bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlations Between the Same Motor Cortex Cells and Arm Muscles During a Trained Task, Free Behavior, and Natural Sleep in the Macaque Monkey
Authors: Jackson Andrew , Mavoori Jaideep , Fetz Eberhard E.
Published: October 2006

Traditionally, the neural control of movement has been studied by recording cell activity in restrained animals performing repetitive, highly trained tasks within a restricted workspace. However, the degree to which results obtained under these conditions are valid during natural, unconstrained behavior remains unknown. Using an autonomous, implantable recording system, we examined the relationships between the firing of motor cortex cells and forearm muscle activity in primates under three behavioral conditions: performance of a conventional torque-tracking task, unrestrained behavior, and natural sleep. We found strong correlations over long periods of daytime activity, suggesting a consistent relationship between cortex and muscles across the repertoire of awake behavior. The range of correlation values was comparable during task performance, but many individual cells exhibited significant differences across conditions. During the night, phases of sleep were associated with a cyclical pattern of cell and muscle activity. Across the population, the strength of cell-muscle correlations was related to preferred direction for daytime but not nighttime activity. The relationship of cells to behavior remained consistent over periods of several weeks. These findings extend the interpretation of results obtained under constrained conditions and are relevant to the development of neural prostheses for restoring natural movements to patients with motor deficits.
Increased Expression of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein Family Verprolin-Homologous Protein 2 Correlated with Poor Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Lian-Yue , Tao Yi-Ming , Ou Di-Peng , Wang Wei , Chang Zhi-Gang , Wu Fan
Published: October 2006

Purpose: Because of its role in cell migration, the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family verprolin-homologous protein (WAVE) 2 has been implicated in cancer metastasis. Evidence to support such a role of WAVE2 in human cancer, however, is lacking. We thus examined the expression of WAVE2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues to test whether the levels of WAVE2 expression correlated to the progression of HCC.

Experimental Design: Samples of 112 HCC patients were determined immunohistochemically for WAVE2 expression and the correlation of WAVE2 levels with prognosis was analyzed. Among the 112 cases, 31 paired HCC and paracarcinomatous liver tissue specimens were analyzed for WAVE2 levels by reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.

Results: Among 112 cases of HCCs, the immunohistochemistry data indicated significant increase of WAVE2 expression levels in 71 cases. Importantly, the increased WAVE2 expression correlated with the multiple tumor nodules (P = 0.008), the absence of capsular formation (P = 0.035), Edmondson-Steiner grade (P = 0.009), vein invasion (P = 0.023), and a shortened median survival time (326 versus 512 days; P = 0.003). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed the WAVE2 expression level was an independent factor for prognosis. The immunohistochemistry data were further confirmed by results of reverse transcription-PCR and Western analysis of 31 HCC cases, in which the WAVE2 mRNA and protein in HCC tissues were significantly elevated when compared with paracarcinomatous liver tissue (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: WAVE2 expression is elevated in HCC tissues, which correlates with a poor prognosis, suggesting WAVE2 as a candidate prognostic marker of HCC.
Identification of α-Enolase as an Autoantigen in Lung Cancer: Its Overexpression Is Associated with Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Chang Gee-Chen , Liu Ko-Jiunn , Hsieh Chia-Ling , Hu Tsai-Shu , Charoenfuprasert Suparat , Liu Hsiung-Kun , Luh Kwen-Tay , Hsu Li-Han , Wu Chew-Wen , Ting Chou-Chik , Chen Chih-Yi , Chen Kun-Chieh , Yang Tsung-Ying , Chou Teh-Ying , Wang Wen-Hua , Whang-Peng Jacqueline , Shih Neng-Yao
Published: October 2006

Purpose: Although existence of humoral immunity has been previously shown in malignant pleural effusions, only a limited number of immunogenic tumor-associated antigens (TAA) have been identified and associated with lung cancer. In this study, we intended to identify more TAAs in pleural effusion–derived tumor cells.

Experimental Design: Using morphologically normal lung tissues as a control lysate in Western blotting analyses, 54 tumor samples were screened with autologous effusion antibodies. Biochemical purification and mass spectrometric identification of TAAs were done using established effusion tumor cell lines as antigen sources. We identified a p48 antigen as α-enolase (ENO1). Semiquantitative immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate expression status of ENO1 in the tissue samples of 80 patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and then correlated with clinical variables.

Results: Using ENO1-specifc antiserum, up-regulation of ENO1 expression in effusion tumor cells from 11 of 17 patients was clearly observed compared with human normal lung primary epithelial and non-cancer-associated effusion cells. Immunohistochemical studies consistently showed high level of ENO1 expression in all the tumors we have examined thus far. Log-rank and Cox's analyses of ENO1 expression status revealed that its expression level in primary tumors was a key factor contributing to overall- and progression-free survivals of patients (P < 0.05). The same result was also obtained in the early stage of NSCLC patients, showing that tumors expressing relatively higher ENO1 level were tightly correlated with poorer survival outcomes.

Conclusions: Our data strongly support a prognostic role of ENO1 in determining tumor malignancy of patients with NSCLC.
Prognostic Significance of the Epstein-Barr Virus, p53, Bcl-2, and Survivin in Nasopharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Yip Kenneth W. , Shi Wei , Pintilie Melania , Martin Joseph D. , Mocanu Joseph D. , Wong Derek , MacMillan Christine , Gullane Pat , O'Sullivan Brian , Bastianutto Carlo , Liu Fei-Fei
Published: October 2006

Purpose: Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a malignant epithelial carcinoma which is intimately associated with EBV. The latent presence of EBV affects the function of p53, Bcl-2, and survivin. We thus investigated the relationship between EBV status, p53, Bcl-2, and survivin in biopsy specimens from patients with primary NPC.

Experimental Design: Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded NPC biopsies were evaluated in 80 patients treated with curative radiation from a single institution. The presence of EBV was determined using EBER in situ hybridization, whereas p53, Bcl-2, and survivin were assessed using immunohistochemistry.

Results: The majority of NPC specimens in this patient cohort were EBER-positive (64 of 78, or 82%), which in turn, was significantly associated with ethnicity (P = 0.0007), and WHO subtype 2A/2B (P = 0.04). EBER-positive tumors were also associated with p53 (P = 0.002), Bcl-2 (P = 0.04), and nuclear survivin (P = 0.03) expression. Patients with EBER-positive NPC fared better, with a 10-year overall survival of 68% versus 48% for EBER-negative patients (P = 0.03). For nuclear survivin, patients with either low or high nuclear survivin fared worse than patients with intermediate survivin expression (P = 0.05), suggesting that there is an optimal proportion of survivin-expressing cells for best function and clinical outcome.

Conclusions: With an extended median follow-up time of 11.4 years, EBV status remains a strong predictor for overall survival in NPC. EBV-positive NPC has strong molecular associations with p53, Bcl-2, and survivin expression. Furthermore, we provide clinical data revealing the potentially dual nature of survivin in predicting clinical outcome.
Phase I Study of Decitabine-Mediated Gene Expression in Patients with Cancers Involving the Lungs, Esophagus, or Pleura
Authors: Schrump David S. , Fischette Maria R. , Nguyen Dao M. , Zhao Ming , Li Xinmin , Kunst Tricia F. , Hancox Ana , Hong Julie A. , Chen G. Aaron , Pishchik Vitaliy , Figg William D. , Murgo Anthony J. , Steinberg Seth M.
Published: October 2006

Purpose: The DNA methylation paradox, manifested as derepression of cancer-testis antigens, and silencing of tumor suppressors during malignant transformation, provides the rationale for the utilization of chromatin remodeling agents for cancer therapy. A phase I trial was done to examine pharmacokinetics, toxicities, and gene expression mediated by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (DAC) in patients with thoracic malignancies.

Experimental Design: Thirty-five patients with cancers refractory to standard therapy received continuous 72-hour DAC infusions using a phase I dose-escalation schema. Each full course of therapy consisted of two identical 35-day cycles. Plasma DAC levels were evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, methylation-specific PCR, and immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate NY-ESO-1, MAGE-3, and p16 expression in tumor biopsies. Long oligonucleotide arrays were used to evaluate gene expression profiles in laser-captured tumor cells before and after DAC exposure.

Results: Thirty-five patients were evaluable for toxicities; 25 were evaluable for treatment response. Myelosuppression constituted dose-limiting toxicity. The maximum tolerated dose of DAC was 60 to 75 mg/m2 depending on the number of prior cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens. No objective responses were observed. Plasma DAC concentrations approximated thresholds for gene induction in cultured cancer cells. Target gene induction was observed in 36% of patients. Posttreatment antibodies to NY-ESO-1 were detected in three patients exhibiting NY-ESO-1 induction in their tumor tissues. Complex, heterogeneous gene expression profiles were observed in pretreatment and posttreatment tissues.

Conclusion: Prolonged DAC infusions can modulate gene expression in primary thoracic malignancies. These findings support further evaluation of DNA-demethylating agents alone or in combination with other regimens targeting induced gene products for the treatment of these neoplasms.
Analysis of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene Mutation in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Acquired Resistance to Gefitinib
Authors: Kosaka Takayuki , Yatabe Yasushi , Endoh Hideki , Yoshida Kimihide , Hida Toyoaki , Tsuboi Masahiro , Tada Hirohito , Kuwano Hiroyuki , Mitsudomi Tetsuya
Published: October 2006

Purpose: Non–small cell lung cancers carrying activating mutations in the gene for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are highly sensitive to EGFR-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors. However, most patients who initially respond subsequently experience disease progression while still on treatment. Part of this “acquired resistance” is attributable to a secondary mutation resulting in threonine to methionine at codon 790 (T790M) of EGFR.

Experimental Design: We sequenced exons 18 to 21 of the EGFR gene to look for secondary mutations in tumors with acquired resistance to gefitinib in 14 patients with adenocarcinomas. Subcloning or cycleave PCR was used in addition to normal sequencing to increase the sensitivity of the assay. We also looked for T790M in pretreatment samples from 52 patients who were treated with gefitinib. We also looked for secondary KRAS gene mutations because tumors with KRAS mutations are generally resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Results: Seven of 14 tumors had a secondary T790M mutation. There were no other novel secondary mutations. We detected no T790M mutations in pretreatment specimens from available five tumors among these seven tumors. Patients with T790M tended to be women, never smokers, and carrying deletion mutations, but the T790M was not associated with the duration of gefitinib administration. None of the tumors had an acquired mutation in the KRAS gene.

Conclusions: A secondary T790M mutation of EGFR accounted for half the tumors with acquired resistance to gefitinib in Japanese patients. Other drug-resistant secondary mutations are uncommon in the EGFR gene.
Overexpression of Caspase-3s Splice Variant in Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma Is Associated with Poor Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Végran Frédérique , Boidot Romain , Oudin Claire , Riedinger Jean-Marc , Bonnetain Franck , Lizard-Nacol Sarab
Published: October 2006

Purpose: CASP-3 gene gives rise, by alternative splicing to a caspase-3s variant, to the antagonist apoptotic property of caspase-3. Deregulation of splicing in tumor cells favoring the expression of antiapoptotic variants has been reported to contribute to both tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Thus, we investigated the role of caspase-3 and its splice variant in breast cancer cells.

Experimental Design: Breast tumor cell lines deficient (MCF-7) and proficient (HBL100) for CASP-3 gene were transfected with each transcript and were characterized for their apoptotic response to cyclophosphamide. Expression of the two transcripts were measured by reverse transcription-PCR in 130 breast carcinomas, including 90 locally advanced tumors treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy containing cyclophosphamide, epirubicine, and 5-fluorouracil.

Results: Overexpression of caspase-3s variant in caspase-3–transfected cell lines significantly inhibits apoptosis induced by cyclophosphamide (P < 0.0001 for both cell lines). In breast tissues, only caspase-3 levels were higher in carcinomas than in corresponding adjacent normal tissues (P = 0.0396). Locally advanced carcinomas with high levels of caspase-3 (P < 0.0001) and weak levels of caspase-3s (P = 0.0248) were more sensitive to treatment. Therefore, increase in caspase-3s/caspase3 ratio expression was significantly associated with chemoresistance (P = 0.01). Logistic univariate and multivariate analyses realized according to pathologic response confirm that increased caspase-3s expression was indicative of chemoresistance (P = 0.012 and P = 0.026, respectively).

Conclusions: The results agree with an antagonist function between the two transcripts of caspase-3 and show that their ratio of expression levels may define a subset of locally advanced breast cancer patients who are more likely to benefit from neoadjuvant cyclophosphamide-containing chemotherapy.
Understanding the Influence of Climate Forecasts on Farmer Decisions as Planned Behavior*
Authors: Artikov Ikrom , Hoffman Stacey J. , Lynne Gary D. , Zillig Lisa M. Pytlik , Hu Qi , Tomkins Alan J. , Hubbard Kenneth G. , Hayes Michael J. , Waltman William
Published: October 2006

Results of a set of four regression models applied to recent survey data of farmers in eastern Nebraska suggest the causes that drive farmer intentions of using weather and climate information and forecasts in farming decisions. The model results quantify the relative importance of attitude, social norm, perceived behavioral control, and financial capability in explaining the influence of climate-conditions information and short-term and long-term forecasts on agronomic, crop insurance, and crop marketing decisions. Attitude, serving as a proxy for the utility gained from the use of such information, had the most profound positive influence on the outcome of all the decisions, followed by norms. The norms in the community, as a proxy for the utility gained from allowing oneself to be influenced by others, played a larger role in agronomic decisions than in insurance or marketing decisions. In addition, the interaction of controllability (accuracy, availability, reliability, timeliness of weather and climate information), self-efficacy (farmer ability and understanding), and general preference for control was shown to be a substantive cause. Yet control variables also have an economic side: The farm-sales variable as a measure of financial ability and motivation intensified and clarified the role of control while also enhancing the statistical robustness of the attitude and norms variables in better clarifying how they drive the influence. Overall, the integrated model of planned behavior from social psychology and derived demand from economics, that is, the “planned demand model,” is more powerful than models based on either of these approaches alone. Taken together, these results suggest that the “human dimension” needs to be better recognized so as to improve effective use of climate and weather forecasts and information for farming decision making.
Review: Application of Pulsed Electric Fields in Egg and Egg Derivatives
Authors: Sampedro F. , Rodrigo D. , Martínez A. , Barbosa-Cánovas G. V. , Rodrigo M.
Published: October 2006

This work overviews works published on the application of pulsed electric fields (PEF) in egg and egg derivatives, grouped by subject, and arranged chronologically in terms of the factor studied (microorganisms, quality aspects, shelf life and structural changes in gel formation properties). The inactivation of microorganisms by PEF in egg is very considerable, 3.5 decimal reductions in egg white were achieved by PEF in Salmonella enteritidis, 5.5 log reductions of Listeria innocua by means of a synergistic effect of PEF and nisin in liquid whole egg, and 5.6 log reductions of Escherichia coli in beaten fresh liquid egg by PEF treatment applied continuously or discontinuously in five steps. The shelf life of PEF-treated fresh liquid egg was extended to 4 weeks in refrigeration, and quality (colour, viscosity and sensory attributes) was not affected by PEF treatment. PEF treatment did not cause notable changes in proteins in a solution of ovalbumin and dialysed fresh egg white. However, some structural changes and functional modifications were observed in fresh egg white as a result of PEF treatment. The texture and microstructure of gels were affected by the application of PEF, and therefore PEF treatment conditions in egg white must be optimised to minimise possible modifications.
Textbook publishers’ website objective question banks
Authors: Johnston Scott Paul , Huczynski Andrzej
Published: October 2006

This article presents the findings of a survey of students’ usage of the objective question bank section of an academic publisher’s textbook website. The findings are based on a survey of 239 business and management undergraduates conducted using a quantitative research methodology. The results suggest that increased use of the objective question bank improves students’ examination performance only where it matches exactly the course assessment format. Other factors, such as usage cross-tabulated with gender and off-campus Internet access were also examined. On the basis of this survey, the authors consider the use of textbook publishers’ objective question banks in teaching business and management subjects at university.
The value theory of democracy
Authors: Brettschneider Corey
Published: October 2006

Liberal political theorists often argue that justice requires limits on policy outcomes, limits delineated by substantive rights. Distinct from this project is a body of literature dedicated to elaborating on the meaning of democracy in procedural terms. In this article, I offer an alternative to the traditional divide between procedural theories of democracy and substantive theories of justice; I call this the ‘value theory of democracy’. I argue that the democratic ideal is fundamentally about a core set of values (political autonomy, equality of interests, and reciprocity) with both procedural and substantive implications. Further, I contend that limits on policy outcomes can be newly understood as part of the democratic ideal.
Does democratic deliberation change minds?
Authors: Mackie Gerry
Published: October 2006

Discussion is frequently observed in democratic politics, but change in view is rarely observed. Call this the ‘unchanging minds hypothesis’. I assume that a given belief or desire is not isolated, but, rather, is located in a network structure of attitudes, such that persuasion sufficient to change an attitude in isolation is not sufficient to change the attitude as supported by its network. The network structure of attitudes explains why the unchanging minds hypothesis seems to be true, and why it is false: due to the network, the effects of deliberative persuasion are typically latent, indirect, delayed, or disguised. Finally, I connect up the coherence account of attitudes to several topics in recent political and democratic theory.
Voluntary losses and wage compensation
Authors: Wigley Simon
Published: October 2006

This article endeavors to establish the moral force behind the worker’s claim to a compensatory wage in return for the labor burdens she endures. The apparent incompatibility between compensation and voluntary losses suggests that the only reason for providing a compensatory wage is the need to entice a valued service. In response, the article considers and rejects attempts to ground the compensatory wage on duress, mutual trade, and desert. Instead, it argues that the worker is not responsible for her loss of well-being because she would not have incurred it in the absence of the employer’s promise to compensate.
A Diffusion-based Model for Transient High Temperature Treatment of Wood
Authors: Younsi R. , Kocaefe D. , Poncsak S. , Kocaefe Y.
Published: October 2006

A three-dimensional (3D) mathematical model describing simultaneous unsteady heat and moisture transfer between a gas phase and a solid phase during high temperature treatment of wood has been developed. The model is based on a diffusion equation with variable diffusion coefficients. The governing equations representing the heating process in a 3D rectangular object are discretized using an explicit finite-difference approach, and a computer code is developed to predict the temperature and moisture distributions inside the wood sample. The sample was subjected to high temperature treatment under different operating conditions. The model predictions are compared with experimental results obtained for temperature and average moisture content during high temperature treatment of birch wood. Satisfactory agreement is obtained over a range of heating conditions. A parametric study was also carried out to determine the effects of several parameters such as initial moisture content, heat and mass transfer coefficients, and the sample thickness on the temperature and moisture content distributions within the samples during heat treatment.
Risk-adapted BEACOPP regimen can reduce the cumulative dose of chemotherapy for standard and high-risk Hodgkin lymphoma with no impairment of outcome
Authors: Dann Eldad J. , Bar-Shalom Rachel , Tamir Ada , Haim Nissim , Ben-Shachar Menachem , Avivi Irit , Zuckerman Tzila , Kirschbaum Mark , Goor Odelia , Libster Diana , Rowe Jacob M. , Epelbaum Ron
Published: October 2006

Therapy of Hodgkin disease (HD) is designed to prolong progression-free survival and minimize toxicity. The best regimen to achieve this has not yet been defined. A total of 108 patients with newly diagnosed HD and adverse prognostic factors were prospectively studied between 1999 and 2004. They were assigned to therapy according to defined risk stratification. Patients were defined depending on the International Prognostic Score (IPS). Those with IPS of 3 or higher received 2 cycles of escalated therapy, including bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (BEACOPP [EB]). All others received 2 cycles of standard BEACOPP (SB). Subsequent therapy was prospectively assigned following 2 cycles according to results of early interim 67Ga or positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Following a positive interim scan, 4 cycles of EB were administered, whereas 4 cycles of SB were given to patients with a negative scan. The complete remission rate, the 5-year event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 97%, 85% and 90%, respectively. Relapse or progression occurred in 27% of patients with interim positive PET/CT versus 2.3% of negative scans (P < .02). Early interim fluorine-18 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG)–PET/CT is a useful tool for adjustment of chemotherapy on an individual basis. Similar EFS and OS rates were observed for patients in both risk groups.
Dendritic-cell maturation alters intracellular signaling networks, enabling differential effects of IFN-α/β on antigen cross-presentation
Authors: Longman Randy S. , Braun Deborah , Pellegrini Sandra , Rice Charles M. , Darnell Robert B. , Albert Matthew L.
Published: October 2006

The broad and often contrasting effects of type I interferons (IFNs) in innate and adaptive immunity are belied by the signaling via a single receptor, IFN-α receptor (IFNAR). Here, we show that IFN-α/β induces opposing effects on the immunologic outcome of antigen cross-presentation depending on dendritic cell (DC) maturation status. Despite equivalent IFNAR expression, immature conventional DCs (cDCs) activate STAT1 in response to IFN-α/β, whereas exposure of mature DCs to IFN-α/β results in signaling via STAT4. Microarray analysis revealed numerous transcriptional changes resulting from the altered signaling. Importantly, STAT1 signaling resulted in significant inhibition of CD40L-induced IL-12 production, accounting for the inhibition of CD8+ T-cell activation. These data provide evidence for a molecular switch in signaling pathways concomitant with DC maturation that offers a novel mechanism by which DCs modulate the integration of signals from the surrounding environment.
Complete plastid genome sequences of Drimys, Liriodendron, and Piper: implications for the phylogenetic relationships of magnoliids
Authors: Cai Zhengqiu , Penaflor Cynthia , Kuehl Jennifer V , Leebens-Mack James , Carlson John E , dePamphilis Claude W , Boore Jeffrey L , Jansen Robert K
Published: October 2006

Background

The magnoliids with four orders, 19 families, and 8,500 species represent one of the largest clades of early diverging angiosperms. Although several recent angiosperm phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of magnoliids and suggested relationships among the orders, the limited number of genes examined resulted in only weak support, and these issues remain controversial. Furthermore, considerable incongruence resulted in phylogenetic reconstructions supporting three different sets of relationships among magnoliids and the two large angiosperm clades, monocots and eudicots. We sequenced the plastid genomes of three magnoliids, Drimys (Canellales), Liriodendron (Magnoliales), and Piper (Piperales), and used these data in combination with 32 other angiosperm plastid genomes to assess phylogenetic relationships among magnoliids and to examine patterns of variation of GC content.

Results

The Drimys, Liriodendron, and Piper plastid genomes are very similar in size at 160,604, 159,886 bp, and 160,624 bp, respectively. Gene content and order are nearly identical to many other unrearranged angiosperm plastid genomes, including Calycanthus, the other published magnoliid genome. Overall GC content ranges from 34–39%, and coding regions have a substantially higher GC content than non-coding regions. Among protein-coding genes, GC content varies by codon position with 1st codon > 2nd codon > 3rd codon, and it varies by functional group with photosynthetic genes having the highest percentage and NADH genes the lowest. Phylogenetic analyses using parsimony and likelihood methods and sequences of 61 protein-coding genes provided strong support for the monophyly of magnoliids and two strongly supported groups were identified, the Canellales/Piperales and the Laurales/Magnoliales. Strong support is reported for monocots and eudicots as sister clades with magnoliids diverging before the monocot-eudicot split. The trees also provided moderate or strong support for the position of Amborella as sister to a clade including all other angiosperms.

Conclusion

Evolutionary comparisons of three new magnoliid plastid genome sequences, combined with other published angiosperm genomes, confirm that GC content is unevenly distributed across the genome by location, codon position, and functional group. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses provide the strongest support so far for the hypothesis that the magnoliids are sister to a large clade that includes both monocots and eudicots.
Computed tomography in the diagnosis of primary tumors of the petrous bone
Authors: Mafee Mahmood F. , Aimi Kenji , Valvassori Galdino E.
Published: October 2006

This paper constitutes an evaluation of 23 patients with signs and symptoms of 4 types of tumors: 6 congenital epidermoids, 3 cases of meningiomas presenting within the temporal bone, 2 cases of jugular fossa schwannomns, 3 cases of glomus tympanicum, and 9 selected cases of glomus jugulare tumors.

Since these tumors occur insidiously and are located in an inaccessible region of the skull, they are usually not diagnosed until they reach considerable size and cause multiple cranial nerve deficits or intracranial complications. Assessment of these tumors and subsequent surgical management depend primarily on the preoperative radiographic findings. CT and dynamic CT study have proven to be extremely valuable and accurate in the diagnosis of these lesions.

Epidermoids have a characteristic CT appearance. Dynamic CT is often helpful in differentiating glomus tumors from meningiomas and schwannomas. Involvement of the middle ear, labyrinth, intracranial, and extracranial components of these tumors can be best evaluated by CT.

This paper places special emphasis on congenital cholcsteatoma (epidermoid) and draws relevant conclusions about the diagnostic work‐up.
Bilateral congenital oval window microfistulae in a mother and son
Authors: Weider Dudley J. , Musiekd Frank E.
Published: October 2006

This article details case histories of a son and his mother who were studied over a seven‐year period before making the diagnosis of bilateral oval window microfistulae in both of them. The boy demonstrated a slowly progressive bilateral and symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss closely resembling thnt of his mother. The case reports emphasize their respective histories, diagnostic evaluation, surgical observations, and treatment.
Light and electron microscopic studies of a case of middle ear adenoma
Authors: Kochilas Xenos , Birchall John P. , Sloan Philip
Published: October 2006

An adenomatous neoplasm from the middle enr was studied. Two distinct groups of cells were present. Electron microscopy suggested that one group was epithelial and the other neuroendocrine in origin. The features supported the hypothesis that such tumors arise from middle ear mucosa.
Epstein‐barr virus‐associated antibodies and serum biochemistry in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lynn Tsong‐Chou , Hsieh Rhong‐Phong , Chuang Che‐Yen , Huang Shu‐Chen , Lsieh Ti , Tu Shih‐Mien
Published: October 2006

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is difficult to diagnose in its early stages. It also has frequent recurrences and/or distant metnstases after radiotherapy. Extensive clinical, serological and biochemical studies were done during 1980‐1982 on 351 patients to aid in the diagnosis of the disease, especially with recurrence or metastasis.

Seropositive rates of the antibody titers against viral capsid antigens (VCA) and early antigens (EA) of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) in IgG and IgA classes were 41.7%‐100%. They ranked, in order of frequency: anti‐VCA/IgA, anti‐VCA/IgG, anti‐EA/IgG, and anti‐EA/IgA.

Mean total serum IgG and IgA levels were moderately increased in all patients. Serum GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, laclnte dehydrogenase and mucoprotein were elevated either alone or in combination in a few patients before treatment, in many patients with recurrence or metastases, and in all patients with liver metastasis.
Teratomas of the head and neck in childhood
Authors: Abemayor E. , Newman A. , Bergstrom L. , Dudley J. , Magidson J. G. , Ljung B. M.
Published: October 2006

Teratomas ore tumors consisting of tissue arising from all three embryonic germ layers. Their occurrence in the head and neck region is rare. Three patients with this lesion are presented. Although exhibiting progressive uncoordinated growth, histologic evidence of malignancy in the head and neck form of this tumor is distinctly uncommon. Mortality assocciated with terutomas is most often secondary to respiratory compromise. Complete surgical extirpation is the treatment of choice to lower mortality and recurrences. The use of fine needle aspiration in the management of neck masses in children is discussed.
Communication and laboratory performance in parapsychology experiments: Demand characteristics and the social organization of interaction
Authors: Wooffitt Robin
Published: October 2006

This paper reports findings from a conversation analytic study of experimenter–participant interaction in parapsychology experiments. It shows how properties of communication through which the routine business of the experiment is conducted may have an impact on the research participant's subsequent performance. In this, the study explores social psychological features of the psychology laboratory. In particular, it examines aspects ofOrne's (1962)account of what he called the demand characteristics of the psychological experiment. The data come from a corpus of audio recordings of experimenter–participant interaction during experiments on extra‐sensory perception. These kinds of experiments, and the phenomena they purport to study, are undoubtedly controversial; however, the paper argues that there are grounds for social psychologists to consider parapsychology experiments as a class (albeit distinctive) of psychology experiments, and, therefore, as sites in which general social psychological and communicative phenomena can be studied. The empirical sections of the paper examine interaction during part of the experimental procedure when the experimenter verbally reviews a record of the participant's imagery reported during an earlier part of the experiment. The analysis shows that the way in which the experimenter acknowledges the research participants' utterances may be significant for the trajectory of the experiment and explores how the participants' subsequent performance in the experiment may be influenced by interactionally generated contingencies.
Simulation of Pressuremeter Shearing Mode by True Triaxial Apparatus
Authors: Seah TH , Shrestha D
Published: October 2006

Pressuremeters are commonly used for determining the modulus of soil in the field. The shearing plane of the pressuremeter differs from those in the conventional laboratory strength tests; therefore the moduli obtained from these tests may be different. This paper describes the method of using the true triaxial apparatus to simulate the shearing mode of the pressuremeter. The true triaxial tests were performed by shearing the soil sample in the plane similar to that of the pressuremeter tests at the same depths on Bangkok clay.A pore water pressure probe was introduced to the true triaxial, enabling the pore water pressure at the middle of the sample to be measured. To compare the results of pressuremeter and true triaxial tests, the stress-strain relationship of the true triaxial test was used as the input in the finite element _FE_ analysis, and a predicted pressurevolume expansion curve was generated from the FE analysis. The prediction was compared directly with the results of the pressuremeter tests, indicating relatively good agreement in the pressure-volume expansion curves from elastic to plastic range.
Sparse Representation in the Human Medial Temporal Lobe
Authors: Waydo Stephen , Kraskov Alexander , Quian Quiroga Rodrigo , Fried Itzhak , Koch Christof
Published: October 2006

Recent experiments characterized individual neurons in the human medial temporal lobe with remarkably selective, invariant, and explicit responses to images of famous individuals or landmark buildings. Here, we used a probabilistic analysis to show that these data are consistent with a sparse code in which neurons respond in a selective manner to a small fraction of stimuli.
Cdc42 and Rac1 Signaling Are Both Required for and Act Synergistically in the Correct Formation of Myelin Sheaths in the CNS
Authors: Thurnherr Tina , Benninger Yves , Wu Xunwei , Chrostek Anna , Krause Sven M. , Nave Klaus-Armin , Franklin Robin J. M. , Brakebusch Cord , Suter Ueli , Relvas João B.
Published: October 2006

The formation of myelin sheaths in the CNS is the result of a complex series of events involving oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) proliferation, directed migration, and the morphological changes associated with axon ensheathment and myelination. To examine the role of Rho GTPases in oligodendrocyte biology, we have used a conditional tissue-specific gene-targeting approach. Ablation ofCdc42in cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage did not affect OPC proliferation, directed migration, orin vitrodifferentiation, but it led to the formation of a unique and stage-specific myelination phenotype. This was characterized by the extraordinary enlargement of the inner tongue of the oligodendrocyte process and concomitant formation of a myelin outfolding as a result of abnormal accumulation of cytoplasm in this region. Ablation ofRac1also resulted in the abnormal accumulation of cytoplasm in the inner tongue of the oligodendrocyte process, and we provide genetic evidence that rac1 synergizes with cdc42 in a gene dosage-dependent way to regulate myelination.
The Chloride Intracellular Channel Protein CLIC5 Is Expressed at High Levels in Hair Cell Stereocilia and Is Essential for Normal Inner Ear Function
Authors: Gagnon Leona H. , Longo-Guess Chantal M. , Berryman Mark , Shin Jung-Bum , Saylor Katherine W. , Yu Heping , Gillespie Peter G. , Johnson Kenneth R.
Published: October 2006

Although CLIC5 is a member of the chloride intracellular channel protein family, its association with actin-based cytoskeletal structures suggests that it may play an important role in their assembly or maintenance. Mice homozygous for a new spontaneous recessive mutation of theClic5gene, named jitterbug (jbg), exhibit impaired hearing and vestibular dysfunction. Thejbgmutation is a 97 bp intragenic deletion that causes skipping of exon 5, which creates a translational frame shift and premature stop codon. Western blot and immunohistochemistry results confirmed the predicted absence of CLIC5 protein in tissues ofjbg/jbgmutant mice. Histological analysis of mutant inner ears revealed dysmorphic stereocilia and progressive hair cell degeneration. In wild-type mice, CLIC5-specific immunofluorescence was detected in stereocilia of both cochlear and vestibular hair cells and also along the apical surface of Kolliker’s organ during cochlear development. Refined immunolocalization in rat and chicken vestibular hair cells showed that CLIC5 is limited to the basal region of the hair bundle, similar to the known location of radixin. Radixin immunostaining appeared reduced in hair bundles ofjbgmutant mice. By mass spectrometry and immunoblotting, CLIC5 was shown to be expressed at high levels in stereocilia of the chicken utricle, in an approximate 1:1 molar ratio with radixin. These results suggest that CLIC5 associates with radixin in hair cell stereocilia and may help form or stabilize connections between the plasma membrane and the filamentous actin core.
De-industrialisation
Authors: Mickiewicz Tomasz , Zalewska Anna
Published: October 2006

This paper presents a simple three-sector model that seeks to establish links between structural change in employment and the level of economic development. The model is a modified version of that of Rowthorn - Wells (1987). The theoretical analysis is supplemented with simple econometric tests which illustrate how the modified Rowthorn - Wells model can be used (i) to motivate empirical estimates of the link between the level of development and structures of employment, and (ii) to illustrate structural distortions under command economies.
The Role of Economics of Shortage in the Intellectual Preparations for Transition in Hungary
Authors: Chikán Attila
Published: October 2006

The paper sets out to show that János Kornai's book Economics of Shortage, published in 1980, had played a very important role in the intellectual preparations for transition - most certainly in Hungary but also in other former socialist countries. It analyses the environment in which the book was born and formulates eight theses on its effects, emphasising its professional soundness, carefully pointed focuses, clarity of methodology and radicalising influence. The paper concludes that later on the book also helped the analysis of the transition process itself.
Regional Policies and the Equity-efficiency Trade-off: Towards a Sequenced Timing of Cohesion Policy
Authors: Lackenbauer Jörg , Meyer Dietmar
Published: October 2006

As a result of the combination of endogenous growth theory with the approach of the new economic geography (NEG), several models have been developed to explain spatial income inequality and to formulate possible policy strategies taking into account the equity-efficiency trade-off. The dynamics of this problem should be considered as fundamentally important for the enlargement of the EU, because with respect to the new Member States from Central and Eastern Europe (CEECs), EU cohesion policy is confronted with a double challenge. To analyse this problem we develop a very simple dynamic version of Martin's model (1999) from which we derive some regional policy implications. We find that there is a case for a “two step regional policy approach” in order to tackle the equity-efficiency trade-off challenge: this approach first aims to support the richer region and thus aggregate growth in the whole integrated area, and then to pursue an equity-oriented cohesion policy by fostering firm creation and innovation in the poorer region. We question whether The Republic of Ireland could be a role model to follow in this context and whether cohesion policy should be based on national wealth instead of regional wealth.
AlN ceramics processed by aqueous slip casting
Authors: Olhero S.M. , Miranzo P. , Ferreira J.M.F.
Published: October 2006

Fully dense aluminium nitride (AlN) ceramics consolidated by aqueous slip casting were obtained after sintering at 1750 °C for 2 h. The obtained samples were characterized by Vickers hardness (1000 Hv), flexural strength (200 MPa) and thermal conductivity (115 W/mK). YF3and CaF2were used as sintering additives in total amounts ranging from 5 to 7 wt% in YF3/CaF2weight ratios of 1.25, 1.5, and 2. The compatibility between the thermochemically treated AlN powder and the sintering additives in the aqueous suspensions was investigated by rheological and zeta potential measurements. Highly concentrated (50 vol%) and well-dispersed suspensions could be prepared and used to consolidate homogeneous green bodies by slip casting. The phosphate species used to protect the surface AlN particles against hydrolysis could no longer be detected at temperatures higher than 1400 °C. X-ray diffraction results revealed that all the new crystalline phases formed upon sintering belong to the system Al–Y–O–Ca, but their specific compositions as well as the thermal properties of the sintered materials were shown to depend on the total amount and ratio of sintering aids.
Effect of solute on the growth rate and the constitutional undercooling ahead of the advancing interface during solidification of an alloy and the implications for nucleation
Authors: Yao X. , Dahle A.K. , Davidson C.J. , StJohn D.H.
Published: October 2006

A framework is presented for modeling the nucleation in the constitutionally supercooled liquid ahead of the advancing solid/liquid interface. The effects of temperature gradient, imposed velocity, slope of liquidus, and initial concentration have been taken into account in this model by considering the effect of interface retardation, which is caused by solute buildup at the interface. Furthermore, the effect of solute concentration on the chemical driving force for nucleation has been considered in this model. The model is used for describing the nucleation of Al–Si and Al–Cu alloys. It was found that the solute of Si has a significant impact on the chemical driving force for nucleation in Al–Si alloys whereas Cu has almost no effect in Al–Cu alloys.
Structural characterization of a new layered-ternary Ta4AlC3 ceramic
Authors: Lin Z.J. , Zhuo M.J. , Zhou Y.C. , Li M.S. , Wang J.Y.
Published: October 2006

Bulk Ta4AlC3, a new layered-ternary carbide in the Ta–Al–C system, was synthesized and characterized. Transmission electron microscopy investigations on this new phase are reported here. Selected area electron diffraction and convergent beam electron diffraction analyses indicated that this ternary carbide crystallized with the space group P63/mmc. Atomic-scale microstructures of Ta4AlC3 were achieved by means of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy. The experimental crystal structural parameters agreed well with the theoretical values obtained using density-functional calculations.
Chemical gelation of cerium (III)-doped yttrium aluminium oxide spherical particles
Authors: Su L.T. , Tok A.I.Y. , Boey F.Y.C. , Woodhead J.L.
Published: October 2006

A novel low-temperature (900 °C) chemical gelation method was developed to synthesize spherical and nonagglomerated Ce3+-doped yttrium aluminum oxide particles (YAG:Ce3+). This represents a process with a much lower processing temperature than current solid-state reaction processes (1400 °C). Characterization of the particles via x-ray diffraction and thermoanalytical methods showed that calcination at 900 °C for 2 h allowed direct crystallization from the amorphous phase, inferring that this process allows homogeneous mixing and increased precursor reactivity. Electron microscopy results showed that the spherical particles (∼100 to ∼3 μm) were the flocks of crystallites. The crystallite sizes (Rietveld refinement) grew linearly from 27 nm (900 °C) to 114 nm (1300 °C). The surface area decreased from 40 m2/g (900 °C) to 5 m2/g (1300 °C) because of the coagulating and growing of crystallites to bigger grains at 1300 °C. Single-crystal nanoparticles (around 100 nm) were obtained with this process and their atomic structures were revealed via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Influence of microstructure and preparation methods on the magneto-crystalline structure and magnetic properties of submicron barium hexaferrite powders
Authors: Nedkov I. , Koutzarova T. , Ghelev Ch. , Lukanov P. , Lisjak D. , Makovec D. , Vandenberghe R.E. , Gilewski A.
Published: October 2006

We report studies on the correlation between the microstructure, the magneto-crystalline structure, and the magnetic properties of barium hexaferrite powders. The samples consisted of typical hexagonal plate-like particles with approximate sizes of 80, 180, and 500 nm, obtained by microemulsion, coprecipitation, and solid-state reaction techniques, respectively, and were characterized by x-ray powder diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The hyperfine parameters of the hexaferrite powders with different particle size were investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy. We also measured the magnetization-versus-magnetic field dependence of the submicron powders at high magnetic fields up to 30 T at 4.2 K. Finally, we comment on the surface effects observed because of particle size reduction from micron to nanoscale dimensions.