bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF PROTEINS IN THE NITROGEN NUTRITION OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL PLANTS
Authors: ABUZINADAH R. A. , READ D. J.
Published: May 2006

Summary

The ability of a range of commonly occurring ectomycorrhizal fungi to utilize peptides and proteins as sole sources of nitrogen at a range of pH levels was examined by determining patterns of growth and nitrogen uptake in liquid cultures. Differences in patterns of utilization of the nitrogenous substrates were found. Some of the fungi had little ability to grow on peptides or proteins but grew well on ammonium and were termed ‘non‐protein fungi’. Others grew vigorously on peptide and protein, severely depleting N contents of the growth media. These were termed ‘protein fungi’. An intermediate category was also recognized in which some growth occurred on protein at most of the pH levels though final yields were lower than those of the ‘protein fungi’.

The implications of the results are discussed in relation to the ability of the fungi to sustain a saprotrophic or mycorrhizal habit in soils differing qualitatively in their nitrogen status.
THE ROLE OF PROTEINS IN THE NITROGEN NUTRITION OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL PLANTS
Authors: ABUZINADAH R. A. , FINLAY R. D. , READ D. J.
Published: May 2006

Summary

The ability of mycorrhizal (M) and non‐mycorrhizal (NM) plants of Pinus contorta (Dougl. ex Loud) to utilize protein as a nitrogen source was examined. Mycorrhizas were synthesized with the fungal symbionts Paxillus involutus, Rhizopogon roseolas, Suillus bovines and Pisolithus tinctorius. The plants were grown under aseptic conditions and provided with nitrogen in the form of either protein or ammonium.

Dry weight yields of plants infected with P. involutus, R. roseolus and S. bovinus were significantly higher than those of NM plants when grown on protein as the N source. In these associations yields of M plants on protein were similar to those obtained on ammonium‐N. Non‐mycorrhizal plants had little ability to use protein N and the same was true of plants infected with P. tinctorius.

Plants in those associations which provided a yield increase also contained larger quantities of N. Calculations show that in all these cases some of the increases of N content arise through utilization of protein.

The implications of the results are discussed in relation to the nitrogen nutrition of the plant and to the pattern of N mobilization in soil. It is proposed that the ability of mycorrhizal associations to utilize protein N will lead not only to an increased supply of N to the plant but also to more effective competition with the decomposer population and to an overall tightening of the nitrogen cycle.
THE ROLE OF PROTEINS IN THE NITROGEN NUTRITION OF ECTOMYCORRHIZAL PLANTS
Authors: ABUZINADAH R. A. , READ D. J.
Published: May 2006

Summary

The ability of four major species of trees of boreal forests,Betula pendula, Picea mariana, P. sitchensisandPitius contorta, to utilize protein as a sole nitrogen source was compared when the plants were grown in mycorrhizal association with the fungusHebeloma crustuliniformeand in the non‐mycorrhizal condition. When mycorrhizal, all species used protein N readily, producing vigorous shoots with nitrogen contents ranging from 5% in birch to around 3% in the conifers, and consuming up to 53% of the nitrogen provided in the culture vessels. In the absence of infection birch, black spruce and pine were completely unable to use protein as an N source and Sitka spruce had only a minimal ability to do so. It is suggested that early infection by fungi with proteolytic capability may be of particular importance for small seeded species germinating in soils of boreal and arctic regions where mineralization of nitrogen is inhibited by low temperatures.
DIFFERENTIAL SENSITIVITY OF DUCKWEEDS (LEMNACEAE) TO SULPHITE
Authors: TAKEMOTO B. K. , NOBLE R. D.
Published: May 2006

Summary

Frond replication and some aspects of carbon assimilation were observed in three species of duckweed (Lemnaceae) grown at two levels of irradiance in the presence and absence of sulphite. The objectives were to examine the relationship between the inhibition of frond replication caused by sulphite, and changes in carbon assimilation, and the role of irradiance in modifying carbon assimilation and sensitivity to sulphite.

Under low irradiance (40μ.mol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD)), inhibition of frond replication by sulphite was most pronounced in Lemna gibba, producing a slower frond doubling time and reduced frond fresh weight. Spirodela oligorhiza exhibited a slower doubling time only, whereas neither parameter was affected in Lemna valdiviana. In all species, chlorophyll content increased in response to sulphite enrichment. Soluble protein levels increased when frond replication was significantly inhibited in L. gibba and S. oligorhiza. Photosynthesis and dark respiration rates were reduced in all species by 10 mM sulphite while ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase activity on a soluble protein basis was increased up to 11%. Reduced carbon assimilation may have contributed to decreased frond replication in L. gibba and S. oligorhiza.

In all species, photosynthesis and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase activity were enhanced under high irradiance (200 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD). These physiological responses to elevated light appear to have contributed to faster rates of frond replication in all three species, and reduced sensitivity of frond replication to sulphite in L. gibba and S. oligorhiza. It is postulated that the stimulation of carbon assimilation under high irradiance is an important physiological response contributing to the modification by the photoenvironment of the sensitivity of duckweeds to sulphite.
STUDIES OF NITRATE REDUCTASE ACTIVITY AND IN VIVO NITRATE REDUCTION IN BARLEY LEAVES FOLLOWING INFECTION BY ERYSIPHE GRAMINIS HORDEI
Authors: MURRAY A. J. S. , AYRES P. G.
Published: May 2006

Summary

Effects of mildew on nitrate reductase (NaR) in leaves of bailey were investigated throughout the second dark period and into the third photoperiod after inoculation using both in vivo and in vitro assays of the enzyme activity. Initially, infection depressed NaR activity, but as the dark period progressed the depression disappeared, only to reappear in the following photoperiod.

An altered flux of nitrate from the roots was not responsible for decreased NaR activity, since infection stimulated this flux 2 d after inoculation. Similarly, a comparison of activities measured using an in vivo assay, with and without added nitrate, showed that the supply of the other substrate, NADH, was not limiting the rate of reduction.

Although NaR activity was depressed during the second and third photoperiods, the rate of in vivo nitrate reduction, calculated from the difference between the flux of nitrate delivered to the leaves and the nitrate content of the leaves, was stimulated by infection over the initial 2 d after inoculation. Consequently, inferences made elsewhere which concern effects of mildew‐infection on nitrate metabolism, and which depend solely on measurements of NaR activity, may be unwarranted because even the infected plant contains an excess of active NaR.
THE RESPONSE OF SELECTED SALT‐TOLERANT AND NORMAL LINES OF FOUR GRASS SPECIES TO NaCl IN SAND CULTURE
Authors: ASHRAF M. , McNEILLY T. , BRADSHAW A. D.
Published: May 2006

Summary

After 7 weeks' growth in varying NaCl concentrations in sand culture, dry matter production and tiller number were compared for the progenies of NaCl–tolerant selection lines and the Progenies of unselected control lines of Holcus lanatus L., Lolium perenne L., Dactylis glomerata L. and Festuca rubra L. The tolerant lines had been produced by selection at the seedling stage. In each species, selected lines produced significantly more dry matter and had greater tiller numbers than unselected material, particularly at high levels of NaCl. Shoot/root ratios differed significantly only in L. perenne, unselected material having a higher shoot/root ratio. These data confirm that for these four species, selection based upon differences in seedling root growth is a valid means of selecting for improved NaCl tolerance in adult plants, and that this tolerance does not lead to any reduced performance in the absence of NaCl.
THE RESPONSE TO NaCl AND IONIC CONTENT OF SELECTED SALT–TOLERANT AND NORMAL LINES OF THREE LEGUME FORAGE SPECIES IN SAND CULTURE
Authors: ASHRAF M. , McNEILLY T. , BRADSHAW A. D.
Published: May 2006

Summary

Selected NaCl‐tolerant lines of Trifolium alexandrinum L., Medicago sativa L., and Trifolium protease L. produced significantly greater dry matter than unselected control lines after 4 weeks of growth in sand culture with different NaCl concentrations.

Tolerant lines of all three species generally contained less Na+ but more Cl− in their shoots than normal lines, although these differences were not statistically significant. Selected lines also contained less K+ in their shoots than unselected lines. Ca2+1 distribution was similar in T. allexandrinum and M. sativa but not in T. pratense, in which the tolerant line had significantly higher Ca2+ in the shoot than the unselected line.
THE RESPONSE OF SEEDS OF BROMUS STERILIS L. AND BROMUS MOLLIS L. TO WHITE LIGHT OF VARYING PHOTON FLUX DENSITY AND PHOTOPERIOD
Authors: ELLIS R. H. , HONG T. D. , ROBERTS E. H.
Published: May 2006

Summary

The germination response of seeds of Brnmus mollis L. and B. sterilis L. to white fluorescent light was studied over a wide range of photon flux densities and photoperiods. Photon doses below 3 × 10−3 mol m−8 d−1 had little effect on the percentage germination of either species, although in B. sterilis photon doses as low as 10−4 mol m−2 d−1 depressed the rate of germination. An increase in photon dose above 10−1 mol m−2 d−1 in B. mollis at 15 °CC, 3 × 10−3 mol m−2 d−1in B. sterilis at 15 °C, and 3 × 10−2 mol m−2 d−1 in B sterilis at 25 °C prevented the germination of an increasing number of seeds. The proportion of seeds which were inhibited showed a cumulative normal distribution with respect to the logarithm of photon dose. For a given photon dose, however, there was evidence that longer photoperiods were more inhibitory in both species: 24 h (continuous light) more than 8 h, and in fi sterilis 8 h more than 1 h. We conclude that the high irradiance reaction is the major cause of inhibition by white light in both species, but the sensitivity amongst the seeds within a population to photon dose varies by a factor of up to 105. Amendments to seed‐testing procedures for B mollis are suggested.
Radical vaginal trachelectomy as a fertility‐sparing procedure in women with early‐stage cervical cancer—cumulative pregnancy rate in a series of 123 women
Authors: Shepherd JH , Spencer C , Herod J , Ind TEJ
Published: May 2006

Objective  To analyse the fertility rates, complications and recurrences in a group of women who have undergone radical vaginal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early‐stage cervical cancer.

Design  An observational series.

Setting  A Gynaecological Oncology Centre.

Population  One hundred and twenty‐three consecutive women who underwent radical vaginal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early‐stage cervical cancer.

Methods  Data were collected prospectively.

Main outcome measures  Complications, recurrences, pregnancies and live births are presented as percentages of the total population. Fertility is presented as a 5‐year cumulative rate, with women attempting to conceive as the denominator.

Results  A total of 123 women were followed up for an average of 45 months. Eleven (8.9%) had completion treatment (two radical hysterectomies and nine chemoradiotherapy) at the time of initial treatment. There were three recurrences (2.7%) among the women who did not have completion treatment and two (18.2%) in those who did. There were 6 perioperative and 26 postoperative complications. Sixty‐three women attempted pregnancy. There were 55 pregnancies in 26 women and 28 live births in 19. Three women had continuing pregnancies. The 5‐year cumulative pregnancy rate among women trying to conceive was 52.8%. All but two women were delivered by classical caesarean section and seven (25.0%) babies were born at 31 + 6 weeks or less.

Conclusions  For selected women with early‐stage cervical cancer, radical vaginal trachelectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy are fertility‐sparing options, with a low incidence of recurrence and acceptable cumulative conception rates. Complications are few, although there is a high premature labour and miscarriage rate among pregnant women.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the ICIQ Vaginal Symptoms Questionnaire: the ICIQ‐VS
Authors: Price N , Jackson SR , Avery K , Brookes ST , Abrams P
Published: May 2006

Objectives To develop and validate a self‐completion questionnaire for comprehensive assessment of the severity and impact of vaginal symptoms and related sexual matters, particularly those attributed to pelvic organ prolapse. To provide an instrument that can characterise the severity of these symptoms, measure their impact and evaluate treatment outcome.

Design Prospective development of the content of the questionnaire and testing of its psychometric properties including validity.

Setting Two hospital‐based urogynaecology clinics and one community general practice in the South of England.

Population One hundred and forty‐one urogynaecology clinic attendees with varying degrees of pelvic organ prolapse and 77 randomly selected women registered with a general practice.

Methods The questionnaire was developed through a literature review, consultation with clinicians and health scientists and structured interviews with patients. Content validity, construct validity, stability, internal consistency and sensitivity to change were examined by comparing the responses from the urogynaecology clinic with responses from the general community. Sensitivity to change was assessed using responses from women undergoing surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse before and 3 months after surgery. A final version of the questionnaire was obtained after factor analysis to assist item reduction and refinement of the scoring system.

Main outcome measures Content validity, construct validity, stability (test–retest reliability), internal consistency and sensitivity to change.

Results The questionnaire exhibited good validity, reliability and sensitivity to change. Excellent internal consistency was demonstrated for vaginal (Cronbach’s alpha 0.79) and sexual (Cronbach’s alpha 0.84) symptoms. Reliability was good. The questionnaire was able to identify changes in symptoms following surgical treatment. The final ICIQ‐VS questionnaire had 14 items and a simple scoring system.

Conclusion The ICIQ‐VS self‐completion questionnaire meets the need for a robust instrument for assessing a range of vaginal and sexual symptoms, in particular those of pelvic organ prolapse. It will be of use in both routine clinical practice and epidemiological research, particularly when there is a need to assess the severity of these symptoms or the efficacy of treatment.
Toremifene for premenstrual mastalgia: a randomised, placebo‐controlled crossover study
Authors: Oksa S , Luukkaala T , Mäenpää J
Published: May 2006

Objective  To investigate the efficacy of toremifene in the treatment of premenstrual mastalgia.

Design  Double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study.

Setting  Three Finnish general practices from the districts of Satakunta Central Hospital and Tampere University Hospital.

Population  A total of 62 women aged 25–45 years with premenstrual mastalgia during at least three previous menstrual cycles.

Methods  Women were randomised to receive toremifene 20 mg daily or placebo from day 15 of the menstrual cycle until menstruation for three consecutive cycles. After a wash‐out cycle, the women were crossed over to receive placebo or toremifene for three additional cycles.

Main outcome measures  Cyclic breast pain relief assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) score. Quality‐of‐life scores assessed by a modified 36‐item Finnish Depression Scale, with a score ranging from 0 to 108. Acceptability of treatment.

Results  About 32 women were randomised to receive toremifene first and 30 to receive placebo first. Twenty‐nine and 27 participants in the groups treated with toremifene first or placebo first completed the treatment, respectively. There were significant reductions in VAS scores in both groups after three treatment cycles. This was significantly greater in the toremifene‐treated group (VAS: 1.8 in the toremifene group and 3.7 in the placebo group, P= 0.004). Treatment effect between treatment cycles was significant (P= 0.001). Quality of life was similar during the toremifene and placebo cycles.

Conclusion  This study demonstrates that the antiestrogenic compound, toremifene, is able to relieve premenstrual breast pain without major adverse effects. There was a 64% reduction in median pain scores in the toremifene‐treated cycles compared with a 26% reduction in placebo‐treated cycles.
Distinguishing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from fatty liver: serum‐free fatty acids, insulin resistance, and serum lipoproteins
Authors: Bookman Ian D. , Pham J. , Guindi M. , Heathcote E. J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract: Objectives: The prognosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is determined by liver biopsy; steatohepatitis can be progressive whereas fatty liver is benign. Insulin resistance and increased hepatic‐free fatty acids are central to the pathophysiology of this disorder. Our objective was to assess whether serum‐free fatty acids, lipoproteins, and insulin resistance are increased in steatohepatitis compared with fatty liver and healthy controls, and thus may be potential noninvasive markers for liver disease severity.

Methods: Fifteen subjects with biopsy proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, 15 with histological fatty liver, and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. Fasting serum glucose and insulin levels, serum‐free fatty acids, HDL, LDL, and cholesterol were collected from each subject. Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis assessment model.

Results: Insulin resistance, LDL, and cholesterol‐to‐HDL ratio values were significantly higher in steatohepatitis, whereas HDL was significantly lower compared with both fatty liver and controls. Free fatty acids were similar in all groups.

Conclusions: Along with insulin resistance, serum LDL, and cholesterol‐to‐HDL ratio values increase with worsening severity of liver histology, and serum HDL values decline. Free fatty acids, however, do not vary between groups.
Use of corticosteroids and bone‐active medications in clinical practice
Authors: ZOCHLING Jane , NASH Peter , RIORDAN John , SAMBROOK Philip N.
Published: May 2006

Aim:  To assess the quality of care of patients beginning corticosteroid therapy with respect to bone protection.

Methods:  Practicing rheumatologists in Australia were approached countrywide to recruit patients beginning corticosteroid therapy under their care. Use of bone‐active medications in the ensuing year was recorded prospectively. Baseline and follow‐up bone mineral density and fracture data were collected.

Results:  Ninety‐two patients (64% female) were enrolled by 18 rheumatologists. Seven patients reported a medical history of osteoporosis and 14 had already sustained a low‐trauma fracture. The median corticosteroid dose at commencement of therapy was 20 mg of prednisone. Bone‐active medications were commenced in 47% of patients within 3 months of commencing steroid therapy. These included calcium supplements (33%), vitamin D supplements (21%), hormone replacement therapy (11%), selective estrogen receptor antagonists (5%) and bisphosphonates (15%). Calcium and vitamin D supplementation usually accompanied bisphosphonate therapy. Median change in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine was −0.20 SD units over 12 months (range: −1.16–0.70, P = 0.007), and at the hip −0.10 SD units over 12 months (range −1.66–0.93, P = 0.24). There were 21 new fractures in 13 patients over the study period, with a vertebral fracture incidence of 0.16 per patient year. Of those patients taking bisphosphonate therapy, two had incident low‐trauma fractures but there was no significant change in bone mineral density at the hip or spine.

Conclusions:  Rheumatologists in Australia appear informed about the need for bone‐active medications in patients who are commencing steroid therapy. However there remains room for improved awareness, as is seen by the low use of bisphosphonates.
Differences in SLE disease activity between patients of Caucasian and South‐East Asian/Chinese background in an Australian hospital
Authors: BOERS Anthony , LI Qiang , WONG Melinda , MILLER Marian , LITTLEJOHN Geoff
Published: May 2006

Aim:  We performed a semiprospective and retrospective review of all admissions to a single institution of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, admitted due to active disease. The aim was to describe differences in disease activity as a cause of hospital admissions between patients originating from South‐East Asia/China (SAC) and Caucasians.

Method:  There were 210 patients admitted for active disease, with a total of 567 admissions for active SLE over a 16‐year period. Allowing for patients who had left our database, there was a total of 3415 patient years of observation.

Results:  Patients from SAC with a flare requiring admission presented earlier in their disease course and with more active disease than did Caucasians (median SLE Disease Activity Index 13 vs. 8, P= 0.002). They had longer inpatient stays (7 vs. 5 days P = 0.03). There was a trend to higher rates of re‐presentation to hospital for flare (59% in SAC patients vs. 41% in Caucasians, P = 0.09) with more subsequent admissions (3 vs. 2 P = 0.06) despite a shorter period of observation.

Conclusions:  South‐East Asian/Chinese were more likely to be diagnosed with class III/IV glomerulonephritis and require cyclophosphamide both at presentation and subsequent admissions. More patients from SAC were readmitted to hospital for severe central nervous system disease after their first hospital admission. In this population, lupus patients had more severe flares and more frequently required admission for these than Caucasians.
Treatment and follow‐up of 18 severe systemic lupus erythematosus patients with stem cell transplantation
Authors: LENG XiaoMei , ZHAO Yan , ZHOU DaoBing , TIAN XinPing , LI TaiSheng , SHEN Ti , ZHAO YongQiang , ZENG XiaoFeng , ZHANG FengChun , DONG Yi , TANG FuLin
Published: May 2006

Aim:  To investigate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of high‐dose immunosuppressive therapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) with CD34+ cell selection in patients with refractory and severe autoimmune diseases.

Methods:  Eighteen patients with persistent systemic lupus erythematosus refractory to conventional treatment were enrolled into the study of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 1999 to 2005. After mobilization and conditioning, the enriched CD34+ cells were reinfused. Disease activity, adverse effects, haematopoietic and immunologic reconstitution were monitored and followed up for at least 6 months.

Results:  Overall treatment‐related mortality was 5.6% with one patient dying of cytomegalovirus infection. The overall remission rate was 95.8% in the first year after PBSCT. Relapse occurred in three patients (17.6%) in 37, 26, and 19 months post‐transplantation, respectively. Disease Activity Index scores of systemic lupus erythematosus survivors were decreased significantly (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Short‐term effect of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation is promising although treatment‐related mortality and relapses are observed in a subset of patients. High‐dose immunosuppressive therapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation with CD34+ cell selection is feasible and relatively safe in the treatment of severe and refractory autoimmune diseases. The long‐term effect needs further evaluation and multicentre study.
Efficacy and safety of diacerein in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, multicenter, double‐dummy, diclofenac‐controlled trial in China
Authors: ZHENG Wen‐Jie , TANG Fu‐Lin , LI Jun , ZHANG Feng‐Chun , LI Zhan‐Guo , SU Yin , WU Dong‐Hai , MA Li , ZHOU Hui‐Qiong , HUANG Feng , ZHANG Jiang‐Lin , LIANG Dong‐Feng , ZHOU Yi‐Xiong , XU Hui
Published: May 2006

Aim:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diacerein in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:  A total of 223 patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology criteria for knee OA were enrolled in this 17‐week, randomized, double‐dummy, diclofenac‐controlled trial, with diacerein dosages of 100 mg/day and diclofenac sodium administered at 75 mg/day.

Result:  After 12 weeks of treatment, the total efficacy rates of patient/physician global assessment in diacerein and diclofenac groups were 65.4%/61.6% and 61.2%/61.2% respectively (P > 0.05). In the intent‐to‐treat population, the primary criterion (visual analogue scale [VAS] assessment of pain on walking 20 m) was significantly superior (P < 0.05) to baseline in both two groups. Significant improvement (P < 0.05) was also observed for the secondary criteria, which included tenderness on palpation, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index (WOMAC) and Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36). In the follow‐up period, there were no obvious changes in the above parameters in the diacerein group. However, in the diclofenac group, pain on walking 20 m, tenderness on palpation and WOMAC became worse after withdrawing the medications for 4 weeks. Moreover, the consumption of paracetamol was significantly lower in the diacerein group than in the diclofenac group during the follow‐up period. The incidence of related adverse events were 35.7% in diacerein and 45.1% in diclofenac group (P > 0.05). Mild‐to‐moderate gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequent adverse events.

Conclusion:  Diacerein was shown to be as effective as diclofenac sodium in treating patients with knee OA, coupled with a carry‐over effect. Diacerein was generally well tolerated, with a good safety profile. No severe adverse events were occurred.
Spontaneous regression of herniated lumbar intervertebral disc
Authors: YILMAZ Nebi , KAYA Arzu , OZGOCMEN Salih , KIRIS Adem , KOCAKOC Ercan
Published: May 2006

The aim of this report is to describe the very rare condition, spontaneous regression of herniated lumbar intervertebral disc, and the results of clinical follow‐up and imaging modalities. A 53‐year‐old housewife presented with a 1‐month history of low back and right leg pain. She had severe pain in her right leg radiating from the buttock to the heel and weakness of the right foot plantar flexion (rated 4/5 by manual motor testing), and straight‐leg raising test was positive at 45° on the right side. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large para‐median extruded intervertebral disc at the L5–S1 level. She was followed up with medical treatments and physiotherapy and rehabilitation intervention. Follow‐up MRI after 18 months since initial presentation revealed that extruded intervertebral disc material was completely resolved. In conclusion, the regression of the disc correlated with clinical improvement and was illustrated in follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging. The exact mechanism underlying this condition is still unclear. As in our case, extruded lumbar intervertebral disc herniations may spontaneously regress and non‐surgical conservative treatments may be appropriate.
Hemolysis Resulting From Surface Roughness Under Shear Flow Conditions Using a Rotational Shear Stressor
Authors: Maruyama Osamu , Nishida Masahiro , Yamane Takashi , Oshima Ikuya , Adachi Yoshikazu , Masuzawa Toru
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  The degree of hemolysis as a function of surface roughness value and roughened area under shear flow conditions was investigated using a rotational shear stressor. The shearing portion of the stressor is cone shaped in its upper and lower positions, with a cylindrical central section. Surface roughness was applied to the cylindrical section. Bovine blood was sheared for 30 min over a set of roughened surfaces of between arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) 0.1 and 0.8 mm covering 10% of the surface area of the cylindrical section (equivalent to 1.8% of the whole blood contact area) at a shear rate of 3750/s. The threshold value thus obtained for rapid increase in hemolysis was between Ra 0.6 and 0.8 mm. When sheared with a roughened surface of Ra 0.8 mm applied to the cylindrical surface at areas between 0 and 100% (equivalent to between 0 and 18% of the whole blood‐contacting area), the hemolysis level did not increase from 10 to 100%, but a significant difference was obtained between 0 and 10%. This suggests that red blood cells were destroyed not by fatigue failure caused by rolling on the roughened surface, but due to the high shear stress generated by surface roughness. Moreover, it appears that the shear stress was generated over the entire cylindrical section, regardless of the area of surface roughness.
In Vitro Study to Estimate Particle Release From a Centrifugal Blood Pump
Authors: Takami Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Centrifugal pumps have been increasingly used in clinical settings. Like roller pumps, centrifugal pumps can cause debris release due to mechanical stress. The objectives of this study were to evaluate in vitro the particle release from a centrifugal pump, Gyro Pump (Japan Medical Materials Co., Osaka, Japan), which is a pivot‐bearing supported pump clinically used in Japan, and to identify the released particles. In the clean room Class 10 000, the pump was operated for 24 h at 4000 rpm and 6 L/min in a mock loop filled with lactated Ringer’s solution. After 24 h, the sample fluid and a blank were filtered with a 0.45‐µm membrane filter for microscopic counting, followed by observation with a scanning electron microscope and element analysis with an X‐ray spectrometer. Microscopic countings were 128 ± 42 in the test samples (n = 10) of the Gyro Pump and 98 ± 42 in the blank samples (n = 10) (P = 0.12). The oxygen/carbon atomic ratio of the particles in the test samples was 0.32 ± 0.06, which was similar to the ratio of the particles in the blank sample (0.34 ± 0.06). The profiles of elements with an X‐ray spectrometer showed that the released particles from the Gyro Pump were not derived from the pump materials. In conclusion, an in vitro test system has been established for estimation of particle release from a centrifugal pump. Based upon the results with the system, the Gyro Pump with a pivot‐bearing system has little risk to release debris particles even in a severe condition.
Detection of Left Ventricle Function From a Magnetically Levitated Impeller Behavior
Authors: Hoshi Hideo , Asama Junichi , Hara Chikara , Hijikata Wataru , Shinshi Tadahiko , Shimokohbe Akira , Takatani Setsuo
Published: May 2006

Abstract: The magnetically levitated (Mag‐Lev) centrifugal rotary blood pump (CRBP) with two‐degrees‐of‐freedom active control is promising for safe and long‐term support of circulation. In this study, Mag‐Lev CRBP controllability and impeller behavior were studied in the simulated heart failure circulatory model. A pneumatically driven pulsatile blood pump (Medos VAD [ventricular assist device]‐54 mL) was used to simulate the left ventricle (LV). The Mag‐Lev CRBP was placed between the LV apex and aortic compliance tank simulating LV assistance. The impeller behavior in five axes (x,y,z, Θ, and Φ) was continuously monitored using five eddy current sensors. The signals of thex‐ andy‐axes were used for feedback active control, while the behaviors of the other three axes were passively controlled by the permanent magnets. In the static mock circuit, the impeller movement was controlled to within ±10–±20 µm in thex‐andy‐axes, while in the pulsatile circuit, LV pulsation was modulated in the impeller movement with the amplitude being 2–22 µm. The amplitude of impeller movement measured at 1800 rpm with the simulated failing heart (peak LV pressure [LVP] = 70 mm Hg, mean aortic pressure [AoPmean] = 55 ± 20 mm Hg, aortic flow = 2.7 L/min) was 12.6 µm, while it increased to 19.2 µm with the recovered heart (peak LVP = 122 mm Hg, AoPmean = 100 ± 20 mm Hg, aortic flow = 3.9 L/min). The impeller repeated the reciprocating movement from the center of the pump toward the outlet port with LV pulsation. Angular rotation (Θ, Φ) was around ±0.002 rad withoutz‐axis displacement. Power requirements ranged from 0.6 to 0.9 W. Five‐axis impeller behavior and Mag‐Lev controller stability were demonstrated in the pulsatile mock circuit. Noncontact drive and low power requirements were shown despite the effects of LV pulsation. The impeller position signals in thex‐ andy‐axes reflected LV function. The Mag‐Lev CRBP is effective not only for noncontact low power control of the impeller, but also for diagnosis of cardiac function noninvasively.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of the Pediatric Tiny Centrifugal Blood Pump (TinyPump)
Authors: Kido Kazuyuki , Hoshi Hideo , Watanabe Nobuo , Kataoka Hiroyuki , Ohuchi Katsuhiro , Asama Junichi , Shinshi Tadahiko , Yoshikawa Masaharu , Takatani Setsuo
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  We have developed a tiny rotary centrifugal blood pump for the purpose of supporting circulation of children and infants. The pump is designed to provide a flow of 0.1–4.0 L/min against a head pressure of 50–120 mm Hg. The diameter of the impeller is 30 mm with six straight vanes. The impeller is supported by a hydrodynamic bearing at its center and rotated with a radial coupled magnetic driver. The bearing that supports rotation of the impeller of the tiny centrifugal blood pump is very critical to achieve durability, and clot‐free and antihemolytic performance. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was performed to quantify the secondary flow through the hydrodynamic bearing at the center of the impeller and investigated the effects of bearing clearance on shear stress to optimize hemolytic performance of the pump. Two types of bearing clearance (0.1 and 0.2 mm) were studied. The wall shear stress of the 0.1‐mm bearing clearance was lower than that of 0.2‐mm bearing clearance at 2 L/min and 3000 rpm. This was because the axial component of the shear rate significantly decreased due to the narrower clearance even though the circumferential component of the shear rate increased. Hemolysis tests showed that the normalized index of hemolysis was reduced to 0.0076 g/100 L when the bearing clearance was reduced to 0.1 mm. It was found that the CFD prediction supported the experimental trend. The CFD is a useful tool for optimization of the hydrodynamic bearing design of the centrifugal rotary blood pump to optimize the performance of the pump in terms of mechanical effect on blood cell elements, durability of the bearing, and antithrombogenic performance.
Optimization of an Axial Flow Heart Pump With Active and Passive Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Glauser Matthias , Jiang Wei , Li Guoxin , Lin Zongli , Allaire Paul E. , Olson Don
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Optimization of a magnetically suspended left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is crucial. We desire a totally implantable, long‐life LVAD that delivers the necessary flow rate, pressure rise, and blood compatibility. By using a novel combination of passive and active magnetic bearings (AMBs), we have developed an axial flow LVAD prototype, the LEV‐VAD, which provides an unobstructed blood flow path, preventing stagnation regions for the blood. Our current effort is focused on the optimization of the magnetic suspension system to allow for control of the AMB, minimizing its size and power consumption. The properties of the passive magnetic bearings and AMBs serve as parameter space, over which a cost function is minimized, subject to constraints such as suspension stability and sufficient disturbance rejection capabilities. The design process is expected to lead to the construction of a small prototype pump along with the necessary robust controller for the AMB. Sensitivity of the LVAD performance with respect to various design parameters is examined in‐depth and an optimized, more compact LVAD prototype is designed.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Sodium Increases in Migraine
Authors: Harrington Michael G. , Fonteh Alfred N. , Cowan Robert P. , Perrine Kathy , Pogoda Janice M. , Biringer Roger G. , Hühmer Andreas F.R.
Published: May 2006

Background.—Pharmaceuticals with calcium‐ or sodium‐channel‐blocking activity have proven useful for migraine prophylaxis, and calcium channel, sodium transporter, and sodium channel gene mutations have been found in familial hemiplegic migraine. However, it is not known whether calcium or sodium homeostasis is altered in migraine.

Objective.—To compare levels of sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma between migraineurs and controls.

Methods.—We recruited 20 migraineurs without aura and 11 controls prospectively, and studied migraineurs in sick (MH+) and well (MH−) states. We collected lumbar CSF and venous blood plasma, quantified elements with ion‐selective electrodes or colorimetry, and determined osmolality by depression of freezing point. We compared levels of Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Mg among and also within subjects who were studied in both MH+ and MH− states.

Results.—Mean CSF Na+ levels were increased by 3 mmol/L in MH+ compared with MH− and by 4 mmol/L compared to controls (P < 0.005). In 4 subjects who were sampled in both MH+ and MH− states, mean CSF Na+ concentration increased by 2 mmol/L in the MH+ state compared with the MH− state (P < 0.05). Simultaneous plasma Na+ levels did not differ among the 3 clinical groups, nor did osmolality, total Ca and Ca2+, K+, and total Mg levels in CSF.

Conclusions.—Compared to both controls and the MH− state, CSF Na+ concentration increased in MH+ independently from other clinical or pharmacological fluctuations, CSF concentrations of Ca2+, Mg, and K+, and blood plasma Na+ levels. These results implicate a deviation of Na+ homeostasis in migraine. The modestly elevated extracellular Na+ in MH+ may cause the neural changes that underlie clinical features of migraine.
An Evaluation of Matching Unknown Writing Inks with the United States International Ink Library*
Authors: LaPorte Gerald M. , Arredondo Marlo D. , McConnell Tyra S. , Stephens Joseph C. , Cantu Antonio A. , Shaffer Douglas K.
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT:Utilizing a database of standards for forensic casework is a valuable resource. Undoubtedly, as more standards (and corresponding information about the specimens) are collected, there is a greater certainty of identification when a questioned and a known item cannot be distinguished after a series of analyses. The United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service National Forensic Laboratory jointly maintain the largest known forensic collection of writing inks in the world, which is comprised of over 8500 ink standards collected worldwide, dating back to the 1920s. This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability of matching arbitrarily purchased pens with known inks from a database. One hundred pens were randomly obtained from a variety of sources and their respective ink compositions were compared with standards. Eighty‐five of the inks were determined to be suitable for comparison utilizing optical examinations and thin‐layer chromatography. Three of the inks did not match any of the specimens on record; one of these inks was similar to an ink from an identical brand of pen that was in the database, but had a modified formulation.
Religious Influences in the 2004 Presidential Election
Authors: GUTH JAMES L. , KELLSTEDT LYMAN A. , SMIDT CORWIN E. , GREEN JOHN C.
Published: May 2006

In this article, we examine the impact of religious variables on the vote in the 2004 presidential election. First, we review and evaluate two theories that underlie many interpretations of religion’s role in American electoral politics, namely, the ethnoreligious and the religious restructuring perspectives. Using both approaches, we deploy a comprehensive classification incorporating religious affiliations, beliefs, and practices that is quite successful in capturing the electoral impact of religion. We show that religious groups exhibited distinctive political priorities, attitudes toward the role of religion in the election, stands on critical campaign issues, and evaluations of President Bush’s performance in office. We find that some religious factors had an important role in the Republican victory, especially in the so‐called battleground states. Finally, we discuss some substantive implications of the findings for understanding public policies and policy making.
Issue Knowledge and Perceptions of Agreement in the 2004 Presidential General Election
Authors: KENSKI KATE , JAMIESON KATHLEEN HALL
Published: May 2006

Using post‐election data from the 2004 National Annenberg Election Survey, this study finds that compared to the 2000 election, candidate issue knowledge was relatively high by the end of the 2004 general election. It argues that just as in 2000, voters’ mistakes in matching presidential candidates with their issue positions benefited Republican incumbent George W. Bush more than Democratic challenger John Kerry. Perceived agreement with Bush exceeded actual agreement on four issues tested. Taking six demographic variables, party identification, and ideology into consideration, knowledge about the candidates’ issue positions mattered, as more informed respondents preferred Kerry to Bush. On the three issue knowledge items on which citizens performed the worst, content analyses indicate that citizens could have learned about the candidates’ positions from the debates as well as press coverage. We offer a number of explanations for these incorrect answers.
Mr. Bush’s War: Foreign Policy in the 2004 Election
Authors: KLINKNER PHILIP A.
Published: May 2006

This article examines the factors that account for George W. Bush’s victory in the 2004 election and finds that foreign‐policy concerns were far more significant than attitudes on moral and cultural issues. The importance of foreign‐policy issues stemmed from significant partisan polarization on the issue of Iraq. This partisan polarization, though extremely high compared to previous wars, is not, however, the result of strikingly different foreign‐policy beliefs of Democrats and Republicans, but rather the result of polarized attitudes toward the war’s chief architect—George W. Bush.
The Law: The CIA Leak Case Indicting Vice President Cheney’s Chief of Staff
Authors: KLAREVAS LOUIS
Published: May 2006

In June 2003, citing “two senior administration officials,” syndicated columnist Robert Novak openly identified Valerie Plame as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) “operative.” As it can be a felony under the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982 to knowingly identify a covert agent of the United States, a grand jury was impaneled to investigate whether or not any Bush administration officials had actually broken the law by outing Plame. After a nearly two‐year‐long investigation, the grand jury returned an indictment against Vice President Dick Cheney’s former Chief of Staff I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, charging him with the ancillary crimes of making false statements, perjury, and obstruction of justice. No one, however, has yet been charged with the underlying crime of leaking the classified identity of a CIA agent. This article explains why indictments have been issued for alleged cover‐up crimes, while no one, to date, has been indicted for outing an intelligence operative. After a brief review of the story behind the leak and an overview of the five‐count indictment, the article analyzes the Intelligence Identities Protection Act and the related Espionage Act, focusing on why no one has yet been indicted for violating these laws. The article concludes with a cautionary note on why this case is not necessarily over—and why it is even possible, although unlikely, that Bush administration officials might be indicted under the Espionage Act.
Patent Foramen Ovale and Migraine: Evidence for a Link?
Authors: Bousser Marie‐Germaine
Published: May 2006

Recent epidemiological data suggest a bidirectional link between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraine with aura (MA) with a relative risk of 2 for PFO in subjects with MA and for MA in subjects with PFO. There is no evidence for a link between PFO and migraine without aura (MoA). This link is not systematic and applies only to subsets of PFO, mostly large ones, and to subsets of patients with MA. Although comorbidity cannot be ruled out, it is likely that this link is partly causal and that some large PFOs may favor MA attacks in genetically predisposed subjects, by allowing vasoactive substances, platelet emboli, or paradoxical emboli to bypass the lung filter and trigger cortical spreading depression. Even if ongoing randomized trials of PFO closure confirm the apparent benefit observed in the available retrospective studies, it would be dangerous to extrapolate from the improvement or even the cessation of symptomatic MA attacks to the treatment of migraine as a primary headache disorder.
SYNTHESIS OF C14CARBOXYL-LABELED PHENYLALANINE
Authors: Henneberry G. O. , Oliver W. F. , Baker B. E.
Published: May 2006

C14carboxyl-labeled phenylalanine has been synthesized by a modified Strecker reaction. A yield of 27.6% based on sodium carbonate (C14) has been obtained and the distribution of the remainder of the activity in the by-products determined.
SOUND VELOCITY AND SOUND ABSORPTION IN THE CRITICAL TEMPERATURE REGION
Authors: Schneider W. G.
Published: May 2006

The velocity and absorption of ultrasound (600 kc.) has been measured throughout the critical temperature region of sulphur hexafluoride. Measurements were carried out for the coexisting liquid phase and vapor phase below Tc, and for the supercritical gas, and simultaneously, observations of the meniscus behavior in the neighborhood of Tc were made. The sound velocity for both liquid and vapor phases below Tc decreased with increasing temperature and became equal at Tc, the velocity at this point being 121.5 m. per sec. In the temperature range from 0.6° below Tc to Tc the velocity in the vapor was greater than that in the liquid. A very high absorption of sound was observed, having a maximum value at Tc and extending over a temperature range of approximately 1°. In the temperature range from Tc to 0.6° below Tc, the absorption in the liquid phase was greater than that in the vapour.
THE CALCULATION OF THE CHANGE IN VIBRATIONAL FREQUENCY DUE TO CHANGES IN MASS, GEOMETRY, AND POTENTIAL CONSTANTS OF A MOLECULE
Authors: Bernstein H. J.
Published: May 2006

An expression for the change in vibrational frequency in terms of changes in the kinetic and potential energy of a molecule has been derived.For numerical calculations approximations are given. The change in frequency due to configurational changes has also been estimated in a qualitative manner. Finally, an approximate relation between the frequencies observed for a certain symmetry type and those calculated by means of force constants derived from some other symmetry type is given as an aid in assigning vibrational spectra.
EUTECTIC SOLIDIFICATION IN METALS
Authors: Winegard W. C. , Majka S. , Thall B. M. , Chalmers B.
Published: May 2006

A study has been made of the process of solidification of the alloys of tin and lead the eutectic structure of which is typically lamellar. A technique was developed in which the rate and direction of solidification were controlled. It was demonstrated that freezing takes place by the simultaneous edgewise growth of the lamellae, the thickness of which depends on the rate of freezing. It was also shown that the interface between solid and liquid at any instant is corrugated, owing to the fact that one of the phases is in advance of the other. This is attributed to the difference in thermal conductivity of the two phases. A detailed description is given of the process of eutectic solidification