bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Cortical Cells and Astrocytomas in the Eker Rat Model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Takahashi D. Koji , Dinday Matthew T. , Barbaro Nicholas M. , Baraban Scott C.
Published: November 2004

Summary:  Purpose: In patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a wide range of neurologic abnormalities develop, including mental retardation and seizures. Brains from TSC patients are characterized by the presence of cortical tubers, large dysmorphic neurons, and abnormal cytomegalic cells. Although analysis of human TSC brain samples led to the identification of these abnormal cell types, very little is known about how these cells function. In an effort to model TSC‐associated CNS abnormalities (and ultimately to analyze the electrophysiologic properties of abnormal cells), we examined Eker rats carrying a Tsc2 mutation. Anatomic studies, including standard histologic stains and immunocytochemistry, were performed on young Eker rats exposed to a carcinogen in utero or aged untreated Eker rats (18–24 months old).

Methods: Pregnant TSC2+/− females were injected once a day with hydroquinone (HQ), and offspring were killed at postnatal day P14 or P28. Coronal tissue sections throughout the CNS were prepared and stained for cresyl violet. In separate studies, brains of old untreated Eker rats were sectioned for anatomic analysis by using standard immunohistochemical techniques.

Results: Tissue sections stained with cresyl violet did not reveal any gross differences between HQ‐treated Eker (Tsc2Ek/+) rats and siblings (Tsc2+/+). However, two classes of abnormal giant cells were observed in brain sections from untreated aged Eker rats: (a) large dysmorphic pyramid‐like cells immunoreactive for NeuN, tuberin, and EAAC‐1 in layers IV–VI; and (b) abnormal cytomegalic cells immunoreactive for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin, and nestin in deep cortical layers or along the white matter. In addition, large subependymal astrocytomas were observed in four animals.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that cortical tuber formation in Eker rats is a rare event and that prenatal exposure to a nongenotoxic carcinogen such as HQ is not sufficient to induce tuber formation. However, with advanced age, an increased likelihood of astrocytoma formation and the emergence of dysmorphic neurons and cytomegalic cells in the Eker rat brain might exist; each of these abnormalities mimics those seen clinically and could contribute to neurologic problems associated with TSC. Further analysis of this rodent model may be warranted.
High‐grade Atrioventricular Block Triggered by Spontaneous and Stimulation‐induced Epileptic Activity in the Left Temporal Lobe
Authors: Altenmüller Dirk‐Matthias , Zehender Manfred , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas
Published: November 2004

Summary:  Cardiac bradyarrhythmias may play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). We describe a patient with left temporal lobe epilepsy in whom high‐grade atrioventricular conduction blocks were triggered by both spontaneous and stimulation‐induced epileptic activity in the left temporal lobe. Electrophysiological data obtained by surface and intracranial electrodes point to a cerebral cardioarrhythmogenesis in the left amygdala and anterior hippocampus.
Identification of the Epileptogenic Lobe in Neocortical Epilepsy with Proton MR Spectroscopic Imaging
Authors: Mueller Susanne G. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Barakos Jerome A. , Cashdollar Nathan , Flenniken Derek L. , Vermathen Peter , Matson Gerald B. , Weiner Michael W.
Published: November 2004

Summary:  Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of multislice magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) in combination with tissue segmentation for the identification of the epileptogenic focus in neocortical epilepsy (NE).

Methods: Twenty patients with NE (10 with MRI‐visible malformations, 10 with normal MRI) and 19 controls were studied. In controls, N‐acetylaspartate NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho of all voxels of a given lobe were expressed as a function of white matter, and thresholds were determined by calculating the 95% prediction intervals (PIs) for NAA/Cr and NAA/Cho. Voxels with NAA/Cr or NAA/Cho values less than the 95% PI were defined as “pathological.” Z‐scores were calculated. Depending on the magnitude of those z‐scores, we used two different methods (score‐localization or forced‐localization) to identify in a given subject the lobe with the highest percentage of pathological voxels, which was supposed to represent the epileptogenic lobe.

Results: MRSI correctly identified the lobe containing the epileptogenic focus as defined by EEG in 65% of the NE patients. MRSI localization of the focus was correct in 70% of the patients with an MRI‐visible malformation and in 60% of the patients with normal MRI. Of the patients, 15% had metabolically abnormal brain regions outside the epileptogenic lobe, and 35% of the patients had evidence for secondary hippocampal damage.

Conclusions: MRSI may be helpful for the identification of the epileptogenic focus in NE patients, even in NE with normal MRI.
Nanometre localization of single ReAsH molecules
Authors: PARK H. , HANSON G. T. , DUFF S. R. , SELVIN P. R.
Published: November 2004

ReAsH is a red‐emitting dye that binds to the unique sequence Cys‐Cys‐Xaa‐Xaa‐Cys‐Cys (where Xaa is a noncysteine amino acid) in the protein. We attached a single ReAsH to a calmodulin with an inserted tetracysteine motif and immobilized individual calmodulins to a glass surface at low density. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy was used to image individual ReAsH molecules. We determined the centre of the distribution of photons in the image of a single molecule in order to determine the position of the dye within 5 nm precision and with an image integration time of 0.5 s. The photostability of ReAsH was also characterized and observation times ranging from several seconds to over a minute were observed. We found that 2‐mercaptoethanesulphonic acid increased the number of collected photons from ReAsH molecules by a factor of two. Individual ReAsH molecules were then moved via a nanometric stage in 25 or 40 nm steps, either at a constant rate or at a Poisson‐distributed rate. Individual steps were clearly seen, indicating that the observation of translational motion on this scale, which is relevant for many biomolecular motors, is possible with ReAsH.
Three‐dimensional representation of curved nanowires
Authors: HUANG Z. , DIKIN D. A. , DING W. , QIAO Y. , CHEN X. , FRIDMAN Y. , RUOFF R. S.
Published: November 2004

Nanostructures, such as nanowires, nanotubes and nanocoils, can be described in many cases as quasi one‐dimensional curved objects projecting in three‐dimensional space. A parallax method to construct the correct three‐dimensional geometry of such one‐dimensional nanostructures is presented. A series of scanning electron microscope images was acquired at different view angles, thus providing a set of image pairs that were used to generate three‐dimensional representations using a matlab program. An error analysis as a function of the view angle between the two images is presented and discussed. As an example application, the importance of knowing the true three‐dimensional shape of boron nanowires is demonstrated; without the nanowire's correct length and diameter, mechanical resonance data cannot provide an accurate estimate of Young's modulus.
Microinfrared reflection spectroscopic mapping: application to the detection of hydrogen‐related species in natural quartz
Authors: MUTO J. , NAGAHAMA H. , HASHIMOTO T.
Published: November 2004

A new method of microinfrared reflection spectroscopy and mapping analysis is briefly introduced. It was used to detect distributions and structures of hydrogen‐related species (e.g. H2O, SiOH and SiH) in plastically deformed natural quartz. We used a Fourier transform‐infrared spectrometer with a microscopic imaging system fully automated for all microscope functions (e.g. focusing, aperture, stage motion and measurements). Mapping can be made in thin sections with a thickness of 50 µm at room temperature and low temperatures (77 K) using a liquid N2 cooling system. Infrared reflection spectra were obtained by five scans for each point with a range from 4000 to 400 cm−1. The spectra were measured five times within about 2.5 s at each position. The scanning interval was 100–150 µm using a 100 × 100 µm2 aperture. All obtained spectral data were stored in computer memory to construct two‐dimensional mappings of infrared absorption. From the comparisons between infrared mapping images and deformation microstructures, in addition to the molecular H2O around 3600–3400 cm−1, the hydrogen‐related point defects (i.e. SiOH and SiH) around 970–900 cm−1 within quartz grains and between grain boundaries increased with decreasing grain sizes (increasing plastic strain). The method can detect the SiOH and SiH along grain boundaries that enhance the hydrolytic weakening of natural quartz.
An optical‐axis freezing stage for laser‐scanning microscopy of broad ice–water interfaces
Authors: NEILS C. M. , DILLER K. R.
Published: November 2004

This article presents a method to view a dynamic ice interface along the axis of ice growth using a laser‐scanning microscope. A deep liquid volume is chilled from below so that ice growth is directed upward toward the microscope objective. The interface is made visible by rejection of fluorescent dye from the solid phase into the liquid. Images of the interface morphology in water with solutes of interest to cryobiology illustrate the imaging capability. These images are processed to quantify the lamellar structure of the ice interface. The optical‐axis cryostage provides advantages over horizontal arrangements because (1) immersion objectives enhance, rather than disturb, the desired thermal gradient, and (2) features in the ice interface are not confined within a narrow capillary tube or microscope slide. This arrangement loses some of the thermal control found in planar freezing stages, and the dynamic, refractive interface presents challenges to confocal microscopy.
Tree diversity in the northern Neotropics: regional patterns in highly diverse Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: González‐Espinosa Mario , María Rey‐Benayas José , Ramírez‐Marcial Neptalí , Huston Michael A. , Golicher Duncan
Published: November 2004

Physical factors that may account for regional patterns of plant species diversity remain controversial. We aim to determine the relationship of tree species diversity to environmental factors identifiable at regional scale in the northern Neotropics. We use a high‐resolution data set based on herbarium collections of all native tree species known to occur in the highly diverse and physiographically heterogeneous Mexican state of Chiapas. We analyzed 114 grid cells (5 min latitude×5 min longitude each) with 40 or more vouchers. We obtained from maps (scale 1:250 000) data on temperature, rainfall, elevation, and soils, and calculated for each grid cell mean actual evapotranspiration (AET), its ratio during the rainy and dry seasons (RET), average fertility/quality of soils (SFQ), and elevation (coarse‐scale topography) variance (SDE). These variables were largely independent of each other, and were entered in multiple regression models to predict species diversity assessed with Simpson's index of concentration. A model that accounted for 41.4% of the total variance in tree diversity showed positive effects of AET and seasonality (RET), whereas SFQ had a negative effect. A curvilinear model described well the relationship between tree diversity and AET (R2=0.45), and an intermediate maximum was detected. The data pattern suggested an asymptotic relationship as well, which was confirmed with a two‐part regression. Regression quantiles provided better estimates of the effect of SFQ with the upper envelope of the data (0.85–0.90 quantiles). Minimum diversity at intermediate rainfall values hints at a bimodal model of tree diversity along a rainfall gradient, in opposition to the frequent contention of a positive linear relationship. We suggest that broad‐scale climatic gradients interact with intraregional landscape‐level influences, thus leading to the observed nonlinear responses of tree diversity to environmental predictors.
Ageing and subcellular distribution of mitochondria: role of mitochondrial DNA deletions and energy production
Authors: Drew B. , Leeuwenburgh C.
Published: November 2004

The rapid growing population of elderly illustrates the importance of understanding the mechanisms responsible for ageing and the detrimental effects on health associated with increasing age. One of the primary mechanisms may be because of the accumulation of mtDNA damage and oxidative damage with age. Previous studies have examined this correlation in post‐mitotic tissues such as skeletal muscle, heart and brain with decreased mitochondrial function, such as enzymatic activities of the electron transport chain and ATP production. However, regional differences in the subcellular location of mitochondria exist and most studies have failed to differentiate the effects of these two autonomous fractions, the subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar populations. Hence, while future research attempts to explain the mechanisms responsible for ageing in the mitochondrion, it should also take into account the independent pathways of these two distinctly different populations.
Mapping of the bovine genes of the de novo AMP synthesis pathway1
Authors: Bønsdorff T. , Gautier M. , Farstad W. , Rønningen K. , Lingaas F. , Olsaker I.
Published: November 2004

The purine nucleotides adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and guanosine monophosphate (GMP) are critical for energy metabolism, cell signalling and cell reproduction. Despite their essential function, little is known about the regulation and in vivo expression pattern of the genes involved in the de novo purine synthesis pathway. The complete coding region of the bovine phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase gene (PAICS), which catalyses steps 6 and 7 of the de novo purine biosynthesis pathway, as well as bovine genomic sequences of the six other genes in the pathway producing inosine monophosphate (IMP) and AMP [phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate amidotransferase (PPAT), phosphoribosylglycinamide formyltransferase (GART), phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthase (PFAS), adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL), 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/IMP cyclohydrolase (ATIC) and adenylosuccinate synthase (ADSS)], were identified. The genes were mapped to segments of six different bovine chromosomes using a radiation hybrid (RH) cell panel. The gene PPAT, coding for the presumed rate‐limiting enzyme of the purine de novo pathway was closely linked to PAICS on BTA6. These, and the other bovine locations i.e. GART at BTA1, PFAS at BTA19, ADSL at BTA5, ATIC at BTA2 and ADSS at BTA16, are in agreement with published comparative maps of cattle and man. PAICS and PPAT genes are known to be closely linked in human, rat and chicken. Previously, an expressed sequence fragment of PAICS (Bos taurus corpus luteum, BTCL9) was mapped to BTA13. By isolation and characterization of a BAC clone, we have now identified a PAICS processed pseudogene sequence (ψPAICS) on BTA13. Processed pseudogene sequences of PAICS and other genes of the purine biosynthesis pathway were identified in several mammalian species, indicating that the genes of this pathway have been susceptible to retrotransposition. The seven bovine genes are expressed at a higher level in testicular and ovary tissues compared with skeletal muscle.
British division of the international academy of pathology
Authors: Van Den Tweel J , Howat A J , Shepherd N A , Warren B F , Harris C
Published: November 2004

Forthcoming meetings
 5–8 July 2005 Joint Meeting with the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Newcastle‐Upon‐Tyne, UK

 25–26 November 2005 Symposium on Intestinal Pathology. London, UK
Relationship between micropapillary component and micrometastasis in the regional lymph nodes of patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Roh M S , Lee J I , Choi P J , Hong Y S
Published: November 2004

Aims:  To determine whether a micropapillary component is a prognostic predictor, with particular reference to nodal micrometastasis, in patients with stage I lung adenocarcinomas.

Methods and results:  Thirty‐five cases with stage I lung adenocarcinomas, obtained from lobectomies or pneumonectomies, and 434 dissected hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, were retrospectively reviewed. A micropapillary component and nodal micrometastasis were found in 16 (45.7%) and 14 (40%) of the 35 cases, respectively, with nodal micrometastasis in 24 (5.5%) of the 434 lymph nodes, in an immunohistochemical study using an anti‐cytokeratin antibody. Ten (62.5%) of the 16 cases with a micropapillary component, and four (21.1%) of the remaining 19 cases, showed nodal micrometastases (P = 0.014). Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the cases with and without a micropapillary component (P = 0.28). However, the 5 years' survival of the cases with and without nodal micrometastases were 71.4% and 35.7%, respectively (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:  A micropapillary component may be a manifestation of aggressive behaviour, as shown by frequent micrometastasis, for stage I lung adenocarcinomas.
CD23 expression in mediastinal large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Calaminici M , Piper K , Lee A M , Norton A J
Published: November 2004

Aims:  Mediastinal large B‐cell lymphoma (MLBCL) is a subtype of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the WHO classification with peculiar features, such as female prevalence, young patient age and bulky presentation. It shows a B‐cell phenotype with variable expression of surface immunoglobulin, negative CD21 and CD10 and positive CD30 in a large number of cases. An origin from activated thymic B cells has been suggested in several studies. A subpopulation of large, dendritic cells (asteroid cells) strongly expressing CD23 has been identified amongst thymic B cells and these could represent the normal cellular counterpart for this type of primary mediastinal large cell lymphoma.

Methods and results:  To explore this possibility, we immunostained 24 cases of primary mediastinal lymphomas and 100 cases of non‐mediastinal, nodal and extranodal, DLBCLs for CD23 in routinely processed paraffin‐embedded tissues.

Conclusions:  Our results show that a vast majority (70%) of mediastinal lymphomas strongly express CD23 whilst the same antigen is expressed in only 15% of non‐mediastinal nodal DLBCLs and 9% of non‐mediastinal extranodal DLBCLs. These results support the hypothesis that most cases of MLBCL arise from activated dendritic thymic B cells. We also suggest that CD23 should be included in the panel of antibodies currently used to characterize this subtype of DLBCL.
High microvascular density is correlated with high VEGF, iNOS and COX‐2 expression in penetrating growth‐type early gastric carcinomas
Authors: Ichinoe M , Mikami T , Shiraishi H , Okayasu I
Published: November 2004

Aims:  Early gastric carcinomas have two characteristic growth types, superficial spreading (SUP) and penetrating (PEN). Higher mucosal apoptotic activity and lower p21WAF1/CIP1 expression and submucosal low proliferative activity have been shown in the former, compared with the latter. In order to cast light on whether angiogenesis contributes to these growth patterns, the present immunohistochemical study was performed with cancer tissues.

Methods and results:  Of a total of 807 early gastric carcinomas, 30 PEN and 33 SUP type submucosal invasive carcinoma cases were immunohistochemically compared. CD34 positivity, microvascular density (MVD), and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), but not cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) were higher in cancer cells in both mucosal and submucosal layers in PEN than in SUP (P < 0.05). Submucosal MVD in PEN type was greater (P < 0.01) in cases with high than with low Ki67 labelling. Significant correlations were shown between MVD and VEGF, iNOS and COX‐2, and VEGF and iNOS expression in the PEN type, but only a weak correlation between iNOS and COX‐2 expression was evident with the SUP type.

Conclusions:  Increased MVD in PEN type has an intimate causal relationship to angiogenic factors, high VEGF and iNOS expression. The SUP type, in contrast, has characteristics of low angiogenesis.
Immunohistochemical characterization of endometrial leucocytes in endometritis
Authors: Disep B , Innes B A , Cochrane H R , Tijani S , Bulmer J N
Published: November 2004

Aims:  Leucocytes are a normal and variable component of the endometrial stromal cell population. The aim of this study was to characterize endometrial leucocytes in established cases of endometritis in order to determine whether there are objective characteristics of the leucocyte infiltrate which would allow its identification as part of an inflammatory process rather then the normal physiological leucocyte infiltrate.

Methods and results:  We examined endometrial tissue from 79 cases of endometritis and 22 histologically normal controls. Leucocytes were characterized immunohistochemically for CD45, CD20, CD68, CD3 and CD56 and numbers were analysed semiquantitatively on a scale of 0–4. In many endometritis cases the overall number of leucocytes was increased. Furthermore, leucocytes were unusually distributed with a tendency to accumulate superficially beneath the endometrial surface. Whilst numbers of macrophages, T lymphocytes and endometrial granulated lymphocytes (uterine natural killer cells) did not differ between endometritis samples and controls, most endometritis cases contained a substantially increased number of B cells, which normally represent 1% or less of the endometrial leucocyte population. B lymphocytes were also observed in unusual locations such as intraepithelially and within glandular lumina.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that immunohistochemical characterization of endometrial leucocytes may be helpful in establishing a diagnosis of endometritis in equivocal cases.
Survey of the use and clinical effectiveness of HPA‐1a/5b‐negative platelet concentrates in proven or suspected platelet alloimmunization
Authors: Allen D. L. , Samol J. , Benjamin S. , Verjee S. , Tusold A. , Murphy M. F.
Published: November 2004

summary.  The optimal treatment of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is the transfusion of compatible donor platelets. The National Blood Service in England has established panels of ‘accredited’ donors negative for human platelet antigens HPA‐1a and HPA‐5b, the most commonly implicated alloantigens. We have retrospectively surveyed the frequency of use and clinical effectiveness of donations collected over a 13‐month period from the Oxford accredited panel. Ninety‐five per cent of hyperconcentrated platelets (HPCs) collected were issued, all for intrauterine transfusion to fetuses at risk of NAIT due to the presence of maternal platelet alloantibodies and previously affected siblings. Thirty‐one per cent of paediatric platelet concentrates (PPCs) collected were issued, of which 57% were used for cases of suspected NAIT. Fifty‐four per cent of adult therapeutic doses collected were issued; 5% of these were used in cases of suspected NAIT or proven post‐transfusion purpura (PTP). Good increments were seen in most NAIT cases transfused with HPCs or PPCs, and a moderate increment in the one PTP case. We conclude that the establishment of accredited panels is justified and enables delivery of a clinically effective treatment for NAIT. Increased use and cost‐effectiveness could be achieved by the delivery of an educational programme to neonatal unit clinical staff to increase the awareness and appropriate treatment of NAIT.
Aspergillus mediastinitis following orthotopic heart transplantation: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Levin T. , Suh B. , Beltramo D. , Samuel R.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Bacterial mediastinitis after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is well described in the literature. However, little information has been published on fungal mediastinitis in this population. We describe a man with Aspergillus fumigatus mediastinitis diagnosed 10 weeks after OHT. The patient was treated with voriconazole. The literature on Aspergillus mediastinitis is also reviewed.
Retrospective study of the hepatic safety profile of patients concomitantly treated with caspofungin and cyclosporin A
Authors: Marr K. A. , Hachem R. , Papanicolaou G. , Somani J. , Arduino J. M. , Lipka C. J. , Ngai A. L. , Kartsonis N. , Chodakewitz J. , Sable C.
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Background. Mild, transient alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations were seen in Phase I studies of caspofungin and cyclosporin A (CsA).

Methods. We conducted a retrospective chart review at four sites to characterize the hepatic safety in patients receiving ≥1 day of both drugs over a 20‐month period. Investigators assessed reasons for discontinuing concomitant therapy and the presence/etiology of any hepatotoxicity.

Results. Forty patients receiving concomitant therapy for 1–290 days (median 17.5 days) were identified. Although common, liver enzyme abnormalities were frequently attributed to other comorbidities or medications. ALT and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevations occurred in 14 patients (35%). Five had AST elevations at least possibly related to caspofungin/CsA, but none were >3.6 times the normal upper limit. No ALT elevations were related to caspofungin/CsA. Two of 4 patients had discontinuation of therapy because of hepatotoxicity possibly related to caspofungin/CsA. No serious adverse events occurred because of caspofungin.

Conclusions. These data do not suggest a significant risk of clinically relevant hepatotoxicity with concomitant caspofungin/CsA.
Brief history of petrotectonic research on the Sanbagawa Belt, Japan
Authors: Banno Shohei
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Petrological study of the Sanbagawa schists was initiated by B. Koto (1856–1935) and extensive petrographic works were performed by J. Suzuki (1896–1970) and Y. Horikosi (1905–1992), who studied in the Besshi area of central Shikoku. Petrological work based on the mineral facies concept of P. Eskola (1883–1964) was initiated in Japan in the 1950s by A. Miyashiro on the low pressure/temperature (P/T) Abukuma complex, and then by Y. Seki and S. Banno on the high P/T Sanbagawa Metamorphic Belt. A unique inverted thermal structure was established by researchers in the 1970s. Therefore, mainly geological and petrographic features of the Sanbagawa Belt were established by the 1990s, and contemporary researchers are now testing the classical images using the new and quantitative viewpoints of geochronological, structural, tectonic, and thermal modeling.
Clinical and Actuarial Prediction of Physical Violence in a Forensic Intellectual Disability Hospital: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: McMillan Dean , Hastings Richard P. , Coldwell Jon
Published: November 2004

Background  There is a high rate of physical violence in populations with intellectual disabilities, and this has been linked to problems for the victim, the assailant, members of staff and services. Despite the clinical significance of this behaviour, few studies have assessed methods of predicting its occurrence. The present study examined clinical and actuarial methods of predicting violence in a forensic intellectual disability hospital.

Methods  The sample for the study consisted of people resident in the hospital during a 1‐year period (n = 124). Clinical prediction used a risk rating made by members of the person's clinical team, whereas actuarial prediction used the number of violent incidents in the 6‐months before the date of the clinical risk assessment. Computerized hospital records of violence in the 6 months after the assessment were used to examine the predictive accuracy of the two methods.

Results  The clinical method produced an area under the curve of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65–0.83) in a receiver–operating characteristic curve analysis. The value for the actuarial method was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.69–0.86). Both methods performed at levels significantly above chance, but no one method was found to be superior to the other.

Conclusions  These findings suggest that it is possible to predict who is at risk of violence in forensic populations with intellectual disabilities. Here, the authors discuss the clinical implications of these findings and the clinical application of risk prediction within clinical services.
The Dynamic Risk Assessment and Management System: An Assessment of Immediate Risk of Violence for Individuals with Offending and Challenging Behaviour
Authors: Lindsay William R. , Murphy Lesley , Smith Gordon , Murphy Daniel , Edwards Zoe , Chittock Chris , Grieve Alan , Young Steven J.
Published: November 2004

Purpose  Research on dynamic risk assessment has developed over the last 10 years and a number of variables have emerged as being possible predictors of future sexual and violent offences. These variables include hostile attitude/anger and compliance with routine. In 2002, Thornton (Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research & Treatment14, 139) developed a framework for dynamic risk assessment which also includes distorted and dysfunctional attitudes, socio‐affective functioning, self‐management and, for sex offenders, sexual interests. In 2000, Hanson & Harris (Criminal Justice & Behaviour27, 6) provided empirical support for the predictive power of a number of dynamic factors which they split into stable and acute variables. In their research they found poor social supports, antisocial lifestyle, and poor self‐management strategies to be important in addition to co‐operation with supervision and hostile attitude. The present report describes the development of the Dynamic Risk Assessment and Management System (DRAMS) – an assessment for dynamic/proximal risk factors in people with intellectual disabilities.

Method  In a field trial, the DRAMS was administered by staff unfamiliar with the formal requirements of the assessment. They were familiar with other ward‐based assessments. Ten subjects were assessed for reliability purposes (total of 45 assessments) and five subjects were assessed consistently over a 3‐month period. Eighteen aggressive incidents were recorded in these five subjects and the relationship between DRAMS assessments and the incidents was calculated. Assessments were recorded on the day of the incident, the day before the incident and on a control day, which was at least 7 days before or after an incident.

Results  Four items achieved high reliability – mood, psychotic symptoms, self‐regulation, compliance with routine – in addition to total score. Two items achieved intermediate reliability – antisocial behaviour and problems with thinking/attitudes, and three items were not applicable to this client group in that none of the participants was ever rated on them – substance abuse, renewal of emotional relationships and victim access. One item had poor reliability – therapeutic alliance. There were significant differences between the DRAMS assessment on the control day and assessments both on the day prior to the incident and the day of the incident for three of the six subscales and total score.

Conclusion  Initial results would suggest that the DRAMS is a reliable instrument apart from the therapeutic alliance category. Initial signs suggest that it may be predictive of aggressive incidents in residential settings. Several developments to other settings and the client groups are discussed.
Predictors of Sexual Offence Recidivism in Offenders with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Lindsay William R. , Elliot Susanne F. , Astell Arlene
Published: November 2004

Background  The extensive research on prediction of risk in offenders has developed a number of reliable static risk predictors. There is also a developing body of work on proximal, dynamic risk factors and their importance in predicting violent and sexual offending. Although this work has not been done specifically on offenders with intellectual disabilities, there is some preliminary evidence that it is equally relevant in this field. The current study extends this work.

Method  Fifty‐two sexual offenders and abusers were included as participants and 18 of them had re‐offended or were strongly suspected of having re‐offended. A checklist of static and dynamic factors were derived from the literature and clinical experience and a retrospective, correlational method was employed. Two respondents provided information on the presence or absence of each variable and this information was checked through extensive case records. These variables were correlated with re‐offending and suspicion of re‐offending.

Results  Several variables correlated significantly with the two dependent variables and a standard multiple regression investigated the predictive quality of each independent variable. Significant variables were allowances made by staff, antisocial attitude, poor relationship with mother, denial of crime, sexual abuse in childhood, erratic attendance and poor response to treatment. Certain variables, found significant in earlier studies, did not emerge in the current analysis. These predictors accounted for around 53% of the variance for evidence of re‐offending and around 74% of the variance for suspicion of re‐offending.

Conclusions  The variables which emerge are similar to those found in the mainstream offender literature. Some hypotheses are presented on why certain variables did not emerge. Like other similar studies, the results should be treated with caution because of retrospective bias.
Enzymatic Oxidation of 2‐Phenylethylamine to Phenylacetic Acid and 2‐Phenylethanol with Special Reference to the Metabolism of its Intermediate Phenylacetaldehyde
Authors: Panoutsopoulos Georgios I. , Kouretas Demetrios , Gounaris Elias G. , Beedham Christine
Published: November 2004

Abstract:2‐Phenylethylamine is an endogenous constituent of the human brain and is implicated in cerebral transmission. This bioactive amine is also present in certain foodstuffs such as chocolate, cheese and wine and may cause undesirable side effects in susceptible individuals. Metabolism of 2‐phenylethylamine to phenylacetaldehyde is catalysed by monoamine oxidase B but the oxidation to its acid is usually ascribed to aldehyde dehydrogenase and the contribution of aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase, if any, is ignored. The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of the molybdenum hydroxylases, aldehyde oxidase and xanthine oxidase, in the metabolism of phenylacetaldehyde derived from its parent biogenic amine. Treatments of 2‐phenylethylamine with monoamine oxidase were carried out for the production of phenylacetaldehyde, as well as treatments of synthetic or enzymatic‐generated phenylacetaldehyde with aldehyde oxidase, xanthine oxidase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. The results indicated that phenylacetaldehyde is metabolised mainly to phenylacetic acid with lower concentrations of 2‐phenylethanol by all three oxidising enzymes. Aldehyde dehydrogenase was the predominant enzyme involved in phenylacetaldehyde oxidation and thus it has a major role in 2‐phenylethylamine metabolism with aldehyde oxidase playing a less prominent role. Xanthine oxidase does not contribute to the oxidation of phenylacetaldehyde due to low amounts being present in guinea pig. Thus aldehyde dehydrogenase is not the only enzyme oxidising xenobiotic and endobiotic aldehydes and the role of aldehyde oxidase in such reactions should not be ignored.
Reevaluating evidence of density-dependent growth in northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) based on measurements of archived skeletal specimens
Authors: Etnier Michael A
Published: November 2004

Analysis of length-at-age measurements of archived skeletal material shows that somatic growth rates of male northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) vary inversely with population density. Von Bertalanffy growth curves were estimated for two series of known-age mandibles collected 19111920 (n = 156) and 19401953 (n = 151), time periods representing the historic population minimum and maximum, respectively. Mandibles from the former time period are larger than mandibles from the latter time period, suggesting a density-dependent response in somatic growth. Although density-dependent growth in northern fur seals has been suggested before, previous studies have been hampered by the potentially confounding factors of fisheries interactions, variable environmental conditions, and harvest of adult female northern fur seals. The material analyzed here pre-dates the substantial development of the Bering Sea groundfish fishery and the period of heaviest culling of females. Likewise, the two time periods examined are characterized by broadly similar climatic and environmental conditions. Therefore, the results support the hypothesis that measurements of somatic growth rates provide an index of population levels relative to carrying capacity. Growth rate studies could therefore be used to evaluate the current population status of northern fur seals.
Swimming performance of upstream migrant fishes in open-channel flow: a new approach to predicting passage through velocity barriers
Authors: Haro Alex , Castro-Santos Theodore , Noreika John , Odeh Mufeed
Published: November 2004

The ability to traverse barriers of high-velocity flow limits the distributions of many diadromous and other migratory fish species, yet very few data exist that quantify this ability. We provide a detailed analysis of sprint swimming ability of six migratory fish species (American shad (Alosa sapidissima), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni)) against controlled water velocities of 1.54.5 m·s1in a large, open-channel flume. Performance was strictly voluntary: no coercive incentives were used to motivate fish to sprint. We used these data to generate models of maximum distance traversed, taking into account effects of flow velocity, body length, and temperature. Although the maximum distance traversed decreased with increasing velocity, the magnitude of this effect varied among species. Other covariate effects were likewise variable, with divergent effects of temperature and nonuniform length effects. These effects do not account for all of the variability in performance, however, and behavioral traits may account for observed interspecific differences. We propose the models be used to develop criteria for fish passage structures, culverts, and breached dams.
Estimating reference fishing mortality rates from noisy spawnerrecruit data
Authors: Gibson A Jamie F , Myers Ransom A
Published: November 2004

We review and evaluate methods of estimating reference fishing mortality rates from spawnerrecruit (SR) data to obtain maximum sustainable yield. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we found that a reference fishing mortality rate derived from the maximum likelihood estimates of the SR parameters was less biased than reference fishing mortality rates obtained using the mode of the marginal probability distribution for the maximum rate that spawners produce recruits or by finding the fishing mortality rate that maximizes the expected yield. However, the maximum likelihood method produced the most variable estimates, at times leading to substantial under- or over-exploitation of the population. In contrast, the decision theoretic method of maximizing the expected yield exhibited less variability, produced higher yields, and substantially reduced the risk of overexploiting the population. We show how these methods can be extended to include information from other populations. Bayesian priors for the SR parameters, obtained through meta-analyses of population dynamics at some higher organizational level (e.g., the species), may be used to assess the plausibility of parameter estimates obtained for a single population or combined with the data for the population of interest. Reference fishing mortality rates are then estimated from the resulting joint posterior distribution.
Recovery of the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) population in northern Patagonia
Authors: Dans Silvana Laura , Crespo Enrique Alberto , Pedraza Susana Noemí , Alonso Mariano Koen
Published: November 2004

The size of and trend in the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) population located in northern Patagonia were estimated and changes in the distribution, size, and structure of individual sites were analyzed during the period 19832002. Total counts were made during the reproductive season. Regression models were used to analyze the trend. Pups represented around 40% of the animals counted. The annual rates of change for pups and nonpups were not significantly different (p > 0.05, n = 7), although some rookeries showed higher rates of change for pups than for nonpups. Pup numbers have been increasing at the rate of 3.4% per year at the oldest rookeries, but the rate of increase was higher at new rookeries. Using Bayes' methods, the precision of the estimates and the contribution to the abundance of each rookery produced an alternative estimate of the trend in pup numbers in 5.7%. The key in the recovery of this population includes higher survival rates of juveniles combined with increased available habitat for newly reproducing individuals. This process led to the occupancy of new areas for hauling out and breeding. This hypothesis could explain the higher rates of increase in pups in peripheral areas while reproductive rates remain unchanged.
PARALLEL RECOGNITION ALGORITHMS FOR GRAPHS WITH RESTRICTED NEIGHBOURHOODS
Authors: DE AGOSTINO SERGIO , PETRESCHI ROSSELLA
Published: November 2004

In this paper three parallel recognition algorithms for threshold, matrogenic and box-threshold graphs, respectively, are given. These classes of graphs are inclusionwise comparable and depend only on their degree sequences. The algorithms run in O(log n) parallel time on a PRAM-EREW model of computation and require O(n/log n) processors when the degree sequence, ordered in decreasing fashion, is given as input.
GENERALIZED FIRST-FIT ALGORITHMS IN TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS
Authors: LI KEQIN , CHENG KAM-HOI
Published: November 2004

We investigate the two and three dimensional bin packing problems, i.e., packing a list of rectangles (boxes) into unit square (cube) bins so that the number of bins used is a minimum. A simple on-line packing algorithm for the one dimensional bin packing problem, the First-Fit algorithm, is generalized to two and three dimensions. We first give an algorithm for the two dimensional case and show that its asymptotic worse case performance ratio is [Formula: see text]. The algorithm is then generalized to the three dimensional case and its performance ratio [Formula: see text]. The second algorithm takes a parameter and we prove that by choosing the parameter properly, it has an asymptotic worst case performance bound which can be made as close as desired to 1.72=2.89 and 1.73=4.913 respectively in two and three dimensions.
STURMIAN WORDS AND AMBIGUOUS CONTEXT-FREE LANGUAGES
Authors: MIGNOSI FILIPPO
Published: November 2004

If x is a rational number, 0<x≤1, then A(x)c is a context-free language, where A(x) is the set of factors of the infinite Sturmian words with asymptotic density of 1’s smaller than or equal to x. We also prove a “gap” theorem i.e. A(x) can never be an unambiguous co-context-free language. The “gap” theorem is established by proving that the counting generating function of A(x) is transcendental. We show some links between Sturmian words, combinatorics and number theory.
REGULAR SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS IN λ-CALCULUS
Authors: PIPERNO ADOLFO , TRONCI ENRICO
Published: November 2004

Many problems arising in equational theories like Lambda-calculus and Combinatory Logic can be expressed by combinatory equations or systems of equations. However, the solvability problem for an arbitrarily given class of systems is in general undecidable. In this paper we shall focus our attention on a decidable class of systems, which will be called regular systems, and we shall analyse some classical problems and well-known properties of Lambda-calculus that can be described and solved by means of regular systems. The significance of such class will be emphasized showing that for slight extensions of it the solvability problem turns out to be undecidable.
MOTION DETECTION AND DIRECTION DETECTION IN LOCAL NEURAL NETS
Authors: Bauer H.-U. , Geisel T.
Published: November 2004

We present a model for motion and direction detection of moving pulses whose performance is independent of pulse velocity, size and shape. The input signal activates one row of instantaneous nodes and one row of time integrating input nodes acting as short-term memories. Motion detection is achieved locally by subnetworks which are trained with a synthetic training set using the backpropagation algorithm. The global network is constructed from these subnetworks, one for each position. We test its performance with different pulse shapes and sizes and find the response to be invariant in a window of pulse velocities an order of magnitude wide. The window can be shifted by adjusting the memory time of the input nodes.
AN ALL-OPTICAL HOPFIELD NETWORK: THEORY AND EXPERIMENT
Authors: Shouval Harel , Shariv Isaac , Grossman Tal , Friesem Asher A. , Domany Eytan
Published: November 2004

The implementation of an all-optical Hopfield-type neural network is made possible by eliminating the need for subtracting light intensities. This implementation is achieved without significantly degrading the network's performance, when only inhibitory connections (i.e., Jij <0) are used. The theoretical analysis of such a network, and its experimental implementation, exploiting a liquid crystal light valve for the neurons and an array of subholograms for the interconnections, are presented.
STATE-OF-THE-ART OF OPTICAL FIBERS, FIBER CABLES AND THEIR TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: MURATA HIROSHI
Published: November 2004

In this paper, state-of-the-art of optical fibers (centering on the wholly synthesized VAD fiber), fiber cables (including comparison of fiber cables), fiber amplifiers and their accessories concerned are reviewed.
A SURVEY OF DIGITAL SIGNAL MICROPROCESSORS
Authors: DEKA R. , SINGH B.
Published: November 2004

The results of a survey on Digital Signal Microprocessors (DSMs) are presented which summarize the useful information about various DSMs currently available on the market, developed by different manufacturers.
DIMENSION GROUPS WITH TORSION
Authors: ELLIOTT GEORGE A.
Published: November 2004

The notion of unperforated ordered group is extended to include groups with torsion, and the theorem of Effros, Handelman, and Shen is generalised to that setting.
The Development of Medical-Pharmaceutical Thought in China
Authors: Unschuld Paul U.
Published: November 2004

An overview is given of the scope and development of medical-pharmaceutical thought in China. The study of the Chinese medical-pharmaceutical literature can illuminate aspects of early Chinese culture, medical thought and scientific development. A discussion of Shen-nung, the concept of pen-ts'ao, is given.