bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treating Depression to Prevent Diabetes and Its Complications:Understanding Depression as a Medical Risk Factor
Authors: Williams Monique M. , Clouse Ray E. , Lustman Patrick J.
Published: September 2006

IN BRIEF

Current diabetes practice guidelines emphasize the need to augment conventional diabetes therapy with other evidence-based treatments that support improved diabetes outcomes. Clinical depression, much like obesity, is a significant independent risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes and for progression and mortality from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Effective treatments for depression are available, may enhance glycemic control and insulin sensitivity, and thereby may preserve the physical health and independence of people living with diabetes.
Hypoglycemia in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Physiology, Pathophysiology,and Management
Authors: Briscoe Vanessa J. , Davis Stephen N.
Published: September 2006

IN BRIEF

The threat and incidence of hypoglycemia is the major limiting factor in intensive glycemic control for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This article reviews the physiology of the normal counterregulatory responses to hypoglycemia and the deficient counterregulatory defenses that occur in patients with diabetes. Treatment paradigms for establishing good glycemic control while limiting hypoglycemia are also discussed.
How to Develop CD-ROMs for Diabetes Education: Exemplar“Reproductive-Health Education and Awareness of Diabetes in Youth for Girls” (READY-Girls)
Authors: Charron-Prochownik Denise , Hannan Margaret Ferons , Sereika Susan M. , Becker Dorothy , Rodgers-Fischl Andrea
Published: September 2006

In Brief

Read-only memory compact discs can provide self-instructional standardized educational interventions to improve diabetes self-management in a variety of settings. This article describes the steps involved in developing this sort of interactive health technology program and recommendations based on lessons learned from a multimedia program called “Reproductive-health Education and Awareness of Diabetes in Youth for Girls (READY-Girls).”
Clinical Challenges in Caring for Patients With Diabetes and Cancer
Authors: Psarakis Helen M.
Published: September 2006

In Brief

Diabetes and cancer are two diagnoses that individually overwhelm both patients and clinicians. Approximately 8–18% of people with cancer have diabetes. Together, these two diseases can pose formidable challenges to clinicians caring for this difficult patient population. Unfortunately, our knowledge of this topic is limited by insufficient evidence to determine how best to manage diabetes while simultaneously treating cancer. This article seeks to review some of the most common problems encountered by clinicians caring for these patients.
Titelbild: Contribution of Ligand Desolvation to Binding Thermodynamics in a Ligand–Protein Interaction (Angew. Chem. 38/2006)
Authors: Shimokhina Natalia , Bronowska Agnieszka , Homans Steve W.
Published: September 2006

Ligand‐Protein‐Wechselwirkungen gehen mit der Desolvatation eines Liganden einher, während er in die Proteinbindetasche eintritt (siehe Titelbild). Homans et al. geben in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 6522 ff. eine Abschätzung der thermodynamischen Kosten, die mit diesem Desolvatationsprozess verbunden sind. Mithilfe dieser Daten gelingt für die Wechselwirkung eines kleinen Moleküls mit dem Hauptharnprotein eine vollständige Aufschlüsselung der Bindungsthermodynamik in Liganden‐, Protein‐ und Solvensbeiträge.
Trading cultures: Resource mobilization and service rendering in the life sciences as revealed in the journal article's paratext
Authors: Cronin Blaise , Franks Sara
Published: September 2006

Formal and informal modes of collaboration in life sciences research were explored paratextually. The bylines and acknowledgments of more than 1,000 research articles in the journalCellwere analyzed to reveal the strength of collegiate ties and the importance of material and ideational trading between both individuals and labs. Intense coauthorship and subauthorship collaboration were shown to be defining features of contemporary research in the life sciences.
Measuring online information seeking context, Part 2: Findings and discussion
Authors: Kelly Diane
Published: September 2006

Context is one of the most important concepts in information seeking and retrieval research. However, the challenges of studying context are great; thus, it is more common for researchers to use context as a post hoc explanatory factor, rather than as a concept that drives inquiry. The purpose of this study was to develop a method for collecting data about information seeking context in natural online environments, and identify which aspects of context should be considered when studying online information seeking. The study is reported in two parts. In this, the second part, results and implications of this research are presented. Part 1 (Kelly, 2006) discussed previous literature on information seeking context and behavior, situated the current study within this literature, and described the naturalistic, longitudinal research design that was used to examine and measure the online information seeking context of seven users during a 14‐week period. Results provide support for the value of the method in studying online information seeking context, the relative importance of various measures of context, how these measures change over time, and, finally, the relationship between these measures. In particular, results demonstrate significant differences in distributions of usefulness ratings according to task and topic.
Die Alraune oder die Sage vom Galgenmännlein: Science & Fiction
Authors: Gassen Hans Günter , Minol Sabine
Published: September 2006

Die Ödpflanze Alraune oder Mandragora gehört, wenn es um Mythen und Dichtung geht, zu den berühmtesten Pflanzen. Dies verdankt sie ihrem Gehalt an psychoaktiven Stoffen, die zur Liebe anregen, Schmerzen lindern und Schlaf bringen. Ihre Rolle als “Galgenmännlein” geht auf die lange, zweigeteilte Wurzel zurück, die an das Beinpaar eines Menschen erinnert. Hanns Heinz Ewers hat in seinem 1911 publizierten Roman “Alraune” die Sage vom Galgenmännlein aufgegriffen, um die Folgen des “Menschenmachens” zu schildern. Sein phantastischer Roman ahnt spätere Entwicklungen voraus und fördert so die Diskussion über die sozialen Folgen von Wissenschaft und Technik.
Metal–Salen‐Base‐Pair Complexes Inside DNA: Complexation Overrides Sequence Information
Authors: Clever Guido H. , Söltl Yvonne , Burks Heather , Spahl Werner , Carell Thomas
Published: September 2006

Two isomeric salicylic aldehyde nucleobases have been prepared and incorporated into various DNA duplexes. Reaction with ethylenediamine leads to formation of the well‐known salen ligand inside the DNA double helix. Addition of transition‐metal ions such as Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Fe2+, or VO2+ results in the formation of metal–salen‐base‐pair complexes, which were studied by using UV and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. HPLC and ESI mass spectrometric measurements reveal an unusually high stability of the DNA–metal system. These metal–salen complexes act as interstrand cross‐links and thereby lead to a strong stabilization of the DNA duplexes, as studied by thermal de‐ and renaturing experiments. Complex formation is strong enough to override sequence information even when the preorganization of the ligand precursors is unfavorable and the DNA duplex is distorted by the metal complexation. Furthermore, melting‐point studies show that the salen complex derived from ligand 2 fits better into the DNA duplex, in accordance with results obtained from the crystal structure of the corresponding copper–salen complex 8.
Numerical simulation of injectivity loss in stratified reservoirs
Authors: Wrobel J. S. , Nachbin A. , Marchesin D.
Published: September 2006

Injectivity loss occurs when sea water is injected in offshore fields or during reinjection of produced water that contains solid particles, oil drops and bacteria, each one with its own capability of reducing the permeability in the neighbourhood of the well. Knowledge regarding the causes of injectivity decline and its time scale is important for the prevention and remediation of this problem. We present a numerical model for water injection with retention of solid particles in a vertically stratified reservoir in a cylindrical axisymmetric geometry. The process of migration and retention of solid particles in porous media is studied through computer simulations. To do so, we apply a hydrodynamical formulation for the flow of water containing suspension particles. The numerical tools used in this work are the modified method of characteristics proposed by Douglas and Russell for the concentration of particles (suspended and retained) coupled with the mixed finite element method proposed by Raviart and Thomas for velocity and pressure. We briefly describe the method and show the numerical results. There is a strong tendency for the flow to remain confined in each layer. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new inhibitor for fructosamine 3‐kinase (Amadorase)
Authors: Tsai Henry J. , Chou Shan‐Yen , Kappler Frank , Schwartz Michael L. , Tobia Annette M.
Published: September 2006

Non‐enzymatic glycation is a Maillard reaction that occurs spontaneously between glucose and proteins and results in the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are believed to be one of the causes for age‐related tissue damage. Fructosamine 3‐kinase (FN3K) is an enzyme involved in the protein deglycation process by fructosyl phosphorylation, returning amino acid residues to their pristine state with 3‐deoxyglucosone (3‐DG) and inorganic phosphate as by‐products. 3‐DG is a very reactive electrophile that is even more potent at generating AGEs than glucose; therefore, inhibitors specific to FN3K have been suggested as a means to suppress 3‐DG formation. Dyn‐12 is a substrate mimicking inhibitor with an IC50 value of approximately 6 mM. We report a new hydrophobic competitive inhibitor with respect to fructolysine that has an IC50 of 1.7 mM. Drug Dev. Res. 67:448–455, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic administration of fluoxetine or venlafaxine induces memory deterioration in an inhibitory avoidance task in rats
Authors: Ulak Güner , Göçmez Selcen , Erden Faruk , Tanyeri Pelin , Utkan Tijen , Yildiz Firüzan , Mutlu Oguz , Gacar Nejat
Published: September 2006

Antidepressants inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine may exhibit efficacy superior to that of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Since the clinical effects of antidepressants appear gradually following weeks of treatment, the present study was designed to investigate if there is a benefit to long‐term administration of the SSRI, fluoxetine, in comparison with venlafaxine, a 5‐HT/norepinephrine (5‐HT/NE) reuptake inhibitor (SNRI; both 20 mg/kg ip, once a day for 14 days) in a one‐trial step‐through passive avoidance task in rats. Locomotor activity was evaluated to assess the effects of the drugs on the motility of the animals. The comparison of training latencies versus test latencies showed inhibition of passive avoidance learning in fluoxetine‐ or venlafaxine‐treated rats (e.g., no significant difference between training and test latencies) in a step‐through test. There was no significant difference between fluoxetine‐ and venlafaxine‐induced reduction of latency in rats in this test. Drug Dev. Res. 67:456–461, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical evaluation of transmission performance degradation originating with cross‐phase modulation
Authors: Norimatsu Seiji , Akai Seiichi
Published: September 2006

This paper proposes a method which provides fast and precise evaluation of waveform degradation due to cross‐phase modulation (XPM) in intensity modulation‐direct detection systems with wavelength‐division‐multiplexing. The method consists of two corrections applied to the conventional method. The first is to take account of second‐order self‐phase modulation (SPM), which is induced by the waveform affected by XPM. The second is to take account of the higher‐order Kerr effect. The proposed method requires only a single evaluation of an infinite integral, which can be performed in a shorter time than the SSF method. It is shown by comparison to the conventional method that very precise evaluation can be realized despite the simplicity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 90(1): 58–67, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.20306
Maintenance of CCL5 mRNA stores by post‐effector and memory CD8 T cells is dependent on transcription and is coupled to increased mRNA stability
Authors: Marçais Antoine , Tomkowiak Martine , Walzer Thierry , Coupet Charles‐Antoine , Ravel‐Chapuis Aymeric , Marvel Jacqueline
Published: September 2006

Immunological memory is associated with the display of improved effector functions by cells of the adaptive immune system. The storage of untranslated mRNA coding for the CCL5 chemokine by CD8 memory cells is a new process supporting the immediate display of an effector function. Here, we show that, after induction during the primary response, high CCL5 mRNA levels are specifically preserved in CD8 T cells. We have investigated the mechanisms involved in the long‐term maintenance of CCL5 mRNA levels by memory CD8 T cells. We demonstrate that the CCL5 mRNA half‐life is increased in memory CD8 T cells and that these cells constitutively transcribe ccl5 gene. By inhibiting ccl5 transcription using IL‐4, we demonstrate the essential role of transcription in the maintenance of CCL5 mRNA stores. Finally, we show that these stores are spontaneously reconstituted when the inhibitory signal is removed, indicating that the transcription of ccl5 is a default feature of memory CD8 T cells imprinted in their genetic program.
The role of CD69 in acute neutrophil‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Lamana Amalia , Sancho David , Cruz‐Adalia Aránzazu , del Hoyo Gloria Martínez , Herrera Ada María , Feria Manuel , Díaz‐González Federico , Gómez Manuel , Sánchez‐Madrid Francisco
Published: September 2006

The leukocyte activation marker CD69 functions as a negative regulator of the immune response, both in NK‐dependent tumor rejection and in the inflammation associated with lymphocyte‐dependent collagen‐induced arthritis. In contrast, it has been reported that CD69‐deficient mice are refractory to the neutrophil‐dependent acute inflammatory response associated with anti‐type II collagen antibody‐induced arthritis (CAIA), suggesting a positive regulatory role for CD69 in neutrophil function during arthritis induction. To clarify this discrepancy, the CAIA response was independently analyzed in our CD69‐deficient mice. In these experiments, the inflammatory response was unaffected by CD69 deficiency. Additionally, the in vivo down‐regulation of CD69 expression by treatment of wild‐type mice with the anti‐CD69 mAb 2.2, which mimics the CD69‐deficient phenotype, did not affect the course of arthritis in this model. Moreover, down‐regulation of CD69 expression increased expression in arthritic joints of key inflammatory mediators, including IL‐1β, IL‐6 and the chemokine MCP‐1. Neutrophil accumulation in zymosan‐treated air pouches and in thioglycolate‐treated peritoneal cavities was also unaffected in CD69‐deficient mice. In addition, CD69 expression was absent in activated neutrophils. Taken together, these results rule out a significant stimulatory role for CD69 in acute inflammatory responses mediated by neutrophils.
BNP‐induced activation of cGMP in human cardiac fibroblasts: Interactions with fibronectin and natriuretic peptide receptors
Authors: Huntley Brenda K. , Sandberg Sharon M. , Noser Josh A. , Cataliotti Alessandro , Redfield Margaret M. , Matsuda Yuzuru , Burnett John C.
Published: September 2006

Cardiac remodeling involves the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including fibronectin (FN). FN contains RGD motifs that bind integrins at DDX sequences allowing signaling from the ECM to the nucleus. We noted that the natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR‐A) sequence contains both RGD and DDX sequences. The goal of the current investigation was to determine potential interactions between FN and NPR‐A on BNP induction of cGMP in cultured human cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Further, we sought to determine whether a Mayo designed NPR‐A specific RGD peptide could modify this interaction. Here we reconfirm the presence of all three natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR) in CFs. CFs plated on FN demonstrated a pronounced increase in cGMP production to BNP compared to non‐coated plates. This production was also enhanced by the NPR‐A specific RGD peptide, which further augmented FN associated cGMP production. Addition of HS‐142‐1, a NPR‐A/B antagonist, abrogated the responses of BNP to both FN and the NPR‐A specific RGD peptide. Finally, we defined a possible role for the NPR‐C through non‐cGMP mechanisms in mediating the anti‐proliferative actions of BNP in CFs where the NPR‐C antagonist cANF 4‐28 but not HS‐142‐1 blocked BNP‐mediated inhibition of proliferation of CFs. We conclude that NPR‐A interacts with components of the ECM such as FN to enhance BNP activation of cGMP and that a small NPR‐A specific RGD peptide augments this action of BNP with possible therapeutic implications. Lastly, the NPR‐C may also have a role in mediating anti‐proliferative actions of BNP in CFs. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 943–949, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Individualized assessment of quality of life in idiopathic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lee Mark A. , Walker Richard W. , Hildreth Anthony J. , Prentice Wendy M.
Published: September 2006

The purpose of this study was to assess quality of life (QoL) of patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). The Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ‐39) was compared with an individualized QoL tool: the Schedule for Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life Direct Weighting (SEIQoL‐DW). One hundred twenty‐three patients underwent interviews using these tools, together with the Mini Mental State examination, Beck Depression Inventory, a qualitative pain assessment, and the Palliative Care Assessment tool (for symptoms). The SEIQoL‐DW was well tolerated and demonstrated that QoL not only was broad and highly individualistic but also was determined more by psychosocial than physical issues. Of the 87 domains nominated by patients, the most common were family (87.8%), health (52.8%), leisure activities (36.6%), marriage (35%), and friends (30.9%). The SEIQoL index score was predicted by depression but not by disease stage. However, the PDQ‐39 was predicted by disease stage, the number of symptoms, and depression. Direct comparison of the tools confirmed that the SEIQoL index score was predicted by the PDQ‐39 domains of social support, cognitive impairment, and emotion. The use of the SEIQoL‐DW challenges current thinking within IPD research regarding QoL and its assessment using the PDQ‐39. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Precision in measurements of perfusion and microvascular permeability with T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Kershaw Lucy E. , Buckley David L.
Published: September 2006

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI is used to estimate microvascular parameters by tracer kinetics analysis. The time for the contrast agent to travel from the artery to the tissue of interest (bolus arrival time (BAT)) is an important parameter that must be measured in such studies because inaccurate estimates or neglect of BAT contribute to inaccuracy in model fitting. Furthermore, although the precision with which these parameters are estimated is very important, it is rarely reported. To address these issues, two investigations were undertaken. First, simulated data were used to validate an independent method for estimation of BAT. Second, the adiabatic approximation to the tissue homogeneity model was fitted to experimental data acquired in prostate and muscle tissue of 22 patients with prostate cancer. A bootstrap error analysis was performed to estimate the precision of parameter estimates. The independent method of estimating BAT was found to be more accurate and precise than a model‐fitting approach. Estimated precisions for parameters measured in the prostate gland were 14% for extraction fraction (median coefficient of variation), 19% for blood flow, 28% for permeability‐surface area product, 35% for volume of the extravascular‐extracellular space, and 36% for blood volume. Techniques to further reduce uncertainty are discussed. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Apparent diffusion coefficient histograms may predict low‐grade glioma subtype
Authors: Tozer Daniel J. , Jäger H. Rolf , Danchaivijitr Nasuda , Benton Christopher E. , Tofts Paul S. , Rees Jeremy H. , Waldman Adam D.
Published: September 2006

The subtypes of glioma are known to have different prognosis and response to treatment. The purpose of this work was to investigate whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histograms of untreated low‐grade astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas exhibit different characteristics due to their biological differences, and whether a diagnosis of tumour subtype can be made at presentation using the histogram alone, which, if possible, would have an impact on clinical practise. Fifteen patients with astrocytoma (AC) [11 male (mean age ± standard deviation) 40 ± 11 years], nine with oligodendroglioma (OD) (four male, 45 ± 13 years) and three with oligoastrocytoma (OA) (two male, 60 ± 11 years) were recruited and diffusion‐weighted images (b = 0 and 1000 s mm−2) were acquired every 6 months to date or until malignant transformation. Whole tumour ADC histograms were calculated, a multiple discriminant analysis was performed and quantitative morphological parameters extracted, the AC and OD subtypes were then compared using Student's unpaired t‐test. Classification of the histograms was also performed. ODs had significantly lower group ADC values than ACs and up to 83% of the subjects could be correctly classified into the OD and AC groups by reference to the histogram. The group differences were most significant for the multiple discriminant analysis (p = 1 × 10−5) and at the 10th centile point [AC = 1170 ± 170, OD = (1030 ± 80) × 10−6 mm2 s−1] (p = 0.01). ODs have a lower ADC than ACs with differences throughout the histogram. Both tumour types show similar intra‐tumour heterogeneity, as seen from the equal group peak heights, but ACs shows more intra‐group heterogeneity. ADC histogram analysis may aid non‐invasive sub‐classification of low‐grade glioma histological subtypes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stone Age exploitation of birds on the island of Gotland, Baltic Sea: a taphonomic study of the avifauna on the Neolithic site of Ajvide
Authors: Mannermaa K. , Storå J.
Published: September 2006

We have conducted a detailed taphonomic study of the avifauna of the Pitted Ware culture site of Ajvide on the Island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, in order to investigate the fowling patterns and the taphonomic history of the bird remains. We have investigated cultural as well as natural modifications on the bird bones, fragmentation and fracture patterns, and performed a systematic surface modification study. No specific area for the deposition of bird remains or specific bird species was identified. All major anatomical parts of birds are present in the assemblage, but there is a dominance of specimens from the wing elements. Traces of cultural modification were observed on the bones, including cut marks, burning, modification (implements, beads, raw material), and gnawing marks. The bone surface modifications and fracture analysis indicate that the majority of the bird bones at Ajvide did not lie on the soil surface for an extended period of time before being deposited in the soil. Dry fractures increase while fresh fractures decrease towards the upper levels of the stratigraphy, indicating more extensive post‐depositional destruction. This may partly be connected to modern agriculture, but also to later use of the settlement area as a burial ground. The Ajvide assemblage contains a variety of birds living in different biotopes. However, bird hunting was mainly focused on sea birds. Auks and ducks are the most common families in the assemblage. We find it likely that the Ajvide hunters conducted organised hunting expeditions to two nearby islands for the hunting of auks, while it was possible to hunt other birds such as ducks closer to the site. The presence of medullary bone and bones from subadult birds indicates a main hunting season in late spring and early summer. However, comparisons with modern migration patterns indicate that hunting may have occurred throughout the year. Of special palaeozoological interest is the find of gannet (Morus bassanus), which apparently in Neolithic times visited the Baltic area more regularly than today. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Explosible dusts, US codes and standards of safe management practices
Authors: Kaelin David E. , Prugh Richard W.
Published: September 2006

Codes and Standards (C&S) are an important method used by industry, legislators, and professionals to track and maintain a continuously expanding and changing experience‐based database in support of Best Industry Practice(s). In the area of dust fire and explosion safety, several critical documents define the state of the art. In the United States, industry must comply with OSHA's “General Duty Clause” as well as specific safety directives. In order to comply, it is critical that industries handling and processing explosible dusts be fully aware of Best Industry Practices as described in pertinent dust Codes and Standards, and follow these recommendations. As a direct result of recent dust explosion accidents in the USA, many states will likely codify standards such as the National Fire Protection Association† (NFPA)'s “Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids,” NFPA 654. When conducting a preliminary hazard evaluation of a process or operation, it should be considered best practice in American industry to review all applicable codes and standards and ensure compliance as a minimum effort. This article will review current US codes and standards regarding safe practices and the often‐complex connections between those that are legally required and those that are recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices (RAGAGEP). © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2006
Plant mitochondrial genes can be expressed from mRNAs lacking stop codons
Authors: Raczynska Katarzyna Dorota , Le Ret Monique , Rurek Michal , Bonnard Géraldine , Augustyniak Halina , Gualberto José Manuel
Published: September 2006

The mRNAs of the nad6 and ccmC genes of Arabidopsis and cauliflower were found to be processed upstream of the inframe stop codons. This result was confirmed by northern hybridization and by RT‐PCR. There is no evidence that an alternative stop codon is created post‐transcriptionally, either by RNA editing or by polyadenylation. The non‐stop mRNAs are found in the high molecular weight polysomal fractions, suggesting that they are translated. Using antibodies directed against CcmC, the corresponding protein was detected in Arabidopsis mitochondrial extracts. These observations raise the question of how the plant mitochondrial translation system deals with non‐stop mRNAs.
Identification of cDNAs encoding pterocarpan reductase involved in isoflavan phytoalexin biosynthesis in Lotus japonicus by EST mining
Authors: Akashi Tomoyoshi , Koshimizu Shoko , Aoki Toshio , Ayabe Shin-ichi
Published: September 2006

Isoflavans and pterocarpans are the major biosynthetically connected phytoalexins in legumes. A search of the expressed sequence tag library of a model legume Lotus japonicus, which produces an (−)‐isoflavan, for homologs of phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductase catalyzing the reductive cleavage of dihydrofurans, yielded seven full‐length cDNAs, and the encoded proteins were analyzed in vitro. Four of them cleaved the dihydrofuran of a pterocarpan medicarpin to yield an isoflavan (−)‐vestitol and were designated pterocarpan reductase (PTR). Two PTRs displayed enantiospecificity to (−)‐medicarpin, representing genuine L. japonicus PTRs, while the other two lacked enantiospecificity and were presumed to be evolutionarily primitive types.
Locking of the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb Caused by a Fracture Fragment of the Radial Condyle of the Metacarpal Head after Dorsal Dislocation
Authors: HIRATA H. , TSUJII M. , NAKAO E.
Published: September 2006

We report a case of a locked thumb metacarpophalangeal joint secondary to metacarpal head fracture. As fractures of the radial condyle are not readily seen in routine X-rays, other imaging modalities, including CT, should be considered if the patient complains of limited extension after hyperextension injury of the thumb.
Multiple Closed Flexor Tendon Avulsions from Their Insertions by a High-Energy Explosion
Authors: KANKAYA Y. , ORUÇ M. , UYSAL A. , KOÇER U.
Published: September 2006

A case of multiple closed flexor tendon avulsions from their insertions as a result of the blast of a firework is presented and this pathology discussed.
The Clinical Significance of the Palmaris Longus Tendon in the Pathophysiology of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: KEESE G. R. , WONGWORAWAT M. D. , FRYKMAN G.
Published: September 2006

Carpal tunnel syndrome is associated with increased intracarpal canal pressure. The effect of tendon loading on intracarpal canal pressures is documented in biomechanical studies. Palmaris longus loading in wrist extension induces the greatest absolute increase in intracarpal canal pressure. Despite this fact, the palmaris longus is not yet a proven independent risk factor for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to assess and quantify the association between the presence of a palmaris longus tendon and carpal tunnel syndrome. Thirty-six carpal tunnel subjects with bilateral disease were compared with 36 controls. Each subject was clinically examined for the presence of the palmaris longus tendon. The prevalence of palmaris longus agenesis was significantly lower in the carpal tunnel group. The palmaris longus tendon is a strong independent risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome.
The Limits of Electoral Engineering in Divided Societies: Elections in Postwar Lebanon
Authors: Salloukh Bassel F.
Published: September 2006

Abstract.Electoral engineering determines prospects for centripetal politics in postconflict societies. Lebanon's postwar elections have been contested by interethnic electoral alliances in multi-ethnic electoral districts. Interethnic coalitions, vote pooling and bargaining have structured the results of these elections, as have the electoral laws demarcating the boundaries of electoral districts. Democratization, peace building and ethnic harmony have been the main victims of these cross-ethnic alliances, however. This paper seeks to explain this Lebanese puzzle by examining the institutional determinants of cross-ethnic electoral alliances in the 1992, 1996 and 2000 parliamentary elections.

Résumé.Dans les sociétés post-conflictuelles, l'ingénierie électorale détermine l'éventualité de politiques centripètes. Les élections libanaises d'après-guerre se sont disputées entre des alliances électorales interethniques dans des districts électoraux multiethniques. Les coalitions interethniques, le “ vote pooling ” et le marchandage, de même que les lois électorales qui déterminaient la configuration des circonscriptions électorales, ont structuré les résultats de ces élections. Or, la démocratisation, la construction de la paix et l'harmonie ethnique ont été les victimes principales de ces alliances interethniques. La présente analyse vise à expliquer ce paradoxe libanais en étudiant les déterminants institutionnels des alliances électorales interethniques lors des élections parlementaires de 1992, 1996 et 2000.
City Politics, Canada
Authors: Walks R. Alan
Published: September 2006

City Politics, Canada, James Lightbody, Peterborough:
Broadview Press, 2006, pp. 576.

Scholarly research on Canadian urban politics has never been
extensive, and the few who teach in the field have had to make do with a
limited range of textbooks, mostly focused on the institutions of local
government. Those wanting to extend their coverage to deal with such
issues as the importance of globalization, social movements, race and
ethnicity, social inequality, urban political culture, regional
governance, the media, and federal policy, have been forced to rely on an
assemblage of diverse materials. As well, the politics of, and role played
by, the suburbs is often marginal to most texts, focused as they are on
the politics of the largest central cities.
Politics, Institutions, and Fiscal Policy: Deficits and Surpluses in
Federated States
Authors: Burns Ian , Jacek Henry
Published: September 2006

Politics, Institutions, and Fiscal Policy: Deficits and Surpluses
in Federated States, Louis M. Imbeau and Francois Petry (editors),
Studies in Public Policy; Toronto: Lexington Books, 2004, pp. 239.

Despite the continual attention by the public, the media and
politicians on governmental deficits, surpluses and governmental debt over
the past decade, the political science literature in this area is sparse.
When political scientists do venture into this area, they are unduly
influenced by economic considerations rather than using
political-institutional explanations. Happily this volume avoids the usual
approaches and instead emphasizes political variables. In particular, the
editors and authors highlight the importance of the proximity of
elections, the ideology of the incumbent party, and the severity of
established anti-deficit policies.
Droit, territoire et gouvernance des peuples autochtones.
Authors: Martel Erik
Published: September 2006

Droit, territoire et gouvernance des peuples autochtones.,
OTIS, Ghislain (sous la direction de), Québec : Les Presses de
l'Université Laval, 2004, 197p.

Les relations entre les peuples autochtones et les pouvoirs politiques
canadiens n'ont pas toujours été—et ne sont pas
forcément aujourd'hui—salutaires. Historiquement, une
litanie de conflits et d'interminables procès attestent que le
gouvernement fédéral a souvent fait preuve d'une
profonde incompréhension envers les revendications et les pratiques
ancestrales des Premières nations. Malgré des séries
d'événements regrettables, le gouvernement canadien
semble aujourd'hui faire preuve d'une volonté politique
visant à apporter des changements de fond dans l'état
de ses relations avec les peuples autochtones, ainsi qu'une
amélioration de leurs conditions de vie. Depuis le rapatriement de
la constitution et avec l'adoption de la Loi constitutionnelle de
1982, plus précisément de son article 35 qui assure une
reconnaissance des droits des peuples autochtones, d'autres
événements ont renforcé cette perception de
volonté politique. Notons d'une part la publication du rapport
final de la Commission royale sur les peuples autochtones,
publié en novembre 1996 et présentant une série
d'environ 440 recommandations qui ont pour objectif une modification
manifeste des relations entre les Autochtones, les allochtones et le
gouvernement; et d'autre part celle du Guide de la politique
fédérale sur l'autonomie gouvernementale des
Autochtones, qui propose la création d'un partenariat
historique permettant la négociation d'ententes visant
l'autonomie gouvernementale.
New documentary texts and the early Islamic state
Authors: HOYLAND ROBERT
Published: September 2006

This article is intended as a contribution to the debate on the nature of the early Islamic state (especially 1–70 AH/622–690 AD), as regards both its government and its ideology. It presents and discusses new documentary evidence that sheds light on these subjects and tries to advance a little further the discussion of two questions that have been particularly hotly debated in recent years. These are: whether the Muslims merely continued the administrative practices of the Byzantines and Persians or introduced innovations, and why recognizably Islamic messages do not appear in the material record before the reign of the caliph ‘Abd al-Malik (65–85 AH/685–705 AD). Finally, this article attempts to draw attention to the relative under-use of documents, whether papyri, coins, rock inscriptions or the like, and to illustrate the different ways in which they might be deployed to enhance our knowledge of this very important topic.
Cost-effectiveness of implementing national guidelines in the treatment of acute otitis media in children
Authors: Koskinen Hanna , Rautakorpi Ulla-Maija , Sintonen Harri , Honkanen Pekka , Huikko Solja , Huovinen Pentti , Klaukka Timo , Palva Erkki , Roine Risto P. , Sarkkinen Hannu , Varonen Helena , Mäkelä Marjukka ,   for the MIKSTRA Collaborative Study Group
Published: September 2006

Objectives: Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common diseases of childhood, representing a major disease burden on the society. New evidence-based guidelines for AOM, focusing on children under 7 years of age, were introduced in Finland in 1999. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of implementing those guidelines in Finland.

Methods: A 5-year prospective trial was conducted in thirty community primary healthcare centers in Finland. All AOM patients between 0 and 6 years of age visiting the study health centers for the first time, for this episode of illness, during 1 week in November 1998 (n = 579) and November 2002 (n = 369) were included in this study. The outcome measure was the percentage of symptom-free patients.

Results: The mean direct cost of an AOM episode per patient stayed almost the same after implementing the guidelines, €152 in 1998 and €150 in 2002. After implementing the guidelines, the percentage of symptom-free patients was 10 percentage points higher than before the guidelines. The treatment after the implementation of the guidelines, thus, was a dominant strategy.

Conclusions: Implementing the guidelines to the treatment of AOM in children was associated with extra health benefits at slightly lower direct costs and, thus, is a dominant strategy. The focus of this study was on the short-term effects of the treatment; including long-term effects in the analysis might affect the results.
Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation: A cost assessment based on a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kruse Marie , Hochstrasser Stefan , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe O. , Kjellberg Jakob
Published: September 2006

Objectives: The costs of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation are established and compared to the corresponding costs of usual care. The effect on health-related quality of life is analyzed.

Methods: An unprecedented and very detailed cost assessment was carried out, as no guidelines existed for the situation at hand. Due to challenging circumstances, the cost assessment turned out to be ex-post and top-down.

Results: Cost per treatment sequence is estimated to be approximately €976, whereas the incremental cost (compared with usual care) is approximately €682. The cost estimate is uncertain and may be as high as €1.877.

Conclusions: Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation is more costly than usual care, and the higher costs are not outweighed by a quality of life gain. Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation is, therefore, not cost-effective.
Design of Cerebellar and Nontegmental Rhombencephalic Microvascular Bed in the Sterlet,Acipenser ruthenus: A Scanning Electron Microscope and 3D Morphometry Study of Vascular Corrosion Casts
Authors: Stöttinger Bernhard , Klein Martin , Minnich Bernd , Lametschwandtner Alois
Published: September 2006

The design of the microvasculature of cerebellum and nontegmental rhombencephalic areas was studied in eight adult Acipenser ruthenus L. by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts and three-dimensional morphometry. Gross vascularization was described and diameters and total branching angles of parent and daughter vessels of randomly selected arterial and capillary bifurcations (respectively, venous mergings) were measured. With diameters ranging from 15.9 ± 1.9 μm (cerebellum; mean ± S.D.) to 15.9 ± 1.7 mm (nontegmental rhombencephalon; mean ± S.D.) capillaries inAcipenserwere significantly (p≥ .05) smaller than in cyclostomes (18–20 μm) but significantly thicker than in higher vertebrates and men (6–8 μm). With the exception of the area ratio β (i.e., sum of squared daugther diameters divided by squared diameter of parent vessel) of the venular mergings in the nontegmental rhombencephalon, no significant differences (p≥ .05) existed between the two brain areas. Data showed that arteriolar and capillary bifurcations and venular mergings are optimally designed in respect to diameters of parent vessel to daughter vessels and to branching (merging) angles. Quantitative data are discussed both in respect to methodical pitfalls and the optimality principles possibly underlying the design of vascular bifurcations/mergings in selected brain areas of a nonteleost primitive actinopterygian fish.
Digital Image Analysis for Morphometric Evaluation of Tissue Response after Implanting Alloplastic Vascular Prostheses
Authors: Zippel Roland , Hoene Andreas , Walschus Uwe , Jarchow Raymond , Ueberrueck Torsten , Patrzyk Maciej , Schlosser Michael , Wilhelm Lutz
Published: September 2006

The aim of this study was to examine the suitability of digital image analysis, using the KS400 software system, for the morphometric evaluation of the tissue response after prosthesis implantation in an animal model. Twenty-four female pigs aged 10 weeks were implanted with infrarenal Dacron® prostheses for 14, 21, 28, and 116 days. Following the explantation and investigation of the neointima region, the expression of beta-1-integrin, the proliferation rate by means of Ki-67 positive cells, and the intima thickness were evaluated as exemplary parameters of the tissue response after implantation. Frozen tissue sections were immunohistochemically stained and subsequently examined using computer-aided image analysis. A maximum expression of 32.9% was observed for beta-1-integrin 14 days after implantation, gradually declining over time to 9.8% after 116 days. The proliferation rate was found to be 19% on day 14, increasing to 39% on day 21 with a subsequent gradual decline to 5% after 116 days. The intima thickness increased from 189.9 μm on day 14 to 1228.0 μm on day 116. In conclusion, digital image analysis was found to be an efficient and reproducible method for the morphometric evaluation of a peri-prosthetic tissue response.
The Determination of the Efficiency of Energy Dispersive X-Ray
Spectrometers by a New Reference Material
Authors: Alvisi Marco , Blome Markus , Griepentrog Michael , Hodoroaba Vasile-Dan , Karduck Peter , Mostert Marco , Nacucchi Michele , Procop Mathias , Rohde Martin , Scholze Frank , Statham Peter , Terborg Ralf , Thiot Jean-Francois
Published: September 2006

A calibration procedure for the detection efficiency of energy
dispersive X-ray spectrometers (EDS) used in combination with scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) for standardless electron probe microanalysis
(EPMA) is presented. The procedure is based on the comparison of X-ray
spectra from a reference material (RM) measured with the EDS to be
calibrated and a reference EDS. The RM is certified by the line
intensities in the X-ray spectrum recorded with a reference EDS and by its
composition. The calibration of the reference EDS is performed using
synchrotron radiation at the radiometry laboratory of the
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. Measurement of RM spectra and
comparison of the specified line intensities enables a rapid efficiency
calibration on most SEMs. The article reports on studies to prepare such a
RM and on EDS calibration and proposes a methodology that could be
implemented in current spectrometer software to enable the calibration
with a minimum of operator assistance.
The galactic habitable zone in barred galaxies
Authors: Sundin M.
Published: September 2006

One of the criteria for the concept of a galactic habitable zone (GHZ) is that the pattern speed of the stars in the GHZ should be close to the pattern speed of the spiral arms. Another criteria is that the stars in it should have a high enough metallicity. In a barred galaxy, the GHZ will be more complicated to define since the bar can change stellar orbits. Many disc galaxies, including the Milky Way, are barred galaxies. The stars in the bar move in a number of fairly complicated orbits. However, the bar will also influence the orbits of stars in the whole galaxy. Stars passing close to the bar can either gain or lose angular momentum, due to a positive or negative torque by the bar. Some stars will therefore be captured by the bar while some stars eventually may reach the escape velocity from the galaxy. The bar will hence be able to relocate stars, and stars with low or high metallicity could be found far away from their original orbits. The ordinary evolution of a bar is to grow in length out to the co-rotation radius for the pattern speed of the bar. As the galaxy ages, and the bar grows in length, the bar will influence a larger part of the galaxy. The effect of moving stars inwards or outwards is greatest just outside the bar, and this region can eventually lose a high percentage of the stars.
Opal‐based isotopic proxies of paleoenvironmental conditions
Authors: De La Rocha Christina L.
Published: September 2006

The δ30Si and δ15Ndiatom of diatom opal provide a view of nutrient utilization in past oceans and are used to formulate and test hypotheses concerning Southern Ocean productivity and fluctuations in atmospheric CO2 over glacial cycles. Water column profiles of the Si and N isotopic composition of nutrients and the δ15Ndiatom of sediment core tops support the use of δ30Si and δ15Ndiatom as tracers of silicic acid and nitrate utilization, but some issues remain concerning the use of these proxies for paleoceanographic reconstructions. If average marine δ30Si changes over time, it could contribute to the observed down core variations in δ30Si. Reconstruction of deepwater δ30Si using opal from sponges or deep‐dwelling radiolarians would address this concern. Cleaning and measurement methods for δ15Ndiatom need to be standardized between laboratories and in general suffer from our lack of knowledge of how much organic matter a clean diatom frustule should contain and what its C/N ratio should be. Corresponding shifts in the δ15N and C/N of diatom opal with species composition suggests that changes in species composition contributes to the measured down core variations in N and possibly Si as well. This could be due to changes in the ecological niche represented in the sediments or, in the case of N, to species specific fractionation factors. Separation of opal sediments into something more closely resembling monospecific samples is a key development that needs to be made and may be possible using laminar flow systems like “split‐flow lateral‐transport thin fractionation” (SPLITT). In the meantime, information on the species composition of each sieved and cleaned sample analyzed needs to be collected alongside the isotopic data.