bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alloplasmic effects on mitochondrial transcriptional activity and RNA turnover result in accumulated transcripts of Arabidopsis orfs in cytoplasmic male‐sterile Brassica napus
Authors: Leino Matti , Landgren Maria , Glimelius Kristina
Published: April 2005

Mitochondrial transcription was investigated in a cytoplasmic male‐sterile (CMS) Brassica napus line with rearranged mitochondrial (mt) DNA mostly inherited from Arabidopsis thaliana. The transcript patterns were compared with the corresponding male‐fertile progenitors, B. napus and A. thaliana, and a fertility‐restored line. Transcriptional activities, gene stoichiometry and transcript steady‐state levels were analysed for all protein and rRNA coding genes and for several orfs present in the A. thaliana mitochondrial genome. The transcriptional activities were highly variable when comparing the parental species, while the CMS and restored lines displayed similar activities. For several ribosomal protein genes transcriptional activity was reduced while it was increased for orf139 in comparison with the parental species. The differences in transcriptional activity observed could be related to differences in relative promoter strength, as gene stoichiometry between lines was very limited. Transcript steady‐state levels were more homogenous than the transcriptional activities demonstrating RNA turnover as a compensating mechanism. In the CMS line higher transcript abundance and novel transcript patterns in comparison with the parental lines were found for several genes. Of those, the transcripts for orf139, orf240a and orf294 were less abundant in the fertility‐restored line. These putative CMS‐associated transcripts were mapped by cRT‐PCR. In conclusion we show that (mt) DNA from A. thaliana was non‐correctly transcribed and processed/degraded in the B. napus nuclear background. Furthermore, the introgressed nuclear A. thaliana DNA in the fertility‐restored line contributes to a more rapid degradation of transcripts accumulated from A. thaliana derived orfs in the CMS line.
Point mutations in Arabidopsis Cullin1 reveal its essential role in jasmonate response
Authors: Ren Chunmei , Pan Jianwei , Peng Wen , Genschik Pascal , Hobbie Lawrence , Hellmann Hanjo , Estelle Mark , Gao Bida , Peng Jinrong , Sun Chuanqing , Xie Daoxin
Published: April 2005

The SKP1‐Cullin/Cdc53‐F‐box protein ubiquitin ligases (SCF) target many important regulatory proteins for degradation and play vital roles in diverse cellular processes. In Arabidopsis there are 11 Cullin members (AtCUL). AtCUL1 was demonstrated to assemble into SCF complexes containing COI1, an F‐box protein required for response to jasmonates (JA) that regulate plant fertility and defense responses. It is not clear whether other Cullins also associate with COI1 to form SCF complexes, thus, it is unknown whether AtCUL1, or another Cullin that assembles into SCFCOI1 (even perhaps two or more functionally redundant Cullins), plays a major role in JA signaling. We present genetic and physiological data to directly demonstrate that AtCUL1 is necessary for normal JA responses. The homozygous AtCUL1 mutants axr6‐1 and axr6‐2, the heterozygous mutants axr6/AXR6, and transgenic plants expressing mutant AtCUL1 proteins containing a single amino acid substitution from phenylalanine‐111 to valine, all exhibit reduced responses to JA. We also demonstrate that ax6 enhances the effect of coi1 on JA responses, implying a genetic interaction between COI1 and AtCUL1 in JA signaling. Furthermore, we show that the point mutations in AtCUL1 affect the assembly of COI1 into SCF, thus attenuating SCFCOI1 formation.
Functional importance of the family 1 glucosyltransferase UGT72B1 in the metabolism of xenobiotics in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Brazier‐Hicks Melissa , Edwards Robert
Published: April 2005

The Arabidopsis type 1 UDP‐glucose‐dependent glucosyltransferase UGT72B1 is highly active in conjugating the persistent pollutants 3,4‐dichloroaniline (DCA) and 2,4,5‐trichlorophenol (TCP). To determine its importance in detoxifying xenobiotics in planta, mutant plants where the respective gene has been disrupted by T‐DNA insertion have been characterized. Extracts from the knockout ugt72B1 plants showed radically reduced conjugating activity towards DCA and TCP and the absence of immunodetectable UGT72B1 protein. In contrast, activities towards phenolic natural products were unaffected. When aseptic root cultures were fed [14C]‐DCA, compared with wild types, the ugt72B1 plants showed a reduced rate of uptake of the xenobiotic and very little metabolism to soluble DCA‐glucose or associated polar conjugates. Instead, the knockouts accumulated non‐extractable radioactive residues, most probably associated with lignification. When the feeding studies were carried out with [14C]‐TCP, rates and routes of metabolism were identical in the wild type and knockouts, with TCP‐glucoside a major product in both cases. Similar differential effects on the metabolism of DCA and TCP were obtained in whole plant studies with wild type and ugt72B1 mutants, demonstrating that while UGT72B1 had a central role in metabolizing chloroanilines in Arabidopsis, additional UGTs could compensate for the conjugation of TCP in the knockout. TCP was equally toxic to wild type and ugt72B1 plants, while surprisingly, the knockouts were less sensitive to DCA. From this it was concluded that the glucosylation of DCA may not be as effective in xenobiotic detoxification as bound‐residue formation.
Epidemiological patterns of meningococcal meningitis in Niger in 2003 and 2004: under the threat of N. meningitidis serogroup W135
Authors: Boisier Pascal , Djibo Saacou , Sidikou Fati , Mindadou Habsatou , Kairo Kiari Kaka , Djibo Ali , Goumbi Kadade , Chanteau Suzanne
Published: April 2005

Since the Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W135 epidemic in Burkina Faso in 2002, the neighbouring countries dread undergoing outbreaks. Niger has strongly enhanced the microbiological surveillance, especially by adding the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to the national framework of the surveillance system. During the 2003 epidemic season, 8113 clinically suspected cases of meningitis were notified and nine districts of the 42 crossed the epidemic threshold, while during the 2004 season, the number of cases was 3521 and four districts notified epidemics. In 2003 and 2004, serogroup A was identified in most N. meningitidis from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens (89.7% of 759 and 87.2% of 406, respectively). Although serogroup W135 represented only 8.3% of the meningococcal meningitis in 2003 and 7.9% in 2004, and was not involved in outbreaks, it was widespread in various areas of the country. In the regions that notified epidemics, the proportion of serogroup W135 was tiny while it exceeded 40% in several non‐epidemic regions. Despite the wide distribution of W135 serogroup in Niger and the fears expressed in 2001, the threat of a large epidemic caused by N. meningitidis W135 seems to have been averted in Niger so far. There is no clear indication whether this serogroup will play a lasting role in the epidemiology of meningococcal meningitis or not. As early as in the 1990s, a significant but transient increase in the incidence of N. meningitidis serogroup X was observed. Close microbiological surveillance is crucial for monitoring the threat and for identifying at the earliest the serogroups involved in epidemics.
Review Article: Cerebrospinal fluid in human African trypanosomiasis: a key to diagnosis, therapeutic decision and post‐treatment follow‐up
Authors: Lejon V. , Büscher P.
Published: April 2005

Human African trypanosomiasis is a lethal parasitic infection with neurological involvement. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays an essential role in diagnosis, selection of treatment and post‐treatment follow‐up. This paper reviews clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of the disease, with emphasis on CSF characteristics and interpretation of the CSF results for therapeutic decision and post‐treatment follow‐up.
Early infant growth monitoring – time well spent?
Authors: Ross Amanda , English Mike
Published: April 2005

Background  In sub‐Saharan Africa, growth monitoring for every infant consumes time and resources with no evidence of any benefits. We consider an alternative pragmatic approach which provides scheduled monitoring for low birth weight infants only, and takes advantage of non‐routine clinic visits for normal birth weight infants. We investigate the implications for the number of weighing episodes and performance as a screening tool using data from a cohort study of infants followed‐up from birth to 98 days.

Methods  Babies delivered in a Kenyan district hospital and enrolled in a birth cohort were weighed at birth and at follow‐up visits coinciding with their immunizations at 6, 10 and 14 weeks. Episodes of illness resulting in clinic visits, hospital admissions or death were identified and recorded.

Results  Four‐fifths (81%) of the 2210 babies weighed 2500 g or more at birth, of whom 133 (7%) were admitted to hospital or died before 14 weeks of age. 85% of the deaths and 67% of admissions occurred within 3 weeks of birth. Most babies weighing 2500 g or more and who had weight measurements grew well. Only 4% of infants were exclusively breastfed at 14 weeks of age. Neither universal nor pragmatic growth monitoring was a good screening tool among this group of infants for episodes of illness in the short‐term. Pragmatic monitoring would involve 72% fewer weighing episodes.

Conclusions  A pragmatic approach in early infancy would not represent a major change in policy, would appear to have no disadvantages and would probably increase the time available for implementing interventions of greater benefit such as breastfeeding promotion.
Ecological covariates of Ascaris lumbricoides infection in schoolchildren from rural KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Saathoff Elmar , Olsen Annette , Kvalsvig Jane D. , Appleton Chris C. , Sharp Brian , Kleinschmidt Immo
Published: April 2005

Objectives  To identify environmental factors that could serve to predict Ascaris lumbricoides infection patterns and thus guide control efforts in the absence of epidemiological information; to assess whether A. lumbricoides infection is positively associated with the soil clay content.

Methods  Information on A. lumbricoides infection and re‐infection in a cohort of primary schoolchildren and interview data on their socioeconomic background and behaviour were combined with environmental data using a geographical information system (GIS). Multivariate models served to explore the covariation of environmental and infection patterns adjusted for possible confounders.

Results  Prevalence maps and spatial statistics revealed considerable spatial clustering of infection in the small study area. Logistic multivariate regression models showed strong positive associations of infection with vegetation density measured as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at baseline [odds ratio (OR) for a 10% increase: 1.82; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.24–2.68; P = 0.002] and after re‐infection (OR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.71–2.87; P < 0.001). We also found a strong negative association of re‐infection with the sun exposure of the soil surface as estimated from digital elevation models (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.88; P < 0.001). The soil clay content was only moderately positively associated with infection and re‐infection. Socioeconomic and behavioural variables, although correlated with A. lumbricoides infection, did not appear to confound the above associations in the demographically homogeneous study area. Spatial analysis of the model residuals suggested that as the models accounted for most of the spatial pattern, the model standard errors should not be affected by spatial clustering.

Conclusion  NDVI seems to have a high potential for the prediction of A. lumbricoides infection as it was strongly associated with infection patterns in the study area. Further advantages are that NDVI information is easy to use, affordable and available with global coverage.
A pleasing consequence of Norway rat eradication: two shrew species recover
Authors: Pascal Michel , Siorat François , Lorvelec Olivier , Yésou Pierre , Simberloff Daniel
Published: April 2005

Four to 10 years after the successful eradication of the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) from three islands of the Sept–Îles Archipelago and one in the Molène Archipelago (Brittany, France), the abundance index of the lesser white‐toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens) increased by factors of 7–25, depending on the island and the year. Moreover, in the same region, the abundance index of the greater white‐toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) on Tomé Island increased by factors of 9 and 17, one and two years after the Norway rat eradication, respectively.

 The maximum variation of the abundance index for the lesser white‐toothed shrew during seven years on the rat‐free island of Béniguet in the same region was a factor of only 2.5. Moreover, the distribution of the lesser white‐toothed shrew on Bono island, restricted before the eradication to two steep areas with few rats, increased and encompassed virtually the entire island four years after rats disappeared.

 These results suggest strong detrimental interactions between the introduced Norway rat and the two Crocidura shrew species on temperate oceanic islands. However, our data do not indicate the ecological mechanisms at work in these interactions.

 The main reason this shrew recovery was detected after rat eradication was the inclusion in the eradication protocol of the evaluation of impacts on the local biota of eliminating alien species. The rigor of the sampling procedure was also crucial to this discovery. This example demonstrates that an eradication operation can be extremely useful for both scientists and managers if it is planned as a research project.
Dispersal of forest birds and trees along the Uruguay River in southern South America
Authors: Nores Manuel , Cerana María M. , Serra Diego A.
Published: April 2005

The Uruguay River starts in Serra do Mar in Brazil runs through the Paranense forest and flows southward through grassland and savannas. It has a continuous gallery forest of 750 km from the southern border of the Paranense forest to the river mouth. The gallery forest extends for 100 km more along the Río de la Plata. 125 (68.7%) of the 182 species of forest birds recorded in the southern Paranense forest penetrate into the gallery forest of the Uruguay River and only 13 (7.1%) reach the end of the gallery forest (Punta Lara). The number of bird species is inversely correlated (r2 = 0.942) with distance and the slope of the regression is 58.10. This means a decline in diversity with 32% of species lost per unit distance. A hundred and eighty forest tree species were recorded in the southern Paranense forest, of which 113 (62.8%) penetrate into the gallery forest of the Uruguay River, and 28 (15.6%) reach Punta Lara. The number of tree species is inversely correlated (r2 = 0.976) with distance and the slope of the regression is −45.62. This means a decline in diversity with 25% of species lost per unit distance. The Uruguay River enables the dispersal of many species of forest birds and trees from the rain forest, but species richness tends to decrease with increased distance from the source area. A clear association pattern was found for birds between size, diet, habitat use and distance reached into the gallery forest. Species of smaller body size, granivores, insectivores and those that use both the interior and exterior parts of the gallery forest advanced noticeably further along the river than larger species, carnivores, nectarivores or frugivores, and those that frequent only a part of the forest. Similarly, a clear association between dispersal mechanism, water dependence and distance reached into the gallery forest was found for trees. Species with vegetative reproduction, zoochorous species and riparian species advanced markedly longer distances along the river than, anemochorous species and non‐riparian species.
Latitudinal gradients of parasite species richness in primates
Authors: Nunn Charles L. , Altizer Sonia M. , Sechrest Wes , Cunningham Andrew A.
Published: April 2005

Infectious disease risk is thought to increase in the tropics, but little is known about latitudinal gradients of parasite diversity. We used a comparative data set encompassing 330 parasite species reported from 119 primate hosts to examine latitudinal gradients in the diversity of micro and macroparasites per primate host species. Analyses conducted with and without controlling for host phylogeny showed that parasite species richness increased closer to the equator for protozoan parasites, but not for viruses or helminths. Relative to other major parasite groups, protozoa reported from wild primates were transmitted disproportionately by arthropod vectors. Within the protozoa, our results revealed that vector‐borne parasites showed a highly significant latitudinal gradient in species richness. This higher diversity of vector‐borne protozoa near the tropics could be influenced by a greater abundance or diversity of biting arthropods in the tropics, or by climatic effects on vector behaviour and parasite development. Many vector‐borne diseases, such as leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and malaria pose risks to both humans and wildlife, and nearly one‐third of the protozoan parasites from free‐living primates in our data set have been reported to infect humans. Because the geographical distribution and prevalence of many vector‐borne parasites are expected to increase because of global warming, these results are important for predicting future parasite‐mediated threats to biodiversity and human health.
The role of doctor's opinion in shared decision making: what does shared decision making really mean when considering invasive medical procedures?1
Authors: Mazur Dennis J. , Hickam David H. , Mazur Marcus D. , Mazur Matthew D.
Published: April 2005

Objective The goal of this study was to gain understanding about patients’ perspectives on decision making in the context of invasive medical interventions and whether patients’ decision‐making preferences influenced the type of information they desired to be provided by physicians.

Design Questionnaire study of consecutive patients in a university‐based general medicine clinic.

Interventions Patients were presented with a randomized list of three types of information that physicians could provide (risk, benefit and physician's opinion on whether they should undergo the procedure). Patients were asked whether they preferred patient‐based, physician‐based, or shared decision making and then were asked to select which one or combination of these three information types was most important to them in their own decision making. Patients were also asked to self‐report on how many invasive procedures they had undergone in their own lives.

Participants A total of 202 consecutive patients (mean age = 65.1 years, SD = 12.3, range 28–88; mean education 13.3 years, SD 2.9, range 2–23).

Main outcome measures Patient reports.

Results Of the 202 patients, two patients reported no decision‐making preference. These two patients were excluded from the analysis. Of the 200 remaining patients, 62.5% (125/200) preferred shared, 22.5%(45/200) preferred physician‐based, and 15.5% (31/200) preferred patient‐based decision making. More than half of all subjects chose physician opinion as the most important type of information for decision making. Older patients (odds ratio 1.028; confidence interval 1.003–1.053) were more likely to have ranked the doctor's opinion as the most important in their decision making for invasive medical interventions.

Conclusions Although most patients want to share decision making with their physicians regarding invasive procedures, the majority of these patients report relying on the doctor's opinion on whether to undergo the procedure as the most important information in their own decision making.
Citizen deliberation in setting health‐care priorities
Authors: Murphy Norma Jean
Published: April 2005

Background  Citizen deliberation is a prominent theme in health policy literature. It is believed that citizens who deliberate may influence the setting of public health‐care priorities. Currently, in some jurisdictions, citizens are members of community health boards, and thus have a forum to articulate and share values that could affect the reduction of health inequalities within their communities. However, there is little conceptual clarity on the character of citizen deliberation, or, more specifically, how citizens may articulate and share values.

Objectives  This paper reviews the literature on citizen deliberation in setting health‐care priorities; discusses potential challenges for citizens in setting health‐care priorities; outlines a developing theory of citizen deliberation; describes how citizens may articulate and share values that ground their health‐care priorities and outlines implications of a developing theory of citizen deliberation, its relevance to UK study findings, and to community health boards in setting health‐care priorities.

Conclusions  As members of community health boards, citizens can evaluate their subjective experiences. In reasoning about embedded values, citizens may gain insight into the kind of community they aspire to be, and, in that process, examine their intentions, including whether to serve self or other(s). Citizens who articulate and share values such as respect, generosity or equity may justify health‐care priorities that create opportunities for all community members to gain mastery over their lives.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA'S WEST COAST: ‘DIVIDENDS ON THE PROCESS SIDE’?
Authors: BEK DAVID , BINNS TONY , NEL ETIENNE
Published: April 2005

Academics, policy‐makers and consultants have been increasingly focusing upon the ‘region’ as the crucible of economic development. This regionalist approach places institutions at the centre of the process of stimulating growth. Much debate has been ongoing in academic circles, particularly those inhabited by economic geographers, about the veracity of the regionalist approach and the explanatory power of the terminology associated with it. This paper analyses explicit efforts to engender regional economic development in the West Coast of South Africa. Our empirical evaluation indicates that policy actors have sought to upgrade the institutional infrastructure of the region and that some significant achievements are evident within this realm. However, these achievements are yet to be associated with sustained regional economic takeoff. The paper concludes by asking searching questions about the ability of the regionalist approach to deliver meaningful socio‐economic transformation.
DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES: ETHNIC DIVERSITY IN SICILIAN COLONIES AND THE EVIDENCE OF THE CEMETERIES
Authors: SHEPHERD GILLIAN
Published: April 2005

Summary.There have been recent suggestions that an indigenous element in ancient Greek settlements in Sicily can be detected through funerary customs. This paper reviews the evidence for ‘indigenous’ burial methods in Greek cemeteries, concentrating on multiple, contracted and acephalous burials. It argues that such evidence is limited and open to various interpretations and that while it is highly likely that Greek settlements did incorporate an indigenous population, the funerary record cannot be used as a reliable identifier of such groups. The paper also briefly assesses the evidence for the presence of Greeks deriving from areas other than the historical mother‐cities and suggests that such individuals are also very difficult to detect. It concludes that the general impression given by Sicilian Greek cemeteries is one of overall subscription to coherent burial systems, which may be viewed as part of an attempt to forge a unified and independent cultural identity.
A PUNIC JUG FROM THE MUSEUM OF ST AGATHA, RABAT, MALTA: A GLANCE AT PUNIC EVERYDAY LIFE
Authors: HÜBNER ANNELIESE
Published: April 2005

Summary. The assumption of a long‐term overlapping or co‐existence of cultures there has been confirmed by a very small inscription which came to my attention during research for my doctoral thesis ‘From Expansion to Isolation. A study on the development of the Phoenician–Punic culture on the islands of Malta and Gozo’. Pottery chronology and the use of epigraphy and palaeography illustrate that at a time when Malta and Gozo had long been under Roman rule, the harmonious co‐existence of the Punic, Greek and Roman cultures was manifested in one vessel and in one inscription. The Maltese archipelago assumes a special status owing to its isolation. There is hardly any comparable area of 246 sq km in which the phenomenon of cultural overlapping and cultural parallels can be found in such density.
THE ROMAN DENARIUS UNDER THE JULIO‐CLAUDIAN EMPERORS: MINTS, METALLURGY AND TECHNOLOGY
Authors: BUTCHER KEVIN , PONTING MATTHEW
Published: April 2005

Summary. The results of the chemical analysis of 78 silver denarii issued by the Julio‐Claudian emperors are presented and interpreted against the available numismatic, archaeological and historical information. Earlier surface analyses are found to be incorrect, especially for the coinage of Nero, and the reasons for this are investigated. The new elemental data are augmented by a subset of coins being subjected to lead isotope analysis and the results of this are found to complement these data in unexpected ways.
Pioneering studies in the 1930s on perception: An historical background of experimental psychology in Japan1
Authors: Oyama Tadasu , Torii Shuko , Mochizuki Toshiko
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  Some pioneering experimental studies on perception conducted by Japanese investigators in the 1930s are reviewed. The topics and investigators of these studies were optical illusions (Obonai, Morinaga), size constancy (Akishige, Ogasawara), apparent movement in vision and audition (Ogasawara, Yuki), time‐space interaction (Abe, Abbe), recovery from blindness (Kuroda, Akishige), and animal perception (Takagi, Kuroda). The originality in the ideas and methods of these studies compared with Western studies in that period and their influence on recent experimental psychology in Japan are discussed.
Reception of Pavlov's theory in Japan1
Authors: MIZOGUCHI HAZIME
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  There were three Japanese medical physiologists who studied in Ivan Petrovich Pavlov's laboratory during 1904–1933. They were Hidetsurumaru Ishikawa, Yasutaro Satake, and Takashi Hayashi. The first article concerning Pavlov's theory was written by Ishikawa in 1916. At the same time, a psychologist, Genji Kuroda, also wrote an essay on Pavlov's theory. They were motivated to write the articles by a false report of Pavlov's death in 1916. Satake carried out experimental work using dogs, but he did not cite Pavlov's scientific works. Hayashi worked hard according to Pavlov's research methods. A psychologist, Yasho Kotake, first published a paper based on Pavlov's theory in Japanese Journal of Psychology in 1943. However, these experiments did not seem to be research in the psychological field because his research program was very different to traditional Japanese psychological research. Although the introduction of behaviorism into Japan occurred in the 1910s, the reception of Pavlov's theory was delayed. The process of the reception of Pavlov's theory in Japan was different to that in the USA. It seems that the difference is due to the attitudes of psychologists to introspection and the influence of German psychology.
Psychology of feelings and emotions: Its history in Japan
Authors: ARAKAWA AYUMU
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  Although feelings and emotions are a major topic in psychology now, the research history in this area in Japan does not seem to be widely known. The current paper provides an overview of the history of the psychology of feelings and emotions in Japan up to 1970. Before Japan opened its door to the outside world (– 1850s), there were researchers who specialized in Confucianism. In the late 19th century, some Western philosophical psychologists were introduced. In approximately 1903, experimental methods were introduced to Japan, but very few experimental studies were published. In this period, G. S. Hall strongly influenced research directions. At approximately the time of World War Il, although Japanese psychology was influenced by Gestalt psychology, the popularity of Gestalt psychology altered the methods of experimental studies on emotions. After World War Il, American psychology showed a strong impact on Japanese psychology; in particular, the Yale school played a major role in encouraging studies on feelings and emotions in Japan.
Zen and psychology
Authors: KATO HIROKI
Published: April 2005

Abstract:  The history of the study of Zen and psychology is divided into four periods based on Kato (1999). The contributions of the psychophysiological study of the body and mind, such as the use of the electroencephalogram during Zen meditation, are described. Key names in this field are K. Sato and Akishige, who organized the project team for the study of Zen and endeavored to give these studies international recognition through the publication of books and the journal, Psychologia. Not only the practice of Zen meditation, but also the day‐to‐day practices of monastic life, are given equal priority in the attempt to understand our true self and real nature. The year 1978 marks the turning point in the study of Zen and psychology because Akishige introduced the idea of Zen psychology; which is the amalgamation of Zen thought with the study of psychological problems, particularly related to the control of emotions. The metascience of the study of Zen is cited by first‐, second‐ and third‐person psychology (Watanabe, 1994). Finally, the significance of the idea of all three‐person psychology is emphasized.
Comparison of 3 Techniques for Ureteroneocystostomy in Cats
Authors: Mehl Margo L. , Kyles Andrew E. , Pollard Rachel , Jackson Joshua , Kass Philip H. , Griffey Stephen M. , Gregory Clare R.
Published: April 2005

Objective—To compare 3 techniques for ureteroneocystostomy in cats.

Study Design—Experimental surgical study.

Animals—Fifteen adult cats.

Methods—Cats (15) had ureteroneocystostomy with ureteronephrectomy of the contralateral kidney: 5 cats had an intravesical mucosal apposition technique (modified Leadbetter‐Politano; intravesical‐MA group), 5 cats had extravesical ureteroneocystostomy (modified Lich Gregoir) using a simple continuous suture pattern (extravesical‐SC group) and 5 cats had an extravesical technique using a simple interrupted suture pattern (extravesical‐SI group). Renal function was evaluated by measuring serum creatinine concentration. Ultrasonographic assessment of the kidney and ureteroneocystostomy site was performed the day after surgery, twice weekly for 3 weeks and once weekly for the remainder of the study. Cats were euthanatized 50 days after surgery. The kidney and ureter removed at surgery, the remaining kidney, ureter, ureteroneocystostomy site, and bladder were examined histologically.

Results—Two extravesical‐SC cats were euthanatized because of azotemia and uroabdomen, and 1 died acutely at day 4 for unknown reasons. In the intravesical‐MA and extravesical‐SI cats, the serum creatinine concentration increased after surgery, peaking at a mean (±SD) of 9.4±2.4 mg/dL and 4.9±3.3 mg/dL on day 3, and decreasing to 3.4±5.7 mg/dL and 1.5±0.4 mg/dL on day 7, respectively. The extravesical‐SI technique was associated with consistently lower serum creatinine concentrations for the first week after surgery compared with the other techniques. The mean serum creatinine concentration was within the reference range in cats in the intravesical‐MA and extravesical‐SI groups by days 10 and 5, respectively. Renal pelvic dilatation occurred in all cats but resolved more rapidly in cats after extravesical techniques. There was no significant difference in serum creatinine concentrations or renal pelvic dilation between the intravesical‐MA and extravesical‐SI techniques. Bladder mass height at the anastomosis site was significantly larger and persisted for longer with intravesical‐MA technique.

Conclusion—An extravesical‐SI technique is seemingly the choice for ureteroneocystostomy in cats with undilated ureters. Renal pelvic dilation on ultrasound examination should be expected after ureteroneocystostomy in cats.

Clinical Relevance—An extravesical ureteroneocystostomy technique using a simple interrupted pattern for anastomosis should be considered in cats undergoing renal transplantation.
Accuracy of Computerized Tomographic Evaluation of Canine Radio‐Ulnar Incongruence In Vitro
Authors: Holsworth Ian G. , Wisner Erik R. , Scherrer W. E. , Filipowitz Dean , Kass Phillip H. , Pooya Hooman , Larson Rich F. , Schulz Kurt S.
Published: April 2005

Objective—To evaluate the accuracy of linear measurements obtained from computer tomography (CT) images of staged radio‐ulnar incongruence in a canine cadaver forelimb model.

Study Design—CT evaluation of induced progressive radio‐ulnar incongruence in canine cadaveric forelimbs.

Sample Population—Eight cadaveric canine left forelimbs.

Procedure—A type 2 external skeletal fixator (ESF) with linear motors was attached to the radius in 8 cadaveric left canine forelimbs. Contiguous incremental and helical CT images of the proximal radio‐ulnar articulation were acquired in the transverse, sagittal and dorsal planes. The radius was shortened by 1, 2, and 4 mm increments and scanning protocols were repeated at each increment. Digital caliper and CT image analysis measured the progressive change in distance between 2 marking spheres and the epiphyseal bone surfaces of the radio‐ulnar articulation. Statistical analysis of measurements from incremental and helical CT acquisitions, and direct and reformatted images were compared with inter‐sphere distance using Pearson product moment correlation coefficients.

Results—The reformatted incremental acquisition series at the mid‐coronoid in the oblique plane had the highest correlation coefficient (r‐value) at 0.908. The mid‐coronoid in the dorsal plane had the second highest r‐value (0.856). The coronoid incisure in the sagittal plane had an r‐value of 0.826. The reformatted incremental acquisition series at the coronoid incisure in the oblique plane had the lowest r‐value, 0.592.

Conclusion—Measurement of radioulnar incongruence may be best performed using reformatted incremental acquisition CT in the mid‐coronoid region in an oblique plane.

Clinical Relevance—Use of the technique reported in this study may enable determination of the association, if any, between radioulnar incongruence and developmental diseases of the canine elbow.
Gas Arthroscopy for Removal of Osteochondral Fragments of the Palmar/Plantar Aspect of the Metacarpo/Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Horses
Authors: Jansson Nicolai
Published: April 2005

Objective— To evaluate the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas for joint distention during arthroscopy for removal of osteochondral (OC) fragments of the palmar/plantar aspect of the metacarpo (MCP)/metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in horses.

Study Design— Clinical study.

Animals— Horses (26) with OC fragment(s) of palmar/plantar aspect of 1 or 2 MCP/MTP joint(s).

Methods— OC fragments were removed using arthroscopic technique. Joint distention was maintained by isotonic Ringer's acetate at the beginning and at the end of the procedure but during fragment removal, CO2 was used for joint distention. After surgery, fragment removal was confirmed by radiography. Horses were discharged the day after surgery, and outcome was determined by telephone contact 3–24 months later.

Results— CO2 joint distention resulted in a sharp image without villi obscuring the operative field. Fragments were identified and completely removed in all horses except one where a 1 mm × 3 mm radiodense body was seen on postoperative radiographs. In 5 horses, bleeding from the arthroscopic or instrument portal precluded optimal visualization when the joint was distended by gas; however, repeatedly rinsing the tip of the arthroscope with Ringer's acetate solution delivered from the fluid ingress line easily restored joint visualization. No specific complications were observed postoperatively.

Conclusions— Joint distention by CO2 permitted optimal visualization of the palmar/plantar aspect of the MCP/MTP joints, which facilitated fragment removal.

Clinical Relevance— Gas arthroscopy is a useful technique for removal of OC fragments of the palmar/plantar aspect of the MCP/MTP joints in horses.
Arthrodesis of the Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Mechanical Comparison of 2 Parallel 5.5 mm Cortical Screws and 3 Parallel 5.5 mm Cortical Screws
Authors: Read Emma K. , Chandler Diane , Wilson David G.
Published: April 2005

Objective— To compare the biomechanical characteristics and mode of failure of 2 techniques using parallel 5.5 mm screws for pastern joint arthrodesis in horses.

Study Design— Randomized block design, for horse (1–5), method of fixation (two 5.5 mm screws versus three 5.5 mm screws), side (right, left), and end (front, hind). Constructs were tested to failure in 3‐point bending.

Sample Population— Twenty limbs (5 cadavers).

Methods— A combined aiming device was used to facilitate screw placement. Two parallel 5.5 mm screws were inserted in lag fashion in 1 limb of a pair, and three 5.5 mm screws were inserted in the contralateral limb. Constructs were then tested in 3‐point bending in a dorsal‐to‐palmar (plantar) direction using a materials testing machine at a loading rate of 19 mm/s. Maximal bending moment at failure and stiffness were obtained from bending moment‐angular deformation curves.

Results— There was no significant difference between two and three 5.5 mm screw constructs for bending moment and stiffness (P<.05). All constructs ultimately failed by bone fracture or screw bending. For proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis constructs loaded in 3‐point bending, no significant effect of treatment, side, or end on maximal bending moment or stiffness was detected.

Conclusions— Two 5.5 mm cortical screws inserted in parallel should provide a surgically simpler and equally strong PIP joint arthrodesis compared with three 5.5 mm cortical screws.

Clinical Relevance— Two 5.5 mm cortical screws inserted in parallel for PIP joint arthrodesis should perform similarly under conditions used in this study, as three 5.5 mm screws inserted in a similar manner, when loaded under bending.
Medial Plating for Carpal Panarthrodesis
Authors: Guerrero Tomás G. , Montavon Pierre M.
Published: April 2005

Objective— To describe a technique for carpal panarthrodesis using a medially applied dynamic compression plate (DCP) and to evaluate outcome.

Study Design— Retrospective study.

Animals— Nine dogs with 10 carpal joint injuries.

Methods— Medical records of dogs that had carpal panarthrodesis by medial application of a DCP were reviewed. Signalment, cause and type of injury, preoperative treatment, operative technique, and postoperative clinical and radiographic outcome were retrieved.

Results— Screw loosening in the metacarpal bones required surgical revision in 3 dogs. The plate was removed because of lick dermatitis in another dog. No complications were observed in 6 arthrodeses. All dogs were subsequently sound.

Conclusions— Medial application of a DCP is a reliable, reproducible method for carpal panarthrodesis. The load on the edge of the plate provides an increased area moment of inertia of the plate, enhancing it resistance to bending forces. Because of the valgus standing position of the canine carpus, dynamic compression is achieved. The DCP is secured to 1–3 metacarpal bones and loosening of the implant and bone fractures are expected to occur less frequently

Clinical Relevance— Medial plating for carpal panarthrodesis is a valid alternative method that can be used in dogs with injuries to the carpus for which panarthrodesis of the carpal joint is indicated.
Extensive Nasal Septum Resection in Horses Using a 3‐Wire Method
Authors: Doyle Aimie J , Freeman David E
Published: April 2005

Objective— To describe a surgical technique for, and report outcome after, extensive nasal septum resection in horses with congenital or acquired septal diseases.

Study Design— Retrospective study.

Animals— Horses (5) with nasal septal deformity.

Methods— Under general anesthesia, obstetrical wires were preplaced around the ventral, caudal, and dorsal aspects of the nasal septum by combinations of manual guidance (ventral and caudal wires) and use of a trephine hole on the dorsal mid‐line (dorsal and caudal wires). The rostral part of the septum was incised with a scalpel and the ventral, dorsal, and caudal septal incisions were made with the preplaced wires. After septum removal, the nasal cavity packed with a tampon and a temporary tracheotomy was performed.

Results— The diseased nasal septum was completely removed in all horses. It was possible to direct the caudal cut at a sufficient angle so that the remaining stump was in a wide part of the nasal passage, where it would have minimal effect on airflow. Four horses healed, and returned to intended use but continued to make a slight respiratory noise during exercise. At 13 months after surgery, 1 horse with a concurrent wry nose was retired from race training after 2 additional surgeries failed to relieve exercise intolerance at high speed.

Conclusions— The 3 wire‐cut method of nasal septum resection was technically easy to perform and safe, allowed return to function in most horses, and produced an excellent cosmetic appearance.

Clinical Relevance— This technique for nasal septum resection allows removal of a large portion of the nasal septum and provides a safe alternative to conventional techniques of nasal septum resection in the horse.
Team Assembly Mechanisms Determine Collaboration Network Structure and Team Performance
Authors: Guimerà Roger , Uzzi Brian , Spiro Jarrett , Amaral Luís A. Nunes
Published: April 2005

Agents in creative enterprises are embedded in networks that inspire, support, and evaluate their work. Here, we investigate how the mechanisms by which creative teams self-assemble determine the structure of these collaboration networks. We propose a model for the self-assembly of creative teams that has its basis in three parameters: team size, the fraction of newcomers in new productions, and the tendency of incumbents to repeat previous collaborations. The model suggests that the emergence of a large connected community of practitioners can be described as a phase transition. We find that team assembly mechanisms determine both the structure of the collaboration network and team performance for teams derived from both artistic and scientific fields.
The Dynamics of Interhemispheric Compensatory Processes in Mental Imagery
Authors: Sack A. T. , Camprodon J. A. , Pascual-Leone A. , Goebel R.
Published: April 2005

The capacity to generate and analyze mental visual images is essential for many cognitive abilities. We combined triple-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (tpTMS) and repetitive TMS (rTMS) to determine which distinct aspect of mental imagery is carried out by the left and right parietal lobe and to reveal interhemispheric compensatory interactions. The left parietal lobe was predominant in generating mental images, whereas the right parietal lobe was specialized in the spatial comparison of the imagined content. Furthermore, in case of an rTMS-induced left parietal lesion, the right parietal cortex could immediately compensate such a left parietal disruption by taking over the specific function of the left hemisphere.
Laboratory Earthquakes Along Inhomogeneous Faults: Directionality and Supershear
Authors: Xia Kaiwen , Rosakis Ares J. , Kanamori Hiroo , Rice James R.
Published: April 2005

We report on the experimental observation of spontaneously nucleated ruptures occurring on frictionally held bimaterial interfaces with small amounts of wave speed mismatch. Rupture is always found to be asymmetric bilateral. In one direction, rupture always propagates at the generalized Rayleigh wave speed, whereas in the opposite direction it is subshear or it transitions to supershear. The lack of a preferred rupture direction and the conditions leading to supershear are discussed in relation to existing theory and to the earthquake sequence in Parkfield, California, and in North Anatolia.
Enhanced Diapycnal Mixing by Salt Fingers in the Thermocline of the Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Schmitt R. W. , Ledwell J. R. , Montgomery E. T. , Polzin K. L. , Toole J. M.
Published: April 2005

Diapycnal mixing plays a significant role in the ocean's circulation and uptake of heat and carbon dioxide, but has not been quantified in salt finger–driven thermohaline staircases. We recently performed a tracer release experiment in the western tropical Atlantic staircase at ∼400 m depth. The observed dispersion implies an effective diapycnal diffusivity for tracer and salt of 0.8 to 0.9 × 10–4m2/s. Temperature microstructure data interpreted in terms of a vertical production-dissipation balance yields a smaller effective diffusivity for heat of 0.45 (± 0.2) × 10–4m2/s, consistent with salt fingers and well above the mixing ascribable to mechanical turbulence.
INVARIANT EIGEN-OPERATOR METHOD OF DERIVING ENERGY-LEVEL GAP FOR NONCOMMUTATIVE QUANTUM MECHANICS
Authors: JING SI-CONG , FAN HONG-YI
Published: April 2005

We propose a new method to derive energy-level gap for Hamiltonians in the context of noncommutative quantum mechanics (NCQM). This method relies on finding invariant eigen-operators whose commutators with Hamiltonian are still the operators themselves but with some eigenvalue-like coefficients, which correspond to the energy-level gaps of the systems. Based on this method, only after some simple algebra, we derive the energy-level gaps for several important systems in NCQM, and most of these results have not been reported in literature so far.
QUASI-EXACT SOLVABILITY OF PLANAR DIRAC ELECTRON IN COULOMB AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
Authors: CHIANG CHUN-MING , HO CHOON-LIN
Published: April 2005

The Dirac equation for an electron in two spatial dimensions in the Coulomb and homogeneous magnetic fields is a physical example of quasi-exactly solvable systems. This model, however, does not belong to the classes based on the algebra sl (2) which underlies most one-dimensional and effectively one-dimensional quasi-exactly solvable systems. In this paper we demonstrate that the quasi-exactly solvable differential equation possesses a hidden osp (2,2) superalgebra.
EFFECT OF A CROSSED UNIFORM ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD ON LOOSELY LOCALIZED ELECTRON STATES
Authors: CHIBIROVA F. KH. , KHALILOV V. R.
Published: April 2005

An approximate analytic solution for the ground electron state is found to the Schrödinger equation for a combination of a uniform magnetic field and a single attractive -λδ(r) potential. The effect of the magnetic field on this loosely localized electron state is studied. We show that this effect leads to the appearance of the probability current density in some region centered at the point r = 0 as well as changing the localization region of electron in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field. The effect of a constant crossed uniform electromagnetic field on the loosely localized electron state is also discussed.
B PHYSICS AT THE DØ EXPERIMENT AT FERMILAB
Authors: JAIN VIVEK
Published: April 2005

We discuss recent B physics results from the DØ experiment at Fermilab. The results presented here use data sets with integrated luminosities ranging from ~ 200–440 pb -1, collected at the Tevatron, between April 2002 and August 2004, at a center-of-mass energy of [Formula: see text] collisions of 1.96 TeV .