Frisk U. , d'Andon O. F.
Published: November 2004

A method for assimilating observations of long‐lived species such as ozone (O3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) in a three‐dimensional chemistry transport model (3D‐CTM) is described. The model is forced by the temperature and wind analyses from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The O3 and N2O fields used in this study are obtained from the Sub‐Millimeter Radiometer (SMR) aboard the Odin satellite. The assimilation technique used is the sequential statistical interpolation approach. The parametrization of the error covariance matrix of the model forecast field is described. A sensitivity study of the system parameters is done in terms of the OMF (observation minus forecast) vector also called “innovation” vector and in terms of the χ2 (chi‐square) test. The effect of the correlation distances is critical for the assimilated field. The RMS (root mean square) of the OMF for the correlation distances is minimal for values of 1500 km in the meridional direction and 500 km in the zonal direction for both O3 and N2O. The treatment of the meridional distance as a function of latitude does not reveal an important improvement. The χ2 diagnostic shows that the asymptotic value of the model error (the model error of saturation) is optimal for the value of 12.5% for O3 and 18% for N2O. We demonstrate the applicability of the developed assimilation method for the Odin/SMR data. We also present first results of the assimilation of Odin/SMR ozone and nitrous oxide for the period from 22 December 2001 to 17 January 2002.
Trapping of trace gases in growing ice crystals
Authors: Kärcher B. , Basko M. M.
Published: November 2004

An analytical model describing the combined effect of mass accomodation and net adsorption of trace gases on the surfaces of growing ice particles (trapping) is developed. An approximate solution for the release of trapped trace gases from evaporating ice particles is also given. The model fully accounts for the fact that atmospheric ice particles frequently experience substantial subsaturations and supersaturations. In such situations, pure adsorption models cannot be employed to calculate the trace gas uptake. Limiting cases are discussed in which uptake is solely controlled by gas diffusion (burial limit) or by surface kinetics (adsorption limit). The model results are expressed in terms of a nonreactive uptake coefficient for use in atmospheric models. Crucial factors controlling trapping are the rate of desorption (or net molecular escape rate) and the ice growth rate. Trace gase molecules can be effectively trapped in bulk ice even at low ice supersaturations when their times of adsorption are sufficiently long. The trapping model may help provide physically sound interpretations of field and laboratory measurements of trace gas uptake on growing ice surfaces. Previous global model studies of nitric acid uptake in cirrus clouds only considering adsorption likely underestimated the resulting dentrification, because the vertical redistribution is driven by the largest ice crystals which trap nitric acid most efficiently.
Attitudes towards Telecommuting: The Turkish Case
Authors: Iscan Omer Faruk , Naktiyok Atilhan
Published: November 2004

Examines the effects of demographic characteristics (gender, marital status), household attributes (small children, largeness of home and distance of home and workplace), support factors (supervisor, colleague and technological-bill support), and perceived advantages and disadvantages of telecommuting to individuals, organizations and society on individuals’ attitudes towards telecommuting. The sample comprised 664 IT professionals working in several internet (portal) companies in Turkey. Results suggest that women, married employees, employees who have children less than five years old, employees whose house is big enough, employees whose house is relatively farther to the workplace, and those who perceived more advantages accruing from telecommuting, to themselves, to their organization or to the society, have a more favorable attitude towards telecommuting. On the other hand, employees who perceived more disadvantages accruing from telecommuting to themselves or their organization have a less favorable attitude towards telecommuting. In addition, colleague support and technological-bill support positively influence the attitudes of employees towards telecommuting.
The Poincaré equation: A new polynomial and its unusual properties
Authors: Zhang Keke , Liao Xinhao , Earnshaw Paul
Published: November 2004

The Poincaré equation, a second-order partial differential equation describing wave motions in a rotating spheroid of arbitrary eccentricity satisfying a certain set of the boundary condition, is studied. A new polynomial as the general solution of the Poincaré equation in spheroidal geometry is found for the first time. The paper focuses on some unusual and intriguing mathematical properties of the new Poincaré polynomial. The possible completeness of the set of eigenfunctions of the Poincaré equation in the form of the new polynomial is also discussed. The new Poincaré polynomial would provide a powerful basis for the mathematical analysis in many important geophysical and astrophysical problems.
Is There a Global Link between Regional Disparities and Devolution?
Authors: Rodríguez-Pose Andrés , Gill Nicholas
Published: November 2004

In this paper we present an examination of the possible correlation between rising income inequalities at the regional level and widespread devolutionary initiatives worldwide. When the responsibility and resource-based facets of decentralisation are taken together a marked congruency is evident between the two trends. Various spatial economic forces promote the emergence of core and peripheral regions, and devolution, by establishing the autonomy of these regions, allows these forces a greater impact. We argue that this is because decentralisation initiatives carry with them implicit fiscal, political, and administrative costs, which fall more heavily upon those regions with limited adjustment capacities, resulting in differential rates at which regions can capitalise upon the opportunities offered by devolution. The global tendency towards devolution therefore reflects a subtle, but profound, renunciation of the traditional equalisation role of national government in favour of conditions fostering economic and public competition and leading to greater development of initially rich and powerful regions to the detriment of poorer areas.
‘Té Para Todos’? A Comparison of the Processes of Devolution in Spain and the UK
Authors: Giordano Benito , Roller Elisa
Published: November 2004

This paper focuses upon a comparison of the experiences of regionalisation in Spain and the United Kingdom. Spain's process of devolution, initiated in the late 1980s, has led to an asymmetrical structure of devolution with certain regions, such as Catalonia and the Basque Country, acquiring more autonomy than others. However, the slogan ‘ café para todos’ (coffee for everyone) has in recent years been employed by Catalan and other nationalists to argue that the State of Autonomies has not respected the special status of Spain's historic communities and has diluted their claims for greater levels of self-government. It is precisely such a model of asymmetrical autonomy that has been adopted in the United Kingdom since 1997, the implications of which remain to be seen. As this paper explores, however, there are already signs emerging that the United Kingdom is following a similar trajectory to that in Spain, which is why the comparisons are particularly important and timely. Indeed, the authors argue that adopting a model of asymmetrical autonomy can lead, even at an early stage, to the emergence of regional identities in regions with no previous manifestations of regional consciousness, the rise in territorial tension after devolution, and the backlash by the historic regions against a ‘one size fits all’ or uniform approach towards devolution.
Sustainable Future Urban Mobility: Using ‘Area Development Negotiations’ for Scenario Assessment and Participatory Strategic Planning
Authors: Loukopoulos Peter , Scholz Roland W
Published: November 2004

An examination of how land-use planning can proceed while emphasising sustainability in transport objectives is presented in the authors' view. It is vital that citizen preferences are assessed, and the ‘area development negotiation’ method for obtaining such preferences is detailed within a case study framework. The method permits evaluations by various stakeholder groups of future urban mobility scenarios by means of multiattribute utility analyses. In order to illustrate the method, key results from a Swedish case study are presented, demonstrating that all interest groups—with the exception of business representatives—were aware of the importance of environmental factors and gave these factors greater weight than economic factors. Discussion focuses upon issues relevant to policy analysis, strategic planning including stakeholders, and upon issues relevant to the policy process, such as how the method can support and meaningfully engage the citizen in strategic planning.
Heterodoxy and the Governance of Economic Development
Authors: Pike Andy
Published: November 2004

An emergent heterodox approach is challenging the prevailing orthodoxy of thinking, doing, and governing economic development, particularly at the subnational, regional, and local levels. Looking at underlying debates concerning institutionalism and a ‘new centrism’, the author draws together the theoretical and conceptual threads of the heterodox agenda. Several critical issues are outlined: the historical evolution of economic development approaches; the lack of coherency and consensus in conceptual, theoretical, and policy terms; the underdeveloped empirical base and; the translation into policy and institutional practice. This discussion informs an analytical framework based upon the central dimensions of heterodoxy, experimentation, context specificity, and governance. Empirical analysis of the substance of the new heterodoxy is undertaken by focusing upon a new institutional experiment for organising economic development—the task force—and drawing upon evidence from the national (UK), regional (North East of England), and local (South Tyneside) levels. The argument is that there is a mixed picture with patchy evidence of the emergence of the heterodox agenda, comprising genuine experimentation and innovation, coexisting and interrelating with substantial continuities and the extension and reinforcement of established practices. It is concluded that the currently dominant narrative and technocratic mode of ‘quasi-governance’ of economic development requires a renewed and democratised politics to open up discussion of alternative responses to the fundamental questions of what kind of economic development is desired and for whom. Strengthened democratic structures as part of the devolution process in the UK nations and regions may offer the potential to begin this debate.
Effect of sward structure of two tropical grasses with contrasting canopies on light distribution, net photosynthesis and size of bite harvested by grazing cattle
Authors: Ludlow MM , Stobbs TH , Davos R , Charles-Edwards DA
Published: November 2004

Our aim was to determine whether increasing the sward density of tropical pastures, for the purpose of enhancing the size of bite harvested by grazing cattle, would reduce yield by affecting light distribution andcanopy photosynthesis. The growth regulators (2-chloroethy1)trimethylammonium chloride (CCC) and gibberillic acid (GA) were used to alter the leaf area density of the tussock-forming grass Setavia sphacelata and of the sward-forming grass Digitaria decumbens. GA increased plant height, the length of stem internodes, and the size of bite harvested by cattle. On the other hand, CCC decreased canopy height, and increased leaf area density and bite size. The variation of leaf area density, investigated experimentally by using growth regulators (5-25 m-1) and theoretically by simulation modelling (5-40 m-1), had no significant effect on either leaf or canopy photosynthetic characteristics. Hence we believe that there would be a negligible reduction in yield of these tropical grasses if their leaf area densities were increased up to a value of 40 m-1, which exceeds those of temperate pastures. Such increases in leaf area density may increase animal production from tropical pastures where bite size limits daily intake of forage. The agricultural implications of the findings are discussed.
The loss of volatile sulfur from sheep
Authors: Kandylis K , Bray AC
Published: November 2004

The losses of volatile sulfur compounds from sheep were investigated with sheep maintained on a high sulfur ration. The sheep were kept in metabolism cages in a 1-m3 gas-tight chamber with air drawn through the chamber and a trapping bath at a flow rate of 15 l/min. After the intraruminal administration of [35S]sodium sulfate, only minor quantities of 35S were found in the trapping bath over the following 8 h. It was concluded that volatile sulfur loss by eructation is negligible in the overall sulfur balance of the sheep. When [35S]hydrogen sulfide was released in the chamber, 50-80% of the 35S was recovered in the trapping bath in the subsequent 6 h.
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a potential grain legume for South-Western Australia: Seasonal growth and yield
Authors: Siddique KHM , Sedgley RH
Published: November 2004

The suitability of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as a winter-sown grain crop was evaluated for the Merredin region (310 mm rainfall) in the south-western Australian cereal belt. Few data on performance of chickpea were available from southern Australia, but similarities of the Merredin climate with that of Aleppo in Syria, where chickpea has been grown for centuries, indicated its potential. The response of a desi-type early line of chickpea was studied in a time of sowing by density trial in 1982 and a time of sowing trial in 1983, by relating seed and biological yield to dry matter accumulation and distribution, phenological and morphological development. Seed yields averaged 1.20 t ha-1 over the two years, and was little affected by time of sowing or density over the normal sowing period, and confirmed early flowering as the basic ideotype for the region. Seed yield correlated poorly with harvest index, but highly with biological yield within, but not between years. Time to flowering was fairly constant, averaging 100 days after 1160�C days, and flowering stopped soon after maximum LAI was reached. Detailed observations in 1983 showed that the efficiency of formation of seed bearing pods from flowers increased from 38% for the earliest planting to 83% in the latest planting. The failure of early sown chickpea to exploit the longer growing season resulted from the high abortion rate of early flowers, probably caused by low spring temperatures. The 35% of pods aborted in late spring, in all sowing dates, indicates that water stress can be expected to limit chickpea yields, as in other cultivated species, in the region. Chickpea demonstrated good yield potential for the drier cereal belt on heavy-textured soils at Merredin, to which medics are adapted. The data indicate scope to increase yields by improving tolerance to cold during early flowering and support the concept of increasing seed yields by restricting the number of branches at higher densities, as found in a previous study.
Problems in the use of microplots for assessing the fate of urea applied to flooded rice
Authors: Trevitt ACF , Freney JR , Simpson JR , Muirhead WA
Published: November 2004

The effects of differences in size of microplot and type of enclosure on the floodwater parameters determining ammonia volatilization were studied. The results show that the use of enclosures can retard urea hydrolysis, suppress the maximum daytime pH values (an effect which is cumulative over a number of days), and significantly reduce the potential for ammonia volatilization. These effects are the consequence of lowered light (and heat) penetration in the enclosed area due to shading of the floodwater by the enclosure walls. The magnitude of these effects varies with plot size and shape, and the material used for construction of the plot wall. A preliminary analysis suggests that, if errors due to shading are acceptable when 90% or more of the incident solar radiation always penetrates to the enclosed floodwater, then square plots with opaque walls must be at least 1.2 m along a side and cylindrical plots must be at least 1.2 m in diameter when wall height is 0.1 m above the floodwater.
Stimulation of abomasal flow in sheep with buffer infusions per abomasum and effects of same on certain aspects of intestinal function
Authors: Margan DE
Published: November 2004

Infusion into the abomasum of sheep of a mixture of volatile fatty acids partially neutralized with sodium hydroxide (VFA salts) markedly increased the rates of flow of liquor and chloride from the abomasum to the small intestine; buffered mineral salts comprising sodium bicarbonate, sodium citrate and either disodium or dipotassium orthophosphate consistently produced a similar but smaller response. Thcre was little or no effect of the infusions on rumen or omasal outflow. By contrast, infusion of VFA in acid form had no effect on abomasal liquor and chloride flow and the infusion of sodium chloride did not effect liquor flow. The pH of abomasal digesta either decreased slightly or was unchanged when VFA salts wcre infused, but increased with infusion of mineral buffer salts. It is concluded that gastric secretion is markedly affected by the buffering capacity of the digesta entering the abomasum. The VFA entering the abomasum in digesta were estimated to be responsible for the secretion of as much as 60% of the chloride secreted into the organ. High rates of abomasal secretion, induced by intra-abomasal infusion of VFA salts, increased both (i) the amount of digesta in the abomasum and small intestine, (ii) the extent of absorption of calcium and magnesium distal to the omasum, and (iii) absorption from the small intestine of water, chloride and VFA, while decreasing (i) the pH of digesta in some sections of the small intestine and (ii) marker residence time in the proximal half of the small intestine. The rates of flow of both liquor and chloride from the abomasum, together with pH of abomasal digesta, progressively increased with age in animals aged 6, 10 and 30 months; they were still larger in other animals aged 54 months. By contrast, no consistent trends with age were observed with VFA and chloride concentrations in rumen liquor or the flow of metabolites from the rumen. The flow changes are suggested to be the result of changes in gastric juice secretion with age, stimulated at least in part by a corresponding decrease in the rate of absorption of buffering substances in the omasum and/or abomasum.
Ca
2+
activity at GABA
B
receptors constitutively promotes metabotropic glutamate signaling in the absence of GABA
Authors: Tabata Toshihide , Araishi Kenji , Hashimoto Kouichi , Hashimotodani Yuki , van der Putten Herman , Bettler Bernhard , Kano Masanobu
Published: November 2004

Type B γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA
B
R) is a G protein-coupled receptor that regulates neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability throughout the brain. In various neurons, GABA
B
Rs are concentrated at excitatory synapses. Although these receptors are assumed to respond to GABA spillover from neighboring inhibitory synapses, their function is not fully understood. Here we show a previously undescribed function of GABA
B
R exerted independent of GABA. In cerebellar Purkinje cells, interaction of GABA
B
R with extracellular Ca
2+
(

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) leads to a constitutive increase in the glutamate sensitivity of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1). mGluR1 sensitization is clearly mediated by GABA
B
R because it is absent in GABA
B
R1 subunit-knockout cells. However, the mGluR1 sensitization does not require G
i/o
proteins that mediate the GABA
B
R's classical functions. Moreover, coimmunoprecipitation reveals complex formation between GABA
B
R and mGluR1 in the cerebellum. These findings demonstrate that GABA
B
R can act as

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-dependent cofactors to enhance neuronal metabotropic glutamate signaling.
Human and murine inhibitory natural killer cell receptors transfer from natural killer cells to target cells
Authors: Vanherberghen Bruno , Andersson Katja , Carlin Leo M. , Nolte-`t Hoen Esther N. M. , Williams Geoffrey S. , Höglund Petter , Davis Daniel M.
Published: November 2004

Intercellular transfer of proteins across the immunological synapse is emerging as a common outcome of immune surveillance. We previously reported that target-cell MHC class I protein transfers onto natural killer (NK) cells expressing cognate killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs). We now show that, for both murine and human cells, target cells expressing inhibitory MHC class I ligands acquire cognate inhibitory NK receptors. Other cell-surface proteins, but not a cytoplasmic dye, also transferred from human NK cells to target cells across an inhibitory immunological synapse. The number of KIRs acquired from NK cells correlated with the level of expression of cognate MHC class I protein on target cells. Treatment with cytoskeletal inhibitors demonstrated that the target-cell cytoskeleton influences intercellular transfer of proteins in both directions. In contrast to constitutively expressed KIRs, a fraction of acquired KIRs could be removed by mild acid wash, demonstrating a difference between some of the acquired KIRs and constitutively expressed KIRs. An accumulation of phosphotyrosine at the location of the transferred KIRs implies a signaling capacity for NK cell proteins transferred to target cells. Thus, intercellular protein transfer between immune cells is bidirectional and could facilitate new aspects of immune cell communication.
Activation of the complement system generates antibacterial peptides
Authors: Nordahl Emma Andersson , Rydengård Victoria , Nyberg Patrik , Nitsche D. Patric , Mörgelin Matthias , Malmsten Martin , Björck Lars , Schmidtchen Artur
Published: November 2004

The complement system represents an evolutionary old and significant part of the innate immune system involved in protection against invading microorganisms. Here, we show that the anaphylatoxin C3a and its inactivated derivative C3a-desArg are antibacterial, demonstrating a previously unknown direct antimicrobial effect of complement activation. The C3a peptide, as well as functional epitopes in the sequence, efficiently killed the Gram-negative bacteriaEscherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the Gram-positiveEnterococcus faecalis. In mice, a C3a-derived peptide suppressed infection by Gram-positiveStreptococcus pyogenesbacteria. Fluorescence and electron microscopy demonstrated that C3a binds to and induces breaks in bacterial membranes. C3a was also found to induce membrane leakage of liposomes. These findings provide an interesting link between the complement system and antimicrobial peptides, which are two important branches of innate immunity.
Discovery of functional noncoding elements by digital analysis of chromatin structure
Authors: Sabo Peter J. , Hawrylycz Michael , Wallace James C. , Humbert Richard , Yu Man , Shafer Anthony , Kawamoto Janelle , Hall Robert , Mack Joshua , Dorschner Michael O. , McArthur Michael , Stamatoyannopoulos John A.
Published: November 2004

We developed a quantitative methodology, digital analysis of chromatin structure (DACS), for high-throughput, automated mapping of DNase I-hypersensitive sites and associated cis-regulatory sequences in the human and other complex genomes. We used 19/20-bp genomic DNA tags to localize individual DNase I cutting events in nuclear chromatin and produced ≈257,000 tags from erythroid cells. Tags were mapped to the human genome, and a quantitative algorithm was applied to discriminate statistically significant clusters of independent DNase I cutting events. We show that such clusters identify both known regulatory sequences and previously unrecognized functional elements across the genome. We used
in silico
simulation to demonstrate that DACS is capable of efficient and accurate localization of the majority of DNase I-hypersensitive sites in the human genome without requiring an independent validation step. A unique feature of DACS is that it permits unbiased evaluation of the chromatin state of regulatory sequences from widely separated genomic loci. We found surprisingly large differences in the accessibility of distant regulatory sequences, suggesting the existence of a hierarchy of nuclear organization that escapes detection by conventional chromatin assays.
Effects of Age on Searching for and Enumerating Targets that Cannot be Detected Efficiently
Authors: Watson Derrick G. , Maylor Elizabeth A. , Bruce Lucy A. M.
Published: November 2004

We investigated the effects of old age on search, subitizing, and counting of difficult-to-find targets. In Experiment 1, young and older adults enumerated targets (Os) with and without distractors (Qs). Without distractors, the usual subitization-counting function occurred in both groups, with the same subitization span of 3.3 items. Subitization disappeared with distractors; older adults were slowed more overall by their presence but enumeration rates were not slowed by ageing either with or without distractors. In contrast, search rates for a single target (O among Qs) were twice as slow for older as for young adults. Experiment 2 tested and ruled out one account of age-equivalent serial enumeration based on the need to subvocalize numbers as items are enumerated. Alternative explanations based on the specific task differences between detecting and enumerating stimuli are discussed.
Phonon Anomaly on NaxHfNCl Superconductors with Tc = 22 K
Authors: Shamoto Shin-Ichi , Hirai Atsuo , Yamanaka Shoji , Aso Naofumi , Kajitani Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2004

Inelastic neutron scattering measurements have been performed on superconducting NaxHfNCl powder samples with x = 0.27 and 0.38 (Tc = 22 K): We have observed several temperature dependent phonon anomalies, e.g. at E ∼ 15, 29, 76, and 81 meV for the former sample. A phonon peak with E = 14.5 meV at Q ∼ 6Å−1 increases for both samples with decreasing temperature below T = 40 K; which is much higher than Tc. The phonon peak is assigned to an ab-plane vibrational mode, Eu, of chlorine and hafnium atoms, which strongly modifies the electronic band structure. The phonon anomaly is discussed in terms of carrier inhomogeneity.
Sympathy for the Devil: H. D. Macleod and W.S. Jevons's Theory of Political Economy
Authors: White Michael V.
Published: November 2004

Of the published works by William Stanley Jevons, the marginalist theory of value and distribution in the Theory of Political Economy (1871) is principally remembered by economists today. For Jevons in the early 1870s, however, the reception of the Theory (TPE) had “been of the most discouraging character.” The “recognised professor[s] of the science,” for example, had either ignored or, in the case of J. E. Cairnes, “emphatically repudiated it” (Jevons 1875a, p. 4). In November 1874, buoyed by the publication of the first volume of Leon Walras's Elements of Pure Economics and by correspondence with Walras and other European economists, Jevons presented a defense of the marginalist theory and reply to critics in an address titled “The Progress of the Mathematical Theory of Political Economy.” It was delivered to the Manchester Statistical Society, and was extensively reported in the local newspapers. Jevons used those reports to both publicize and obtain comments on the address before the final version was published in 1875. As some of the papers circulated beyond Manchester, London, readers, for example, could also read or hear of his analysis. In that regard, one component of his argument attracted particular attention.
Scope and Method of Schumpeter's Universal Social Science: Economic Sociology, Instrumentalism, and Rhetoric
Authors: Shionoya Yuichi
Published: November 2004

This paper brings together and expands methodological ideas on Joseph Alois Schumpeter that I have discussed in detail and at length elsewhere (Shionoya 1997). Schumpeter is known for his wide-ranging work, and I interpret it as an attempt auniversal social scienceconsisting of three systems of thought: i.e.,substantive theory, metatheory, andpretheory. These three systems stand for the scope and method of his universal social science.
It Ain't Necessarily So: An Essay Review ofIntelligent Design Creationism and Its Critics: Philosophical, Theological, and Scientific Perspectives
Authors: Nakhnikian George
Published: November 2004

Nature exhibits a rich variety of adaptations. Cells contain complex biomolecular structures, such as proteins, that are exquisitely adapted to perform specific biological functions. Evolutionary biology explains how biomolecular structures evolve. Intelligent design creationists reject evolutionary explanations. They want to believe that all adaptations in nature are the handiwork of God. Their critics aver that “it ain't necessarily so.” The anthology under review is an excellent display of the issues between intelligent design creationists and their critics. I agree with the critics.
Bayesianism and Irrelevant Conjunction
Authors: Maher Patrick
Published: November 2004

Bayesian confirmation theory offers an explicatum for a pretheoretic concept of confirmation. The “problem of irrelevant conjunction” for this theory is that, according to some people's intuitions, the pretheoretic concept differs from the explicatum with regard to conjunctions involving irrelevant propositions. Previous Bayesian solutions to this problem consist in showing that irrelevant conjuncts reduce the degree of confirmation; they have the drawbacks that (i) they don't hold for all ways of measuring degree of confirmation and (ii) they don't remove the conflict with intuition but merely “soften the impact” (as Fitelson has written). A better solution, which avoids both these drawbacks, is to show that the intuition is wrong.
Identifying subtle interrelated changes in functional gene categories using continuous measures of gene expression
Authors: Ben-Shaul Yoram , Bergman Hagai , Soreq Hermona
Published: November 2004

Motivation: Analysis of large-scale expression data is greatly facilitated by the availability of gene ontologies (GOs). Many current methods test whether sets of transcripts annotated with specific ontology terms contain an excess of ‘changed’ transcripts. This approach suffers from two main limitations. First, since gene expression is continuous rather than discrete, designating a gene as changed or unchanged is arbitrary and oblivious to the actual magnitude of the change. Second, by considering only the number of changed genes, finer changes in expression patterns associated with the category may be ignored. Since genes generally participate in multiple networks, widespread and subtle modifications in expression patterns are at least as important as extreme increases/decreases of a few genes.

Results: Numerical simulations confirm that incorporating continuous measures of gene expression for all measured transcripts yields detection of considerably more subtle changes. Applying continuous measures to microarray data from brains of mice injected with the Parkinsonian neurotoxin, MPTP, enables detection of changes in various biologically relevant GO terms, many of which are overlooked by discrete approaches.

Availability: Software (MATLAB) is available upon request from the authors.

Contact:  soreq@cc.huji.ac.il

Supplementary information:  www.icnc.huji.ac.il/?GOdisv_supp_info
The Bartonella henselae sucB gene encodes a dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase protein reactive with sera from patients with cat-scratch disease
Authors: Litwin Christine M , Johnson Joel M , Martins Thomas B
Published: November 2004

Bartonella henselae is a recently recognized pathogenic bacterium associated with cat-scratch disease, bacillary angiomatosis and bacillary peliosis. A recombinant clone expressing an immunoreactive antigen of B. henselae was isolated by screening a genomic DNA cosmid library by Western blotting with sera pooled from patients positive for B. henselae IgG antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA). The deduced amino acid sequence of the 43.7 kDa encoded protein was found to be 76.3 % identical to the dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase enzyme (SucB) of Brucella melitensis. SucB has been shown to be an immunogenic protein during infections by Brucella melitensis, Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella vinsonii. The agreement between reactivity with a recombinant SucB fusion protein on immunoblot analysis and the results obtained by IFA was 55 % for IFA-positive sera and 88 % for IFA-negative sera. Cross-reactivity was observed with sera from patients with antibodies against Brucella melitensis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Francisella tularensis, Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia typhi.
Do EMU Members Share the Same Business Cycle?*
Authors: ALTAVILLA CARLO
Published: November 2004

The article analyses alternative approaches for dating the business cycles of a set of European monetary union (EMU) member states. First, the framework for analysing cyclical behaviour in economic activity is presented. Second, the dating algorithm is applied to both the classical cycle and the growth cycle in order to recover stylized facts of the business cycle in Europe. Third, the article utilizes different econometric techniques to evaluate the synchronicity of national cycles and the euro area aggregate cycle, and compare the results with that of the USA. A convergence analysis is also employed. Finally, a multivariate extension of the Hamilton‐Markov switching model is constructed to analyse the euro area business cycle. The results suggest that, although during the main recessionary periods the euro area economies shared a similar output dynamic, some differences still remain in the size and timing of the business cycle features. The results also suggest that adhesion to the new currency area is likely to lead to stronger synchronization of EMU members’ business cycles.
European Integration as Organizing: The Case of Armaments
Authors: MÖRTH ULRIKA , BRITZ MALENA
Published: November 2004

In this article we argue that organizations and organizing activities lie at the very heart of the European integration process. Cross‐pillar issues require an analytical framework that allows one to study the interplay between the market and security spheres of European integration, including how supranational and intergovernmental actors, private and public, interact with each other. By using sociological institutionalism and its notion of how organizations are institutionalized, we analyse the organizational complexity in the multifaceted policy area of armaments, without losing theoretical clarity.
The European Union: Democratic Legitimacy in a Regional State?*
Authors: SCHMIDT VIVIEN A.
Published: November 2004

Democratic legitimacy for the EU is problematic if it is seen as a future nation‐state. If instead the EU were seen as a regional state – with shared sovereignty, variable boundaries, composite identity, compound governance, and a fragmented democracy in which the EU level assures governance for and with the people through effective governing and interest consultation, leaving to the national‐level government by and of the people through political participation and citizen representation – the problems of the democratic deficit diminish at the EU level. But they become even greater at the national level, where the changes to national democratic practices demand better ideas and discourses of legitimization. A further complicating factor results from problems of ‘institutional fit’, because the EU has had a more disruptive impact on ‘simple’polities, where governing activity has traditionally been channelled through a single authority, than on more‘compound’polities, where it has been more dispersed through multiple authorities.
The Effect of Conforming Loan Status on Mortgage Yield Spreads: A Loan Level Analysis
Authors: Ambrose Brent W. , LaCour‐Little Michael , Sanders Anthony B.
Published: November 2004

The magnitude of the effect of government‐sponsored enterprise purchases on primary mortgage market rates has been a difficult research question with differing data and competing methodologies producing varying results. Here we present a new approach using loan level data and controlling for credit risk differentials between conforming and nonconforming loans. Our method also addresses econometric problems of endogeneity and sample selection bias. We find that conforming loans have yield spreads about 5.5% lower compared to other loans on a risk‐adjusted basis. This is lower than previous estimates appearing in the literature.
The Conditional Probability of Foreclosure: An Empirical Analysis of Conventional Mortgage Loan Defaults
Authors: Phillips Richard A. , VanderHoff James H.
Published: November 2004

This paper analyzes the factors affecting the conditional probability that defaulted residential mortgage loans will foreclose. We analyze a large national sample of conventional loans, which have been in default at least once during the 1988 to 1994 period. For such loans, lenders and borrowers either individually or jointly make choices which lead to the following outcomes: (1) resumption of payments, (2) termination by prepayment, or (3) foreclosure. Our estimates of a logit model indicate that termination option values and local area economic and housing market conditions affect default resolution probabilities. Perhaps more importantly, simulations using the logit model indicate that the efficiency of the default resolution process may be substantially improved by legal and regulatory reforms.
The Inventory–Sales Relationship in the Market for New Single‐Family Homes
Authors: Falk Barry , Lee Bong‐Soo
Published: November 2004

Time series methods are applied to study monthly inventory and sales dynamics in the U.S. market for new single‐family homes. The inventory measure used is the inventory of unsold, new single‐family homes, regardless of the stage of construction. Stylized facts regarding inventory, sales, the inventory–sales ratio and the implied series of speculative housing starts are produced. Implications for structural models of housing supply and the relationship of inventory investment in this market to economy‐wide inventory investment are considered. Finally, innovation accounting methods are applied to a structural VAR to study the responses of inventories and sales to permanent and transitory shocks.
Bleeding and bruising in patients with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and other collagen vascular disorders
Authors: Paepe Anne De , Malfait Fransiska
Published: November 2004

Easy bruising and bleeding are not only characteristic manifestations of clotting and platelet disorders, they are also prominent features in some heritable collagen disorders, such as the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS). The EDS comprise a heterogeneous group of connective tissue diseases sharing clinical manifestations in skin, ligaments and joints, blood vessels and internal organs. Most EDS subtypes are caused by mutations in genes encoding the fibrillar collagens type I, III and V, or in genes coding for enzymes involved in the post‐translational modification of these collagens. Easy bruising is, to a variable degree, present in all subtypes of EDS, and is because of fragility of the capillaries and the perivascular connective tissues. Vascular fragility affecting medium‐sized and large arteries and veins is typically observed in the vascular subtype of EDS, caused by a molecular defect in collagen type III, an important constituent of blood vessel walls and hollow organs. Extensive bruising, spontaneous arterial rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding or premature death, and rupture of hollow organs, such as the intestine or the gravid uterus are predominant features of this subtype. Haematological studies including evaluation of clotting factors, platelet aggregation and bleeding time are usually normal in patients with EDS, except for the Hess test (Rumple–Leede test), which may be abnormal, indicating capillary fragility. In some forms of EDS confirmation of the clinical diagnosis and subtype is possible with biochemical and molecular studies.
A novel method for simultaneous analysis of specific platelet antibodies: SASPA
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Duc , Dugrillon Alex , Beck Christian , Kerowgan Mohammad , Klüter Harald
Published: November 2004

Glycoprotein (GP)‐specific platelet antibodies can cause allo‐immune and auto‐immune thrombocytopenia. The specific detection of relevant antibodies is a prerequisite for diagnosis and treatment. Here, we describe an improved method based on simultaneous detection of various platelet‐specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies. Bead populations with distinct fluorescence intensities, coated with monoclonal antibodies specific for mouse heavy chain isotypes, were used for the simultaneous immobilization of platelet‐GP [IIb/IIIa, Ib/IX, human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I, or Ia/IIa, CD32, GPIV or CD109, Ib/IX, HLA class I]. In order to detect human IgG and IgM antibodies simultaneously, phycoerythrin‐ and fluorescein isotiocyanate‐conjugated goat anti‐human IgG and IgM were added. On this basis, the abundance of six distinct antibodies (three anti‐GP, each with subclasses IgG and IgM) were simultaneously analysed without cross‐reaction by flow cytometry. For evaluation, sera and platelets from 169 patients with platelet‐binding and/or platelet‐associated antibodies were investigated. The monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigen (MAIPA) assay was performed in parallel as reference test. The simultaneous analysis of platelet‐specific antibodies (SASPA) assay was able to detect all platelet‐specific IgG and IgM that were also recognized by MAIPA with a comparable sensitivity. SASPA proved to be a rapid and reliable assay that required less platelets than other methods. This method has the potential to pave the way for new investigations of platelet‐specific antibodies.
Effect of IL‐2Rβ‐binding cytokines on costimulatory properties of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells: implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Spaner David E. , Hammond Caitlin , Mena Jenny , Shi Yonghong
Published: November 2004

Weak immunogenicity of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells may contribute to disease progression and inhibit the effectiveness of immunotherapies, such as vaccines. Agents that can enhance the antigen presenting capabilities of CLL cells might then help to improve the clinical results of immunotherapies. This study investigated the effects of the common gamma chain‐binding cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐15, on costimulatory properties of primary CLL cells from 51 patients. IL‐2 improved the ability of CLL cells to stimulate T cell proliferation and increased the expression of costimulatory molecules (particularly CD80) in a dose‐dependent fashion, especially in CLL cells with weak expression of CD38. CD80 and CD86 induction by IL‐2 were positively regulated through the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway, while CD86 expression was negatively regulated through Janus kinase pathways. However, further activation with protein kinase C agonists was required for IL‐2 activated CLL cells to stimulate autologous T cells sufficiently to clear bystander CLL cells from mixed lymphocyte responses. IL‐15 had similar effects on the costimulatory properties of CLL cells. These results suggest a role for IL‐2, or IL‐15, in immunotherapeutic strategies for CLL.
Fatal voluntary salt intake resulting in the highest ever documented sodium plasma level in adults (255 mmol L−1): a disorder linked to female gender and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Ofran Y. , Lavi D. , Opher D. , Weiss T. A. , Elinav E.
Published: November 2004

Abstract.  Ofran Y, Lavi D, Opher D, Weiss TA, Elinav E (Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel). Fatal voluntary salt intake resulting in the highest ever documented sodium plasma level in adults (255 mmol L−1): a disorder linked to female gender and psychiatric disorders (Case Report). J Intern Med 2004; 256: 525–528.

Excessive ingestion of salt is a well‐recognized cause of hypernatraemia in children, is uncommonly recognized in debilitated elderly persons, but is rarely diagnosed in healthy, independent adults. We report a case of fatal salt poisoning in a 20‐year‐old lady who suffered of post‐natal depression and ingested large quantities of salt as part of exorcism ritual. She presented with the highest ever documented serum sodium level of 255 mmol L−1, associated with severe neurological impairment that was unresponsive to aggressive hypotonic fluid replacement. Post‐mortem examination ruled out any other possible probable cause of death. The medical literature was reviewed, and 16 previous cases of severe hypernatraemia in adults secondary to excessive salt ingestion were retrieved. Common features of all reported cases included female gender (95% of cases) and evidence of underlying cognitive or psychiatric disorders (all reported cases). We conclude that women with documented cognitive or psychiatric disorders, in particular depression, are susceptible for psychogenic salt poisoning. Awareness should be raised to the potentially life‐risking use of salty beverages as emetics or as part of ‘exorcism’ rituals.
Sindbis viruses and other alphaviruses as cause of human arthritic disease
Authors: Laine M. , Luukkainen R. , Toivanen A.
Published: November 2004

Amongst the arthritis‐causing arboviruses, i.e. those spread by insects, the alphavirus group is of special interest. These viruses occasionally cause vast outbreaks, such as O'nyong‐nyong in Africa in 1959. In Fennoscandia, Sindbis‐related Ockelbo, Pogosta, or Karelian fever viruses have been found to cause significant morbidity. The major symptoms in addition to joint inflammation are fever, fatigue, headache and rash. The joint symptoms may persist for weeks, even months. The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and serology. The causative viruses are closely related but not identical. It appears that at least in Finland the Pogosta disease is more common than thought, and the symptoms may often be overlooked. Several factors related to the viruses, their hosts, and global environmental changes may affect the spread of these viruses. All over the world arbovirus‐caused diseases have increased, because of global changes.