bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The liver stage of Plasmodium berghei inhibits host cell apoptosis
Authors: van de Sand Claudia , Horstmann Sebastian , Schmidt Anja , Sturm Angelika , Bolte Stefanie , Krueger Andreas , Lütgehetmann Marc , Pollok Jörg‐Matthias , Libert Claude , Heussler Volker T.
Published: September 2005

Plasmodium berghei is the causative agent of rodent malaria and is widely used as a model system to study the liver stage of Plasmodium parasites. The entry of P. berghei sporozoites into hepatocytes has extensively been studied, but little is known about parasite–host interaction during later developmental stages of the intracellular parasite. Growth of the parasite far beyond the normal size of the host cell is an important stress factor for the infected cell. Cell stress is known to trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis) and we examined several apoptotic markers in P. berghei‐infected cells and compared their level of expression and their distribution to that of non‐infected cells. As none of the apoptotic markers investigated were found altered in infected cells, we hypothesized that parasite infection might confer resistance to apoptosis of the host cell. Treatment with peroxide or serum deprivation induced apoptosis in non‐infected HepG2 cells, whereas P. berghei‐infected cells appeared protected, indicating that the parasite interferes indeed with the apoptotic machinery of the host cell. To prove the physiological relevance of these results, mice were infected with high numbers of P. berghei sporozoites and treated with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α/d‐galactosamine to induce massive liver apoptosis. Liver sections of these mice, stained for degraded DNA, confirmed that infected cells containing viable parasites were protected from programmed cell death. However, in non‐treated control mice as well as in TNF‐α‐treated mice a small proportion of dead intracellular parasites with degraded DNA were detected. Most hepatocytes containing dead parasites provoked an infiltration of immunocompetent cells, indicating that these cells are no longer protected from cell death.
Evidence for deletion of 9q as a two‐step process in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Rudduck‐Sivaswaren C , Tien S‐L , Lim P , Lim E , Lie DKH , Tan PHC , Lee ASG
Published: September 2005

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the Philadelphia translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11) resulting in the BCR/ABL fusion gene. Submicroscopic deletion of the derivative chromosome 9 occurs in a subset of these patients and is associated with poor prognosis. In the current study, we present two unusual cases of CML selected from a series of 54 consecutive cases. A detailed study using classical cytogenetics and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis was done using dual color extra signal FISH and whole chromosome paint in order to elucidate the mechanism of 9q deletion. One case had two clones on interphase FISH, one with and one without chromosome 9q deletion. The other case had two clones on both cytogenetic and FISH analyses, one with and one without a marker chromosome carrying chromosome 9q sequences. In this latter case, the clone with deletion of the derivative chromosome 9 comprised 21.1% at diagnosis, increasing to 36.8% after 11 months, suggesting a growth advantage. We report here evidence that deletions on 9q in CML may occur through breakage and rearrangement of chromosomes resulting in derivative chromosomes and either a marker chromosome or fragment/episome, followed by loss of chromosome material from the cell.
Management of hepatitis C‐infected liver transplant recipients at large North American centres: changes in recent years
Authors: Khalili Mandana , Vardanian Andrew J , Hamerski Chris M , Wang Rou , Bacchetti Peter , Roberts John P , Terrault Norah A
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  Large (≥45 transplants per year) North American liver transplant centres were surveyed regarding management of hepatitis C virus (HCV). A total of 25/41 (59%) and 28/48 (58%) of centres responded to the surveys in 1998 and 2003, respectively, with 17 centres participating in both surveys. HCV was the most common indication for transplantation. Use of protocol liver biopsies was higher in 2003 and 60% used them to monitor HCV disease. Fewer centres reported modifying primary immunosuppression (IMS) for HCV‐positive (vs. non‐HCV) patients in 2003 (26%) vs. 1998 (56%). IMS was most frequently tacrolimus‐based, but mycophenolate mofetil use increased in 2003 (52% vs. 23% in 1998). In both years, approximately 40% treated allograft rejection differently in HCV‐positive recipients, with less use of OKT3 in 2003. Combination anti‐HCV therapy for 12 months or more was the treatment of choice and growth factor use was common (68%). HCV‐positive recipients were considered candidates for retransplantation but HCV‐specific criteria were used in decision‐making. Practice of centres changed over time with an increase in HCV transplantation and use of protocol liver biopsies, and a trend towards lesser modification of IMS in HCV‐positive recipients. We conclude that there is considerable variability in the management of HCV among transplant programs and over time.
XBtg2 is required for notochord differentiation during early Xenopus development
Authors: Sugimoto Kaoru , Hayata Tadayoshi , Asashima Makoto
Published: September 2005

The notochord is essential for normal vertebrate development, serving as both a structural support for the embryo and a signaling source for the patterning of adjacent tissues. Previous studies on the notochord have mostly focused on its formation and function in early organogenesis but gene regulation in the differentiation of notochord cells itself remains poorly defined. In the course of screening for genes expressed in developing notochord, we have isolated Xenopus homolog of Btg2 (XBtg2). The mammalian Btg2 genes, Btg2/PC3/TIS21, have been reported to have multiple functions in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation but their roles in early development are still unclear. Here we characterized XBtg2 in early Xenopus laevis embryogenesis with focus on notochord development. Translational inhibition of XBtg2 resulted in a shortened and bent axis phenotype and the abnormal structures in the notochord tissue, which did not undergo vacuolation. The XBtg2‐depleted notochord cells expressed early notochord markers such as chordin and Xnot at the early tailbud stage, but failed to express differentiation markers of notochord such as Tor70 and 5‐D‐4 antigens in the later stages. These results suggest that XBtg2 is required for the differentiation of notochord cells such as the process of vacuolar formation after determination of notochord cell fate.
Regulation of Slug transcription in embryonic ectoderm by β‐catenin‐Lef/Tcf and BMP‐Smad signaling
Authors: Sakai Daisuke , Tanaka Yasuko , Endo Yukinori , Osumi Noriko , Okamoto Harumasa , Wakamatsu Yoshio
Published: September 2005

Neural crest is formed at the boundary of epidermal and neural ectoderm. To understand the molecular mechanism of neural crest formation, we focused on the transcriptional regulation of the Slug gene. In the upstream sequence of the chicken Slug gene, we have identified potential binding sites for transcription factors, such as Lef/Tcf and Smad1. Transgenic mouse embryos carrying the chicken Slug promoter‐reporter gene showed a crest‐specific activation of the reporter, suggesting the isolated sequence included the cis‐regulatory elements to receive Slug‐inducing signals in the mouse neural crest. While these potential cis‐regulatory elements could be recognized and activated by corresponding transcription factors, such as Lef1 and Smad1, Wnt‐Lef‐β‐catenin signal failed to induce endogenous Slug expression in quail neural plate tissue prepared from forebrain and midbrain levels. In contrast, Slug expression and subsequent epithelial‐mesenchymal transition were effectively induced by BMP4. Consistently, while we could detect phosphorylation of Smad1 in the ectoderm including the neural plate and the neural fold region, the activation of a reporter gene for a detection of canonical Wnt signal activation was below the level of detection at the forebrain and midbrain levels. These observations indicated that in the anterior ectoderm BMP signal has a predominant role for Slug expression.
Value of computed tomography‐derived estimated liver volume/standard liver volume ratio for predicting the prognosis of adult fulminant hepatic failure in Japan
Authors: YAMAGISHI YOSHIYUKI , SAITO HIDETSUGU , TADA SHINICHIRO , HORIE YOSHINORI , KATO SHINZO , ISHII HIROMASA , SHIMOJIMA NAOKI , HAGA JUNKO , SHIMAZU MOTOHIDE , KITAJIMA MASAKI , HIBI TOSHIFUMI
Published: September 2005

Background and Aims:  The prognosis of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) has been improved but is still unsatisfactory, and liver atrophy has been reported as a poor prognostic factor for this disease. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical value of the estimated liver volume (ELV) compared to the standard liver volume (SLV) in patients with FHF.

Methods:  Estimated liver volume of 24 adult patients with FHF receiving artificial liver support (ALS) was measured by using computed tomography. Actual liver weight (ALW) was measured if possible, and the calculated ELV/SLV ratio was compared to the ALW/SLV ratio and the ALW/BW (bodyweight) ratio. Sequential ELV/SLV ratios during the clinical course were analyzed in relation to the prognosis.

Results:  The ELV/SLV ratio was significantly correlated with both the ALW/SLV and ALW/BW ratios. The mean ALW/SLV ratio of patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) was 0.59 ± 0.17. The mean ELV/SLV ratio at the time of starting ALS (day 0) in the patients who survived (group 1) was 1.081 ± 0.183, but that of cases who underwent LDLT or died without LDLT (group 2) was 0.764 ± 0.255. The mean ELV/SLV ratios were 1.084 ± 0.222 and 0.650 ± 0.195 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, 5 days after starting ALS (day 5). Among the group 2 patients, those who had no liver atrophy on day 0 had a significantly decreased ELV/SLV ratio on day 5.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that the ELV/SLV ratio is a very useful objective marker to estimate liver atrophy and this marker reflects the prognosis of FHF patients very well.
Severity of atrophic gastritis related to antiparietal cell antibody and gastric carcinogenesis, including p53 mutations
Authors: TAGUCHI AYUMU , OHMIYA NAOKI , ITOH AKIHIRO , HIROOKA YOSHIKI , NIWA YASUMASA , MORI NAOYOSHI , GOTO HIDEMI
Published: September 2005

Background and Aims:  Infection with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) has been linked to atrophic gastritis, an inflammatory precursor of non‐cardia gastric carcinoma. Mutations in the p53 gene are one of the most frequent genetic alterations in gastric carcinoma. In a subgroup of atrophic gastritis, antiparietal cell antibody (APCA) has been detected. This study was aimed to clarify the role of APCA in the progression of atrophic gastritis and gastric carcinogenesis, and to determine the relationship of the severity of atrophic gastritis to gastric carcinoma and to p53 mutations.

Methods:  In 494 control subjects and 284 gastric carcinoma patients, serum APCA was evaluated and all subjects and patients were classified into four groups using serologic markers (anti‐Hp IgG antibody and pepsinogen (PG) test: positive; PG I < 70 µg/L and PG I/II ratio < 3.0) as follows: A, HP– PG–; B, HP+ PG–; C, HP+ PG+ and D, HP– PG+. p53 mutations were analyzed in 174 of 284 patients.

Results:  Antiparietal cell antibody seropositivity increased from group B to D, however, no difference in its positivity was found between controls and patients. The incidence of gastric carcinoma increased from A to D, especially the intestinal subtype. The frequency of p53 gene mutations was higher in PG+ than in PG– gastric carcinoma.

Conclusions:  Antiparietal cell antibody seropositivity is involved in the progression of a subgroup of atrophic gastritis, but not associated with gastric carcinogenesis. Severe atrophic gastritis is associated with susceptibility to gastric carcinoma, especially the intestinal subtype, and p53 mutations.
Factors predicting successful outcome following neostigmine therapy in acute colonic pseudo‐obstruction: A prospective study
Authors: MEHTA RAJIV , JOHN ANIL , NAIR PREM , VV RAJ , CP MUSTAFA , SUVARNA DEEPAK , V BALAKRISHNAN
Published: September 2005

Aim:  To evaluate predictors of neostigmine response in patients with acute colonic pseudo‐obstruction.

Methods:  Twenty‐seven patients with acute colonic pseudo‐obstruction were enrolled in the study. All patients had received initial conservative management such as nil orally, nasogastric suction, rectal tube placement and correction of electrolyte imbalance for the first 24 h. Those who did not resolve with conservative management received 2 mg neostigmine intravenously. The same dose was repeated after 24 h in patients who did not response to the first dose (initial non‐responders), or in those patients who relapsed after an initial response (initial responders). All non‐responders to neostigmine underwent colonoscopic decompression followed by 2 mg neostigmine infusion for 30 min. A sustained response was defined as the resolution of symptoms and colonic dilatation on a plain radiograph.

Results:  The study enrolled 27 patients; 18 were male (67%), and the median age was 60 years (range 18–78 years). Eight (30%) patients had spontaneous resolution. Initial response with neostigmine was observed in 16 (84%) patients, of which 10 (63%) had a sustained response. Nine patients (three initial non‐responders and six initial responders) had received a second dose of neostigmine. A sustained response was seen only in five initial responders. Four patients who did not respond to neostigmine underwent colonoscopic decompression followed by neostigmine infusion and had a sustained response. Neostigmine responders were more likely to be postoperative patients (11 of 15 (73%) vs one of four (25%), P = 0.07), less likely to have electrolyte imbalance and to be on antimotility agents (three of 15 (20%) vs four of four (100%), P = 0.009 and two of 15 (13%) vs four of four (100%), P = 0.003).

Conclusions:  Electrolyte imbalance and usage of anti‐motility agents are factors associated with a poor response, while postoperative patients showing good response to neostigmine therapy.
Specificity and characteristics of learning disabilities
Authors: Eisenmajer Natasha , Ross Nola , Pratt Chris
Published: September 2005

Background:  The specificity of impairments in specific reading disabilities (SRD) and specific language impairments (SLI) has recently been questioned, with many children recruited for studies of SRD and SLI demonstrating impairments in both reading and oral language development. This has implications for the results of SRD and SLI studies where both reading and oral language skills are not assessed. Thus there is a need to compare the profiles of children with both oral language and reading impairments to groups of children with SRD and SLI.

Methods:  The reading, oral language, short‐term auditory memory, phonological processing, spelling, and maths abilities of 151 children (aged between 7 and 12 years) drawn from a Learning Disabilities Clinic were assessed.

Results:  Five groups were identified, including children who demonstrated either a specific reading disability or a specific language impairment and children who showed evidence of both reading and oral language impairments. Differences were found between the groups on maths, phonological processing, short‐term auditory memory, and spelling measures, with the children displaying both language and reading deficits generally performing at a lower level than the children with specific reading or language deficits.

Conclusions:  It was concluded that more careful screening needs to be conducted in both clinical and research settings to accurately identify the nature of deficits in children with reading and oral language difficulties. Furthermore, a third and separate category of children with a mixed pattern of impairments needs to be considered.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with reading disabilities: preliminary genetic findings on the involvement of the ADRA2A gene
Authors: Stevenson J. , Langley K. , Pay H. , Payton A. , Worthington J. , Ollier W. , Thapar A.
Published: September 2005

Background:  Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and reading disability (RD) tend to co‐occur and quantitative genetic studies have shown this to arise primarily through shared genetic influences. However, molecular genetic studies have shown different genes to be associated with each of these conditions. Neurobiological studies have implicated noradrenergic function in the aetiology of ADHD that is comorbid with RD. This paper examines the neurobiological evidence and presents preliminary testing of the hypothesis that the ADRA2A receptor gene is contributing to ADHD and comorbid RD.

Methods:  One hundred and fifty‐two children (140 boys, 12 girls) of British Caucasian origin, aged between 6 and 13 years and with a diagnosis of ADHD, were recruited. The children's reading ability was tested. Children were identified as having ADHD or ADHD plus RD (n = 82). DNA was available for 110 parent child trios and 42 parent child duos. Genotyping was undertaken for an ADRA2A polymorphism.

Results:  For those with ADHD plus RD there was evidence of association with the alpha 2A adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A) polymorphism with the G allele being preferentially transmitted.

Conclusions:  The preliminary evidence together with other neurobiological research findings suggests that the ADRA2A gene may contribute to comorbid ADHD and RD and needs to be properly examined.
Linkage of speech sound disorder to reading disability loci
Authors: Smith Shelley D. , Pennington Bruce F. , Boada Richard , Shriberg Lawrence D.
Published: September 2005

Background:  Speech sound disorder (SSD) is a common childhood disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate errors in speech production that greatly reduce intelligibility. SSD has been found to be associated with later reading disability (RD), and there is also evidence for both a cognitive and etiological overlap between the two disorders. The present study tested whether SSD is linked to replicated risk loci for RD.

Method:  One hundred and eleven probands with SSD and their 76 siblings were tested with measures of speech, phonological memory (Nonword Repetition – NWR), and phonological awareness and genotyped for linkage markers on chromosomes 1p36, 6p22, and 15q21. Both single point and multipoint linkage were tested with multiple methods.

Results:  The speech and NWR phenotypes were linked to the RD loci on chromosomes 6 and 15, with suggestive results for the RD locus on chromosome 1.

Conclusions:  It now appears that several RD loci are pleiotropic for SSD, extending the findings of Stein et al. (2004) for the RD locus on Chromosome 3.
Sensory Experiences Questionnaire: discriminating sensory features in young children with autism, developmental delays, and typical development
Authors: Baranek Grace T. , David Fabian J. , Poe Michele D. , Stone Wendy L. , Watson Linda R.
Published: September 2005

Background:  This study describes a new caregiver‐report assessment, the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ), and explicates the nature of sensory patterns of hyper‐ and hyporesponsiveness, their prevalence, and developmental correlates in autism relative to comparison groups.

Method:  Caregivers of 258 children in five diagnostic groups (Autism, PDD, DD/MR, Other DD, Typical) ages 5–80 months completed the SEQ.

Results:  The SEQ's internal consistency was α′ = .80. Prevalence of overall sensory symptoms for the Autism group was 69%. Sensory symptoms were inversely related to mental age. The Autism group had significantly higher symptoms than either the Typical or DD groups and presented with a unique pattern of response to sensory stimuli –hyporesponsiveness in both social and nonsocial contexts. A pattern of hyperresponsiveness was similar in the Autism and DD groups, but significantly greater in both clinical groups than in the Typical group.

Conclusion:  The SEQ was able to characterize sensory features in young children with autism, and differentiate their sensory patterns from comparison groups. These unique sensory patterns have etiological implications, as well as relevance for assessment and intervention practices.
Comparison of host response to polypropylene and non‐cross‐linked porcine small intestine serosal‐derived collagen implants in a rat model
Authors: Konstantinovic Maja L. , Lagae Pieter , Zheng Fang , Verbeken Eric K. , De Ridder Dirk , Deprest Jan A.
Published: September 2005

Objective  To compare the host response, architectural integration and tensile strength of polypropylene and porcine small intestine submucosa‐derived implants in a rat model.

Design  Experimental study.

Setting  Center for Surgical Technologies, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium.

Sample  Forty‐eight adult male Wistar rats weighing 220–250 g randomised to receive either implant.

Methods  Full thickness abdominal wall defects were primarily repaired with polypropylene mesh (Marlex) (MX group) or porcine small intestine submucosa (Surgisis) (SIS group). Animals were sacrificed at 7, 14, 30 and 90 days after implantation.

Main outcome measures  The presence of herniation, infection and intra‐peritoneal adhesions. Change in thickness and tensile strength of implant. Histopathological and immunohistochemical appearances of inflammatory response and collagen deposition.

Results  Implants from the SIS group showed a short term increase in thickness in the first 14 days. Formation of adhesions was significantly more intense in the MX group at 30 days, and more extensive in the SIS group at 90 days. Tensile strength increased over time in both groups but was significantly lower in the SIS group than the MX group at 30 days. Implants in the MX group showed a more pronounced inflammatory response and more pronounced new vessel formation than the SIS group. Collagen formation was initially more fibrous and better organised in the MX group but became greater in the SIS group at 90 days.

Conclusions  Biologically derived implant material induced a less pronounced inflammatory response and differences in collagen deposition. At 30 days tensile strength was weaker in the biological implant group but was equivalent by 90 days. These differences may have implications for the in vivo performance of the materials.
Intracervical application of the nitric oxide donor isosorbide dinitrate for induction of cervical ripening: a randomised controlled trial to determine clinical efficacy and safety prior to first trimester surgical evacuation of retained products of conception
Authors: Arteaga‐Troncoso Gabriel , Villegas‐Alvarado Alejandro , Belmont‐Gomez Aurora , Martinez‐Herrera Francisco J. , Villagrana‐Zesati Roberto , Guerra‐Infante Fernando
Published: September 2005

Objective  To determine the therapeutic efficacy and safety of a nitric oxide (NO) isosorbide dinitrate donor to induce cervical ripening of women with missed abortions before surgical evacuation of the uterus.

Design  A prospective, randomised, double‐blind controlled trial.

Setting  Tertiary referral maternity teaching hospital.

Population  Sixty women with missed abortions and no cervical dilation.

Methods  Women requesting surgical evacuation of the uterus were randomly selected to receive endocervical 80 mg/1.5 mL isosorbide dinitrate gel solution (n= 30) or 400 μg/1.5 mL misoprostol gel solution (n= 30) every 3 hours to a maximum of four doses or until reaching cervical ripening. Vital signs and symptoms were recorded at baseline and then every 3 hours until finishing therapy. Adverse events, such as headache, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, backache, nausea and vomiting, were evaluated.

Main outcome measures  Probability of reaching cervical ripening >8 mm Hegar dilator; evaluated at 3, 6, 9 and 12 hours after application of isosorbide dinitrate or misoprostol.

Results  The probabilities of induction of cervical ripening by isosorbide dinitrate and misoprostol after four repeated doses at 3‐hour intervals were significantly different (P < 0.001). Efficacy of therapy after 12 hours was 97% for the isosorbide dinitrate group and 70% for the misoprostol group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were lower after administration of isosorbide dinitrate than prostaglandin analogues. The difference in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure between treatment groups was greatest at 3 hours, with a difference of 7.7 mmHg (P < 0.001) and 5.9 mmHg (P < 0.003), respectively. The most frequent side effect associated with isosorbide dinitrate administration was headache, which occurred in 18 out of 30 patients, compared with only 5 out of 30 women in the misoprostol group [relative risk (RR) 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45–4.03, P < 0.001). Women treated with misoprostol reported mainly pelvic pain (RR 3.24, 95% CI 1.99–5.27, P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Intracervical administration of 80 mg isosorbide dinitrate in women with missed abortions appears to be effective for cervical ripening prior to surgical evacuation of the uterus. Differences in the incidence of non‐serious adverse events are not likely to be clinically significant.
Reframing Democracy: Governance, Civic Agency, and Politics
Authors: Boyte Harry C.
Published: September 2005

Developments in public affairs that stress governance— not simply government—hold possibilities for reframing democracy. Governance intimates a paradigm shift in the meaning of democracy and civic agency—that is, who is to address public problems and promote the general welfare? The shift involves a move from citizens as simply voters, volunteers, and consumers to citizens as problem solvers and cocreators of public goods; from public leaders, such as public affairs professionals and politicians, as providers of services and solutions to partners, educators, and organizers of citizen action; and from democracy as elections to democratic society. Such a shift has the potential to address public problems that cannot be solved without governments, but that governments alone cannot solve, and to cultivate an appreciation for the commonwealth. Effecting this shift requires politicizing governance in nonpartisan, democratizing ways and deepening the civic, horizontal, pluralist, and productive dimensions of politics.
The New Governance: Practices and Processes for Stakeholder and Citizen Participation in the Work of Government
Authors: Bingham Lisa Blomgren , Nabatchi Tina , O'Leary Rosemary
Published: September 2005

Leaders in public affairs identify tools and instruments for the new governance through networks of public, private, and nonprofit organizations. We argue the new governance also involves people—the tool makers and tool users—and the processes through which they participate in the work of government. Practitioners are using new quasi‐legislative and quasi‐judicial governance processes, including deliberative democracy, e‐democracy, public conversations, participatory budgeting, citizen juries, study circles, collaborative policy making, and alternative dispute resolution, to permit citizens and stakeholders to actively participate in the work of government. We assess the existing legal infrastructure authorizing public managers to use new governance processes and discuss a selection of quasi‐legislative and quasi‐judicial new governance processes in international, federal, state, and local public institutions. We conclude that public administration needs to address these processes in teaching and research to help the public sector develop and use informed best practices.
Civic Engagement and Sustainable Cities in the United States
Authors: Portney Kent
Published: September 2005

Over the last decade, at least 42 U.S. cities have elected to pursue sustainable cities programs to improve their livability. Some programs are broad, involving smart growth efforts, and others are narrowly targeted, including bicycle ridership and pesticide‐reduction programs. A recurring theme in these cities is the role of public participation in shaping and implementing these programs. In cities where the sustainable cities idea first emerged in local grassroots organizations, such as Seattle, these programs owe their existence to public involvement. Other cities have taken a top‐down approach, treating sustainability as a matter for experts rather than ordinary citizens. Civic engagement is manifest both in the development of the sustainability program and as an explicit goal of the sustainability program. This article examines the role of civic engagement in these programs and defines a research agenda by identifying hypotheses about the importance of public involvement in sustainable cities programs.
The Use of Network Analysis to Strengthen Community Partnerships
Authors: Provan Keith G. , Veazie Mark A. , Staten Lisa K. , Teufel‐Shone Nicolette I.
Published: September 2005

Community partnerships or networks of collaborating public and nonprofit organizations are an important way of addressing a wide range of problems and needs that communities face. In the academic literature, network analysis has been used to analyze and understand the structure of the relationships that make up multiorganizational partnerships. But this tool is not well‐known outside the small group of researchers who study networks, and it is seldom used as a method of assisting communities. This article briefly discusses network analysis and how community leaders can use the results generated by this tool to strengthen relationships among public and nonprofit organizations, thereby building the community's capacity to address critical needs in areas such as health, human services, social problems, and economic development.
Exercise‐induced bronchospasm among healthy elite cross country skiers and non‐athletic students
Authors: Pohjantähti H. , Laitinen J. , Parkkari J.
Published: September 2005

Regular exercise in cold, dry air is believed to be a predisposing factor for exercise‐induced bronchospasm (EIB). The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of EIB among previously healthy elite cross country skiers and their non‐athletic control subjects.

Twenty healthy elite cross country skiers and 18 non‐asthmatic controls were challenged by a standardized free exercise test. Thereafter, subjects' respiratory function was followed by flow‐volume spirometry up to 30 min. EIB was defined in the post‐exercise spirometry as at least one of the following: a ≥10% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), a ≥20% decrease in mean maximal expiratory flow (MMEF) or a ≥25% decrease in peak expiratory flow rate (PEF).

EIB was found in two skiers and one control according to FEV1, for seven skiers and two controls according to MMEF. Two skiers and one control had exercise‐induced asthma (EIA) according to both parameters. The largest decrease in PEF was 13%, that did not result in additional diagnoses. All nine of the subjects with a positive test result reported asthma‐like symptoms (dyspnea, cough or increased mucus excretion) after the exercise challenge. Accordingly, seven previously healthy skiers (35%) and two controls (11%) were diagnosed as having EIB. In addition, three skiers of the original cohort were excluded because of an earlier asthma diagnosis, making the total asthma prevalence 10/23 (42%) among the elite skiers.

It was concluded that EIB is more common in elite cross country skiers than in non‐athletic controls. The bronchoconstriction induced by exercise is usually mild or moderate, and flow‐volume spirometry with sensitive flow parameters is needed for it to be diagnosed. Even a mild asthma decreases minute ventilation and maximal performance of winter sport athletes. Therefore, skiers with long‐term respiratory symptoms or decreased performance should be studied for EIA and treated adequately.
COMPARISON OF DIGITIZED AND DIRECT VIEWED (ANALOG) RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGES FOR DETECTION OF PULMONARY NODULES
Authors: Armbrust Laura J. , Hoskinson James J. , Biller David S. , Mackenzie Ostmeyer R. , Milliken George A. , Choi Jaesung
Published: September 2005

The purpose of this study was to compare direct (analog) viewing of thoracic radiographs with digitized images obtained with a radiographic scanner and seven digital cameras for detection of pulmonary nodules. Direct viewing of the analog radiographs was significantly better than all digitized methods (P<0.01). Significant variations exist between the radiographic scanner and the digital cameras. The scanner (Kodak LS75) was significantly better than the Kodak DC 4800 and the Sony DSC‐707 cameras (P<0.05). The Nikon 995, Canon EOS‐D30, and Ricoh i500 were significantly better than the Sony DSC‐707 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the Kodak DC 3800, Kodak DC 4800, and the Sony DSC‐707. For pairwise comparison of raters (when evaluating the radiographs individually compared with the consensus), the raters matched the consensus rating from 85% to 92% with no significant difference between raters.
ANATOMICAL STUDY OF CRANIAL NERVE EMERGENCE AND SKULL FORAMINA IN THE DOG USING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Couturier Laurent , Degueurce Christophe , Ruel Yannick , Dennis Ruth , Begon Dominique
Published: September 2005

Twenty‐two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain studies of different breeds of dogs were reviewed to assess the anatomy of cranial nerve (CN) origins and associated skull foramina. These included five anatomic studies of normal brains using 2‐mm‐thick slices and 17 studies using conventional clinical protocols with 3‐ or 4‐mm slices on both normal and abnormal brains. Images were obtained in transverse, sagittal, and dorsal planes to allow a thorough comparison between studies. CNs II, III, V (and its divisions), and VIII were observed consistently on conventional studies. On the thin‐slice studies, the origins and proximal portions of CNN IV, VII, and the group of IX, X, and XI could be seen. The origins of CNN VI and XII were not observed with certainty. In parallel, a computed tomography study of an isolated skull was performed with a thin copper wire within each of the skull foramina to determine precisely each CN exit and to facilitate recognition of the course of CNs when exiting the skull on MRI images.
UTILITY OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FOR DISTINGUISHING NEOPLASTIC FROM NON‐NEOPLASTIC BRAIN LESIONS IN DOGS AND CATS
Authors: Cherubini Giunio Bruto , Mantis Panagiotis , Martinez Teresa A. , Lamb Christopher R. , Cappello Rodolfo
Published: September 2005

The aim of this study was to identify magnetic resonance (MR) signs that aid differentiation of neoplastic vs. non‐neoplastic brain diseases in dogs and cats. MR images of 36 dogs and 13 cats with histologic diagnosis of intracranial disease were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnoses included 30 primary and three metastatic brain tumors, 11 infectious/inflammatory lesions, three vascular, one degenerative disease, and one developmental malformation. Upon univariate analysis of 21 MR signs, there were seven that had a significant association with neoplasia: single lesion (P=0.004), shape (P=0.015), mass effect (P=0.002), dural contact (P=0.04), dural tail (P=0.005), lesions affecting adjacent bone (P=0.008), and contrast enhancement (P=0.025). Increasing age was also found to be associated with neoplasia (P=0.0001). MR signs of non‐neoplastic brain diseases in dogs and cats were more variable than those of brain neoplasia.
ASSESSMENT OF LOCATION OF THE CELIAC AND CRANIAL MESENTERIC ARTERIES RELATIVE TO THE THORACOLUMBAR SPINE USING MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: Dennis Ruth
Published: September 2005

Exact localization of thoracolumbar lesions can be harder with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging than with radiography. The celiac and cranial mesenteric arteries are easily seen on MR images and are always included in sagittal thoracolumbar studies. This study was undertaken to establish whether their location was sufficiently consistent to enable them to be used as anatomic landmarks. It was found that their location varied considerably, and there was no useful relationship to breed, gender, age, or body weight. They are therefore unreliable for use in establishing initial localization of a spinal lesion although they can be helpful when comparing multiple image planes.
COMPARISON OF RADIOGRAPHIC AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY LYMPHANGIOGRAPHY FOR IDENTIFICATION OF THE CANINE THORACIC DUCT
Authors: Esterline Meredith L. , Radlinsky MaryAnn G. , Biller David S. , Mason Diane E. , Roush James K. , Cash Walter C.
Published: September 2005

Standard radiographic lymphangiograms and computed tomography (CT) lymphangiograms were performed on 10 female dogs without intrathoracic disease. Positive contrast lymphagiography was performed by injection into a catheterized mesenteric lymphatic vessel, and lateral thoracic radiographs, ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs, and thoracic CTs were obtained. The number of visible ducts was recorded for each image at the midbody of the ninth thoracic vertebra (T9) through the first lumbar vertebra (L1). Data were combined for all dogs at each data acquisition point. Data were analyzed by comparing data from all three images independently, and then by combining data for the radiographs and comparing the study with the highest number of visible duct branches to the CT. Significant differences in numbers of branches were found at T11 and L1. This study suggests that CT may be able to quantify branches of the thoracic duct more accurately than standard radiographic lymphangiography.
SUBLUMBAR ABSCESS AND DISKOSPONDYLITIS IN A CAT
Authors: Packer Rebecca A. , Coates Joan R. , Cook Cristi R. , Lattimer Jimmy C. , O'Brien Dennis P.
Published: September 2005

Diskospondylitis is uncommon in cats. We describe a cat with diskospondylitis of the L7–S1 intervertebral disk, and a concurrent sublumbar abscess. Radiographic, computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings are presented. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures of blood and spinal fluid yielded no growth. Aerobic and anaerobic urine cultures resulted in growth of anEnterococcussp. andClostridium perfringens, respectively. The cat was successfully treated with enrofloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Clinical signs resolved completely, and based on follow‐up ultrasonography there was no remaining evidence of the sublumbar abscess. Etiologic agents and outcome from other cats with diskospondylitis are reviewed.
VERTEBRAL HEART SIZE RANGES SPECIFIC FOR WHIPPETS
Authors: Bavegems Valérie , Van Caelenberg Annemie , Duchateau Luc , Sys Stanislas U. , Van Bree Henri , De Rick André
Published: September 2005

To assess the influence of breed, breeding lines, and training on heart size, the vertebral heart size (VHS) was evaluated on left‐to‐right lateral, right‐to‐left lateral, dorsoventral, and ventrodorsal thoracic radiographs from 44 whippets free from cardiac and pulmonary disease. In lateral views, the VHS was 11.0±0.5 vertebrae (mean±SD) on right‐to‐left lateral and 11.3±0.5 vertebrae on left‐to‐right lateral radiographs, being larger than the 9.7±0.5 vertebrae proposed by Buchanan (P<0.0001). The VHS on left‐to‐right lateral views was larger than on right‐to‐left lateral views (P<0.0001). The VHS was 10.5±0.6 vertebrae on dorsoventral radiographs and 11.1±0.6 vertebrae on ventrodorsal radiographs. Both values were larger than the 10.2±1.5 vertebrae (dorsoventral) (P<0.0082) or 10.2±0.8 vertebrae (ventrodorsal) (P<0.0001) proposed by Buchanan. In addition, the VHS on ventrodorsal views was larger than on dorsoventral views (P<0.0001). Dogs out of racing pedigree lines had a significantly larger VHS than those out of show pedigree lines, and trained dogs had a significantly larger VHS than nontrained dogs. Because most trained dogs came out of racing pedigree lines, and all nontrained dogs came out of show pedigree lines, however, it is difficult to determine whether the higher VHS for trained dogs is due to genetic influences or training, or both. In conclusion, it is important to take into account the breed and the radiographic view when evaluating heart size in thoracic radiographs of whippets to avoid overinterpretation of cardiac enlargement in these dogs.
CHARACTERIZATION OF NORMAL AND ABNORMAL CANINE SUPERFICIAL LYMPH NODES USING GRAY‐SCALE B‐MODE, COLOR FLOW MAPPING, POWER, AND SPECTRAL DOPPLER ULTRASONOGRAPHY: A MULTIVARIATE STUDY
Authors: Nyman Helena T. , Kristensen Annemarie T. , Skovgaard Ib M. , McEvoy Fintan J.
Published: September 2005

The objective of this study was to characterize the ultrasonographic patterns of normal superficial lymph nodes and to evaluate whether ultrasonography can help discriminate between different lymphadenopathies (reactive, lymphoma, and metastases) in dogs. Three hundred and eighteen superficial lymph nodes in 142 dogs were studied by B‐mode, color flow mapping, power, and spectral Doppler ultrasonography. Size, echogenicity, nodal border definition, presence of a nodal hilus, acoustic enhancement and distribution of vascular flow, as well as perfusion indices were measured. Multivariate statistics using discriminant analysis was used to determine which parameters can be used to predict the diagnosis of the lymph node. The size of the lymph node, distribution of vascular flow within the lymph node, and pulsatility index (PI) in combination gave a classification error of 23% for the four groups of lymph nodes. This was improved to 11% if the nodes were divided into two groups: benign and malignant. There was a significant difference in resistive index (RI) and PI between benign and malignant nodes. Cut‐off values were determined using receiver operator curves, 0.68 RI and 1.49 PI.
INFLUENCE OF NORMOVOLEMIC ANEMIA ON DOPPLER‐DERIVED BLOOD VELOCITY RATIOS OF ABDOMINAL SPLANCHNIC VESSELS IN CLINICALLY NORMAL DOGS
Authors: Koma Lee M. , Kirberger Robert M. , Scholtz Leonie , Bland‐van den Berg Paul
Published: September 2005

Doppler spectra of the abdominal aorta (AAo), cranial mesenteric artery (CMA), celiac artery (CA), and left renal artery (LRA) were obtained from 11 fasted, clinically healthy, conscious Beagles before and after inducing severe acute normovolemic anemia (mean±standard deviation hematocrit 16.0±0.77%). Peak systolic, end diastolic, and time‐averaged mean velocities were measured. The different vessels were compared with each other. Peak systolic velocity ratio and time‐averaged mean velocity ratio of splanchnic vessels to corresponding variables of the AAo were computed and compared between and within vessels during physiologic and anemic states. There was no difference between LRA and AAo, CMA or CA regarding time‐averaged mean velocity, time‐averaged mean velocity ratio, or end diastolic velocity during the physiological state. During the anemic state, LRA mean time‐averaged mean velocity (P≤0.008) and mean end diastolic velocity (P≤0.041) were significantly lower than those of AAo, CMA, and CA. Mean time‐averaged mean velocity ratio of the LRA was also significantly (P≤0.004) lower than the CMA and CA ratios, and significantly (P=0.014) lower during anemic state than physiologic state of the same vessel. End diastolic and time‐averaged mean velocities of the AAo, CMA, and CA increased proportionally during anemia, but there was a relatively less increase in the same variables of the LRA, suggesting less increase in blood flow. Doppler ratios allowed a noninvasive comparison between splanchnic and aortic hemodynamics. Velocity ratios might be useful for clinical detection of relative hemodynamic changes between different vessels.
EFFECTS OF ACEPROMAZINE ON THREE‐PHASE99mTc‐MDP BONE IMAGING IN 11 HORSES
Authors: Solano Mauricio , Welcome Jeremy , Johnson Karen
Published: September 2005

Horses undergoing skeletal scintigraphy can have decreased radiopharmaceutical bone uptake in the limbs. This reduces the diagnostic value of the scan. The aim of the present study was to measure the changes in count density caused by vasodilatation and increased blood flow associated with intravenous injection of acepromazine during bone scintigraphy in normal horses. A three‐phase bone scan was performed twice in 11 adult horses to study the effects of acepromazine on the count density of the resultant scintigrams. With acepromazine, there was a statistically significant mean difference of 12 s for initial blood flow and 21 s for peak flow. The time to initial blood flow and time to peak flow occurred earlier for the scans in which acepromazine was used. There were no significant differences in the bone to soft tissue ratios during the soft tissue and bone phases of the scan between procedures. Intravenous administration of acepromazine increases peripheral blood flow causing an earlier onset of the vascular phase during the three‐phase bone scan. Acepromazine did not increase the count density of the bone phase scintigrams. As expected, the vasodilatation and increased blood flow associated with intravenous injection of acepromazine affected the count density of the vascular phase of the bone scan.
Effect of deformation path sequence on the behavior of nanoscale copper bicrystal interfaces
Authors: Spearot Douglas E. , Jacob Karl I. , McDowell David L. , Plimpton Steven J.
Published: September 2005

Molecular dynamics calculations are performed to study the effect of deformation sequence and history on the inelastic behavior of copper interfaces on the nanoscale. An asymmetric 45 deg tilt bicrystal interface is examined, representing an idealized high-angle grain boundary interface. The interface model is subjected to three different deformation paths: tension then shear, shear then tension, and combined proportional tension and shear. Analysis shows that path-history dependent material behavior is confined within a finite layer of deformation around the bicrystal interface. The relationships between length scale and interface properties, such as the thickness of the path-history dependent layer and the interface strength, are discussed in detail.
Tetragonal Phase Transformation in Gold Nanowires
Authors: Gall Ken , Diao Jiankuai , Dunn Martin L. , Haftel Michael , Bernstein Noam , Mehl Michael J.
Published: September 2005

First principle, tight binding, and semi-empirical embedded atom calculations are used to investigate a tetragonal phase transformation in gold nanowires. As wire diameter is decreased, tight binding and modified embedded atom simulations predict a surface-stress-induced phase transformation from a face-centered-cubic (fcc) ⟨100⟩ nanowire into a body-centered-tetragonal (bct) nanowire. In bulk gold, all theoretical approaches predict a local energy minimum at the bct phase, but tight binding and first principle calculations predict elastic instability of the bulk bct phase. The predicted existence of the stable bct phase in the nanowires is thus attributed to constraint from surface stresses. The results demonstrate that surface stresses are theoretically capable of inducing phase transformation and subsequent phase stability in nanometer scale metallic wires under appropriate conditions.