bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow-Mediated Dilatation Is Impaired by a High–Saturated Fat Diet but Not by a High-Carbohydrate Diet
Authors: Keogh Jennifer B. , Grieger Jessica A. , Noakes Manny , Clifton Peter M.
Published: March 2005

Objective—

It is unknown whether a low-fat diet, which may elevate triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, harms the endothelium. Our aim was to determine whether a low-fat, high-carbohydrate (CARB) diet impaired endothelial vasodilation compared with high saturated fat (SFA), monounsaturated fat (MUFA), or polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) diets.

Methods and Results—

Forty healthy subjects were randomly crossed over to 4, 3-week isocaloric diets high in PUFA, MUFA, or SFA, containing at least 25 g of the relevant fat or a low-fat, CARB, high–glycemic load diet. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), fasting blood lipids, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, plasma intercellular, and vascular adhesion molecules plasma E- and P-selectin were measured after each intervention. SFA impaired FMD compared with all other diets (5.41±2.45% versus 10.80±3.69%;
P
=0.01). FMD did not change on CARB relative to MUFA or PUFA, despite 23% to 39% rises in triglyceride and 10% to 15% falls in HDL cholesterol. P-selectin was highest after SFA (121±52.7 ng/mL) versus MUFA (98±44.5 ng/mL;
P
=0.001) and PUFA (96±36.4 ng/mL;
P
=0.001).

Conclusion—

High SFA caused deterioration in FMD compared with high PUFA, MUFA, or CARB diets. Inflammatory responses may also be increased on this diet.
Role of Transforming Growth Factor Beta in Human Cancer
Authors: Elliott Rebecca L. , Blobe Gerard C.
Published: March 2005

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a ubiquitous and essential regulator of cellular and physiologic processes including proliferation, differentiation, migration, cell survival, angiogenesis, and immunosurveillance. Alterations in the TGF-β signaling pathway, including mutation or deletion of members of the signaling pathway and resistance to TGF-β-mediated inhibition of proliferation are frequently observed in human cancers. Although these alterations define a tumor suppressor role for the TGF-β pathway in human cancer, TGF-β also mediates tumor-promoting effects, either through differential effects on tumor and stromal cells or through a fundamental alteration in the TGF-β responsiveness of the tumor cells themselves. TGF-β and members of the TGF-β signaling pathway are being evaluated as prognostic or predictive markers for cancer patients. Ongoing advances in understanding the TGF-β signaling pathway will enable targeting of this pathway for the chemoprevention and treatment of human cancers.
Sentence completion test for depression (SCD): An idiographic measure of depressive thinking
Authors: Barton Stephen , Morley Stephen , Bloxham Gillian , Kitson Catherine , Platts Simon
Published: March 2005

Objectives. This study set out to investigate the reliability and validity of the Sentence Completion Test for Depression (SCD) as a clinical measure. In contrast to questionnaire measures of depressive thinking, respondents finish incomplete sentences using their own words. This elicits idiographic information concurrent with measuring depressive thinking.

Method. In Study 1, measures of negative thinking were tested between a depressed group and a non‐depressed control group. A preliminary item analysis was conducted and replicated on separate samples in Study 2. Psychometric properties of the test were investigated. In Study 3, idiographic validity and sensitivity to change were explored in a sample of clinical cases with reference to cognitive‐behavioural case‐formulation.

Results. In Study 1, the depressed group produced more negatives and fewer positives, and the SCD demonstrated good content validity, internal consistency and inter‐rater reliability. The preliminary short‐form had comparable psychometric properties, and these were replicated on new samples in Study 2. Sensitivity and specificity values were above 90% in both studies. In Study 3, idiographic content generated hypotheses about target problems and dysfunctional beliefs within cognitive‐behavioural case‐formulation, and SCD scores were sensitive to clinical change.

Conclusions. The SCD demonstrates good construct validity, internal consistency, inter‐rater reliability, sensitivity, and specificity. It offers an idiographic assessment of depression that is complementary to questionnaire measures, particularly by generating hypotheses about target problems and dysfunctional beliefs within a cognitive‐behavioural case‐formulation. This is achieved without loss to reliability and validity at the nomothetic level.
Coping with depression and vulnerability to mania: A factor analytic study of the Nolen‐Hoeksema (1991) Response Styles Questionnaire
Authors: Knowles Rebecca , Tai Sara , Christensen Ian , Bentall Richard
Published: March 2005

Objectives. To assess the factor structure of the Nolen‐Hoeksema (1991) Response Styles Questionnaire (RSQ), and to investigate the relationship between coping with depression and other measures of affective symptomatology in a student sample.

Design. A factor analytic study of the RSQ followed by an investigation of the relationship between RSQ scale scores and measures of affective symptomatology.

Method. Five hundred twenty‐eight undergraduate students completed a battery of questionnaires comprising the RSQ, Beck Depression Inventory, Hypomania Personality Questionnaire, Positive and Negative Affect Scale and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale. Factor analysis of the RSQ was performed and correlational and regression analyses were conducted on the data from the other four questionnaire measures.

Results. Factor analysis revealed a meaningful 3‐factor solution which measured coping styles characterized by (i) rumination; (ii) pleasant distraction and problem‐solving; and (iii) risk‐taking. Rumination and risk‐taking were independently associated with both depression and hypomania scores, and hypomania was associated with both depression and dysfunctional attitudes. Additional relationships between coping and the other measures are also reported.

Conclusions. The results support the validity of the coping styles concept and suggest their natural separation into three distinct strategies. Abnormal coping is discussed as a potential contributing factor to affective symptoms, including symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Book Reviews
Authors: Bramham Jessica
Published: March 2005

The essential handbook of memory disorders for clinicians Edited by A. D. Baddeley, M. D. Kopelman, & B. A. Wilson

Chichester, UK: Wiley, 2004, Pp. 381, £26.99, ISBN 0‐470‐09141‐X
Olefin Polymers, Introduction
Authors: Kissin Yury V.
Published: March 2005

Polyolefin resins are a large family of semicrystalline and amorphous polymers and copolymers used as commodity plastics, engineering plastics, and elastomers. Industry produces a broad variety of polyolefin resins. They differ in chemical structure, molecular weight, stereoregularity, and crystallinity.

Polyolefin resins are manufactured by a number of technological processes. They include polymerization with radical initiators in supercritical ethylene at 150–350°C and a variety of catalytic polymerization processes in hydrocarbon slurry, in a neat monomer, in solution, and in the gas phase, using Ziegler–Natta catalysts, chromium oxide‐based catalysts and metallocene catalysts. Polyolefin resins enjoy a large range of applications, both as commodity resins, engineering resins, elastomers, synthetic rubbers, and as specialty polymers. These applications include film, coatings, wire insulation, household and industrial containers, pipe and tubing of various types, as well as components of engineering articles. Because of their versatility, polyolefin resins have become the largest commercially manufactured polymer products in the world: the combined 2004 world capacity was ∼100 × 10
6
metric tons, nearly 50% of the total production of all plastics.
Ion Implantation
Authors: Nastasi Michael , Mayer James W. , Walter Kevin C.
Published: March 2005

Modern technology depends on materials with precisely controlled properties. Ion beams are a favored method (and in integrated circuit technology, the prime method) to achieve controlled modification of surfaces and near‐surface regions. In every integrated circuit production line there are ion implantation systems. In addition to integrated circuit technology, ion beams are used to modify the mechanical, tribological, and chemical properties of metals, intermetallics, and ceramics without altering their bulk properties. This article reviews the fundamental of ion–solid interactions so that the reader will be able to understand the basic phenomena that occur when an energetic ion is implanted into a solid. The role of ion implantation in today’s modern technology is explored.
Lasers
Authors: Csele Mark
Published: March 2005

This article covers the fundamentals of lasers. Beginning with the nature of laser light itself, the mechanism of the laser is examined including basic rate equations. Gain and loss in a laser are analyzed and the laser cavity itself is modeled as an interferometer. Techniques of nonlinear harmonic generation as well as fast‐pulse production (
Q
‐switching) are examined. Finally an overview of the most common commercial lasers, including gas, solid‐state, semiconductor, and dye types is provided. For each type of laser, output characteristics are examined as well as the specific mechanism of each.
Market and Marketing Research
Authors: Bigalow H. James
Published: March 2005

Market research is a technique used to secure market data for management to use in decision making. Marketing research is concerned with identifying existing or potential users of a product. This article discusses and describes both types of research, and includes discussions of market and marketing research organizations, purchasing research, and competitive intelligence.
Thermal properties and morphology of a poly(vinyl alcohol)/silica nanocomposite prepared with a self‐assembled monolayer technique
Authors: Peng Zheng , Kong Ling Xue , Li Si‐Dong
Published: March 2005

A poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silica (SiO2) nanocomposite was prepared with a novel self‐assembled monolayer technique, and its morphology and thermal properties were studied with different material characterization instruments. The treated SiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in the PVA matrix homogeneously, and the thermal properties of the nanocomposite were markedly improved in comparison with those of pure PVA. Under the same isothermal heating conditions, the decomposition of the nanocomposite was delayed significantly in comparison with that of PVA. The thermal degradation of the nanocomposite was a two‐step reaction, including the degradation of the side chain and main chain. The products of side‐chain degradation were mainly carboxylic acid, whereas main‐chain degradation primarily produced carbon dioxide and low‐molecular‐weight conjugated polyene. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1436–1442, 2005
Amphoteric water‐soluble copolymer for barium titanate slurries. I. Synthesis and dispersing ability
Authors: Chen Lung‐Pin , Hsu Kung‐Chung
Published: March 2005

An amphoteric water‐soluble copolymer, polyacrylamide/[α‐N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(3‐(β‐carboxylate)acrylamino)propyl] ammonium ethanate (PAM/DAE) was synthesized and used as a dispersion agent for BaTiO3 particles. PAM/DAE was prepared from acrylamide and [α‐N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(3‐(β‐carboxylate)acrylamino)propyl] ammonium ethanate in a basic condition through a free‐radical polymerization. The structure of this copolymer was verified by IR and 1H‐NMR spectra. The dispersing effects of PAM/DAE were examined by measuring the viscosity and sedimentation of BaTiO3 suspensions, and by analyzing the particle size. The results indicate that this copolymer could uniformly disperse the particles, and the resulting suspensions were less viscous, more stabilized, and contained powder with smaller particle size. The dispersing/stabilizing ability of PAM/DAE is close to, or slightly better than, that of a commercial dispersant, ammonium salt of poly(methacrylic acid). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1443–1450, 2005
Quantitative morphology and postsynaptic targets of thalamocortical axons in critical period and adult ferret visual cortex
Authors: Erisir Alev , Dreusicke Mark
Published: March 2005

Thalamocortical axons segregate into ocular dominance columns several weeks before the onset of critical period plasticity in ferret visual cortex, a stage characterized by anatomical changes in thalamic input as a consequence of abnormal visual stimulation. In search of possible anatomical correlates of this plasticity, we examined, at electron microscope resolution, the morphology and the synapsing and target selection properties of thalamic axons in ferret visual cortex during and after the critical period. Adult thalamocortical terminals visualized by anterograde tract‐tracing display significantly larger cross‐section areas than terminals at postnatal day (P) 35, P40, and P49 critical period ages. They are also significantly larger than nonthalamocortical terminals, which attain an adult‐like size distribution by P40. The synaptic zones of adult thalamocortical terminals are significantly larger than those of critical period terminals. Perforated and invaginated synapses are encountered frequently on thalamic axons in both adulthood and the P40–49 age group. This result contradicts the view that synaptic perforations and spinules are indicative of a capacity for plasticity. It also suggests that at least some morphological features of thalamic terminals attain maturity on a developmental schedule that is independent of critical period plasticity. Connectivity properties of labeled axons, however, suggest an active role for thalamocortical axons in the critical period. In P40, P49, and adult brains, 23%, 17%, and 9%, respectively, of all thalamocortical synapses contact GABAergic interneurons, suggesting that thalamic input is more strongly involved in driving inhibitory circuits in young ages. Furthermore, thalamocortical axons in P35–49 brains form about 60% more synapses per axon length than in adult brains, suggesting that stabilization of thalamic synapses at the end of the critical period may be accompanied by a reduction of synaptic contacts, as well as a reorganization of postsynaptic circuit selectivity. J. Comp. Neurol. 485:11–31, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Element‐wise a posteriori estimates based on hierarchical bases for non‐linear parabolic problems
Authors: de Frutos Javier , Novo Julia
Published: March 2005

We show that the issue of a posteriori estimate the errors in the numerical simulation of non‐linear parabolic equations can be reduced to a posteriori estimate the errors in the approximation of an elliptic problem with the right‐hand side depending on known data of the problem and the computed numerical solution. A procedure to obtain local error estimates for the p version of the finite element method by solving small discrete elliptic problems with right‐hand side the residual of the p‐FEM solution is introduced. The boundary conditions are inherited by those of the space of hierarchical bases to which the error estimator belongs. We prove that the error in the numerical solution can be reduced by adding the estimators that behave as a locally defined correction to the computed approximation. When the error being estimated is that of a elliptic problem constant free local lower bounds are obtained. The local error estimation procedure is applied to non‐linear parabolic differential equations in several space dimensions. Some numerical experiments for both the elliptic and the non‐linear parabolic cases are provided. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linguistic Engineering: Language and Politics in Mao's China. By JI FENGYUAN. [Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press, 2004. 351 pp. $50.00. ISBN 0-8248-2536-5.]
Authors: Erbaugh Mary S.
Published: March 2005

Can the nightmare of language control in Orwell's 1984 work in reality? Linguistic Engineering offers a detailed look at Cultural Revolution slogans and draconian punishments for ‘incorrect’ speech, especially in schools and the workplace. Ji offers much-needed evidence from linguistics and psychology that, even for Red Guards, new vocabulary for ‘class struggle’ against ‘cow ghosts and snake gods’ could not produce a complete or permanent change in thought. Language control is fortunately impossible, however much intellectuals or propagandists may wish. Mere exposure to a phrase does not mean people will learn it, much less believe it. Humans inevitably interpret the world by experience, context and possible rewards, using humour, subversion, indifference, and simple daily routine to find ways to live around even the most oppressive propaganda.

Linguistic Engineering focuses mainly on the spoken language of political discussion groups and propaganda between 1966 and 1972, with additional examples from school textbooks, and some model literature and operas. Once labels like ‘rightist,’ ‘bad element’ or ‘capitalist roader’ became linked with everything from ostracism to job loss to prison, passionate battles erupted. Traditional four character phrases such as “confess without being pressed” (bu da zi zhao) grew heavily politicized. Other new vocabulary, however, such as ‘tractor’ or ‘work unit’ was a more benign reflection of new technology and social systems, and remains part of everyday life.

Lazy research mars what should have been a better book. Most of the Chinese examples are lifted from English language secondary sources by political scientists, then back-translated (well) into Chinese. Other examples come from English language memoirs of former Red Guards. They are rather unevenly chosen and cited, but most examples have already received meticulous discussion over the past 30 years. This book uses the term ‘Maoist worship,’ for example, very simplistically, ignoring the extensive literature on the distinctions between religious rites and political rallies. The term ‘linguistic engineering’ itself, comes not from Stalin, but from his propagandist, Zhadnov, who said writers are “engineers of human souls.” Other sections are original, but less compelling (e.g. the heroine of the model opera, “On the Docks,” gets 42 per cent of the dialogue).
Sensitivity of the European climate to aerosol forcing as simulated with a regional climate model
Authors: Hohenegger Cathy , Vidale Pier Luigi
Published: March 2005

Despite the recognized importance of atmospheric aerosols for the simulation of present and future climate, the quantification and understanding of their impacts are still poorly constrained. Difficulties arise especially on a regional scale, owing to the short atmospheric lifetime of the aerosol particles combined with the limited observational possibilities. In this study the sensitivity of the European climate to a change in its aerosol forcing is investigated using a regional climate model (RCM) and two aerosol distributions. The original RCM aerosol climatology of Tanre et al. (1984) and a modified version of the Global Aerosol Data Set are considered, while their direct radiative forcing, together with the induced climatic response, is simulated through two five‐year integrations of the RCM. The comparison of both sensitivity experiments demonstrates that the uncertainties associated with the aerosol forcing, as expressed here through the use of two different data sets, significantly influence the modeled climate on a regional scale and thus the model biases (in our case the well‐known cold bias over the Iberian Peninsula and the summer dry bias over the Danube region). The observed model climatic response can be related to the modification of the radiation budget, also affecting the water cycle. The latter leads to the release of several feedbacks, i.e., cloud and water vapor feedbacks as land‐atmosphere interactions, which either intensify or counteract the expected aerosol forcing, depending on the atmospheric conditions, vegetation state, and soil water content.
Polarized transmission spectra of the fiber-microsphere system
Authors: Guan G. , Vollmer F.
Published: March 2005

The polarized transmission spectra of a fiber-microsphere system was investigated. Light from an optical fiber was side coupled into the dielectric microsphere through optical tunneling. It was found that the polarization of some of the light coupled into the microsphere and back into the fiber changed by 90°. The experiments showed a level of high signal-to-noise ratio peaks at the resonant frequencies in the polarized spectra and the possibility of discriminating between TE and TM modes of the microsphere.
Critical height and growth mode in epitaxial copper nanowire arrays fabricated using glancing angle deposition
Authors: Alouach H. , Mankey G. J.
Published: March 2005

The growth and resulting crystallography of Cu nanowire arrays fabricated using glancing angle deposition are studied. On native oxide Si(100), the nanowires exhibited a strong (110) texture for a deposition angle θ=75° with rotational symmetry of the low energy Cu[111] about the long axis. On hydrogen-terminated Si(110), the wires are epitaxial with the substrate. The critical height for epitaxial growth is maximal at θ=35°, and decreases rapidly with increasing deposition angle. Based on the growth mechanisms in glancing-angle-deposited materials, the theory of growth mode in epitaxial thin films, and the observations about texture formation in epitaxial and nonepitaxial Cu nanowires; we discuss the observed growth modes in epitaxial nanowire arrays.
Defective B cell responses in the absence of SH2D1A
Authors: Morra Massimo , Barrington Robert A. , Abadia-Molina Ana C. , Okamoto Susumo , Julien Aimee , Gullo Charles , Kalsy Anuj , Edwards Matthew J. , Chen Gang , Spolski Rosanne , Leonard Warren J. , Huber Brigitte T. , Borrow Persephone , Biron Christine A. , Satoskar Abhay R. , Carroll Michael C. , Terhorst Cox
Published: March 2005

More than half of patients with X-linked lympho-proliferative disease, which is caused by a defect in the intracellular adapter protein SH2D1A, suffer from an extreme susceptibility to Epstein-Barr virus. One-third of these patients, however, develop dysgammaglobulenemia without an episode of severe mononucleosis. Here we show that inSH2D1A-/-mice, both primary and secondary responses of all Ig subclasses are severely impaired in response to specific antigens. Because germinal centers were absent inSH2D1A-/-mice upon primary immunization, and because SH2D1A was detectable inwtgerminal center B cells, we examined whetherSH2D1A-/-B cell functions were impaired. Using the adoptive cotransfer of B lymphocytes from hapten-primedSH2D1A-/-mice with CD4+T cells from primedwtmice into irradiatedwtmice provided evidence that signal transduction events controlled by SH2D1A are essential for B cell activities resulting in antigen specific IgG production. Defects in naïveSH2D1A-/-B cells became evident upon cotransfer with non-primedwtCD4+cells intoRag2-/-recipients. Thus, both defective T and B cells exist in the absence of SH2D1A, which may explain the progressive dysgammaglobulinemia in a subset of X-linked lympho-proliferative disease patients without involvement of Epstein-Barr virus.
Role of transcription factor KLF11 and its diabetes-associated gene variants in pancreatic beta cell function
Authors: Neve Bernadette , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E. , Ashkenazi-Katalan Vered , Dina Christian , Hamid Yasmin H. , Joly Erik , Vaillant Emmanuel , Benmezroua Yamina , Durand Emmanuelle , Bakaher Nicolas , Delannoy Valerie , Vaxillaire Martine , Cook Tiffany , Dallinga-Thie Geesje M. , Jansen Hans , Charles Marie-Aline , Clément Karine , Galan Pilar , Hercberg Serge , Helbecque Nicole , Charpentier Guillaume , Prentki Marc , Hansen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Urrutia Raul , Melloul Danielle , Froguel Philippe
Published: March 2005

KLF11 (TIEG2) is a pancreas-enriched transcription factor that has elicited significant attention because of its role as negative regulator of exocrine cell growth
in vitro
and
in vivo
. However, its functional role in the endocrine pancreas remains to be established. Here, we report, for the first time, to our knowledge, the characterization of KLF11 as a glucose-inducible regulator of the insulin gene. A combination of random oligonucleotide binding, EMSA, luciferase reporter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays shows that KLF11 binds to the insulin promoter and regulates its activity in beta cells. Genetic analysis of the
KLF11
gene revealed two rare variants (Ala347Ser and Thr220Met) that segregate with diabetes in families with early-onset type 2 diabetes, and significantly impair its transcriptional activity. In addition, analysis of 1,696 type 2 diabetes mellitus and 1,776 normoglycemic subjects show a frequent polymorphic Gln62Arg variant that significantly associates with type 2 diabetes mellitus in North European populations (OR = 1.29,
P
= 0.00033). Moreover, this variant alters the corepressor mSin3A-binding activity of KLF11, impairs the activation of the insulin promoter and shows lower levels of insulin expression in pancreatic beta cells. In addition, subjects carrying the Gln62Arg allele show decreased plasma insulin after an oral glucose challenge. Interestingly, all three nonsynonymous KLF11 variants show increased repression of the catalase 1 promoter, suggesting a role in free radical clearance that may render beta cells more sensitive to oxidative stress. Thus, both functional and genetic analyses reveal that KLF11 plays a role in the regulation of pancreatic beta cell physiology, and its variants may contribute to the development of diabetes.
Making Medicaid a Block Grant Program: An Analysis of the Implications of Past Proposals
Authors: LAMBREW JEANNE M.
Published: March 2005

In 2003, President Bush proposed converting Medicaid from an entitlement to a block grant program. Similar ideas from President Reagan in 1981 and Congress in 1995 were introduced but not enacted. Block grants aim to provide greater federal budget certainty and a stronger state incentive to contain program costs. This paper compares the preestablished funding levels proposed in 1981 and 1995 with what actually happened to federal Medicaid spending. Its results show that previous block grant proposals' funding levels at the national and state levels were quite different from what was anticipated and what occurred. As a result, Medicaid probably could not—and cannot—maintain existing health coverage under a block grant financing structure.
Socialism and Intrafirm Asset Allocation
Authors: Joerg Petra , Loderer Claudio , Roth Lukas
Published: March 2005

We rely on a survey of Swiss firms to document deviation from first‐best for reasons of internal ‘fairness’ when allocating resources. This ‘socialist’ practice is more widespread in smaller than in larger firms. It ignores the reputation and past performance of the managers who apply for funding, but takes into account their hierarchical position and their past use of resources. Socialism is only partially explained by concerns about empire building and managerial optimism, and it is not meant to benefit shareholders.
A randomised comparison of microwave endometrial ablation with transcervical resection of the endometrium; follow up at a minimum of five years
Authors: Cooper Kevin G. , Bain Christine , Lawrie Lisa , Parkin David E.
Published: March 2005

Objective  To compare long term outcomes following microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) or transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE).

Design  Follow up of a randomised controlled trial.

Setting  Gynaecology department of a large UK teaching hospital.

Population/Sample  Two hundred and thirty‐nine participants in a randomised comparison of MEA with TCRE.

Methods  Collection of patient completed postal questionnaires and operative databank review.

Main outcome measures  Women's satisfaction with and acceptability of treatment, menstrual symptoms, changes in health‐related quality of life and additional treatments received.

Results  Two hundred and thirty‐six of the original 263 women returned questionnaires (90%) after a minimum of five years post‐treatment. Women allocated to MEA were significantly more likely to be totally or generally satisfied with treatment (86%vs 74%; difference 12%, 95% CI 2% to 23%), to find it acceptable (97%vs 91%; difference 6%, 95% CI 1% to 13%) and would recommend it (97%vs 89%; difference 8%, 95% CI 1% to 14%). Bleeding and pain scores were highly significantly reduced following both MEA and TCRE, achieving amenorrhoea rates of 65% and 69%, respectively. The hysterectomy rate after a minimum of five years was 16% in the MEA and 25% in the TCRE arm.

Conclusions  Both techniques achieve significant and comparable improvements in menstrual symptoms, and health‐related quality of life. While high rates of satisfaction with treatment and acceptability of treatment are achieved by TCRE, these are significantly lower than levels following MEA. These long term data, when combined with the trials' operative findings and known costs of both procedures, now inform us that MEA is a more effective and efficient treatment for heavy menstrual loss than TCRE.
Geostatistical Prediction and Simulation of Point Values from Areal Data
Authors: Kyriakidis Phaedon C. , Yoo Eun‐Hye
Published: March 2005

The spatial prediction and simulation of point values from areal data are addressed within the general geostatistical framework of change of support (the term support referring to the domain informed by each measurement or unknown value). It is shown that the geostatistical framework (i) can explicitly and consistently account for the support differences between the available areal data and the sought‐after point predictions, (ii) yields coherent (mass‐preserving or pycnophylactic) predictions, and (iii) provides a measure of reliability (standard error) associated with each prediction. In the case of stochastic simulation, alternative point‐support simulated realizations of a spatial attribute reproduce (i) a point‐support histogram (Gaussian in this work), (ii) a point‐support semivariogram model (possibly including anisotropic nested structures), and (iii) when upscaled, the available areal data. Such point‐support‐simulated realizations can be used in a Monte Carlo framework to assess the uncertainty in spatially distributed model outputs operating at a fine spatial resolution because of uncertain input parameters inferred from coarser spatial resolution data. Alternatively, such simulated realizations can be used in a model‐based hypothesis‐testing context to approximate the sampling distribution of, say, the correlation coefficient between two spatial data sets, when one is available at a point support and the other at an areal support. A case study using synthetic data illustrates the application of the proposed methodology in a remote sensing context, whereby areal data are available on a regular pixel support. It is demonstrated that point‐support (sub‐pixel scale) predictions and simulated realizations can be readily obtained, and that such predictions and realizations are consistent with the available information at the coarser (pixel‐level) spatial resolution.
OVERLAYING SURFACE MESHES, PART II: TOPOLOGY PRESERVATION AND FEATURE MATCHING
Authors: JIAO XIANGMIN , HEATH MICHAEL T.
Published: March 2005

In Part I, we described an efficient and robust algorithm for computing a common refinement of two surface meshes. In this paper, we present a theoretical verification of the robustness of our algorithm by showing the topological preservation of the intersection principle, which we used to resolve topological inconsistencies caused by numerical errors. To enhance robustness in practice for complex geometries, we further propose techniques to detect and match geometric features, such as ridges, corners, and nonmatching boundaries. We report experimental results using our enhanced overlay algorithm with feature matching for complex geometries from real-world applications.
Effects of exercise training on contractile function in myocardial trabeculae after ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Hwang Hyosook , Reiser Peter J. , Billman George E.
Published: March 2005

Potential protective effects of aerobic exercise training on the myocardium, before an ischemic event, are not completely understood. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on contractile function after ischemia-reperfusion (Langendorff preparation with 15-min global ischemia/30-min reperfusion). Trabeculae were isolated from the left ventricles of both sedentary control and 10- to 12-wk treadmill exercise-trained rats. The maximal normalized isometric force (force/cross-sectional area; Po/CSA) and shortening velocity ( Vo) in isolated, skinned ventricular trabeculae were measured using the slack test. Ischemia-reperfusion induced significant contractile dysfunction in hearts from both sedentary and trained animals; left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and maximal rates of pressure development and relaxation (±dP/d tmax) decreased, whereas end-diastolic pressure (EDP) increased. However, this dysfunction (as expressed as percent change from the last 5 min before ischemia) was attenuated in trained myocardium [LVDP: sedentary −60.8 ± 6.4% (32.0 ± 5.5 mmHg) vs. trained −15.6 ± 8.6% (64.9 ± 6.6 mmHg); +dP/d tmax: sedentary −54.1 ± 4.7% (1,058.7 ± 124.2 mmHg/s) vs. trained −16.7 ± 8.4% (1,931.9 ± 188.3 mmHg/s); −dP/d tmax: sedentary −44.4 ± 2.5% (−829.3 ± 52.0 mmHg/s) vs. trained −17.9 ± 7.2% (−1,341.3 ± 142.8 mmHg/s); EDP: sedentary 539.5 ± 147.6%; (41.3 ± 6.0 mmHg) vs. trained 71.6 ± 30.6%; 11.4 ± 1.2 mmHg]. There was an average 26% increase in Po/CSA in trained trabeculae compared with sedentary controls, and this increase was not affected by ischemia-reperfusion. Ischemia-reperfusion reduced V0by 39% in both control and trained trabeculae. The relative amount of the β-isoform of myosin heavy chain (MHC-β) was twofold greater in trained trabeculae as well as in the ventricular free walls. Despite a possible increase in the economy in the trained heart, presumed from a greater amount of MHC-β, ischemia-reperfusion reduced Vo, to a similar extent in both control and trained animals. Nevertheless, the trained myocardium appears to have a greater maximum force-generating ability that may, at least partially, compensate for reduced contractile function induced by a brief period of ischemia.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Ameliorates the Progression of Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis
Authors: Futamatsu Hideki , Suzuki Jun-ichi , Mizuno Shinya , Koga Noritaka , Adachi Susumu , Kosuge Hisanori , Maejima Yasuhiro , Hirao Kenzo , Nakamura Toshikazu , Isobe Mitsuaki
Published: March 2005

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plays a role in cell protection, antiapoptosis, antifibrosis, and angiogenesis. However, the role of HGF in the immune system is not well defined. We examined the influence of HGF on T cells and the effects of HGF therapy in acute myocarditis. Lewis rats were immunized on day 0 with cardiac myosin to establish experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM). Human HGF gene with hemagglutinating virus of the Japan-envelope vector was injected directly into the myocardium on day 0 or on day 14 (two groups of treated rats). Rats were killed on day 21. Expression of c-Met/HGF receptor in splenocytes and myocardial infiltrating cells was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining or FACS analysis. Myocarditis-affected areas were smaller in the treated rats than in control rats. Cardiac function in the treated rats was markedly improved. An antigen-specific T cell proliferation assay was done with CD4-positive T cells isolated from control rats stimulated with cardiac myosin. HGF suppressed T cell proliferation and production of IFN-γ and increased production of IL-4 and IL-10 secreted from CD4-positive T cells in vitro. Additionally, TUNEL assay revealed that HGF reduced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. HGF reduced the severity of EAM by inducing T helper 2 cytokines and suppressing apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. HGF has potential as a new therapy for myocarditis.
Mechanical properties of femoral trabecular bone in dogs
Authors: Pressel Thomas , Bouguecha Anas , Vogt Ute , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea , Behrens Bernd-Arno , Nolte Ingo , Windhagen Henning
Published: March 2005

Background

Studying mechanical properties of canine trabecular bone is important for a better understanding of fracture mechanics or bone disorders and is also needed for numerical simulation of canine femora. No detailed data about elastic moduli and degrees of anisotropy of canine femoral trabecular bone has been published so far, hence the purpose of this study was to measure the elastic modulus of trabecular bone in canine femoral heads by ultrasound testing and to assess whether assuming isotropy of the cancellous bone in femoral heads in dogs is a valid simplification.

Methods

From 8 euthanized dogs, both femora were obtained and cubic specimens were cut from the centre of the femoral head which were oriented along the main pressure and tension trajectories. The specimens were tested using a 100 MHz ultrasound transducer in all three orthogonal directions. The directional elastic moduli of trabecular bone tissue and degrees of anisotropy were calculated.

Results

The elastic modulus along principal bone trajectories was found to be 11.2 GPa ± 0.4, 10.5 ± 2.1 GPa and 10.5 ± 1.8 GPa, respectively. The mean density of the specimens was 1.40 ± 0.09 g/cm3. The degrees of anisotropy revealed a significant inverse relationship with specimen densities. No significant differences were found between the elastic moduli in x, y and z directions, suggesting an effective isotropy of trabecular bone tissue in canine femoral heads.

Discussion

This study presents detailed data about elastic moduli of trabecular bone tissue obtained from canine femoral heads. Limitations of the study are the relatively small number of animals investigated and the measurement of whole specimen densities instead of trabecular bone densities which might lead to an underestimation of Young's moduli. Publications on elastic moduli of trabecular bone tissue present results that are similar to our data.

Conclusion

This study provides data about directional elastic moduli and degrees of anisotropy of canine femoral head trabecular bone and might be useful for biomechanical modeling of proximal canine femora.
Development of depressed mood predicts onset of psychotic disorder in individuals who report hallucinatory experiences
Authors: Krabbendam Lydia , Myin‐Germeys Inez , Hanssen Manon , de Graaf Ron , Vollebergh Wilma , Bak Maarten , van Os Jim
Published: March 2005

Objectives. Current psychological theories state that the clinical outcome of hallucinatory experiences is dependent on the degree of associated distress, anxiety, and depression. This study examined the hypothesis that the risk for onset of psychotic disorder in individuals with self‐reported hallucinatory experiences would be higher in those who subsequently developed depressed mood than in those who did not.

Design. A prospective cohort study of a general population sample.

Methods. A sample of 4,670 individuals with no lifetime evidence of any psychotic disorder were interviewed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Schedule (CIDI) at baseline and 1 and 3 years later. At Year 3, individuals with CIDI evidence of psychotic symptoms were interviewed by clinicians to identify potential onset of psychotic disorder. Psychotic disorder was specified at three levels; two involving severity of positive symptoms of psychosis, and one using additional clinical judgment of need for care.

Results. Given the presence of hallucinatory experiences at baseline, the increase in risk of having the psychosis outcome at Year 3 was higher in the group with depressed mood at Year 1 than in the group without depressed mood at Year 1 (any level of psychotic symptoms: risk difference 17.0%, 95% CI −1.7, 35.7; severe level of psychotic symptoms: risk difference 21.7%, 95% CI 3.2, 40.2; needs‐based diagnosis of psychotic disorder: risk difference 16.8%, 95% CI 0.4, 33.3).

Conclusion. The results are in line with current psychological models of psychosis that emphasize the role of secondary appraisals of psychotic experiences in the onset of clinical disorder.
Contemporary composite techniques: The impact of a forensically‐relevant target delay
Authors: Frowd Charlie D. , Carson Derek , Ness Hayley , McQuiston‐Surrett Dawn , Richardson Jan , Baldwin Hayden , Hancock Peter
Published: March 2005

Purpose. Previous laoratory‐based research suggests that facial composites, or pictures of suspected criminals, from UK computerized systems are named correctly about 20% of the time. The current work compares composites from several such systems following a more realistic interval between seeing an ‘assailant’ and constructing a composite. Included are those used by police in the UK (E‐FIT, PROfit and sketch), and the USA (FACES), and a system in development (EvoFIT).

Method. Participant‐witnesses inspected a photograph of a celebrity for 1 minute and then 2 days later constructed a composite from one of these systems using a procedure closely matching that found in police work; for example, the use of a Cognitive Interview and computer operators/artists who were appropriately trained and experienced. Evaluation was assessed mainly by asking independent observers to name the composites. Two common auxiliary measures were used, requiring composites to be matched to their targets (sorting), and photographs to be chosen from an array of alternatives (line‐up).

Results. Composite naming was surprisingly low (3% overall), with sketches named best at 8%. Whereas composite sorting revealed a broadly similar pattern to naming, photo line‐ups gave a poor match.

Conclusion. With a 2 days delay to construction, the results suggest that, while likenesses can be achieved, few composites would be named in police work. The composite sorting data provide further evidence that the computerized systems tested perform equivalently but are poorer than the manually‐generated sketches. Lastly, the data suggest that line‐ups may be a poor instrument for evaluating facial composites.
Association analysis of the dopamine transporter (DAT1)‐67A/T polymorphism in bipolar disorder
Authors: Keikhaee M.R. , Fadai F. , Sargolzaee M.R. , Javanbakht A. , Najmabadi H. , Ohadi M.
Published: March 2005

An imbalance in the dopaminergic system in humans has been hypothesized to contribute to the pathogenesis of a number of psychiatric illnesses, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We performed a case/control study on the DAT1 (HUGO approved symbol SL6A3) gene core promoter polymorphism −67A/T to analyze the possible association of either allele of this polymorphism with bipolar disorder. The allele and genotype frequencies of the polymorphism were studied in 136 patients and 163 controls, which were matched on the basis of sex, age, and ethnicity. The genotype frequencies in the patients group were as follows: AA 30.9%; AT 55.1%; TT 14% versus the genotype frequencies in the control group: AA 49%; AT 41.8%; TT 9.2% [χ2 = 10.3, df = 2, OR = 2.15 (95% CI 1.34–3.47, P ≤ 0.006]. The T‐allele of the −67A/T polymorphism revealed a ∼1.4‐fold excess in the patients group comparing with the controls (P ≤ 0.003). For the first time, these findings provide tentative evidence of the contribution of the DAT1 gene core promoter polymorphism to the etiopathophysiology of bipolar disorder at least in the Iranian population that we have studied. Interestingly, no allelic or genotype association was observed in the female patients (P ≤ 0.6 and P ≤ 0.7, respectively). Replication studies of independent samples and family‐based association studies are necessary to further evaluate the significance of our findings. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reevaluation and improved design of the TEM cell in vitro exposure unit for replication studies
Authors: Nikoloski Neviana , Fröhlich Jürg , Samaras Theodoros , Schuderer Jürgen , Kuster Niels
Published: March 2005

The transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell system developed by Litovitz et al. and utilized by Penafiel et al. for the exposure of cells in T25 flasks at 835 MHz has been reevaluated for the purpose of replicating the studies published by Penafiel. The original setup has been reconstructed as closely as possible, with improvements enabling blinded exposures, forced cooling and better repeatable positioning of the flasks, as well as tight exposure and environmental parameter control. The signal unit can simulate the original signal but also enables various other exposure schemes. The setup has been evaluated for four T25 flasks filled with 5 and 10 ml of cell medium by experimental and numerical means. Comparing E field, SAR and temperature measurements resulted in good agreement: <0.4 dB (4.5%) for E field and 0.48 dB (10.5%) for SAR. The overall average SAR within the medium is 6.0 W/kg at 1 W input power with a standard deviation of less than 52%. The temperature increase was determined to be 0.13 °C/(W/kg). This can be reduced to 0.045 °C/(W/kg) by applying active air flow cooling. The comparison of SAR values from temperature measurements with the corresponding simulated values resulted in excellent agreement. These results do not correspond to the previous study reporting an average SAR within the medium of 2.5 W/kg at an input power of 0.96W. Bioelectromagnetics 26:215–224, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Landmarks for the greater petrosal nerve
Authors: Tubbs R. Shane , Custis James W. , Salter E. George , Sheetz James , Zehren Steven J. , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: March 2005

The anatomy of the greater petrosal nerve while within the middle cranial fossa is lacking in the English literature and must be well understood by the surgeon who operates in this area. Twenty‐two sides from six female and five male cadavers were examined. Measurements were made between the greater petrosal nerve as it coursed through the middle cranial fossa and surrounding structures such as the arcuate eminence and lateral wall of the middle cranial fossa. Mean distances from the arcuate eminence to the hiatus of the greater petrosal nerve into the middle cranial fossa measured 17.5 mm (SD = 2.2). The length of this nerve within the middle fossa was approximately 10 mm (SD = 2). From the lateral wall of the middle fossa to a midpoint of the greater petrosal nerve mean distances measured 39 mm (SD = 2.4). The mean distance from the foramen spinosum to the exit of this nerve inferior to the trigeminal ganglion measured 7 mm (SD = 1.8). These measurements will hopefully aid the surgeon who wishes to expose or avoid the greater petrosal nerve within the middle cranial fossa. Clin. Anat. 18:210–214, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axillopectoral muscle (Langer's muscle)
Authors: Turgut Hasan Basri , Peker Tuncay , Gülekon Nadir , Anil Afitap , Karaköse Mustafa
Published: March 2005

In a routine dissection of the axillary fossa, a muscle originating from the coracoid process of the scapula and extending to the long head of triceps brachii muscle was observed. The mentioned muscle was adhering to both the triceps brachii muscle and the tendinous part of the latissimus dorsi muscle. This anatomical variation is referred to as axillary arch (Langer's muscle or axillopectoral muscle). The muscle mass was measured 9.6 cm in length and 1.4 cm in width. The accessory muscle can be a reason of an axillary mass and can exert pressure on the neighboring neurovascular bundle or lymph routes; thus, exposing a wide range of symptoms. Therefore, variations of this area should be kept in mind in surgical interventions. Clin. Anat. 18:220–223, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.