bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug‐Disease Interactions: Losartan Effect Is Not Downregulated by Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Daneshtalab Noriko , Lewanczuk Richard Z. , Russell Anthony S. , Jamali Fakhreddin
Published: October 2006

Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, reduce response to calcium channel and β‐adrenergic antagonists but not the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist valsartan. Inflammation also reduces clearance of some drugs or active metabolite, thereby reducing response. Active (n = 14) and controlled rheumatoid arthritis (n = 12) and healthy subjects (n = 12) received losartan (100 mg). Blood pressures were measured, and samples were taken for pharmacokinetic and inflammatory mediator concentration determination. Active disease significantly increased arthritic index, nitric oxide, and C‐reactive protein. Although no between‐group difference in plasma losartan concentration‐time curves was observed, concentrations of the active metabolite, EXP 3174, were significantly reduced by arthritis. This, however, was not accompanied by reduced clinical response. One subject produced no detectable concentrations of EXP 3174 likely due to insufficient CYP2C9 activity. Despite reduced concentrations of the active metabolite, AT1R antagonists potency does not appear to be reduced by inflammation.
Attitudes to antipsychotic drugs and their side effects: a comparison between general practitioners and the general population
Authors: Helbling Josef , Ajdacic-Gross Vladeta , Lauber Christoph , Weyermann Ruth , Burns Tom , Rössler Wulf
Published: October 2006

Background

Attitudes towards antipsychotic medication play an important part in the treatment for schizophrenia and related disorders. We aimed measuring general practitioners' attitudes to antipsychotic drugs and their adverse side effects and comparing these with the attitudes of the general population.

Methods

Analysis and comparison of two representative samples, one comprising 100 General Practitioners (GPs), the other 791 individuals randomly selected from the general population. The setting was the German speaking cantons of Switzerland.

Results

General practitioners have significantly more positive attitudes towards anti-psychotic drugs than the general public. They reject widespread prejudices about the use of anti-psychotic medication significantly more than the general population. In particular the risk of dependency was assessed as 'low' by GP's (80%), in contrast to only 18% of the general population sample. In no instance did a majority of the GPs advise not tolerating any of the 10 possible adverse effects presented in this study. This is in marked contrast to the general population sample, where a majority recommended discontinuation for movement disorder (63%), strong tremor (59%), risk of dependency (55%) and feelings of unrest (54%).

Conclusion

As well as effective management of side-effects being a vital aspect of patient and carer education, prescribing doctors need to be aware that their mentally ill patients are likely to be confronted with extremely negative public attitudes towards antipsychotic medication and with strong pressures to stop taking their medication in the event of side-effects.
Hepatocyte growth factor ameliorates dermal sclerosis in the tight-skin mouse model of scleroderma
Authors: Iwasaki Tsuyoshi , Imado Takehito , Kitano Sachie , Sano Hajime
Published: October 2006

The tight-skin (TSK/+) mouse, a genetic model of systemic sclerosis (SSc), develops cutaneous fibrosis and defects in pulmonary architecture. Because hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is an important mitogen and morphogen that contributes to the repair process after tissue injury, we investigated the role of HGF in cutaneous fibrosis and pulmonary architecture defects in SSc using TSK/+ mice. TSK/+ mice were injected in the gluteal muscle with either hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) liposomes containing 8 μg of a human HGF expression vector (HGF-HVJ liposomes) or a mock vector (untreated control). Gene transfer was repeated once weekly for 8 weeks. The effects of HGF gene transfection on the histopathology and expression of tumor growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-4 mRNA in TSK/+ mice were examined. The effect of recombinant HGF on IL-4 production by TSK/+ CD4+ T cells stimulated by allogeneic dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro was also examined. Histologic analysis revealed that HGF gene transfection in TSK/+ mice resulted in a marked reduction of hypodermal thickness, including the subcutaneous connective tissue layer. The hypodermal thickness of HGF-treated TSK/+ mice was decreased two-fold to three-fold compared with untreated TSK/+ mice. However, TSK/+ associated defects in pulmonary architecture were unaffected by HGF gene transfection. HGF gene transfection significantly inhibited the expression of IL-4 and TGF-β1 mRNA in the spleen and skin but not in the lung. We also performed a mixed lymphocyte culture and examined the effect of recombinant HGF on the generation of IL-4. Recombinant HGF significantly inhibited IL-4 production in TSK/+ CD4+ T cells stimulated by allogeneic DCs. HGF gene transfection inhibited IL-4 and TGF-β mRNA expression, which has been postulated to have a major role in fibrinogenesis and reduced hypodermal thickness, including the subcutaneous connective tissue layer of TSK/+ mice. HGF might represent a novel strategy for the treatment of SSc.
Decreasing TNF-α results in less fibrosis and earlier resolution of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Chen Kemin , Wei Yongzhong , Sharp Gordon C , Braley-Mullen Helen
Published: October 2006

Granulomatous experimetal autoimmune thyroiditis (G-EAT) is induced in DBA/1 mice by adoptive transfer of mouse thyroglobulin (MTg)-primed spleen cells. TNF-α is an important proinflammatory cytokine and apoptotic molecule involved in many autoimmune diseases. To study its role in G-EAT, anti-TNF-α mAb was given to recipient mice. Disease severity was comparable between mice with or without anti-TNF-α treatment at days 19–21, the time of maximal severity of G-EAT, suggesting TNF-α is not essential for development of thyroid inflammation. However, thyroid lesions resolved at day 48 in anti-TNF-α-treated mice, while thyroids of rat Ig-treated controls had fibrosis. These results suggested that reducing TNF-α contributed to resolution of inflammation and inhibited fibrosis. Gene and protein expression of inflammatory molecules was examined by RT-PCR and immunostaining, and apoptosis was detected using TUNEL staining and an apoptosis kit. Thyroids of anti-TNF-α-treated controls had reduced proinflammatory and profibrotic molecules, e.g., IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-17, inducible NOS and MCP-1, at day 19 compared with thyroids of rat Ig-treated mice. There were more apoptotic thyrocytes in rat Ig-treated controls than in anti-TNF-α-treated mice. The site of expression of the anti-apoptotic molecule FLIP also differed between rat Ig-treated and anti-TNF-α-treated mice. FLIP was predominantly expressed by inflammatory cells of rat Ig-treated mice and by thyrocytes of anti-TNF-α-treated mice. These results suggest that anti-TNF-α may regulate expression of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis in thyroids, resulting in less inflammation, earlier resolution, and reduced fibrosis.
Surgical Management of Hypothalamic Hamartomas with Epilepsy: the Stereoendoscopic Approach
Authors: Procaccini Emidio , Dorfmüller Georg , Fohlen Martine , Bulteau Christine , Delalande Olivier
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVE:

Hypothalamic hamartomas (HHs) require surgical treatment in patients presenting with refractory epilepsy.

METHODS:

The authors report on a single-center series of 33 patients (24 males, 9 females) who underwent surgery between January 1997 and April 2004. They experienced several types of seizure (gelastic, tonic, partial, atonic, generalized tonic-clonic, dacrystic, infantile spasm, mental retardation, and behavioral and endocrino-logical abnormalities). Forty-nine interventions were carried out. Every patient, with the exception of the first, underwent hamartoma disconnection (pterional approach, six patients; endoscopy, 15 patients; both, 11 patients). The endoscopic approach was carried out with a frameless stereotactic system to enhance feasibility and efficacy of the disconnecting procedure.

RESULTS:

Surgery-related neurological complications occurred in two patients, both after a pterional microsurgical approach. Furthermore, two patients experienced pan-hypopituitarism and one patient experienced transitory central insipid diabetes. All patients but one showed recovery or considerable improvement of their epilepsy (Engel Class 1, 48.5%; Engel Class 2, 3%; Engel Class 3, 45.5%; mean follow-up duration, 1 yr 7 mo).

CONCLUSION:

According to the proposed classification of sessile HH into four types, the best candidates for endoscopic disconnection are Type 2 and Type 3 HHs. In the present series, 90% of patients affected by Type 2 HH became seizure free and the remaining 10% improved; of those with Type 3 HH at presentation, 35.3% recovered and 60% improved. Neuropsychological and endocrinological test results showed improvement in many patients. Data from our series demonstrate that frameless stereotactic endoscopic disconnection should be considered as the treatment of choice in the presence of favorable anatomic conditions.
Axially Dynamic Implants for Stabilization of the Cervical Spine
Authors: Steinmetz Michael P. , Benzel Edward C. , Apfelbaum Ronald I.
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVE:

Subsidence is a naturally occurring process that is observed during aging and after spine surgery. Rigid cervical spine instrumentation is excellent for stabilizing the spine. These devices, however, also retard subsidence after surgery. Thus, the implant carries much of the axial load, rather than sharing the axial load with the bone graft. This results in an increased incidence of construct failures, pseudoarthrosis, or both, which often occur late in the postoperative course.

METHODS:

In contrast, dynamic implants allow normal (natural) subsidence to occur, while effectively stabilizing the spine by preventing translation, rotation, and angular deformation. Load sharing, which works with, instead of against, the normal biology of bone healing, occurs with axially dynamic implants, resulting in more robust and earlier fusions.

RESULTS:

Diminished incidences of construct failures have been reported with dynamic implants.

CONCLUSION:

Dynamic implants seem to be the system of choice for ventral cervical stabilization in selected patients.
Complication Avoidance in Peripheral Nerve Surgery:Injuries,Entrapments, and Tumors of the Extremities—part 2
Authors: Russell Stephen M. , Kline David G.
Published: October 2006

The goal of this two-part review is to discuss peripheral nerve surgery complications, along with the techniques and principles used to prevent them. In this second article, we concentrate on injuries, tumors, and entrapment of nerves in the extremities, including carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar nerve compression at the elbow.
Current Concepts in the Management of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Ecker Robert D. , Levy Elad I. , Sauvageau Eric , Hanel Ricardo A. , Hopkins L Nelson
Published: October 2006

MEDICALLY REFRACTORY, SYMPTOMATIC intracranial atherosclerotic disease has a poor prognosis. Based on the results of the Warfarin-Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial Disease study, the risk of ipsilateral stroke at 1.8 years is between 13 and 14% in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis. Synergistic advances in intracranial angioplasty and stenting, modern neuroimaging techniques, and periprocedural and postprocedural antithrombotic regimens are creating new models for the diagnosis and successful endovascular treatment of intracranial stenosis. In this article, the most recent clinical developments and concepts for the diagnosis and endovascular treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease are discussed.
Connexin43 is required for production of the aqueous humor in the murine eye
Authors: Calera Mónica R. , Topley Heather L. , Liao Yongbo , Duling Brian R. , Paul David L. , Goodenough Daniel A.
Published: October 2006

Connexin43 is a major component of the gap junctions between pigmented and non-pigmented cells of the double-layered epithelium in the ciliary body of the eye. We directly tested the hypothesis that gap junctions play a crucial role in the production of the aqueous humor by inactivating the GJA1 (connexin43) gene in the pigmented epithelium with cre-loxP technology. To accomplish this, we crossed a line expressing cre recombinase driven by the nestin promoter and a line with floxed connexin43 alleles. Resultant lines exhibited loss of connexin43 from the pigmented epithelium, iris, retinal pigment epithelium and the lens. We observed plasma proteins in the aqueous humor and pathological changes consistent with a loss of intraocular pressure. As the ciliary body is responsible for aqueous humor production, these data support the hypothesis that the gap junctions between pigmented and non-pigmented epithelium are necessary for production of the aqueous humor that is in turn required for the generation of normal intraocular pressure and nourishment of the postnatal lens. The loss of connexin43 expression in the iris correlated with a separation of the posterior pigmented epithelium from the anterior myoepithelium and with meiosis, possibly resulting from a loss of function of the dilator pupillae.
Water conservation in fasting northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris)
Authors: Lester-Jones Christen W. , Costa Daniel P.
Published: October 2006

Prolonged terrestrial fasting is a key element in the life history of elephant seals. While on land seals typically fast without access to fresh water, and thus must maintain positive water balance by reductions in water loss such that they can subsist primarily on metabolic water production (MWP). The terrestrial apnea demonstrated by seals may reduce respiratory evaporative water loss (REWL) to levels that allow seals to make a net gain of water from MWP. We empirically measured REWL in 13 fasting northern elephant seal pups and determined the effects on water conservation of a breathing mode that incorporates a regular pattern of apneas, of ≥1 min in duration, followed by eupneic recovery, compared with a breathing mode with no apneas longer than 20 s and resembling typical breathing patterns in other mammals (normative breathing). Overall REWL fell 41% from 0.075±0.013 g min-1(mean ± s.d.) during normative breathing to 0.044±0.006 g min-1 during apneic breathing. The decline in REWL is attributed to a decrease in overall ventilation rate, made possible by a decline in metabolic rate along with an increase in oxygen extraction that would occur during apneic breathing. Data on the range of ambient humidity conditions at the local breeding site were collected and used to bound the range of environmental conditions used in laboratory measurements. Our data showed that the observed variations in ambient humidity had no significant effect on REWL. A combination of apneic breathing and the complex nasal turbinates allows fasting elephant seals to reduce REWL well below the rate of MWP so that they can maintain water balance during the fast.
The diagnostic evaluation of unilateral exophthalmos
Authors: Calcaterra Thomas C. , Hepler Robert S. , Hanafee William N.
Published: October 2006

Patients with unilateral exophthalmos warrant a systematic and multi‐disciplinary work‐up before surgical exploration or a therapeutic regimen is undertaken. The otolaryngologist is concerned primarily with the diagnosis of disease processes that arise adjacent to the orbital space in the nose, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and temporal fossa. Careful head and neck examination should be supplemented by recently refined studies such as tomography, arteriography with subtraction, orbital venography, contrast orbitography, and ultrasonography.
Tattooing in cancer surgery
Authors: Janpaza Parviz
Published: October 2006

In advanced cancer of the head and neck combined therapy (radiation, chemotherapy and surgery) may offer a better survival rate than surgery, radiation or chemotherapy alone.

Frequently at the completion of preoperative adjuvant therapy, there is considerable regression in the tumor, which obscures the original limits of the tumor. Histologic studies of excised specimens demonstrated nests of viable appearing cells to the periphery of the original tumor. For this reason complete excision of the original tumor with a surrounding margin of normal tissue is necessary. Therefore it is imperative to accurately demarcate the limits of the lesion before radiation or chemotherapy is begun.

The permanent tattooing of mucous membrane and skin with India ink has been most satisfactory in recording the size of original lesions. The indications, materials and methods of tattooing are discussed.
Otogenic tetanus in Zaire
Authors: Mahoney Jack L.
Published: October 2006

Sixty‐seven patients with tetanus of otogenic origin were hospitalized at the Mama Yemo hospital, Kinshasa, Zaire over the two‐year period from 1975 through 1976. The care of these patients was the same as that for all 620 tetanus cases admitted during this period. No otologic surgical procedures were performed on this group; nor were any special ear procedures utilized. The survival rate in the otogenic tetanus group was 83%. The survival rate in the 620 tetanus admissions was 79%. All 67 patients had evidence of chronic otitis media. None of these patients had evidence of otologic complications before, during or for one month after developing tetanus, other than uncomplicated otorrhea. Tetanus antitoxin of 10,000 or 50,000 IU did not appear to affect survival rates. Mortality rates were not increased in the 18% of patients who did not receive tetanus antitoxin. Sedation sufficient to eliminate muscle spasms and maintain the patient sleeping seems to be important in increasing survival rates in tetanus. The need for tracheotomies appeared to be reduced with the increased sedation. Mortality rates increased among the patients who had tracheotomies. Otologic surgical procedures do not appear to be indicated in the management of patients with otogenic tetanus.
Inner ear lidocaine concentrations following iontophoresis
Authors: Gillespie Cameron A. , Swanson George C. , Johnson Charles M. , STROM C. Gordon
Published: October 2006

This study has established the feasibility of measuring perilymph lidocaine levels after iontophoresis for local tympanic anesthesia in the rabbit model. A subsequent study may now be performed to produce a valid, dose‐response curve correlating perilymph lidocaine levels and cochlear responses. In this manner the effects of and safety of lidocaine iontophoresis for tympanic anesthesia can be determined with certainty.

After intravenous sedation, eight rabbits underwent iontophoresis followed by diagnostic vestibulotomies. Perilymph samples were taken and analyzed for lidocaine levels. Significant amounts of perilymph lidocaine were found in both the intact and perforated tympanic membrane groups. In the perforated tympanic membrane group, the perilymph lidocaine level was eight times that of the intact tympanic membrane group.

Future studies to determine the dose‐response relationship of perilymph lidocaine to cochlear responses are now possible. Thus, the safety of lidocaine iontophoresis and the degree of inner ear toxicity of lidocaine can be established quantitatively.
Auditory brain stem response (ABR) in unilateral hearing loss
Authors: Özdamar Özcan , Stein Laszlo
Published: October 2006

Auditory brain stem responses (ABRs) were reported with two groups of patients with confirmed and suspected unilateral hearing loss. Evidence of acoustic crossover of click stimuli when the difference in click thresholds for the two ears exceeds approximately 60 db is presented. In such a circumstance, the ABR presumably elicited from the test ear can, in fact, be a reflection of a crossover response from the non‐test ear. In clinical practice, appropriate contralateral ear masking should be employed when ABR audiometry is carried out with infants and adults with suspected unilateral hearing loss.
Tympanic electrocochleography for evaluation of endolymphatic hydrops
Authors: Levine Samuel C. , Margolis Robert H. , Fournier Eric M. , Winzenburg Sandra M.
Published: October 2006

There has been increased interest in electrocochleography for the diagnosis and intraoperative monitoring of patients with endolymphatic hydrops. Attention has been focused on the determination of the summating potential: action potential (SP:AP) ratio from alternating polarity clicks. Review of this technique at the University of Minnesota led to a reevaluation of the usual interpretation of these recordings. Separate examination of the rarefaction and condensation click recordings provides insight into abnormal response patterns. Cases are presented to illustrate a variety of normal and abnormal patterns including abnormal differences in the latency of condensation and rarefaction‐click‐generated action potentials, increased summating potential, uncanceled cochlear microphonic, and reduced action potential and summating potential amplitudes. These response categories may be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of Meniere's disease.
Ornithine decarboxylase activity in tumor and normal tissue of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Weiss Raymond L. , Calhoun Karen H. , Ahmed Ahmed E. , Stanley David
Published: October 2006

Tumorigenesis requires increased biosynthesis of polyamines and elevated levels of ornithine decarboxylase, which is the rate'limiting enzyme in the polyamine synthesis pathway. Previous animal studies have noted a marked increase in ornithine decarboxylase after exposure to tumorigenic stimuli and that pretreatment with vitamins A and E provides protection against the carcinogenic action. However, studies of ornithine decarboxylase activity in human oral cavity carcinoma have not been as specific. The goal of this study was to determine whether a specific difference in ornithine decarboxylase activity occurs in tumor versus adjacent normal tissue in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Ornithine decarboxylase activity was measured in 30 consecutive head and neck cancer patients undergoing surgical therapy. Ornithine decarboxylase levels were found to be significantly elevated in tumor tissue samples when compared to adjacent normal mucosa samples (P <.004). This finding confirms the previous findings noted in animal models and implies that the protective effects of vitamins A and E will extend to human head and neck cancers.
Human papillomavirus identified by nucleic acid hybridization in concomitant nasal and genital papillomas
Authors: Fu Yao S. , Hoover Larry , Franklin Michael , Cheng Lorna , Stoler Mark H.
Published: October 2006

Presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) as the etiologic agent in nearly all upper respiratory tract recurrent papillomas is well‐established. The technique of nucleic acid hybridization now allows specific typing of HPV with a high degree of accuracy. This article reports a series of nine consecutive patients treated for nasal papillomas over the past 9 years. Eight of these patients had a personal history of genital papillomas (seven patients) or exposure (one patient). With the use of in situ hybridization and autoradiographic technique on paraffin‐embedded tissue sections, HPV RNA type 6/11 was expressed in eight of nine nasal papillomas, and corresponding HPV types were also found in the two cases with which concurrent anogenital papilloma tissue was also available for analysis. Human papillomavirus RNA types 16 and 18 were not detected in any of the specimens. Signals of HPV messenger RNA type 6/11 were stronger in the fungiform areas than in the inverted areas of papillomas.
Time series analysis of glottal airflow in normal and pathological phonation
Authors: Shoji Kazuhiko , Mra Zan , Yu Jong‐Daw , Blaugrund Stanley M. , Isshiki Nobuhiko
Published: October 2006

Time series analysis of glottal airflow was carried out on 26 normal controls and 40 patients with voice disorders, using a modification of Isshiki's original technique which uses a hot‐wire flowmeter, taking cycle‐by‐cycle fluctuations into consideration. The mean flow rate and mean AC/DC were shown to have significant differences among normal and patient groups. The standard deviations of AC/DC and AC/DC perturbation were calculated from the AC/DC value of 50 cycles and shown not to vary significantly among the normal and patient groups. The relationship between AC/DC and perceptual impression of voice was also studied among 20 selected patients with breathy voices. Using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, this relationship was found to have statistical significance (P<.05).
Laser stapedotomy: A comparative study of prostheses and seals
Authors: Perkins Rodney , Curto Captfrank S.
Published: October 2006

During the past 13 years, a number of prostheses of differing design and tissue seals have been used in laser stapedotomy for otosclerosis. This study compares the results of three different configurations of prostheses and tissue seals in a series of 53 patients. In 19, a platinum wire Teflon piston was placed in the laser stapedotomy fenestra and crimped on the long process of the incus; autologous venous blood was infiltrated into the oval window niche as a sealing mechanism. In 8 patients, a stainless steel bucket‐handle‐type prosthesis was used with a blood tissue seal. In 26 patients, a segment of autogenous vein was clad onto the bucket‐handle‐type prosthesis and placed into the laser fenestra. Two tissue seals (blood and vein) were also compared.

The results were compared with regard to several audiometric parameters. It would appear that the bucket handle/vein configuration improves air‐bone gap closure in the low‐ and mid‐frequency speech range and also shows an advantage for air‐bone gap closure to 10 dB or less compared to the other configurations in this study. Mean postoperative gaps were significantly less for vein compared to the blood tissue seal. Physiologic and surgical implications are discussed, and the vein‐clad technique is illustrated.
Thermal effects on horseradish peroxidase uptake in laser nerve transections
Authors: Weiner Monica , Samonte Bernadette R. , Fried Marvin P.
Published: October 2006

The authors previously reported that rat tibial nerves transected with CO2 or KTP/532 laser transmit less horseradish peroxidase (HRP) than those transected with a scalpel. This may be due to laser‐specific effects or to thermal phenomena that are laser‐independent. This study investigated potential thermal effects on the transmission of HRP through the tibial branch of the sciatic nerve in rats. Bilateral nerve transections were performed on 18 animals using a scalpel (control) or an electrocautery device, which simulated the thermal effects produced by lasers. HRP retrograde transport and deposition in the rat spinal cord were analyzed. Thirteen of 15 animals showed a higher number of HRP‐labelled neurons on the scalpel side compared to the electrocautery side; a paired student's t test showed a significant difference (P = .028) in the numbers of HRP‐stained cell bodies between the control group (x = 687.13 ± 119.3) and the electrocautery group (x = 388.1 ± 111.2). In conclusion, reduced HRP uptake in tibial nerves transected with lasers may be in part due to thermal effects produced by the lasers.
Advanced carcinoma of the tongue: Total glossectomy without total laryngectomy. review of 80 cases
Authors: Gehanno Pierre , Guedon Charles , Barry Béatrice , Depondt Joël , Kebaili Chedly
Published: October 2006

Opinions are divided over the validity of total glossectomy without associated total laryngectomy for advanced carcinoma of the tongue. This retrospective study evaluates the oncologic and functional results obtained in 80 patients who underwent total glossectomy as a primary procedure or as salvage surgery. Satisfactory swallowing ability was obtained in 41 patients, and speech was understandable in 49 patients. The survival rate at 1 year was 65%, with early recurrence of the disease, which was especially frequent in patients with prior radiotherapy, being the major cause of death. The study confirms the poor prognosis of cases with mandibular involvement, and the fact that partial laryngectomy, when required, impairs functional results.

In the light of the authors' experience, total glossectomy without total laryngectomy should only be undertaken in motivated and well‐supported patients able to accomplish the difficult rehabilitation process.
Do undergraduates' motives for studying change as they progress through their degrees?
Authors: Lieberman David A. , Remedios Richard
Published: October 2006

Background. Research has suggested that students can approach their studies with different goals, one goal being to understand material (mastery) and another to obtain better grades than others (performance).

Aim. The main aim of this study was to assess whether these goals change as students progress through their degrees.

Sample. 1857 students at a Scottish university.

Methods. Students were asked to complete a questionnaire as they waited to register for their courses. The questionnaire was based on an achievement motivation questionnaire developed by Elliot and McGregor (2001) to assess students' mastery and performance goals; there were also questions on students' expectations about their courses.

Results. Students in years 2, 3 and 4 were substantially less likely to want to master their subjects than students in year 1. They were also more concerned with grades and less likely to expect to enjoy their courses.

Conclusion. The decline in students' motivation to master their subjects raises potentially important questions about whether pressures for grades undermine students' interest in their studies.
On the critical points of a Riemannian surface
Authors: Zamfirescu Tudor
Published: October 2006

We show that all critical points with respect to a point on a Riemannian surface lie on a subset of the cut locus which is locally a tree and has relatively few endpoints. Moreover, we offer some inequalities involving the length of the set of critical points.
Classification of generalized polarized manifolds by their nef values
Authors: Ohno Masahiro
Published: October 2006

Let (M, ℰ) be a generalized polarized manifold, i.e., a pair of an n-dimensional smooth projective variety M and an ample vector bundle ℰ of rank r on M. Let τ be the nef value of a polarized manifold (M, det ℰ), i.e., the minimum of the set of real numbers t such that K

M
+ t det ℰ is nef; we have τr ≤ n + 1 by Mori's theory. In this paper we classify the pairs (M, ℰ) in the following two cases: (1) n − 2 ≤ τr and τ ≥ 1; (2) n + 1 − τr < τ ≤ 1.
Top keyword abridgements of short stories: A corpus linguistic resource?
Authors: Toolan Michael
Published: October 2006

Interest in the application of corpus linguistic methods in literary linguistics grows apace. One simple use of Scott's Keywords procedure (from his Wordsmith Tools text analysis package) is here reported, since it may be of interest to analysts of narrative text. ‘Automatic’ abridgement of a short story, by selecting in their original sequence just those of its sentences in which the most key keyword occurs, creates a partial but semi-coherent and ‘resonant’ text (not an orthodox summary), where mostly incoherence might have been expected. The top keyword in a short story is most often a focalized character's name (or, as rare alternative, part of the narration's standard lexical means of naming and denoting a particular character). Perhaps a story's top keyword, in its sentential contexts of use, creates a form of foregrounding, a waymarking of more noticeable and noteworthy (not necessarily the most noteworthy) sentences, asserting or reinforcing those sentences' centrality to the developing situation (action and theme).
Alternative Splicing of the CaV1.3 Channel IQ Domain, a Molecular Switch for Ca2+-Dependent Inactivation within Auditory Hair Cells
Authors: Shen Yiru , Yu Dejie , Hiel Hakim , Liao Ping , Yue David T. , Fuchs Paul A. , Soong Tuck Wah
Published: October 2006

Native CaV1.3 channels within cochlear hair cells exhibit a surprising lack of Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI), given that heterologously expressed CaV1.3 channels show marked CDI. To determine whether alternative splicing at the C terminus of the CaV1.3 gene may produce a hair cell splice variant with weak CDI, we transcript-scanned mRNA obtained from rat cochlea. We found that the alternate use of exon 41 acceptor sites generated a splice variant that lost the calmodulin-binding IQ motif of the C terminus. These CaV1.3IQΔ(“IQ deleted”) channels exhibited a lack of CDI, which was independent of the type of coexpressed β-subunits. CaV1.3IQΔchannel immunoreactivity was preferentially localized to cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs), whereas that of CaV1.3IQfullchannels (IQ-possessing) labeled inner hair cells (IHCs). The preferential expression of CaV1.3IQΔwithin OHCs suggests that these channels may play a role in processes such as electromotility or activity-dependent gene transcription rather than neurotransmitter release, which is performed predominantly by IHCs in the cochlea.
La moneda menuda en la circulación monetaria de la ciudad de México. Siglo XVIII
Authors: Quiroz Enriqueta
Published: October 2006

The object of this article is to illustrate that in the eighteenth century there existed-at least in Mexico City-a much more active monetary circulation than was previously thought. To this end, minting levels during that period have been analyzed and a basic difference has been established between coined pieces and their worth. The volume of small currency has received special attention, because this is the currency that circulated in the daily market and was used to fix the prices of foodstuffs as well as to pay daily wages in the capital. In this article, the quantities of small currency have been estimated to be significantly large, which, together with the high volumes of basic goods sold in the city as well as the prices and consumption levels among its inhabitants, has cast doubt over the validity of a shortage of circulating currency during this time period.

El artículo intenta demostrar que existió en el siglo XVIII-al menos en la ciudad de México -una circulación monetaria mucho más activa de la que hasta ahora se ha aceptado. Con ese propósito se revisan los niveles de acuñación y se establece una diferencia básica entre valor y piezas acuñadas. De manera particular se identifica el volumen de moneda menuda acuñada, claro está, porque esta moneda era la que circulaba en los mercados cotidianos, y bajo la cual se fijaban los precios de los comestibles y se pagaban los jornales diarios en la capital. En el artículo se estiman importantes volúmenes de piezas de moneda menuda acuñada que junto a los altos volúmenes de productos básicos vendidos en dicha ciudad, los niveles de precios y de consumo entre los capitalinos, se pondría en duda la escasez de circulante.
Ambiguous Missionaries: Rural Teachers and State Facades in Guerrero, 1930-1950
Authors: Gillingham Paul
Published: October 2006

This article analyses the role of rural teachers in state formation in Guerrero, from revolutionary reconstruction through Cardenista reform projects to the dawn of the postrevolutionary political system. It examines the ideological construction of the maestro rural as a reformist opponent of caciques and the poverty they were held to perpetuate; traces the cacical practices of many teachers in Guerrero; and questions teachers' efficacy as agents of rational/bureaucratic state expansion. In conclusion, the author considers the relevance of the history of education in Guerrero to broader assessments of education and state formation in modern Mexico.

Este artículo analiza el papel de los profesores rurales en la formación estatal en Guerrero, desde la reconstrucción revolucionaria a través de la reforma cardenista, hasta el inicio del sistema político postrevolucionario. Examina la construcción ideológica del maestro rural como un opositor reformista de caciques y la pobreza que estaban sometidos a perpetuar; traza las prácticas cacicales de muchos profesores en Guerrero; y cuestiona la eficacia de los maestros como agentes de expansión estatal racional/burocrática. Para concluir, el autor considera la relevancia de la historia de la educación en Guerrero para ampliar la valoración de la educación y formación estatal en el México moderno.
Decentralization under the Fox Administration: Progress or Stagnation?
Authors: Edmonds-Poli Emily
Published: October 2006

When Vicente Fox came to power in 2000, many believed that decentralization of the Mexican political system would be one of the top items on his agenda. This essay examines Fox's efforts to transfer power to other branches and levels of government during his first three years in office. The main finding is that the current administration has not been more successful at promoting decentralization than its PRI predecessor. Moreover, states and municipalities have not embraced decentralization because they are ambivalent about bearing the financial and political costs of subnational independence.

Con la victoria de Vicente Fox en el 2000, muchos creían que la descentralización sería unos de sus proyectos de mayor prioridad durante su gestión. El presente ensayo analiza las iniciativas de Fox durante los primeros tres años de su gestión y demuestra que los recursos financieros tanto como el poder político siguen concentrados en las manos del gobierno federal. Fox no ha logrado descentralizar el sistema político, en parte, porque los estados y los municipios resisten el cambio.
Wolf Children and Automata: Bestiality and Boredom at Home and Abroad
Authors: KREISEL DEANNA K.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT This essay explores the coincidence of boredom, animalism, and trance states in several late-Victorian and early modernist texts. Through analyses of colonialist novels, mid-Victorian writings on the automaton debate, and case studies of Indian “wolf children,” it demonstrates how attempts to escape dehumanizing boredom have paradoxical results, leading to confrontations with other emblems of the bestial and uniting the animal and the automaton, human and machine.
Spotlights and Shadows: Presidents and Their Administrations in Presidential Museum Exhibits
Authors: HUFBAUER BENJAMIN
Published: October 2006

Abstract: This article focuses on the museums in presidential libraries. Since 1940 the rise of the federal presidential library has transformed presidential memorialization by largely allowing presidents—initially, at least—to commemorate themselves. This has populated the landscape of public memory in the United States with a series of history museums that promote an expansive view of presidential power. These museums also attempt to elevate individual presidents into the civil religion of the United States. This article examines the largely celebratory accounts in some presidential libraries, and contrasts them with the Truman Library's more balanced and historically accurate approach.
Education Programs in the Presidential Libraries: A Report from the Field
Authors: POTTER LEE ANN
Published: October 2006

Abstract: In recent years, significant effort has been made by the staff of the presidential libraries to develop formal education programs. Many of these programs demonstrate an awareness of educational research into multiple intelligences, and embrace educational methods that include cooperative learning, authentic assessments, and project- and performance-based learning. In addition, the programs draw from both the archival and the museum components of the institutions. But more can be done. Building creative partnerships, clarifying program objectives, harnessing new technologies, and building support for existing efforts will provide exciting opportunities in the coming years for the libraries to better serve a nationwide audience.
Is There a Presidential Library Subsystem?
Authors: COCHRANE LYNN SCOTT
Published: October 2006

Abstract: This article casts aside the iron triangle metaphor as less useful than the characteristics of a policy subsystem in defining the eleven presidential libraries within the National Archives and Records Administration. I examine the costs and benefits of the subsystem from a public policy perspective, suggest what we need to know to strengthen our understanding and oversight of the libraries, and conclude with the implications of these findings for future libraries.
A laboratory study of slip surface formation in an intact natural stiff clay
Authors: Georgiannou V. N. , Burland J. B.
Published: October 2006

The paper presents the results of drained constant-p′ tests on natural undisturbed specimens of Corinth Marl. The specimens were instrumented with local axial strain gauges and pore pressure probes. The relationship between deviator stress q and overall axial strain is characterised by a flat peak followed by a small reduction in strength. The specimen dilates strongly throughout this phase of the test. A steep drop in strength then occurs, resulting in the formation of a thin slip surface and the cessation of dilation. Careful analysis of the results from the local strain gauges indicates that strain localisation initiates after peak strength but before the commencement of the steep drop in q. Most of the reduction in shear strength takes place for relative displacements of less than 0·5 mm, after which stable post-rupture strength is reached. The pore pressure probes show that, during the initial stages of drained shearing, a small reduction in local pore pressure occurs in the middle of the specimen relative to the ends, which is consistent with dilation. This pore pressure difference reduces rapidly during the formation of the slip surface, reflecting the cessation of dilation of the material on either side of the slip surface.
Cost forecast model for sewer infrastructure
Authors: El-Assaly A. , Ariaratnam S. T. , Ruwanpura J. , Ng H.
Published: October 2006

Sewer authorities are facing the onerous task of planning strategies for allocating funding levels to rehabilitate aging sewer infrastructure. Numerous modelling approaches have been developed by previous researchers that predict future condition based on various physical criteria. This paper develops a cost forecast model that employs a deterioration prediction. The deterioration model uses condition assessment data from inspections and incorporates these into a logit regression model that includes five independent parameters: age; waste type; material type; diameter; and depth. The deficiency probability generated from the logit regression model provides the catalyst for the cost forecasting model of sewer infrastructure presented in this paper.
A rapidly converging filtered‐error algorithm for multichannel active noise control
Authors: Berkhoff A. P. , Nijsse G.
Published: October 2006

In this paper, a multichannel adaptive control algorithm is described which has good convergence properties while having relatively small computational complexity. This complexity is similar to that of the filtered‐error algorithm. In order to obtain these properties, the algorithm is based on a preprocessing step for the actuator signals using a stable and causal inverse of the minimum‐phase part of the transfer path between actuators and error sensors, the secondary path. The latter algorithm is known from the literature as postconditioned filtered‐error algorithm, which improves convergence rate for the case that the minimum‐phase part of the secondary path increases the eigenvalue spread. However, the convergence rate of this algorithm suffers from delays in the adaptation path because adaptation rates have to be reduced for larger delays. The contribution of this paper is to modify the postconditioned filtered‐error scheme in such a way that the adaptation rate can be set to a higher value. Consequently, the scheme also provides good convergence if the system contains significant delays. Furthermore, a regularized extension of the scheme is given which can be used to limit the actuator signals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of electron beam irradiation and polyfunctional monomer loading on the physico‐chemical properties of polyethylene/polypropylene blends
Authors: Ali Z. I. , Youssef H. A. , Said Hossam M. , Saleh H. H.
Published: October 2006

Different polyethylene–polypropylene blends have been prepared in the presence of trimethylol propane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) monomer. The prepared polymeric samples were cured using an electron beam accelerator at different irradiation doses ranging from 5 to 50 kGy. The influence of loaded TMPTMA wt% and irradiation doses on the physico‐mechanical properties reveal that the gel content is higher for polyethylene‐rich blend and reaches its maximum values at 30 kGy. Moreover, incorporation of TMPTMA monomer was found to positively influence the gel content of all samples under investigation. On the other hand, the mechanical strength increases on increasing the irradiation dose and attains its highest value at 20 kGy; a more pronounced effect was observed due to incorporation of TMPTMA into isotactic polypropylene (iPP) than LDPE samples at low irradiation doses. However, higher irradiation doses have a deleterious influence on iPP or iPP‐rich blends. In addition to the physico‐mechanical properties, the influence of TMPTMA loading as well as irradiation doses on heat shrinkage parameters of the neat polymers and their blends have also been studied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 25:208–217, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20072
Untersuchungen an 1,3‐Thiazinen, 23. Mitt. Neuartige Umwandlungen an Tetrahydro‐1,3‐thiazin‐2‐thionen mittels Thionylchlorid
Authors: Hanefeld Wolfgang , Bercin Erdogan
Published: October 2006

Die Tetrahydro‐1,3‐thiazin‐2‐thione 1 wurden mittels Thionylchlorid in die teilweise isolierbaren 2,2‐Dichlor‐tetrahydro‐1,3‐thiazine 2 überführt, die bei der Hydrolyse die Tetrahydro‐1,3‐thiazin‐2‐one 3, bei der Umsetzung mit Stickstoffbasen mit primären Aminogruppen die 2‐Iminotetrahydro‐1,3‐thiazine 4 ergaben. Durch Stickstoffabspaltung aus den 2‐Nitrosoiminotetrahydro‐1,3‐thiazinen 6 gelangt man ebenfalls zu den 2‐Oxo‐thiazinen 3, die zu den Sulfonstrukturen 7 oxidiert werden konnten.
Photosensitized Decomposition of Contraceptive Steroids: A Possible Explanation for the Observed (Photo)allergy of the Oral Contraceptive Pill
Authors: Sedee Aad , van Henegouwen Gerard Beijersbergen
Published: October 2006

The photo‐sensitized decomposition of the main steroids used in the oral contraceptive pill has been studied. Under the circumstances applied, 1 and 8 decomposed rapidly (t½ = 11.0±0.2 min for 1 and 5.7±0.4 min for 8). The decomposition product of 1 has been identified as 17α‐ethynyl‐10β‐hydroperoxy‐17β‐hydroxyestra‐1,4‐dien‐3‐one (2). The decomposition products of 1 and 8 were previously found in experiments in which the irreversible binding of these steroids to protein was studied. Photosensitized decomposition of the steroids may be the cause of (photo)allergic side‐effects of “the pill”.
Thiophen als Strukturelement physiologisch aktiver Substanzen, 14. Mitt. Die Synthese von 5‐[(5‐Methyl‐3‐thienyl)oxy]‐2(1H)‐pyrimidinon
Authors: Binder Dieter , Noe Christian R. , Leitner Adalbert
Published: October 2006

Die Synthese der Titelverbindung, welche ein Thiophenanalogon des antiulcerogenen Wirkstoffs Tolimidon (A) ist, wird beschrieben.
Die Kristallstruktur von Spiro‐bis‐pinnaketal, einer neuen Spiroverbindung aus Laurencia pinnatifida Lamouroux
Authors: Wiedenfeld Helmut , Knoch Falk , Koch Marlies
Published: October 2006

Aus der Rhodomelacee Laurencia pinnatifida, Lamouroux, konnte eine neuartige Spiroverbindung isoliert werden, für die der Name Spiro‐bis‐pinnaketal vorgeschlagen wird. Die Kristallstruktur wurde durch Röntgenstrukturanalyse festgelegt als (–)‐(1S,2′R,3R,5S)‐5,2′‐dimethyl‐1,2′‐dihydroxy‐ spiro‐(2,4,6‐trioxa‐bicyclo[3,3,0]octan‐3,3′‐tetrahydrofuran) bzw. sein Enantiomer.