bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacology of a Slowly Inactivating Outward Current in Hippocampal CA3 Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Bianchi Riccardo , Chuang Shih-Chieh , Wong Robert K. S.
Published: June 2006

The pharmacology of a slowly inactivating outward current was examined using whole cell patch-clamp recordings in CA3 pyramidal cells of guinea pig hippocampal slices. The current had a low activation threshold (about −60 mV) and inactivated slowly (time constant of 3.4 ± 0.5 s at −50 mV) and completely at membrane voltages depolarized to −50 mV. The slowly inactivating outward current was mainly mediated by K+with a reversal potential close to the equilibrium potential for K+. The slowly inactivating outward current had distinct pharmacological properties: its time course was not affected by extracellular Cs+(1 mM) or 4-AP (1–5 mM)—broad spectrum inhibitors of K+currents and of inactivating K+currents, respectively. The presence of extracellular Mn2+(0.5–1 mM), which suppresses several Ca2+-dependent K+currents, also did not affect the slowly inactivating outward current. The current was partially suppressed by TEA (50 mM) and was blocked by intracellular Cs+(134 mM). In addition, intracellular QX-314 (5 mM), a local anesthetic derivative, inhibited this current. The slowly inactivating outward current with its low activation threshold should be operational at the resting potential. Our results suggest that the transient outward current activated at subthreshold membrane potentials in hippocampal pyramidal cells consists of at least three components. In addition to the well-described A- and D-currents, the slowest decaying component reflects the time course of a distinct current, suppressible by QX-314.
Membrane Resting Potential of Thalamocortical Relay Neurons Is Shaped by the Interaction Among TASK3 and HCN2 Channels
Authors: Meuth Sven G. , Kanyshkova Tatyana , Meuth Patrick , Landgraf Peter , Munsch Thomas , Ludwig Andreas , Hofmann Franz , Pape Hans-Christian , Budde Thomas
Published: June 2006

By combining molecular biological, electrophysiological, immunological, and computer modeling techniques, we here demonstrate a counterbalancing contribution of TASK channels, underlying hyperpolarizing K+ leak currents, and HCN channels, underlying depolarizing Ih, to the resting membrane potential of thalamocortical relay (TC) neurons. RT-PCR experiments revealed the expression of TASK1, TASK3, and HCN1–4. Quantitative determination of mRNA expression levels and immunocytochemical staining demonstrated that TASK3 and HCN2 channels represent the dominant thalamic isoforms and are coexpressed in TC neurons. Extracellular acidification, a standard procedure to inhibit TASK channels, blocked a TASK current masked by additional action on HCN channels. Only in the presence of the HCN blocker ZD7288 was the pH-sensitive component typical for a TASK current, i.e., outward rectification and current reversal at the K+ equilibrium potential. In a similar way extracellular acidification was able to shift the activity pattern of TC neurons from burst to tonic firing only during block of Ih or genetic knock out of HCN channels. A single compartmental computer model of TC neurons simulated the counterbalancing influence of TASK and HCN on the resting membrane potential. It is concluded that TASK3 and HCN2 channels stabilize the membrane potential by a mutual functional interaction, that the most efficient way to regulate the membrane potential of TC neurons is the converse modulation of TASK and HCN channels, and that TC neurons are potentially more resistant to insults accompanied by extracellular pH shifts in comparison to other CNS regions.
Endothelial and Antithrombotic Actions of HDL
Authors: Mineo Chieko , Deguchi Hiroshi , Griffin John H. , Shaul Philip W.
Published: June 2006

It is well recognized that high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol is antiatherogenic and serves a role in mediating cholesterol efflux from cells. However, HDL has multiple additional endothelial and antithrombotic actions that may also afford cardiovascular protection. HDL promotes the production of the atheroprotective signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) by upregulating endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression, by maintaining the lipid environment in caveolae where eNOS is colocalized with partner signaling molecules, and by stimulating eNOS as a result of kinase cascade activation by the high-affinity HDL receptor scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). HDL also protects endothelial cells from apoptosis and promotes their growth and their migration via SR-BI–initiated signaling. As importantly, there is evidence of a variety of mechanisms by which HDL is antithrombotic and thereby protective against arterial and venous thrombosis, including through the activation of prostacyclin synthesis. The antithrombotic properties may also be related to the abilities of HDL to attenuate the expression of tissue factor and selectins, to downregulate thrombin generation via the protein C pathway, and to directly and indirectly blunt platelet activation. Thus, in addition to its cholesterol-transporting properties, HDL favorably regulates endothelial cell phenotype and reduces the risk of thrombosis. With further investigation and resulting greater depth of understanding, these mechanisms may be harnessed to provide new prophylactic and therapeutic strategies to combat atherosclerosis and thrombotic disorders.
Meridional Propagation of Planetary-Scale Waves in Vertical Shear: Implication for the Venus Atmosphere
Authors: Imamura Takeshi
Published: June 2006

It is shown that planetary-scale waves are inherently accompanied by latitudinal momentum transport when they propagate vertically in vertically sheared zonal flows. Because of the dependence of the wave's latitudinal scale on the intrinsic phase speed, positive (negative) vertical shear should force prograde (retrograde) waves to focus equatorward and retrograde (prograde) waves to expand poleward in the course of upward propagation. Consequently, Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux vectors are tilted from the vertical and nonzero latitudinal momentum fluxes occur. The direction of momentum transport should always be equatorward (poleward) in positive (negative) vertical shear irrespective of the zonal propagation direction.

The idea was applied to upwardly propagating waves in the Venusian middle atmosphere, where vertical shear of strong midlatitude jets and equatorial superrotation exist. Numerical solutions showed that Kelvin and prograde inertio-gravity waves focus equatorward and mixed Rossby–gravity and Rossby waves expand poleward below the cloud top. The former is attributed primarily to the vertical shear of the superrotation, while the latter to the vertical shear beneath the midlatitude jets. Such characteristics of planetary-scale waves will cause angular momentum separation between high and low latitudes and, at least partly, contribute to the maintenance of the superrotation.
Damping Analysis of Unidirectional Glass Fiber Composites with Interleaved Viscoelastic Layers: Experimental Investigation and Discussion
Authors: Berthelot Jean-Marie , Sefrani Youssef
Published: June 2006

The article investigates the damping of unidirectional glass fiber composites with a single or two interleaved viscoelastic layers. The experimental damping characteristics are derived from flexural vibrations of cantilever beams as a function of the fiber orientation. The experimental results are analyzed considering the modeling developed in a previous article, Berthelot, J.-M. Damping Analysis of Orthotropic Composites with Interleaved Viscoelastic Layers Modelling, Journal of Composite Materials (in press). The analysis considers the variations of Young’s modulus and damping of viscoelastic layers with the frequency. Finally, the article presents the effects of Young’s modulus and the damping of a viscoelastic layer interleaved in the middle plane of unidirectional laminate. The results are also reported for the case of external viscoelastic layers.
The Case of Sohrab Hassan: Assault on Liberty in the Texas Mental Health Courts
Authors: Breeding John
Published: June 2006

Since its inception, critical observers have expressed concern about psychiatry’s treatment of people who are labeled mentally ill. Some modern day observers express an even deeper concern, pointing out that coercive psychiatry destroys the hard-earned balance in U.S. law between the interests of social responsibility and group cohesion and those of individual freedom and liberty. More clearly and consistently than anyone, Thomas Szasz has delineated in great detail the fundamental problems that go with a fusion of psychiatry and the law, most notably that our country’s courts routinely and systematically violate the civil rights and liberty interests of those designated as mentally ill. This article tells the story of Sohrab Hassan, faced with a Texas effort to involuntarily commit him to 90 days of psychiatric incarceration and forced psychiatric drugging. The author uses the case to reveal the fundamental problems that Dr. Szasz’s life work describes. The essay also reveals an inspiring, partially successful defense of Hassan’s liberty interests in the face of psychiatric coercion
Have We Come Full Circle Yet? Closure, Psycholinguistics, and Problems of Recognition with the Inclusio
Authors: Wyckoff Chris
Published: June 2006

Literature communicates its own structure to an audience with linguistic devices that discourse analysts call boundary markers. Boundary markers are linguistic cues that signal the structural borders within a discourse and at its outer limits. The literary question of closure, that is, how a poem ends, is directly dependent upon such linguistic signals. The inclusion, a structural convention whereby the opening of a poem is repeated at the end as in Psalm 8, is an obvious example of a boundary marker. Biblical scholars enjoy identifying inclusios but many so-called examples are less than obvious. These are problematic and beg the question: What makes an inclusion recognizable? Discourse-analytic studies of language, memory, and recognition provide an important and effective answer.
Elijah versus the Narrative of Elijah: The Contest between the Prophet and the Word
Authors: Glover Neil
Published: June 2006

The Elijah narrative centres on the themes of presence and absence. The narrative undermines the apparent and uncomfortable identification of Elijah with the presence of YHWH by staging a contest between Elijah and the words that tell his story. These words meticulously minute Elijah's speech and draw him into unfavourable comparison with other characters in the story, particularly Obadiah. Despite such an exacting contest, Elijah emerges from the narrative unbowed. This article asks why, of all Old Testament/Tanakh characters, is it Elijah that is allowed to cheat death through flight to heaven. In addition, it suggests the prophet's fiery charisma as reason for his evasion of death.
Strange Flesh: Sex, Semiotics and the Construction of Deviancy in Biblical Law
Authors: Burnside Jonathan P.
Published: June 2006

This article takes a semiotic approach to Leviticus 20, focusing on vv. 9-16. It argues that Leviticus 20 expands on narrative typifications of idolatry, honouring parents and adultery found in the Ten Commandments. The result is an elaborate reworking of literary themes from the Decalogue. The offences listed in vv. 10-16 are a more detailed elaboration of what it means to dishonour parents. Adultery (v. 10) is presented as the narrative typification of sexual wrongdoing, and the offences in vv. 11-16 are presented as further negations of a normal sexual relationship. These “forms of adultery” are developed through an extended series of binary oppositions. There is also a set of binary oppositions regarding the legal effects of these cases. These binary oppositional structures appear to serve a number of functions in Leviticus 20, including: educating in wisdom, resolving ambiguity, identifying special cases and constructing identity. These findings are consistent with literary presentation and sense construction elsewhere in biblical law.
David and Yahweh in Psalms 23 and 24
Authors: Goulder Michael
Published: June 2006

This article challenges the common understanding of Psalm 23 as being the song of an individual faithful Israelite. With so many expressions having national overtones, it seems more likely that the singer is a national leader, perhaps the king, rather than a lay person. The psalm belongs together with Psalm 24; these two psalms may well have formed part of a liturgy going back to David's reign. The annual autumn festival was an opportunity to celebrate Yahweh's kingship, with a ritual procession of the ark up to the Temple. But it was also an opportunity to confirm and celebrate the human kingship of David and his dynasty, which was not quite so secure.
Melt Elasticity Phenomenon of Multicomponent (Talc and Calcium Carbonate) Filled Polypropylene
Authors: Ariffin A. , Jikan S. S. , Samsudin M. S.F. , Ariff Z. M. , Ishak Z. A. M.
Published: June 2006

The compound of single-component filled polypropylene (PP) (consists of either talc or CaCO3) and multicomponent filled PP (talc/CaCO3/PP) are prepared by melt mixing using Brabender Plasticorder internal mixer. All systems exhibit good stability and normal flow in the molten state. The multicomponent filled PP has shown an intermediate degree of die swell and flow instabilities. The defect of extrudate in the extrusion process in the form of melt fracture could only be evidenced in the semisolid state of PP melt. The result shows that composite with highest content of talc exhibits the least melt fracture.
Studies on the Weathering Behavior of Glass Coir Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Sharma S. C. , Krishna M. , Narasimhamurthy H. N. , Sanjeevamurthy
Published: June 2006

Glass or Coir fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite specimens with 0, 15, and 30 wt% reinforcement are prepared and tested for weathering properties due to moisture and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Short duration soaking, long duration soaking, accelerated (boiling water) soaking, and UV with moisture exposure tests are conducted on specimens prepared using a hot press designed for the purpose. These tests have shown that PP/glass specimens are superior to PP/coir specimens with respect to rate of water absorption and thickness swelling. While both deformation and delamination are observed in soaking tests, discoloration and surface roughness are the characteristic degradation features of UV with moisture exposure test. The degradation mechanisms are explained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Structural Characterization of Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-Autoclave Aerated Concrete (AAC) Panels
Authors: Uddin Nasim , Fouad Fouad , Vaidya Uday K. , Khotpal Amol , Serrano-Perez Juan C.
Published: June 2006

The structural characterization of hybrid fiber reinforced polymer (FRP)-autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) panels is examined in this study. The structural system is based on the concept of a sandwich construction with strong and stiff FRP composite skins bonded to an inner AAC panel. The FRP composite material is made of carbon reinforcing fabrics embedded in an epoxy resin matrix. The carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement is applied on the top and bottom faces of the AAC panel, and several innovative processing techniques are used including the hand lay-up as well as the vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The main focus of the research is to combine the AAC with the FRP face sheets into a synergetic system, which would be consistent with the recent interest in high performance and zero maintenance of civil infrastructures. This combination, being lightweight in nature, has the potential to be used for speedy panelized construction purposes, for disaster mitigation, and to prevent labor-intensive construction. The CFRP has been used with regular concrete before and has shown phenomenal reinforcing capabilities. The AAC, on the other hand, is a cellular concrete and is very light to work with, in comparison to normal concrete. It is also structurally very brittle in nature and has much lower flexural as well as compressive strengths than normal weight concrete. An experimental protocol based on a four point bending test is used to characterize the stiffness, ductility, and strength response of the hybrid FRP-AAC sandwich panels. Since there are no previous research data available on the hybrid CFRP-AAC panels and the bonding characteristics of AAC with FRP are unknown, a set of basic tests are also initiated including the bonding test on AAC samples wrapped with CFRP. To understand and optimize the flexural/shear behavior of the hybrid CFRP-AAC sandwich panels, several innovative reinforcing schemes with CFRP skin are used, as elaborated in this article. In addition, both continuous and discrete AAC blocks are used to fabricate AAC panels. Results from the experiments emphasize the need for a complementary test program where the best reinforcing scheme from the study would be duplicated in future tests on structural elements of the typical sizes including beams, floors, lintels, etc.
Statistical Analysis of Abrasive Wear Data of Aramid Fabric-reinforced Polyethersulfone Composites
Authors: Rajesh J. John , Bijwe J.
Published: June 2006

This article deals with the abrasive wear behavior of the aramid (Kevlar 29) fabric-reinforced polyethersulfone (PES) in various orientations such as normal-parallel (N-P), normal-antiparallel (N-AP), or antiparallel-parallel (AP-P) with respect to the abrading direction and the abrading plane. The abrasive wear studies are carried out on a single pin-on-disc machine in multipass condition against the waterproof silicon carbide (SiC) abrasive papers of 80 and 120 grade under dry condition. The main goal of the study is to find out the extent of the influence of various parameters viz. the weight of the fabric, the abrasive particle size, and load on the specific wear rate of the PES. The regression equation, developed using an orthogonal experiment design method, correlates the specific wear rate of these composites with the selected parameters. It is observed that the abrasive particle size is found to be the most influencing parameter in controlling the abrasive wear behavior of the PES composites irrespective of the fabric orientation. The influence of the other two parameters viz. the weight of the fabric and the load, however, mainly depends on the fabric orientation.
Design for ‘X’-abilities of RTM Products - A Graph Theoretic Approach
Authors: Prabhakaran R. T. Durai , Babu B. J. C. , Agrawal V. P.
Published: June 2006

The resin transfer molding (RTM) process has been widely accepted for fabricating automobile, aircraft, and spacecraft components with high strength and stiffness to weight ratios of the composite products. This process is widely acceptable in various industries, i.e., wherever low manufacturing cost with high mass production is required compared to other processes like compression molding and hand lay-up. Designing the composite products requires a lot of skill with multidisciplinary knowledge. Considering the design and the manufacturing strategies as well as the product development, every aspect of the design is to be considered in a single approach without losing any information. The present approach gives a new methodology for combining all the design aspects together in concurrent design methodology, which finally leads to the achievement of the six-sigma limits i.e., almost defect-free products from the RTM technology. The present paper utilizes the advantages of the graph theoretic approach to considering all the design aspects together in a single methodology with the help of matrix algebra and permanents. It is basically a virtual design methodology, which decides the process, the product strength, and the weakness with the help of a multinomial defined by using the matrix algebra. The design index, developed using the proposed methodology, really decides if the overall design is acceptable or not by considering all the aspects of the design related to the product, process, environment, etc. Finally, a step-by-step procedure is proposed to help generate a new algorithm for software coding.
Fatigue of Foam and Honeycomb Core Composite Sandwich Structures: A Tutorial
Authors: Sharma Nitin , Gibson Ronald F. , Ayorinde Emmanuel O.
Published: June 2006

This article is intended to be a tutorial on the subject of fatigue of foam and honeycomb core composite sandwich structures. First, several different analytical models for predicting the fatigue life of sandwich composites are presented. Then representative publications which have reported on the major failure modes in sandwich beams under dynamic fatigue loading are summarized, along with several related publications dealing with static and impact loading. Papers dealing with the effects of loading frequency, environmental factors, and block loading on the fatigue life of sandwich composites are discussed. Finally, recent research on different types of non-destruction evaluation (NDE) techniques employed for failure investigations during fatigue testing of sandwich structures is reviewed. Conclusions and generalizations that can be drawn from the literature are presented along with discussions of areas in which further research is needed.
More men than women make mucosal IgA antibodies to Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) and HPV-18: a study of oral HPV and oral HPV antibodies in a normal healthy population
Authors: Marais Dianne J , Sampson Candice , Jeftha Anthea , Dhaya Dherendra , Passmore Jo-Ann S , Denny Lynette , Rybicki Edward P , Van Der Walt Eric , Stephen Lawrence XG , Williamson Anna-Lise
Published: June 2006

Background

We have previously shown the high prevalence of oral anti-human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) antibodies in women with HPV-associated cervical neoplasia. It was postulated that the HPV antibodies were initiated after HPV antigenic stimulation at the cervix via the common mucosal immune system. The present study aimed to further evaluate the effectiveness of oral fluid testing for detecting the mucosal humoral response to HPV infection and to advance our limited understanding of the immune response to HPV.

Methods

The prevalence of oral HPV infection and oral antibodies to HPV types 16, 18 and 11 was determined in a normal, healthy population of children, adolescents and adults, both male and female, attending a dental clinic. HPV types in buccal cells were determined by DNA sequencing. Oral fluid was collected from the gingival crevice of the mouth by the OraSure method. HPV-16, HPV-18 and HPV-11 antibodies in oral fluid were detected by virus-like particle-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. As a reference group 44 women with cervical neoplasia were included in the study.

Results

Oral HPV infection was highest in children (9/114, 7.9%), followed by adolescents (4/78, 5.1%), and lowest in normal adults (4/116, 3.5%). The predominant HPV type found was HPV-13 (7/22, 31.8%) followed by HPV-32 (5/22, 22.7%). The prevalence of oral antibodies to HPV-16, HPV-18 and HPV-11 was low in children and increased substantially in adolescents and normal adults. Oral HPV-16 IgA was significantly more prevalent in women with cervical neoplasia (30/44, 68.2%) than the women from the dental clinic (18/69, 26.1% P = 0.0001). Significantly more adult men than women displayed oral HPV-16 IgA (30/47 compared with 18/69, OR 5.0, 95% CI 2.09–12.1, P < 0.001) and HPV-18 IgA (17/47 compared with 13/69, OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.97–6.2, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

The increased prevalence of oral HPV antibodies in adolescent individuals compared with children was attributed to the onset of sexual activity. The increased prevalence of oral anti-HPV IgA in men compared with women was noteworthy considering reportedly fewer men than women make serum antibodies, and warrants further investigation.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy type 2A: novel mutations in the mitofusin 2 gene (MFN2)
Authors: Engelfried Kathrin , Vorgerd Matthias , Hagedorn Michaela , Haas Gerhard , Gilles Jürgen , Epplen Jörg T , Meins Moritz
Published: June 2006

Background

Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathies are a group of genetically heterogeneous diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Mutations in the MFN2 gene have been reported as the primary cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A.

Methods

Patients with the clinical diagnosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 2 were screened using single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). All DNA samples showing band shifts in the SSCP analysis were amplified from genomic DNA and cycle sequenced.

Results

We analyzed a total of 73 unrelated patients with a clinical diagnosis of CMT 2. Overall, novel mutations were detected in 6 patients. c.380G>T (G127V), c.1128G>A (M376I), c.1040A>T (E347V), c.1403G>A (R468H), c.2113G>A (V705I), and c.2258_2259insT (L753fs).

Conclusion

We confirmed a significant role of mutations in MFN2 in the pathogenesis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2.
Hospitalizations during the last months of life of nursing home residents: a retrospective cohort study from Germany
Authors: Ramroth Heribert , Specht-Leible Norbert , König Hans-Helmut , Brenner Hermann
Published: June 2006

Background

To describe hospitalisations of nursing home (NH) residents in Germany during their last months of life.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study on 792 NH residents in the Rhine-Neckar region in South-West Germany, newly institutionalized in the year 2000, who died until the study end (December 2001). Baseline variables were derived from a standardized medical examination routinely conducted by the medical service of the health care insurance plans in Germany. Information on hospitalisations and deaths was extracted form records of the pertinent health insurance plans.

Results

NH residents who died after NH stay of more than 1 year spent 5.8% of their last year of life in hospitals. Relative time spent in hospitals increased from 5.2% twelve months before death (N = 139 persons) to 24.1% in their last week of life (N = 769 persons). No major differences could be observed concerning age, gender or duration of stay in NH. Overall, 229 persons (28.9%) died in hospital. Among these, the last hospital stay lasted less than 3 days for 76 persons (31.9%). Another 25 persons (3.2%) died within three days after hospital discharge.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that proximity of death is the most important driver of health care utilization among NH residents. The relation of age or gender to health care expenditures seem to be weak once time to death is controlled for. Duration of NH stay does not markedly change rates of hospitalisation during the last months of life.
Sodium picosulfate in opioid-induced constipation: results of an open-label, prospective, dose-ranging study
Authors: Twycross Robert G , McNamara Paul , Schuijt Chris , Kamm Michael A , Jordan Chris
Published: June 2006

Identification of a safe and effective dose of the laxative sodium picosulfate was investigated in a single-centre, open-label study of 23 patients (age 40-81 years) receiving / 60 mg/day morphine sulphate and experiencing constipation. A starting dose of 5, 10 or 15 mg sodium picosulfate (1 mg/mL solution) was administered, based on the patient’s clinical status at entry and recent requirements for laxatives. Dose titration was permitted (9 / 2.5 or 5 mg increments), to a maximum daily dose of 60 mg. Bowel movements, concomitant medication and need for suppositories or enemas were recorded in daily diaries. Sixteen patients withdrew before the end of the planned 14-day treatment period because of deterioration of the underlying condition. Sodium picosulfate was well-tolerated. Serious adverse events were all related to the underlying condition. A satisfactory response (normal stool consistency, not requiring enemas, suppositories or manual evacuation, no significant adverse event) was achieved in 15/20 evaluable patients. The median daily dose to achieve this was 15 mg (range: 5-30 mg) and the median time to first bowel movement after dosing was 11.75 hours (range: 6-22.5 hours). There was no clear relationship between the opioid dose and the optimum dose of sodium picosulfate, confirming that individual dose titration is necessary.
Paediatric palliative care delivered by an adult palliative care service
Authors: O’Leary Norma , Flynn J , MacCallion A , Walsh E , McQuillan Regina
Published: June 2006

Background: In recent years, the discipline of paediatric palliative care has emerged in response to the awareness of the distinct needs of dying children. To date, in Ireland there is no paediatrician trained in palliative medicine, and specialist paediatric palliative care is generally delivered by adult trained teams. Aims: We wished to examine the experience of an adult palliative care service providing palliative care to children. Methods: The study entailed three stages: (1) a retrospective chart review of all children referred to the service; (2) a questionnaire survey; and (3) a focus group to explore the views of staff in caring for children. Results: The main themes highlighted were staff competence, staff stress, uncertainty of prognosis, resource implications and co-operation with other teams. Conclusion: This study highlights some of the challenges for an adult palliative care team providing paediatric palliative care. Many skills developed for adult patients can be used in paediatric palliative care. Adult palliative care teams and paediatric teams have complementary skills. The challenge is to integrate services to meet the needs of terminally ill children.
Important needs of families in acute and palliative care settings assessed with the Family Inventory of Needs
Authors: Fridriksdottir N , Sigurdardottir V , Gunnarsdottir S
Published: June 2006

Family support has been recognized in the development of palliative care in Iceland, yet studies focusing on family needs are lacking. The aims of this study were to evaluate the perceived care needs of family members of patients receiving palliative care, to what extent these needs were met, and whether needs differed based on background characteristics and site of care. Family members of 111 patients from acute and palliative care settings agreed to participate, and 67 (60%) completed the study. The Family Inventory of Needs was used to quantify family needs and to what extent they were met. All 20 needs measured were considered important. The number of needs did not differ by site of palliative care. Overall, health care professionals met 67% of needs. Needs were more likely to be met in specialized palliative care settings than on acute units and the needs of spouses were more likely to be met than others.
A case of phenytoin toxicity in a patient with advanced lung cancer
Authors: Jenkins Abi
Published: June 2006

Phenytoin is an anti-convulsant drug commonly used to prevent seizures in patients with cerebral metastases. Phenytoin has complicated non-linear kinetics, is highly protein bound and has a small window between its therapeutic and toxic dose. This combination of factors means that small increases in dosage can all too quickly result in high plasma levels and toxic symptoms. Symptoms of phenytoin toxicity include: confusion, nystagmus, agitation, abnormal gait and hallucinations.

This case report describes phenytoin toxicity in a patient receiving phenytoin 300mg three times a day for a number of weeks. The patient was admitted to the unit for terminal care, where his phenytoin levels were found to be very high. Phenytoin was withheld until levels returned to within the normal range. During this time the patient became orientated and many of his symptoms resolved.
‘Would you like to talk about your future treatment options?’ discussing the transition from curative cancer treatment to palliative care
Authors: Schofield Penelope , Carey Mariko , Love Anthony , Nehill Caroline , Wein Simon
Published: June 2006

Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life for patients with life-threatening illness and their families. There comes a time when actively pursuing aggressive curative treatment may do more harm than good. The cessation of curative treatment is often viewed as a distinct event; however, current practice guidelines suggest that a palliative approach should be gradually adopted as the disease progresses. The challenge is how to facilitate a sensitive transition from curative to palliative care. On the basis of an extensive literature review, recommended steps for facilitating this transition have been outlined. The recommendations cover: the timing of the discussion; preparing for this discussion; the environment and circumstances of the consultation; initiating the discussion; identifying the information to be provided; responding to the person’s emotional reaction; introducing palliative care services; continuity of care; family concerns; cultural and linguistic diversity; concluding the discussion. These steps were based on the best available evidence. However, as there is a paucity of research in this area, only three relevant systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials were identified and only one of these reviews related directly to palliative care. The majority of the relevant research was descriptive evidence. There is a need for more high quality research in this area.
A geographer reads Geography Club: spatial metaphor and metonym in textual/sexual space
Authors: Brown Michael
Published: June 2006

In this paper I offer a geographer's reading of Brent Hartinger's American teen novel Geography Club. My intellectual aim is to extend work on the spatialities of the closet, especially those that appreciate both its fixity and fluidity in space. I do this by drawing out the spatial metonymy around closet space, alongside its metaphoric-material dimensions. Specifically, my reading focuses on four themes to achieve this aim: (a) the ubiquity of spatial language throughout the text, of which closet space is one part, (b) the materiality of the closet space in the narrative, (c) the metaleptic and synechdochal qualities of metonymy between the closet and the world, and (d) the placeless and fluidity as important signifiers of the closet in the main character's experience. These insights are not only meant to advance spatial understandings of the closet in more complex and dynamic ways, but also to prompt conversation between cultural studies, queer theory, and human geography.
Travelling objects: the Wellcome collection in Los Angeles, London and beyond
Authors: Hill Jude
Published: June 2006

This paper presents some of my research into the historical medical collection acquired by and on behalf of the pharmaceutical magnate Henry Solomon Wellcome (1853-1936). Specific aims of the paper are to consider how historico-geographical factors and the agency of objects influence the collection and re-collection of material cultures across time and space. I trace the movement of 30 000 objects in 1965-66 from the original Wellcome Collection in London to what is now known as the Fowler Museum at UCLA. I pay particular attention to the ‘Wellcome Year’ celebrations that marked the arrival of the ‘great gift’ in California, and explore the networks through which the travelling objects moved. From these starting points, and positing an active interpretation of material forms, the article demonstrates how people-object-place relations and shifting systems of value shape the ongoing history and geography of collections within and between certain places. I also explore how sites can be changed as a result of collections' geographies.
Systemic Therapy in the Palliative Management of Advanced Salivary Gland Cancers
Authors: Laurie Scott A. , Licitra Lisa
Published: June 2006

Cancers of the salivary glands are unusual lesions that vary widely in their histologic appearance and molecular characteristics. Likewise, there is a wide spectrum of biologic behavior, ranging from low-grade, minimally invasive tumors, to highly lethal malignancies. There are few data on the role of systemic therapies in the management of these cancers, and chemotherapy is generally reserved for the palliative management of advanced disease that is not amenable to local therapies such as surgery and/or radiation. The majority of patients for whom systemic therapy is considered will have either adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, or high-grade adenocarcinoma. This article will review the available literature regarding the use of palliative chemotherapy for patients with advanced salivary gland cancer of these histologies, with an emphasis on the potential role of targeted agents. There is a need for a determined, coordinated effort to conduct high-quality clinical trials in patients with these rare cancers.
Growth cone navigation in substrate-bound ephrin gradients
Authors: von Philipsborn Anne C. , Lang Susanne , Loeschinger Jürgen , Bernard André , David Christian , Lehnert Dirk , Bonhoeffer Friedrich , Bastmeyer Martin
Published: June 2006

Graded distributions of ephrin ligands are involved in the formation of topographic maps. However, it is still poorly understood how growth cones read gradients of membrane-bound guidance molecules. We used microcontact printing to produce discontinuous gradients of substrate-bound ephrinA5. These consist of submicron-sized protein-covered spots, which vary with respect to their sizes and spacings. Growth cones of chick temporal retinal axons are able to integrate these discontinuous ephrin distributions and stop at a distinct zone in the gradient while still undergoing filopodial activity. The position of this stop zone depends on both the steepness of the gradient and on the amount of substrate-bound ephrin per unit surface area. Quantitative analysis of axon outgrowth shows that the stop reaction is controlled by a combination of the local ephrin concentration and the total amount of encountered ephrin, but cannot be attributed to one of these parameters alone.
TheArabidopsis thaliana MND1homologue plays a key role in meiotic homologous pairing, synapsis and recombination
Authors: Kerzendorfer C. , Vignard J. , Pedrosa-Harand A. , Siwiec T. , Akimcheva S. , Jolivet S. , Sablowski R. , Armstrong S. , Schweizer D. , Mercier R. , Schlögelhofer P.
Published: June 2006

Mnd1 has recently been identified in yeast as a key player in meiotic recombination. Here we describe the identification and functional characterisation of the Arabidopsis homologue, AtMND1, which is essential for male and female meiosis and thus for plant fertility. Although axial elements are formed normally, sister chromatid cohesion is established and recombination initiation appears to be unaffected in mutant plants, chromosomes do not synapse. During meiotic progression, a mass of entangled chromosomes, interconnected by chromatin bridges, and severe chromosome fragmentation are observed. These defects depend on the presence of SPO11-1, a protein that initiates recombination by catalysing DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the AtMND1 protein interacts with AHP2, the Arabidopsis protein closely related to budding yeast Hop2. These data demonstrate that AtMND1 plays a key role in homologous synapsis and in DSB repair during meiotic recombination.
The Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 and its receptors are coordinately regulated during early human adipogenesis
Authors: Christodoulides C. , Laudes M. , Cawthorn W. P. , Schinner S. , Soos M. , O'Rahilly S. , Sethi J. K. , Vidal-Puig A.
Published: June 2006

Secretion of Wnts by adipose cells has an important role in the control of murine adipogenesis. We present the first evidence that a Wnt antagonist, Dickkopf 1 (Dkk1), is secreted by human preadipocytes and promotes adipogenesis. DKK1 mRNA increases six hours after onset of human adipogenesis and this is followed by an increase in Dkk1 protein. With further differentiation, the mRNA and protein levels progressively decline such that they are undetectable in mature adipocytes. The transient induction in DKK1 correlates with downregulation of cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin levels, this being a surrogate marker of canonical Wnt signalling, and Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activity. In addition, constitutive expression of Dkk1 in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes promotes their differentiation, further supporting the functional significance of increased Dkk1 levels during human adipogenesis. Concomitant downregulation of the Dkk1 receptors LRP5 and LRP6 is likely to potentiate the ability of Dkk1 to inhibit Wnt signalling and promote differentiation. Notably, Dkk1 is not expressed in primary murine preadipocytes or cell lines. The involvement of Dkk1 in human but not murine adipogenesis indicates that inter-species differences exist in the molecular control of this process. Given the public health importance of disorders of adipose mass, further knowledge of the pathways involved specifically in human adipocyte differentiation might ultimately be of clinical relevance.
Using Organizational Control Mechanisms to Enhance Procurement Efficiency: How GlaxoSmithKline Improved the Effectiveness of E-Procurement
Authors: Kulp Susan L. , Randall Taylor , Brandyberry Gregg , Potts Kevin
Published: June 2006

Like many organizations, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) implemented e-sourcing tools only to find that the realized savings fell below predicted levels due to an abundance of noncompliant purchases (purchases made outside contractual arrangements). GSK estimates that it loses between $80 and $120 million dollars of procurement savings because of noncompliance. GSK changed its information and compliance systems and obtained various benefits. Its implementation of compliance techniques improved purchase compliance by 50 percent in some areas of GSK. Companies can use a three-phase process for solving problems of noncompliance: (1) gathering data, (2) identifying causes of noncompliance, and (3) designing conformance mechanisms. Organizational control mechanisms misaligned with supply chain strategy caused friction.
Slip Velocity Direction Impacts Wear in Total Knee Arthropolasty
Authors: Schwenke T , Borgstede LL , Schneider E , Wimmer MA
Published: June 2006

Total knee arthroplasties are subjected to high slip velocities and constantly changing velocity vector directions, as they mimic the anatomical conditions of the natural joint. Together with fluid film thickness and applied load, the velocity difference between the two bodies defines the amount of energy that is induced into the contact. Particularly for polyethylene (PE), it is known that the angle describing the difference in motion direction is an important variable for material loss. In this study, a wheel-on-flat simulator scenario was used to apply a slip velocity vector with a constant magnitude and changing direction over the length of a polyethylene sample. The difference in vector orientation ranged from zero to 20.4°, while a constant axial load of 1600 N was applied, and the contact area was submersed in physiological testing fluid. After 500k cycles, the surface of the PE specimen was visually examined and scanned with a video-based measurement system to analyze the wear profile. Polishing was the predominant wear pattern, and minor striations were found in the end zone of the wear area. The wear depth increased with higher velocity angles—this relationship appeared to be linear. This study supports earlier publications that reported a correlation between cross-shear motion and wear. The presented experimental results will help in attempts to numerically simulate wear generation.
Tales of Upward Mobility
Authors: Whissel Kristen
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT This article investigates a new cinematic spatial dialectics enabled by digital special effects. Focusing on blockbuster films from a range of genres (martial arts, disaster, comic-book, and science-fiction films), it approaches digitally enhanced “verticality” as a mode of cinematic representation designed to exploit the visual pleasures of power and powerlessness.
FINNISH CHARACTER
Authors: Cardullo Bert
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT This is an interview with the Finnish filmmaker Aki Kaurismäki, the leading talent in his country's miniscule motionpicture industry. Kaurismäki's films—among them The Match Factory Girl and The Man Without a Past—are straightforward, seriocomic studies infused with a unique sense of the ridiculous and even the absurd. As an interviewee, their maker himself is just such a seriocomic “study.”
Sundarasena: Critical Edition of a Sanskrit Play Preservedin a Fourteenth-century Nepalese Manuscript
Authors: Dezső Csaba
Published: June 2006

This paper contains a critical edition of an unpublished Sanskrit play
preserved in an incomplete Nepalese manuscript dated to 1382. In the
introduction an attempt is made to determine when and where the play might have
been written, and on what possible sources the plot is based.
Socrates Scholasticus on Greek Paideia
Authors: Farkas Zoltán
Published: June 2006

In his discussion about the Biblical paraphrases written by the two
Apolinarii Socrates Scholasticus claims that the study of pagan literature is
necessary for the Christians. He starts by proving the harmlessness of studying
Greek philosophy and comes to the conclusion that far from being harmful it is
actually desirable, since familiarity with Greek philosophy (especially with
logic) enables the Christians to argue against the pagans more effectively.
Socrates, a lawyer from Constantinople is not averse to a little prevarication,
neither is he accurate when he is writing about the purpose and contents of
Julian's edict (362), which throws a bad light on the reliability of the church
historian. The fact that Socrates' argument for Greek paideia was timely at the
beginning of the fifth century proves the vitality of paganism and Greek
philosophy on the one hand, and the antipathy of certain groups of Christians
(especially monks) towards pagan culture on the other.
Pauses as Indicators of Cognitive Effort in Post-editing Machine Translation Output
Authors: O'Brien Sharon
Published: June 2006

In translation process and language production research, pauses are seen as indicators of cognitive processing. Investigating the correlations between source text machine translatability and post-editing effort involves an assessment of cognitive effort. Therefore, an analysis of pauses is essential. This paper presents data from a research project which includes an analysis of pauses in post-editing, triangulated with the Choice Network Analysis method and Translog. Results suggest that the pause-to-keyboarding ratio does not differ significantly for sentences deemed to be more suitable for machine translation than for those deemed to be less suitable. Also, results confirm the finding in research elsewhere that pause duration and frequency is subject to individual differences. Finally, we suggest that while pauses provide some indication of cognitive processing, supplementary methods are required to give a fuller picture.