bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic review of antimicrobial treatments for diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Nelson E. A. , O'Meara S. , Golder S. , Dalton J. , Craig D. , Iglesias C. ,   on behalf of the DASIDU Steering Group
Published: January 2006

Background  Foot ulcers in diabetes are associated with increased mortality, illness and reduced quality of life. Ulcer infection impairs healing and antimicrobial interventions may cure infection, aid healing and reduce amputation rates.

Objectives  To systematically review the evidence for antimicrobial interventions for foot ulcers in diabetes.

Methods  We searched 16 databases, 11 Internet sites, three books, conference proceedings, a journal and bibliographies in November 2002. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials (CCTs).

Results  Twenty‐three studies investigated the effectiveness or cost‐effectiveness of antimicrobial agents: intravenous antibiotics (n = 8); oral antibiotics (n = 5); topical antimicrobials (n = 4); subcutaneous granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) (n = 4); Ayurvedic preparations (n = 1): and sugar vs. antibiotics vs. standard care (n = 1). The trials were small and too dissimilar to be pooled. There is no strong evidence for any particular antimicrobial agent for the prevention of amputation, resolution of infection, or ulcer healing. Pexiganan cream may be as effective as oral ofloxacin for resolution of infection. Ampicillin and sulbactam cost less than imipenem/cilastatin, G‐CSF cost less than standard care and cadexomer iodine dressings may cost less than daily dressings.

Conclusions  The evidence is too weak to recommend any particular antimicrobial agent. Large studies are needed of the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of antimicrobial interventions.
Exenatide: effect of injection time on postprandial glucose in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Linnebjerg H. , Kothare P. A. , Skrivanek Z. , de la Peña A. , Atkins M. , Ernest C. S. , Trautmann M. E.
Published: January 2006

Aims  Exenatide is an incretin mimetic whose effect on glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes is currently under investigation. This study assessed the effect of injection time relative to a standardized meal on postprandial pharmacodynamics of exenatide in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Eighteen patients participated in this single‐centre, open‐label, placebo‐controlled, randomized, six‐way crossover study. Patients received subcutaneous injections of either placebo (−15 min) or 10 µg of exenatide at −60, −15, 0, +30 or +60 min relative to a standardized breakfast meal on six consecutive days. Serial blood samples were assayed for plasma glucose and insulin concentrations.

Results  For all exenatide treatments, incremental postprandial glucose area under the postprandial plasma glucose curve from zero to 6 h (AUC0−6 h) was significantly reduced compared with placebo. When exenatide was administered before (−60, −15 min) or with the meal (0 min), peak postprandial glucose concentrations were significantly decreased (P < 0.0001 for all treatments) compared with placebo. Post‐meal exenatide administration (+30, P < 0.05; +60 min, P = 0.21) resulted in smaller peak glucose reductions and in some patients transient low plasma glucose concentrations were reported. Peak plasma insulin concentrations in the pre‐meal treatments were significantly lower than placebo (P < 0.05 for all treatments), while post‐meal dosing groups exhibited a trend towards higher insulin peaks compared with placebo. The most common adverse events related to exenatide were headache, nausea, dyspepsia and vomiting, and were generally of mild‐to‐moderate intensity.

Conclusions  In this study, all exenatide treatments demonstrated reductions in postprandial plasma glucose excursions compared with placebo. Pre‐meal and with meal administration of exenatide produced greater reduction of postprandial glucose excursions compared with post‐meal administration. These data support flexible dosing of exenatide at any time within 60 min before a meal.
Relationship between Precipitating Agents and Neurophysiological Abnormalities in Migraine
Authors: Siniatchkin M , Averkina N , Gerber WD
Published: January 2006

The particular mechanisms of migraine anticipation by different precipitating agents are still unknown. The contingent negative variation (CNV) was recorded in the premenstrual and ovulation phases of the cycle in both rest and stress conditions in 17 migraine and 15 healthy women. In migraineurs a significant increase of amplitude of the initial CNV component in the premenstrual phase compared with ovulation was observed. During both the ovulation and premenstrual phases both migraineurs and controls demonstrated a significant increase of the CNV amplitude on stress. The increase of the amplitude on stress in the premenstrual phase was more pronounced in migraineurs. This study shows that stress and menstrual cycle are associated with changes of the initial CNV amplitude, probably indicating a higher probability of migraine attacks.
Surrogacy families: parental functioning, parent–child relationships and children's psychological development at age 2
Authors: Golombok Susan , MacCallum Fiona , Murray Clare , Lycett Emma , Jadva Vasanti
Published: January 2006

Background:  Findings are presented of the second phase of a longitudinal study of families created through surrogacy.

Methods:  At the time of the child's 2nd birthday, 37 surrogacy families were compared with 48 egg donation families and 68 natural conception families on standardised interview and questionnaire measures of the psychological well‐being of the parents, parent–child relationships and the psychological functioning of the child.

Results:  The surrogacy mothers showed more positive parent–child relationships, and the surrogacy fathers reported lower levels of parenting stress, than their natural conception counterparts. The surrogacy children did not differ from the natural conception children with respect to socio‐emotional or cognitive development.

Conclusions:  Surrogacy does not appear to impact negatively on parenting or child development in families with 2‐year‐old children.
Psychostimulant and other effects of caffeine in 9‐ to 11‐year‐old children
Authors: Heatherley Susan V. , Hancock Katie M.F. , Rogers Peter J.
Published: January 2006

Background:  Recent research on adults suggests that ‘beneficial’ psychostimulant effects of caffeine are found only in the context of caffeine deprivation; that is, caffeine improves psychomotor and cognitive performance in habitual caffeine consumers following caffeine withdrawal. Furthermore, no net benefit is gained because performance is merely restored to ‘baseline’ levels. The effects of caffeine in children is an under‐researched area, with only a handful of studies being carried out in the US where children's consumption of caffeine appears to be lower on average than in the UK.

Method:  Twenty‐six children aged between 9 and 11 years completed a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Habitual caffeine consumers (mean daily caffeine intake = 109 mg) and non/low‐consumers (12 mg) were tested on two separate days following overnight caffeine abstinence. On each day measures of cognitive performance (a number search task), and self‐rated mood and physical symptoms, including alertness and headache, were taken before and after administration of 50 mg of caffeine, or placebo.

Results:  At baseline (before treatment), the habitual consumers showed poorer performance on the cognitive test than did the non/low‐consumers, although no significant differences in mood or physical symptoms were found between the two groups. There were significant habit by treatment (caffeine vs. placebo) interactions for accuracy of performance and headache, and a significant main effect of treatment for alertness. Post hoc comparisons showed that caffeine administration improved the consumers’ accuracy on the cognitive test (to near the level displayed by the non/low‐consumers at baseline), but that it had no significant effect on the non/low‐consumers’ performance. In the consumers, caffeine prevented an increase in headache that occurred after placebo, and it increased alertness relative to placebo. Again, however, caffeine did not significantly affect levels of headache or alertness in the non/low‐consumers.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that, like adults, children probably derive little or no benefit from habitual caffeine intake, although negative symptoms associated with overnight caffeine withdrawal are avoided or rapidly reversed by subsequent caffeine consumption.
Are numerical impairments syndrome specific? Evidence from Williams syndrome and Down's syndrome
Authors: Paterson Sarah J. , Girelli Luisa , Butterworth Brian , Karmiloff‐Smith Annette
Published: January 2006

Background:  Several theorists maintain that exact number abilities rely on language‐relevant processes whereas approximate number calls on visuo‐spatial skills. We chose two genetic disorders, Williams syndrome and Down's syndrome, which differ in their relative abilities in verbal versus spatial skills, to examine this hypothesis. Five experiments assessed number skills in these two genetic syndromes and in their mental age (MA) and chronological age (CA) matched controls.

Methods:  Experiment 1 used a preferential looking paradigm with infants and toddlers to measure sensitivity to changes in numerosity. Experiment 2 measured reaction times in older children and adults in a numerosity comparison task with dots in a random pattern. Experiment 3 comprised a number battery that measured various forms of counting and simple arithmetic.

Results:  The WS infants displayed a level of performance equal to that of their CA‐controls, whereas the DS infants failed to reach even the level of their MA‐controls. By contrast, the older DS children and adults outstripped the older WS group in their numerosity abilities, with different patterns of errors in the two clinical groups.

Conclusions:  Differences in the infant and adult number phenotypes between these two genetic disorders are discussed with reference to the processing styles used by each group and how these might impact on their developmental trajectories. Theoretically, we highlight our contention that one cannot infer the infant starting state from the adult end state. Rather, the development process itself must be taken into account.
Personality differences in children and adolescents with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and controls
Authors: Cukrowicz Kelly C. , Taylor Jeanette , Schatschneider Chris , Iacono William G.
Published: January 2006

Background:  Differences in personality profiles were examined between children who differed in their co‐morbidity of externalizing disorders: attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD).

Methods:  11‐ and 17‐year‐old male and female twins from a community sample were categorized as ADHD only, CD only, co‐morbid CD‐ADHD, and controls (no ADHD or CD) based on threshold and subthreshold CD and ADHD diagnoses assessed with structured interviews. Multivariate analyses were used to identify patterns of personality that differentiate these four diagnostic groups. It was hypothesized that significant differences would be found in the pattern of personality variables between participants in the co‐morbid group, compared to the other three groups, and that these differences would hold across developmental periods.

Results:  As expected, the co‐morbid group had a pattern of personality marked by higher Negative Emotionality and lower Constraint than the other diagnostic groups. This pattern was evidenced across gender and age cohort.

Conclusions:  An extreme personality profile may represent a liability toward the occurrence of ADHD and CD with more extreme profiles contributing to the occurrence of both disorders among boys and girls. Implications for treatment planning and theoretical development are discussed.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: DIXIT ANUPAM , JIN MING‐HUA , CHUNG JONG‐WOOK , YU JAE‐WOONG , CHUNG HUN‐KI , MA KYUNG‐HO , PARK YONG‐JIN , CHO EUN‐GI
Published: January 2006

Fifty microsatellite sequences (SSRs) were isolated from an enriched library of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) using a modified protocol. After screening, 10 polymorphic microsatellites were used to determine their usefulness in diversity analysis among 16 sesame accessions. The number of alleles ranged from three to six alleles per locus with an average of 4.6 alleles. The fragment size varied from 150 bp to 307 bp. Expected heterozygosites (HE) and polymorphism information contents (PICs) ranged from 0.437 to 0.858 and 0.34 to 0.80, respectively, which indicates the highly informative nature of the microsatellites reported here. These microsatellite markers will be very useful in diversity analysis among a large germplasm collection of sesame present in our Korean gene bank and also in the establishment of its core collection.
Characterization of seven polymorphic microsatellites for the study of two Ranunculaceae: Ranunculus nodiflorus L., a rare endangered species and Ranunculus flammula L., a common closely related species
Authors: NOEL FLORENCE , BOISSELIER‐DUBAYLE MARIE‐CATHERINE , LAMBOURDIERE JOSIE , MACHON NATHALIE , MORET JACQUES , SAMADI SARAH
Published: January 2006

Ranunculus nodiflorus and Ranunculus flammula are two closely related Ranunculaceae. In France, the first one is rare and endangered, whereas the second is common. To compare their population genetic structure, seven polymorphic microsatellite markers were characterized. We found no polymorphism in R. nodiflorus, whereas R. flammula was polymorphic at each locus. The total number of alleles per locus varied from three to eight. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0 to 0.261. This set of microsatellites offers an efficient tool to study population genetic structure and to compare the results between closely related endangered and common species.
Characterization of six microsatellite loci in the African wild silk moth (Gonometa postica, Lasiocampidae)
Authors: DELPORT WAYNE , FERGUSON J. WILLEM , BLOOMER PAULETTE
Published: January 2006

Six microsatellite markers were developed for the African wild silk moth, Gonometa postica (Lasiocampidae), using an enrichment protocol. The total number of alleles ranged from three to 17 for a sample of 130 individuals across the distribution of the species. Observed levels of heterozygosity ranged from 0.17 to 0.78. Deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium detected in some loci is probably the result of large interannual population size fluctuations characteristic of this species. No evidence of linkage disequilibrium was detected among loci. These loci will be useful for the inference of demographic processes in a moth species that is of potential economic importance.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Grapsidae; Decapoda; Brachyura)
Authors: FRATINI SARA , RAGIONIERI LAPO , PAPETTI CHIARA , PITRUZZELLA GAETANO , RORANDELLI ROCCO , BARBARESI SILVIA , ZANE LORENZO
Published: January 2006

Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the grapsid crab Pachygrapsus marmoratus using FIASCO (fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats) protocol. Twenty‐seven primer pairs were designed, 14 of which worked well in polymerase chain reaction (PCR), amplifying a fragment of the expected size. Variability was tested in 18 specimens collected along the coast of Tuscany (Italy). Five loci were discarded due to stutter products during their amplification, and two resulted to be monomorphic. The remaining seven loci, showed a number of alleles ranging from two to 14 and an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.12 to 0.67.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from a commercial cultivar of Musa acuminata
Authors: CRESTE SILVANA , BENATTI THIAGO R. , ORSI MYRIAN R. , RISTERUCCI ANGE‐MARIE , FIGUEIRA ANTONIO
Published: January 2006

A genomic library from the commercial diploid cultivar ‘Ouro’ (Musa acuminata), enriched for CT‐ and GT‐repeats, was used to isolate and characterize 23 microsatellite loci. These loci were tested in 10 Musa genotypes, representing various Musa genomic groups with distinct ploidy level. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to seven, and 20 loci were highly informative. Four loci appeared to amplify B genome‐specific alleles, while three loci seemed to be absent in the B genome. The polymorphism revealed by these loci will be extremely useful for genetic mapping, marker‐assisted selection, germplasm characterization and evolutionary studies in Musa.
Characterization of Nanocrystalline Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3) Synthesized by a Novel Approach Through Aqueous Precursor Method
Authors: Dhak Debasis , Pramanik Panchanan
Published: January 2006

Bi2Te3‐based alloys are currently best‐known, technologically important thermoelectric materials near room temperature. In this paper, nanocrystalline Bi2Te3 was synthesized by an aqueous solution technique based on the reaction between the aqueous solution of Bi‐ethylenediamine tetraaceticacid (EDTA), TeO‐EDTA, and NaBH4 at room temperature. NaBH4 was used as a reducing agent. TeO‐EDTA was prepared from TeO2 after satisfactory purification. The sample purity was examined by selected area energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. The products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy by which the particle morphologies and size were studied. The particle size ranges from 60 to 90 nm.
Effect of the Octahedral Bond Valence on Microwave Dielectric Properties of (1−x)Al0.5Ta0.5O2−xMg0.33Ta0.67O2 Ceramics
Authors: Choi Ji‐Won , Yoon Ki Hyun , van Dover R. B.
Published: January 2006

The dependence of the octahedral bond valence on the microwave dielectric properties of (1−x)Al0.5Ta0.5O2−xMg0.33Ta0.67O2 (0.6≤x≤1.0) ceramics was investigated. As x increased beyond 0.6, (1−x)Al0.5Ta0.5O2−xMg0.33Ta0.67O2 transformed into a tetragonal structure. As x increased, the dielectric constant (ɛr) increased from 25.8 to 27.4 due to an increase in ionic polarizability, and the discrepancy between the observed dielectric polarizabilities (αobs.) and the theoretical ones (αtheo.) increased from 4.02% to 4.68% with the decrease of the octahedral bond valence from 3.759 to 3.726 due to the increase of the unit cell volume. The temperature coefficients of the resonant frequencies (τf) were found to depend on the octahedral bond valence and dielectric mixing rule.
The Effect of Powder Mixing Procedures on α‐SiAlON
Authors: Shuba Roman , Chen I‐Wei
Published: January 2006

Various procedures of mixing starting powders for hot‐pressing α‐SiAlON ceramics were studied. They included different milling methods (attrition milling, ball milling, and sonication), liquid medium (water, isopropyl alcohol, and pyridine), and atmospheres (ambient air and nitrogen). These mixing procedures resulted in markedly different densification behavior and fired ceramics. As the powders experienced increasing oxidation because of mixing, the densification temperature decreased, the amount of residual glass increased, and α‐SiAlON was destabilized and replaced by β‐SiAlON and AlN polytypes during hot pressing. These effects were mitigated when pyridine, nitrogen, and sonication were used. Several protocols that yielded nearly phase‐pure, glass‐free dense α‐SiAlON were thus identified.
Increased risk of extrapyramidal side‐effect treatment associated with atypical antipsychotic polytherapy
Authors: Carnahan R. M. , Lund B. C. , Perry P. J. , Chrischilles E. A.
Published: January 2006

Objective:  To determine whether atypical antipsychotic polytherapy is a risk factor for drug treatment for extrapyramidal side‐effects (anti‐EPS drugs) and whether the risk is attributable to antipsychotic dose.

Method:  We studied Iowa Medicaid beneficiaries aged 18–64 years with an active atypical and no conventional antipsychotic on January 1, 2001. The association of atypical antipsychotic polytherapy with anti‐EPS drug treatment was determined. Multiple logistic regression was utilized to adjust for covariates in two models, the first adjusting for age, sex and the specific antipsychotic(s) prescribed, and the second also adjusting for doses.

Results:  Among 4400 patients, the unadjusted odds of anti‐EPS treatment were increased two‐fold with polytherapy. Polytherapy remained a risk factor in the first model (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0), but not after adjusting for doses (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7–1.4).

Conclusion:  Atypical antipsychotic polytherapy is a risk factor for anti‐EPS drug treatment, apparently because of higher cumulative doses.
Evaluating oral health promotion: need for quality outcome measures
Authors: Watt Richard G. , Harnett Robert , Daly Blanaid , Fuller Sabrina S. , Kay Elizabeth , Morgan Antony , Munday Polly , Nowjack‐Raymer Ruth , Treasure Elizabeth T.
Published: January 2006

Abstract – Oral health promotion effectiveness reviews have identified the need to improve the quality of the evaluation of interventions. A project was undertaken to identify and assess the quality of available outcome measures. This paper describes the methodology adopted and highlights the need for further development of oral health promotion outcome measures. Initially a thorough and comprehensive search of both the published and unpublished literature was undertaken to identify potential outcome measures. A set of quality criteria was then developed and used to assess the identified measures. The search identified a total of 1202 outcome measures of which 39% (n = 466) were developed for use with schoolchildren. A high proportion of the identified measures were classified as health literacy and healthy lifestyle outcomes, appropriate for the evaluation of oral health education activities. Only 1% (n = 12) of measures identified were classified in the healthy public policy category. When reviewed against the quality criteria, 49% (n = 594) of the measures were considered satisfactory. The poorest performing measures were those classified as healthy lifestyle and health literacy measures in which only 33% (n = 72) and 41% (n = 240), respectively, were deemed to be of satisfactory quality. In conclusion, a significant number of oral health promotion evaluation outcome measures have been identified although their quality is highly variable. Very few high‐quality outcome measures exist for use in the evaluation of oral health policy and environmental interventions. The lack of appropriate and high‐quality outcome measures is hampering the development of oral health promotion.
A 2‐year follow‐up study on muscle size and dynamic strength in teenage tennis players
Authors: Kanehisa H. , Kuno S. , Katsuta S. , Fukunaga T.
Published: January 2006

Growth trends in the cross‐sectional area of the quadriceps femoris (CSAQF) and its dynamic strength in 12 teenage tennis players (six boys and six girls), aged from 10.7 to 13.2 years at the onset of the study, were investigated through a 2‐year follow‐up survey. CSAQF values at the three levels (proximal, mid, and distal to the knee joint) and dynamic torques during knee extensions at three pre‐set velocities (1.05, 3.14, and 5.24 rad/s) were determined year by year, i.e., three times (T1, T2, and T3), using magnetic resonance imaging and an isokinetic dynamometer, respectively. In both genders, the CSAQF values at the three levels tended to increase across the measurement times, with greater gains in the boys than in the girls at the levels mid and distal to the knee joint. Among these changes, only the CSAQF at the level proximal to the knee joint significantly increased regardless of changes in both skeletal age and body height. The ratios of torque to the sum of CSAQF at the three levels (T/CSA) at 3.14 and 5.24 rad/s for the boys and at 5.24 rad/s for the girls were significantly higher in T2 and T3 than T1. Further, the relative increases in torque and T/CSA values at 3.14 and 5.24 rad/s were greater in the boys than the girls. The findings presented here indicate that young tennis players who are in the earlier stage of adolescence increase the CSA of the QF muscle beyond normally expected growth change at the level proximal to the knee joint and show a predominant development in torque generation capability during high‐velocity knee extensions, with a greater gain in boys compared with girls.
Disputes over memory ownership: What memories are disputed?
Authors: Sheen M. , Kemp S. , Rubin D. C.
Published: January 2006

The ownership of memories is sometimes disputed, particularly by twins. Examination of 77 disputed memories, 71 provided by twins, showed that most of the remembered events are negative and that the disputants appear to be self‐serving. They claim for themselves memories for achievements and suffered misfortunes but are more likely to give away memories of personal wrongdoing. The research suggests that some of the memories in which we play a leading role might in fact have been the experiences of others.
Exploiting human anatomical variability as a link between genome and cognome
Authors: Leonard C. M. , Eckert M. A. , Kuldau J. M.
Published: January 2006

Although talents and disabilities appear to run in families, direct links between genes and cognitive ability are difficult to establish. Investigators are currently searching for intermediate phenotypes with plausible links to both genome and cognome (the cognitive phenotype). Cortical anatomy could provide one such intermediate phenotype. Variation in cortical size, asymmetry and sulcal pattern is influenced by genetic variation in neurotrophic factors and can predict variation in verbal and mathematical talent. Anecdotal evidence suggests that individuals with a rare morphological variant of Sylvian fissure sometimes have superior visualization ability combined with verbal deficits. Documentation of such ‘cognitive cortical syndromes’ might prove as genetically informative as the identification of dysmorphic syndromes associated with mental retardation. A necessary prerequisite for the establishment of such syndromes is a reliable technique for the identification of cortical patterns. Recent technical advances in software for automatically labeling and measuring cortical sulci now provide the possibility of establishing standard measures for their shape, size and location. Such measures are a prerequisite for genetic studies of cortical patterns that could illuminate the neurodevelopmental pathways by which genes affect cognitive ability.
Facial templates: a new perspective in three dimensions
Authors: Kau CH , Zhurov A , Richmond S , Cronin A , Savio C , Mallorie C
Published: January 2006

Structured Abstract

Authors –  Kau CH, Zhurov A, Richmond S, Cronin A, Savio C, Mallorie C

Purpose –  This paper describes the use of adult facial template in gender‐specific facial analysis.

Subjects and Methods –  Eighty adults, mean age 24.5, were selected for the study. Laser‐scanned images of the subjects were obtained under a reproducible and controlled environment with two Minolta Vivid 900 (Osaka, Japan) optical laser‐scanning devices assembled as a stereo‐pair. A set of left and right scanned images was taken for each subject and each scan took an average of 2.5 s. These scanned images were processed and merged to form a composite three‐dimensional soft tissue reproduction of the subjects using commercially available reverse modelling software. The differences in facial morphology were measured using shell deviation colour maps. The facial template was used to compare differences between males vs. females groups and two subjects with facial disproportions.

Results –  The difference between the male and female facial templates was 1.28 ± 1.02 mm. The areas of greatest deviation were at the nasal, zygomatic area and lower jaw line. The results of the surface deviation maps between the templates and subjects with facial disproportion showed that the results could be applied for orthodontic diagnosis.

Conclusions –  The construction of the adult facial templates provides an interesting perspective into measuring changes in groups of patients and also acts as a useful template for the comparison of skeletal disproportion.
HLA‐G polymorphism in a Chinese Han population with recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Yan W. H. , Fan L. A. , Yang J. Q. , Xu L. D. , Ge Y. , Yao F. J.
Published: January 2006

Reproduction is an important biological phenomenon posing an immunological paradox because the semiallogeneic fetus survives by evading maternal immune recognition. The detailed mechanisms behind this maternal–fetal immunotolerance remain elusive. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐G, a non‐classical HLA class I antigen, initially identified as a molecule selectively expressed on extravillous cytotrophoblasts and first studied in the context of pregnancy, has long been supposed to play a critical role in fetal–maternal immunotolerance. To investigate the role of HLA‐G polymorphism in this process and whether the HLA‐G genotype is associated with an increased risk for a subsequent miscarriage, 69 women with three or more recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) and 146 fertile control women were genotyped for the HLA‐G locus in this study. To our knowledge, this is the first report on HLA‐G polymorphism in RSA and in normal fertile women from a Chinese Han population. Nine HLA‐G alleles were detected in the fertile control group; however, the allele HLA‐G*0103 was absent in the RSA group. No statistical significance was observed in the distribution of HLA‐G alleles between the two groups. The frequency of the null allele HLA‐G*0105 N in the RSA group and in normal fertile women is 0.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Our data suggested that there was no association of HLA‐G polymorphism with RSA.
The capture of Centaurs as Trojans
Authors: Horner J. , Wyn Evans N.
Published: January 2006

Large-scale simulations of Centaurs have yielded vast numbers of data, the analysis of which allows interesting but uncommon scenarios to be studied. One such rare phenomenon is the temporary capture of Centaurs as Trojans of the giant planets. Such captures are generally short (10–100 kyr), but occur with sufficient frequency (∼40 objects larger than 1 km in diameter every Myr) that they may well contribute to the present-day populations. Uranus and Neptune seem to have great difficulty capturing Centaurs into the 1 : 1 resonance, while Jupiter captures some, and Saturn the most (∼80 per cent). We conjecture that such temporary capture from the Centaur population may be the dominant delivery route into the Saturnian Trojans. Photometric studies of the Jovian Trojans may reveal outliers with Centaur-like as opposed to asteroidal characteristics, and these would be prime candidates for captured Centaurs.
Chaos Control of Uncertain Chaotic Systems via Backstepping Approach
Authors: Bowong S. , Kakmeni F. M. Moukam
Published: January 2006

This paper presents a robust control scheme for a class of uncertain chaotic systems. The proposed feedback controller is composed by an uncertainty estimator and a backstepping feedback, so its implementation is quite simple and can be made on the basis of the measured signal. The developed control scheme allows chaos suppression despite uncertainties in the model as well as unmeasured disturbances. The Chua and Φ6-Duffing are used to illustrate the performance of the proposed controller.
The Two-Degree-of-Freedom Tuned-Mass Damper for Suppression of Single-Mode Vibration Under Random and Harmonic Excitation
Authors: Zuo Lei , Nayfeh Samir A.
Published: January 2006

Whenever a tuned-mass damper is attached to a primary system, motion of the absorber body in more than one degree of freedom (DOF) relative to the primary system can be used to attenuate vibration of the primary system. In this paper, we propose that more than one mode of vibration of an absorber body relative to a primary system be tuned to suppress single-mode vibration of a primary system. We cast the problem of optimization of the multi-degree-of-freedom connection between the absorber body and primary structure as a decentralized control problem and develop optimization algorithms based on the H2 and H-infinity norms to minimize the response to random and harmonic excitations, respectively. We find that a two-DOF absorber can attain better performance than the optimal SDOF absorber, even for the case where the rotary inertia of the absorber tends to zero. With properly chosen connection locations, the two-DOF absorber achieves better vibration suppression than two separate absorbers of optimized mass distribution. A two-DOF absorber with a negative damper in one of its two connections to the primary system yields significantly better performance than absorbers with only positive dampers.
Effect of Loading Rate on the Compressive Mechanics of the Immature Baboon Cervical Spine
Authors: Elias Paul Z. , Nuckley David J. , Ching Randal P.
Published: January 2006

Thirty-four cervical spine segments were harvested from 12 juvenile male baboons and compressed to failure at displacement rates of 5, 50, 500, or 5000mm∕s. Compressive stiffness, failure load, and failure displacement were measured for comparison across loading rate groups. Stiffness showed a significant concomitant increase with loading rate, increasing by 62% between rates of 5 and 5000mm∕s. Failure load also demonstrated an increasing relationship with loading rate, while displacement at failure showed no rate dependence. These data may help in the development of improved pediatric automotive safety standards and more biofidelic physical and computational models.
THE EXPLANATION OF THE DEFORMED SCHILD STRING
Authors: MAEGAWA RIE KURIKI
Published: January 2006

We comment on Ref. 1. One of the deformed actions can express the Neveu–Schwarz–Ramond superstring under three gauge conditions. One of these depends on a matrix induced by the string coordinate.
DYNAMICAL ESTIMATION OF CALENDAR EFFECTS
Authors: LEONTITSIS ALEXANDROS
Published: January 2006

The paper introduces a method for estimation and reduction of calendar effects from time series, which their fluctuations are governed by a nonlinear dynamical system and additive normal noise. Calendar effects can be considered deviations of the distribution(s) of particular group(s) of observations that have a common characteristic related to the calendar. The concept of this method is the following: since the calendar effects are not related to the dynamics of the time series, the accurate estimation and reduction will result a time series with a smaller amount of noise level (i.e. more accurate dynamics). The main tool of this method is the correlation integral, due to its inherit capability of modeling both the dynamics and the additive normal noise. Experimental results are presented on the Nasdaq Cmp. index.
OPTIMAL ENTROPY SOLUTIONS FOR CONSERVATION LAWS WITH DISCONTINUOUS FLUX-FUNCTIONS
Authors: ADIMURTHI  , MISHRA SIDDHARTHA , GOWDA G. D. VEERAPPA
Published: January 2006

We deal with a single conservation law in one space dimension whose flux function is discontinuous in the space variable and we introduce a proper framework of entropy solutions. We consider a large class of fluxes, namely, fluxes of the convex-convex type and of the concave-convex (mixed) type. The alternative entropy framework that is proposed here is based on a two step approach. In the first step, infinitely many classes of entropy solutions are defined, each associated with an interface connection. We show that each of these class of entropy solutions form a contractive semigroup in L1 and is hence unique. Godunov type schemes based on solutions of the Riemann problem are designed and shown to converge to each class of these entropy solutions. The second step is to choose one of these classes of solutions. This choice depends on the Physics of the problem being considered and we concentrate on the model of two-phase flows in a heterogeneous porous medium. We define an optimization problem on the set of admissible interface connections and show the existence of an unique optimal connection and its corresponding optimal entropy solution. The optimal entropy solution is consistent with the expected solutions for two-phase flows in heterogeneous porous media.
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS FOR EINSTEIN'S FIELD EQUATIONS: MATHEMATICAL AND NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: SARBACH OLIVIER , TIGLIO MANUEL
Published: January 2006

Outer boundary conditions for strongly and symmetric hyperbolic formulations of 3D Einstein's field equations with a live gauge condition are discussed. The boundary conditions have the property that they ensure constraint propagation and control in a sense made precise in this article the physical degrees of freedom at the boundary. We use Fourier–Laplace transformation techniques to find necessary conditions for the well posedness of the resulting initial-boundary value problem and integrate the resulting three-dimensional nonlinear equations using a finite-differencing code. We obtain a set of constraint-preserving boundary conditions which pass a robust numerical stability test. We explicitly compare these new boundary conditions to standard, maximally dissipative ones through Brill wave evolutions. Our numerical results explicitly show that in the latter case the constraint variables, describing the violation of the constraints, do not converge to zero when resolution is increased while for the new boundary conditions, the constraint variables do decrease as resolution is increased. As an application, we inject pulses of "gravitational radiation" through the boundaries of an initially flat spacetime domain, with enough amplitude to generate strong fields and induce large curvature scalars, showing that our boundary conditions are robust enough to handle nonlinear dynamics.

We expect our boundary conditions to be useful for improving the accuracy and stability of current binary black hole and binary neutron star simulations, for a successful implementation of characteristic or perturbative matching techniques, and other applications. We also discuss limitations of our approach and possible future directions.
THE ELLIPTICITY PRINCIPLE FOR SELF-SIMILAR POTENTIAL FLOWS
Authors: ELLING VOLKER , LIU TAI-PING
Published: January 2006

We consider self-similar potential flow for compressible gas with polytropic pressure law. Self-similar solutions arise as large-time asymptotes of general solutions, and as exact solutions of many important special cases like Mach reflection, multidimensional Riemann problems, or flow around corners.

Self-similar potential flow is a quasilinear second-order PDE of mixed type which is hyperbolic at infinity (if the velocity is globally bounded). The type in each point is determined by the local pseudo-Mach number L, with L < 1 (respectively, L > 1) corresponding to elliptic (respectively, hyperbolic) regions. We prove an ellipticity principle: the interior of a parabolic-elliptic region of a sufficiently smooth solution must be elliptic; in fact L must be bounded above away from 1 by a domain-dependent function. In particular there are no open parabolic regions. We also discuss the case of slip boundary conditions at straight solid walls.
ADMISSIBILITY OF VISCOUS-DISPERSIVE SYSTEMS
Authors: HUMPHERYS JEFFREY
Published: January 2006

We consider the class of viscous-dispersive and higher-order conservation laws. We generalize the work of Kawashima and Shizuta, and others, by extending to higher-order the notions of symmetrizability, strict dissipativity, and genuine coupling. We prove, for symmetrizable systems, that strict dissipativity is equivalent to both (i) genuine coupling and (ii) the existence of a skew-symmetric compensating function.
RNA FOLDING DURING TRANSCRIPTION
Authors: Pan Tao , Sosnick Tobin
Published: January 2006

The evolution of RNA sequence needs to satisfy three requirements: folding, structure, and function. Studies on folding during transcription are related directly to folding in the cell. Understanding RNA folding during transcription requires the elucidation of structure formation and structural changes of the RNA, and the consideration of intrinsic properties of the RNA polymerase and other proteins that interact with the RNA. This review summarizes the research progress in this area and outlines the enormous challenges facing this field. Significant advancement requires the development of new experimental methods and theoretical considerations in all aspects of transcription and RNA folding.
Contingency Management for Treatment of Substance Abuse
Authors: Stitzer Maxine , Petry Nancy
Published: January 2006

Clinical research trials demonstrate the efficacy of contingency management procedures in treating substance use disorders. Usually, reinforcement, in the form of vouchers exchangeable for retail goods and services, is provided for drug abstinence in patients treated in psychosocial or methadone maintenance clinics. Recently, the types of reinforcers have been adapted to include lower cost alternatives, and reinforcement is being expanded to alter other target behaviors such as attendance at treatment, adherence to treatment goals, and compliance with medication. This chapter provides an overview of the populations and behaviors to which contingency management approaches have been applied. It also reviews design features that appear critical in the successful adaptation of the techniques. In addition, areas for future research are described.
Obesity
Authors: Fabricatore Anthony N. , Wadden Thomas A.
Published: January 2006

The prevalence of obesity is growing at an alarming rate. Thus, investigation into the etiology, comorbidities, and treatment of obesity has burgeoned in recent years. While novel therapies—both behavioral and pharmacological—have been developed and tested, the mean weight losses achieved with nonsurgical approaches have remained virtually unchanged over the past 20 years. Fortunately, the modest weight losses achieved with these methods are associated with significant reductions in obesity-related health problems. With the most intensive available treatment (i.e., bariatric surgery), many patients achieve remission of comorbid conditions. This article defines obesity and provides an overview of the disease conditions associated with excess weight. Treatment options and outcomes are reviewed and future steps—including efforts to prevent obesity—are identified. Finally, the literature on the relationship between obesity and depression is examined.
Recovered Memories
Authors: Loftus Elizabeth F. , Davis Deborah
Published: January 2006

The issues surrounding repressed, recovered, or false memories have sparked one of the greatest controversies in the mental health profession in the twentieth century. We review evidence concerning the existence of the repression and recovery of autobiographical memories of traumatic events and research on the development of false autobiographical memories, how specific therapeutic procedures can lead to false memories, and individual vulnerability to resisting false memories. These findings have implications for therapeutic practice, for forensic practice, for research and training in psychology, and for public policy.
The Use of Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) as an Assessment Tool
Authors: Benjamin Lorna Smith , Rothweiler Jeffrey Conrad , Critchfield Kenneth L.
Published: January 2006

Structural analysis of social behavior (SASB) is a model that can be used to assess interpersonal and intrapsychic interactions in terms of three underlying dimensions: (a) focus (other, self, introject), (b) affiliation-hostility (love-hate), and (c) interdependence-independence (enmeshment-differentiation). Assessment of individuals or groups in terms of these dimensions can be made by self-ratings on the SASB Intrex questionnaires, ratings by others using the same questionnaires, or by objective observer ratings. Data generated by questionnaires or formal codes yield identical summary parameters, making it possible to compare directly objective observer assessments with self-ratings, if desired. The goal of this chapter is to help the reader understand the structure of SASB, become aware of how it has been used in studying interpersonal and intrapsychic events, assess its validity, assess the substance and relevance of criticisms, and consider future possibilities.
EXPLAINING THE CAMBRIAN “EXPLOSION” OF ANIMALS
Authors: Marshall Charles R.
Published: January 2006

The Cambrian “explosion” is a unique episode in Earth history, when essentially all the animal phyla first appear in the fossil record. A variety of environmental, developmental (genetic), and ecological explanations for this complex and somewhat protracted event are reviewed, with a focus on how well each explains the observed increases in disparity and diversity, the time of onset of the radiation, its duration, and its uniqueness. The increase in disparity (the origin of the phyla) and diversity are best understood as being the result of the interplay of the combinatorial bilaterian developmental system and the increase in the number of needs the first bilaterians had to meet as complex ecological interactions developed. The time of onset is constrained by the evolution of the environment, whereas its duration appears to be controlled primarily by rates of developmental innovation. The uniqueness of the event is either due to ensuing developmental limitation, to ecological saturation, or simply to the exhaustion of ecologically viable morphologies that could be produced by the nascent bilaterian developmental system.
HISTORY AND APPLICATIONS OF MASS-INDEPENDENT ISOTOPE EFFECTS
Authors: Thiemens Mark H.
Published: January 2006

The discovery of the first chemically produced mass-independent isotope effect in 1983 by Thiemens & Heidenreich opened a broad variety of applications, including physical chemistry studies, atmospheric chemistry, paleoclimatology, biologic primary productivity assessment, Solar System origin and evolution, planetary atmospheres (Mars), and the origin and evolution of life in Earth's earliest environment. This chapter reviews the history of the field as well as all of the various applications since the first report of the mass-independent isotope effect.
MÖSSBAUER SPECTROSCOPY OF EARTH AND PLANETARY MATERIALS
Authors: Dyar M. Darby , Agresti David G. , Schaefer Martha W. , Grant Christopher A. , Sklute Elizabeth C.
Published: January 2006

The field of Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) has recently enjoyed renewed visibility in the diverse geoscience communities as a result of the inclusion of Mössbauer spectrometers on the Mars Exploration Rovers. Furthermore, new improvements in technology have made possible studies involving very small samples (1–5 mg or less) and samples with very low Fe contents (such as feldspars), in addition to samples measured in situ in thin sections. Because of these advances, use of Mössbauer spectroscopy in Earth science applications is expected to continue to grow, providing information on site occupancies; valence states; magnetic properties; and size distributions of (largely) Fe-bearing geological materials, including minerals, glasses, and rocks. Thus, it is timely to review here the underlying physics behind the technique, with a focus on the study of geological samples. With this background, recent advances in the field, including (a) changes in instrumentation that have allowed analysis of very small samples and of surface properties, (b) new models for fitting and interpreting spectra, and (c) new calculations of recoil-free fraction, are discussed. These results have made possible increasingly sophisticated studies of minerals, which are summarized here and organized by major mineral groups. They are also facilitating processing and interpretation of data from Mars.