bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aortic Insufficiency
Authors: Bierig S. Michelle , Waggoner Alan D.
Published: April 2004

Echocardiography is a reliable and reproducible method for evaluation of aortic insufficiency (AI). AI has a variety of etiologies, including congenital or acquired, and may present as an acute situation or as a chronic condition. Regardless of the clinical presentation, patient symptoms and physical signs may not be present unless the AI has progressed to a moderate or severe degree. As the severity of AI increases, there are changes in the pathophysiology of the heart, including an increase in left ventricle dimensions and chamber compliance. Echocardiographic methods to evaluate AI include two-dimensional, m-mode, color flow imaging, and pulsed wave and continuous wave Doppler. The combined use of multiple techniques provides more thorough and accurate quantification, both during follow-up of the disease process and after surgical correction.
Prenatal Diagnosis of a Velamentous Cord Insertion Associated With a Vasa Previa
Authors: O'Brien Janet , Sheehan Karen
Published: April 2004

A vasa previa is associated with very high fetal mortality rates and is often not detected until catastrophic events occur. As was the case discussed in this report, a vasa previa is often associated with a velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord. In most cases, an abnormal insertion of the umbilical cord is not made until the placenta and the amniotic membranes are examined following delivery. Utilizing both gray-scale and color Doppler sonography, it is possible to diagnose both these conditions prenatally in order to provide clinical information pertinent to subsequent fetal outcome.
Portal Hypertension
Authors: Andrew Anne
Published: April 2004

Portal hypertension is a serious condition that is most commonly a result of cirrhosis. It is defined as an increase in portal venous pressure that impedes blood flow into the liver. This review describes portal hypertension and its typical etiologies. Twodimensional and Doppler sonography play important roles in the diagnosis and surveillance of patients with portal hypertension.
Echinococcal Liver Cyst
Authors: Gerwe Linda , Haas Athena
Published: April 2004

Echinococcal cyst (hydatid disease) is a rare phenomenon in North America. This disease is caused by an infection with the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosisand Echinococcus multilocularis. It is predominantly seen in South America, North Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Most frequently, these cysts are found in the liver (50%-70% of cases) and may be found in the lungs (20%-30% of cases), bone, spleen, and nervous system. This case study describes the history of the disease, the patient’s clinical signs and symptoms, and sonographic appearance of this acquired disease.
Developing an operational typology of patients hospitalised in palliative care units
Authors: Tibi-Lévy Yaël , d‘Hérouville Daniel
Published: April 2004

The objective of this study was to develop an operational typology of patients hospitalised in palliative care units (PC units) and to characterize these populations. Prospective data were collected in four PC units over three-week periods, generating a sample of 139 cases. Five classes of patient were identified and described via a factorial analysis and a classification: metastatic cancers requiring significant psychological attention, terminally ill patients, ENT cancers, neurological diseases and elderly patients. A more detailed study revealed differences between metastatic cancers, younger patients, very dependent patients and the other patients. We present the sociodemographic, clinical and cost per patient profiles of each class of patient. Having access to a broader sample of PC units and of patients would allow for a more completetypology.
Delirium in advanced cancer patients
Authors: Centeno Carlos , Sanz Álvaro , Bruera Eduardo
Published: April 2004

Delirium in advanced cancer is often poorly identified and inappropriately managed. It is one of the most common causes for admission to clinical institutions and is the most frequently cited psychiatric disorder in terminal cancer. Diagnosis of delirium is defined as a disturbance of consciousness and attention with a change in cognition and/or perception. In addition, it develops suddenly and follows a fluctuating course and it is related to other causes, such as cancer, metabolic disorders or the effects of drugs. Delirium occurs in 26% to 44% of cancer patients admitted to hospital or hospice. Of all advanced cancer patients, over 80% eventually experience delirium in their final days. In advanced cancer, delirium is a multifactorial syndrome where opioids factor in almost 60% of episodes. Delirium in such patients, excluding terminal delirium, may be reversible in 50% of cases. Providing adequate end-of-life care for a patient with delirium is the main challenge. The family needs advice and it is important to create a relaxing environment for the patient. The primary therapeutic approach is to identify the reversible causes of delirium. Some therapeutic strategies have been shown to be effective: reduction or withdrawal of the psychoactive medication, opioid rotation, and hydration. Haloperidol is the most frequently used drug, and new neuroleptics such as risperidone or olanzapine are being tested with good results. Methylphenidate has been used for hypoactive delirium.
A revised chronology for aeolian activity in subarctic Fennoscandia during the Holocene
Authors: Käyhkö Jukka A. , Worsley Peter , Pye Ken , Clarke Michèle L.
Published: April 2004

Detailed sedimentological studies and parallel sampling for 14C and infra-red stimulated luminescence age assays were undertaken at six sites lying beyond and below the tree-line with the objective of establishing the historical development of aeolian landforms in Lapland. The main issues were: (a) the timing of dune activity and processes of stabilization; (b) the specific processes responsible for the past and contemporary activity. New data indicate that many of the primary dunes were active for several millennia after deglaciation. Diachronous stabilization at both local and regional scales appears likely. Initial stabilization occurred in local interdune areas and where regional dune fields were colonized by pine (generally before 7 ka). Local large dunes and some regional dunefields only became stable around 4.3 ka, when the regional groundwater table rose and late pine colonization was possible. The latest episode of aeolian activity dates from ad 1100–1650 across the area. A unique deflation triggering factor was not identifiable, suggesting that several agents acted in combination. Climate-vegetational parameters, especially the‘Little Ice Age’ event, together with reindeer trampling, appear responsible for the continuing aeolian activity at the tundra sites. At the margin of the pine forest zone, forest fires may be the cause of aeolian reactivation.
The chronology of Holocene alluvial sediments from the Wetterau, Germany, provided by optical and 14C dating
Authors: Lang Andreas , Nolte Sabine
Published: April 2004

Holocene floodplain chronologies are often hard to establish, the principal limitation being the scarc ity of organic remains. In the present study, optical dating of flood loam was carried out in addition to 14C dating of organics. The results show that silty distal alluvial sediments can successfully be dated by means of infrared-stimulated luminescence (IRSL). Through the use of complementary dating techniques, a detailed chronology was obtained for the floodplain sediments of the Wetter, a small river in central Germany, where Holocene sediments overlay Lateglacial channel fills. The early-Holocene sediments consist of sandy loams, followed by the so-called black meadow soil–a dark layer rich in organic matter. Our chronology puts the soil development in the interval 9.8 ka to 3.5 ka, interrupted only by shorter phases of silt deposition. Considerable sedimentation occurred during the Late Iron Age/Roman Period, when the deposition of the younger flood loam first began. This deposit, which is up to 2.5 m thick, forms the youngest bed, with maximum sedimentation rates occurring 1300 to 900 a ago (Middle Ages), and slowing down since that time.
Acupuncture for Postchemotherapy Fatigue: A Phase II Study
Authors: Vickers Andrew J. , Straus David J. , Fearon Bertha , Cassileth Barrie R.
Published: April 2004

Purpose

To determine whether improvement in postchemotherapy fatigue following acupuncture treatment is substantial enough to warrant a controlled trial.

Patients and Methods

We accrued patients at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center who had completed cytotoxic chemotherapy but experienced persisting fatigue. Patients with severe anemia, clinical depression, or Karnofsky performance status score less than 70 were excluded. Thirty-seven patients were registered in two cohorts; 31 provided follow-up data. Patients received acupuncture either twice per week for 4 weeks (25 patients) or once per week for 6 weeks (12 patients). The primary end point was change in score on the Brief Fatigue Inventory between baseline and 2 weeks after the final treatment. A baseline Brief Fatigue Inventory score of four or greater was an eligibility requirement for the trial.

Results

Patients had completed cytotoxic chemotherapy an average of more than 2 years previously. Baseline fatigue scores were high, with approximately half of the sample scoring in the “severe” range. Mean improvement following acupuncture was 31.1% (95% CI, 20.6% to 41.5%), meeting our prespecified criterion for declaring acupuncture worthy of further study. Increasing age was associated with poorer response and failure to complete the study. There was no important difference in improvement following once-weekly and twice-weekly treatments.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is worthy of further study in the treatment of postchemotherapy fatigue.
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of the Ribonucleotide Reductase Inhibitor, 3-Aminopyridine-2-Carboxaldehyde Thiosemicarbazone, Administered by 96-Hour Intravenous Continuous Infusion
Authors: Wadler Scott , Makower Della , Clairmont Caroline , Lambert Paula , Fehn Karen , Sznol Mario
Published: April 2004

Purpose

3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (3-AP; Triapine; Vion Pharmaceuticals Inc, New Haven, CT) is a potent inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase, with activity in preclinical tumor model systems. A phase I trial was initiated to determine the dose-limiting toxicities, maximum-tolerated dose, and pharmacokinetics of a 96-hour intravenous (IV) continuous infusion in patients with advanced cancer.

Patients and Methods

Initially, courses were administered every 3 weeks, using an accelerated titration design. Subsequently, courses were administered every 2 weeks, and the dose was escalated in cohorts of three to six patients.

Results

Twenty-one patients were enrolled, seven on the every-3-week schedule and 14 on the every-other-week schedule. Three of six patients at 160 mg/m2/d developed dose-limiting toxicities including neutropenia, hyperbilirubinemia, and nausea or vomiting. Based on these initial results, the dose for 3-AP was re-escalated beginning at 80 mg/m2/d but administered every 2 weeks. At 120 mg/m2/d, three of seven patients had dose-limiting but reversible asthenia, hyperbilirubinemia, and azotemia or acidosis; however, in the case of renal and hepatic adverse events, the events were related to pre-existing borderline abnormal organ function. Therefore, the recommended phase II dose for 3-AP administered by 96-hour IV infusion is 120 mg/m2/d every 2 weeks. Detailed pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated linear kinetics up to 160 mg/m2, with substantial inter-patient variability. There was no correlation between dose and clearance (R2 = 0.0137). There were no objective responses, but there was prolonged stabilization of disease or decreases in serum tumor markers associated with stable disease in four patients.

Conclusion

The 96-hour infusion of 3-AP is safe and well tolerated at the recommended phase II doses. Phase II trials of Triapine are ongoing.
Who should get what, and why? On deservingness criteria and the conditionality of solidarity among the public
Authors: Oorschot Wim van
Published: April 2004

English

With the recent reconstruction of welfare states the social protection of citizens has become more conditional and selective - the basic welfare question of ‘who should get what, and why’ has come to the fore again. To understand the societal legitimation for the new conditionality of welfare it is important to know which deservingness criteria are acknowledged by the public and their relative importance; whether people differ in the degree to which their solidarity with others is conditional, and which groups in society tend to be most or least conditional in their views; and factors that might explain differences in people’s views. Conclusion are drawn through the analysis of existing literature and a public opinion survey carried out in The Netherlands in 1995. The survey responses reveal some clear deservingness criteria and differences in conditionality, which can be linked to three different sets of explanatory variables: socioeconomic and demographic characteristics; opinions on and perceptions of social security and the welfare state; and basic values and attitudes.
Early father's and mother's involvement and child's later educational outcomes
Authors: Flouri Eirini , Buchanan Ann
Published: April 2004

Background: Few studies have investigated the individual long‐term contributions that mothers and fathers make to their children's schooling.

Aims: (1) To explore the role of early father involvement in children's later educational attainment independently of the role of early mother involvement and other confounds, (2) to investigate whether gender and family structure moderate the relationship between father's and mother's involvement and child's educational attainment, and (3) to explore whether the impact of father's involvement depends on the level of mother's involvement.

Sample: The study used longitudinal data from the National Child Development Study. The initial sample were those 7,259 cohort members with valid data on mother involvement at age 7, father involvement at age 7, and school‐leaving qualification by age 20. Of those, 3,303 were included in the final analysis.

Method: The measures were control variables, structural factors (family structure, sibship size and residential mobility), child factors (emotional/behavioural problems, cognitive ability and academic motivation), and father's and mother's involvement.

Results: Father involvement and mother involvement at age 7 independently predicted educational attainment by age 20. The association between parents' involvement and educational attainment was not stronger for sons than for daughters. Father involvement was not more important for educational attainment when mother involvement was low rather than high. Not growing up in intact two‐parent family did not weaken the association between father's or mother's involvement and educational outcomes.

Conclusion: Early father involvement can be another protective factor in counteracting risk conditions that might lead to later low attainment levels.
Pre‐sleep cognitive activity: A comparison of sleep‐onset insomniacs and good sleepers
Authors: Harvey Allison G.
Published: April 2004

Objective. Pre‐sleep cognitive activity has been implicated in the maintenance of sleep‐onset insomnia. The present study aimed to investigate the focus of attention, content and characteristics of cognition during the pre‐sleep period.

Method. A semi‐structured clinician‐administered interview designed to index the content of pre‐sleep cognition was completed by individuals diagnosed with sleeponset insomnia (N = 30) and good sleepers (N = 30).

Result. The pre‐sleep cognitive activity of insomniacs could be distinguished from that of good sleepers by being more focused on worries, problems and noises in the environment, and less focused on ‘nothing in particular’. In terms of content, the insomnia group were more likely to think about not sleeping or about something that had happened during the day. Insomniacs experienced their presleep cognitive activity as more occupying, less intentional, for a longer duration, and as causing more difficulty with sleep onset compared to good sleepers. Pre‐sleep imagery was reported at similar rates across diagnosis, but was more distressing and more likely to be associated with strong physical sensations for the insomniac group compared with the good sleeper group.

Conclusion. The present study provides a comprehensive investigation of presleep cognitive activity and raises a number of areas for future research including monitoring of bodily sensations, imagery, problem‐solving and non‐active strategies in facilitating sleep onset.
Strong Intramolecular Secondary Si⋅⋅⋅N Bonds in Trifluorosilylhydrazines
Authors: Vojinović Krunoslav , McLachlan Lorna J. , Hinchley Sarah L. , Rankin David W. H. , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: April 2004

The simple silylhydrazines F3SiN(Me)NMe2 (1), F2Si(N(Me)NMe2)2 (2), and F3SiN(SiMe3)NMe2 (3) have been prepared by reaction of SiF4 with LiN(Me)NMe2 and LiN(SiMe3)NMe2, while F3SiN(SnMe3)NMe2 (4) was prepared from SiF4 and (Me3Sn)2NNMe2 (5). The compounds were characterized by gas‐phase IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 14/15N, 19F, 29Si, 119Sn), as well as by mass spectrometry. The crystal structures of compounds 1–5 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. The structures of free molecules 1 and 3 were determined by gas‐phase electron diffraction. The structures of 1, 2, and 4 were also determined by ab initio calculations at the MP2/6‐311+G** level of theory. These structural studies constitute the first experimental proof for the presence of strong Si⋅⋅⋅N β‐donor–acceptor bonds between the SiF3 and geminal NMe2 groups in silylhydrazines. The strength of these non‐classical Si⋅⋅⋅N interactions is strongly dependent on the nature of the substituent at the α‐nitrogen atom of the SiNN unit, and has the order 3>4>1. The valence angles at these extremely deformed α‐nitrogen atoms, and the Si⋅⋅⋅N distances are (crystal/gas): 1 104.2(1)/106.5(4)°, 2.438(1)/2.510(6) Å; 3 83.6(1)/84.9(4)°, 2.102(1)/2.135(9) Å; 4 89.6(1)°, 2.204(2) Å.
Preparation, characterization, and properties of fast‐responding bulk hydrogel and treated bleached banana pulp
Authors: Ibrahim Maha M. , El‐Zawawy Waleed K.
Published: April 2004

The reaction between bleached banana pulp and pure maleic anhydride (MA) was investigated. The reaction was conducted in a reactor in the presence of xylene used as a solvent and sodium hypophosphite as catalyst. The appearance of infrared absorption bands at 1891 and 1708 cm−1 indicated that MA chemically reacted by esterification with bleached banana pulp. However, evidence of an esterification reaction was obtained between cellulose and MA. The production of fast‐responding bulk hydrogel with a high swelling ratio was also investigated. This hydrogel was synthesized first by the formation of maleated acrylamide particles and then by the graft copolymerization of the particles with cellulose. The maleated acrylamide particles were characterized with mass spectroscopy, and the formed hydrogl was characterized by FT‐IR. The esterification reaction between bleached banana pulp and maleated acrylamide was also studied. Steam absorption for bulk hydrogel, maleated acrylamide‐treated bleached banana pulp, MA‐treated cellulose and bleached banana pulp is higher than the steam absorption for untreated cellulose and bleached banana pulp. Compared with treated bleached banana pulp and cellulose, the hydrogel had very high swelling ratios and much faster swelling rates attributed to the collaboration of the ionized particles and bulk hydrogel. The number of ionic maleated acrylamide groups in the hydrogel affected the swelling behavior. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current practices for establishing environmental flows in Brazil
Authors: Benetti A. D. , Lanna A. E. , Cobalchini M. S.
Published: April 2004

This paper addresses current practices adopted by Brazilian states for establishing environmental flows. At the national level, the newly created National Water Agency has not yet recommended a standard practice. Confronted with the requirement to grant or deny water rights to users, states have set minimum instream flows using low flow frequency analysis. However, efforts are currently being made to include ecological variables in the decision‐making process. One difficulty with the process is the dearth of information regarding instream flow needs for Brazilian species and recreation. International experience on setting environmental flows is valuable, but care must be taken in its application to the Brazilian reality. Finally the authors express their views on the directions that Brazilian regulatory agencies are likely to adopt in the near future for setting environmental flows. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sodium fluoride in delayed measurement of umbilical blood gases
Authors: Farrow S.M. , Yudkin P.L. , Redman C.W.G.
Published: April 2004

In blood samples stored at 5°C with 20 mM sodium fluoride, only small changes in blood gas measurements were observed over 24 h. Most of the changes occurred within the first 2 h after collection. In samples stored at 5°C without fluoride, blood gas measurements showed continuous changes over the 24‐h period.
Use of echosonography to monitor uterine placement of intrauterine devices after immediate postpartum insertions
Authors: Ortiz Mariscal J.D. , Guerrero Barrera C. , Wheeler R.G. , Waszak C.S.
Published: April 2004

A study designed to monitor uterine placement of IUDs inserted immediately postpartum using echosonography was conducted at the Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia No. 23, “Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto” in Monterrey, Mexico. TCu220 and Delta T IUDs were randomly assigned to, and inserted in women immediately following a normal vaginal delivery. Ultrasound examinations were to be performed within 60 min postinsertion, at 24 h postinsertion and at 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐up visits. There were no differences in the expulsion rates of the two device groups. Data are presented on the readings taken at the ultrasound examinations of the distance between the fundus and the upper part of the stem of the T. These differences differed significantly between the two device groups at the first ultrasound reading only (P ⩽ 0.01). No relationship was found between the incidence of expulsion and the distance between the IUD and the fundus at any of the readings.
Postpartum glycated hemoglobin A1c and glucose tolerance test in mothers of large babies
Authors: Saleh A.K. , Moussa M.A. , Hathout H.
Published: April 2004

An attempt to study macrosomia and carbohydrate metabolism was made by determination of glycated hemoglobin A1c and by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in early puerperium. We studied 76 women who gave birth to large babies ⩾4.5 kg, 74 women whose babies were 3–4 kg as controls, and 36 type II diabetics. The median of HbA1c concentration in the diabetics (8.06%) was significantly higher than in the controls (6.49%), and the large babies' mothers (6.48%), P < 0.001. No significant difference was found between HbA1c or glucose intolerance in mothers of large babies and mothers with average size babies. HbA1c showed an association with glucose levels in the diabetics and controls, P < 0.001, but not in the large baby group. Mothers of large babies were as old and obese as the diabetics. We speculate that the relationship of postpartum GTT, HbA1c and gestational diabetes is unwarranted.
Maternal mortality in Indonesia and Egypt
Authors: Fortney J.A. , Susanti I. , Gadalla S. , Saleh S. , Feldblum P.J. , Potts M.
Published: April 2004

Twenty‐three percent of deaths to women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in Bali, Indonesia and Menoufia, Egypt were due to maternal causes. Among the younger women, the percentage was even higher. In both areas complications of pregnancy and childbirth were a leading cause of death (the first cause in Bali, the second in Menoufia). In both sites, postpartum hemorrhage was the most common cause of maternal death. Relative to the United States, the number of maternal deaths per 100 000 live births was 20 times higher in Menoufia and 78 times higher in Bali. Families of women of reproductive age who died were interviewed about the conditions leading to death and other characteristics of the deceased. Completed histories were reviewed by a Medical Panel who were able to assign a cause of death in more than 90% of cases. Two‐thirds of the maternal deaths occurred to women who were over 30 and/or who had 3 children — the usual targets of family planning programs. Other possible intervention strategies include antenatal outreach programs, training of traditional birth attendants, and better hospital management of obstetric emergencies.
Mesonephric adenocarcinoma of cervix: a case report
Authors: Gupta O.P. , Guirguis M.N. , Diejomaoh F.
Published: April 2004

Adenocarcinoma arising in the cervix are not common tumors and those arising from mesonephric remnants are extraordinarily rare. A case of mesonephric adenocarcinoma of cervix has been reported in a girl age 1.5 years. This tumor could be diagnosed on the basis of histological examination by criteria laid down by McGee et al. (J Obstet Gynecol 84: 358, 1962) especially on the basis of dilated ducts corresponding to the remnant of mesonephric duct.
Acute glomerulonephritis during the third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Fukuda O. , Ito M. , Nakayama M. , Matsui K. , Fujisaki S. , Okamura H.
Published: April 2004

We report a very rare case of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) occurring in the eighth gestational month. The pregnancy succeeded despite initially severe nephrotic syndrome, and after delivery there was a complete recovery to normal renal function. Fetal prognosis was also good. The diagnosis of PSGN was made based on serological examinations and postpartum renal biopsy. Light and electron microscopic findings showed that the glomerular lesions were different from those of typical pre‐eclampsia.
A scoring system for induction of labor using prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablets
Authors: Grunstein S. , Jaschevatzky O.E. , Shalit A. , Noy Y. , Davidson A. , Ellenbogen A.
Published: April 2004

A randomized controlled trial was carried out in order to establish the efficacy of a scoring system for calculating the dose of vaginal prostaglandin E2 tablets for the induction of labor. One hundred ten women were included in the study. The patients received a dose of prostaglandin E2 calculated according to a scoring system based on the Bishop's score, or the standard dose of 3 mg repeated 6 h later if labor did not start. The percentage of inductions achieved was the same with both regimens (92.7%). The mean total dose used in the scoring system‐group (2.7 mg) was significantly lower than that used in the 3‐mg group (3.5 mg, P < 0.025). Thirty‐seven of 55 women receiving the scoring dose delivered with amounts of 2.5 mg prostaglandin E2 or less. Three cases of uterine hyperstimulation were observed in the 3‐mg group whereas no cases were observed in the scoring group. The scoring system is proposed as a method for calculating the dose of vaginal prostaglandin E2 for induction of labor and minimizing the risk of overdosage.
Role of endocervical curettage in the diagnostic workup of preinvasive cervical lesions
Authors: Sesti F. , Farné C. , Mattei M. , Piccione E.
Published: April 2004

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical value of endocervical curettage in the diagnostic workup of patients with colposcopically suspect lesions, by correlating the findings of colposcopically directed biopsy with the results of endocervical curettage in patients with both satisfactory and unsatisfactory colposcopic examination. Our results (positive curettage findings in 55.6% of the patients with unsatisfactory colposcopy and in 16.7% of the patients with satisfactory colposcopy) indicate that endocervical curettage could be a useful guide to correct management.
Immunohistochemical analysis of hormone receptors and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva
Authors: Rotmensch E.J. , Kasznica J. , Hamid M.A.
Published: April 2004

OBJECTIVE: Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a frequently misdiagnosed tumor which tends to locally recur. The purpose of our case study and review is to characterize this tumor by immunohistochemical analysis of its estrogen and progesterone status and its proliferating capacity by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), as well as, note any recurrent sites of spread. METHOD: A 43 year old woman presented with a suspected Bartholin's gland abscess. Physical examination was consistent with a mass in the left labium majus. Marsupialization of the mass failed. Resection of this tumor revealed an AA with positive tumor margins. Lost to follow up, the patient was located 6 months later. Examination revealed a palpable mass in the ischiorectal fossa. Extended‐left, radical hemivulvectomy revealed recurrent tumor. Estrogen and progesterone receptor status was weakly positive. PCNA stained with the same intensity as the fibroconnective, tissue background. CONCLUSION: We report on a case of AA as well as examine the literature to review a total of 32 cases. We note that AA is often misdiagnosed and tends to recur in the ischiorectal and retroperitoneal spaces. By means of immunohistochemical analysis, we conclude: the estrogen and progesterone receptor status was weakly positive, but could not be distinguished from the background‐fibroblastic tissue, PCNA correlates well in this tumor with its low mitotic index; however, further similar studies are needed to characterize this tumor. This may aid in treatment.
Pemphigus vulgaris autoantibodies induce apoptosis in HaCaT keratinocytes
Authors: Pelacho B. , Natal C. , España A. , Sánchez-Carpintero I. , Iraburu M.J. , López-Zabalza M.J.
Published: April 2004

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease characterized by binding of IgG autoantibodies to epidermal keratinocyte desmosomes. IgG autoantibodies obtained from a patient with mucocutaneous PV reacted with plakoglobin (Plkg) in addition to desmoglein‐3 (Dsg3) and Dsg1. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that IgG autoantibodies, unlike antibodies from a healthy volunteer, caused disruption of cell–cell contacts in HaCaT keratinocytes. Moreover, apoptosis was enhanced in cells treated with autoantibodies compared to those treated with normal antibodies. The apoptotic process induced by IgG autoantibodies was characterized by caspase‐3 activation, Bcl‐2 depletion and Bax expression. The present report demonstrates that PV IgG autoantibodies promote apoptosis in HaCaT keratinocytes.
The cyclic antimicrobial peptide RTD‐1 induces stabilized lipid–peptide domains more efficiently than its open‐chain analogue
Authors: Abuja Peter M. , Zenz Alexandra , Trabi Manuela , Craik David J. , Lohner Karl
Published: April 2004

The effects of a mammalian cyclic antimicrobial peptide, rhesus theta defensin 1 (RTD‐1) and its open chain analogue (oRTD‐1), on the phase behaviour and structure of model membrane systems (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, DPPC and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol, DPPG) were studied. The increased selectivity of RTD‐1 for anionic DPPG over zwitterionic DPPC was shown by differential scanning calorimetry. RTD‐1, at a molar peptide–lipid ratio of 1:100, induced considerable changes in the phase behaviour of DPPG, but not of DPPC. The main transition temperature, T
m, was unchanged, but additional phase transitions appeared above T
m. oRTD‐1 induced similar effects. However, the effects were not observable below a peptide:lipid molar ratio of 1:50, which correlates with the weaker biological activity of oRTD‐1. Small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering revealed for DPPG the appearance of additional structural features induced by RTD‐1 above T
m, which were interpreted as correlated lamellar structures, with increased order of the fatty acyl side chains of the lipid. It is proposed that after initial electrostatic interaction of the cationic rim of the peptide with the anionic DPPG headgroups, leading to stabilized lipid–peptide clusters, the hydrophobic face of the peptide assists in its interaction with the fatty acyl side chains eventually leading to membrane disruption.
Regulation of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis under salt stress involves choline kinases in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tasseva Guergana , Richard Luc , Zachowski Alain
Published: April 2004

Increasing evidence suggests a major role for phosphatidylcholine (PC) in plant stress adaptation. The present work investigated the regulation of choline, PC and interconnected phosphatidylethanolamine biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana L. as a function of cold‐ and salt‐ or mannitol‐mediated hyperosmotic stresses. While PC synthesis is accelerated in both salt‐ and cold‐treated plants, the choline kinase (CK) and phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase genes are oppositely regulated with respect to these abiotic treatments. Salt stress also stimulates CK activity in vitro. A possible regulatory role of CK in stimulating PC biosynthesis rate in salt‐stressed plants is discussed.
Yap8p activation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under arsenic conditions
Authors: Menezes Regina A. , Amaral Catarina , Delaunay Agnès , Toledano Michel , Rodrigues-Pousada Claudina
Published: April 2004

Yap8p, a member of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yap family, is activated in response to arsenic. Both the mechanisms by which this activation takes place and its regulation have not yet been identified. In this report, we show that Yap8p is not activated at the transcriptional level but, rather, its nuclear transport is actively regulated and dependent on the exportin chromosome region maintenance protein. In addition, it is shown that Cys132, Cys137and Cys274 are essential for Yap8p localization and transactivation function both of which are required for its biological activity.
Receptor interacting protein is ubiquitinated by cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (c‐IAP1 and c‐IAP2) in vitro
Authors: Park Sun-Mi , Yoon Jong-Bok , Lee Tae H.
Published: April 2004

Receptor interacting protein (RIP) is recruited to tumor necrosis factor‐α receptor 1 (TNFR1) complex upon stimulation and plays a crucial role in the receptor‐mediated NF‐κB activation. Among the components of the TNFR1 complex are proteins that possess ubiquitin‐protein isopeptide ligase (E3) activities, such as TNFR1‐associated factor 2 (TRAF2), cellular inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (c‐IAPs) namely, c‐IAP1 and c‐IAP2. Here, we showed that ectopically expressed RIP is ubiquitinated, and either the intermediate or death domain of RIP is required for this modification. Expression of c‐IAP1 and c‐IAP2 decreased the steady‐state level of RIP, which was blocked by inhibition of the 26S proteasome. RIP degradation requires intact c‐IAP2 containing the RING domain. Our in vitro ubiquitination assay revealed that while TRAF2 had no effect, both c‐IAP1 and c‐IAP2‐mediated RIP ubiquitination with similar efficiency, indicating that c‐IAPs can function as E3 toward RIP.
The mature part of proNGF induces the structure of its pro‐peptide
Authors: Kliemannel Marco , Rattenholl Anke , Golbik Ralph , Balbach Jochen , Lilie Hauke , Rudolph Rainer , Schwarz Elisabeth
Published: April 2004

Human nerve growth factor (NGF) belongs to the structural family of cystine knot proteins, characterized by a disulfide pattern in which one disulfide bond threads through a ring formed by a pair of two other disulfides connecting two adjacent β‐strands. Oxidative folding of NGF revealed that the pro‐peptide of NGF stimulates in vitro structure formation. In order to learn more about this folding assisting protein fragment, a biophysical analysis of the pro‐peptide structure has been performed. While proNGF is a non‐covalent homodimer, the isolated pro‐peptide is monomeric. No tertiary contacts stabilize the pro‐peptide in its isolated form. In contrast, the pro‐peptide appears to be structured when bound to the mature part. The results presented here demonstrate that the mature part stabilizes the structure in the pro‐peptide region. This is the first report that provides a biophysical analysis of a pro‐peptide of the cystine knot protein family.
The Greenland Norse: bones, graves, computers, and DNA
Authors: Lynnerup Niels , Nørby Søren
Published: April 2004

The remains of the Greenland Norse provide unique biological anthropological material for the investigation of human and environmental interaction. As a population, they were generally secluded from most of the contemporary European medieval society, and land suitable for their way of life was limited in Greenland. The archaeological and historical record is excellent, clearly establishing the 500-year period of colonisation. In other words, the Greenland Norse represent a relatively isolated population, constrained in both space and time.

Living in an environment with very little buffering capacity, ecological changes immediately had repercussions. Ten years of research have shown a direct climatic impact on the humans as well as changing subsistence patterns. It seems that the Norse in Greenland responded to these changes, although inside ‘cultural’ limits. Demographic modelling indicates that emigration may have accounted for the final abandonment of the settlements. A changing ecology thus seems to have pushed the Greenland Norse out of Greenland, because their sedentary way of life, relying on animal husbandry, and probably with a strong cultural sense of identity focused on farmsteads and domestication, became unsustainable. A further step will be clarifying the genetic history of the Norse as well as of the Thule Culture Inuit. These analyses have commenced by examining mtDNA variation and Y-chromosomal diversity among present-day Greenlandic Inuit, and preliminary results appear to provide some information as to the fate of the Norse people.
The diversity and welfare of older migrants in Europe
Authors: WARNES ANTHONY M. , FRIEDRICH KLAUS , KELLAHER LEONIE , TORRES SANDRA
Published: April 2004

This paper sets the scene and provides a conceptual framework for the articles in this special issue. They present the findings of research on European residents who have reached or are on the threshold of old age and whose current circumstances have been strongly influenced by a migration across an international border. Such ‘older migrants’ are scattered throughout Europe and they have especially diverse characteristics. They include some of the most deprived and socially excluded, and some of the most affluent and accomplished, but all to a greater or lesser extent are disadvantaged through an interaction between social policies and their ‘otherness’ by living in a foreign country. Some claim attention through the severity of their unmet health and welfare needs and poor capacity to access advice and treatment, while the affluent groups are of great interest to social gerontology because of their enterprising, developmental and positive approaches to old age. They include among the most innovative of the latest generation of older people, who pursue new combinations of family responsibilities, leisure pursuits and income generation. The paper proposes that the concept ‘human capital’ summarises variations in preparedness for old age, that is, the resources by which people cope with demands for income, roles, treatment, care and support. A typology of the ‘welfare position’ of international migrants in contemporary Europe is presented.
Irrigation technology choices under hydrologic uncertainty: A case study from Maipo River Basin, Chile
Authors: Cai Ximing , Rosegrant Mark W.
Published: April 2004

The effect of hydrologic uncertainty on field irrigation technology (FIT) choices is studied within this paper. A two‐stage stochastic programming model (SPM) is developed to incorporate hydrologic uncertainties related to both water requirements and water availability through a probabilistic scenario‐based approach. The SPM can provide a mechanism with which model solutions can be adjusted to account for variations in water availability and water requirements. Moreover, the two‐stage decision process is combined with risk aversion analysis in field irrigation choices, which helps balance the risk of profit loss in dry years and the risk of excess capital cost in wet years. The model can be used to generate decision information to individual farmers or farmer associations, regarding long‐term field irrigation technology choices and crop pattern planning and short‐term water allocation among crops under specific hydrologic scenarios. The model is applied to an irrigation district in the Maipo River Basin, Chile. It is found that higher levels of FIT are more profitable for higher‐valued crops and decisions on FIT choices for low‐valued crops are less sensitive to hydrologic uncertainties. The annualized capital cost per hectare in the district should be within in range of US$105–130, which is a range for tradeoff analysis between maximizing the expected profit and minimizing the risk of profit loss under drought conditions.
Emerging science and technology of antimatter plasmas and trap-based beams
Authors: Surko C. M. , Greaves R. G.
Published: April 2004

Progress in the ability to accumulate and cool positrons and antiprotons is enabling new scientific and technological opportunities. The driver for this work is plasma physics research—developing new ways to create and manipulate antimatter plasmas. An overview is presented of recent results and near-term goals and challenges. In atomic physics, new experiments on the resonant capture of positrons by molecules provide the first direct evidence that positrons bind to “ordinary” matter (i.e., atoms and molecules). The formation of low-energy antihydrogen was observed recently by injecting low-energy antiprotons into a cold positron plasma. This opens up a range of new scientific opportunities, including precision tests of fundamental symmetries such as invariance under charge conjugation, parity, and time reversal, and study of the chemistry of matter and antimatter. The first laboratory study of electron-positron plasmas has been conducted by passing an electron beam through a positron plasma. The next major step in these studies will be the simultaneous confinement of electron and positron plasmas. Although very challenging, such experiments would permit studies of the nonlinear behavior predicted for this unique and interesting plasma system. The use of trap-based positron beams to study transport in fusion plasmas and to characterize materials is reviewed. More challenging experiments are described, such as the creation of a Bose-condensed gas of positronium atoms. Finally, the future of positron trapping and beam formation is discussed, including the development of a novel multicell trap to increase by orders of magnitude the number of positrons trapped, portable antimatter traps, and cold antimatter beams (e.g., with energy spreads ⩽1 meV) for precision studies of positron-matter interactions.
Full wave simulations of fast wave mode conversion and lower hybrid wave propagation in tokamaks
Authors: Wright J. C. , Bonoli P. T. , Brambilla M. , Meo F. , D’Azevedo E. , Batchelor D. B. , Jaeger E. F. , Berry L. A. , Phillips C. K. , Pletzer A.
Published: April 2004

Fast wave (FW) studies of mode conversion (MC) processes at the ion–ion hybrid layer in toroidal plasmas must capture the disparate scales of the FW and mode converted ion Bernstein and ion cyclotron waves. Correct modeling of the MC layer requires resolving wavelengths on the order of k⊥ρi∼1 which leads to a scaling of the maximum poloidal mode number, Mmax, proportional to 1/ρ* (ρ*≡ρi/L). The computational resources needed scale with the number of radial (Nr), poloidal (Nθ), and toroidal (Nφ) elements as Nr * Nφ * Nθ3. Two full wave codes, a massively-parallel-processor (MPP) version of the TORIC-2D finite Larmor radius code [M. Brambilla, Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 41, 1 (1999)] and also an all orders spectral code AORSA2D [E. F. Jaeger et al., Phys. Plasmas 9, 1873 (2002)], have been developed which for the first time are capable of achieving the resolution and speed necessary to address mode conversion phenomena in full two-dimensional (2-D) toroidal geometry. These codes have been used in conjunction with theory and experimental data from the Alcator C-Mod [I. H. Hutchinson et al., Phys. Plasmas 1, 1511 (1994)] to gain new understanding into the nature of FWMC in tokamaks. The massively-parallel-processor version of TORIC is also now capable of running with sufficient resolution to model planned lower hybrid range of frequencies experiments in the Alcator C-Mod.
Theoretical components of the VASIMR plasma propulsion concept
Authors: Arefiev Alexey V. , Breizman Boris N.
Published: April 2004

The ongoing development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) involves basic physics analysis of its three major components: helicon plasma source, ion cyclotron-resonance heating module, and magnetic nozzle. This paper presents an overview of recent theoretical efforts associated with the project. It includes (1) a first-principle model for helicon plasma source, (2) a nonlinear theory for the deposition of rf-power at the ion cyclotron frequency into plasma flow, and (3) a discussion of the plasma detachment mechanism relevant to VASIMR.
Riga dynamo experiment and its theoretical background
Authors: Gailitis Agris , Lielausis Olgerts , Platacis Ernests , Gerbeth Gunter , Stefani Frank
Published: April 2004

It is widely believed that almost all magnetic fields in a natural environment are the result of the dynamo process—the field generation in moving nearly homogeneous electro-conducting fluids. This dynamo process occurs in the depths of celestial bodies such as the Earth, most of the planets, the Sun, other stars, and even galaxies. The Riga dynamo experiment is not intended as a model of any particular celestial body. It aims at demonstrating the basic dynamo mechanism—that the intense motion in a large volume of a good electro-conducting liquid creates a magnetic field. In the present paper, the set-up and the main results of this experiment are presented, with some focus on the theoretical interpretation of the data.
Multifluid interpenetration mixing in directly driven inertial confinement fusion capsule implosions
Authors: Wilson D. C. , Cranfill C. W. , Christensen C. , Forster R. A. , Peterson R. R. , Hoffman N. M. , Pollak G. D. , Li C. K. , Séguin F. H. , Frenje J. A. , Petrasso R. D. , McKenty P. W. , Marshall F. J. , Glebov V. Yu. , Stoeckl C. , Schmid G. J. , Izumi N. , Amendt P.
Published: April 2004

Mixing between the shell and fuel in directly driven single shell capsule implosions causes changes in yield, burn history, burn temperature, areal density, x-ray image shape, and the presence of atomic mix. Most observations are consistent with a mix model using the same values of its single free parameter as with indirectly driven single shell and double shell capsules. Greater mixing at lower gas pressure fills reduces capsule yield. Time dependent mixing growth causes truncation of the burn history. This emphasizes early yield from the center of the capsule, raising the observed burn temperature. Mixed fuel areal densities are lower because fuel moves through the shell and the observation weights earlier times when areal density is lower. Shell x-ray emission mixing into the fuel fills in the limb brightened image to produce a central peak. Implosions of 3He filled capsules with a layer of deuterated plastic show substantial atomic mix.