bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field electron emission from sputter-induced carbon nanofibers grown at room temperature
Authors: Tanemura Masaki , Tanaka J. , Itoh K. , Fujimoto Y. , Agawa Y. , Miao L. , Tanemura S.
Published: March 2005

Graphite, carbon-coated silicon, and carbon-coated nickel surfaces were bombarded with obliquely incident Ar+ ions at room temperature. The sputtered surfaces were covered with conical protrusions, ∼2.5×105mm−2 or higher in numerical density, and partially aligned single carbon nanofibers (CNFs), ∼20nm in diameter and 0.3-2μm in length, grew on the tips. They were characterized by the amorphous nature and the boundaryless structure between the CNF and the conical base. The field electron emission measurements for the CNFs thus grown on the carbon-coated silicon substrate showed the threshold field of 1.8V∕μm with a current density of 1μA∕cm2, and the field enhancement factor was estimated to be 1951 from the Fowler-Nordheim plot assuming the work function of 4.6eV for graphite. The morphological structure of CNFs grown on conical bases was thought to be effective to reduce the screening effect due to sufficient distance between adjacent CNFs. Thus, the sputter-induced CNFs were concluded to be quite promising as a field electron emission source.
Long-term
in vivo
provision of antigen-specific T cell immunity by programming hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Yang Lili , Baltimore David
Published: March 2005

A method to genetically program mouse hematopoietic stem cells to develop into functional CD8 or CD4 T cells of defined specificity
in vivo
is described. For this purpose, a bicistronic retroviral vector was engineered that efficiently delivers genes for both α and β chains of T cell receptor (TCR) to hematopoietic stem cells. When modified cell populations were used to reconstruct the hematopoietic lineages of recipient mice, significant percentages of antigen-specific CD8 or CD4 T cells were observed. These cells expressed normal surface markers and responded to peptide antigen stimulation by proliferation and cytokine production. Moreover, they could mature into memory cells after peptide stimulation. Using TCRs specific for a model tumor antigen, we found that the recipient mice were able to partially resist a challenge with tumor cells carrying the antigen. By combining cells modified with CD8- and CD4-specific TCRs, and boosting with dendritic cells pulsed with cognate peptides, complete suppression of tumor could be achieved and even tumors that had become established would regress and be eliminated after dendritic cell/peptide immunization. This methodology of “instructive immunotherapy” could be developed for controlling the growth of human tumors and attacking established pathogens.
Strategies for Quitting among Non‐treatment‐seeking Marijuana Smokers
Authors: Boyd Susan J. , Tashkin Donald P. , Huestis Marilyn A. , Heishman Stephen J. , Dermand John C. , Simmons Michael S. , Gorelick David A.
Published: March 2005

This study examines self‐reported quitting strategies used by adult, non‐treatment‐seeking marijuana smokers. Sixty‐five subjects rated the use and effectiveness of thirteen strategies on a self‐developed instrument, the Marijuana Quit Questionnaire. The strategies clustered into three categories/factors, whether grouped by principal components analysis, mean helpfulness rating, or frequency of endorsement: Change Environment, Seeking Organized/ Professional Help, and Social Support. Changing one's environment was rated as most helpful while seeking help from professionals was the least helpful. Clinicians are likely to see marijuana users in their practice and should be proactive in offering assistance, incorporating the strategies reported here into treatment plans for their marijuana‐using patients.
The relationship between pelagic larval duration and range size in tropical reef fishes: a synthetic analysis
Authors: Lester Sarah E , Ruttenberg Benjamin I
Published: March 2005

We address the conflict in earlier results regarding the relationship between dispersal potential and range size. We examine all published pelagic larval duration data for tropical reef fishes. Larval duration is a convenient surrogate for dispersal potential in marine species that are sedentary as adults and that therefore only experience significant dispersal during their larval phase. Such extensive quantitative dispersal data are only available for fishes and thus we use a unique dataset to examine the relationship between dispersal potential and range size. We find that dispersal potential and range size are positively correlated only in the largest ocean basin, the Indo-Pacific, and that this pattern is driven primarily by the spatial distribution of habitat and dispersal barriers. Furthermore, the relationship strengthens at higher taxonomic levels, suggesting an evolutionary mechanism. We document a negative correlation between species richness and larval duration at the family level in the Indo-Pacific, implying that speciation rate may be negatively related to dispersal potential. If increased speciation rate within a taxonomic group results in smaller range sizes within that group, speciation rate could regulate the association between range size and dispersal potential.
Construction of a combined physical and genetic map of the chromosome of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 and characterization of the rRNA operons
Authors: EL-Osta Youssef G. Abs , Hillier Alan J. , Dobos Marian
Published: March 2005

The combination of PFGE and hybridization approaches was used to study the genome ofLactobacillus acidophilusneotype strain ATCC 4356. PFGE analysis of chromosomal DNA after digestion with each of the rare-cutting restriction enzymes I-CeuI,NotI,CspI,SmaI,ApaI andSgrAI allowed the size of the circular chromosome ofL. acidophilusto be estimated at 2·061 Mbp. The physical map contained 86 restriction sites for the six enzymes employed, with intervals between the sites varying from 1 to 88 kbp (∼0·05–4·3 % of the chromosome). Based on the physical map, a genetic map was constructed via Southern blot analyses ofL. acidophilusDNA using specific gene probes. A total of 73 probes representing key genes, including 12 rRNA (rrn) genes, were positioned on the latter map. Mapping analysis also indicated the presence of fourrrnoperons (rrnA–D) on the chromosome, each containing a single copy of each of the threerrngenes 16S (rrl), 23S (rrs) and 5S (rrf). OperonrrnDwas inverted in orientation with respect to the others and contained a long 16S–23S intergenic spacer region with tRNAIleand tRNAAlagenes, whereas the other operons contained a short spacer lacking any tRNA genes. The high-resolution physical/genetic map constructed in this study provides a platform for genomic and genetic studies ofLactobacillusspecies and for improving industrial and probiotic strains.
The interplay of glycogen metabolism and differentiation provides an insight into the developmental biology of Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Yeo Marcus , Chater Keith
Published: March 2005

Mycelial colonies of the developmentally complex actinomycete Streptomyces coelicolor growing on solid medium contain glycogen in two distinct locations. Phase I deposits are found in a substrate mycelium region bordering the developing aerial mycelium. Their production involves GlgBI, one of two glycogen branching enzyme isoforms. Phase II deposits occur in the upper regions of aerial hyphae, in long tip cells that are dividing, or have just divided, into unigenomic prespore compartments. Their formation involves a second branching enzyme isoform, GlgBII. To find out if the gene for the second isoform, glgBII, is regulated by any of the well-studied whiA, B, G, H or I genes needed for sporulation septation, glgBI or glgBII was disrupted in a set of whi mutants, and the glycogen phenotypes examined by transmission electron microscopy. In the whiG mutants, deposits were found throughout the aerial mycelium and the adjacent region of the substrate mycelium, but the morphology of all the deposits, i.e. whether they were in the form of granules of branched glycogen or large blobs of unbranched glycan, depended solely on GlgBI. In contrast, the whiA, B, H and I mutations had no obvious effect on the pattern of glycogen deposition, or on the spatial specificity of the branching enzyme isoforms (though phase II glycogen deposits were reduced in size and abundance in the whiA and B mutants, and increased in the whiH mutant). These results indicate that glgBII is regulated (directly or indirectly) by whiG, and not by any of the other whi genes tested, and that the aerial hyphae of a whiG mutant are atypical in being physiologically similar to the substrate hyphae from which they emerge. A new role for aerial hyphae is proposed.
Analysis of virulence plasmid gene expression defines three classes of effectors in the type III secretion system of Shigella flexneri
Authors: Gall Tony Le , Mavris Maria , Martino Maria Celeste , Bernardini Maria Lina , Denamur Erick , Parsot Claude
Published: March 2005

Proteins directly involved in entry and dissemination of Shigella flexneri into epithelial cells are encoded by a virulence plasmid of 200 kb. A 30-kb region (designated the entry region) of this plasmid encodes components of a type III secretion (TTS) apparatus, substrates of this apparatus and their dedicated chaperones. During growth of bacteria in broth, expression of these genes is induced at 37 °C and the TTS apparatus is assembled in the bacterial envelope but is not active. Secretion is activated upon contact of bacteria with host cells and is deregulated in an ipaB mutant. The plasmid encodes four transcriptional regulators, VirF, VirB, MxiE and Orf81. VirF controls transcription of virB, whose product is required for transcription of entry region genes. MxiE, with the chaperone IpgC acting as a co-activator, controls expression of several effectors that are induced under conditions of secretion. Genes under the control of Orf81 are not known. The aim of this study was to define further the repertoires of virulence plasmid genes that are under the control of (i) the growth temperature, (ii) each of the known virulence plasmid-encoded transcriptional regulators (VirF, VirB, MxiE and Orf81) and (iii) the activity of the TTS apparatus. Using a macroarray analysis, the expression profiles of 71 plasmid genes were compared in the wild-type strain grown at 37 and 30 °C and in virF, virB, mxiE, ipaB, ipaB mxiE and orf81 mutants grown at 37 °C. Many genes were found to be under the control of VirB and indirectly of VirF. No alteration of expression of any gene was detected in the orf81 mutant. Expression of 13 genes was increased in the secretion-deregulated ipaB mutant in an MxiE-dependent manner. On the basis of their expression profile, substrates of the TTS apparatus can be classified into three categories: (i) those that are controlled by VirB, (ii) those that are controlled by MxiE and (iii) those that are controlled by both VirB and MxiE. The differential regulation of expression of TTS effectors in response to the TTS apparatus activity suggests that different effectors might be required at different times following contact of bacteria with host cells.
Holistic and part‐based face recognition in children with autism
Authors: Joseph Robert M. , Tanaka James
Published: March 2005

Background:  There is substantial evidence that children with autism are impaired in face recognition. Although many researchers have suggested that this impairment derives from a failure of holistic face processing and a tendency to represent and encode faces on a part‐by‐part basis, this hypothesis has not been tested directly.

Method:  Holistic face processing was assessed by comparing children's ability to recognize a face part (eyes, nose, or mouth) in the context of the whole face in which it was learned with their ability to recognize the same face part in isolation.

Results:  In Study 1, as expected, typically developing 9‐year‐olds (n=27) and 11‐year‐olds (n=30) were significantly better at recognizing face parts presented in the whole than in the part test condition, and this effect was limited to upright faces and not found for inverted faces. Consistent with prior findings, typically developing children were most accurate when face recognition depended on the eyes. In Study 2, high‐functioning children with autism (n=22) evidenced a whole‐test advantage for mouths only, and were markedly deficient when face recognition depended on the eyes. Their pattern of performance diverged from age‐ and IQ‐matched comparison participants (n=20), who performed similarly to the typically developing children in Study 1.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that face recognition abnormalities in autism are not fully explained by an impairment of holistic face processing, and that there is an unusual significance accorded to the mouth region when children with autism process information from people's faces.
Do sibling and friend relationships share the same temperamental origins? A twin study
Authors: Pike Alison , Atzaba‐Poria Naama
Published: March 2005

Background:  Friendship and sibling relationships differ in that there is an element of choice in friendships, whilst the latter represent a fixed and given relationship. The present study set out to investigate the temperamental correlates of friendships and sibling relationships, as well as to examine their genetic and environmental components.

Method  Two hundred and twelve same‐sex twin‐pairs (102 MZ and 110 DZ; 104 male pairs and 108 female pairs) aged between 12 and 15, together with their parents, comprised the sample. The twins themselves reported on both negative and positive aspects of the two relationships, and all family members provided reports of the twins’ temperament (mothers, fathers, and adolescent self‐reports).

Results:  Analyses revealed that negative aspects of both the sibling relationship and friendship were related to emotionality, while the positive aspects of these relationships were associated with sociability and activity. Genetic influences and the shared environment accounted for variance seen in the sibling relationship. In addition, nonshared environment accounted for a moderate amount of the sibling relationship variability and explained most of the variance for the friendship components. Finally, bivariate analyses of the covariance between temperament and close relationships highlighted the importance of nonshared environmental influences during adolescence.

Conclusion:  Three themes emerged. First, congruent temperamental expressions were seen across these two relationships’ contexts. Second, friendship and the sibling relationship have distinct etiological profiles, indicating the child‐specific character of adolescent friendships versus the reciprocal nature of the sibling relationship. Finally, the common influences to temperament and relationship quality provided evidence for the validity of adolescents’ unique, nonshared experiences.
The effects of competition and competitiveness on cardiovascular activity
Authors: Harrison Lesley K. , Denning Samantha , Easton Helen L. , Hall Jennifer C. , Burns Victoria E. , Ring Christopher , Carroll Douglas
Published: March 2005

Cardiovascular activity was measured at resting baseline and in response to a car racing game, undertaken in competition or in cooperation with an experimenter, or individually. Competitiveness and win and goal orientations were assessed by questionnaire. Competition provoked increases in blood pressure and heart rate, and a significant shortening of the preejection period, an index of enhanced beta‐adrenergic influences on the heart. The cooperation task was largely without effect, and although the solo task affected cardiovascular activity, it did so to a lesser extent and much less consistently than did the competition task. The three task conditions, then, were largely distinguishable by their capacity to activate beta‐adrenergic processes. Participants high in competitiveness and desire to win showed higher blood pressure reactions and greater shortening of the preejection period to competition than those low in these characteristics.
Inhibition of pericranial muscle activity, respiration, and heart rate enhances auditory sensitivity
Authors: Stekelenburg J.J. , van Boxtel A.
Published: March 2005

We investigated whether previously observed inhibition of pericranial electromyographic (EMG) activity, respiration, and heart rate during sensory intake processes improves auditory sensitivity. Participants had to detect weak auditory stimuli. We found that EMG activity in masticatory and lower facial muscles, respiration, and heart rate were more strongly inhibited when stimulus intensity was gradually lowered to threshold level whereas EMG of upper facial muscles progressively increased. Detection of near‐threshold stimuli was inversely related to prestimulus EMG levels in masticatory and lower facial muscles. In two additional experiments, it was investigated whether steady, voluntary contractions negatively influence auditory sensitivity. As expected, contraction of zygomaticus produced an increase in auditory threshold in comparison with contraction of corrugator or first dorsal interosseus. It is concluded that attention to external stimuli is accompanied by quieting of those somatic activities that produce internal noise or are accompanied by impaired middle ear transmission of auditory stimuli.
Non‐random distribution of ring recoveries from trans‐Saharan migrants indicates species‐specific stopover areas
Authors: Fransson Thord , Jakobsson Sven , Kullberg Cecilia
Published: March 2005

Many long‐distance migrant birds regularly have to pass ecological barriers, like the Saharan desert, where fuelling is very difficult, and large fuel loads have to be stored in advance. In this paper, we have investigated how seven species of birds are distributed in autumn close to the Saharan desert in the eastern Mediterranean area by using ring recoveries from northern Europe. The result clearly shows that the species included are not randomly distributed at this point, about 3,000 km from the breeding area. Birds from rather large breeding areas were shown to converge in confined areas, which in several cases completely differ between species. This means that birds of the same species have to follow different migratory directions depending on the location of their starting point. The observed pattern support earlier findings indicating that birds, in combination with a clock‐and‐compass orientation procedure, must use some external cues in order to find confined species‐specific areas. The possibility for birds to use information from the Earth's magnetic field as an external cue in this area is discussed.
Agreements among traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in the diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Sung J. J. Y. , Leung W. K. , Ching J. Y. L. , Lao L. , Zhang G. , Wu J. C. Y. , Liang S. M. , Xie H. , Ho Y. P. , Chan L. S. , Berman B. , Chan F. K. L.
Published: March 2005

Background : Traditional Chinese Medicine was frequently used by patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Aim : To evaluate the agreement on diagnoses and prescription of irritable bowel syndrome among Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.

Methods : Consecutive irritable bowel syndrome patients were interviewed independently by four Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. The study was divided into three phases: (i) blinded individual assessment, (ii) discussion to achieve consensus on diagnosis and treatment, (iii) individual assessment based on consensual diagnostic criteria. Patients with other causes of diarrhoea were recruited as controls in phase (iii). Percentage agreement and kappa‐value in diagnosis, treatment principle and regime were determined.

Results : Thirty‐nine irritable bowel syndrome patients were assessed in phase (i) whereas 65 irritable bowel syndrome patients and 17 non‐irritable bowel syndrome controls were studied in phase (iii). The mean agreement rates in diagnosis, treatment principle and regimen were: 57, 58 and 52% for phase (i) and 80, 81 and 80% for phase (iii) (P = 0.002). Accordingly, there was significant improvement in the mean kappa‐values in diagnosis (0.11–0.34, P = 0.015) and treatment principle (0.16–0.37, P = 0.002) but not in treatment regime.

Conclusions : Variations in diagnosis and treatment principles do exist among Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners. Concordant diagnosis can be reached by mutual understanding and converging opinion among Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners.
Comorbidity of irritable bowel syndrome in general practice: a striking feature with clinical implications
Authors: Vandvik P. O. , Wilhelmsen I. , Ihlebæk C. , Farup P. G.
Published: March 2005

Background : Somatic comorbid symptoms might identify irritable bowel syndrome patients with different aetiologies and needs of treatment.

Aims : To measure comorbid symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in general practice, and to explore characteristics of patients with low, intermediate and high somatic comorbidity.

Methods : Prospective study of 208 of 278 consecutive patients with irritable bowel syndrome (Rome II) in nine general practices. Questionnaires assessed 22 comorbid symptoms (subjective health complaint inventory), psychosocial factors including psychological distress (Symptom Check list‐10) and quality of life (Short form‐12). Subjective health complaint data from 1240 adults (controls) constituted a reference material. Patients with low, intermediate and high somatic comorbidity were identified by a somatic comorbidity score (17 subjective health complaint items). Health care seeking was assessed after 6–9 months.

Results : Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (67% females, mean age 50, s.d. 16) reported 20 of 22 comorbid symptoms significantly more frequent than controls (odds ratios = 2–7, P < 0.001). The somatic comorbidity score correlated with psychological distress (R = 0.46, P < 0.001). Patients with high somatic comorbidity reported higher levels of mood disorder, health anxiety, neuroticism, adverse life events and reduced quality of life and increased health care seeking when compared to those with low and intermediate somatic comorbidity (P‐values < 0.05).

Conclusions : Our findings support the hypothesis that structured assessment of comorbid somatic symptoms might identify subgroups with different aetiology and needs of treatment.
Morphometric assessment of collagen accumulation in germinal matrix vessels of premature human neonates
Authors: Anstrom John A. , Thore Clara R. , Moody Dixon M. , Challa Venkata R. , Block Steven M. , Brown William R.
Published: March 2005

Germinal matrix haemorrhage in premature neonates is commonly attributed to vascular immaturity, possibly related to an abbreviated process of angiogenesis. Terminal steps in the progression of angiogenesis are the formation of a subendothelial basal lamina containing collagen IV and an extracellular matrix containing collagens I and III. Immature vessels would predictably be deficient in these collagen subtypes. We analysed germinal matrix (GM), cortical, and white matter (WM) vessels with antibodies specific for collagens I, III and IV to test the hypothesis that GM vessels are immature. Brains were collected during post‐mortem from prematurely born human neonates ranging in age from 17 weeks to 36 weeks postconception. All GM vessels were immunoreactive for collagen subtypes I, III and IV. Using digital image analysis, collagen IV immunoperoxidase‐labelling was measured in vessels in GM, cortex and WM. Intensity values in GM and WM were normalized relative to cortical intensity within the same subject. At week 17 of gestation, GM vessels exhibited a higher concentration of collagen IV than did WM or cortical vessels. Regression analysis demonstrated that collagen intensity in GM was greater than that in cortex and WM at all stages. We conclude that GM vessels in even the youngest, prematurely born, viable neonates do not exhibit evidence of structural immaturity. The high incidence of GM haemorrhage in premature neonates may be related to factors other than a deficiency in accumulated collagen.
New ovine PrP gene haplotypes as a result of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PrP gene promoter
Authors: O'Neill G.T. , Cairns D. , Toovey L. , Goldmann W. , Hunter N.
Published: March 2005

Incidence of scrapie in sheep is strongly associated with PrP gene amino acid codon variants at positions 136, 154 and 171. However, there are breed differences in disease linkage and anomalous disease patterns which cannot obviously be explained by the ‘3 codon’ genotype. Mouse studies indicate that PrP protein levels can influence scrapie disease progression and this prompted us to study the sheep PrP gene promoter region in a search for novel polymorphisms which may influence gene expression and hence disease susceptibility. The incidence of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) at positions C/A‐5354, T/C‐5382 and C/G‐5622 within the PrP gene promoter region was determined from Neuropathogenesis Unit (NPU) and New Zealand (NZ) Cheviot and UK and NZ Suffolk sheep. The SNP variants A‐5354 and G‐5622 created consensus sequences for STAT and SP1 transcription factors, respectively, and C‐5382 was within Motif 1, one of four conserved motifs found within the promoter region of mammalian PrP genes. The occurrence of C/A‐5354 and T/C‐5384 SNP exhibited differential associations with the PrP open reading frame (ORF) variants linked to scrapie susceptibility. A significant imbalance in the incidence of the C‐5354/AXQ haplotype was found in the NPU Cheviot flock. C‐5382 was not found in Suffolk sheep of either UK or NZ origin. The G‐5622 SNP was found at a lower incidence in Suffolk sheep compared with Cheviots. The range of transcription factor binding motif profiles in the PrP gene promoter may act to modulate PrP gene activity and warrants further large‐scale study.
A model of temporal distribution of Aphis gossypii (Glover) (Hem., Aphididae) on cotton
Authors: Celini L. , Vaillant J.
Published: March 2005

The spatio‐temporal distribution of Aphis gossypii (Glover) was studied for a 4‐year period in a plot of Gossypium hirsutum located in Bangui, Central African Republic. A study of the temporal evolution of the number of aphids by means of non‐linear regression indicated a rapid population increase during the first 8 weeks of cotton cultivation. The overdispersion of the aphids was found to be significant during most of the season. We tested three population dispersion models; Iwao's model and Taylor's power law describe the relationship between the mean m and variance σ2 for the number of aphids, and the Nachman's model describes the functional dependence between m and the proportion p of non‐infested cotton plants. The results of these statistical tests indicate that only the Taylor's model was not rejected. The aphids’ aggregation increases with population density. The regression parameter confidence intervals for each of the 4 years of observation prove the stability of the Taylor's model. The model σ2 = 45m1.3 is recommended when the environmental and cultural conditions are similar to those of our study.
Comparisons of growth schedule, reproductive property and allocation pattern among three rhizomatous Polygonatum species with reference to their habitat types
Authors: HASEGAWA TOMOKO , KUDO GAKU
Published: March 2005

Phenology, reproductive traits and dry matter allocation were compared among three rhizomatous Polygonatum species (Liliaceae) growing in different habitats. Polygonatum odoratum var. maximowiczii grows mainly on the floor of deciduous forests; Polygonatum involucratum at forest edges with patchy light spots; and Polygonatum humile in moist grasslands with sparse vegetation cover. The purpose of this study was to describe the growth patterns and reproductive traits of related species for the consideration of habitat‐specific responses of life‐history traits. The leaf emergence and reproductive phenology of P. odoratum progressed more rapidly and the growth season was shorter in comparison with other species, reflecting seasonal changes in light conditions in the understory. Every species showed very low selfing ability but the evidence of pollen limitation was negligible under natural pollination. Dry matter allocations to above‐ and below‐ground parts were similar among species but the patterns of annual resource allocation varied greatly: P. odoratum showed large annual shoot production but annual rhizome growth was small (3–4 cm/year). The lifespan of rhizomes was >8 years in this species, whereas it was 3–4 years in other species. The annual growth of rhizomes in P. humile was large (15.5 cm/year) and branching was frequent, indicating rapid vegetative expansion under unstable conditions. The leaf/stem ratio was large in P. humile and small in P. odoratum. The allocation and growth pattern of P. involucratum were intermediate. Such differences in growth and allocation patterns among the three Polygonatum species could reflect the possible directions of life‐history strategy against specific light conditions and habitat stability, although phylogenetic constraints should be taken into account for the interspecific comparison.
The Association between Health Insurance Coverage and Diabetes Care; Data from the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Nelson Karin M. , Chapko Michael K. , Reiber Gayle , Boyko Edward J.
Published: March 2005

Objective. To describe the association between type of health insurance coverage and the quality of care provided to individuals with diabetes in the United States.

Data Source. The 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

Study Design. Our study cohort included individuals who reported a diagnosis of diabetes (n=11,647). We performed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses by age greater or less than 65 years to examine the association of health insurance coverage with diabetes‐specific quality of care measures, controlling for the effects of race/ethnicity, annual income, gender, education, and insulin use.

Principal Findings. Most individuals with diabetes are covered by private insurance (39 percent) or Medicare (44 percent). Among persons under the age of 65 years, 11 percent were uninsured. The uninsured were more likely to be African American or Hispanic and report low incomes. The uninsured were less likely to report annual dilated eye exams, foot examinations, or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests and less likely to perform daily blood glucose monitoring than those with private health insurance. We found few differences in quality indicators between Medicare, Medicaid, or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as compared with private insurance coverage. Persons who received care through the VA were more likely to report taking a diabetes education class and HbA1c testing than those covered by private insurance.

Conclusions. Uninsured adults with diabetes are predominantly minority and low income and receive fewer preventive services than individuals with health insurance. Among the insured, different types of health insurance coverage appear to provide similar levels of care, except for higher rates of diabetes education and HbA1c testing at the VA.
From Adversary to Partner: Have Quality Improvement Organizations Made the Transition?
Authors: Bradley Elizabeth H. , Carlson Melissa D. A. , Gallo William T. , Scinto Jeanne , Campbell Miriam K. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: March 2005

Objective. To describe the perceived impact of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) on quality of care for patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction, in the context of new efforts to work more collaboratively with hospitals in the pursuit of quality improvement.

Data Source. Primary data collected from a national random sample of 105 hospital quality management directors interviewed between January and July 2002.

Study Design. We interviewed quality management directors concerning their interactions with the QIO interventions, the helpfulness of QIO interventions and the degree to which they helped or hindered their hospital quality efforts, and their recommendations for improving QIO effectiveness.

Principle Findings. More than 90% of hospitals reported that their QIO had initiated specific interventions, the most common being the provision of educational materials, benchmark data, and hospital performance data. Many respondents (60%) rated most QIO interventions as helpful or very helpful, although only one‐quarter of respondents believed quality of care would have been worse without the QIO interventions. To increase QIO efficacy, respondents recommended that QIOs appeal more directly to senior administration, target physicians (not just hospital employees), and enhance the perceived validity and timeliness of data used in quality indicators.

Conclusions. Our study demonstrates that the QIOs have overcome, to some degree, the previously adversarial and punitive roles of Peer Review Organizations with hospitals. The generally positive view among most hospital quality improvement directors concerning the QIO interventions suggests that QIOs are potentially poised to take a leading role in promoting quality of care. However, the full potential of QIOs will likely not be realized until QIOs are able to engender greater engagement from senior hospital administration and physicians.
Inhibition of melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) expression in melanoma cells leads to molecular and phenotypic changes
Authors: Tatzel Jutta , Poser Ina , Schroeder Josef , Bosserhoff Anja K
Published: March 2005

The secreted protein melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) is highly expressed in malignant melanoma but not in melanocytes and is associated with tumor progression in vivo. Here, we further investigated the functional role of MIA by inhibiting MIA expression of the human melanoma cell line HMB2 via stable antisense MIA cDNA transfection, and subsequent analysis of the cell clones. MIA‐deficient cell clones showed several changes in cell morphology and growth pattern. In monolayer and three‐dimensional culture enhanced cell–cell contacts were formed. Furthermore, a re‐induction of pigment synthesis in comparison with the amelanotic parental cell line HMB2 was observed. Molecular analyses revealed a re‐expression of tyrosinase‐related protein 1 (Trp‐1) and tyrosinase in the MIA‐deficient cell clones necessary for melanin synthesis. In accordance, re‐expression of MIA in the MIA‐deficient melanoma cell clones resulted in downregulation of Trp‐1. To identify the molecular mechanisms of MIA regulating pigmentation, MITF and PAX3, two positive regulators of Trp‐1 and tyrosinase transcription, and PIAS3, a negative regulator of MITF activity, were analyzed. Only in MIA‐deficient cells, expression of PAX3 mRNA and MITF protein was found. In contrast, strong expression of PIAS3 was detected in HMB2 but not in the MIA‐deficient cells.

To our knowledge this is the first report demonstrating a correlation between MIA expression and pigmentation and morphology of melanocytic cells.
Class III–IV Proliferative Lupus Nephritis and Pregnancy: A Study of 42 Cases
Authors: Carmona Francisco , Font Josep , Moga Isabel , Làzaro Isabel , Cervera Ricard , Pac Visitación , Balasch Juan
Published: March 2005

Problem:  A growing number of women with lupus nephritis wish pregnancy. Our aim was to analyze maternal and fetal outcome in pregnancies with the most severe forms (proliferative or class III–IV) of lupus nephritis.

Method of study:  Forty‐two pregnancies in 35 women with class III or IV lupus nephritis confirmed by renal biopsy (group 1); 12 pregnancies in 10 patients having histologically proven lupus nephritis class II or V (group 2); and 54 pregnant women randomly selected among our cohort of pregnant lupus patients without nephropathy who were matched for age, parity and duration of lupus to patients with class III or IV lupus nephritis (group 3) were studied.

Results:  Pregnancy outcome and mean gestational age of neonates were similar in the three groups studied with hypertension and preeclampsia, being significantly more prevalent in patients in group 1 (37.1%) than among patients in groups 2 (11.1%) and 3 (11.6%) (P < 0.05). Mean birthweight (±S.D.) was significantly lower in group 1 (2214 ± 802 g) than in groups 2 (2783 ± 721 g) and 3 (2870 ± 835 g) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  Lupus nephritis class III–IV is a risk factor for hypertensive disease during pregnancy, but it does not contraindicate gestation.
CD83+ Monocyte‐Derived Dendritic Cells are Present in Human Decidua and Progesterone Induces Their Differentiation In Vitro
Authors: Ivanova Ekaterina , Kyurkchiev Dobroslav , Altankova Iskra , Dimitrov Josif , Binakova Emilia , Kyurkchiev Stanimir
Published: March 2005

Problem:  Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in antigen presentation and immunoregulation. Modifications of the immune response during pregnancy require the participation of DC. The aim of this study was to follow‐up the changes of DCs in human decidua and their correlations to progesterone (Pg) concentrations.

Methods of study:  Blood leukocytes were isolated from human decidua and analyzed by flow cytometry for the expression of HLA‐DR and CD83 markers. Blood monocytes were cultured to differentiate and mature to DCs in the presence of Pg, estradiol or testosterone and analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results:  The percentage of mature DCs is increased in human decidua during the 1st trimester. When Pg is added to DCs cultured in vitro the percentage of cells expressing both markers increased in specific and dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusions:  Pg increases the numbers of monocytic DCs locally and it may be speculated that these cells help the Th1/Th2 switching in pregnancy.
Changes in scale and bark stem surface injuries and mortality rates of a saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea, Cactaceae) population in Tucson Mountain Park
Authors: Evans Lance S , Young April Jan B. , Harnett Sr. Joan
Published: March 2005

Rates that stem surfaces of saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea (Engelm.) Britt & Rose) accumulate scale and bark injuries and the mortality rates of cacti were determined on a population of 1149 saguaro cacti in 50 field plots over the 9-year period of study (from 19931994 until 2002). Twenty-three percent of the saguaro population had few surface injuries throughout the 9-year period while 27% showed a marked increase in stem area with scale and bark injuries. Thirty percent of all cacti had more than 80% stem areas with combined scale and bark injuries on south-facing stem surfaces throughout the study period. Finally, 20.3% of the saguaro population died over the 9-year period, a rate of 2.3% per year. Thirty-three percent of all cacti that died by 2002 exhibited few surface injuries in 19931994 while 54% of the cacti that died over the period had more than 98% stem areas with combined scale and bark on south-facing stem surfaces in 19931994. In this manner, stem scale and bark injuries on south-facing surfaces were usually associated with the death of saguaros. The annual mortality rate of 2.3% appears high considering that this species may live for more than 200 years.Key words: saguaros, Carnegiea gigantea, Cactaceae, stem areas with scale and bark injuries, mortality rates.
Unsaturated flow in coarse porous media
Authors: Reinson Jeff R , Fredlund Delwyn G , Wilson G Ward
Published: March 2005

Design of effective capillary barrier systems requires a thorough understanding of the soilwater interactions that take place in both coarse- and fine-grained unsaturated soils. Experimental observations of water flow through coarse porous media are presented to gain greater understanding of the processes and mechanisms that contribute to the movement and retention of water in coarse-grained unsaturated soils. The use of pendular ring theory to describe how water is held within a porous material with relatively low volumetric water contents is explored. Experimental measurements of seepage velocity and volumetric water content were obtained for columns of 12 mm glass beads using digital videography to capture the movement of a dye tracer front at several infiltration rates. An estimated curve for hydraulic conductivity versus matric suction is shown and compared to a theoretical curve. The method is shown to provide a reasonable predictive tool.Key words: soil-water characteristic curve, hydraulic conductivity curve, water permeability function, capillary barrier, matric suction.
Patterns of damage and mortality in red pine plantations following a major ice storm
Authors: Ryall K L , Smith S M
Published: March 2005

The impact of a major ice storm in eastern Ontario on 28 pine plantations (red pine, Pinus resinosa Ait.; Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris L.; white pine, Pinus strobus L.; and jack pine, Pinus banksiana Lamb.) was examined for 4 years after the event. Degree of crown loss and tree mortality were quantified in relation to tree and stand characteristics (e.g., tree species, diameter at breast height (DBH), stand density, stand edge versus interior). We also tested whether salvaging damaged material reduced subsequent tree mortality. Jack and Scots pine were 2.5 times more likely to be damaged by the ice storm than were red pine and white pine. Overstocked stands, and stands with lower mean DBH, were most susceptible to storm damage. Trees were five times more likely to be damaged in the interior versus the edge of a stand, in contrast with previous findings in hardwood stands. In unsalvaged stands, ca. 75% tree mortality was observed in severely damaged trees (>50% crown loss) compared with ca. 45% tree mortality in salvaged stands. Properly timed thinnings to increase diameter growth and the removal of dead and dying wood from heavily damaged stands are recommended to reduce the long-term effects of ice storms.
How Does Solar Attenuation Depth Affect the Ocean Mixed Layer? Water Turbidity and Atmospheric Forcing Impacts on the Simulation of Seasonal Mixed Layer Variability in the Turbid Black Sea*
Authors: Kara A. Birol , Wallcraft Alan J. , Hurlburt Harley E.
Published: March 2005

A fine-resolution (≈3.2 km) Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) is used to investigate the impact of solar radiation attenuation with depth on the predictions of monthly mean sea surface height (SSH), mixed layer depth (MLD), buoyancy and heat fluxes, and near-sea surface circulation as well. The model uses spatially and temporally varying attenuation of photosynthetically available radiation (kPAR) climatologies as processed from the remotely sensed Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) to take water turbidity into account in the Black Sea. An examination of the kPAR climatology reveals a strong seasonal cycle in the water turbidity, with a basin-averaged annual climatological mean value of 0.19 m−1 over the Black Sea. Climatologically forced HYCOM simulations demonstrate that shortwave radiation below the mixed layer can be quite different based on the water turbidity, thereby affecting prediction of upper-ocean quantities in the Black Sea. The clear water constant solar attenuation depth assumption results in relatively deeper MLD (e.g., ≈+15 m in winter) in comparison to standard simulations due to the unrealistically large amount of shortwave radiation below the mixed layer, up to 100 W m−2 during April to October. Such unrealistic sub–mixed layer heating causes weaker stratification at the base of the mixed layer. The buoyancy gain associated with high solar heating in summer effectively stabilizes the upper ocean producing shallow mixed layers and elevated SSH over the most of the Black Sea. In particular, the increased stability resulting from the water turbidity reduces vertical mixing in the upper ocean and causes changes in surface-layer currents, especially in the easternmost part of the Black Sea. Monthly mean SSH anomalies from the climatologically forced HYCOM simulations were evaluated against a monthly mean SSH anomaly climatology, which was constructed using satellite altimeter data from TOPEX/ Poseidon (T/P), Geosat Follow-On (GFO), and the Earth Remote Sensing Satellite-2 (ERS-2) over 1993–2002. Model–data comparisons show that the basin-averaged root-mean-square (rms) difference is ≈4 cm between the satellite-based SSH climatology and that obtained from HYCOM simulations using spatial and temporal kPAR fields. In contrast, when all solar radiation is absorbed at the sea surface or clear water constant solar attenuation depth values of 16.7 m are used in the model simulations, the basin-averaged SSH rms difference with respect to the climatology is ≈6 cm (≈50% more). This demonstrates positive impact from using monthly varying solar attenuation depths in simulating upper-ocean quantities in the Black Sea. The monthly mean kPAR and SSH anomaly climatologies presented in this paper can also be used for other Black Sea studies.
Complex Pediatric Elbow Injury: An Uncommon Case
Authors: Sharma H , Ayer R , Taylor GR
Published: March 2005

Background

There is paucity of literature describing complex elbow trauma in the pediatric population. We described a case of an uncommon pediatric elbow injury comprised of lateral condyle fracture associated with posterolateral dislocation of elbow.

Case presentation

A 12-year-old boy sustained a direct elbow trauma and presented with Milch type II lateral condyle fracture associated with posterolateral dislocation of elbow. Elbow dislocation was managed by closed reduction. The elbow stability was assessed under general anaesthesia, followed by open K-wiring for the lateral condylar fracture fixation. The patient had an uneventful recovery with an excellent outcome at 39 months follow-up.

Conclusion

Complex pediatric elbow injuries are quite unusual to encounter, the management of such fractures can be technically demanding. Concomitant elbow dislocation should be managed by closed reduction followed by open reduction and internal fixation (K-wires or cannulated screws) of the lateral condyle fracture.
Measurement of Wood Wettability by the Wilhelmy Method. Part 1. Contamination of Probe Liquids by Extractives
Authors: Wålinder M.E.P. , Johansson I.
Published: March 2005

This work focuses on the influence of extractives during wetting measurements on wood. Fresh and aged
veneers of extracted and non-extracted heart- and sapwood of pine were prepared, and the Wilhelmy
method was used to study the wettability of these veneers. In this method, the force acting on the veneers
was measured during immersion in and withdrawal from a series of probe liquids. The results suggest
that some of the probe liquids become severely contaminated by extractives during the measurements
on the non-extracted veneers, and that this strongly affects the wood wetting measurements. The contamination
is effectively detected as a distinct decrease in the surface tension of the liquids caused by
dissolution or presence of wood extractives at the wood-liquid interface. It is important to note that such
contamination may also occur during wetting studies on wood using other contact angle measurement
techniques. The most obvious contamination occurred in the case of measurements on non-extracted
veneers immersed in water and formamide. Generally, no contamination was detected in the case of
measurements on extracted wood veneers. The Wilhelmy method may provide an efficient means for
recording and control of any contamination of the probe liquids that may arise during wetting studies on
wood.