bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circuit-based intervention corrects excessive dentate gyrus output in the fragile X mouse model
Authors: Deng Pan-Yue , Kumar Ajeet , Cavalli Valeria , Klyachko Vitaly A
Published: February 2024

Abnormal cellular and circuit excitability is believed to drive many core phenotypes in fragile X syndrome (FXS). The dentate gyrus is a brain area performing critical computations essential for learning and memory. However, little is known about dentate circuit defects and their mechanisms in FXS. Understanding dentate circuit dysfunction in FXS has been complicated by the presence of two types of excitatory neurons, the granule cells and mossy cells. Here we report that loss of FMRP markedly decreased excitability of dentate mossy cells, a change opposite to all other known excitability defects in excitatory neurons in FXS. This mossy cell hypo-excitability is caused by increased Kv7 function in Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. By reducing the excitatory drive onto local hilar interneurons, hypo-excitability of mossy cells results in increased excitation/inhibition ratio in granule cells and thus paradoxically leads to excessive dentate output. Circuit-wide inhibition of Kv7 channels in Fmr1 KO mice increases inhibitory drive onto granule cells and normalizes the dentate output in response to physiologically relevant theta–gamma coupling stimulation. Our study suggests that circuit-based interventions may provide a promising strategy in this disorder to bypass irreconcilable excitability defects in different cell types and restore their pathophysiological consequences at the circuit level.
OVO positively regulates essential maternal pathways by binding near the transcriptional start sites in the Drosophila female germline
Authors: Benner Leif , Muron Savannah , Gomez Jillian G , Oliver Brian
Published: February 2024

Differentiation of female germline stem cells into a mature oocyte includes the expression of RNAs and proteins that drive early embryonic development in Drosophila. We have little insight into what activates the expression of these maternal factors. One candidate is the zinc-finger protein OVO. OVO is required for female germline viability and has been shown to positively regulate its own expression, as well as a downstream target, ovarian tumor, by binding to the transcriptional start site (TSS). To find additional OVO targets in the female germline and further elucidate OVO’s role in oocyte development, we performed ChIP-seq to determine genome-wide OVO occupancy, as well as RNA-seq comparing hypomorphic and wild type rescue ovo alleles. OVO preferentially binds in close proximity to target TSSs genome-wide, is associated with open chromatin, transcriptionally active histone marks, and OVO-dependent expression. Motif enrichment analysis on OVO ChIP peaks identified a 5’-TAACNGT-3’ OVO DNA binding motif spatially enriched near TSSs. However, the OVO DNA binding motif does not exhibit precise motif spacing relative to the TSS characteristic of RNA polymerase II complex binding core promoter elements. Integrated genomics analysis showed that 525 genes that are bound and increase in expression downstream of OVO are known to be essential maternally expressed genes. These include genes involved in anterior/posterior/germ plasm specification (bcd, exu, swa, osk, nos, aub, pgc, gcl), egg activation (png, plu, gnu, wisp, C(3)g, mtrm), translational regulation (cup, orb, bru1, me31B), and vitelline membrane formation (fs(1)N, fs(1)M3, clos). This suggests that OVO is a master transcriptional regulator of oocyte development and is responsible for the expression of structural components of the egg as well as maternally provided RNAs that are required for early embryonic development.
A comparative study of stereopsis measurements: analyzing natural conditions versus dichoptic presentation using smartphones and ultraviolet printer technology
Authors: Liu Lu , Liu Jiang , Xu Lingxian , Zhao Lingzhi , Wu Huang
Published: February 2024

Background

Accurate differentiation between stereopsis assessments in the natural and dichoptic presentation states has proven challenging with commercial stereopsis measurement tools. This study proposes a novel method to delineate these differences more precisely.

Methods

We instituted two stereopsis test systems predicated on a pair of 4K smartphones and a modified Frisby Near Stereotest (FNS) version. Stereoacuity was evaluated both in the natural environment state (via the modified FNS) and the dichoptic state (via smartphones). Thirty subjects aged 20 to 28 years participated in the study with the best-corrected visual acuity (VA) of each eye no less than 0 logMAR and stereoauity of no worse than 40″. Varying degrees of monocular VA loss were induced using the fogging method, while this study does not explore conditions where the VA of both eyes is worse than 0 logMAR.

Results

When the VA difference between the two eyes did not exceed 0.2 logMAR, the modified FNS produced lower stereoacuity values compared to the 4K smartphones (Wilcoxon signed-rank test: difference = 0 logMAR, Z = −3.879, P < 0.001; difference = 0.1 logMAR, Z = −3.478, P = 0.001; difference = 0.2 logMAR, Z = −3.977, P < 0.001). Conversely, no significant differences were observed when the binocular vision difference exceeded 0.2 logMAR (difference = 0.3 logMAR, Z = −1.880, P = 0.060; difference = 0.4 logMAR, Z = −1.784, P = 0.074; difference = 0.5 logMAR, Z = −1.812, P = 0.070).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that stereoacuity values measurements taken in the natural environment state surpass those derived from the dichoptic presentation. However, the observed difference diminishes as stereopsis decreases, corresponding to an increase in induced anisometropia.
Histopathological Changes and Clinical Outcomes in Placentas of COVID-19 Positive Mothers: A Cohort Study
Authors: Tripathy Sukanta , Sreelakshmi S , Das Asima
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Infection by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been shown to affect multiple organs in the human body. Research shows that Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)-positive pregnant women experience poorer perinatal outcomes related to placental infection, including higher risks of miscarriage, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and stillbirth. Aim: To evaluate the histopathological changes in the placentas of COVID-19-positive mothers and the associated foetal outcomes. Materials and Methods: This cohort study was conducted at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, over a period of one year and eight months, from November 2020 to July 2022. It included 23 COVID-19-positive pregnant females admitted for safe confinement during the first and second COVID-19 waves. Thirty COVID-19-negative pregnant women admitted for safe delivery during the same period served as controls. Placentas were collected, processed, and stained according to standard protocols. Descriptive data were interpreted as frequencies and percentages, and associations were tested using the Chi-square test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 23 cases (mean gestational age: 37 weeks and 5 days) and 30 controls (mean gestational age: 38 weeks and 6 days). The prevalence of Maternal Vascular Malperfusion (MVM) and Foetal Vascular Malperfusion (FVM) was found to be higher among cases than controls. Conclusion: Compared to controls, COVID-19-positive placentas showed a higher prevalence of both MVM and FVM. This might be attributable to the hypercoagulable state associated with COVID-19. Further research is needed to explore the potential effects of intrauterine inflammation on neonates exposed to COVID-19.
Marketplace analysis: The Effect of E-Service Quality, Product Brand Perception and Social Support on Repurchase through Consumer Satisfaction and Trust
Authors: Miranti Yuliana
Published: February 2024

Technological developments have an impact on business activities and consumer behavior. This can be seen from the increasing number of online businesses. This study looks at consumer behavior by exploring the relationship between e-service quality, product brand perception, and social support on satisfaction; trust; behavioral intentions & repurchases on marketplaces in Indonesia. This quantitative research uses the Structural Equation Model (SEM) method with Lisrel 88 program. The respondents in this research are 450 X-Z generation and have filled out the online questionnaires through google form. The results of this study indicates that e-service quality has a significant effect on consumer satisfaction, product brand perception has a positive impact on trust, and social support has a direct impact on both trust and behavioral intention. Satisfaction, trust, and behavioral intentions, positively affect repurchase. This research offers significant managerial implications for companies, especially in making policy and formatting strategy of business management marketing by taking into account the aspects of customer satisfaction and trust. Companies can formulate strategies through the results of this research by creating innovative products, responsive services, wider and sustainable networks.
Evaluation of Sugarcane Families and Identification of Promising Families for Cane Yield and Juice Quality Traits in Early Selection Stages
Authors: Mallikarjun P. K.  , Patil Sanjay B. , Hanamaratti N. G.  , Patil C. R. , Patil P. V.
Published: February 2024

The utilization of superior parental lines and identification of promising families enhance the genetic gain in sugarcane. To identify the promising families, 1620 progenies derived from twenty two crosses involving genetically diverse historical parents were evaluated for cane yield and juice quality attributing traits. The mean number of millable canes per clump (9.00), cane girth (2.32 cm), millable cane height (217.00 cm) and Brix% in juice (20.79%) were recorded. The significant variance, high broad-sense heritability and genetic advance over mean suggested that number of millable canes per clump, single cane weight, millable cane height, Pol% in juice and Brix% in juice are suitable for family evaluation. Based on progeny performance, families of Co 86032 × CoVC 14061 and Co 0312 GC, were found significantly superior compared to most popular clonal check, Co 86032 for number of millable canes per clump, similarly, CoVC 14062 × Co 89003 and Co 86002 × ISH 69 for cane girth, and CoVC 14062 × Co 89003, Co 11015 and Co 87015 for CCS% in juice content at early selection stages. Among 22 families studied, the four families viz., Co 86032 × CoVC 14061, CoVC 14062 × Co 89003, CoVC 14062 GC, Co 87015 GC and Co 11015 GC, produced higher percentage of population selection with acceptable range for commercially important traits (Brix% in juice, cane yield components). These identified promising families can be further exploited in sugarcane varietal improvement.
Analysis of Rainfall Distribution in Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Manike M. M. A. P. , Rajendran M.
Published: February 2024

Investigating the dynamics of rainfall has become very crucial in managing water resources efficiently for sustainable development. The present study aimed to analyze the rainfall distribution in Kurunegala district. Historical rainfall data collected from four gauging stations were subjected to both mathematical and statistical analysis. In addition, trends of rainfall, probability of exceedance and meteorological drought conditions were studied. Rainfall distribution in the district shows high variations. Bathalagoda records the highest mean annual rainfall of 1843 mm. The corresponding values for Wariyapola, Mediyawa and Siyambalagamuwa are 1629 mm, 1315 mm and 1222 mm, respectively. Rainfall is concentrated only in certain months in a year. Annual rainfall exceedance at 50% probability is 1825 mm at Bathalagoda. The corresponding figures for Wariyapola, Mediyawa and Siyambalagamuwa are 1662 mm, 1284 mm and 1226 mm, respectively. Mediyawa, Wariyapola, and Siyambalagamuwa show a decreasing trend in annual rainfall while Bathalagoda shows an increasing trend. Southwest monsoonal (SWM) and 2nd inter-monsoonal (IM2) rainfalls show a decreasing trend at all gauging stations. Mediyawa and Bathalagoda show a positive trend in both 1st inter-monsoonal (IM1) and Northeast monsoonal (NEM) rainfalls. A negative trend in Maha seasonal rainfall is observed in all regions except Bathalagoda. A positive trend of Yala seasonal rainfall is observed at Mediyawewa and Bathalogoda. Further, severe drought conditions were experienced in the recent years at Wariyapola, Mediyawa, and Siyambalagamuwa. Compared to other regions, rainfall at Mediyawa and Siyambalagamuwa highly deviates from the long-term mean. In the study area, rainfall distribution shows a cyclic pattern over time. However, the amount of rainfall received in the recent years is lower than the amount received in the immediate past decade at all stations except Bathalagoda. Hence, proper management decisions based on rainfall distribution patterns is vital for the efficient management of water resources while guaranteeing sustainable agricultural production in this district.
Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L) Genotypes as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilizer under Northeast Climate of Afghanistan
Authors: Khaleeq Khalilullah , Amini Ahmad Munir , Azimi Abdul Matin
Published: February 2024

A field experiment was conducted at the agronomic research farm of Kunduz University during summer season of 2023 to evaluate Growth and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) genotypes as affected by Nitrogen Fertilizer in northeast climate of Afghanistan, the experiment laid out in randomized complete block design with split arrangement each replicated thrice, both groundnut genotypes and nitrogen fertilizer were significantly affected on growth, yield component and yield of groundnut, between groundnut genotypes spreading genotype was best on growth and yield of groundnut, the maximum plant height (31.15cm), branches/plant (9.39), Leave Area Index (4.75), dry matter (5,170.04 kg/ha), pod weight (21.98gr/plant), 100 kernel weight (71.53gr), Pod yield (2,504.64kg/ha) and Biological Yield (7,674.69 kg/ha) were in spreading genotype compared to bunch genotype, ,  Nitrogen fertilizer also affected on growth and yield of groundnut, the maximum plant height (32.61cm), branches/plant (10.05), Leave Area Index (5.20) and dry matter (5,533.55kg/ha), Pods/plant (32.30), Kernel/pod (2.23), pod weight (24.46gr/plant), 100 kernel weight (76.38gr), Pod yield (2,890.00kg/ha) and Biological Yield (8,423.55kg/ha) were in spreading genotype compared to bunch genotype. the Spreading genotype was more adaptable in Kunduz climate over bunch genotype, Therefore application of 45 kg N/ha along with groundnut spreading genotype is the best combination for groundnut productivity in northeast of Afghanistan.
Influence of Zeolite Application on Soil Infiltrated with Sewage Effluent
Authors: Chourasia Aditi , Singh Anand Prakash , Chattopadhyay Arghya , Ankita
Published: February 2024

A laboratory-based soil column study was undertaken to assess the influence of zeolite application on soil treated with sewage effluent. Seven treatments, varying in zeolite proportions (T1=0.25%, T2=0.50%, T3=0.75%, T4=1.00%, T5=1.25%, T6=1.50%, and T7=control without zeolite), were replicated three times for the experiment. Analysis of leachate and residual soil after the experiment included parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Results indicated a significant increase in soil pH, EC, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium with zeolite application. Leachate from the control column exhibited the highest values for pH (7.74), EC (190.33 µScm-1), BOD (34.33 mg L-1), COD (72.67 mg L-1), nitrate-N (40.23 mg L-1), phosphorus (5.96 mg L-1), and potassium (12.31 mg L-1), differing significantly from leachate collected from treatment columns.
The Role of Environmental Management Accounting in Economic Development through Corporate Product and Process Innovation in East Java Indonesia
Authors: Buana I. Nyoman Adi , Royani Eli , Rosalia
Published: February 2024

Aims: This research aims to examine the influence of environmental management accounting on economic development through innovation

Study Design: This research hypothesis testing was carried out using the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach.

Place of Study: The sample data for this research was obtained from 150 respondents. The respondents in this research sample were accounting managers of manufacturing companies in East Java.

Methodology: This research method is quantitative. This research will test the influence of the relationship between variables, namely the independent variable consisting of environmental management accounting as the independent variable (X1). The product innovation variable (Z1) and the process innovation variable (Z2) are mediating variables, and economic development (Y) is the dependent variable.

Results: The result of the test shows that Environmental management accounting (EMA) is proven to have a positive and significant influence on Economic development, with a t value > t table (5.526 > 1.975) and a path coefficient of 0.000. The product innovation is also able to strongly mediate the relationship between environmental management accounting (EMA) and economic development, this finding is supported by the value of t count > t table (2.710 > 1.975) and a path coefficient of 0.000. The latest test results also prove that process innovation is also able to strengthen the relationship between Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) variables and economic development.

Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study support the dimensions of management accounting environment (AML) can increase economic development even though companies carry out product innovation and process innovation activities. This research provides a perspective on possible strategies companies to achieve more effective environmental management accounting and supports company goals related to product innovation and company process innovation.
The Role of the World Organization “WIPO” in Promoting Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: Abbas Dr. AqeelHussein , Hasan Dr. Salma Abdul Raheem Abdul
Published: February 2024

This study sheds light on intellectual property as a human right for creative development, allowing innovators and workers in various jobs and businesses to unleash their creative works, ensure their innovations and encourage them to communicate in a stimulating manner.Thestudy discussesthe concept of intellectual property, its types and importance. It also providesdefinitionsof conventions and organizations concerned in this regard themost important of which is WIPO and its role in supporting and protecting human rights by protecting innovations and businesses worldwide as works of auniversal character relevant for all humanity.
Applying Multi-objective Geometric Programming to the Fuzzy Inventory of Kerosene in Al-Dora Refinery
Authors: Amir RuqayahYasser Abdul
Published: February 2024

Amulti-objective inventory model was formulated bydecreasingthe unit cost on which orderdepends. The model was formulated with three constraints: storage space, number of orders, and production cost. We note in the research that the cost parameters in the objective function and constraints are imprecise in nature. Hence,the cost criteria are superimposed on the objective function and constraints in an ambiguous environment. Geometricprogramming was used to solve the production model without fuzzydeficit. It turned out that this model is better, as different possibilities were taken, and the total cost at these possibilities was shown. The best order volume was (1544117.647) liters, because it achieved the lowest total cost of storage, which amounted to (94,577,205.91) Iraqi dinars
The Impact of Green Transformational Leadership on Developing the Performance of Green Products: A Field Study
Authors: Jasim Batool Munshid , Mustafa Alaa Abdulsalam
Published: February 2024

The current production date, the current production date, the development of this mode of production. This game explores the development of green products. Besides, this post indicates that there is a positive relationship between green transformative value, and green product development, meaning that green transformative value can not only appear directly on green products positively but indirectly positively. Hence, the Company for Electrical and Electronic Industries (Baghdad –Al-Waziriyah) must increase the green transformational leadership to enhance the development of the performance of green products.
Minimum variance in fast, slow and dual‐rate control loops
Authors: Wang Xiaorui , Zhang Liqian , Chen Tongwen , Huang Biao
Published: January 2005

In certain industrial applications, the control updating rate is faster than the output sampling rate by a certain factor, which leads to dual‐rate (DR) control problems. Generally speaking, a DR controller performs better than a slow single rate (SSR) controller but worse than a fast single rate (FSR) controller in the sense of minimum variance control. This conjecture is theoretically justified in this paper for a continuous linear time‐invariant (LTI) single‐input single‐output (SISO) system. The optimal FSR, DR and SSR controllers are designed under the same performance criterion: variance of the fast sampled output. The discretization of continuous stochastic disturbance models is investigated preserving certain basic statistical properties. A linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach is developed to calculate the optimal controllers for DR and SSR loops. The theoretical results are illustrated by two simulation examples. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taiwan schizophrenia linkage study: The field study
Authors: Hwu Hai‐Gwo , Faraone Stephen V. , Liu Chih‐Min , Chen Wei J. , Liu Shih‐Kai , Shieh Ming‐Hsien , Hwang Tzung‐Jeng , Tsuang Ming‐Ming , OuYang Wen‐Chen , Chen Chun‐Ying , Chen Chwen‐Cheng , Lin Jin‐Jia , Chou Frank Huang‐Chih , Chueh Ching‐Mo , Liu Wei‐Ming , Hall Mei‐Hua , Tsuang Ming T.
Published: January 2005

One possible reason of the inconsistent results of linkage analyses of schizophrenia, a complex disorder, was mainly due to the small sample size of studies. This Taiwan Schizophrenia Linkage Study (TSLS) was designed to collect a large family sample with at least two affected siblings of a single ethnicity. The 17.6 millions of Taiwanese Chinese, age over 15, was the sample population, and 78 psychiatric hospitals or health centers participated in this TSLS program. Before data collection started, every study subject signed the informed consent. The ascertainment protocol for data collection included blood sample, structured Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS), Structured Interview for Schizotypy (SIS), scales for assessment of positive and negative symptoms (SAPS, SANS), and continuous performance test (CPT), Wisconsin card sort test (WCST) of neuropsychological functions. We have contacted 831 families for this study and 607 families, comprised 2,490 subjects, were successfully recruited. The recruitment rate was 38.4% from the estimated total of 1,582 families with at least two affected siblings. These collected family samples were fairly evenly distributed all over Taiwan. Those 2,490 study subjects (1,283 male, 1,117 female) comprised 1,568 siblings (mean age 35.7 years old) and 922 parents (mean age 63.6 years old). Of these 1,568 siblings, 1,258 (80.2%) were affected (male 795, female 463), and the mean age of onset was 22.6 years old. Among 922 parents, 65 were affected (male 14, female 51) and the age of onset was 33.1 years old. This TSLS demonstrated a successful establishment of an efficient research infrastructure to collect a large nation‐wise sample of schizophrenic family for genetic linkage study. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence for the gamma‐amino‐butyric acid type B receptor 1 (GABBR1) gene as a susceptibility factor in obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Zai Gwyneth , Arnold Paul , Burroughs Eliza , Barr Cathy L. , Richter Margaret A. , Kennedy James L.
Published: January 2005

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a well‐recognized severe neuropsychiatric illness. Genetic factors are believed to be important etiologically. Although historically genetic testing has focused on the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, there is increasing evidence that the major inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), may also be functionally involved. Furthermore the GABA type B receptor 1 (GABBR1) gene has been localized to chromosome 6p21.3 region, which has shown linkage to OCD. We investigated five polymorphisms (A–7265G substitution; C10497G substitution; A33795G substitution in the 3′‐UTR; Ser‐491‐Ser‐T1473C transition; Phe‐659‐Phe‐T1977C transition) in the GABBR1 gene in a sample of 159 DSM‐IV OCD probands and their families, using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). A trend was observed with an over‐transmission of −7265A allele at the A‐7265G polymorphism and OCD (χ2 = 3.270, P = 0.071). Moreover, the TDT haplotype analysis using TRANSMIT showed a trend toward association with the haplotype of the five polymorphisms together [2.1.1.2.1 (A‐7265G.C10497G.Ser‐491‐Ser.Phe‐659‐Phe.A33795G)] with a Chi‐square value of 3.418, which corresponds to a P‐value of 0.065 (overall χ2 = 6.353, 5 df, P = 0.273). Moreover, a trend was observed for the total Yale‐Brown obsessive‐compulsive scale score in the A‐7265G polymorphism (−7265A: z = 1.934, P = 0.053) using the Family‐Based Association Test, considering the diagnosis of OCD and then the clinically relevant quantitative phenotypes. The observed trends suggest that further investigations of the role of the GABBR1 gene in OCD are warranted. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular Recognition in Organic Crystals: Directed Intermolecular Bonds or Nonlocalized Bonding?
Authors: Dunitz Jack D. , Gavezzotti Angelo
Published: January 2005

Molecules are held together mainly by forces acting between individual atoms. Does the same apply to molecular clusters? Does intermolecular cohesion depend on weak bonds between individual atoms in different molecules or on less localized, more diffuse interactions between molecules? We discuss these questions from several viewpoints and in particular compare interpretations based on the extension of Bader's atoms in molecules (AIM) theory to cover closed‐shell intermolecular interactions with interpretations based on the new pixel method for the calculation of coulombic, polarization, dispersion, and repulsion energies from the electron density of molecular clusters.
Pharmacokinetics of a new proton pump inhibitor, YJA‐20379‐8, after intravenous and oral administration to spontaneously hypertensive rats and DOCA‐salt‐induced hypertensive rats
Authors: Kim Ho J. , Han Kye S. , Kim Yoon G. , Chung Young‐K. , Chang Man S. , Lee Myung G.
Published: January 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes for the differences observed in the pharmacokinetics of YJA‐20379‐8 in 16‐week‐old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). To see if the hereditary characteristics of SHRs was the cause, 20 mg/kg of the drug was intravenously infused over 15 min and 50 mg/kg of the drug was orally administered to 6‐week‐old SHRs and 16‐week‐old SHRs and their age‐matched control Kyoto–Wistar (KW) rats. Also to see if the hypertensive status itself was the cause, the same doses were administered to 16‐week‐old deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt‐induced hypertensive rats (DOCA‐salt rats) and their age‐matched control Sprague–Dawley rats. The areas under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to time infinity (for intravenous study) and to the last sampling time in plasma (for oral study) were significantly smaller after both intravenous and oral administration, and the total body clearances of the drug were significantly faster after intravenous administration to 6‐week‐old SHRs, 16‐week‐old SHRs, and 16‐week‐old DOCA‐salt rats than those in their respective age‐matched control rats. The above pharmacokinetic parameter changes in 16‐week‐old SHRs were due to both hereditary characteristic of SHRs and the hypertensive status itself. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative disposition of ricobendazole enantiomers after intravenous and subcutaneous administration of a racemic formulation to calves
Authors: Cristòfol Carles , Virkel Guillermo , Álvarez Luis , Arboix Margarida , Lanusse Carlos E.
Published: January 2005

The enantioselective disposition kinetics of the benzimidazole anthelmintic, ricobendazole (RBZ), have been characterized after its intravenous (iv) and subcutaneous (sc) administration as a racemic formulation to cattle. The (+) and (−) RBZ enantiomeric forms were recovered in plasma after iv and sc administration of the racemic RBZ formulation, using a chiral phase based HPLC method. A biexponential plasma concentration versus time curve was observed for both RBZ enantiomers following the iv treatment. Total body clearance was higher for (−) RBZ (150.4 mL/h · kg) compared with that obtained for the (+) RBZ antipode (78.1 mL/h · kg). The elimination half‐life of the (−) RBZ enantiomer was shorter (T1/2β: 2.67 h) compared with the (+) enantiomer (T1/2β: 5.41 h). The plasma availability (expressed as AUC) was significantly higher for (+) RBZ compared with that obtained for the (−) antipode following both treatments. The enantiomeric ratio in plasma atT0was close to unity (50% of each enantiomer); the analysis of the concentration ratios (+) RBZ/(−) RBZ, demonstrated an increase in the proportion of (+) RBZ during the time course of the kinetics after both iv and sc treatments. The results presented herein show the enantioselective disposition kinetics of RBZ in cattle and are a further contribution to the understanding of the kinetic behaviour of these sulphoxide‐containing benzimidazole anthelmintics in ruminants. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Precision teaching and fluency training across cognitive, physical, and academic tasks in children with traumatic brain injury: a multiple baseline study
Authors: Chapman Stacy S. , Ewing Christopher B. , Mozzoni Michael P.
Published: January 2005

Children with traumatic brain injuries present significant challenges in terms of interrupted development and loss of previously mastered skills. The sequelae of pediatric brain injury develop in time whereas injury to an adult brain tends to create static deficits. Children with brain injuries present unique problems in their ability to form enduring memories of verbal material and performance strategies. Precision teaching and fluency training methodologies present teachers with powerful tools to capitalize upon over learning as a method of improving persistence of a new repertoire. In this series of studies precision teaching and fluency training were used across academic, communicative, and physical skill repertoires, to demonstrate the utility, efficiency, and efficacy of these methodologies. Significant improvements were reached in all functional target areas. By utilizing data‐based decision methods therapists can rapidly assess and adjust treatment to keep clients progressing. In this age of limited length of stay within the therapeutic treatment environment fast and effective treatment is a mandate. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluency and functional motor skills following brain injury
Authors: Eastridge Dixie , Mozzoni Michael P.
Published: January 2005

The focus of this study was to try to establish key component, or element skills, and their underlying tool skills to improve functional gross motor skills to fluent levels for individuals who had suffered brain injuries. Four participants using the key component Big 6 skills of reach, point, touch, grasp, place, and release were studied to determine whether building these skills to a high rate could increase the functional motor skills in the impaired hand or in the non‐impaired, non‐dominant hand. The study indicates that increasing these skills to fluent levels increases the functional use in the participant's gross motor skill impaired hand and the non‐impaired, non‐dominant hand. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative and kinetic study of oxidative stress regulons using green fluorescent protein
Authors: Lu Canghai , Albano C. Renee , Bentley William E. , Rao Govind
Published: January 2005

Potentially damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in a number of pathways ranging from signal transduction to apoptosis. Cells have adapted this alteration in redox status into a complex regulatory mechanism. ROS are specifically able to induce the expression of a multitude of genes. We constructed and characterized “oxidative stress probes” consisting of promoter fusions of several ROS‐induced genes and the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene. Specifically, the sodA, fumC, zwf, acnA, acrAB, and soxS genes from the SoxRS regulon and the katG and ahpC genes from OxyR regulon, which respond to the superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, were studied. Our results revealed not only different levels of background transcription, but different induction levels both in terms of timing and strength. These systematic studies were performed under a uniform parallel platform and have provided insight into the complicated gene regulation of the oxidative stress regulons. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Importance of tumour size in papillary and follicular thyroid cancer
Authors: Passler C , Scheuba C , Asari R , Kaczirek K , Kaserer K , Niederle B
Published: January 2005

Background

The most controversial change in the new pathological tumour node metastasis (pTNM) classification of thyroid tumours is the extension of the pT1 classification to include tumours up to 20 mm.

Methods

Four hundred and three patients with pT1 or pT2 differentiated thyroid carcinomas were divided into three groups according to tumour diameter (group 1, 10 mm or less; group 2, 11–20 mm; group 3, 21–40 mm). They were analysed retrospectively with respect to carcinoma-specific and disease-free survival.

Results

No patient in group 1 died from papillary thyroid carcinoma, compared with three patients in group 2 and six in group 3. There was a statistically significant difference in carcinoma-specific survival between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0·033). Two patients in group 1, six in group 2 and eight in group 3 developed recurrence. The difference in disease-free survival between groups 1 and 2 was significant (P = 0·025). One patient in group 1, three in group 2 and four in group 3 died from follicular thyroid carcinoma, but there were no significant differences in survival between the three groups.

Conclusion

Extension of the pT1 classification to cover all tumours up to 20 mm does not appear to be justified for papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Primary aortoenteric fistula
Authors: Saers S J F , Scheltinga M R M
Published: January 2005

Background

A primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) is a rare clinical entity that results in fatal exsanguination if undiagnosed. The present study investigates whether management and survival have altered over time.

Methods

A Medline search was conducted for the period from January 1994 to December 2003. Data were categorized and compared with reviews of PAEF published before this interval.

Results

The classical triad (gastrointestinal bleeding, pain and a pulsating mass) was present in only 11 per cent of 81 patients. Most PAEFs were caused by an aneurysmal aorta and were almost always (94 per cent) heralded by repetitive gastrointestinal bleeds. Computed tomography (CT) provides images superior to those of other diagnostic modalities, such as gastroduodenoscopy or conventional angiography. Operative mortality rates were lower in later years possibly owing to improvements in perioperative care and the advent of endovascular techniques.

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal bleeding combined with a negative endoscopy in the presence of an aneurysmal aorta suggests PAEF and requires urgent evaluation by CT. Endovascular operation is an attractive treatment option.
Predicting quality in surgery
Authors: Finlayson E , Nelson H
Published: January 2005

Disparities in outcome discussed
Chinese University Home Pages
Authors: Pourciau Lester J.
Published: January 2005

In the fall of 1993, the author spent some five weeks visiting a variety of Chinese universities and lecturing about various features of the Internet. His talks focused on gopher, telnet and FTP capabilities. At the time, there was no Internet connectivity in any of the facilities at which he lectured. In virtually all of the question and answer sessions that followed the lectures, someone would ask how long it might be before the Internet became a reality in China. The author ventured the guess that it might be about one year. In fact, it was well into 1994 when Internet connectivity in China began in earnest. And now two years later, the author takes a look at the degree to which implementation of the Internet and of the World Wide Web has taken place in China.
Bipyridyl‐ and Biphenyl‐DNA: A Recognition Motif Based on Interstrand Aromatic Stacking
Authors: Brotschi Christine , Mathis Gérald , Leumann Christian J.
Published: January 2005

The synthesis and incorporation into oligonucleotides of C‐nucleosides containing the two aromatic, non‐hydrogen‐bonding nucleobase substitutes biphenyl (I) and bipyridyl (Y) are described. Their homo‐ and hetero‐recognition properties in different sequential arrangements were then investigated via UV‐melting curve analysis, gel mobility assays, CD‐ and NMR spectroscopy. An NMR analysis of a dodecamer duplex containing one biphenyl pair in the center, as well as CD data on duplexes with multiple insertions provide further evidence for the zipper‐like interstrand stacking motif that we proposed earlier based on molecular modeling. UV‐thermal melting experiments with duplexes containing one to up to seven I‐ or Y base pairs revealed a constant increase in Tm in the case of I and a constant decrease for Y. Mixed I/Y base pairs lead to stabilities in between the homoseries. Insertion of alternating I/abasic site‐ or Y/abasic site pairs strongly decreases the thermal stability of duplexes. Asymmetric distribution of I‐ or Y residues on either strand of the duplex were also investigated in this context. Duplexes with three natural base pairs at both ends and 50 % of I pairs in the center are still readily formed, while duplexes with blunt ended I pairs tend to aggregate unspecifically. Duplexes with one natural overhang at the end of a I–I base pair tract can both aggregate or form ordered duplexes, depending on the nature of the natural bases in the overhang.
Reductive Electron Transfer in Phenothiazine‐Modified DNA Is Dependent on the Base Sequence
Authors: Wagner Clemens , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: January 2005

A new DNA assay has been designed, prepared and applied for the chemical investigation of reductive electron transfer through the DNA. It consists of 5‐(10‐methyl‐phenothiazin‐3‐yl)‐2′‐deoxyuridine (Ptz‐dU, 1) as the photoexcitable electron injector and 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (Br‐dU) as the electron trap. The Ptz‐dU‐modified oligonucleotides were synthesised by means of a Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling protocol and subsequent automated phosphoramidite chemistry. Br‐dU represents a kinetic electron trap, since it undergoes a chemical modification after its one‐electron reduction that can be analysed by piperidine‐induced strand cleavage. The quantification of the strand cleavage yields from irradiation experiments reveals important information about the electron‐transfer efficiency. The performed DNA studies focused on the base sequence dependence of the electron‐transfer efficiency with respect to the proposal that C.− and T.− act as intermediate electron carriers during electron hopping. From our observations it became evident that excess‐electron transfer is highly sequence dependent and occurs more efficiently over T–A base pairs than over C–G base pairs.
Study on the Reaction of Electron‐deficient Cyclopropane Derivatives with Arsonium Ylides
Authors: Chen Ya‐Li , Cao Wei‐Guo , Ding Wei‐Yu , Sun Xiao‐Huaa
Published: January 2005

The reaction of electron‐deficient cyclopropane derivatives, cis‐1‐methoxycarbonyl‐2‐aryl‐6,6‐dimethyl‐5,7‐dioxospiro[2,5]octa‐4,8‐diones with benzoylmethylenetriphenylarsorane (2) and methoxycarbonylmethylene‐triphenylarsorane (4) was found to form cis,trans‐1‐methoxycarbonyl‐2‐aryl‐3‐benzoyl‐7,7‐dimethyl‐6,8‐dioxo‐spiro[3,5]nona‐5,9‐dione (3a–3e) and trans, cis,trans‐5‐[2′‐methoxycarbonyl‐2′‐(triphenylarsoranylidene)acetyl]‐6‐oxo‐3‐aryl‐tetrahydro‐pyran‐2,4‐dicarboxylic acid dimethyl esters (5a–5c) respectively with high stereoselectivity. The possible reaction mechanisms for the formation of the different products were also proposed.
Impact of ductal resection margin status on long‐term survival in patients undergoing resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wakai Toshifumi , Shirai Yoshio , Moroda Tetsuya , Yokoyama Naoyuki , Hatakeyama Katsuyoshi
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND

The current study was performed to clarify whether the presence of residual carcinoma in situ at ductal resection margins differs prognostically from residual invasive ductal lesions in patients undergoing surgical resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 84 patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection was conducted. The ductal resection margin status was classified as negative (n = 64 patients), positive with carcinoma in situ (n = 11 patients), or positive with invasive carcinoma (n = 9 patients). The median follow‐up period was 105 months.

RESULTS

Ductal margin status was found to be a strong independent prognostic factor by both univariate (P = 0.0002) and multivariate (P = 0.0039) analyses. The outcome after surgical resection was comparable between patients with negative ductal margins (median survival time of 45 months; cumulative 10‐year survival rate of 40%) and those with positive ductal margins with carcinoma in situ (median survival time of 99 months; cumulative 10‐year survival rate of 23%; P = 0.4742). In patients with positive ductal margins, the outcome was found to be significantly better in patients with residual carcinoma in situ than in those with residual invasive carcinoma (median survival time of 21 months; cumulative 5‐year survival rate of 0%; P = 0.0003). Of 11 patients with residual carcinoma in situ, 4 died of tumor recurrence and the initial site of the disease recurrence was local. All 9 patients with residual invasive carcinoma died of disease recurrence (local recurrence with or without distant metastases) within 40 months after surgical resection.

CONCLUSIONS

After surgical resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, invasive carcinoma at ductal resection margins appears to have a strong adverse effect on patient survival, whereas residual carcinoma in situ does not. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Seismic design of bridges accounting for spatial variability of ground motion
Authors: Lupoi A. , Franchin P. , Pinto P. E. , Monti G.
Published: January 2005

The effects of the spatial variability of the ground motion on the response of bridge structures are investigated in this study. Following a well‐established convention, the phenomenon is represented as the combined effect of three causes: the loss of coherence of the motion with distance, the wave‐passage, and the local site conditions. Since the nature and amount of non‐synchronism vary within ample limits a statistical approach is adopted. A parametric study is carried out on a representative set of bridges subjected to carefully selected combinations of the factors inducing spatial variability.

The investigation has shown that the phenomenon affects the response considerably and, hence, the level of protection of these structures. It is observed that for all bridge types considered, the ductility demands at the base of the piers in the presence of spatial variability increase in the majority of cases. Further, for a given bridge type, the probabilities of failure vary by more than one order of magnitude depending on the combination of the parameters.

Attention has been focused on a parameter representing the ratio between the maximum curvature ductility demand and the same quantity for the case of fully synchronous motion. This parameter has been used to correct the conventional synchronous design procedure by increasing the available ductility. The re‐analysis of all the cases with a modified ductility capacity shows that the procedure is effective in reducing the fragilities to the values corresponding to synchronous input. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A preliminary parametric study on performance of SARS virus cleaner using CFD simulation
Authors: Lu W. Z. , Leung A. Y. T. , Yan S. H. , So A. T. P.
Published: January 2005

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus cleaner is a newly developed equipment that can provide a localized, more effective way to remove body fluids with SARS virus emitted by SARS patients inside SARS triage ward during the deep‐cutting therapy. One of the major concerns is how to achieve the effective removal of poisoned fluid by such individual extraction system. The most realized way of gathering data for optimization would be to perform an in situ measurement. However, such a method is dangerous and ineffective since the virus is highly infectious and can hardly be visualized. With the merit of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), large data can be generated by computational simulations. The parametric numerical simulation presented is a cost‐effective study that makes use of CFD. In the numerical experiments, viruses are assumed as airborne contaminants and their dispersion is modelled by species continuity equation. In numerical simulations, coughing of patients is modelled by a sudden high velocity jet with contaminated air. To optimize the performance of the extraction system, different extracting flow‐rates combined with different extraction hood plans are considered. It is expected to find out the optimal hood/room plan and the minimum possible virus spread via CFD simulations. The CFD results may also provide information for further improving the current prototype of SARS virus cleaner. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Particle methods
Authors: Brackbill J. U.
Published: January 2005

Three, very different particle methods, PIC, SPH and vortex‐blob methods, are compared. Results on consistency and stability are collected. A PIC instability, its properties, and its resolution by stability in the energy norm is discussed at some length. Examples are given of the mutual exchange between computational fluid dynamics and plasma modelling. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shock wave numerical structure and the carbuncle phenomenon
Authors: Chauvat Y. , Moschetta J.‐M. , Gressier J.
Published: January 2005

Since the development of shock‐capturing methods, the carbuncle phenomenon has been reported to be a spurious solution produced by almost all currently available contact‐preserving methods. The present analysis indicates that the onset of carbuncle phenomenon is actually strongly related to the shock wave numerical structure. A matrix‐based stability analysis as well as Euler finite volume computations are compared to illustrate the importance of the internal shock structure to trigger the carbuncle phenomenon. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.