bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interference of programmed electromagnetic stimulation with pacemakers and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators
Authors: Gwechenberger Marianne , Rauscha Friedrich , Stix Günter , Schmid Gernot , Strametz‐Juranek Jeanette
Published: April 2006

A commercially available magnetic therapy system, designed for clinical application as well as for private use without medical supervision, was examined with respect to its potential for causing electromagnetic interference with implantable pacemakers (PMs) and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators (AICDs). A sample of 15 PMs and 5 AICDs were experimentally investigated. Each of the implants was realistically positioned in a homogeneous, electrically passive torso phantom and exposed to the magnetic fields of the system's applicators (whole body mat, cushion, and bar applicator). The detection thresholds of the implants were programmed to maximum sensitivity and both unipolar as well as bipolar electrode configurations were considered. The evaluation of possible interferences was derived from the internal event storages and pacing statistics recorded by the implants during exposure. Any “heart activity” recorded by the implants during exposure was interpreted as a potential interference, because the implant obviously misinterpreted the external interference signal as a physiological signal. Only cases without any recorded “heart activity” and with nominal pacing rates (as expected from the program parameter settings) of the implants were rated as “interference‐free.” Exposure to the whole body mat (peak magnetic induction up to 265 µT) did not show an influence on PMs and AICD in any case. The cushion applicator at the highest field intensity (peak magnetic induction up to 360 µT) led to atrial sensing defects in four PM models with unipolar electrode configuration. Under bipolar electrode configuration no disturbances occurred. The bar applicator led to sensing problems and consecutively reduced pacing rates in all tested PM models under unipolar electrode configuration and maximum field intensity (peak magnetic induction up to 980 µT). Bipolar electrode configuration resolved the problem. The investigated AICDs did not show malfunctions under any investigated condition. In conclusion, the examined PEMF therapy system did not interfere with the investigated implantable cardiac devices with bipolar electrode configuration. However, unipolar electrode configuration in pacemakers seems to be potentially hazardous during application of the examined PEMF therapy system. Bioelectromagnetics 27:365–377, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sodium butyrate‐treated embryonic stem cells yield hepatocyte‐like cells expressing a glycolytic phenotype
Authors: Sharma N.S. , Shikhanovich R. , Schloss R. , Yarmush M.L.
Published: April 2006

Embryonic stem cells serve as a promising technology to obtain specific cell types for a number of biomedical applications. Because traditional techniques, such as embryoid body formation result in a wide array of differentiated cells such as hepatic, neuronal, and cardiac lineages, strategies have been utilized which favor cell‐specific differentiation to generate more uniformity. In the present study, we have investigated the use of sodium butyrate in a monolayer culture configuration to mediate hepatocyte differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells. Several functional assays used to characterize hepatocyte function (viz. urea secretion, intracellular albumin content, cytokeratin 18, and glycogen staining) were used to analyze the differentiating cell population, suggesting the presence of an enriched population of hepatocyte‐like cells. Since mature hepatocytes mediate energy metabolism predominantly through oxidative means as opposed to hepatocyte precursors, which are primarily glycolytic, we have performed a kinetic analysis of glycolytic and functional capacity to characterize the differentiated cells. In conjunction with mitochondrial mass and activity measurements, we show that Na‐butyrate‐mediated differentiated cells mediate energy metabolism predominantly through glycolysis. This metabolic and mitochondrial characterization can assist in evaluating stem cell differentiation and may prove useful in identifying key regulatory molecules in mediating further differentiation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in the natural history of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC)—Comparison of outcomes and characteristics in patients with advanced NSCLC entered in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group trials before and after 1990
Authors: Wakelee Heather A. , Bernardo Patricia , Johnson David H. , Schiller Joan H.
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND

Demographic factors and treatment regimens were evaluated in relation to differences in outcome between patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were diagnosed and treated on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Phase II and III trials from 1981 to 1990 and from 1991 to 2000.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, 6 advanced NSCLC trials were identified between 1981 and 1990, and 3 trials were identified after 1990. Patient characteristics (n = 3398 patients) and other clinical outcomes were analyzed, including progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Patients who entered on trials after 1990 more likely were women, received a cisplatin‐containing regimen, had a performance status of 0 or 1, had Stage IIIB (vs. Stage IV) disease, had tumors with adenocarcinoma histology, had weight loss ≤10%, and had pulmonary‐only metastases (although more total metastases and brain metastases) compared with patients who were diagnosed before 1990. OS was longer post‐1990 than pre‐1990 (8.2 months vs. 5.8 months pre‐1990), and PFS was longer post‐1990 (3.5 months vs. 2.6 months pre‐1990; P<.001 for both). In addition, the median interval from the date of disease progression to death increased by nearly 62% in the later decade.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved survival in more recent NSCLC trials was explained in part by the enrollment of patients with more favorable prognostic factors. A change in the natural history of the disease was reflected by some of these changes, including increased numbers of women with the disease and changes in the patterns of metastases. Changes in eligibility criteria also accounted for some improvements in prognostic factors and improved second line therapies in the later decade. Thus, the survival improvements are likely to be multifactorial, with improved therapies also playing a major role. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Long‐term memory colors of Korean and Hungarian observers
Authors: Tarczali Tünde , Park Du‐Sik , Bodrogi Peter , Kim Chang Yeong
Published: April 2006

Long‐term memory colors have been discussed extensively in the literature but previous articles focused on reflecting color samples. In this work, we studied six important long‐term memory colors, skin (both Caucasian and Oriental), green grass, blue sky, deciduous foliage, orange, and banana, in the viewing situation of a self‐luminous color monitor, for two different observer groups, Koreans and Hungarians. We quantified the long‐term memory colors of both observer groups in terms of CIE L*,a*,b* values, in a given viewing situation, and estimated interobserver variability. We used a comprehensive psychophysical experimental methodology including both the method of constant stimuli and the method of adjustment. In many cases, we found significant differences (t tests, P < 0.05) between the Korean and the Hungarian long‐term memory colors. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 176–183, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20192
Recognized visual space of illumination: No simultaneous color contrast effect on light source colors
Authors: Cunthasaksiri Prasit , Shinoda Hiroyuki , Ikeda Mitsuo
Published: April 2006

Previous study [Cunthasaksiri et al., Color Res Appl 2004;29:255–260] showed that simultaneous color contrast (SCC) of an achromatic center‐chromatic surround configuration is a result of a cognitive process where color appearance of the center stimulus is determined in relation to a cortical representation of illuminant for a space or recognized visual space of illumination (RVSI) derived from the contiguous surround. Based on the same basis, we further examined the other characteristic of SCC in which it is imperceptible at relatively high stimulus luminance. It was thought that at this luminance the stimulus possibly appears as a light source where its color appearance is irrelevant to the RVSI. This is because the visual system has learned and adopted the fact that light from an illuminated surface includes the attributes of both illumination and surface reflectance whereas light from a light source is not contaminated. As a result, it could be hypothesized that SCC would not manifest in the light source mode. Observers adjusted a variable luminance achromatic stimulus under four chromatic illuminant conditions (from greenish to whitish) for imperceptible SCC threshold (LT‐noSCC) and light source threshold (LT‐ls). The results showed that first LT‐noSCC remained under LT‐ls under all illuminant conditions, implying thatno SCC occurs in light source mode. Second, neither the highest strength of SCC nor the luminance ratio (Ltest/Lsurround) explains LT‐noSCC. It suggested that the RVSI determines LT‐noSCC. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 184–190, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20207
Taking the footing of a neutral mediator
Authors: Heisterkamp Brian L.
Published: April 2006

This study employs conversation analysis as a method for examining conversational footing in order to achieve mediator neutrality in a court‐sanctioned mediation program. Data for the study are video recordings of actual mediation sessions. Participants include volunteer mediators and disputants who filed small claims cases at a county justice court. As first described by Goffman, conversational footing describes the various degrees of participation that interactants can have in relation to their own remarks.
Mediating in your pajamas: The benefits and challenges for ODR practitioners
Authors: Raines Susan S.
Published: April 2006

Many alternative dispute resolution (ADR) professionals remain skeptical of on‐line dispute resolution (ODR) out of a belief that the cold, impersonal realm of cyberspace cannot adequately accommodate human emotions and meet the needs of disputants as fully as face‐to‐face ADR processes. This essay discusses how emotions and cognitive limitations influence the mediation process on‐line, possible methods by which ODR neutrals may address human needs, and some of the challenges and rewards experienced by ODR practitioners as they use technology to deliver traditional ADR services.
Accreditation of on‐line dispute resolution practitioners
Authors: Tyler Melissa Conley , Bornstein Jackie
Published: April 2006

The incorporation of ODR into the practice of dispute resolution creates the need to address issues of accreditation such as the qualifications of practitioners and standards of practice for resolving disputes on‐line. This article outlines models for accrediting practitioners, including case studies of accreditation systems introduced by ODR providers, and the impact such models may have on the emerging field of ODR. The article is based on research conducted for the Department of Justice Victoria (Conley Tyler, Bornstein, and Bretherton, 2004).
The study of quick download mechanism in an infrastructural wireless environment
Authors: Shin Haw‐Yun , Wu Jean‐Lien C.
Published: April 2006

Frequent handoff consumes a lot of system capability and signalling resources in a mobile system. In this paper, we present download mechanisms in mobile systems or broadcast systems to support data users to receive the whole packet in time before moving out of the coverage area. Three download strategies: Quick Download using Multi‐channel (QDM) scheme, Prior Download using Single channel (PDS) scheme and the Quit Download (QUD) scheme are proposed in this study where the efficiencies of the three strategies are compared with the one without particular treatment. Some significant estimations such as the percentage of handoff data users having completed service before leaving the cell, the mean waiting time of non‐handoff data users, and the blocking probability of data users are analysed and compared. The numerical results show that, the QDM strategy is most efficient in reducing the handoff rate, the QUD strategy can assure the waiting time of non‐handoff data users and the PDS strategy can keep the handoff rate constant at light and heavy voice load. Furthermore, various number of guard channels for data users are evaluated in terms of data and voice performance based on various download strategies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proxy‐based failure detection in multimedia streaming environments
Authors: Jeon Seongkwu , Lee Jongmin , Cha Hojung , Ha Rhan
Published: April 2006

This paper presents an effective failure‐detection mechanism called the ‘dynamic threshold,’ which has specifically developed for use with multimedia streaming applications. Compared to the conventional failure‐detection methods, which normally use a fixed threshold to detect a server failure, the proposed mechanism detects the failure in an effective and timely manner by using a dynamically adjusted timeout value upon which queries are sent to suspected streaming servers running in a dynamic network environment. The failover mechanism based on the dynamic threshold was implemented in a real streaming environment. The empirical results show that the dynamic threshold mechanism performs better than the conventional method in terms of timeliness, with comparable accuracy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphogenetic adaptation of the looping embryonic heart to altered mechanical loads
Authors: Nerurkar Nandan L. , Ramasubramanian Ashok , Taber Larry A.
Published: April 2006

The biophysical mechanisms that drive and regulate cardiac looping are not well understood, but mechanical forces likely play a central role. Previous studies have shown that cardiac torsion, which defines left–right directionality, is caused largely by forces exerted on the heart tube by a membrane called the splanchnopleure (SPL). Here we show that, when the SPL is removed from the embryonic chick heart, torsion is initially suppressed. Several hours later, however, normal torsion is restored. This delayed torsion coincides with increased myocardial stiffness, especially on the right side of the heart. Exposure to the myosin inhibitor Y‐27632 suppressed both responses, suggesting that the delayed torsion is caused by an abnormal cytoskeletal contraction. This hypothesis is supported further by computational modeling. These results suggest that the looping embryonic heart has the ability to adapt to changes in the mechanical environment, which may play a regulatory role during morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 235:1822–1829, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predictable mosaic transgene expression in ascidian embryos produced with a simple electroporation device
Authors: Zeller Robert W. , Virata Michael J. , Cone Angela C.
Published: April 2006

Two customized electroporators were specifically designed for creating transgenic ascidian embryos. These electroporators were simple to build, inexpensive, and produced transgenic embryos with efficiencies that equaled or rivaled commercially available machines. A key design feature of these machines resulted in the generation of consistent electroporation pulses providing repeatability between experiments. These devices were used to optimize experimental parameters allowing for the creation of transient transgenic embryos with predictable patterns of mosaic transgene expression. We used these new electroporators to examine the expression of two different fluorescent protein reporter genes with regard to embryonic cell lineage. In general, transgene expression followed the embryonic cell lineage and coelectroporated transgenes were always expressed in the same embryonic cells. Our analysis also indicated that, during development, transgenes could be lost from embryonic cells, suggesting that transgenes may be present in extrachromosomal arrays, as has been observed in other organisms. Our new electroporator designs will allow ascidian researchers to inexpensively produce transgenic ascidians and should prove useful for adapting the electroporation technique to other marine embryo systems. Developmental Dynamics 235:1921–1932, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Xenopus fibrillin is expressed in the organizer and is the earliest component of matrix at the developing notochord‐somite boundary
Authors: Skoglund P. , Dzamba B. , Coffman C.R. , Harris W.A. , Keller R.
Published: April 2006

We identify a Xenopus fibrillin homolog (XF), and show that its earliest developmental expression is in presumptive dorsal mesoderm at gastrulation, and that XF expression is regulated by mesoderm‐inducing factors in animal cap assays. XF protein is also first detected in presumptive mesoderm, but is concentrated specifically into extracellular‐matrix structures that begin to develop de novo by mid‐gastrulation at both of the bilateral presumptive notochord‐somite boundaries. Later in embryogenesis, XF protein is localized to the extracellular matrix at tissue boundaries, where it is found surrounding the notochord, the somites, and the neural tube, as well as under the epidermis. This pattern of protein deposition combines to give the appearance of an “embryonic skeleton,” suggesting that one role for XF is to serve as a mechanical element in the embryo prior to bone deposition. Developmental Dynamics 235:1974–1983, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stromal Hoxa5 function controls the growth and differentiation of mammary alveolar epithelium
Authors: Garin Élisabeth , Lemieux Margot , Coulombe Yan , Robinson Gertraud W. , Jeannotte Lucie
Published: April 2006

Recent progress has enlightened the involvement of Hox genes in organogenesis. Several Hox genes are expressed in normal and neoplastic mammary glands. Using Hoxa5 mutant mice, we showed that Hoxa5−/− females present nursing defects. Characterization of the Hoxa5−/− mammary gland phenotype reveals changes in proliferation and differentiation of the epithelium of nulliparous and pregnant Hoxa5−/− females that precede the abnormal secretory activity at parturition. These defects likely underlie the incapacity of Hoxa5−/− dams to properly feed their pups. Hoxa5 expression is restricted to the mammary stroma at specific stages of mammary gland development. The loss of Hoxa5 function causes accelerated lobuloalveolar epithelium development, a phenotype that can be rescued upon grafting of mutant mammary epithelium into wild‐type fat pads. Conversely, reciprocal grafting experiments demonstrate that Hoxa5−/− stroma cannot support normal proliferation of wild‐type mammary epithelium. These data establish the essential contribution of Hoxa5 to mammary epithelium instruction by means of mesenchymal–epithelial crosstalk. Developmental Dynamics 235:1858–1871, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Second‐Generation Dendrimer with Six 2,9‐Dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline Units as Ligand for Copper‐Catalyzed Reactions
Authors: Lüning Ulrich , Eggert Jan P. W. , Hagemann Kathrin
Published: April 2006

2,9‐Dimethyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline (neocuproine, 1) has been attached to dendritic structures through its 5‐position providing a trimer 7 and the hexamers 11 and 12. The copper‐binding capability of the hexamer 12 has been studied, and the 6:1 complex has been used to catalyze the Cu+‐promoted substitution of an iodoarene 14 to give an aryl ether 15. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Stereoselective Synthesis of the Monomeric Unit of SCH 351448
Authors: Backes J. René , Koert Ulrich
Published: April 2006

The monomeric unit of the macrodiolide SCH 351448 has been synthesized from three building blocks. Strategic disconnections were chosen between C21–C22 (Wittig) and C10–C11 (stereoselective aldol). The cis configuration of both 2,6‐disubstituted tetrahydropyran rings was established by a stereoselective cationic reduction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Extracellular tumor DNA in plasma and overall survival in breast cancer patients
Authors: Garcia Jose M. , Garcia Vanesa , Silva Javier , Peña Cristina , Dominguez Gemma , Sanchez Antonio , Sanfrutos Luis , Provencio Mariano , Millan Isabel , Chaparro Dolores , España Pilar , Bonilla Felix
Published: April 2006

In this study, we examined whether free DNA extracted from the plasma of breast cancer patients, characterized as tumor DNA, could predict the overall survival (OS) of breast cancer patients. In total, 147 patients and 35 healthy controls were studied. Plasma DNA was assessed in the same way as tumor DNA, following identification of similar alterations in polymorphic markers and TP53 gene mutations. Although OS was the main focus of this study, recurrence and disease‐free survival (DFS) were also analyzed. In 61 of the 142 patients, with an average 58 months of follow‐up, a similar molecular signature in tumor and plasma DNA was detected. OS was 71% (95% CI, 61%–81%), and distribution as regards tumor plasma DNA was 59% (95% CI, 45%–73%) for positive cases and 83% (95% CI, 73%–93%) for negative cases (P = 0.01). Univariate analysis revealed a predictive value for tumor plasma DNA (P = 0.018) hazard ratio (HR) 2.5 (95% CI, 1.2–5.3), while multivariate analysis did not (P = 0.3), HR 1.6 (95% CI, 0.6–4.4). DFS was 37% (95% CI, 19%–55%) for positive patients and 75% (95% CI, 57%–93%) for negative patients (P = 0.005). Among the 35 recurrences observed, 25 were positive for tumor plasma DNA and 10 were negative, (P < 0.001). These results indicate that tumor plasma DNA at diagnosis can serve as a prognostic marker of the OS of breast cancer patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The v‐MFG test: investigating maternal, offspring and maternal‐fetal genetic incompatibility effects on disease and viability
Authors: Hsieh Hsin‐Ju , Palmer Christina G.S. , Harney Sinead , Newton Julia L. , Wordsworth Paul , Brown Matthew A. , Sinsheimer Janet S.
Published: April 2006

The MFG test is a family‐based association test that detects genetic effects contributing to disease in offspring, including offspring allelic effects, maternal allelic effects and MFG incompatibility effects. Like many other family‐based association tests, it assumes that the offspring survival and the offspring‐parent genotypes are conditionally independent provided the offspring is affected. However, when the putative disease‐increasing locus can affect another competing phenotype, for example, offspring viability, the conditional independence assumption fails and these tests could lead to incorrect conclusions regarding the role of the gene in disease. We propose the v‐MFG test to adjust for the genetic effects on one phenotype, e.g., viability, when testing the effects of that locus on another phenotype, e.g., disease. Using genotype data from nuclear families containing parents and at least one affected offspring, the v‐MFG test models the distribution of family genotypes conditional on offspring phenotypes. It simultaneously estimates genetic effects on two phenotypes, viability and disease. Simulations show that the v‐MFG test produces accurate genetic effect estimates on disease as well as on viability under several different scenarios. It generates accurate type‐I error rates and provides adequate power with moderate sample sizes to detect genetic effects on disease risk when viability is reduced. We demonstrate the v‐MFG test with HLA‐DRB1 data from study participants with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and their parents, we show that the v‐MFG test successfully detects an MFG incompatibility effect on RA while simultaneously adjusting for a possible viability loss. Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age affects ERK1/2 and NRF2 signaling in the regulation of GCLC expression
Authors: Li Muyao , Liu Rui‐Ming , Timblin Cynthia R. , Meyer Suzanne G. , Mossman Brooke T. , Fukagawa Naomi K.
Published: April 2006

We previously reported that activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) DNA binding activity was increased in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from old rats when exposed to high glucose or tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) (Li et al., 2003. J Cell Physiol 197:418–425). We have now examined the relationship between the age‐dependent activation of the ERK1/2–AP‐1 pathway and modulation of constitutive gene expression of the catalytic subunit of glutamate‐cysteine ligase (GCLC) in response to high glucose and TNF‐α. GCLC mRNA levels were higher in VSMC from old rats compared to young, a pattern consistent with its protein levels. To determine whether age‐related activation of ERK1/2‐AP‐1 signaling is responsible for the up‐regulation of GCLC, the MEK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126, were used to block ERK1/2 in VSMC from old rats. An increase in GCLC with inhibitors was observed, diminishing the likelihood of ERK1/2‐AP‐1 activation as the up‐regulating signal for GCLC. However, the transcription factor Nrf2 was higher in nuclei and accompanied by increased Nrf2‐ARE binding in VSMC from old rats. Furthermore, MEK inhibitors increased nuclear Nrf2 and Nrf2/ARE binding. These data suggest opposing effects of Nrf2 and ERK1/2 signaling in the modulation of GCLC expression in old animals. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Formal gas‐phase polar [4 + 1+] cycloaddition of ionized methylene to α‐dicarbonyl compounds: synthesis of 2‐unsubstituted 1,3‐dioxoles
Authors: Meurer Eduardo C. , Cabrini Liliane G. , Gozzo Fabio C. , Eberlin Marcos N.
Published: April 2006

Ion/molecule reactions of +CH2 OCH2· with α‐dicarbonyl compounds were performed via pentaquadrupole mass spectrometry. Besides the previously known [3+ + 2] 1,3‐cycloaddition reaction that forms cyclic 1,3‐dioxonium ions, an unprecedented reaction proceeding formally by [4 + 1+] cycloaddition of ionized methylene (CH2+·) to the α‐dicarbonyl compounds occurs competitively, leading to the gas‐phase synthesis of several ionized 2‐unsubstituted 1,3‐dioxoles. This novel cycloaddition reaction may therefore be added to the set of methods available for the synthesis of 1,3‐dioxoles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photodynamic therapy: Combined modality approaches targeting the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Gomer Charles J. , Ferrario Angela , Luna Marian , Rucker Natalie , Wong Sam
Published: April 2006

Background and Objectives

Photodynamic therapy causes direct cytotoxicity to malignant cells within a tumor. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can also have both direct and indirect effects upon various non‐malignant components of the tumor microenvironment. This action can lead to PDT‐mediated angiogenesis and inflammation, which are emerging as important determinants of PDT responsiveness.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Preclinical studies have been performed to document how PDT modulates the tumor microenvironment. The expression, function, and treatment relevance of angiogenic growth factors, proteinases, and inflammatory molecules have been monitored following PDT using mouse tumor models.

Results

Photofrin‐mediated PDT was shown to be a strong activator of VEGF, MMPs, and COX‐2 derived prostaglandins within the tumor microenvironment. Inhibitors that target these angiogenic and pro‐survival molecules can enhance the effectiveness of PDT.

Conclusions

Improvements in PDT tumor responsiveness may be achieved by employing combined modality regimens targeting malignant cells as well as treatment‐induced angiogenesis and/or inflammation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diabetic ketoacidosis precipitated by subacute (De Quervain's) thyroiditis
Authors: Talapatra I , Tymms DJ
Published: April 2006

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is often precipitated by another illness. Less common causes are rarely sought. We describe the case of a 48‐year‐old man with diabetic ketoacidosis. When transferred from intravenous insulin infusion to subcutaneous insulin, his requirements were higher than usual. Liver function tests were abnormal but recurrence of his previously treated carcinoma colon was excluded by investigation. His thyroid hormone levels were markedly elevated, but fell rapidly to hypothyroid levels even after his initial carbimazole therapy was discontinued, suggesting a diagnosis of subacute thyroiditis. His insulin requirements fell on resolving the hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism was probably the main precipitant of his DKA but was not identified at presentation. We recommend that hyperthyroidism is excluded in patients presenting with ketoacidosis when the precipitating cause is unclear. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐stepwise GMR and layers magnetic reversal in uniaxial Fe/Cr superlattices
Authors: Ustinov V. V. , Milyaev M. A. , Romashev L. N. , Krinitsina T. P. , Burkhanov A. M. , Lauter‐Pasyuk V. V. , Lauter H. J.
Published: April 2006

We investigated the structure, magnetic and magnetoresistive properties of the antiferromagnetically coupled superlattices [Fe(85Å)/Cr(t , Å)]12 with the Cr layers thickness tCr =12.4 and 13.6 Å grown simultaneously on (100)MgO and (211)MgO substrates. It is shown that (211)MgO substrate is appropriate for the growth of (210)Fe/Cr multilayers with a strong uniaxial in‐plane anisotropy. The stepwise behavior of magnetization and magnetoresistance is revealed in the case when the magnetic field is applied along the easy axis in the film plane of the (211)MgO/[(210)Fe/Cr]12 superlattices. The steps on the M (H ) and ΔR (H )/R dependences are caused by the flip of magnetic moments of individual Fe layers. The qualitative information about the sequence of spin‐flip transitions is extracted from the comparative analysis of magnetization and magnetoresistance data. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Invariant currents on limit sets
Authors: Lott John
Published: April 2006

We relate the L2-cohomology of a complete hyperbolic manifold to the invariant currents on its limit set.
Structures de contact sur les variétés fibrées en cercles au-dessus d'une surface
Authors: Giroux E.
Published: April 2006

Soit

V

une variété fibrée en cercles au-dessus d'une surface

S

de genre

g > 0

. Cet article fournit, pour les structures de contact sur

V

, les analogues de résultats bien connus pour les feuilletages dûs à J. Milnor, J. Wood, W. Thurston, S. Matsumoto et É. Ghys. Dans la partie 1, on démontre que

V

porte une structure de contact transversale aux fibres si et seulement si le nombre d'Euler de la fibration vaut au plus

2g - 2

. Dans la partie 2, on établit le fait suivant pour toute structure de contact

\xi

sur

V

: ou bien

\xi

est isotope à une structure transversale aux fibres, ou bien il existe, dans un revêtement fini de

V

, une courbe legendrienne isotope aux fibres le long de laquelle

\xi

définit la même trivialisation normale que la projection sur

S

. Dans la partie 3, on classifie les structures de contact transversales aux fibres à isotopie et conjugaison près. Dans la partie 4, on étudie les structures de contact tendues quelconques sur

V

; on montre que les structures virtuellement vrillées forment un nombre fini de classes d'isotopie tandis que les classes d'isotopie des structures universellement tendues sont en bijection avec les classes d'isotopie des multi-courbes essentielles sur

S

.
Une infinité de structures de contact tendues sur les variétés toroïdales
Authors: Colin Vincent
Published: April 2006

We show that every closed, toroidal, irreducible, orientable 3-manifold carries infinitely many universally tight contact structures. On démontre que toute variété orientable, irréductible, close et toroïdale de dimension 3 porte une infinité de structures de contact universellement tendues.
Example Verifications Using Alphabet Axioms
Authors: Korver Henri , Sellink Alex
Published: April 2006

This paper is supplementary to [KoS98]. It illustrates by means of examples the use of alphabet axioms as presented in [KoS98]. Furthermore a brief overview of μCRL [GrP94] and its proof theory [GrP93] are added.
Partiality and Nondeterminacy in Program Proofs
Authors: Morris Joseph M. , Bunkenburg Alexander
Published: April 2006

Specifications and programs make much use of nondeterministic and/or partial expressions, i.e. expressions which may yield several or no outcomes for some values of their free variables. Traditional 2-valued logics do not comfortably accommodate reasoning about undefined expressions, and do not cater at all for nondeterministic expressions. We seek to rectify this with a 4-valued typed logic
E4
which classifies formulae as either “true”, “false”, “neither true nor false”, or “possibly true, possibly false”. The logic is derived in part from the 2-valued logic
E
and the 3-valued LPF, and preserves most of the theorems of
E
. Indeed, the main result is that nondeterminacy can be added to a logic covering partiality at little cost.
Spectra of elements in the group ring of $\mathrm{SU}(2)$
Authors: Gamburd Alex , Jakobson Dmitry , Sarnak Peter
Published: April 2006

We present a new method for establishing the “gap” property for finitely generated subgroups of

\mathrm{SU}(2)

, providing an elementary solution of Ruziewicz problem on

S^2

as well as giving many new examples of finitely generated subgroups of

\mathrm{SU}(2)

with an explicit gap. The distribution of the eigenvalues of the elements of the group ring

\mathbf{R}[\mathrm{SU}(2)]

in the

N

-th irreducible representation of

\mathrm{SU}(2)

is also studied. Numerical experiments indicate that for a generic (in measure) element of

\mathbf{R}[\mathrm{SU}(2)]

, the “unfolded” consecutive spacings distribution approaches the GOE spacing law of random matrix theory (for

N

even) and the GSE spacing law (for

N

odd) as

N\to \infty

; we establish several results in this direction. For certain special “arithmetic” (or
Ramanujan
) elements of

\mathbf{R}[\mathrm{SU}(2)]

the experiments indicate that the unfolded consecutive spacing distribution follows Poisson statistics; we provide a sharp estimate in that direction.
The First World Congress on Formal Methods in the Development of Computing Systems
Authors: Wing Jeanette , Woodcock Jim
Published: April 2006

Formal methods are coming of age: mathematical techniques and tools are now regarded as an important part of the development process in a wide range of industrial and governmental organisations. A transfer of technology into the mainstream of systems development is slowly, but surely, taking place.

FM'99, the First World Congress on Formal Methods in the Development of Computing Systems, was a result and a measure of this new-found maturity. It brought together an impressive array of industrial and applications-oriented papers that show how formal methods have been used to tackle real problems. The proceedings are published as Volumes 1708 and 1709 in Springer-Verlag's Lecture Notes in Computer Science.

These proceedings are a record of the technical symposium of FM'99. Alongside the papers describing applications of formal methods, you will find technical reports, papers, and abstracts detailing new advances in formal techniques, from mathematical foundations to practical tools.

After the World Congress, we decided that many papers deserved a wider audience, and we created an opportunity for their authors to revise and extend their work. The proceedings contain over one hundred papers, and we decided to publish twelve of them simultaneously in special issues of three journals: Formal Aspects of Computing, Formal Methods in System Design, and IEEE Transactions in Software Engineering. The papers selected are among the best submitted to FM'99, and were subjected to a rigorous second review process involving leading international academic and industrial researchers.
A characterization of graphs which can be approximated in area by smooth graphs
Authors: Mucci Domenico
Published: April 2006

For vector valued maps, convergence in W1,1 and of all minors of the Jacobian matrix in L1 is equivalent to convergence weakly in the sense of currents and in area for graphs. We show that maps defined on domains of dimension n S 3 can be approximated strongly in this sense by smooth maps if and only if the same property holds for the restriction to a.e. 2-dimensional plane intersecting the domain.
A reappraisal of the population dynamics of the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea, on lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta, in Scotland
Authors: Watt A. D. , Hicks B. J.
Published: April 2006

The pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea, is a defoliating pest of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests in Scotland. This article reviews early and recent research on the population ecology of Panolis flammea and presents an analysis of pupal survey data collected between 1977 and 1993. Research in the 1980s suggested that natural enemies, although effective in preventing P. flammea outbreaks on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), played an insignificant role in the population dynamics of P. flammea on lodgepole pine. However, analysis of pupal survey data showed that delayed density‐dependent action of natural enemies, probably parasitoids, was overlooked during the 1970s and 1980s. Recent research suggests that fungal pathogens are responsible for a decline in the frequency and severity of outbreaks of P. flammea on lodgepole pine. This suggestion, together with the overlooked importance of other natural enemies, indicates that the population ecology of P. flammea in Scotland has changed during the past 20 years and requires a full reappraisal.
Phenological diversity in tropical forests
Authors: Sakai S.
Published: April 2006

One of the most intriguing and complex characteristics of reproductive phenology in tropical forests is high diversity within and among forests. To understand such diversity, Newstrom et al. provided a systematic framework for the classification of tropical flowering phenology. They adopted frequency and regularity as criteria with priority, and classified plants in La Selva, Costa Rica, where most plants reproduced more than once a year irregularly. Many other studies have demonstrated annual cycles corresponding to rainfall patterns at the community level in Neotropical forests, including La Selva. On the other hand, supraannual flowering synchronized among various plant species, called general flowering, is known from aseasonal lowland dipterocarp forests in Southeast Asia. Within both forests, a wide spectrum of flowering patterns is found. This range of patterns suggests the great potential of tropical phenological studies to explore the selective pressures on phenology. Various abiotic and biotic factors can be selective agents. The shared pollinators hypothesis suggests that plant species sharing pollinators segregate flowering temporarily to minimize interspecific overlap in flowering times and thus minimize ineffective pollination or competition for pollinators, indicating strong phylogenetic constraints in timing and variation of flowering. Comparison of phenology within and among forests may help our understanding of phenological diversity. Attempts are now being made to develop a common language to communicate concepts and render interpretations of data more compatible among investigators and to create a network to promote comparative studies.
Contrasting scales of oviposition and parasitism in praying mantids
Authors: Fagan W. F. , Folarin A.
Published: April 2006

We report on spatial patterns of parasitism of oothecae (egg cases) of praying mantises (Stagmomantis limbata) by torymid wasps, Podagrion spp. Using collections of mapped mantid oothecae from Riparian sites in the Sonoran desert and Grassland sites in the Chiricahua Mountains (both in Arizona, USA), we characterized the spatial distributions of oothecae and parasitism. The likelihood of an egg case suffering some parasitism was higher at Grassland sites, which had high oothecal densities, than at low‐density Riparian sites. However, experimental isolation of Grassland oothecae to densities comparable to Riparian sites reduced parasitism rates. At Riparian sites, parasitized oothecae exhibited on average the same extent of parasitism as parasitized oothecae at high densities but with much greater variation. Indeed, large fractions of Riparian oothecae suffered both severe (>50%) and light (<20%) parasitism, whereas most parasitized Grassland oothecae suffered intermediate levels of parasitism. Analysis of first nearest neighbor distances indicated that the parasite load of an ootheca did not depend on its immediate isolation. However, extending the analysis to include subsequent nearest neighbors (using a technique from spatial statistics called the R(K) function), we found that even though oothecae of S. limbata were spatially clustered, some oothecae in a (statistically defined) cluster escaped parasitism when overall oothecal densities were low. This pattern suggests that when oothecae are sparsely distributed, Podagrion wasps exploit only a fraction of the oothecae available locally, even though the oothecae are strongly aggregated relative to their overall density. We suggest this lack of congruency in the scales of oothecal deposition and parasitism at low densities (which is absent when oothecae are at high densities) may be explained in part by behavioral aspects of the parasite's reproduction, including increased host fidelity by relatively sedentary female parasites.
Female‐biased operational sex ratio of sexual host fish in a gynogenetic complex of Carassius auratus
Authors: Hakoyama H. , Matsubara N. , Iguchi K.
Published: April 2006

To study the coexistence of sexual and gynogenetic forms, we examined the population structure of a gynogenetic complex of the Japanese crucian carp, Carassius auratus Temminck et Schlegel, during the April–June reproductive season by collecting 1225 mature fish that migrated from Lake Suwa to a tributary river for spawning. There were more sexual fish (about 80%) than gynogenetic fish in this complex, and the operational sex ratio in the sexual form was female biased (males were about 20%). Mean standard length and body weight of sexual females were larger than those of sexual males. Sex ratio was male biased in smaller fish (standard length, <8.5 cm) but female biased in larger fish (standard length, ≥8.5 cm). We determined age by scale ring marks; the average age of sexual females was higher than that of males, but there was no significant difference in the average age between sexual and gynogenetic females. Sex ratio in the sexual form was more female biased for old than for young fish, and the mean size of sexual females was larger than that of males of the same age. The clear female‐biased sex ratio and age difference between sexual females and males can be explained either by (1) higher mortality of males or by (2) female‐biased sex allocation. The latter process reduces the disadvantage of sex and contributes to the coexistence of sexual and gynogenetic forms.
Comparison of colony foundation success between sexual pairs and female asexual units in the termite Reticulitermes speratus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Matsuura Kenji , Nishida Takayoshi
Published: April 2006

In termites, a male and a female usually found a colony cooperatively. However, pairing efficiency tends to be low in Reticulitermes speratus because of a limited mate‐searching range, the female‐biased sex ratio, and a relatively low calling ability. Females that fail to pair with males found colonies either in female–female pairs or even alone. In the laboratory, we examined colony foundation by single females (F), female–female pairs (FF), and normal male–female pairs (FM). The time until colony foundation (when termites began excavating wood baits) differed significantly among the unit types. Time until excavation was much longer for single females than for FF and FM units, which reflects the relative success of colony foundation. The survival rate of single females was also significantly lower than that of FF‐ and FM‐unit females, although there was no difference between FF and FM units. This result demonstrates that cooperation, even female–female, promotes female survivorship. Nevertheless, the number of progeny per female was significantly lower in FF units than in FM units, possibly because females of FF units must share reproductive output. These results lead us to the conclusion that a normal monogamous pair is the best unit for colony foundation. Nevertheless, females alone can establish colonies by parthenogenesis, and even female–female cooperation promotes colony foundation success if pairing with males is not possible. Considering the functional decision for females in F and FF units of how much time to spend searching for a male mate, we believe that these facultative pathways of colony foundation by parthenogenesis have adaptive significance.
Possible Benefit of Preoperative Blood Deposit for Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Flordal Per‐Anders , Bergqvist David
Published: April 2006

Predictors for the need of blood transfusion were analyzed using multiple regression analysis in 1689 patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery before the age of 80 years and with a preoperative blood hemoglobin concentration above 110 g/L. Rectal surgery for malignant disease and pancreatic surgery (for malignant or benign disease) were associated with higher transfusion requirements (mean 2.4 units) than other operations (0.6 units). If two autologous units had been available in these patients, the fraction needing allogeneic transfusion could have been reduced from 59% to 31%. It would not be effective to predonate more than 2 units. For other types of surgery the rate of allogeneic transfusion would not have been much reduced, and most autologous blood would have been wasted.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Pit Viper Envenomation: Prospective, Controlled Trial
Authors: Kerrigan Kevin R. , Mertz Bruce L. , Nelson Stephen J. , Dye James D.
Published: April 2006

The efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics for preventing infectious complications at the site of pit viper envenomation has not been well studied. We undertook a prospective, controlled trial of antibiotic treatment versus no antibiotic treatment among 114 victims of crotalid envenomation in Ecuador's Amazon rain forest. A group of 59 patients received intravenous gentamicin and chloramphenicol, and 55 patients did not. All other aspects of care were identical. There were no statistically significant differences between antibiotic‐treated and untreated patients with regard to demographics, delay in treatment, clinical and laboratory evidence of severity of envenomation, or use of antivenin. Nine abscesses occurred, six in the antibiotic‐treated group and three in the untreated group. The results of this study did not show any statistically significant differences in outcome in terms of the number of abscesses that occurred between antibiotic‐treated and untreated patients. Based on this lack of differences, routine use of prophylactic antibiotics for prevention of infectious complications of crotalid envenomation cannot be recommended.
Preoperative Risk Assessment of Hepatic Resection for Malignant Disease
Authors: Cohnert T.U. , Rau H.G. , Buttler E. , Hernandez‐Richter T. , Sauter G. , Reuter C. , Schildberg F.W.
Published: April 2006

Clinical, laboratory, functional, and volumetric data of 340 consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resection for malignant disease between November 1990 and June 1995 were analyzed. The operative mortality was 3.3% (8/244 patients). Among 178 patients with liver metastases and 66 with primary hepatobiliary tumors the hospital mortality was 4.1% (10/244 patients)
and morbidity 22.0% (54/244 patients). Survival after hepatectomy was strongly influenced by the extent of resection quantified by the parenchymal hepatic resection rate. The prediction of fatal postoperative complications can be improved for patients with hepatic metastases by calculating the liver resection index (sensitivity 75%, specificity 83%).