bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical learning and the challenge of syntax: Beyond finite state automata
Authors: Elman Jeff
Published: November 2003

Over the past decade, it has been clear that even very young infants are sensitive to the statistical structure of language input presented to them, and use the distributional regularities to induce simple grammars. But can such statistically-driven learning also explain the acquisition of more complex grammar, particularly when the grammar includes recursion? Recent claims (e.g., Hauser, Chomsky, and Fitch, 2002) have suggested that the answer is no, and that at least recursion must be an innate capacity of the human language acquisition device. In this talk evidence will be presented that indicates that, in fact, statistically-driven learning (embodied in recurrent neural networks) can indeed enable the learning of complex grammatical patterns, including those that involve recursion. When the results are generalized to idealized machines, it is found that the networks are at least equivalent to Push Down Automata. Perhaps more interestingly, with limited and finite resources (such as are presumed to exist in the human brain) these systems demonstrate patterns of performance that resemble those in humans.
Practical application of a tri-axial intensity array
Authors: Young Victor W. , Hines Paul C. , Hutt Daniel L. , Humphrey Victor F.
Published: November 2003

Sound intensity is a vector quantity representing the magnitude and direction of propagating energy within an acoustic field. In an underwater environment, a single omni-directional hydrophone can be used to measure instantaneous acoustic pressure and a finite difference approximation applied to the pressure signals from a pair of such hydrophones can be used to calculate particle velocity in a single direction. Because the time average of the product of instantaneous pressure and particle velocity is intensity, a pair of hydrophones is all that is required to measure a single component of the intensity vector. The complete three-dimensional intensity vector can be calculated using three orthogonal pairs of hydrophones. To evaluate this concept a tri-axial array consisting of three orthogonal pairs of omni-directional hydrophones has been developed and tested on both calibrated sources at a laboratory facility and sources of opportunity during sea trails in littoral waters. The use of this array to calculate the intensity vector and thereby localize both near-field and far-field acoustic sources and characterize the directionality of ambient noise fields will be discussed. The impact of signal-to-noise ratio and the effect of self-noise will also be examined.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Uterine Contraction Induced by Oxytocin
Authors: Pak Sok Cheon , Na Chang Su , Kim Jeong Sang , Chae Woo Suk , Kamiya Seiji , Wakatsuki Daisuke , Morinaka Yasuhiro , Wilson Laird
Published: November 2003

Pretern labor (PTL) is one of the main causes of fetal mortality and morbidity in obstetrical medicine. Current methods of treatment are not very effective and often have significant side effects. For this reason new methods of preventing PTL are currently being sought. In Western medicine the newest development is oxytocin antagonists. In Oriental medicine acupuncture and moxibustion are being utilized for the purpose of stopping PTL. The goals of this study were to determine if acupuncture in pregnant rats can suppress oxytocin induced uterine contractions and to compare these results with those inhibited by an oxytocin antagonist. Uterine contractions were induced by continuous infusion of exogenous oxytocin. The first fetus in one uterine horn near the ovarian end was removed and distilled water-filled catheter was inserted into that vacated amniotic sac to measure uterine contractions as intrauterine pressure changes. Two acupoints of Ho-Ku (LI-4) and San-Yin-Chiao (Sp-6) were selected for acupuncture and Kuan-Yüan (Co-4) was used for moxibustion. The oxytocin-induced uterine contractions were significantly suppressed by acupuncture on the LI-4 (p < 0.05), but not by Sp-6. Stimulation of Co-4 by moxibustion had no significant (p > 0.05) tocolytic effect. The administration of oxytocin antagonist eliminated all the uterine contractions induced by oxytocin. The application of acupuncture to re-stimulate the activity that was suppressed by the oxytocin antagonist did not produce any positive results. However, prostaglandins did cause the uterus to contract. In conclusion, acupuncture on LI-4 was found to suppress uterine contractions induced by oxytocin in the pregnant rat. If acupuncture is similarly effective in counteracting the effects of oxytocin in women, then this may an alternative medical treatment for women in preterm labor.
A Study on the Toxicology ofAcacia nilotica
Authors: Al-Mustafa Zaki H. , Dafallah Abdullah A.
Published: November 2003

The potential toxicity of Acacia nilotica was investigated in rats maintained on 2% and 8% acacia diet for 2 and 4 weeks. A significant reduction in body weight in all acacia-fed groups and a significant decrease in the levels of hemoglobin, serum total protein and total cholesterol in animals fed 8% acacia diet for up to 4 weeks were observed. These effects were, however, reversed one week after treatment termination. No significant changes in serum parameters of hepatic and renal functions, fasting glucose and triglycerides were observed. Further, no deaths among treated animals and no significant histopathological changes in liver sections were noted. It is concluded that A. nilotica, at 2% and 8% levels, has a low toxicity potential.
The Choice Between Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Practitioners by Hong Kong Adolescents
Authors: Lau Joseph T. F. , Yu Aaron
Published: November 2003

A survey of 3,355 Hong Kong adolescent students showed that the prevalence of TCM clinic consultation in a three-month period was 8.6%. Among students who sought doctor consultation in a three-month period, 17.8% consulted a TCM doctor. Students who sought doctor consultation for fall-related injuries were more likely to have consulted TCM doctors only, while those for skin disease were more likely to have consulted both TCM and western doctors. Perceived cost, efficacy, trust of western doctors and socioeconomic factors were not associated with choice of doctor type.Our findings are different from those on Hong Kong adults' use of health care services as reported in other studies.
Anesthetic and Analgesic Practices in Avicenna's Canon of Medicine
Authors: Aziz E. , Nathan B. , McKeever J.
Published: November 2003

Anesthetic and analgesic practices during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance are presented from a translation of the relevant sections of the Canon of Medicine by Avicenna (980-1037) one of the most widely read and authoritative textbooks of the period. Avicenna described tracheotomy, oropharyngeal intubation and a method for clearing upper airway secretions for the treatment of stridor and respiratory distress. He also identified certain plants with pharmacological action such as mandragora or nightshade, opium and henbane and gives various recipes for inducing both anesthesia and analgesia before surgery.
Hepatoprotective Effects ofArctium Lappaon Carbon Tetrachloride- and Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage
Authors: Lin Song-chow , Chung Tsao-chuen , Lin Chun-ching , Ueng Tzuu-Huei , Lin Yun-ho , Lin Shuw-yuan , Wang Li-ya
Published: November 2003

The root of Arctium lappa Linne (A. lappa) (Compositae), a perennial herb, has been cultivated for a long time as a popular vegetable. In order to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of A. lappa, male ICR mice were injected with carbon tetrachloride ( CCl4, 32 μl/kg, i.p.) or acetaminophen (600 mg/kg. i.p.). A. lappa suppressed the SGOT and SGPT elevations induced by CCl4or acetaminophen in a dose-dependent manner and alleviated the severity of liver damage based on histopathological observations. In an attempt to elucidate the possible mechanism(s) of this hepatoprotective effect, glutathione (GSH), cytochrome P-450 (P-450) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were studied. A. lappa reversed the decrease in GSH and P-450 induced by CCl4and acetaminophen. It was also found that A. lappa decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in CCl4or acetaminophen-intoxicated mice. From these results, it was suggested that A. lappa could protect the liver cells from CCl4or acetaminophen-induced liver damages, perhaps by its antioxidative effect on hepatocytes, hence eliminating the deleterious effects of toxic metabolites from CCl4or acetaminophen.
Effects of Resibufogenin from Toad Venom on Isolated Purkinje Fibers
Authors: Xie Jing-Tian , Wang Huashan , Attele Anoja S. , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: November 2003

Chan su (dried toad venom) is a traditional Chinese medicine obtained from the skin venom gland of the toad. Chan su has long been used as a therapeutic agent in China and other Asian countries. Recent reports indicate that Chen su toxicity carries a high mortality rate in the United States. This study focused upon the cardiac electrophysiological and electro-toxicity effects of resibufogenin (RBG), one of the major components in Chan su. Action potentials of isolated sheep and canine heart Purkinje fibers were studied using glass microelectrode recording techniques. The results indicate that RBG significantly affected all parameters of transmembrane action potential, induced delayed after depolarization, and triggered arrhythmias in sheep and canine Purkinje fibers.
Vasodilator Effect of Extract Prepared from Uncariae Ramulus on Isolated Rat Aorta
Authors: Goto Hirozo , Sakakibara Iwao , Shimada Yutaka , Kasahara Yuji , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: November 2003

Uncariae ramulus et Uncus (URE) has a vasodilator effect. Its mechanism consists of not only endothelium-independent relaxation with Ca 2+ channel blocking effect but also endothelium-dependent relaxation with nitric oxide. The active components are alkaloids and tannin contained in Uncariae ramulus et Uncus. They also show a superoxide dismutase-like effect and suppressed vasocontraction induced by xanthine and xanthine oxidase. These mechanisms may also influence vasodilatation by Uncariae ramulus et Uncus in vivo.
Scavenging of Reactive Oxygen Species by a Urinary Preparation
Authors: Lin Wen-Chuan , Lai Tung-Yuan , Wu Yuen-Wern
Published: November 2003

In the present paper, the antioxidant properties of a preparation of human urine (PHU) were evaluated by studying the ability of this drug to react with relevant biological oxidants such as super-oxide anion radical ( O2·-) and hydroxyl radical ( OH·). In addition, its effect on lipid peroxidation was investigated in vitro and ex vivo. PHU is not a good scavenger of O2·-. However, it react rapidly with OH·radicals with a second-order rate constant of 2.8 × 109/M/sec. The studies on rat brain homogenates showed that PHU had an inhibitory effect, which was dependent on its concentration and the magnitude of lipid peroxidation. Ex vivo studies also showed that oral administration of PHU increased the antioxidant capacity of plasma from rats. The ability of PHU to scavenge free radicals suggests that this drug may be potentially useful in counteracting free radical-mediated diseases.
Effects of Lu-Duo-Wei Capsules on Superoxide Dismutase Activity and Contents of Malondialdehyde and Lipofuscin in the Brain of the Housefly
Authors: Cui Xu , Dai Xiang-Guo , Li Wen-Bin , Zhang Bing-Lie , Fang Yun-Zhong
Published: November 2003

The biochemical actions of Lu-Duo-Wei capsules and tea polyphenol in relation to their antioxidant capability have been compared in the male housefly, Musca domestica. It was found that tea polyphenol had the effect of increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the brain of the housefly only at the 60th day in the experimental period whereas Lu-Duo-Wei showed more obvious effects on SOD than tea polyphenol irrespective of experimental days. Moreover, the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the rate of lipofuscin accumulation were decreased by the effect of Lu-Duo-Wei at the 20th, 40th, 50th and 60th days, while the similar effect of tea polyphenol on the content of MDA and lipofuscin was observed only at the 40th day. These results indicated that the biochemical actions of Lu-Duo-Wei in antiaging was much stronger than those of tea polyphenol, the mechanism of which was probably related to the synergistic effect of its involved antioxidants and others as well as the exclusive promotion of SOD biosynthesis/or a reduction of free radical-induced damage of the enzyme.
RAPD Analysis of Astragalus Medicines Marketed in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Kur-Ta , Su Borcherng , Chen Chien-Tsu , Lin Chun-Ching
Published: November 2003

The genetic variability of Astragalus medicine materials sold by twenty randomly selected stores in Taiwan was investigated using RAPD analysis in order to obtain available primers which could clearly differentiate among them. Total DNA isolated from the rhizomes of the samples were used as templates, and sixty 10 mer arbitrary primers were used in the analysis. The aim of the present study is to construct an identification model of molecular biotechniques applicable to Chinese herbal medicines in RAPD analysis. Three of the primers, OPT-03, OPT-13, and OPT-17, revealed polymorphic RAPD fingerprints among the samples of Astragalus membranaceus, and between Astragalus membranaceus and Hedysarum polybotrys samples. SSCP analysis was also conducted on PCR products from the ITS-1 region of ribosomal DNA in order to differentiate the two species.
Influence of Spleen Meridian Herbs on the Harmonic Spectrum of the Arterial Pulse
Authors: Wang Wei Kung , Bau Jian Guo , Hsu Tse Lin , Lin Wang Yuh Ying
Published: November 2003

Pulse analysis is a powerful method in Chinese medicine. We suggest that the effect of herbal medicine is to redistribute the blood to organs and meridians. In this report, by injecting extracts into rats and then analyzing the blood pressure wave measured at the caudate arteries, we studied eight important spleen meridian related herbs: They were Semen Lablab, Fructus Amoni Globosi, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Rhizoma Atractylodis, Tuber Pinelliae, Radix Codonopsitis, Pericarpium Aurantii and Rhizoma Polygonati. All eight herbs increased the intensity of the 3rd harmonic (C3) of the pressure pulse which is correlated to the spleen and spleen meridian, as described in traditional Chinese medical literature. All of them also increased the 2nd harmonic (which is correlated to the kidney and the kidney meridian) as well as decreased the heart load (DC term of pressure wave, C0). Tuber Pinelliae, Radix Codonopsitis, Pericarpium Aurantii and Rhizoma Polygonati decreased the 1st harmonic (correlated to the liver meridian) significantly, while Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae only decreased C1 slightly. Except for Semen Lablab, all the others decreased the intensity of the 5th (stomach meridian) and the 7th harmonics. The effects of kidney herbs: Cortex Eucommiae and Radix Achyranthis were also shown for comparison.
Analgesic Effect of Electric Stimulation of Peripheral Nerves with Different Electric Frequencies Using the Formalin Test
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Liang , Kuo Chi-Chung , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Li Tsai-Chung , Hsieh Ching-Tou , Lao Chih-Jui , Lee Chia-Jung , Lin Jaung-Geng
Published: November 2003

Although electroacupuncture (EA) has been widely used to treat pain, the optimal frequency of EA therapy remains unclear. The study sought to determine the effect of different EA frequencies in a Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat model of pain. Electric stimulation (ES) at frequencies of 2 Hz, 15 Hz or 100 Hz was applied to the ipsilateral or contralateral sciatic nerve of the injected hindpaw of SD rats. Formalin (50 μl, 5%) was subcutaneously injected into the plantar surface of the left hindpaw to induce a nociceptive response. Behavior, including licking and biting, was observed to have two distinct periods, an early phase during the first 5 mins and a late phase from 21-35 mins after injection. The total biting or licking count served as an Indicator of nociceptive response. Our results indicate that ES of the ipsilateral sciatic nerve at a frequency of 2 Hz or 15 Hz reduced the nociceptive responses in both the early and the late phases of the formalin test, whereas ES at 2 Hz had greater antinociceptive effect than ES at 15 Hz in the early phase. No similar analgesic effect in the early phase was observed for ES at 100 Hz. Both pretreatment with ES at 2 Hz and naloxone (3 mg/kg, s.c.) produced a greater antinociceptive response in the late phase than when ES at 2 Hz was delivered immediately after formalin administration. In addition, ES of the neck muscle or contralateral sciatic nerve at a frequency of 2 Hz also decreased licking and biting activity in both phases. The results of this study indicate that different analgesic mechanisms are involved in the response to ES at frequencies of 2 Hz, 15 Hz and 100 Hz, and that ES at 2 Hz has a greater analgesic effect on formalin-induced nociceptive response, especially when it is delivered prior to the onset of pain. The analgesic effect of ES may be mediated via a central origin in the supraspinal level. These findings suggest that 2 Hz may be a good frequency selection for clinical EA applications in analgesia, and that pretreatment with EA at 2 Hz may be an effective method to treat post-operative pain.
Effects of Qian-Kun-Nin, a Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulation, on HIV Positive Subjects: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Liu , Yue Shi-Tao , Xue Yong-Xin , Attele Anoja S. , Yuan Chun-Su
Published: November 2003

Qian-Kun-Nin is a Chinese herbal formulation considered to have anti-infection, anti-tumor and immuno-enhancing properties. Data from previous investigations showed that Qian-Kun-Nin causes HIV growth inhibition and immunomodulation in vitro, suggesting that this formula has the ability to inhibit HIV and modulate impaired immune functions in humans. We conducted this pilot study to evaluate the anti-retroviral and immunological enhancing effects of this formula on HIV positive subjects. Eight subjects completed the study, receiving oral Qian-Kun-Nin capsules for 24 consecutive weeks in a single blind design. Compared to baseline level, the plasma virus load decreased significantly at the end of week 12 (p < 0.01) and week 24 (p < 0.01), respectively. Four weeks after cessation of Qian-Kun-Nin treatment, plasma virus load was still significantly lower compared to baseline (p < 0.01). Blood CD4 cell counts were increased significantly at the end of the 12th week compared to the baseline level (p < 0.01). No adverse effects were observed, and no significant side effects were recorded in any subjects. These data suggest that Qian-Kun-Nin has therapeutic potential in the treatment of HIV positive patients.
Vandellia CordifoliaRegulated Cell Proliferation and Cytokines Production in Human Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Lin An-Pang , Tsai Wei-Jern , Fan Chi-Yen , Lee Ming-Jen , Kuo Yuh-Chi
Published: November 2003

Vandellia cordifolia (V. cordifolia) used for treatment inflammation in traditional Chinese medicine was selected for immunopharmacological activity test. The effects of V. cordifolia extracted fractions on human mononuclear cells (HMNC) proliferation were determined by tritiated thymidine uptake. The results indicated that VC-ME fraction suppressed HMNC proliferation activated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and stimulated cell cycle progression was arrested at the G0/G1 stage. The inhibitory mechanisms may involve the blocking of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, since VC-ME suppressed IL-2 and IFN-γ production of HMNC in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, it is suggested that immunomodulatory agents are contained in V. cordifolia.
Polysaccharide Krestin Enhances Manganese Superoxide Dismutase Activity and mRNA Expression in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: Pang Zhan-Jun , Chen Yuan , Zhou Mei
Published: November 2003

Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), an inductive antioxidant enzyme, can protect cells from oxidative injury to the mitochondria. The elevation of MnSOD activity in cells can effectively prevent many diseases associated with oxidative stress. Polysaccharide Krestin (PSK), a kind of protein-bound polysaccharide extracted from Coriolus versicolor, is used as an immune response modifier in anti-tumor therapy. We have previously found that PSK could alleviate the oxidative injury that oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) brought to monocytes/macrophages, and therefore had some preventive or therapeutic effect on atherosclerosis. In order to find out if the effects of PSK were associated with the alteration of antioxidant enzymes, we investigated its effect on MnSOD activity and gene expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The results showed that PSK could enhance SOD activity and increase the contents of MnSOD mRNA in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, the induction of MnSOD by PSk could be blocked by cycloheximide and actinomycin D.
The Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of Tao-Shang-Tsao on α-Naphthylisothiocyanate and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Damage in Rats
Authors: Lu Kuo-Liang , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Ho Li-Kang , Lin Chun-Ching , Tsai Chin-Chuan
Published: November 2003

The hepatoprotective effects of Tao-shang-tsao, Ixeris laevigata SCH.-BIP. var. oldhami KITAM., were studied on cholestatic hepatitis induced by α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT, 100 mg/10 ml/kg, in olive oil, i.p.) and acute hepatitis induced by carbon tetrachloride (20% CCl 4/olive oil, 1.5 ml/kg, i.p.) in rats by post-treatment with the crude methanolic extracts of I. laevigata (0.3, 1.0, and 2.0 g/kg) orally in the therapeutic model. Hepatoprotective activity was monitored by estimating the serum transaminases concentrations and histopathological changes in the livers of experimental rats. It was found that the I. laevigata extract significantly decreased the acute elevation of serum transaminases by biochemical examination. According to pathohistological studies in the liver of experimental rats, the crude I. laevigata extract ameliorates the central necrosis, fatty change or proliferation of bile duct epithelium focal necrosis caused by ANIT or CCl 4-induced hepatitis rats.
Ginseng Flowers Stimulate Progesterone Production from Bovine Luteal Cells
Authors: Wu Leang-Shin , Sheu Shiow-Yunn , Huang Cheng-Chun , Chiu Chih-Hsien , Huang Jan-Chi , Yang Jenn-Rong , Lian Wai-Xiong , Lai Chih-Hao , Chen Yuh-Pan , Lin Jen-Hsou
Published: November 2003

Our previous report first showed evidence that polysaccharides isolated from ginseng leaves obtained from Jilin, China possess luteotropic activities. In this study, we made further investigations on the root and flowers of Korean ginseng by means of the same bioassay system described briefly as follows. Frozen-thawed bovine luteal cell (1×105 cells/ml/well) in M199 were incubated in 24-well culture plates at 37°C in a 5% CO2 incubator. Ten μl of tested drugs with 1, 10 and 100 μg/ml were added into each well. Afer 4- and 24-hr incubation, the media were harvested and assayed for progesterone by an enzyme immunoassay. The production of progesterone from cells is the indicator for evaluating the action of tested drugs. Results showed that hot water extracts of ginseng flowers (GF-1) with 10 to 100 μg/ml significantly increased progesterone production, whereas those from ginseng root(GR-1) could not. Crude polysaccharides (GF-2) isolated from GF-1 is the active component and the small molecules (mw < 10,000 dalton) are excluded, indicating that the ginseng root has no luteo-tropic activities, but the polysaccharides of ginseng flowers have.
Honokiol and Magnolol Increased Hippocampal Acetylcholine Release in Freely-Moving Rats
Authors: Hou Yu-Chi , Chao Pei-Dawn Lee , Chen Shiouh-Yi
Published: November 2003

Honokiol and magnolol, phenolic compounds isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis, have been demonstrated to increase choline acetyltransferase activity, inhibit acetylcholinesterase, promote potassium-induced acetylcholine release and exhibit neurotrophic function in in vitro studies. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of these compounds on hippocampal acetylcholine release in conscious, freely-moving rats. 10-4 M–10-6 M of honokiol or magnolol was perfused into rat hippocampus via a dialysis probe. The results showed that at 10-4 M concentration, honokiol and magnolol markedly increased extracellular acetylcholine release to 165.5 ± 5.78% and 237.83 ± 9.47% of the basal level, respectively. However, lower concentrations of either compounds failed to elicit significant acetylcholine release. This result suggests that a high dose of honokiol or magnolol may enhance in vivo hippocampal acetylcholine release.
Therapeutic Effect of Sheng-Ji-San on Pressure Ulcers
Authors: Hsu Yao-Chin , Chang Heng-Hong , Chen Ming-Feng , Chen Jung-Chou
Published: November 2003

In the present study, the effectiveness of Sheng-Ji-San (SJS) in promoting the healing of pressure ulcers was evaluated. Thirty-two patients with pressure ulcers were divided into two groups. The treated group received routine medical case combined with SJS treatment and the control group received only routine medical care. After three weeks, the treated group showed a significant reduction in both surface area and depth grade, while the control group showed no significant change. The reduction ratio of the surface area of the ulcer and the effectiveness ratio for the treated group were significantly higher than for the control group. Multiple Linear Regression Analysis revealed that only the SJS treatment was significantly associated with the reduction of surface area and that the use of SJS could independently explain the observed high effectiveness ratio and a relatively high Odds Ratio of 9.539. These results indicate that SJS is effective in promiting the healing of pressure ulcers and should be considered as an adjuvant to routine therapy.
Five Cases of MRSA-Infected Patients with Cerebrovascular Disorder and in a Bedridden Condition, for Whom Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (Hochu-ekki-to) Was Useful
Authors: Itoh Tadanobu , Itoh Hironobu , Kikuchi Takashi
Published: November 2003

The herbal formula Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (Hochu-ekki-to, 5 grams per day) was administered to five MRSA-infected bedridden patients with cerebrovascular disorder, dementia and, in two cases, bed sores, who had resistance to several antibacterial drugs. After Hochu-ekki-to the patients showed an excellent result; disappearance of MRSA, improvement of their general condition, and no side effects. Therefore, it is thought that Hochu-ekki-to may be a useful drug for MRSA-infected patients.
Appearance of Peculiar Vessels with Immunohistological Features of High Endothelial Venules in the Dermis of Moxibustion-Stimulated Rat Skin
Authors: Tohya Kazuo , Urabe Shiori , Igarashi Jun , Tomura Taro , Take Akemi , Kimura Michio
Published: November 2003

Morphological changes of the dermal blood vessels of moxibustion-stimulated rat skin were examined with reference to the lymphocyte migration. After long-term stimulation with direct moxibustion to the acupoint Tsu-San-Li (St-36), peculiar vessels that possess immunohistological features of high endothelial venules could be observed in the moxa-stimulated acupoint dermis. Endothelial cells of the vessels had well-developed Golgi apparatus in their plump cytoplasms, and they strongly expressed intercellular adhesion molecule-l on the luminal surface. These data suggest that the appearance of the peculiar vessels in the dermis acts toward the active infiltration of blood-lymphocytes into the acupoint skin.
The Quality of Published Adverse Drug Event Reports
Authors: Kelly William N
Published: November 2003

BACKGROUND:

Case reports of adverse drug events (ADEs) are an important source of information.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine what variables are reported in ADE case reports, how causality was assessed for each report, and what criteria are specified for publishing ADE case reports.

METHODS:

A descriptive analysis of highly significant ADE case reports published in English over a 20-year period was performed. Main outcome measures included frequency distributions for the types of variables reported. The presence of causality assessment and the criteria for submitting an ADE report to practitioner journals were also examined.

RESULTS:

A highly significant ADE was described in 1520 published case reports during the study period. Three patient variables were reported >90% of the time, while 12 others were reported <25% of the time. Only 1 drug variable was reported >90% of the time; 6 others were reported 14–74% of the time. Most of the relevant ADE variables were reported most often. Added information for drug interactions, medication errors, and allergic drug reactions were reported 61–99% of the time. Less than 1% of ADE reporters objectively assessed the probability of the ADE. All but one journal publishing the most ADE reports did not require such assessment.

CONCLUSIONS:

Professional journals might consider stricter requirements for publishing ADE reports. As a minimum, requirements should include an objective assessment of ADE causality, with explicit recognition in the published text and abstract of the report.
Premature Ejaculation Associated with Citalopram Withdrawal
Authors: Adson David E , Kotlyar Michael
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of premature ejaculation occurring subsequent to citalopram discontinuation.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 43-year-old white man being treated for depression with citalopram wished to discontinue treatment. Four or 5 days after stopping citalopram he reported that, during sexual intercourse, his genitals seemed to be extremely sensitive and orgasm was achieved within approximately 1 minute. These symptoms continued over the next 3–4 weeks and remitted after citalopram was restarted. Several subsequent attempts to discontinue citalopram resulted in a return of these symptoms despite using a slow tapering regimen. An objective causality assessment revealed a probable relationship between drug withdrawal and the observed symptoms.

DISCUSSION:

The ability of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to delay ejaculation has been well documented; however, discontinuation of these agents generally results in a return to baseline function. Although discontinuation of SSRI therapy has been associated with a number of withdrawal symptoms, this is the first report (MEDLINE, September 2003), to our knowledge, of the emergence of sexual adverse effects in someone with no previous history of these symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

Premature ejaculation is a possible withdrawal effect after SSRI discontinuation. Since patients are usually reluctant to spontaneously report sexual adverse effects, it is important to specifically inquire about them both when starting and stopping treatment with an SSRI.
Implications of SARS: Medical Geography and Surveillance in Disease Detection
Authors: Litaker John R , Chou Jennie Y , Novak Suzanne , Wilson James P
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To expose pharmacy educators and practitioners to concepts of medical geography and medical surveillance. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is used as a case example because it is an emerging infection and a prime example of the type of disease that pharmacists may encounter in daily practice (e.g., easily transmitted, resembles the common cold).

DATA SOURCES:

We retrieved data from publications related to medical geography, medical surveillance, and SARS. Data on current SARS cases in Hong Kong were obtained from the Hong Kong Department of Health Web site.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

Variables regarding new cases and deaths due to SARS were evaluated.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Background information on medical geography and medical surveillance was reviewed. Descriptive statistics were calculated for incidence, prevalence, and the number of deaths due to SARS in Hong Kong from March 14 to May 31, 2003.

CONCLUSIONS:

Emerging infections are a serious concern for both the public and healthcare practitioners. The recent global diffusion of SARS highlights the ease in which diseases can diffuse from place to place. Understanding concepts related to medical geography and medical surveillance can help pharmacists be better prepared to anticipate disease diffusion and to evaluate signs of emerging infections. In turn, this can help pharmacists be better prepared to provide information and care to their patients. The long-term benefit of understanding how diseases spread and the specific activities related to disease detection is an opportunity for expanding the scope of pharmacy practice.
Direct fit of a theoretical model of phase transition in oscillatory finger motions
Authors: Molenaar Peter C. M. , Newell Karl M.
Published: November 2003

This paper presents a general method to fit the Schöner‐Haken‐Kelso (SHK) model of human movement phase transitions directly to time series data. A robust variant of the extended Kalman filter technique is applied to the data of a single subject. The options of covariance resetting and iteration within recursion were used to obtain time‐dependent estimates of both the α and β parameters in the SHK model. Comparison between transition onset time and the time at which |β(t|T)/α(t|T)| becomes critical indicates that the transitions are advanced by noise. The method can be extended to handle non‐normal data and generalization across subjects and/or experimental conditions.
a‐Stratified CAT design with content blocking
Authors: Yi Qing , Chang Hua‐Hua
Published: November 2003

Content balancing is often required in the development and implementation of computerized adaptive tests (CATs). In the current study, we propose a modified a‐stratified method, the a‐stratified method with content blocking. As a further refinement of a‐stratified CAT designs, the new method incorporates content specifications into item pool stratification. Simulation studies were conducted to compare the new method with three previous item selection methods: the a‐stratified method; the a‐stratified with b‐blocking method; and the maximum Fisher information method with Sympson‐Hetter exposure control. The results indicated that the refined a‐stratified design performed well in reducing item overexposure rates, balancing item usage within the pool, and maintaining measurement precision, in a situation where all four procedures were forced to balance content.
Relationships between trauma and psychosis: A review and integration
Authors: Morrison Anthony P. , Frame Lucy , Larkin Warren
Published: November 2003

Objectives: This paper examines the research and theoretical literature on potential links between trauma and psychosis.

Methods: Three main alternatives are considered; can psychosis cause PTSD, can trauma cause psychosis and could psychosis and PTSD both be part of a spectrum of responses to a traumatic event? The more influential studies considered are critically evaluated and methodological considerations specific to research regarding trauma and psychosis are also examined.

Results: Evidence is found in support of each of these relationships, and an integrative approach to conceptualizing the relationships is suggested.

Conclusions: Recent conceptualizations of PTSD and psychosis are used to inform the consideration of these different pathways, and the implications for theories of psychosis and trauma and the clinical implications for services for psychotic patients are discussed.
Hopelessness and future thinking in parasuicide: The role of perfectionism
Authors: Hunter Elizabeth C. , O'Connor Rory C.
Published: November 2003

Objectives: This study had three aims: (1) to independently replicate the future thinking effect, that parasuicides, when compared with controls, show a deficit in positive future thinking but no increase in negative future thinking; (2) to determine whether positive future thinking and socially prescribed perfectionism discriminate general hospital parasuicides from controls beyond measures of affect and; (3) to explore the relationship between future thinking and perfectionism.

Design: A cross‐sectional design was employed. Three groups of participants took part: hospital parasuicide patients (N = 22), hospital controls (N = 22) and community controls (N = 21).

Methods: Parasuicide patients admitted, via accident and emergency, to a general hospital were matched with hospital and community controls and assessed on measures of hopelessness, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and future thinking.

Results: There was evidence to support the future thinking effect. A discriminant function analysis revealed that social perfectionism and positive future thinking did indeed discriminate parasuicides from controls beyond the effects of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety. Exploratory relationships between perfectionism and positive future thinking were also reported.

Conclusions: The results reinforce the importance of future thinking in parasuicide. Moreover, the role of social perfectionism in the suicidal process was elucidated and ought to be replicated within a prospective design.
Care staff attributions for violent incidents involving male and female patients: A field study
Authors: Leggett Janice , Silvester Joanne
Published: November 2003

Objectives: This article presents a study of naturally occurring attributions recorded by care staff following incidents of restraint in a psychiatric secure unit. The relationship between control for patient, control for staff and behavioural outcomes including use of medication, seclusion and duration of restraint were explored for male and female patients.

Design and methods: In all, 557 forms documenting incidents of control and restraint, and completed over a four‐year period by nurses in a UK psychiatric hospital, were content analysed using the Leeds Attributional Coding System (LACS; Munton, Silvester, & Hanks, 1999). Additional information concerning duration of restraint, severity of injuries sustained by patient and care staff, use of medication and seclusion, and patient was also gathered. It was hypothesized that perceived patient control over causes of the restraint incident would be associated with duration of restraint, use of seclusion and medication. It was also predicted that male patients would be perceived as having more control over incidents, and thus be more likely to be secluded and less likely to be prescribed medication, than female patients.

Results: Seclusion was associated with controllable attributions for patient and uncontrollable attributions for care staff. Use of medication was associated with uncontrollable attributions for patient, but only for male patients. Contrary to prediction, female patients were more likely to be secluded than males and less likely to receive medication. Staff were also more likely to state that they had ‘no explanation’ for restraint incidents involving female patients.

Conclusions: The investigation of naturally occurring attributions raises important questions regarding the relationship between patient gender and attributional models of helping behaviour. The results are discussed in terms of their potential implications for future research and health care practice.
Reevaluation of flow cytometry for investigating antibody binding to the surface of Plasmodium falciparum trophozoite‐infected red blood cells
Authors: Williams T. N. , Newbold C. I.
Published: November 2003

Background

The acquisition of antibodies directed toward variant surface antigens (VSAs) expressed on the surface of the trophozoite‐infected red blood cell is an important determinant of natural immunity to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In recent years, flow cytometry has been used increasingly to investigate these responses, but few systematic assessments of this method are available in the published literature.

Methods

We developed a highly standardized experimental protocol and used parasites of the A4 laboratory clone, a monoclonal antibody to the VSA expressed by this clone (monoclonal antibody BC6), and a single pool of hyperimmune plasma to explore the parameters responsible for variations in VSA antibody responses measured by flow cytometry.

Results

Despite strenuous efforts to standardize our flow cytometric assay, we found marked variability in our assay readout, even between repeat experiments using identical antibody and parasite combinations. We found no remediable cause for much of this variability. However, we identified three major factors that we considered important contributors: antibody concentration, nonspecific antibody binding to uninfected red blood cells, and parasite agglutination.

Conclusions

A number of potential pitfalls should be considered when designing and interpreting studies using this technique. In particular, we suggest that comparisons between assays conducted on different occasions can be made only through reference to carefully selected standards. We anticipate that a better appreciation of the factors that lead to assay variation will assist the design of improved experimental protocols. Cytometry Part A 56A:96–103, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intracellular determination of activated caspases (IDAC) by flow cytometry using a pancaspase inhibitor labeled with FITC
Authors: Jayaraman Sundararajan
Published: November 2003

Background

Flow cytometry–based methods of simultaneous detection of multiple activated caspases in single cells are of diagnostic value and remain to be fully explored.

Methods

Genomic DNA fragmentation was determined by agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. Whole cells were incubated with the cell‐permeable pancaspase inhibitor, FITC‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐fluoro‐methyl‐Rerone (FITC‐VAD‐FMK), and propidium iodide (PI) and analyzed for intracellular activated caspases and plasma membrane integrity, respectively, by flow cytometry.

Results

Two distinct populations of apoptotic cells were identified by flow cytometry: an early apoptotic population indicated by FITC‐VAD‐FMK binding and the late apoptotic cells characterized by FITC‐VAD‐FMK staining and permeability to PI. The binding of FITC‐VAD‐FMK to apoptotic cells was time dependent and concurred with DNA fragmentation. Pretreatment with the pancaspase inhibitor, benzyloxycarbonyl‐Val‐Ala‐Asp‐methyl‐fluoro‐methyl‐kerone (Z‐VAD (OMe)‐FMK), coordinately attenuated apoptosis induction and activation of caspases. The pancaspase inhibitor also competitively blocked the binding of FITC‐VAD‐FMK to early apoptotic cells in vitro. Significantly, the use of FITC‐VAD‐FMK permitted apoptosis determination in a number of cell lines including the caspase‐3 gene–deleted MCF‐7 responding to various apoptotic stimuli.

Conclusions

Apoptosis detection based on FITC‐VAD‐FMK binding is specific and easily performed by flow cytometry in a variety of cells. This novel technique has implications for detecting apoptosis in pathophysiologic conditions. Cytometry Part A 56A:104–112, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluorine‐18 labelling of oligonucleotides: Prosthetic labelling at the 5′‐end using the N‐(4‐[18F]fluorobenzyl)‐2‐bromoacetamide reagent
Authors: Kuhnast B. , Hinnen F. , Boisgard R. , Tavitian B. , Dollé F.
Published: November 2003

Labelled oligonucleotides are new imaging tools to study gene expression at the nucleic acid and protein levels. We have previously developed a universal method to label oligonucleotides at their 3′‐end with radiohalogens and particularly with fluorine‐18, the most widely used positron‐emitter, t1/2: 109.8 min. Using the same strategy, we herein report the fluorine‐18 labelling of oligonucleotides at their 5′‐end. A 18‐mer 2′O‐methyl modified oligoribonucleotide, bearing a phosphorothioate group at its 5′‐end, was conjugated to our fluorine‐18‐labelled reagent N‐(4‐[18F]fluorobenzyl)‐2‐bromoacetamide. The whole synthetic procedure yielded up to 1 GBq of fluorine‐18‐labelled oligonucleotide with a specific radioactivity of 37–74 GBq/μmol in 160 min. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of no‐carrier‐added [11C]methanesulfonyl chloride as a new labeling agent for PET radiopharmaceutical development
Authors: McCarron Julie A. , Pike Victor W.
Published: November 2003

Three methods are described for labeling methanesulfonyl (mesyl) chloride with no‐carrier‐added (NCA) carbon‐11 (t1/2=20.4 min; β+=99.8%) to provide a new labeling agent of potential value in radiopharmaceutical development for positron emission tomography (PET). Each method uses NCA [11C]iodomethane, which is readily prepared from cyclotron‐produced [11C]carbon dioxide or [11C]methane by known procedures. The first method (route 1) consisted of converting [11C]iodomethane into [11C]methyllithium and then treatment with sulfuryl chloride. NCA [11C]mesyl chloride was obtained in 78% decay‐corrected radiochemical yield (RCY) from [11C]iodomethane at 30 min from the end of radionuclide production (ERP). However, co‐production of n‐butanesulfonyl chloride limited the extent of reaction of this labeling agent with 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ). Two new syntheses were devised, based on converting [11C]iodomethane into [11C]methanethiol by passage over heated sodium hydrogen sulfide for subsequent treatment with either chlorinated water (route 2) or over heated manganese(IV) oxide and then calcium hypochlorite (route 3). These procedures gave NCA [11C]mesyl chloride in 77% (route 2) and 28% (route 3) RCYs from [11C]iodomethane at about 20 min from ERP. Crude [11C]mesyl chloride, produced by route 2 or 3, reacted rapidly with THIQ to give the corresponding NCA [11C]methanesulfonamide in 49 or 74% RCY, respectively. Phenol was also converted rapidly with [11C]mesyl chloride into the corresponding [11C]mesylate (>90% RCY). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microwave‐assisted synthesis and chiral HPLC separation of 18F‐labeled MaxiPost™. An agent for post‐stroke neuroprotection
Authors: Dischino Douglas D. , Dulac Heidi A. , Gillman Kevin W. , Keller Lynn S. , Kozlowski Edward S. , Marcin Lawrence R. , Mongillo James J. , Starrett John E.
Published: November 2003

The syntheses of (S)‐3‐(5‐chloro‐2‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,3‐dihydro‐3‐[18F]‐fluoro‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐indol‐2‐one was accomplished by the microwave assisted carrier‐added 18F fluorination of (R,S)‐3‐(5‐chloro‐2‐methoxyphenyl)‐1,3‐dihydro‐3‐chloro‐6‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐indol‐2‐one, followed by chiral HPLC separation to afford the desired 18F‐labeled enantiomer in radiochemical yields of 5–15% (EOS) and synthesis and purification times of 60–67 min. Biodistribution studies in rodents were consistent with previously reported studies using racemic 18F‐radiolabeled material. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement of a frictional contact algorithm for strongly curved contact problems
Authors: Oliveira M. C. , Alves J. L. , Menezes L. F.
Published: November 2003

One of the challenges in contact problems is the prediction of the actual contact surface and the kind of contact that is established in each region. In numerical simulation of deep drawing problems the contact conditions change continuously during the forming process, increasing the importance of a correct evaluation of these parameters at each load step. In this work a new contact search algorithm devoted to contact between a deformable and a rigid body is presented. The rigid body is modelled by parametric Bézier surfaces, whereas the deformable body is discretized with finite elements. The numerical schemes followed rely on a frictional contact algorithm that operates directly on the parametric Bézier surfaces.

The algorithm is implemented in the deep drawing implicit finite element code DD3IMP. This code uses a mechanical model that takes into account the large elastoplastic strains and rotations. The Coulomb classical law models the frictional contact problem, which is treated with an augmented Lagrangian approach. A fully implicit algorithm of Newton–Raphson type is used to solve within a single iterative loop the non‐linearities related with the frictional contact problem and the elastoplastic behaviour of the deformable body.

The numerical simulations presented demonstrate the performance of the contact search algorithm in an example with complex tools geometry. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.