bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic nephropathy studies
Authors: Thomson P , Fisher M
Published: March 2006

Diabetes is associated with a high risk of the development of cardiovascular disease and renal disease, and in patients with microalbuminuria this risk is further increased. Inhibition of the renin‐angiotensin system with angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ARBs) is proven to reduce the level of microalbuminuria and slow the rate of deterioration in renal function, an effect independent of the antihypertensive effect of these drugs. Analysis of diabetic patients in the MICRO‐HOPE study demonstrated that the ACE inhibitor ramipril reduced major cardiovascular outcomes and also reduced the development of nephropathy as a secondary endpoint. Cardiovascular outcomes have been secondary endpoints in several recent studies of ARBs in patients with type 2 diabetes and proteinuria; a reduction in the risk of congestive cardiac failure has been demonstrated, but none of the other main cardiovascular outcomes has been improved. Thus, when a patient with type 2 diabetes has microalbuminuria renin‐angiotensin blockade with an ACE inhibitor may be of considerable cardiovascular benefit, and any cardiovascular benefit of ARBs is yet to be proven. Once overt diabetic nephropathy has developed, the cardiovascular benefits offered by ACE inhibitors and ARBs are restricted to preventing cardiac failure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anaemia in diabetic kidney disease: An area for improvement?
Authors: Thomas S , Stevens P E
Published: March 2006

Kidney disease associated with diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. The development of kidney disease in diabetes can be associated with a dramatic increase in the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and with a significant effect on quality of life. The focus of recent guidelines has been on the detection of kidney disease and treatment of the main drivers, namely glycaemic control and blood pressure. Only recently has the impact of anaemia in the diabetes population come to the fore. We now know that anaemia is more frequent in diabetic kidney disease and occurs at an earlier stage often when kidney function is only moderately impaired. Much of this anaemia is undiagnosed, yet effective treatment is available and improves quality of life, reduces symptoms and may have major beneficial effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is a need for heightened recognition of the importance of anaemia, guidelines on screening and management, and research into optimum treatment and what benefits might accrue. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New‐onset diabetes after transplantation
Authors: Krentz A J , Wheeler D C
Published: March 2006

New‐onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is a common and clinically important complication of solid‐organ transplantation. Consensus guidelines have recently been published with the aim of increasing awareness of NODAT among the transplant and diabetes communities. Current evidence suggests that the development of post‐transplant diabetes has adverse effects on recipient and graft survival. While the pathogenesis of NODAT remains incompletely understood, insulin resistance and insulin deficiency have been identified as key metabolic abnormalities. These defects may be aggravated by certain classes of immunosuppressive drugs, notably corticosteroids and the immunophilins, tacrolimus and ciclosporin. The incidence and prevalence of NODAT, and lesser degrees of glucose intolerance which may also be clinically relevant, were almost certainly underestimated in many early studies. The consensus guidelines call for abandonment of arbitrary diagnostic criteria in favour of current internationally accepted definitions for diabetes and states of glucose intolerance. Recent demographic trends warn of an increasing threat from NODAT: the age of transplant recipients is rising and this population has become more obese. With risk factors for NODAT now identified (older age, obesity, non‐white ethnicity, family history of diabetes and hepatitis C infection), it may be possible to reduce the incidence in susceptible individuals listed for transplantation. Lifestyle measures directed at controlling body weight – before and after transplantation – allied to tailored immunosuppressive therapy are recommended. However, since the efficacy and safety of these measures have not been rigorously evaluated in clinical trials, many uncertainties remain. Oral antidiabetic agents and/or insulin treatment are required in a proportion of patients, sometimes temporarily. In addition to the risks of atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease, patients with irreversible NODAT should be considered to be at risk of long‐term microvascular complications including retinopathy, foot disease and nephropathy. Further studies are required to ascertain the current incidence, prevalence and natural history of NODAT in order to identify more effective strategies for prevention and management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of new type molecular wires with tetrathiafulvalene as redox center
Authors: Wang Erjing , Li Hongxiang , Hu Wenping , Zhu Daoben
Published: March 2006

A new type of molecular wire 1a–c with tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units was synthesized and characterized. The UV–vis spectra and electrochemistry results showed that comparing with PPE, these polymers had smaller HOMO–LUMO band gap, and the HOMO level of polymer 1a (−5.05 eV) was closer to the work function energy of Au electrode. Thermal stability analyses indicated that these polymers had good thermal stability. All of the results showed that the introduction of TTF units made polymers 1a–c better candidates for molecular wires than PPE. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2707–2713, 2006
New ligands for the Fe(III)‐mediated reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhu Xiulin , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Jian
Published: March 2006

A series of (di)picolinic acids and their derivates are investigated as novel complexing tridentate or bidentate ligands in the iron‐mediated reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in N,N‐dimethylformamide at 100 °C with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyrontrile as an initiator. The polymerization rates and polydispersity indices (1.32–1.8) of the resulting polymers are dependent on the structures of the ligands employed. Different iron complexes may be involved in iron‐mediated reverse atom transfer radical polymerization, depending on the type of acid used. 1H NMR spectroscopy has been used to study the structure of the resulting polymers. Chain‐extension reactions have been performed to further confirm the living nature of this catalytic system. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2912–2921, 2006
Effective handling of induced‐fit motion in flexible docking
Authors: Mizutani Miho Yamada , Takamatsu Yoshihiro , Ichinose Tazuko , Nakamura Kensuke , Itai Akiko
Published: March 2006

For structure‐based drug design, where various ligand structures need to be docked to a target protein structure, a docking method that can handle conformational flexibility of not only the ligand, but also the protein, is indispensable. We have developed a simple and effective approach for dealing with the local induced‐fit motion of the target protein, and implemented it in our docking tool, ADAM. Our approach efficiently combines the following two strategies: a vdW‐offset grid in which the protein cavity is enlarged uniformly, and structure optimization allowing the motion of ligand and protein atoms. To examine the effectiveness of our approach, we performed docking validation studies, including redocking in 18 test cases and foreign‐docking, in which various ligands from foreign crystal structures of complexes are docked into a target protein structure, in 22 cases (on five target proteins). With the original ADAM, the correct docking modes (RMSD < 2.0 Å) were not present among the top 20 models in one case of redocking and four cases of foreign‐docking. When the handling of induced‐fit motion was implemented, the correct solutions were acquired in all 40 test cases. In foreign‐docking on thymidine kinase, the correct docking modes were obtained as the top‐ranked solutions for all 10 test ligands by our combinatorial approach, and this appears to be the best result ever reported with any docking tool. The results of docking validation have thus confirmed the effectiveness of our approach, which can provide reliable docking models even in the case of foreign‐docking, where conformational change of the target protein cannot be ignored. We expect that this approach will contribute substantially to actual drug design, including virtual screening. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Farmer perceptions and pesticide use practices in vegetable production in Ghana
Authors: Ntow William J , Gijzen Huub J , Kelderman Peter , Drechsel Pay
Published: March 2006

As an initial part of a programme aimed at promoting safe and sound agricultural practices in Ghana, a study was made of farmers' perceptions of pesticides for use and application in vegetable production, using a small survey of 137 farmers who applied pesticides. Field surveys, interviews, questionnaires and analytical games were used to obtain information on the type, scope and extent of use of pesticides, farmers' knowledge of pesticides, and their perceptions about the chemicals' potential for harm. Data from this sample of farmers were used to describe the status of use of pesticides in vegetable cultivation in Ghana. Using χ2 tests, associations between farmers' age and possible pesticide poisoning symptoms, their farm size and method of spraying pesticides, and their perception of pesticide hazard and its perceived effectiveness against pests were also examined. The survey showed that knapsack sprayers were the most widely used type of equipment for spraying pesticides. However, on large‐scale vegetable farms of 6‐10 acres, motorised sprayers were also used. Various inappropriate practices in the handling and use of pesticides caused possible poisoning symptoms among those farmers who generally did not wear protective clothing. Younger farmers (<45 years of age) were the most vulnerable group, probably because they did more spraying than older farmers (>45 years of age). Farmers did not necessarily associate hazardous pesticides with better pest control. The introduction of well‐targeted training programmes for farmers on the need for and safe use of pesticides is advocated. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Integral videography autostereoscopic display using multiprojection
Authors: Liao Hongen , Iwahara Makoto , Koike Takefumi , Momoi Yasuyuki , Hata Nobuhiko , Sakuma Ichiro , Dohi Takeyoshi
Published: March 2006

Various techniques of autostereoscopic three‐dimensional (3D) display for displaying real 3D information have been investigated in recent years. We have performed research and application of integral videography (IV), which is an animated display technique based on the principle of integral photography (IP). Although IV and IP are ideal ways to display 3D images, their spatial viewing resolution and high‐speed image rendering algorithm must be improved. The pixel pitch of the display and the lens pitch are the main factors affecting IV image quality. We improved the image quality by increasing the number and density of the pixels. Parallel image processing and displaying method were also developed for animated IV imaging. We have created a scalable high‐resolution image using multiple projection and project it onto a small screen to achieve high‐density pixels using long‐focal‐length projection optics. Furthermore, an image calibration method was developed for geometrical correction and color modulation to generate seamless IV images. We evaluated the developed device by displaying an X‐ray computed tomography (CT) image. Measurement of the geometrical accuracy of the reproduced IV images demonstrated that the spatial resolution of the display system matched that by theoretical analysis. Experimental results showed that our technique is very effective in obtaining 3D animated images with practical spatial resolution. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(5): 34–45, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20424
Keyframe animation of virtual humans via motion data learning
Authors: Mukai Tomohiko , Kuriyama Shigeru , Kaneko Toyohisa
Published: March 2006

This paper proposes a method for creating human animations by utilizing motion capture data in traditional keyframe‐based motion editing. This automatically generates complicated sequential movements of the whole body from multiple constraints of end‐effectors. Different types of motion learning are introduced to optimize postures at each keyframe and motion curves for interpolating them, separately. Postures at every keyframe are determined by using hierarchical reinforcement learning so as to have similar features to motion samples with a data‐centric objective function. Plausible postures are efficiently sought among the huge number of possible states because a skeletal structure is hierarchically decomposed and postures are efficiently quantized to narrow down the configuration space. Optimized postures are then interpolated using motion curves that are learned with acceleration templates from referential motion segments. This new technique of reusing motion data is well suited to design motions by manipulating end‐effectors at each keyframe. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(5): 25–33, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20443
A Web‐based integrated education system for a seamless environment among teachers, students, and administrators
Authors: Hanakawa Noriko , Akazawa Yoshiko , Mori Akira , Maeda Toshiyuki , Inoue Shunji , Tsutsui Shigeyoshi
Published: March 2006

The authors created a Web‐based integrated education support system that unified the data in the administrative system and the education system in a university. The purpose of the system was to make the administrative system and education system data that had previously been separated seamless, and to implement seamless access from inside and outside the university while maintaining security. Moreover, the authors emphasized the development of a portal site as a point of contact for the system. As a result of using software packages and existing technology for the other servers and databases, and making a policy of not changing the administrative system at all, the authors were able to create the system in a short period of 5 months. After the system was operational, preparation and review for class could be done at home, and evaluations of reports and final determinations of grades could be done from outside the university. This confirmed that the education system was effective. Finally, the authors looked at the trouble and performance problems that occurred involving local rules in the business department during operation, as well as countermeasures for them. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(5): 14–24, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20475
Effect of mother plant size on offshoot regeneration in date palm cv. Sayer under field conditions
Authors: Eftekhari SA , Ramin AA
Published: March 2006

After 10 years in the field, mother plants over 15 kg, produce heavier and more rooted offshoots than smaller plants. The selection of offshoots over 15 kg and 30–40 cm stem diameter produced more rooted offshoots for the next propagation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Beyond Diversity: Toward a Cultural Community Psychology
Authors: O'Donnell Clifford R.
Published: March 2006

We are increasingly considering culture as the context of diversity and, in the process, becoming a cultural community psychology. Our recent progress is discussed and a suggestion to accelerate our progress through greater collaboration with cultural psychology4is offered. The development of a cultural community psychology has implications for the traditional distinction between basic and applied psychology, our understanding of context, partnerships between academicians and practitioners, and the place of community psychology within the discipline of psychology. These implications are presented and discussed.
Some Late Ming Western Technical Terms and Their Implications for Cultural Transformation: “Brain,” “Geometry,” “Globe,” and “Cathay”
Authors: Tianyu Feng
Published: March 2006

The cluster of technical terms that the Jesuit Matteo Ricci and his Chinese partners Xu Guangqi and Li Zhizao cotranslated and introduced into Chinese in the late Ming dynasty was of significance for China’s cultural transformation. For instance, “brain” replaced “heart” as a specific term referring to the organ of consciousness and memory. The classical Chinese interrogative numeral jihe was used to represent the core mathematical term “geometry”. Diqiu, meaning “the globe of the earth” in English, was minted to amend the traditional hemispherical dome cosmology. The identification of “Cathay” with China clarified the ambiguity in the Western geographical concept of the Far East, which had existed since the Middle Ages.
The Study of Chinese Historiography from the Perspective of Intellectual History
Authors: Zhizhong Qiao
Published: March 2006

To promote historical research today, one needs to create a vigorous environment for historiographic criticism, to summarize the progress and state of all fields and topics of history, and to enhance the study of historiography. All these three aspects, which share similar characteristics, can be called “historiography.” Their essence is the basic method for deepening the study of historiography as a whole and refining its branches fromthe perspective of intellectual history. They can help us to form a healthy scholarly mechanism to review historical achievements, which would be crucial to the development of academic research.
Gender differences in traumatic events and rates of post‐traumatic stress disorder among homeless youth
Authors: Gwadz Marya Viorst , Nish David , Leonard Noelle R. , Strauss Shiela M.
Published: March 2006

In the present report we describe patterns of traumatic events and Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), both partial and full, among homeless youth and those at risk for homelessness, with an emphasis on gender differences. Participants were 85 homeless and at‐risk youth (49% female) recruited from a drop‐in center in New York City in 2000. Youth completed a structured interview lasting 1.5 h. Rates of childhood maltreatment were substantial. Further, almost all youth experienced at least one traumatic event, with most experiencing multiple types of trauma. Gender differences were found in the types, but not prevalence or magnitude, of childhood maltreatment and traumatic events experienced. Partial symptomatology of PTSD was common for females but not males. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were found to co‐occur with PTSD for females, which may complicate treatment efforts. Further investigation of the impact of trauma on homeless males is needed.
Interaction of human neutrophils with endothelial cells regulates the expression of endogenous proteins annexin 1, galectin‐1 and galectin‐3
Authors: Gil Cristiane Damas , La Mylinh , Perretti Mauro , Oliani Sonia Maria
Published: March 2006

Annexin 1 (ANXA1), galectin‐1 (Gal‐1) and galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) proteins have been identified as important mediators that promote or inhibit leukocyte migration. The expression of these proteins was studied in human neutrophils and endothelial cells (ECs) during a transmigration process induced by IL‐8. Upon neutrophil adhesion to EC, a significant increase in the cleaved ANXA1 (LCS3, raised against all ANXA1 isoforms) expression was detected in the plasma membrane of adhered neutrophils and ECs compared to intact ANXA1 isoform (LCPS1, against N‐terminus of protein). Adherent neutrophils had elevated Gal‐3 levels in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and ECs in their plasma membranes. In contrast, a decrease in the total amounts of Gal‐1 was detected in migrated compared to non‐migrated neutrophils. Therefore, ANXA1 and Gal‐3 changed in their content and localization when neutrophils adhere to endothelia, suggesting a process of sensitive‐balance between two endogenous anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory mediators.
Violence at the workplace—a questionnaire survey of nurses
Authors: Merecz Dorota , Rymaszewska Joanna , Mościcka Agnieszka , Kiejna Andrzej , Jarosz-Nowak Joanna
Published: March 2006

Background

– In the health sector, anywhere in the world nurses are one of the most exposed groups to violence. However, it is not obvious that psychiatric nurses (PNs) are more exposed to aggression and burnout.

Objectives

– To determine the nature and effects of aggressive acts towards nursing staff in psychiatric and other medical services in Poland.

Methods

– Various questionnaires (Stress at Work Scale, General Health Questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Work Satisfaction Scale), were distributed among psychiatric (N = 78) and non-psychiatric nurses (N-PNs) (N = 335). A 92.6% response rate was achieved.

Results

– Significant differences were found between PNs and non-psychiatric counterparts with respect to their experiences of violence. The most frequently reported incident was verbal abuse, followed by threats and physical assault. Patients were significantly more frequent perpetrators in psychiatric wards than in others. The level of intra-staff aggression did not significantly vary between groups, neither did the level of work satisfaction and absenteeism.

Conclusion

– The frequency of violent acts and stress related to them point out the strong need for the development of preventive programs to address the issue of violence at work.
Understanding mutations and protein stability through tripeptides
Authors: Anishetty Sharmila , Anishetty Ramesh , Pennathur Gautam
Published: March 2006

A novel methodology to predict the local conformational changes in a protein as a consequence of missense mutations is proposed. A pentapeptide at the locus of mutation plays the dominant role and it is analyzed in terms of tripeptides. A measure for spatial and temporal fluctuations in a pentapeptide is devised and validated. The method does not involve any prior knowledge of structural templates from sequence homology studies. Structural deformations can be predicted with about 70–80% reliability in any protein. Disease causing mutations and benign mutations have been addressed. In particular, p53, retinoblastoma protein and lipoprotein lipase are studied in detail.
Rescue of functional delF508‐CFTR channels in cystic fibrosis epithelial cells by the α‐glucosidase inhibitor miglustat
Authors: Norez Caroline , Noel Sabrina , Wilke Martina , Bijvelds Marcel , Jorna Huub , Melin Patricia , DeJonge Hugo , Becq Frederic
Published: March 2006

In the disease cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common mutation delF508 results in endoplasmic reticulum retention of misfolded CF gene proteins (CFTR). We show that the α‐1,2‐glucosidase inhibitor miglustat (N‐butyldeoxynojirimycin, NB‐DNJ) prevents delF508‐CFTR/calnexin interaction and restores cAMP‐activated chloride current in epithelial CF cells. Moreover, miglustat rescues a mature and functional delF508‐CFTR in the intestinal crypts of ileal mucosa from delF508 mice. Since miglustat is an orally active orphan drug (Zavesca®) prescribed for the treatment of Gaucher disease, our findings provide the basis for future clinical evaluation of miglustat in CF patients.
The First Belgian Hand Transplantation—37 Month Term Results
Authors: SCHUIND F. , VAN HOLDER C. , MOURAUX D. , ROBERT CH. , MEYER A. , SALVIA P. , VERMEYLEN N. , ABRAMOWICZ D.
Published: March 2006

The first Belgian hand transplant was a 22 year-old man with a traumatic amputation of his dominant hand at the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the forearm. The donor and recipient had three HLA mismatches. The cross-match was negative. The total ischaemic time was slightly over 6 hours. Immunosuppression included antithymocyte globulins at induction and tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone as induction and maintenance therapy. There has been no episode of rejection. The only significant complications, except for transient hyperglycaemia, were psychological. At 37 months post-transplantation, the patient has fully incorporated his transplant into his self-image and is back at work. He has good sensibility (two-point discrimination of 6 mm at the thumb and index finger pulps), acceptable wrist and finger motion with functioning intrinsic muscles. According to Chen’s criteria, the result is good to excellent.
Evaluation criteria development and assessment of purchasing and supply management journals
Authors: Zsidisin George A. , Smith Michael E. , McNally Regina C. , Kull Thomas J.
Published: March 2006

Although purchasing and supply management (PSM) is a business function that is critical to supply chain management, a direct examination of the academic journals representing leading PSM research outlets has not been available. Further, most prior studies that compare journals have relied on single‐item measures of such evaluation dimensions as quality and relevance. In order to address these research gaps, a survey instrument targeted to purchasing and supply management academics was implemented to explore how they evaluate and rate journals considered important for advancing the field of PSM. The three highest‐rated journals in this study that publish PSM research are the Journal of Operations Management, the Journal of Business Logistics, and the Journal of Supply Chain Management. Four journal evaluation constructs emerged: Journal Quality, Journal Reputation, PSM Practitioner Relevance, and PSM Research Relevance. The results provide guidance for PSM scholars with respect to journals that contribute to the knowledge base in PSM, as well as support an extended understanding of conceptual bases for how scholars evaluate the journals they read and in which they publish.
Temperature patterns over the past eight centuries in Northern Fennoscandia inferred from sedimentary diatoms
Authors: Weckström Jan , Korhola Atte , Erästö Panu , Holmström Lasse
Published: March 2006

Establishing natural climate variability becomes particularly important in remote polar regions, especially when considering questions regarding higher than average warming. We present a high-resolution record of temperature variability for the past 800 yr based on sedimentary diatoms from a treeline lake in Finnish Lapland. The BSiZer multiscale smoothing technique is applied to the data to identify significant features in the record at different temporal levels. The overall reconstruction shows relatively large multi-centennial temperature variability with a total range of about 0.6–0.8°C. At millennial scales, the temperatures exhibit a statistically significant long-term cooling trend prior to industrialization (ΔT = −0.03°C/century). At the centennial timescale, three warm time intervals were identified around AD 1200–1300 (terminal phase of the Medieval Warm Period, MWP), 1380–1550 and from 1920 until the present. Pronounced coolness occurred between AD 1600 and 1920, indicative of the Little Ice Age (LIA). At the decadal level, certain shorter-term climate excursions were revealed. The warmest ∼10–30 yr, non-overlapping periods occurred in AD 1220–1250, 1470–1500 and 1970–2000, respectively. The classic events of MWP and LIA are evident in our record, as is also the 20th century warming.
Tephrostratigraphy of the Bedded Tuff Member (Kapthurin Formation, Kenya) and the nature of archaeological change in the later middle Pleistocene
Authors: Tryon Christian A. , McBrearty Sally
Published: March 2006

Correlation of volcaniclastic deposits of the Bedded Tuff Member (K4) of the Kapthurin Formation (Kenya) provides the means to assess the nature of archaeological change during the later middle Pleistocene, a time period critical to human evolution but poorly represented at other African localities. Field stratigraphic evidence, and petrographic and electron microprobe geochemical analyses of volcanic glass and phenocrysts, define eight subdivisions of K4 tephra. These include a succession of deposits from a local volcanic source that erupted intermittently, as well as other tuffs likely from different sources outside the Baringo basin. Upper portions of the Bedded Tuff Member date to ∼235,000 yr. The Bedded Tuff Member is underlain by sediments that include the Grey Tuff, dated to 509,000 ± 9000 yr. The tephrostratigraphic framework defined here is used to place Acheulian and Middle Stone Age (MSA) archaeological sites in chronological order. Results show the persistence of Acheulian large cutting tool manufacture after the advent of points, considered an MSA artifact type. Two assemblages from the site of Koimilot record the appearance at ∼200,000–250,000 yr of a variety of Levallois flake production methods, an integral if incompletely understood feature of the MSA, here likely derived from local technological antecedents. Combined evidence from the tools and flake production methods suggest an incremental and mosaic pattern of change in hominin adaptive strategies during the Acheulian–MSA transition.
The Use of Silicone Rods Under Split-Thickness Skin Grafts For Reconstruction Of Extensor Tendon Injuries
Authors: Bevin A. Griswold , Hothem Arden L.
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this paper is to report experience in dealing with selected extensor tendon injuries which have been reconstructed using flexible silicone polymer rods and subsequent tendon grafts or transfers beneath split thickness skin grafts.
Biodegradable Cuff An Adjunct to Peripheral Nerve Repair: A Study in Dogs
Authors: Reid Robert L. , Cutright Duane E. , Garrison James S.
Published: March 2006

This is a report of a study in which cuffs of biodegradable copolymers were placed about ulnar and peroneal nerves in legs of ten adult mongrel dogs. The results were evaluated by clinical response, electromyographic observations, nerve conduction studies, and light microscopic examination.
Some Results Using Triamcinolone on Immobilized Joints
Authors: Weckesser Elden C.
Published: March 2006

The frequency and causes of joint stiffness are reviewed. The most sophisticated repair may be for naught if the joints stiffen. Treatment of the established condition leaves much to be desired. Since mobility cannot be maintained during many postoperative periods and during the treatment of many conditions, any aid to prophylaxis is desirable especially if the side effects are negligible.

Steroids have been chosen because of their influence on collagen metabolism and because much is known of their toxicity and side effects. The drug was first given into the knee joints of rats where it was found effective in preventing joint stiffness in joints immobilized three weeks.

In view of the animal success, fourteen patients with thenar pedicles have had a single dose of triamcinolone injected into the peri-articular tissues of their proximal interphalangeal joints at the time of construction of the pedicle. Follow up observation shows all patients to have complete proximal interphalangeal joint extension and flexion to 95°. Side effects were minimal.
Auto-Electrotherapy in Nerve Lesions
Authors: Cugola L. , Tarolli G.
Published: March 2006

A portable device is presented for auto-electrotherapy, to give more continuous treatment of cases of upper limb nerve injuries.
Trigger Finger Due to Neurilemmoma in the Carpal Tunnel
Authors: Robb J. E.
Published: March 2006

A case of Trigger finger which had not been relieved by injection, was found to be due to a neurilemmoma, and cured by operation.
Multiple Fibrous Xanthomas of Tendon Sheath
Authors: Hoehn James G. , Davis Daniel T.
Published: March 2006

Fibrous xanthomas* of the digital tendon sheath system are a common benign tumour. The varying recurrence rates cited in the literature have usually been attributed to inadequate surgical excision. However, Boyes (1964) has suggested “seeding” as a possible mechanism to explain persistence of the tumour. Our case of multiple fibrous xanthomas at different levels in a single digital sheath system is presented as an example of “seeding” along the tendon sheath.
Soft Tissue Stretching With Magnets
Authors: Engel J. , Dagan J.
Published: March 2006

Various clinical conditions require soft tissue elongation that can later host a bone graft. The possibility of stretching the soft tissues by magnetic force was tested on the forearm of dogs. The results are encouraging, provided certain precautions are taken and the pull exerted is not too great.
Subcutaneous Ring Anaesthesia in the Prevention Of Tourniquet Pain in Hand Surgery
Authors: Rousso M. , Wexler M. R. , Weinberg H. , Vatashky E. , Aronson B.
Published: March 2006

A simple method for achieving satisfactory regional anaesthesia for a wide range of hand surgery is presented. It entails separate attention to the two aims of regional anaesthesia, namely analgesia of the tourniquet and of the operative site.

This study of 149 patients indicated that (a) subcutaneous ring anaesthesia produced excellent tourniquet analgesia, both in the forearm as well as the upper arm; (b) a tourniquet applied to the forearm provided excellent regional ischaemia in 98% of our cases, contrary to what has been previously accepted.

The advantages of this method are its safety and simplicity even for the relatively untrained surgeon. It also obviates the need for brachial plexus blocks, intravenous regional or general anaesthesia with all their drawbacks.
CARBON GAIN IN COFFEA ARABICA DURING CLEAR AND CLOUDY DAYS IN THE WET SEASON
Authors: RONQUIM J. C. , PRADO C. H. B. A. , NOVAES P. , FAHL J. I. , RONQUIM C. C.
Published: March 2006

Three cultivars of Coffea arabica, Catuaí Vermelho IAC 81, Icatu Amarelo IAC 2944 and Obatã IAC 1669–20, were evaluated in relation to leaf gas exchange and potential photochemical efficiency of photosystem II under field conditions on clear and cloudy days in the wet season in southeast Brazil. Independent of levels of irradiance, leaf water potential (υleaf) values were always higher than the minimum required to affect daily net photosynthesis (PN). PN, stomatal conductance (gs), leaf transpiration (E) and the index of photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) declined on a clear day in all cultivars. The depression of leaf gas exchange and Fv/Fm (specially around midday) caused a strong decrease (about 70 %) in daily carbon gain on a clear day. Under cloudless conditions, gs and PN were correlated with the air vapour pressure deficit (VPDair), but not with photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) values. On a cloudy day, the daily carbon gain was barely limited by PPFD below 800 μmol m−2 s−1, the Fv/Fm values showed a slight decrease around midday, and gs and PN were positively correlated with PPFD but not with VPDair. By contrast, irrespective of the contrasting irradiance conditions during the day, PN and E were correlated with gs.
RECEPTIVITY TO SOCIAL RESEARCH BY THE CGIAR
Authors: KASSAM A. H.
Published: March 2006

This paper analyses the way the CGIAR system has incorporated social research in its agenda. Since 1995, the social science staff capacity in the CGIAR has decreased by 24 %, and the overall balance of social science research is still significantly tilted away from the core germplasm enhancement, production systems/natural resources management, and technology adoption work – the ‘bread and butter’ of technology generation and development effort – toward ex-ante and ex-post activities. Further, the bulk of the social science research has low social research content despite the significant expansion of the CGIAR initial goal of increasing the proverbial ‘pile of rice’ to poverty alleviation and sustainable food security. The paper concludes that a concerted effort is now required to mainstream social research in the CGIAR system, and this cannot occur without the full support of the CGIAR donors, the CGIAR senior managers, and the centre boards and executive staff.
THE PANORAMIC TABLE: A CONTRIBUTION TO STRATEGIC AND PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF A PLANT BREEDING SITUATION
Authors: LANÇON J. , MUCCHIELLI A.
Published: March 2006

Once in a while, every plant breeding project has to face a difficult situation: for example, objectives not reached, insufficient production of new genetic material, poor variety adoption and context change. In most cases, the problems are biological in nature, but they may also arise from poor situation analysis leading to inappropriate selection criteria or failing seed systems. We believe that plant breeders need special tools for analysing the human situations in which they are immersed. Such tools would assist them in identifying strategies which are favourable for one, several or all of the actors in a situation. Comprehensive sociology proposes a method derived from actionist analysis. This method relies on a situation description organized in a Panoramic or Pan Table (PT) and on empathetic induction by the breeder of the actors' positions. The PT facilitates the identification of the zones of potential conflict. This paper is methodological. We show how to use the PT method in a real situation for tactical or strategic purposes. In our example, the breeder has to elaborate a specification for a cotton breeding project in the case of a commodity chain that is co-ordinated by a national cotton company. After describing the PT method and its use, we discuss its limitations and the way human problems can be taken into account when elaborating strategies for action.
Analysis of failure of voice production by a sound-producing voice prosthesis
Authors: van der Torn M , van Gogh C D L , Verdonck-de Leeuw I M , Festen J M , Mahieu H F
Published: March 2006

Objective: To analyse the cause of failing voice production by a sound-producing voice prosthesis (SPVP).

Methods: The functioning of a prototype SPVP is described in a female laryngectomee before and after its sound-producing mechanism was impeded by tracheal phlegm. This assessment included: perceptual voice evaluation of read-aloud prose by an expert listener; inspection of the malfunctioning SPVP; and aero-acoustical in vivo registrations using a computer-based data acquisition system.

Results: Sound-producing voice prosthesis speech is higher pitched, stronger, contains less aperiodic noise and requires a lower airflow rate than the patient's regular tracheoesophageal (TE) shunt speech. Tracheal phlegm caused malfunction of the vibrating silicone lip of the SPVP by causing it to stick to its stainless steel container in an opened position, thereby reducing the SPVP to no more than a regular TE shunt valve from a functional point of view. Tracheal phonatory pressure and dynamic vocal intensity range were not affected by the functional status of the SPVP.

Conclusions: To exploit the advantages an SPVP could offer female laryngectomees with an atonic or severely hypotonic pharyngoesophageal segment, the sound-producing mechanism of the SPVP needs to be less vulnerable to tracheal phlegm.
Fine needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis and management of thyroid disease
Authors: Bajaj Y , De M , Thompson A
Published: March 2006

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules. The study also evaluated the predictive value of pre-operative fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in surgical decision making, by comparing the final pathological diagnosis with the initial FNAC result.

All patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 1999 and 2003 were analysed. One hundred and sixty patients who underwent pre-operative FNAC were included in this study.

Fine needle aspiration was accurate in 119 (74.3 per cent) patients. Fine needle aspiration cytology and histology did not correlate in 32 (20 per cent) patients and FNAC was inadequate in nine (5.6 per cent) cases. Failures were mainly noted in cases of follicular neoplasm.

Our results indicate that FNAC is helpful in the diagnosis of thyroid pathology. However, complete histopathological analysis is essential to distinguish follicular adenoma from follicular carcinoma.

From this study, it can be concluded that FNAC is a cost-effective method of evaluating thyroid pathology pre-operatively and plays a useful role in planning the surgical management of thyroid nodules. However, results must be interpreted with the clinical picture in mind.
Did Ludwig's angina kill Ludwig?
Authors: Wasson J , Hopkins C , Bowdler D
Published: March 2006

Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig first described in 1836 a potentially fatal, rapidly spreading soft tissue infection of the neck and floor of the mouth. The condition was later named ‘Ludwig's angina’, a term which persists in medicine to this day. A gold medallist at 19 and professor at 25, Ludwig also served as president of the Württemberg Medical Association and chief physician to the royal family. His outstanding contribution to medicine was rewarded with the title Excellence upon retiring in 1855. Ludwig died at the age of 75, ironically, days after developing an inflammation of the neck. Could it be that Ludwig died of his own condition? This article combines a biography of Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig with an overview of his eponymous condition and its management.
Adenoid mast cells and their role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion
Authors: Abdullah B , Hassan S , Sidek D , Jaafar H
Published: March 2006

Introduction: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is an inflammation of the middle ear in which a collection of liquid is present in the middle-ear space while the tympanic membrane is intact. The association between adenoid inflammation and OME has long been noted but the exact mechanism is still much debated. We studied the role of adenoid mast cells in the causation of OME.

Objective: To study the distribution and role of adenoid mast cells in the causation of OME

Methodology: A cross-sectional, prospective study was carried out in the otorhinolaryngologic clinic, department of otorhinolaryngology (ORL), Science University of Malaysia, from June 1999 to September 2001. A total number of 50 cases were studied. Twenty-five of these patients underwent adenoidectomy, while another 25 patients underwent adenoidectomy and myringotomy with ventilation tube insertion. The adenoid specimens from all patients were examined for the number of adenoid mast cells present, using light microscopy and toluidine blue as the staining agent. The results were analysed using SPSS version 10.0 computer software.

Result: The population of adenoid mast cells in children with OME was significantly greater than that in children without OME (p = 0.000).

Conclusion: The increased number of adenoid mast cells in patients with OME suggests that inflammation may play a role in this condition.
Measuring Surface Topography by Scanning Electron Microscopy. II. Analysis of Three Estimators of Surface Roughness in Second Dimension and Third Dimension
Authors: Bonetto Rita Dominga , Ladaga Juan Luis , Ponz Ezequiel
Published: March 2006

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is widely used in surface studies and continuous efforts are carried out in the search of estimators of different surface characteristics. By using the variogram, we developed two of these estimators that were used to characterize the surface roughness from the SEM image texture. One of the estimators is related to the crossover between fractal region at low scale and the periodic region at high scale, whereas the other estimator characterizes the periodic region. In this work, a full study of these estimators and the fractal dimension in two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D) was carried out for emery papers. We show that the obtained fractal dimension with only one image is good enough to characterize the roughness surface because its behavior is similar to those obtained with 3D height data. We show also that the estimator that indicates the crossover is related to the minimum cell size in 2D and to the average particle size in 3D. The other estimator has different values for the three studied emery papers in 2D but it does not have a clear meaning, and these values are similar for those studied samples in 3D. Nevertheless, it indicates the formation tendency of compound cells. The fractal dimension values from the variogram and from an area versus step log–log graph were studied with 3D data. Both methods yield different values corresponding to different information from the samples.
Three-Dimensional Characterization of Cell Clusters Using Synchrotron-Radiation-Based Micro-Computed Tomography
Authors: Müller Bert , Riedel Marco , Thurner Philipp J.
Published: March 2006

Micro-computed tomography with the highly intense, monochromatic X rays produced by the synchrotron is a superior method to nondestructively measure the local absorption in three-dimensional space. Because biological tissues and cells consist mainly of water as the surrounding medium, higher absorbing agents have to be incorporated into the structures of interest. Even without X-ray optics such as refractive lens, one can uncover the stain distribution with the spatial resolution of about 1 μm. Incorporating the stain at selected cell compartments, for example, binding to the RNA/DNA, their density distribution becomes quantified. In this communication, we demonstrate that tomograms obtained at the beamlines BW2 and W2 (HASYLAB at DESY, Hamburg, Germany) and 4S (SLS, Villigen, Switzerland) clearly show that the RNA/DNA-stained HEK 293 cell clusters have a core of high density and a peripheral part of lower density, which correlate with results of optical microscopy. The inner part of the clusters is associated with nonvital cells as the result of insufficient oxygen and nutrition supply. This necrotic part is surrounded by (6 ± 1) layers of vital cells.
Application of Phase Correlation to the Montage Synthesis and Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Large Tissue Volumes from Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Slamani Mohamed-Adel , Krol Andrzej , Beaumont Jacques , Price Robert L. , Coman Ioana L. , Lipson Edward D.
Published: March 2006

We have implemented and tested a new automatic method for the montage synthesis and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of large tissue volumes from confocal laser scanning microscopy data (CLSM). This method relies on maximization of the phase correlation between adjacent images. It was tested on a large specimen (a murine heart) that was cut into a number of individual sections with thickness appropriate for CLSM. The sections were scanned horizontally (in-plane) and vertically (perpendicular to the optical planes) to produce “tiles” of a 3D volume. Phase correlation maximization was applied to the montage synthesis of in-plane tiles and 3D alignment of optical slices within a given physical section. The performance of the new method is evaluated.