bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early use of clinical BRCA1/2 testing: Associations with race and breast cancer risk
Authors: Armstrong Katrina , Weber Barbara , Stopfer Jill , Calzone Kathleen , Putt Mary , Coyne James , Schwartz J. Sanford
Published: February 2003

When BRCA1/2 testing became commercially available in 1996, many U.S. experts voiced concern about the potential for indiscriminate use of testing among low‐risk women. Supporting this concern, several early surveys of interest in genetic testing suggested that genetic testing for cancer susceptibility might appeal most to individuals at low risk of carrying a mutation. To identify factors associated with early use of clinical BRCA1/2 testing, a case‐control study was conducted at a large academic health system in the metropolitan Philadelphia region. A total of 167 women underwent genetic counseling for clinical BRCA1/2 testing between 1996 and 1997 (cases) compared with 138 women who were seen in faculty general internal medicine practices over the same period (controls). In this study we measured the risk factors for breast cancer, the risk factors for carrying a BRCA1/2 mutation, and sociodemographic characteristics. Use of BRCA1/2 counseling between 1996 and 1997 was positively associated with family but no personal history of breast cancer (odds ratio (OR), 22.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 9.3–54.3); family and personal history of breast cancer (OR, 150.3; 95% CI, 24.1–939.6); being Caucasian and non‐Jewish (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.3–13.5); being Caucasian and Jewish (OR, 8.8; 95% CI, 2.2–35.5); and being married (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.6–6.3). Use of BRCA1/2 counseling was inversely associated with increasing age (OR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02–0.28 for >60 compared to <50). As suggested by the association with family history, use of counseling was associated with having a higher predicted risk of breast cancer and a higher predicted risk of carrying a BRCA1 mutation (P < 0.0001). Women who sought clinical BRCA1/2 testing in the year after it became commercially available were not the “worried well,” but women at significantly increased risk of carrying a mutation. However, even after adjusting for breast cancer risk, there was a substantial racial disparity in use of BRCA1/2 testing. These findings suggest that ensuring equal access to testing for high‐risk individuals irrespective of race may be as important for the future of predictive genetic testing as restricting the use of testing among low‐risk individuals. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial DNA evidence for admixed origins of central Siberian populations
Authors: Pakendorf Brigitte , Wiebe Victor , Tarskaia Larissa A. , Spitsyn Victor A. , Soodyall Himla , Rodewald Alexander , Stoneking Mark
Published: February 2003

The Yakuts of northeastern Siberia are a Turkic‐speaking population of horse‐ and cattle‐breeders surrounded by Tungusic‐speaking reindeer‐herders and hunter‐gatherers. Archaeological and ethnohistorical data suggest that Yakuts stem from a common ancestral population with the Buryats living near Lake Baikal. To address this hypothesis, we obtained sequences of the first hypervariable segment (HV1) of the mitochondrial DNA control region from Yakuts and Buryats and compared these with sequences from other Eurasian populations. The mtDNA results show that the Buryats have close affinities with both Central Asian Turkic groups and Mongols, while the Yakuts have close affinities with northeastern Siberian, Tungusic‐speaking Evenks and south Siberian, Turkic‐speaking Tuvans. This different ancestry of the Yakuts and the Tuvans (compared with other Turkic‐speaking groups) most likely reflects extensive admixture that occurred between Turkic‐speaking steppe groups and Evenks as the former migrated into Siberia. Moreover, the Yakuts are unique among Siberian populations in having a high number of haplotypes shared exclusively with Europeans, suggesting, contrary to the historical record, that occasionally Yakut men took Russian women as wives. Am J Phys Anthropol 120:211–224, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonalimentary tooth use in prehistory: An example from early Holocene in Central Sahara (Uan Muhuggiag, Tadrart Acacus, Libya)
Authors: Minozzi Simona , Manzi Giorgio , Ricci Francesca , di Lernia Savino , Borgognini Tarli Silvana M.
Published: February 2003

Signs of nonalimentary tooth use were observed on the dentition of an adult male from a single burial excavated in an area close to the Uan Muhuggiag rock shelter (Tadrart Acacus, Libya), dated to more than 7800 uncalibrated years BP, that represents the most ancient human remain found in the Libyan Sahara, and provides a first glimpse of human adaptation in the early Holocene of this region. The wear pattern shows large grooves running across the occlusal surfaces of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth and premolars. The results of macroscopic and microscopic observation, together with scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination and experimental tests, suggest that the microdamage might be due to repeated friction of vegetal fibers, probably as a consequence of basket making, net production, or mat processing. Further data are needed to allow us to distinguish among plant‐oriented activities related to food acquisition (e.g., rope and net processing), food storage (e.g., basket making), or domestic handicraft (e.g., mat processing), whose implications may generate different interpretations of sexual division of labor. Am J Phys Anthropol 120:225–232, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A New and Practical Method for Preparing Enantiomerically Pure [1,1′‐Binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diol: Resolution of Racemic [1,1′‐Binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diol with threo‐(1S,2S)‐2‐Amino‐1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)propane‐1,3‐diolCyclohexanone Condensate
Authors: Liu Dejun , Shan Zixing , Liu Fei , Xiao Chunguang , Lu Guojian , Qin Jingui
Published: February 2003

An economic and practical method for preparing enantiomerically pure [1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diols is reported. Thus, a condensate of threo‐(1S,2S)‐2‐amino‐1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)propane‐1,3‐diol and cyclohexanone (CHANP) was used as a resolving agent. A 2 : 1 : 1 mixture of racemic [1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diol, boric acid, and CHANP was refluxed for several hours in THF or MeCN to give a white precipitate of bis{(R)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diol}boric acid CHANP derivative, from the precipitate, and a filtrate separated from the precipitate, (R)‐ and (S)‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diol of 100% ee were obtained in ca. 65% yield, respectively.
Asymmetric Synthesis of the cis‐ and trans‐3,4‐Dihydro‐2,4,8‐trihydroxynaphthalen‐1(2H)‐ones
Authors: Couché Emmanuel , Fkyerat Abdellatif , Tabacchi Raffaele
Published: February 2003

A short and efficient protocol for the asymmetric synthesis of cis‐ and trans‐3,4‐dihydro‐2,4,8‐trihydroxynaphthalen‐1(2H)‐one (1 and 2, resp.) is described, with a phthalide annulation as the key step. Introduction of a OH substituent at position 2 was performed by Sharpless dihydroxylation of a silyl enol ether or by means of an N‐sulfonyloxaziridine. The absolute configuration of each isomer was determined via Mosher‐ester derivatives. By comparison with previously recorded CD spectra of our natural sample, we established that the natural trans‐ and cis‐isomers from Ceratocystis fimbriata sp. platani were the (−)‐(2S,4S)‐isomer (−)‐2 and the (+)‐(2S,4R)‐isomer (+)‐1, respectively.
Konfiguration und enantioselektive Synthese des Pilzmetaboliten WF14861
Authors: Detterbeck Richard , Hesse Manfred
Published: February 2003

A short enantioselective synthesis of the cathepsine inhibitor WF14861 (1) from the funghi Colletotrichum sp. as well as of its diasteroisomer 21 is presented. Comparison of the NMR data of the final products and, in particular, of the [α]D values of the intermediates allowed the confirmation of the formerly proposed structure 1. In addition, the so far unknown absolute configuration of all three stereogenic centres of WF14861 could be established by this synthesis.
Malaria in irrigated agriculture
Authors: Boelee Eline
Published: February 2003

The CGIAR System‐wide Initiative on Malaria and Agriculture, SIMA, organized a special seminar on Malaria in Irrigated Agriculture at the ICID 18th International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage, 23 July 2002, Montreal. Five oral presentations, six posters and a lively discussion provided a wealth of information on the linkages between irrigation or drainage and malaria transmission in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, India, Malaysia, Mali, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The economic impact of the disease on agricultural incomes can be quite substantial. Malaria was strongly associated with waterlogging, with poor maintenance of irrigation systems and with rice cultivation. Several presenters made recommendations for environmental measures to reduce malaria and a few reported on actually implemented interventions. Most important recommendations from the seminar were increased collaboration between the water and health sectors, and contextuality: the need to consider the context of mosquito ecology, disease and environment in every case. Only then can specific and innovative intervention approaches be identified and applied to help fight malaria. Moreover, if irrigation and drainage indeed bring economic development to the rural areas, the population will benefit in terms of better health and less malaria. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping with water scarcity: water saving and increasing water productivity
Authors: Hamdy A. , Ragab R. , Scarascia‐Mugnozza Elisa
Published: February 2003

The increasing scarcity of water in dry areas is now a well‐recognized problem. According to the World Commission on Environment and Development, approximately 80 countries with 40% of the world population already suffer from serious water shortages.

At present, water shortages have led most of arid and semi‐arid countries to increase food imports because the local agricultural sector is not able to produce sufficient food to fill the existing food gaps. The increasing food gaps are posing serious challenges beyond the economic and political capacity required for the necessary adjustments concerning the allocation and use of water in all sectors, particularly agriculture.

The agricultural sector is by far the largest user of water in the world. On a consumptive use basis, 80–90% of all the water is consumed in agriculture. Unfortunately, water use efficiency in this sector is very poor not exceeding 45% with more than 50% water losses; thereby, enormous water saving could be achieved in the agricultural sector comparable with other sectoral water uses.

The growing water scarcity and the misuse and management of the available water resources are nowadays major threats to sustainable development for the various sectors, especially domestic, industrial and agricultural.

Today, in most countries suffering water shortages, at the heart is the question of whether a water crisis can be averted or whether water can be made productive. Increasing the productivity of water is central to producing food, to fighting poverty, to reducing competition for water and to ensuring that there is enough water for nature. The more we produce with less water and/or with the same amount of water, the less the need for infrastructure development, the fewer the conflicts among the sectoral water uses, the greater the local food security and the more water for agricultural, household and industrial uses, and the more that remains in nature. However, to achieve such goals, major improvements are still required in water resource use and irrigation technology and management. Meeting such challenges will require a far greater effort and significant changes in how water is managed. What needs to be changed? What are the improvements required to cope with increased water scarcity?

These are the issues to be discussed in this paper: addressing the appropriate techniques and proper tools to be adopted for increasing the productivity of water through water saving, and improving the rates in water use efficiency in the irrigation sector coupled with better management systems for water conveyance, allocation and distribution. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Dripping with success”: the challenges of an irrigation redevelopment project
Authors: Merry R. E.
Published: February 2003

Irrigation is vital to sugarcane production at the Simunye sugar estate in Swaziland. When full commercial production commenced in 1982 the estate had two main irrigation systems, dragline sprinkler and surface furrow, but in later expansions surface drip irrigation was used. By the mid‐1990s there was increasing demand on water resources for further sugarcane expansion and with the infield sprinkler equipment showing signs of wear and tear, Simunye estate looked into irrigation redevelopment. A cost analysis of seven different irrigation options was undertaken and the one that offered the best return was conversion of the dragline sprinkler system to subsurface drip. The redevelopment project commenced in 1998 and so far 4000 ha have been converted from sprinkler to drip. The system design uses a novel cluster house concept for controlling irrigation water and fertigation to cane blocks of about 100 ha. Radio controllers are used to provide automatic operation of pumps, valves and irrigation schedules. A post‐investment audit conducted in 1999 confirmed a sucrose increase of 15% and water saving of 22% compared to the sprinkler system, better than originally expected. Further analysis undertaken in 2001 revealed even better figures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ignoring the signals: irrigation salinity in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Proust Katrina
Published: February 2003

From antiquity the problems of salinisation appeared with the introduction of irrigation in the Mediterranean basin. Times of abundant harvests were followed by periods of declining yields due to sterilisation of the soils. In the nineteenth century, British India and the United States of America had to face similar problems. The experiences in these two countries provided understanding of the problems of salinisation of irrigated soils. In south‐eastern Australia salinisation occurred shortly after the Mildura irrigation settlement was established in Victoria in 1887. By 1906 the New South Wales government began plans for Australia's first intensive irrigation development: the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme. In this paper I examine how the historical signals from overseas and Victoria were ignored, and how rising water tables, waterlogging and salinity followed the development. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of adhesion molecules in the lower uterine segment during term and preterm parturition
Authors: Winkler M. , Kemp B. , Fischer D.C. , Ruck P. , Rath W.
Published: February 2003

Term and preterm cervical ripening and dilatation have similarities with an inflammatory reaction. Since cell adhesion molecules are involved in this process, investigations on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule‐1, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule in the lower uterine segment and in vitro experiments on human umbilical vein endothelial cells were performed. In addition, current reports on expression of endothelial adhesion molecules by the uterine cervix were summarized. Cell adhesion molecule expression by lower uterine segment and uterine cervix in term and preterm parturition was measured using immunohistochemistry, enzyme immunoassay, and Northern blot analysis. Regulation of adhesion molecule expression was evaluated in vitro by indirect immunofluorescence and flow cytometry using human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Investigations in term parturition revealed that intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule‐1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 expression increases during parturition. In preterm labor, the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule‐1 and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 in the lower uterine segment increased. Expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule did not change in term and preterm parturition. Expression of adhesion molecules was localized mainly on lower uterine segment vascular endothelial cells and to a smaller extent on leukocytes. In vitro experiments showed that expression of adhesion molecules by human umbilical vein endothelial cells can be stimulated by tumor necrosis factor‐α, 17β‐estradiol, prostaglandin E2, and the antigestagen onapristone. Progesterone exerted no stimulatory effect. Cervical ripening and dilatation during term and preterm parturition are associated with an increased expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules by lower uterine segment and uterine cervix. The expression can be modulated by pro‐inflammatory cytokines, sex hormones, and prostaglandin E2. Mechanisms controlling the extravasation of leukocytes may play a fundamental role in term and preterm parturition. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:430–444, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stromal vascularization in the endometrium during adenomyosis
Authors: Ota Hirotaka , Tanaka Toshinobu
Published: February 2003

In adenomyosis, the two major frequent symptoms are hypermenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. The incidence of the former is said to be high, ranging from 36 to 70%. It has been found that vascular distribution of the endometrium in adenomyosis is diversely different from fertile patients without adenomyosis. For example, hysteroscopy revealed that approximately half of the patients have abnormal vascularization. In these patients, vascular distribution was generally irregular, and vessels were thick, dilated, and/or reticular in some patients. Moreover, morphometric analysis of the endometrium revealed that in the fertile women, the mean surface area, total surface area, and total number of capillaries, all increased significantly in the secretory phase compared to the proliferative phase. In contrast, the above parameters increased in the adenomyosis group in both the proliferatve phase and secretory phase compared to the fertile women. In particular, the total surface area of capillaries per mm2 markedly rose, by 11.6 times, compared to that of the proliferative phase in the fertile women. These findings suggest that regulatory factors involved in the vascular proliferation are diversely exaggerated, and that the abnormal vascularization of the endometrium is closely related with hypermenorrhea. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:445–449, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spirometric function in children of Mexico City compared to Mexican‐American children
Authors: Pérez‐Padilla Rogelio , Regalado‐Pineda Justino , Rojas Margarita , Catalán Minerva , Mendoza Laura , Rojas Rosalba , Chapela Rocio , Villalba Jaime , Torres Victor , Borja‐Aburto Victor , Olaiz Gustavo
Published: February 2003

We set out to describe the pattern of lung function growth in Mexican students from 8–20 years of age, using internationally accepted equipment and methodology, and to compare it to values reported for Mexican‐American children. Out of a total of 6,803 students from primary school to high school studied cross‐sectionally in the Mexico City metropolitan area, we selected 4,009 asymptomatic, nonobese, nonsmoker subjects to generate spirometric prediction equations. We describe regression equations for the main spirometric variables (log transformed) based on age, height, and weight, and separated for males and females. Spirometric function in the population studied was above that predicted for European (Quanjer et al. [1987] Pediatr Pulmonol 19:135–142) or Mexican‐American children, for the same age, height, and gender. On average, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) in Mexican children was 9.5% above that of Europeans (Quanjer et al. [1987] Pediatr Pulmonol 19:135–142), 14% and 5% above Hispanics reported by (Coultas et al. [1988] Am Rev Respir Dis 138:1386–1392) and (Hsu et al. [1979] J Pediatr 95:14–23), respectively, and 5% above Mexican‐Americans from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study. Similarly, FVC was 8%, 14%, 8%, and 5.6% above the figures predicted by the same authors. The largest errors of prediction of foreign equations occurred in extremely tall or short subjects, and therefore a single proportional adjustment is unfeasible. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:177–183. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inspiratory flow rate through a dry powder inhaler (Clickhaler®) in children with asthma
Authors: Parry‐Billings Mark , Birrell Claire , Oldham Louise , O'Callaghan Christopher
Published: February 2003

Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are increasingly being used to deliver drugs for the treatment of asthma. Both the aerosolization and delivery of the drug from a DPI to the lung are dependent on an adequate inspiratory effort from the patient, and it is well‐known that the air flow achieved early in the inspiratory profile is important in determining particle size distribution from the inhaler. The present study assessed the peak inspiratory flow (PIF) generated through the Clickhaler® DPI, and the early inspiratory flow at 150 mL of inspired volume (IF150), in asthmatic children. These measurements were made in a well‐controlled setting, and two attempts were recorded to establish maximum achievement. Results were obtained from 57 children aged 6–17 years, showing a (mean ± SD) best PIF of 60.5 ± 18.7 L/min (range, 26.8–97.0). The mean PIF overall was 54.2 ± 20.8 L/min (7.9–97.0). For children aged 6–8 years, the mean best PIF was 46.5 ± 14.6 L/min (26.8–71.1); for those aged 9 years or more, it was >65 L/min (30.3–97.0). PIF values were unrelated to % predicted FEV1 measurements. Best IF150 (mean ± SD) was 42.9 ± 13.6 L/min (23.1–66.6) in children aged 6–8 years, and >55 L/min (28.0–86.4) for the older children, showing that high flow rates were achieved early in the inspiratory profile. These data indicate that children with stable asthma can generate adequate inspiratory flow rates to operate the Clickhaler® effectively. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:220–226. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impulse oscillometry: A measure for airway obstruction
Authors: Vink Geraldine R. , Arets Hubertus G.M. , van der Laag Johan , van der Ent Cornelis K.
Published: February 2003

The impulse oscillometry system (IOS) was introduced as a new technique to assess airflow obstruction in patients who are not able to perform forced breathing maneuvers, e.g., subjects with cerebral palsy or severe mental retardation, and young children. This study evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of IOS parameters to quantify changes in airflow obstruction in comparison with forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements. Measurements of FEV1, PEF, and resistance (R) and reactance (X) at frequencies of 5–35 Hz were performed in 19 children with asthma before, during, and after methacholine challenge and subsequent bronchodilatation. All parameters changed significantly during tests. Values of R5 and R10 correlated with FEV1 (r = −0.71 and −0.73, respectively, P < 0.001), as did values of X5 and X10 (r = 0.52 and 0.57, respectively, P < 0.01). Changes in R preceded changes in PEF and FEV1 during methacholine challenge. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to predict a 15% fall in FEV1 showed better sensitivity and specificity for R5 (area under the curve, 0.85) compared to PEF (0.79) or R10 (0.73). We conclude that IOS parameters can be easily used as an indirect measure of airflow obstruction. This might be helpful in patients who are not able to perform forced breathing maneuvers. In individual subjects, R values measured at 5 Hz showed to be superior to PEF measurements in the detection of a 15% fall in FEV1. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:214–219. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chylothorax following apparently spontaneous central venous thrombosis in a patient with septic shock
Authors: Berkenbosch John W. , Monteleone Philip M. , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: February 2003

Within the pediatric age group, chylothorax is rare and has been reported almost exclusively in the setting of thoracic surgical procedures or central venous hypertension secondary to central venous catheter thrombosis. We report on the development of central venous thrombosis and chylothorax in the absence of the usual risk factors in a patient with septic shock, and we expand on the role that procoagulant states, such as those induced by sepsis, might play in the development of this complication. This case reminds the practitioner that central venous thromboses and their complications may occur in the absence of the usually reported risk factors and must therefore still be considered when other clinical events suggest their presence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:230–233. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radial and tangential vibrational modes of HiPCO‐derived carbon nanotubes under pressure
Authors: Venkateswaran U. D. , Gosselin M.‐É. , Postek B. , Masica D. L. , Chen G. , Gupta R. , Eklund P. C.
Published: February 2003

We investigate the differences in the pressure dependence of the Raman‐active phonons in carbon nanotubes of different diameter and conducting nature. The pressure dependence of the tangential bands of the metallic tubes is found to be about the same as that of the semiconducting tubes. However, for the radial bands, the larger diameter semiconducting tubes are seen to exhibit a larger pressure coefficient than smaller diameter metallic tubes. We assign this behavior to the diameter dependence and not the conductivity of the tubes. We find a strong inverse diameter dependence for the normalized pressure derivative of the radial band frequency (ωR) in contrast to the recent predictions for isolated tubes. This suggests that faceting of the tubes in the bundles may be the dominant contribution to the pressure dependence of ωR.
Theoretical studies of semiconductors, with and without defects, under pressure
Authors: Christensen N.E. , Gorczyca I. , Svane A. , Gonzalez Szwacki N. , Boguslawski P.
Published: February 2003

Electronic structures and total energies obtained by ab initio quantum theory are used to calculate spectroscopic and structural properties of semiconductors under pressure. As examples we discuss III–V nitrides, partly because they have properties of great technological importance. The pressure dependence of various defect levels are discussed, and also the variation of defect formation energies with applied pressure is examined. The results are compared to similar work on defects in GaAs (Bonapasta and Giannozzi, Phys. Rev. Lett. 84, 3923 (2000)). Dilute GaAs1–xNx compounds are examined by means of calculations using large supercells. The introduction of small amounts of nitrogen modifies strongly the conduction bands. Γ, L and X states mix and form new low‐energy states. The identification of the so‐called E+ state as being a1(L1c) is confirmed. The lowest conduction band exhibits strong non‐parabolicity. Pressure affects strongly the electronic properties of GaAs1–xNx, and it influences the electron effective masses and their dependence on x. The results obtained for the dilute N‐alloys differ significantly from recent data for Ga1–xBxAs.
Accurate determination of (AlxGa1–x)0.5In0.5P alloy pressure coefficients
Authors: Harada J. , Kobayashi T. , Prins A. D. , Dunstan D. J.
Published: February 2003

The relative pressure coefficients across the (AlxGa1–x)0.5In0.5P alloy range are accurately reported for the first time as a function of the aluminium content. Low temperature continuous‐wave photoluminescence (CWPL) at hydrostatic pressures up to 30 kbar was used on a specially designed sample.
Experimental study of pressure influence on tunnel transport into 2DEG
Authors: Dizhur E.M. , Voronovsky A.N. , Kotelnikov I.N. , Dizhur S.E. , Feiginov M.N.
Published: February 2003

We present the concept and the results of pilot measurements of tunneling in a system Al/δSi‐GaAs under pressure up to 2GPa at 4.2 K. The obtained results may indicate the following: the barrier height for Al/δ‐GaAs equals to 0.86 eV at P = 0 and its pressure coefficient is 30 meV/GPa; charged impurity density in the delta‐layer starts to drop from 4.5 × 1012 cm–2 down to 3.8 × 1012 cm–2 at about 1.5 GPa; metal–insulator transition may occur in 2 DEG at about 2 GPa.
Auger recombination in InGaAs/AlGaAs‐based MQW semiconductor lasers emitting at 980 nm
Authors: Lock D. , Sweeney S. J. , Adams A. R. , Robbins D. J.
Published: February 2003

We have analysed experimentally the temperature and pressure dependence of 980 nm high‐power GaAs/AlGaAs/InGaAs semiconductor lasers in the temperature (T) range 80–350 K. Measurements of the threshold current and spontaneous emission allow us to study the underlying recombination occurring in the devices. We observe that up to ≈250 K the dominant recombination mechanism is radiative (Jth ∝ T). Above this temperature there is a super‐linear increase in threshold current and a resulting decrease in the characteristic temperature, T0 (≈130 K at room temperature). Pressure measurements at room temperature allow us to differentiate between possible recombination processes. They show that leakage into the X minima accounts for only 0.1% of the total threshold current at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. We therefore conclude that Auger recombination is the cause of the super‐linear increase in threshold current over the normal temperature range of operation.
Effects of macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics on feeding and pharyngeal pumping in Trichostrongylus colubriformis in vitro
Authors: SHERIFF J. C. , KOTZE A. C. , SANGSTER N. C. , MARTIN R. J.
Published: February 2003

The effects of macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics (MLs) on feeding by Trichostrongylus colubriformis nematodes in vitro were examined using inulin uptake as a measure of ingestion and electropharyngeograms as a record of the electrical events associated with pharyngeal pumping. Inulin uptake was inhibited by the 4 MLs tested (EC50s 0.045–4.57 nM), with an order of potency of eprinomectin (most potent), ivermectin, ivermectin monosaccharide, and ivermectin aglycone. The MLs caused both the frequency and amplitude of pharyngeal electrical events to decrease. In individual worms the inhibition of pump frequency preceded the inhibition of pump amplitude. The order of potency of the MLs as inhibitors of frequency was ivermectin aglycone, ivermectin, ivermectin monosaccharide and eprinomectin. The difference compared with the inulin assay results are probably due to the dynamics of drug uptake in the two systems. It was possible that the nematodes in the electrophysiology experiments were effectively orally ligated by enclosure of the worm's head in the recording pipette which contained no drug. Despite this difference in relative potencies, both the ingestion assays and the electrical events indicate that MLs are potent inhibitors of the pharynx in T. colubriformis in vitro. The sequence of effects on pharyngeal electrical activity suggests that ML action involves an initial inhibitory effect on the rate of pharyngeal contractions, followed by a decrease in the amplitude of the potentials associated with pharyngeal pumping events.
In vitro cultivation of Hysterothylacium aduncum (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from 3rd-stage larvae to egg-laying adults
Authors: IGLESIAS L. , VALERO A. , GÁLVEZ L. , BENÍTEZ R. , ADROHER F. J.
Published: February 2003

This is the first demonstration of the in vitro development of the 3rd-stage larvae (L3) of Hysterothylacium aduncum to the adult. This was achieved in a semi-defined medium that is easy to prepare and to reproduce. The L3, collected from the peritoneal cavity of horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), were individually inoculated into RPMI-1640 medium +20% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum (IFBS). It has been demonstrated that the optimum temperature for development is around 13 °C and is stimulated by the presence of 5% CO2 in the growth atmosphere, increasing the percentage moulting to the 4th larval stage (L4) by 1.9-fold (from 44 to 82%) and the average survival of the nematodes by 1.6 times (from 60 to 96 days). When the larvae were grown at different pHs, optimum development occurred at pH 4.0. Under these conditions, all the larvae moulted to the L4 and more than two-thirds transformed to the adult stage – in which 25–30% of the females laid eggs – and reached an average survival of over 4 months. When this medium was supplemented with 1% (w/v) of commercial pepsin, all the larvae reached the adult stage, at least 45% of the females oviposited, laying around 12-fold more eggs per female than in the medium without pepsin. The mean size of the eggs (non-fertilized) obtained was 56.8×47.6 μm. The mean length of the adult males obtained was between 3.2 and 5.2 cm and the females were between 3.0 and 6.5 cm. The adult specimens were morphologically identified as Hysterothylacium aduncum aduncum. This culture medium (RPMI-1640+20% (v/v) IFBS+1% commercial pepsin, at pH 4.0, 13 °C and 5% CO2 in air) could facilitate the identification of at least some of the larvae of the genus Hysterothylacium – and perhaps other anisakids – for which the specific identification and the biological study of these parasites is often difficult.
First fossil record of nematode parasitism of ants; a 40 million year tale
Authors: POINAR Jr G.
Published: February 2003

A mermithid nematode emerging from a male ant, Prenolepis henschei Mayr, in Baltic amber is the first fossil record demonstrating nematode parasitism of ants. This parasite, described as Heydenius formicinus sp. n., is compared to extant mermithid parasites of ants, especially Allomermis myrmecophila Baylis 1921. The present fossil, together with earlier reports of braconid and mite parasitism of ants in Baltic amber, indicates that several diverse groups had already evolved parasitic associations with ants by the Eocene.
A gadolinium and pH-sensitive hyperpolarization-activated cation current in acutely isolated single neurones from Fasciola hepatica
Authors: KIM H. S. , KAM K. Y. , RYU P. D. , HONG S. J. , JEON J. S. , JEON B. H. , KIM K. J. , PARK J. B.
Published: February 2003

Fasciola hepatica, a parasitic flatworm belonging to the Class Trematoda, is one of the first metazoan groups to possess a centralized nervous system. However, the electrophysiological properties of neurones in F. hepatica are largely unknown. In the present study, we acutely isolated viable neurones from F. hepatica and characterized their electrophysiological properties. A hyperpolarization-activated cation current was recorded in the cells using the whole-cell patch-clamp. The current was found to be activated slowly at membrane potentials negative to 0 mV and did not display any time-dependent inactivation. This current was reduced by 1 mM Gd3+ to the level of the leak current, while 3 mM of Cs+ had no effect. However, the current was inhibited by extracellular acidosis in the pH range 7.0–7.8, and the membrane potentials of these cells were depolarized by extracellular alkalosis in the pH range of 5.8 to 8.2. Gd3+ (1 mM), which inhibited the pH-sensitive hyperpolarization-activated cation current, also hyperpolarized the cells. In summary, we isolated single neurones from F. hepatica, and these were found to express a pH-sensitive hyperpolarization-activated cation current. This current may participate in the membrane depolarization of F. hepatica neurones during alkaline challenge.
Extensive polymorphism in the Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface coat protein MSP-3α is limited to specific domains
Authors: RAYNER J. C. , CORREDOR V. , FELDMAN D. , INGRAVALLO P. , IDERABDULLAH F. , GALINSKI M. R. , BARNWELL J. W.
Published: February 2003

Plasmodium merozoites are covered by a complex coat of surface proteins. Several of the Merozoite Surface Proteins (MSPs) that make up this coat have been proposed as vaccine candidates although some of the MSPs are known to be highly polymorphic. We present here the first survey and analysis of the polymorphism in the recently characterized P. vivax surface protein PvMSP-3α. Full length or partial sequences were obtained for the Pvmsp-3α gene from isolates originating in Central and South America, Asia and the Pacific. The Pvmsp-3α sequence is remarkably diverse, but this extensive diversity is largely restricted to certain domains of the encoded protein. An acidic C-terminal domain and a smaller hydrophilic N-terminus are relatively conserved, while a central domain containing coiled-coil heptad repeats is highly polymorphic and in some isolates of P. vivax is partially deleted. Unlike other MSPs, there is no evidence of allelic families of PvMSP-3α gene sequences, and no evidence that certain patterns of polymorphism group within isolates of similar geographical origin. The distribution and nature of polymorphism suggest that there are functional restrictions on mutations in this gene, and have implications for inclusion of PvMSP-3α as a candidate in a P. vivax vaccine.
A male-specific (cysteine-rich) protein of Oesophagostomum dentatum (Strongylida) with structural characteristics of a serine protease inhibitor containing two trypsin inhibitor-like domains
Authors: BOAG P. R. , RANGANATHAN S. , NEWTON S. E. , GASSER R. B.
Published: February 2003

A cDNA was isolated from an adult male Oesophagostomum dentatum gene library by screening with a male-specific, partial expressed sequence tag (EST) probe identified previously using a differential display technique. The full-length cDNA of 642 bp included 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of 44 and 121 nucleotides, respectively, and encoded a predicted protein with a putative 18 amino acid signal sequence and a mature polypeptide of 14.7 kDa comprising ∼15% cysteine residues. The amino acid sequence showed similarity with a number of proteins from Caenorhabditis elegans, parasitic nematodes, insects and amphibia, all of which contain a trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine-rich domain. A 3-dimensional structure model constructed for the O. dentatum protein (designated OdmCRP) inferred that it is composed of 2 domains, each with 5 disulfide bonds, which are indicative of the Ascaris family of serine protease inhibitors. These findings indicate that OdmCRP, with 2 structural domains relating to functionally active sites, is a new member of this inhibitor family.
Symptom fluctuation in bulimia nervosa: relation to menstrual-cycle phase and cortisol levels
Authors: LESTER N. A. , KEEL P. K. , LIPSON S. F.
Published: February 2003

Background. Individuals with bulimia nervosa report significant symptom fluctuation, and some studies have suggested a premenstrual exacerbation of binge frequency. The purpose of this study is to explore the hormonal correlates of symptom fluctuation in bulimia nervosa.

Method. For five consecutive weeks (one full menstrual cycle), eight women with bulimia nervosa and eight non-eating-disordered control women collected morning saliva samples and recorded several mood characteristics; the bulimic women also recorded binge and purge episodes. Subsequently, salivary cortisol and androgen levels were determined by radioimmunoassay.

Results. Bulimic symptoms were exacerbated in both the mid-luteal and premenstrual phases, when compared with the follicular and ovulatory phases (F(3,21)=3·76, P=0·026; contrast analysis t(7)=3·47, P<0·01). Fluctuation in cortisol was closely correlated with fluctuation of bulimic symptoms, with elevated cortisol secretion following symptom exacerbation (r(24)=0·64, P=0·001).

Conclusions. Bulimic symptom fluctuation appears to be related to two hormonal phenomena – phase of the menstrual cycle and cortisol secretion – with menstrual-cycle phase influencing bulimic symptom severity, and bulimic symptom severity effecting increases in cortisol secretion. Improved understanding of the hormonal causes and consequences of symptom fluctuation may lead to improved psychological and pharmacological treatments for bulimia nervosa.
Double-blind controlled investigation of bilateral prefrontal transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of resistant major depression
Authors: LOO C. K. , MITCHELL P. B. , CROKER V. M. , MALHI G. S. , WEN W. , GANDEVIA S. C. , SACHDEV P. S.
Published: February 2003

Background. The efficacy and safety of bilateral prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating resistant major depression were examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Method. Nineteen medication-resistant depressed subjects were randomly assigned to 3 weeks of active or sham rTMS. Effects on mood and neuropsychological function were assessed.

Results. Both groups improved significantly in mood over the 3 weeks, but there was no significant difference between active and sham treatments. There were no significant neuropsychological effects.

Conclusions. Bilateral rTMS was not superior to sham in treating resistant depression in this pilot study, but caused no neuropsychological impairment.
Source monitoring and memory confidence in schizophrenia
Authors: MORITZ S. , WOODWARD T. S. , RUFF C. C.
Published: February 2003

Background. The present study attempted to extend previous research on source monitoring deficits in schizophrenia. We hypothesized that patients would show a bias to attribute self-generated words to an external source. Furthermore, it was expected that schizophrenic patients would be over-confident regarding false memory attributions.

Method. Thirty schizophrenic and 21 healthy participants were instructed to provide a semantic association for 20 words. Subsequently, a list was read containing experimenter- and self-generated words as well as new words. The subject was required to identify each item as old/new, name the source, and state the degree of confidence for the source attribution.

Results. Schizophrenic patients displayed a significantly increased number of source attribution errors and were significantly more confident than controls that a false source attribution response was true. The latter bias was ameliorated by higher doses of neuroleptics.

Conclusions. It is inferred that a core cognitive deficit underlying schizophrenia is a failure to distinguish false from true mnestic contents.
The witness properties and the semantics of the
Prolog cut
Authors: ANDREWS JAMES H.
Published: February 2003

The semantics of the Prolog ‘cut’ construct is explored in the context of some desirable
properties of logic programming systems, referred to as the witness properties. The witness
properties concern the operational consistency of responses to queries. A generalization of
Prolog with negation as failure and cut is described, and shown not to have the witness
properties. A restriction of the system is then described, which preserves the choice and
first-solution behaviour of cut but allows the system to have the witness properties. The notion of
cut in the restricted system is more restricted than the Prolog hard cut, but retains the useful
first-solution behaviour of hard cut, not retained by other proposed cuts such as the ‘soft cut’.
It is argued that the restricted system achieves a good compromise between the power and
utility of the Prolog cut and the need for internal consistency in logic programming systems.
The restricted system is given an abstract semantics, which depends on the witness properties;
this semantics suggests that the restricted system has a deeper connection to logic than simply
permitting some computations which are logical. Parts of this paper appeared previously in
a different form in the Proceedings of the 1995 International Logic Programming Symposium
(Andrews, 1995).
Panniculitis, Due to Mycobacterium Smegmatis, in Two Finnish Cats
Authors: Ålander-Damsten YK , Brander EE , Paulin LG
Published: February 2003

Pyogranulomatous panniculitis due to infection by Mycobacterium smegmatis was diagnosed in two cats in Finland, a country with a rather cold climate. The diagnosis was confirmed by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, which gave a perfect match with the M smegmatis strain ATCC 19420. Gene sequencing makes it possible to distinguish M smegmatis from closely related mycobacteria such as M goodii sp.nov. Diagnosing this entity seems to be a question of having a high index of suspicion. The appearance of the disease as well as sampling is described in detail. In our first case an initial erroneous diagnosis of Nocardia species considerably delayed our arriving at the right diagnosis. The first patient has now been followed for more than 7 years. Her disease is chronic, but she is not systemically affected. Several antimicrobials were tried. Probable side effects of enrofloxacin medication are described.
Caudal Mediastinal Abscess Due to a Grass Awn (Hordeum spp) in a Cat
Authors: Koutinas CK , Papazoglou LG , Saridomichelakis MN , Koutinas AF , Patsikas MN
Published: February 2003

A two-and-a-half year-old male, domestic shorthaired cat was presented with a history of chronic expiratory dyspnoea, dysphagia and progressive weight loss. Thoracic radiography revealed a caudal mediastinal mass. Surgical exploration confirmed the presence of an abscess in the caudal mediastinum. Despite the good prognosis, euthanasia was performed at the owner's request and post-mortem examination revealed an abscess that had been caused by a grass awn located within.
Feline Cystic Thymoma: A Clinicopathologic, Immunohistologic, and Electron Microscopic Study of 14 Cases
Authors: Patnaik AK , Lieberman PH , Erlandson RA , Antonescu C
Published: February 2003

Cystic thymoma was diagnosed in 14 cats in a period of 6 years. The most common clinical sign was laboured breathing. The tumours were characterized by various-sized cystic spaces with central vessels. The epithelial cells varied from oval to spindle to polygonal cells enclosing cystic spaces or in pure epithelial cell components. The nuclei of the neoplastic cells had scattered chromatin and small nucleoli. The cytoplasm was pale eosinophilic. The concentration of mature lymphocytes varied from area to area with rare germinal centres.

Immunohistochemically, the epithelial cells stained only with AE1/AE3. The central vessels were positive for vimentin, smooth muscle actin, and factor VIII antigen. Electron microscopy revealed that the cyst walls were lined by epithelial cells that were joined by desmosomes, and the walls were well separated from the cystic spaces by a well-defined basement membrane. The neoplastic epithelial cells contained scattered tonofilaments. Three of the cats had metastasis to the lymph nodes and lungs. Two novel cases of ectopic cystic thymoma have also been described. Results of this study reveal that cystic thymoma is uncommon in cats, and that the histomorphologic, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic features are similar to those of cystic thymoma in humans.
Managing the Refractory Case of Feline IBD
Authors: Jergens AE
Published: February 2003

Feline inflammatory bowel disease (FIBD) is characterized by persistent gastrointestinal signs, histologic evidence of mucosal inflammation, and responsiveness to immunotherapeutic intervention. Since a concise and comprehensive review of IBD has been recently presented ( Jergens 1999 ), the purpose of this overview is to provide current perspectives on FIBD, and strategies for dealing with patients that fail to respond to routine medical management.