bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Communities in Nature : The Construction and Understanding of Forest Natures
Authors: Marsden Terry , Milbourne Paul , Kitchen Lawrence , Bishop Kevin 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe paper outlines three different but interrelated theoretical strands associated with contemporary society‐nature debates; namely social constructionism, realism and ecological modernisation. By using empirical evidence from a case study of community and forestry interactions in a South Wales ex‐mining village, the paper argues for the need to incorporate into these theoretical debates a deeper analysis of community understandings and practices. It argues that variable aspects of nature are a critical element in understanding social community change, just as the latter is important in shaping the value and worth attributed to natural relations. The analysis begins to identify some of the conceptual and empirical gaps which exist in the theoretical interstices between the three approaches; suggesting a need to focus more effectively on aspects of community construction and practice, evolving governance and local embeddedness. These factors become important conceptual bridges in the larger social science quest to relate human materialities much more effectively to natural materialities (and vice versa).
The Complexities of Hunting in Rural England and Wales
Authors: Milbourne Paul 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe recent ‘Liberty and Livelihood’ March in London highlights how the issue of hunting with dogs, which directly involves only a small minority of people in the British countryside and, opinion polls indicate, is opposed by the majority of the British population, can still dominate national political and media agendas. A key tactic of the March organisers, the Countryside Alliance, was to present hunting as an embedded part of rural life, emphasising important connections between natural discourses of rurality, hunting and broader rural social issues.It is these claimed embedded natures of hunting in rural areas that form the focus of this paper. Drawing on recent research in four case‐study hunting areas in the English and Welsh countryside, the paper positions hunting within a broader rural socio‐cultural context. It explores community understandings of and interactions with hunting, and considers the broader sociocultural role of hunting in these rural spaces. The case‐studies indicate that while hunting may be described as a socially and culturally embedded practice in these areas, its place within the rural community is bound up with a great deal of social and spatial complexity.
A Wolf at the Gate: The Anti‐Carnivore Alliance and the Symbolic Construction of Community
Authors: Skogen Ketil , Krange Olve 
Published: September 2003

AbstractControversies over the return of large carnivores (e.g. wolves) are often interpreted as clashes between rural traditionalism and urban modernity. Rural communities, however, have never been culturally monolithic, and modernization increases their diversity. However, the popular image is one of rural communities united against vermin and urban romantics. An important reason for this is probably the successful construction of the anti‐carnivore front as a last line of defence against destructive forces threatening rural life. Drawing on examples from a study in Østerdalen, Norway, the struggle against wolf protection is discussed as an instance of symbolic construction of community. Images of a threatened community are vital to the self‐understanding of the wolf adversaries, but cleavages run through the alliance. Three principal groups may be identified: sheep farmers, landowners who lease hunting, and people with strong ties to traditional land use practices (primarily hunting) and a rural working‐class culture. These groups have not always been allies, and conflicts of interest run through the ‘resistance front’. The task here is to identify the social forces that now bring them together, and to explain why the carnivore issue is well suited as a significant component in their symbolic construction of community.
Honesty As Good Policy: Evaluating Maryland's Medicaid Managed Care Program
Authors: CHANG DEBBIE I. , BURTON ALICE , O'BRIEN JOHN , HURLEY ROBERT E. 
Published: September 2003

Throughout the 1990s, the states launched many large‐scale innovations in health care financing and delivery. The demands associated with designing, implementing, and managing such initiatives compete for those resources needed to evaluate the impact of the innovations. But without a good faith effort to launch a credible evaluation, innovative and controversial programs may not be able to be sustained. Striking a balance between advocating for change and honestly determining how well the desired changes have been achieved is a delicate and daunting task, and state policymakers often do not spend much time evaluating their efforts, even though this may be critical to the success of their programs.This article describes one state's assessment of a statewide, prepaid, Medicaid managed care program. We look at the evaluation as both an exercise in policy analysis and an indication of the response to various constituencies' concerns. Three of us either worked for the state or contracted with the state to help evaluate the program.
The Labor Market Consequences of Race Differences in Health
Authors: BOUND JOHN , WAIDMANN TIMOTHY , SCHOENBAUM MICHAEL , BINGENHEIMER JEFFREY B. 
Published: September 2003

Differences in health status across different race and ethnic groups in the United States, particularly between black and white Americans, have been the subject of considerable medical and social science research. For instance, numerous studies using a variety of health measures have shown the health of black men and women to be worse than that of whites (e.g., Manton, Patrick, and Johnson 1987). The health disadvantage of Native Americans, relative to that of whites, has also been documented extensively. Patterns for other major ethnic groups (e.g., Hispanics and Asians) have been somewhat more variable, depending on the measure, the age of the study sample, and other factors such as place of birth and acculturation (Hayward and Heron 1999; Shalala et al. 1999).Systematic health disparities are likely to have profound—and self‐reinforcing—consequences for the relative well‐being of different population groups. In this article, we focus on one dimension of such consequences: the association between race differences in health status and race differences in labor market outcomes.
Dynamics of Rotary Vane Engine
Authors: Librovich B. V. 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
This paper broadly discusses aspects of the novel Rotary Vane Engine (RVE). It also considers, in detail, the geometrical structure of work unit and the entire engine. The rigorous mathematical description of work unit and torque transmission mechanism are presented for a first time in literature. Although the RVE is a simple structure possessing a small number of moving parts, it is this property that provides the RVE with an important advantage when compared to a usual reciprocating engine. The main idea is to use noncircular gears in torque transmission mechanism together with Kauertz-Virmel work unit. It is found that the rotary engine can produce almost constant angular velocity of the flywheel, which would result in an efficient and smooth performance.
Neutralization of Measles Virus Infectivity and Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Activity against an Epstein-Barr Virus-Infected Cell Line by Intravenous Administration of Immunoglobulin G
Authors: Colomar MariCarmen , Puga Irene , López Maite , Massot Marta , Jorquera Juan I. , Reina Manuel , Vilaró Senen , Espel Enric 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

Patients with antibody deficiency disorders are highly susceptible to microbial infections. Intravenous (i.v.) immunoglobulin concentrates were originally developed as replacement therapy for such patients. The present study assesses the measles virus neutralizing antibody titers and the antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) capacities against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected cells of immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparations produced for i.v. use (i.v. IgG). The level of neutralizing antibodies against measles virus was determined by a syncytium neutralization test with Vero cells as targets. The measles virus neutralizing antibody titers of the i.v. IgG preparations were >3 × 10
2
and were an average of 1.0 log higher than the titers in pooled plasma from healthy subjects. The two IgG preparations tested showed similar ADCC activities against EBV-infected Raji cells, being active at concentrations of 3 mg/ml or higher. i.v. IgG bound to Raji cells but not to the EBV-negative Ramos cells, as evaluated by flow cytometry. Our in vitro findings may provide further support for the use of i.v. IgG for the prevention and treatment of infections caused by specific viral pathogens.
Detection of West Nile Virus (WNV)-Specific Immunoglobulin M in a Reference Laboratory Setting during the 2002 WNV Season in the United States
Authors: Prince Harry E. , Hogrefe Wayne R. 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT
Between 1 June and 31 December 2002, 30,677 serum samples and 4,554 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were tested for West Nile virus (WNV)-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) by an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); 1,481 serum samples (4.8%) and 345 CSF samples (7.6%) were positive for WNV IgM. Positive samples were forwarded to public health service laboratories (PHSLs) for further testing. PHSLs supplied results from their WNV IgM ELISAs for 654 samples; 633 (97%) were positive. PHSLs supplied WNV plaque reduction neutralization test results for 128 samples; 123 (96%) were positive. WNV IgM seroconversion and seroreversion trends were evaluated for 749 patients who each provided two serum samples that were tested during the study period. Of 574 patients whose first serum sample was IgM negative, 41 (7%) seroconverted (the second serum sample was IgM positive); of 175 patients whose first serum sample was IgM positive, 22 (13%) seroreverted (the second serum sample was IgM negative). The seroreversion rate was directly proportional to the time between serum sample collection; whereas only 1% of patients whose sera were collected <20 days apart showed seroreversion, 54% of patients whose sera were collected >60 days apart showed seroreversion. Conversion and reversion trends for CSF were evaluated for 68 patients. Of 54 patients whose first CSF specimen was IgM negative, 9 (17%) converted; none of 14 patients whose first CSF specimen was IgM positive reverted. Concomitant detection of WNV IgM in serum and CSF was assessed for 1,188 patients for whom paired serum and CSF specimens were available; for all 130 patients for whom IgM was detectable in CSF, IgM was also detectable in serum. These findings show that an in-house WNV IgM ELISA accurately identifies patients with WNV infection, document WNV IgM conversion and reversion trends, and demonstrate that WNV IgM detection in CSF is accompanied by WNV IgM detection in serum.
Monitoring Proteinase 3 Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies for Detection of Relapses in Small Vessel Vasculitis
Authors: Segelmark Mårten , Phillips Brian D. , Hogan Susan L. , Falk Ronald J. , Jennette J. Charles 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTThe clinical usefulness of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) in the monitoring of patients treated for small vessel vasculitis is debated. A capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on anti-proteinase 3 (anti-PR3) monoclonal antibody 4A3 has previously been proven to be superior to indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and standard ELISA for the diagnosis of vasculitis. The present study compared the effectiveness of the capture ELISA for the detection of disease relapse. Samples from patients with relapses and remissions (relapse and remission samples, respectively) were identified through the database of the Glomerular Disease Collaborate Network. Twenty-one relapse samples and 49 remission samples were analyzed by the capture PR3-ANCA ELISA from Wieslab AB, the standard PR3-ANCA ELISA from Inova, and IIF. A Medline search was performed to identify published data on ANCA status at relapse. The capture ELISA was positive for 21 instances of relapses in 14 patients, while the standard ELISA and IIF each failed to detect 2 relapses (Pwas not significant). By using a higher cutoff value, the capture ELISA correctly categorized 84% of the remission samples and 81% of the relapse samples. Similar degrees of discrimination could be achieved by IIF but not by the standard ELISA. In previously published series, the median proportions of patients positive at relapse were 100% by IIF (range, 75 to 100%) and 86% by standard ELISA (range, 38 to 100%). The corresponding values for a rise that accompanied or preceded a relapse were 75% (range, 20 to 100%) for IIF and 50% (range, 25 to 81%) for ELISA. The capture PR3-ANCA ELISA is a sensitive tool for the detection of relapses. Larger studies are needed to detect differences between methods. Negative results by tests for ANCAs are rare during relapses.
Development and Evaluation of a Western Blot Kit for Diagnosis of Human Trichinellosis
Authors: Yera Hélène , Andiva Shakir , Perret Catherine , Limonne Denis , Boireau Pascal , Dupouy-Camet Jean 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACT

We evaluated industrially prepared Western blot strips designed to avoid the cross-reactions observed with indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays used for the serodiagnosis of trichinellosis. The antigen preparations were crude extracts of
Trichinella spiralis
. The Western blot profile characteristic of trichinellosis was characterized by comparing 60 sera from patients infected by
Trichinella
to 11 sera from healthy subjects, 51 sera from patients with other proven parasitic diseases (cysticercosis, schistosomiasis, strongyloidosis, fascioliasis, toxocariasis, liver amebiasis, anisakiasis, filariasis, toxoplasmosis, hydatidosis, or malaria), and 23 sera from patients with autoantibodies. Specific 43- to 44-kDa and 64-kDa bands were obtained with all of the sera from 51 patients with acute trichinellosis, in 4 out of 9 patients at the early stages of the disease, and in only 1 control patient, who had suspected anisakiasis and in whom trichinellosis could not be ruled out by muscle biopsy.
Negative Immunodiffusion Test Results Obtained with Sera of Paracoccidioidomycosis Patients May Be Related to Low-Avidity Immunoglobulin G2 Antibodies Directed against Carbohydrate Epitopes
Authors: Neves Andréia R. , Mamoni Ronei L. , Rossi Cláudio L. , de Camargo Zoilo P. , Blotta Maria Heloísa S. L. 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTImmunodiffusion (ID) is the serologic test most frequently used for the diagnosis and posttherapy follow-up of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). The ID test is highly specific (100%), but its sensitivity is relatively low (90%), leading to false-negative results. The aim of this study was to determine the profiles of antibodies in sera from patients with proven PCM and with negative results in the ID test (IDneg) versus positive results in the ID test (IDpos). We analyzed 46 sera from patients with active PCM for total immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG subclass responses toParacoccidioides brasiliensisgp43 antigen (treated or not treated with sodium metaperiodate) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. Immunoblotting showed that both IDnegand IDpossera recognized predominantly the gp43 fraction of theP.brasiliensisantigen used in the ID test. IDnegsera contain low-avidity antibodies, low levels of specific IgG (total) and IgG1, and high levels of IgG2 compared with IDpossera. The antibodies present in IDnegsera were predominantly directed against carbohydrate epitopes, since treatment with sodium metaperiodate resulted in a significant decrease in antibody reactivity. These data suggest that the lack of reactivity of sera from PCM patients in the ID test may be related to the production of low-avidity IgG2 antibodies directed against carbohydrate epitopes.
Molecular Inflammatory Responses Measured in Blood of Patients with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Fernández-Serrano Silvia , Dorca Jordi , Coromines Mercè , Carratalà Jordi , Gudiol Francesc , Manresa Frederic 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTIn order to analyze the characteristics of the inflammatory response occurring in blood during pneumonia, we studied 38 patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. Venous and arterial blood samples were collected at study entry and on days 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 after inclusion. The concentrations of proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-6, and IL-8) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were determined in order to detect differences related to the origin of the sample, the causative organism, the clinical variables, and the final outcome of the episode.Legionellapneumonia infections showed higher concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10. After 24 h, plasma IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 concentrations in pneumococcal episodes increased, whereas in the same time interval, cytokine concentrations inLegionellaepisodes markedly decreased. The characteristics of the inflammatory response in bacteremic pneumococcal episodes were different from those in nonbacteremic episodes, as indicated by the higher plasma cytokine concentrations in the former group. Finally, our analysis of cytokine concentrations with regard to the outcome—in terms of the need for intensive care unit admittance and/or mechanical ventilation as well as mortality—suggests that there is a direct relationship between the intensity of the inflammatory response measured in blood and the severity of the episode.
Contribution of Serum Immunoglobulin Transudate to the Antibody Immune Status of Murine Intestinal Secretions: Influence of Different Sampling Procedures
Authors: Meckelein Barbara , Externest Dörthe , Schmidt M. Alexander , Frey Andreas 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTSerum immunoglobulin transudation into the murine gut after intragastric immunization with the model antigen ovalbumin and cholera toxin adjuvant was investigated with regard to the mucosal sampling technique applied. The levels of serum-derived immunoglobulin A (IgA) turned out to be lowest in feces, intermediate in gut lavage fluid specimens, and highest in filter wick-collected samples. However, these levels did not exceed 2% of total and specific IgA in any mucosal sample type, except after the administration of very high antigen doses (≥1 mg of antigen per g of body weight), when transudation rates of up to 31% could be measured in filter wick-collected samples from individual animals. Luminal IgG was plasma transudate and/or bile borne and appeared to be reabsorbed at the mucosa to some extent.
Systemic and Cutaneous Mucus Antibody Responses of Channel Catfish Immunized against the Protozoan ParasiteIchthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: Maki Joanne L. , Dickerson Harry W. 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTFish acquire protective immunity against the ciliated protozoan parasiteIchthyophthirius multifiliisfollowing sublethal infection or inoculation withI. multifiliisimmobilization antigens (i-antigens). In both cases, parasite-immobilizing antibodies have been identified in sera and mucosal secretions. To investigate the kinetics of this immune response, antibody levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the sera and cutaneous mucus of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) that were either infected with parasites or given a single injection of purified i-antigen (5.0 μg/fish) in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. At 5 weeks, infected and inoculated fish had a mean serum (1:80 dilution) antibody absorbance (A405) value of 0.54 ± 0.17 and 0.35 ± 0.03, respectively, which were significantly higher (α = 0.05) than the pretreatment serum (1:80 dilution) antibody absorbance value of 0.24 ± 0.05. At 14 weeks, mean serum (1:80 dilution) ELISA absorbance values in the teo groups of fish increased to 0.79 ± 0.30 and 0.71 ± 0.24, respectively. In both groups of fish, antibody levels in cutaneous mucus (undiluted) were much lower than those in sera. Infected fish had detectable mucus (undiluted) antibody levels from 3 to 9 weeks, with the highest mean value (0.30 ± 0.07) occurring at 7 weeks. Although individual inoculated fish produced serum antibody absorbance values comparable to those seen in infected fish, the mean mucus antibody values in this group did not rise above pretreatment levels.I. multifiliisinfection induced a transient mucosal antibody response that coincided with the resolution of infection. Whether elicited by infection or intraperitoneal injection of i-antigen, the serum and mucus antibody responses of channel catfish immunized againstI. multifiliisdid not occur synchronously.
Periodontitis Is Associated with a Low Concentration of Vitamin C in Plasma
Authors: Pussinen Pirkko J. , Laatikainen Tiina , Alfthan Georg , Asikainen Sirkka , Jousilahti Pekka 
Published: September 2003

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to clarify how concentrations of vitamin C in plasma relate to the serology of periodontitis. The random sample used comprised 431 men, 194 from Finland and 237 from Russia. The plasma vitamin C concentration was determined byo-phtaldialdehyde-fluorometry, and serum immunoglobulin G antibodies toActinobacillus actinomycetemcomitansandPorphyromonas gingivaliswere determined by a multiserotype enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mean plasma vitamin C concentration was higher (P< 0.001) in Finnish subjects (mean ± standard deviation, 4.5 ± 2.8 mg/liter) than in Russian subjects (1.4 ± 1.8 mg/liter). Mean antibody levels to bothA. actinomycetemcomitans(4.7 ± 3.6 versus 5.2 ± 3.1 ELISA units [P= 0.05]) andP. gingivalis(5.7 ± 2.5 versus 7.6 ± 2.9 ELISA units [P< 0.001]) were lower in Finnish men than in Russian men. In the combined Finnish and Russian population, the antibody levels toP. gingivaliswere negatively correlated with vitamin C concentrations (r= −0.22;P< 0.001); this association remained statistically significant (P= 0.010) in a linear regression model after adjustment for confounding factors. The proportion ofP. gingivalis-seropositive subjects decreased with increasing vitamin C concentrations (Pfor trend, <0.01), but no trend was seen amongA. actinomycetemcomitans-seropositive subjects. In conclusion,P. gingivalisinfection is associated with low concentrations of vitamin C in plasma, which may increase colonization ofP. gingivalisor disturb the healing of the infected periodontium.