bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of cerebral perfusion using arterial spin labeling: Two‐compartment models
Authors: Parkes Laura M.
Published: November 2005

One of the advantages of arterial spin labeling (ASL) techniques over other techniques for measuring cerebral perfusion is that with ASL it is possible to achieve accurate quantification. This is particularly useful in the field of functional imaging, where accurate measurements of perfusion change can help untangle the complex physiological changes that occur following neuronal activation. However, the linearity of the perfusion estimate over a wide range of perfusion values may be more important than absolute values. For several years, single‐compartment models have dominated the literature, and it has been assumed that the labeled water diffuses freely throughout the tissue voxel. However, recent work, as summarized in this review, has shown that this assumption is inaccurate and leads to an overestimation of perfusion at low perfusion rates, and an underestimation at high rates. The inclusion of restricted permeability of the capillary wall to water in a two‐compartment model offers improved quantification. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perfusion‐based fMRI: Insights from animal models
Authors: Silva Afonso C.
Published: November 2005

Modern functional neuroimaging techniques, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and optical imaging of intrinsic signals (OIS), rely on a tight coupling between neural activity and cerebral blood flow (CBF) to visualize brain activity using CBF as a surrogate marker. Because CBF is a uniquely defined physiological parameter, fMRI techniques based on CBF contrast have the advantage of being specific to tissue signal change, and the potential to provide more direct and quantitative measures of brain activation than blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD)‐ or cerebral blood volume (CBV)‐based techniques. The changes in CBF elicited by increased neural activity are an excellent index of the magnitude of electrical activity. Increases in CBF are more closely localized to the foci of increased electrical activity, and occur more promptly to the stimulus than BOLD‐ or CBV‐based contrast. In addition, CBF‐based fMRI is less affected by confounds from venous drainage common to BOLD. Animal studies of brain activation have yielded considerable insights into the advantages of CBF‐based fMRI. Based on results provided by animal studies, CBF fMRI may offer a means of better assessing the magnitude, spatial extent, and temporal response of neural activity, and may be more specific to tissue state. These properties are expected to be particularly useful for longitudinal and quantitative fMRI studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005. Published 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder and estrogen replacement therapy on bladder functions and histology in surgically menopause and chronic cystitis induced rats
Authors: Çayan Selahittin , Canpolat Bülent , Çayan Filiz , Yιlmaz Necat , Kartal Akif , Oǧuz İzzet , Akbay Erdem
Published: November 2005

Aims

We investigated the effect of chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder and estrogen replacement therapy on bladder function and histological changes in surgically menopause and chronic cystitis induced rats.

Methods

The study included 36 female Sprague–Dawley rats, divided into five groups. After bilateral ovariectomy, chronic cystitis was induced by intravesical instillation of HCl, and then group 1 (n = 8) received nasal estrogen, and group 2 (n = 8) received oral estrogen replacement therapy. Group 3 (n = 7) underwent ovariectomy and chronic cystitis, but no replacement therapy. Group 4 (n = 7) had only ovariectomy. Group 5 (n = 6) was taken as sham group. The rats were sacrificed after 60 days, and cystometric study and histological findings were compared among the groups.

Results

The mean maximal bladder capacity and compliance revealed significant decreases in group 3 and 4 compared with group 5, and significant increases in group 1 and 2 compared with group 3. Histological findings showed significant increases in the mast cells and leukocyte infiltration of group 3 and 4 compared with group 5, and significant decreases in the mast cells and leukocyte infiltration of group 1 and 2 compared with group 3.

Conclusions

This experimental menopause and chronic cystitis model showed that bladder function and histology might deteriorate much more with chronic cystitis in postmenopausal period. This is the first study in the literature to report that chronic inflammatory bladder occurring after menopause can be improved by estrogen replacement therapy. Neurourol. Urodynam. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Free convection and radiation characteristics for a vertical plate embedded in a porous medium
Authors: Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Zainal Z. A. , Aswatha Narayana P. A. , Seetharamu K. N. , Siew Lam Weng
Published: November 2005

Steady two‐dimensional free convection flow due to combined effect of radiation and convection through a porous medium bounded by a vertical infinite plate is considered. The behaviour of Darcy and non‐Darcy flow is investigated. The flow of water through different porous media under different environmental conditions is discussed. Effect of four non‐dimensional parameters, i.e. Prandtl number (Pr), modified Grashof number (G), permeability parameter (K) and radiation parameter (N) has been studied. Effect of these parameters on Nusselt number is analysed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyaniline nanotubes: conditions of formation
Authors: Konyushenko Elena N , Stejskal Jaroslav , Šeděnková Ivana , Trchová Miroslava , Sapurina Irina , Cieslar Miroslav , Prokeš Jan
Published: November 2005

The courses of aniline oxidation with ammonium peroxydisulfate in aqueous solutions of strong (sulfuric) and in weak (acetic) acids, followed by temperature and acidity changes, are different. In solutions of sulfuric acid, granular polyaniline (PANI) was produced; in solutions of acetic acid, PANI nanotubes were obtained. The external diameter of the nanotubes was 100–300 nm, the internal cavity 20–100 nm, and the length extended to several micrometres. The morphology of PANI, granular or tubular, depends on the acidity conditions during the reaction rather than on the chemical nature of the acid. PANI nanotubes were also produced when aniline was oxidized in the absence of any acid. The bulk conductivity of PANI prepared in solutions of acetic acid was 0.08–0.27 S cm−1, depending on the acid concentration. Protonated PANI prepared in sulfuric and acetic acids were deprotonated with ammonium hydroxide to obtain PANI bases and the ammonium salt of the protonating acid. FTIR spectroscopy showed the differences in the molecular structure of the PANI bases. Irrespective of whether the polymerization was performed in solutions of sulfuric or acetic acid, PANI had hydrogen sulfate counter‐ions only. The PANI morphology is thus not controlled by the nature of counter‐ions. The acidity of the reaction medium determines the protonation of monomer, oligomer and polymer species. The chemistry of aniline oxidation is likely to be affected especially by the protonation of an intermediate in the pernigraniline form. It is proposed that, in the course of aniline oxidation, pH‐dependent self‐assembly of aniline oligomers predetermines the final PANI morphology. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Are Postoperative Complications More Common with Single-Stage Bilateral (SBTKR) than with Unilateral Knee Arthroplasty: Guidelines for Patients Scheduled for SBTKR
Authors: Urban M. K. , Chisholm M. , Wukovits B.
Published: November 2005

A significant number of patients with degenerative arthritis of the knee require bilateral knee arthroplasty. Single-stage bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SBTKR) has been associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. At our institution, the following steps have been taken to minimize the risks to patients undergoing this procedure: regional anesthesia and analgesia, invasive monitoring, postoperative observation in an intensive care unit setting, and aggressive management of hemodynamic aberrations. We reviewed the medical records of 462 sequential total knee arthroplasty patients, consisting of 169 SBTKR and 293 unilateral total knee arthroplasty (UTKR) cases. A total of 122 patients from each group were matched for age, weight, and a history of ischemic heart disease and hypertension. Patients for SBTKR exhibited a significantly higher incidence of fat embolism syndrome and cardiac arrhythmias than UTKR patients. There were no deaths in either group and the incidence of other serious postoperative complications was low and similar between the two groups. Elderly patients (∼75 years old) had more postoperative complications. With aggressive clinical management SBTKR can be safely performed in selected patients. Guidelines for the selection of these patients are presented.
Dexamethasone has pro‐apoptotic effects on non‐activated fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Totino Paulo Renato Rivas , Riccio Evelyn Kety Pratt , Corte‐Real Suzana , Daniel‐Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu , Ferreira‐da‐Cruz Maria de Fátima
Published: November 2005

Apoptosis is a physiological method of cell death commonly referred to as programmed cell death. However, non‐apoptotic programmed cell death, such as autophagy and programmed necrosis, has been characterized by morphological criteria. In view of the human therapeutic use of DEX, and considering that no difference in the number and/or affinity of glucocorticoid receptors in activated and non‐activated lymphocytes has been reported, we decided to evaluate the effect of DEX on fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Transmission electron microscopy showed that DEX can significantly induce apoptosis in non‐activated PBMC. It was also observed by transmission electron microscopy that, independently of DEX treatment, PBMC also died by a process marked by extreme vacuolization and increase in cellular volume; these cells were erroneously classified as viable by flow cytometry using the 7‐AAD assay. It is concluded that the DEX pro‐apoptotic effect is not restricted to activated PBMC and, therefore, DEX‐induced apoptosis could play either homeostatic (activated PBMC) or immunosuppressive (non‐activated PBMC) roles.
Stimulative effects of insulin on Toxoplasma gondii replication in 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Zhu Sha , Lai De‐Hua , Li San‐Qiang , Lun Zhao‐Rong
Published: November 2005

The influence of insulin and 2‐deoxy‐glucose (d‐glucose) on the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii replication in 3T3‐L1 cells was investigated. Insulin and d‐glucose had a dose‐responsive mitogenic effect on intracellular T. gondii replication and development in 3T3‐L1 cells. Insulin concentrations between 10−2 and 10−1 μg/ml combination of 4.5 g/l d‐glucose in DMEM medium gave maximum stimulus to T. gondii replication. The number of tachyzoites increased rapidly, with the growth peaking typically on day 3 or 4 of culture, and then declining quickly. However, insulin, in the absence of d‐glucose, had comparably less effect on T. gondii growth than two of their combination. d‐glucose concentrations significantly affected the tachyzoite replication and appear to be indispensable for maintaining the host 3T3‐L1 cells.
Clinical determinants of poor six‐minute walk test performance in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and no major structural heart disease
Authors: Ingle L. , Rigby A.S. , Nabb S. , Jones P.K. , Clark A.L. , Cleland J.G.F.
Published: November 2005

Background:

The clinical determinants of six‐minute walk test (6‐MWT) performance in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) have rarely been investigated, and it is not clear whether they differ from patients referred for the assessment of symptoms of heart failure who do not have major structural heart disease (MSHD).

Methods and Results:

571 patients with LVSD enrolled in a chronic disease management programme (79% male; mean age 71±10 years; BMI 28±5) completed a 6‐MWT with a mean distance 337±103 m. 688 patients referred with suspected heart failure but in whom MSHD was excluded (49% male; mean age 70±11 years; BMI 28±6) had a mean 6‐MWT distance of 391±106 m (P<0.001 compared to patients with LVSD). Relationships with walking distance were determined by calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for walking ≤300 versus >300 m. In patients with LVSD, predictors of poor walking distance (≤300 m) included age ≥75 years (OR=4.0, 95% CI=2.4–6.4); low BMI (<20) (OR=3.4, 95% CI=1.6–7.3); anaemia (OR=2.8, 95% CI=1.8–4.2); resting heart rate >80 beats min−1 (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.3–3.5); and being female (OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.3–3.0). Serum creatinine and NT‐proBNP showed dose–response effects, as did self‐perceived feelings of depression and anxiety. Determinants of 6‐MWT in patients without MSHD were similar including age ≥75 years (OR=6.0, 95% CI=3.4–10.4), anaemia (OR=2.8, 95% CI=1.6–4.9), resting HR >80 beats min−1 (OR=2.5, 95% CI=1.4–4.4) and being female (OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.9–2.4). NT‐proBNP and self‐perceived feelings of depression and anxiety also showed dose–response effects.

Conclusion:

The determinants of poor 6‐MWT performance depend on physical–cardiovascular and non‐cardiovascular, and psychological factors. Clinical predictors for poor walking performance are similar for patients with LVSD and without MSHD.
Antibiotic susceptibility of mammalian mitochondrial translation
Authors: Zhang Li , Ging Ng Ching , Komoda Taeko , Hanada Takao , Suzuki Tsutomu , Watanabe Kimitsuna
Published: November 2005

All medically useful antibiotics should have the potential to distinguish between target microbes (bacteria) and host cells. Although many antibiotics that target bacterial protein synthesis show little effect on the translation machinery of the eukaryotic cytoplasm, it is unclear whether these antibiotics target or not the mitochondrial translation machinery. We employed an in vitro translation system from bovine mitochondria, which consists of mitochondrial ribosomes and mitochondrial elongation factors, to estimate the effect of antibiotics on mitichondrial protein synthesis. Tetracycline and thiostrepton showed similar inhibitory effects on both Escherichia coli and mitochondrial protein synthesis. The mitochondrial system was more resistant to tiamulin, macrolides, virginiamycin, fusidic acid and kirromycin than the E. coli system. The present results, taken together with atomic structure of the ribosome, may provide useful information for the rational design of new antibiotics having less adverse effects in humans and animals.
Over‐production of IFN‐γ and IL‐12 in AhR‐null mice
Authors: Rodríguez-Sosa Miriam , Elizondo Guillermo , López-Durán Rosa María , Rivera Irma , Gonzalez Frank J. , Vega Libia
Published: November 2005

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand‐activated transcription factor that mediates toxicity of environmental pollutants such as 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin. The exposure to AhR agonists results in profound suppression of cellular and humoral immune responses and compromises host to infectious disease. Therefore, to define the role of AhR in the immune response, spleen cells from ovalbumin (OVA)‐immunized and naïve mice were removed and stimulated in vitro with either OVA or mitogen concanavalin‐A (Con A), respectively. Proliferation, CD19+, F4/80+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expansion and cytokines production were measured in C57BL/6‐AhR−/− mice (AhR−/−) and compared with immune response in similarly immunized age‐matched wild type (AhR+/+) mice. In response to OVA immunization, AhR−/− mice had similar levels of serum OVA‐specific IgG2a, IgG1, and IgG2b compared with AhR+/+ animals. However, AhR−/− mice showed splenomegalia and an increase in B cells. No changes were observed on proliferation and IL‐4 secretion, although AhR−/− cells produced more IFN‐γ and IL‐12 than AhR+/+ cells. Similar results were observed with Con A stimulation, a decrease on IL‐5 and no change on IL‐2 secretion were observed on AhR−/− cells compared with AhR+/+ cells in response to Con A stimulation. High levels of IFN‐γ mRNA were detected in AhR−/− lymphocytes, but IL‐4 mRNA levels in AhR−/− cells were similar to those in AhR+/+ mice. These data suggest that AhR may play an important role in the normal development and function of immune system by down‐regulating IFN‐γ and IL‐12 expression.
Rapid rates of newly synthesized mitochondrial protein degradation are significantly affected by the generation of mitochondrial free radicals
Authors: Basoah A. , Matthews P.M. , Morten K.J.
Published: November 2005

Exposure of biological material to high levels of free radicals causes extensive cellular damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by mitochondria have been associated with a variety of diseases and aging. We investigated the effect of low‐level mitochondrial ROS production on newly synthesized mitochondrial proteins which are potentially vulnerable to mitochondrial ROS due to their location and unfolded state. We show that elevated mitochondrial ROS increases the degradation of newly synthesized mitochondrial proteins with some proteins more sensitive than others. In the long term reduced assembly of mitochondrial complexes would affect mitochondrial function and may trigger a vicious cycle of mitochondrial ROS production.
A problem in multivariate analysis of codon usage data and a possible solution
Authors: Suzuki Haruo , Saito Rintaro , Tomita Masaru
Published: November 2005

Multivariate analyses are often used to identify major trends of variation in synonymous codon usage among genes. These analyses need to be performed on properly normalized codon usage data to avoid biases masking this synonymous variation, i.e., gene length, amino acid usage, and codon degeneracy; however, previous studies have failed to do so. In this paper, we demonstrate that the use of alternative normalized data (called ‘relative adaptiveness’ in the literature) can avoid all these biases and furthermore, can identify more trends of variation among genes, including GC‐ending codon usage, GT‐ending codon usage, and gene expression level.
Proinflammatory adipocytokines induce TIMP‐1 expression in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Kralisch Susan , Klein Johannes , Lossner Ulrike , Bluher Matthias , Paschke Ralf , Stumvoll Michael , Fasshauer Mathias
Published: November 2005

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 is an adipocyte‐secreted protein upregulated in obesity which promotes adipose tissue development. Furthermore, the proinflammatory adipocytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin (IL)‐6 induce insulin resistance, and plasma concentrations are increased during weight gain. In the current study, the impact of TNFα and IL‐6 on TIMP‐1 mRNA and protein expression was determined in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Interestingly, TNFα and IL‐6 induced TIMP‐1 protein secretion more than 3‐ and 2‐fold, respectively. Furthermore, TIMP‐1 mRNA was upregulated in a time‐ and dose‐dependent fashion. Inhibitor experiments suggested that nuclear factor κB and p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase are involved in both, basal and adipocytokine‐induced TIMP‐1 expression. Moreover, the thiazolidinedione troglitazone partly reversed TNFα‐ but not IL‐6‐induced TIMP‐1 synthesis. Taken together, we demonstrate that TIMP‐1 expression is selectively upregulated in fat cells by proinflammatory adipocytokines and might play a role in maintaining adipose tissue mass in obesity.
Interaction between HIF‐1α (ODD) and hARD1 does not induce acetylation and destabilization of HIF‐1α
Authors: Arnesen Thomas , Kong Xianguo , Evjenth Rune , Gromyko Darina , Varhaug Jan Erik , Lin Zhao , Sang Nianli , Caro Jaime , Lillehaug Johan R.
Published: November 2005

Hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) is a central component of the cellular responses to hypoxia. Hypoxic conditions result in stabilization of HIF‐1α and formation of the transcriptionally active HIF‐1 complex. It was suggested that mammalian ARD1 acetylates HIF‐1α and thereby enhances HIF‐1α ubiquitination and degradation. Furthermore, ARD1 was proposed to be downregulated in hypoxia thus facilitating the stabilization of HIF‐1α. Here we demonstrate that the level of human ARD1 (hARD1) protein is not decreased in hypoxia. Moreover, hARD1 does not acetylate and destabilize HIF‐1α. However, we find that hARD1 specifically binds HIF‐1α, suggesting a putative, still unclear, connection between these proteins.
Reconstitution of an apicoplast‐localised electron transfer pathway involved in the isoprenoid biosynthesis of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Röhrich René C. , Englert Nadine , Troschke Katrin , Reichenberg Armin , Hintz Martin , Seeber Frank , Balconi Emanuela , Aliverti Alessandro , Zanetti Giuliana , Köhler Uwe , Pfeiffer Matthias , Beck Ewald , Jomaa Hassan , Wiesner Jochen
Published: November 2005

In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum isoprenoid precursors are synthesised inside a plastid‐like organelle (apicoplast) by the mevalonate independent 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose‐5‐phosphate (DOXP) pathway. The last reaction step of the DOXP pathway is catalysed by the LytB enzyme which contains a [4Fe–4S] cluster. In this study, LytB of P. falciparum was shown to be catalytically active in the presence of an NADPH dependent electron transfer system comprising ferredoxin and ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase. LytB and ferredoxin were found to form a stable protein complex. These data suggest that the ferredoxin/ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase redox system serves as the physiological electron donor for LytB in the apicoplast of P. falciparum.
Sulfite facilitates LDL lipid oxidation by transition metal ions: A pro‐oxidant in wine?
Authors: Laggner Hildegard , Hermann Marcela , Sturm Brigitte , Gmeiner Bernhard M.K. , Kapiotis Stylianos
Published: November 2005

Lipid oxidation in LDL may play a role in atherogenesis. It has been shown that sulfite – a compound in the aqueous fraction of wine – could inhibit free radical (AAPH) mediated oxidation of plasma. Thus, sulfite has been proposed as an antioxidant. In contrast, the aqueous phase of wine has recently been shown to contain not fully identified compounds promoting transition metal ion (Cu2+) initiated LDL oxidation. As transition metal ions can catalyse the auto‐oxidation of sulfite, we studied the influence of sulfite on Cu2+ initiated LDL oxidation. The results show that sulfite at concentrations found in vivo strongly facilitated LDL oxidation by Cu2+. The LDL‐oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin was also stimulated by sulfite. ROS formation by
urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579305013050:feb2s0014579305013050-math-si1
was not inhibited by SOD but by catalase. We propose that formation of Cu+, sulfite radicals
urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579305013050:feb2s0014579305013050-math-si2
and hydroxyl radicals (OH) is a mechanism by which sulfite could act as a pro‐atherogenic agent in presence of transition metal ions.
The target strength of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) measured by the split-beam method in a small tank at 70 kHz
Authors: Amakasu Kazuo , Furusawa Masahiko
Published: November 2005

The target strengths (TS) of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) were measured at 70 kHz aboard the research and training vessel “Umitaka-maru” of Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology in February 2003 during a Southern Ocean survey. The systematic variations of TS vs. the incident angle of the ensonified wave, henceforth called TS-patterns, were successfully measured for 12 live Antarctic krill. These measurements were compared with the theoretical TS-patterns predicted by the Distorted-Wave Born Approximation-based deformed-cylinder model (DWBA model). While there was good agreement near the main lobe, the measurements were higher than the model predictions in the side-lobe regions; this is consistent with the observations of others. Several possible causes of this discrepancy such as the bending of abdomen and scattering from pleopods were examined, but no single factor was identified as the cause. Rather, it is likely that the discrepancy is a result of a combination of several factors.
Reproductive biology and abundance of the white-dotted skate, Bathyraja albomaculata, in the Southwest Atlantic
Authors: Ruocco Natalia L. , Lucifora Luis O. , Díaz de Astarloa Juan M. , Wöhler Otto
Published: November 2005

Size at maturity, sexual dimorphism, gonad development, and abundance of white-dotted skate, Bathyraja albomaculata, were assessed along its geographic range in the Southwest Atlantic, from Uruguay to Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). In all, 291 specimens from eight research cruises conducted between 1998 and 2003 were examined. Length–mass relationships were sexually dimorphic, adult females being significantly heavier than males of the same length. The largest female observed was 762 mm total length (LT), and 50% maturity (LT50) was attained at 653 mm LT. The largest male was 732 mm LT, and male LT50 was 628 mm LT. Female and male LT50 were not significantly different and were about 86% of observed maximum size, similar to other Bathyraja species. The lack of sexual dimorphism in size at maturity and the slight difference in maximum size between sexes support the hypothesis of relaxation of selection for large female size in oviparous elasmobranchs. Liver size was not sexually dimorphic. Mature female gonads were symmetrical in terms of mass, and similar in ovarian follicle number and size. Females carried egg cases in April, September, and October, consistent with previous observations around the Islas Malvinas and suggesting year-round egg laying. Bathyraja albomaculata was most abundant on the outer continental shelf and slope between 36°30′S and 45°S (northern area). In contrast, it was generally absent between 48°S and 52°S (southern area), a region where it was formerly reported as abundant. These differences are coincident with the development of a fishery targeting skates in the southern area, whereas in the north B. albomaculata taken as bycatch are mostly discarded alive.
Histological analysis invalidates macroscopically determined maturity ogives of the Kattegat cod (Gadus morhua) and suggests new proxies for estimating maturity status of individual fish
Authors: Vitale F. , Svedäng H. , Cardinale M.
Published: November 2005

Assessment and management of fish populations currently rely on correct estimation of the spawning-stock biomass (SSB), which is based on accurate maturity ogives of the population. Although maturity ogives are usually calculated through macroscopic evaluation of the gonads, histology is generally considered to be more accurate. Here we show that the macroscopic analysis consistently overestimates the proportion of mature females for all age classes in Kattegat cod. The resulting bias showed minimum values for all age classes about a month before the spawning season. Consequently, estimation of the incidence of maturation in females several months before or after the spawning season can only be accurate using histological techniques. Further, the observed bias was used to reconstruct a historical data set of maturity ogives of Kattegat cod. The results showed that female spawning biomass (FSB) might have been overestimated by up to 35%. However, as histological analysis is considered a laborious procedure, proxies of maturity status were sought. It was indicated that the gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices may serve as robust proxies for discriminating mature females from immature, thus greatly enhancing the accuracy of the macroscopic maturity evaluation of cod gonads when histological analysis is lacking.
Attitudes toward the discontinuation of female genital cutting among men and women in Guinea
Authors: Gage A.J. , Van Rossem R.
Published: November 2005

Objective

To investigate socioeconomic correlates of and gender differences in attitudinal support for the discontinuation of FGC in Guinea.

Method

Data from structured interviews of men aged 15–59 and women aged 15–49 years in the 1999 Demographic and Health Survey and multiple logistic regression methods were used to examine the relationship of socioeconomic factors and gender to attitudinal support for the discontinuation of FGC.

Result

More than 9 out of 10 women had undergone FGC. Attitudinal support for FGC discontinuation was more prevalent among men than women. The odds of supporting the discontinuation of FGC were negatively related to beliefs in social approval of and religious support for FGC and its enhancement of women's marriageability, the number of perceived advantages of FGC, and women's low socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

Community education, improvements in women's socioeconomic status and traditional and religious leader involvement would be critical for FGC eradication.
Soil-forming rates and processes on Quaternary moraines near Lago Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Douglass Daniel C. , Bockheim James G.
Published: November 2005

Thirty-four pedons on four moraine groups spanning the last 1 myr are used to investigate mechanisms and rates of soil development in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. All soils are coarse-loamy, mesic, Typic Haplocalcids or Calcic Haploxerolls occurring under short grass-shrub steppe, in a semi-arid climate. The dominant soil-forming processes are the accumulation of organic matter, carbonate, and clay-sized particles. Organic carbon accumulates rapidly in these soils, but significantly higher amounts in the oldest two moraine groups are likely the result of slight differences in soil-forming environment or grazing practices. Accumulation rates of carbonate and clay decrease with age, suggesting either decreased influx in the earliest part of the record or attainment of equilibrium between influx and loss. There are no changes in soil redness, and preservation of weatherable minerals in the oldest soils indicates there is little chemical weathering in this environment. Measured dust input explains the accumulation of both clay and carbonate. We present a carbonate cycling model that describes potential sources and calcium mobility in this environment. Calibration of rates of soil formation creates a powerful correlation tool for comparing other glacial deposits in Argentina to the well-dated moraines at Lago Buenos Aires.
Contribution of membrane cholesterol to outer hair cell lateral wall stiffness
Authors: Nguyen Thanh‐Van N. , Brownell William E.
Published: November 2005

The outer hair cell can be divided into three domains: the apex, the base, and the lateral wall. With the use of filipin, a polyene fluorescent antibiotic that binds to cholesterol, we found under fluorescence microscopy that the lateral wall membranes were less intensely stained than the apical and basal membranes. This difference in filipin fluorescence between the lateral walls and the ends diminished when cells were incubated in water‐soluble cholesterol before staining, suggesting that exogenous cholesterol enters the lateral wall. Under confocal microscopy, we studied the incorporation pattern of a fluorescent cholesterol analogue, NBD‐cholesterol. NBD‐cholesterol did not stain the apical membranes whereas it intensely labeled the lateral wall. The micropipette aspiration technique was used to assess the effect of cholesterol on lateral wall stiffness. The lateral wall stiffness parameter of cells treated with water‐soluble cholesterol (n= 23) was significantly higher than that of controls (n = 27): 0.76 ± 0.24 (mean ± SD) versus 0.46 ± 0.10 (Student's t test, p>0.001). In conclusion, cholesterol has different distributions among outer hair cell membranes, and when water‐soluble cholesterol is incorporated into the cells, the outer hair cell lateral wall stiffness parameter increases. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:14–20.)
Physiologic basis for motor learning in the vestibulo‐ocular reflex
Authors: Lisberger Stephen G.
Published: November 2005

The vestibulo‐ocular reflex has been used extensively for study of the neural mechanisms of learning that is dependent on an intact cerebellum. Anatomic, physiologic, behavioral, and computational approaches have revealed the neural circuits that are used to generate the vestibulo‐ocular reflex and have identified two likely sites of plasticity within those circuits. One site of plasticity is in the vestibular inputs to floccular target neurons, which are located in the vestibular nuclei and receive monosynaptic inhibition from Purkinje cells in the floccular complex of the cerebellar cortex. The other site of plasticity is in the vestibular inputs to Purkinje cells in the floccular complex, possibly in the cerebellar cortex. After reviewing the evidence that supports these conclusions, I consider a number of observations showing that the dynamics of neural circuits or cellular mechanisms play important roles in learning in the vestibulo‐ocular reflex. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:43–8.)
Differentiating between peripheral and central causes of vertigo
Authors: Baloh Robert W.
Published: November 2005

The history usually provides the key information for distinguishing between peripheral and central causes of vertigo. Probably the only central lesion that could masquerade as a peripheral vestibular lesion is cerebellar infarction because vertigo and severe imbalance may be the only presenting features. MRI is indicated in any patient with acute vertigo and profound imbalance suspected to be the result of cerebellar infarct or hemorrhage. Patients with chronic recurrent attacks of vertigo often have normal examination results, including normal vestibular function in between attacks. The duration of attacks is most helpful in distinguishing between central and peripheral causes; vertigo associated with vertebrobasilar insufficiency typically lasts minutes, whereas peripheral inner ear causes of recurrent vertigo typically last hours. Positional vertigo nearly always is a benign condition that can be cured easily at the bedside, but in rare cases it can be a symptom of a central lesion, particularly one near the fourth ventricle. Central positional nystagmus is nearly always purely vertical (either upbeating or downbeating), and there are usually associated neurologic findings. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:55‐9.)
Vision and vestibular adaptation
Authors: Demer Joseph L. , Crane Benjamin T.
Published: November 2005

This article summarizes six recent degree‐of‐freedom studies of visual‐vestibular interaction during natural activities and relates the findings to canalotolith interactions evaluated during eccentric axis rotations. Magnetic search coils were used to measure angular eye and head movements of young and elderly subjects. A flux gate magnetometer was used to measure three‐dimensional head translation. Three activities were studied: standing quietly, walking in place, and running in place. Each activity was evaluated with three viewing conditions: a visible target viewed normally, a remembered target in darkness, and a visible target viewed with x2 binocular telescopic spectacles. Canal‐otolith interaction was assessed with passive, whole‐body, transient, and steady‐state rotations in pitch and yaw at multiple frequencies about axes that were either oculocentric or eccentric to the eyes. For each rotational axis, subjects regarded visible and remembered targets located at various distances. Horizontal and vertical angular vestibulo‐ocular reflexes were demonstrable in all subjects during standing, walking, and running. When only angular gains were considered, gains in both darkness and during normal vision were less than 1.0 and were generally lower in elderly than in young subjects. Magnified vision with x2 telescopic spectacles produced only small gain increases as compared with normal vision. During walking and running all subjects exhibited significant mediolateral and dorsoventral head translations that were antiphase locked to yaw and pitch head movements, respectively. These head translations and rotations have mutually compensating effects on gaze in a target plane for typical viewing distances and allow angular vestibulo‐ocular reflex gains of less than 1.0 to be optimal for gaze stabilization during natural activities. During passive, whole‐body eccentric pitch and yaw head rotations, vestibulo‐ocular reflex gain was modulated as appropriate to stabilize gaze on targets at the distances used. This modulation was evident within the first 80 msec of onset of head movement, too early to be caused by immediate visual tracking. Modeling suggests a linear interaction between canal signals and otolith signals scaled by the inverse of target distance. Vestibulo‐ocular reflex performance appears to be adapted to stabilize gaze during translational and rotational perturbations that occur during natural activities, as is appropriate for relevant target distances. Although immediate visual tracking contributes little to gaze stabilization during natural activities, visual requirements determine the performance of vestibulo‐ocular reflexes arising from both canals and otoliths. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:78‐88.)
Noradrenergic influences on the cerebellar cortex: Effects on vestibular reflexes under basic and adaptive conditions
Authors: Pompeiano Ottavio
Published: November 2005

Experiments performed either in decerebrate cats or in intact rabbits have shown that functional inactivation of the cerebellar anterior vermis or the flocculus decreased the basic gain of the vestibulospinal or the vestibulo‐ocular reflex, respectively. These findings were attributed to the fact that a proportion of the vermal or floccular Purkinje cells, which are inhibitory in function, discharge out of phase with respect to the vestibulospinal or the vestibulo‐ocular neurons during sinusoidal animal rotation, thus exerting a facilitatory influence on the gain of the vestibular reflexes. Intravermal injection of a β‐noradrenergic agonist slightly increased the gain of the vestibulospinal reflex, whereas the opposite result was obtained after injection of β‐antagonists. Similarly, intrafloccular injection of a β‐noradrenergic agonist slightly facilitated the gain of the vestibulo‐ocular reflex in darkness (but not in light), whereas a small decrease of the reflex occurred after injection of a β‐antagonist. It was postulated that the noradrenergic system acts on Purkinje cells by enhancing their amplitude of modulation to a given labyrinth signal, thus increasing the basic gain of the vestibular reflexes. The Purkinje cells of the cerebellar anterior vermis and the flocculus also exert a prominent role on the adaptation of vestibulospinal and vestibulo‐ocular reflexes, respectively. In particular, intravermal or intrafloccular injection of β‐noradrenergic antagonists decreased or suppressed the adaptive capacity of the vestibulospinal and vestibulo‐ocular reflexes that always occurred during sustained out‐of‐phase neck‐vestibular or visual‐vestibular stimulation, whereas the opposite result was obtained after local injection of a β‐noradrenergic agonist. The noradrenergic innervation of the cere‐bellar cortex originates from the locus coeruleus complex, whose neurons respond to vestibular, neck, and visual signals. It was postulated that this structure acts through β‐adrenoceptors to increase the expression of immediate‐early genes, such as c‐fos and Jun‐B, in the Purkinje cells during vestibular adaptation. Induction of immediate‐early genes could then represent a mechanism by which impulses elicited by sustained neck‐vestibular or visuovestibular stimulation are transduced into long‐term biochemical changes that are required for cerebellar long‐term plasticity. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:93‐105.)
Beaded nerve terminals in feline laryngeal mucosa
Authors: Tsuda Kuniyoshi , Maeyama Tadatsugu , Shin Takemoto
Published: November 2005

To investigate the mechanism of airway defense reflex, beaded nerve terminals were studied by immunohistochemical techniques. In the supraglottic region the density of PGP 9.5–immunoreactive nerve fibers was the highest at the base of the glottic surface in the epiglottis, and in the glottic region it was the highest in the arytenoid region. In the subglottic region the number of positive nerve fibers was less than the number at the base of the glottic surface in the epiglottis, and when the laryngeal mucosa was processed with NaOH to dissolve the epithelium, it was possible to observe beaded nerve terminals more clearly. These beaded nerve terminals were found just beneath, in the epithelial basement membrane. Electron microscopic examination of beaded nerve terminals revealed a large quantity of secretory granules and mitochondria, suggesting that their structure is similar to that of nerve terminals. Thus these beaded nerve terminals may function as mechanoreceptors. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:113–6.)
Lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma of the larynx associated with an Epstein‐Barr viral infection
Authors: Sone Michihiko , Nakashima Tsutomu , Nagasaka Testuro , Itoh Akihide , Yanagita Noriyuki
Published: November 2005

L ymphoepithelioma is a term used to describe undifferentiated squamous cell carcinoma variants of nasopharyngeal neoplasms (WHO type 3). Correlations between lymphoepithelioma and Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) have been investigated with serologic1 and pathologic evaluation.2,3 Recently, nonnasopharyngeal neoplasms, which have morphologic features identical to those of lymphoepithelioma, called lymphoepithelioma‐like carcinoma (LEC), have been reported in other anatomic sites.4–10 Seven cases of laryngeal LEC have been reported in the English literature to date, but EBV has yet to be detected in laryngeal LEC. In this article, LEC in the epiglottis of the larynx is described with cellular localization of EBV‐encoded immediate‐early RNAs (BHLF) in the tumor cells of the larynx. This case report is the first to show laryngeal LEC associated with an EBV infection.
Head and neck manifestations of lipoid proteinosis
Authors: Cote Donald N.
Published: November 2005

Lipoid proteinosis is a rare and poorly understood disease that commonly affects the mucosa and skin of the head and neck. Otolaryngologists should be familiar with the manifestations of this disease and possible need for surgical intervention.
Surgical Labyrinthectomy in the Older Patient
Authors: Langman Alan W. , Lindeman Roger C.
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

Ablation of vestibular function is a highly efficacious option in the treatment of disabling vertigo arising from unilateral labyrinthine dysfunction. Regardless of the method used to ablate vestibular function, permanent posttreatment impairment of the balance function will develop in a number of treated patients. Many physicians who are involved in the care of the older patient with episodic vertigo are reluctant to recommend or perform a vestibular ablation procedure, because this treatment may result in permanent disequilibrium, which may be more detrimental to the older patient than the episodic vertigo. This study evaluates the outcome in older patients who underwent unilateral surgical labyrinthine ablation.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was done of the cases of 30 patients, all more than 60 years old, who underwent unilateral vestibular ablation because of disabling episodic vertigo by either transmastoid labyrinthectomy (n = 22) or transcanal labyrinthectomy (n = 8).

RESULTS

Episodic vertigo was controlled in 95.5% of the patients in the transmastoid labyrinthectomy group and in 100% of those in the transcanal labyrinthectomy group. Postoperative imbalance was present in 22.7% of patients in the transmastoid labyrinthectomy group and in 62.5% of those in the transcanal labyrinthectomy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Vestibular ablation is a viable option in the treatment of disabling vertigo in the older patient. A transmastoid labyrinthectomy may be preferable to a transcanal labyrinthectomy because the incidence of permanent posttreatment imbalance is less with a transmastoid labyrinthectomy. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:739‐42.)
Postauricular Myocutaneous Flap in Otologic Surgery
Authors: Farrior Jay B.
Published: November 2005

Management of a large mastoid defect resulting from skull base operations or extensive surgical procedures because of chronic ear disease continues to challenge the otologic surgeon. Various local muscle or periosteal rotation flaps have been used to help reduce the size of the postoperative mastoid cavity. With these techniques there are problems with flap retraction and epithelization that may result in delayed healing or chronic drainage. Closure of the ear canal and tissue obliteration of the mastoid results in a maximal conductive hearing loss. A postauricular myocutaneous flap based on the occipital artery and sternocleidomastoid muscle has been used effectively to reconstruct mastoid defects after both surgical procedures for chronic ear disease and skull base operations. The skin muscle flap reduces the mastoid cavity and promotes rapid healing of the surgical defect. Although postauricular myocutaneous flaps have been found to be reliable, their viability may be compromised by arterial embolization used in larger glomus tumors. Indications for and creation of a postauricular myocutaneous flap, with results in 18 cases, are presented. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:743‐6.)
Risk of Progressive Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Meniere's Disease after Breast Implantation
Authors: Kim David Woojin , Harris Jeffrey P.
Published: November 2005

OBJECTIVE

The association of various immunologic abnormalities with the presence of silicone breast implants in women has been described. In addition, some studies report a correlation between autoimmune disorders and silicone breast implants, whereas other studies indicate no difference in the incidence of disease between women with silicone breast implants and control groups. Until recently, no reports had attempted to identify an association between silicone breast implants and hearing impairment. A recent study suggested a possible correlation between prior silicone breast implants and the development of various forms of hearing loss. This study tried to determine whether such a correlation could be duplicated.

METHODS

To determine whether such a correlation could be established, we studied 119 female patients with either Meniere's disease or progressive sensorineural hearing loss and 100 age‐matched healthy controls. Subjects completed questionnaires that provided various types of information, including the presence or absence of previous silicone breast implants. Serum from all 119 patients with Meniere's disease and progressive sensorineural hearing loss had been subjected to previous Western blot testing for reactivity to a 68 kD protein associated with certain forms of autoimmune hearing loss.

RESULTS

Results indicated no significant difference in frequency of prior silicone breast implants among the patients with Meniere's disease, patients with sensorineural hearing loss, or controls. The presence or absence of the 68 kD protein also was not significantly relevant to the frequency of silicone breast implants.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data did not show evidence of a significant relationship between the presence of silicone breast implants and later development of Meniere's disease, progressive sensorineural hearing loss, or positive 68 kD serum. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:747‐50.)