bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal transformation in epithelial ovarian tumor cells expressing epidermal growth factor receptor variant III
Authors: Zeineldin Reema , Rosenberg Martina , Ortega Dominic , Buhr Christian , Chavez Miquella G. , Stack M. Sharon , Kusewitt Donna F. , Hudson Laurie G.
Published: June 2006

Overexpression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor occurs frequently in ovarian cancer and is associated with poor patient prognosis. A constitutively active mutant EGF receptor termed variant III (EGFRvIII) has been detected at a high frequency in many human tumors, including those of the ovary. To identify the consequences of EGFRvIII expression in ovarian tumor cells, we introduced EGFRvIII into the epithelial ovarian cancer cell line (OVCA 433). The EGFRvIII‐transfected cells displayed a dissociated, motile phenotype and fibroblastic morphology. The EGFRvIII‐dependent phenotype was comparable to that observed in EGF‐stimulated parental OVCA 433 cultures and required the catalytic activity of the mutant receptor. Disruption of adherens and desmosomal junctions in EGFRvIII expressing cells was evident by immunofluorescent detection of specific junctional components. In addition, Western blot analysis confirmed decreased levels of cellular plakoglobin and β‐catenin in EGFRvIII‐expressing cells, and E‐cadherin protein and mRNA were nearly absent. The loss of E‐cadherin was accompanied by decreased expression of additional ovarian epithelial markers, including keratins 7, 8, and 18 and mucins 1 and 4. In contrast, the mesenchymal markers N‐cadherin and vimentin were elevated in EGFRvIII expressing cells. Overall, the switch in cadherins from E‐cadherin to N‐cadherin, coupled with gain of vimentin expression and loss of the epithelial keratins and mucins typically expressed in well‐differentiated epithelial ovarian carcinomas, are consistent with transition to a mesenchymal phenotype as an outcome of EGFRvIII expression. These findings suggest that EGFRvIII expression may regulate phenotypic plasticity in ovarian cancer and thereby contribute to more aggressive disease. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
One‐electron properties using a CI method based on multiple Hartree–Fock solutions
Authors: Malbouisson L. A. C. , Martins M. G. R. , Makiuchi N.
Published: June 2006

A multi‐reference configuration interaction (CI) method based on multiple Hartree–Fock (HF) solutions is applied to study the permanent dipole moment of the LiH, BH, FH, and H2O systems with the minimal atomic basis. The LiH was also calculated with the double‐zeta atomic basis. This method uses several HF solutions as references to expand the state functions. For each one of the systems studied, several HF solutions were obtained in the appropriate point and spin symmetry classes, i.e., 1Σ+ and 1A1. With each of these solutions is generated a distinct basis of the same full CI space. The set of these bases is a system of generators of the full CI space and the multi‐reference HF (MRHF) bases are built mixing configuration state functions (CSFs) originated from distinct HF solutions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Theoretical study of molecular and electronic structure of 2‐Se‐(2‐methyl‐2‐propenyl)‐1‐benzoic acid
Authors: Hameed Ali Jameel , Jalbout Abraham F. , Trzaskowski Bartosz
Published: June 2006

A theoretical study of 2‐Se‐(2‐methyl‐2‐propenyl)‐1‐benzoic acid was carried out to investigate the molecular and electronic structure of this molecule, using the B3LYP density functional theory (DFT) method with the 6‐311+G** basis set. The optimized geometry of the molecule was obtained for the ortho, meta, and para isomers of the complex. In addition, the theoretical vibrational spectrum is presented, and thermal corrections in the limit of 100–1,000 K are discussed using the Shomate thermodynamic equations. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Diffusion NMR studies on fish antifreeze proteins and synthetic analogues
Authors: Inglis Steven R. , McGann Matthew J. , Price William S. , Harding Margaret M.
Published: June 2006

Pulsed field gradient spin echo NMR spectroscopy was used to measure diffusion coefficients of the α‐helical type I antifreeze protein from the winter flounder, two synthetic derivatives in which the four Thr residues were replaced with Val and Ala, respectively, and the low molecular weight fraction antifreeze glycoprotein. Under the conditions studied, the natural type I antifreeze protein and low molecular weight glycoprotein gave diffusion values that were consistent with the presence of monomeric protein in solution. While significant aggregation of the Ala analogue was observed (2–10 mM), there was no evidence for aggregation in the Val analogue (1–3 mM). These results are compared with previously reported solubility and thermal hysteresis data and the implications for the design of synthetic antifreeze proteins are discussed.
Closure vs. nonclosure of the peritoneum at cesarean delivery
Authors: Yiyang Zhu , Qunxi Cai , Weiling Wu
Published: June 2006

Objective

To compare the frequency and severity of celiac adhesions following cesarean sections performed with and without closure of the parietal and visceral peritoneum.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study involved 612 women who underwent their second lower‐segment transverse cesarean section.

Results

Nonclosure of the parietal peritoneum at the time of the first cesarean section was associated with significantly more visceral adhesions than closure (16.2% vs. 8.1%; P = 0.003), and closure of the visceral peritoneum had a similar effect (16.1% vs. 6.7%; P = 0.02). However, the difference in rates of severe adhesions was not statistically significant (12.9% vs. 17.6%; P = 0.12). After controlling for confounding variables, it was found that closure of the parietal peritoneum reduced the rate of visceral adhesions 2.7‐fold. Trial of labor before and fever after surgery increased the risk of severe adhesions 6.1‐fold and 5.6‐fold, respectively.

Conclusion

Nonclosure of the peritoneum at primary cesarean section is associated with a significantly increased risk of visceral adhesions.
On the dynamics of soil moisture, vegetation, and erosion: Implications of climate variability and change
Authors: Istanbulluoglu Erkan , Bras Rafael L.
Published: June 2006

We couple a shear‐stress‐dependent fluvial erosion and sediment transport rule with stochastic models of ecohydrological soil moisture and vegetation dynamics. Rainfall is simulated by the Poisson rectangular pulses rainfall model with three parameters: mean rainfall intensity, duration, and interstorm period. These parameters are related to mean annual precipitation on the basis of published data. The model is used to investigate the sensitivity of grass cover and erosion potential to drought length, changes in storm frequency under fixed mean seasonal rainfall, and variations in mean annual precipitation. Three fundamental factors, amount of precipitation, storm frequency, and soil type, are predicted to control the system response. Variation in storm frequency is predicted to have a significant influence on sediment transport capacity because of its influence on vegetation dynamics. Our results predict soil loss potential to be more sensitive to a reduction in storm frequency (under fixed mean annual precipitation) in humid ecosystems than in arid and semiarid regions. The well‐known dependence between mean annual sediment yields and precipitation (e.g., Langbein and Schumm, 1958) is reproduced by the model. Numerical experiments using different soil types underscore the importance of soil texture in controlling the magnitude and shape of such dependence. Coupling abiotic and biotic Earth surface processes under random climatic forcing is the salient aspect of our approach, opening new avenues for research in the emerging field of complex climate‐soil‐vegetation‐landscape dynamics.
Books for free? How can this be?— A PubMed resource you may be overlooking
Authors: Corsi Ann K.
Published: June 2006

The NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) at the National Institutes of Health collects a wide range of molecular biological data, and develops tools and databases to analyse and disseminate this information. Many life scientists are familiar with the website maintained by the NCBI (http:www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), because they use it to search GenBank for homologues of their genes of interest or to search the PubMed database for scientific literature of interest. There is also a database called the Bookshelf that includes searchable popular life science textbooks, medical and research reference books and NCBI reference materials. The Bookshelf can be useful for researchers and educators to find basic biological information. This article includes a representative list of the resources currently available on the Bookshelf, as well as instructions on how to access the information in these resources.
The rotational and fine-structure spectrum of FeH, studied by far-infrared laser magnetic resonance
Authors: Brown John M. , Körsgen Helga , Beaton Stuart P. , Evenson Kenneth M.
Published: June 2006

Transitions between the spin-rotational levels of the FeH radical in the υ=0 level of the XΔ4 ground state have been detected by the technique of laser magnetic resonance at far-infrared wavelengths. Both pure rotational and fine-structure transitions have been observed; lambda-type doubling is resolved on all the observed transitions. The energy levels of FeH are strongly affected by the breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation and cannot be modeled accurately by an effective Hamiltonian. The data are therefore fitted to an empirical formula to yield term values and g factors for the various spin-rotational levels involved. Many of the resonances show a doubling that arises from the proton hyperfine structure. These splittings are analyzed in a similar manner.
Davies electron-nuclear double resonance revisited: Enhanced sensitivity and nuclear spin relaxation
Authors: Tyryshkin Alexei M. , Morton John J. L. , Ardavan Arzhang , Lyon S. A.
Published: June 2006

Over the past 50years, electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) has become a fairly ubiquitous spectroscopic technique, allowing the study of spin transitions for nuclei which are coupled to electron spins. However, the low spin number sensitivity of the technique continues to pose serious limitations. Here we demonstrate that signal intensity in a pulsed Davies ENDOR experiment depends strongly on the nuclear relaxation time T1n, and can be severely reduced for long T1n. We suggest a development of the original Davies ENDOR sequence that overcomes this limitation, thus offering dramatically enhanced signal intensity and spectral resolution. Finally, we observe that the sensitivity of the original Davies method to T1n can be exploited to measure nuclear relaxation, as we demonstrate for phosphorous donors in silicon and for endohedral fullerenes N@C60 in CS2.
Influence of electronic correlations on the ground-state properties of cerium dioxide
Authors: Voloshina Elena , Paulus Beate
Published: June 2006

The electron-correlation effects on the ground-state properties of CeO2 are studied by ab initio quantum-chemical methods. For this purpose the method of increments is applied. It combines Hartree-Fock calculations for periodic systems with correlation calculations requiring only information of the corresponding finite-cluster calculations. Using the coupled-cluster approach for the evaluation of the individual increments, we recover 93% of the experimental cohesive energy. The lattice constant and bulk modulus are found to be in good agreement with experimental values. For comparison also the results obtained with density functional methods are presented.
Molecular simulations of solid-liquid interfacial tension of silicon
Authors: Tang Yuk Wai , Wang Jun , Zeng X. C.
Published: June 2006

Using the superheating method [Luo et al., Phys. Rev. B68, 134206 (2003)], we deployed classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to compute solid-liquid interfacial tension of silicon. We performed isobaric-isothermal MD simulation on two silicon models, the Stillinger-Weber [Phys. Rev. B31, 5262 (1985)] and Tersoff-89 [Phys. Rev. B38, 5565 (1989)], and applied heating rates of 1×1011 and 5×1011K∕s to the system. The calculated average value of solid-liquid surface tension of silicon is 0.413J∕m2, which is in good agreement with the measured values (0.34–0.40J∕m2).
Analysis of the statistical error in umbrella sampling simulations by umbrella integration
Authors: Kästner Johannes , Thiel Walter
Published: June 2006

Umbrella sampling simulations, or biased molecular dynamics, can be used to calculate the free-energy change of a chemical reaction. We investigate the sources of different sampling errors and derive approximate expressions for the statistical errors when using harmonic restraints and umbrella integration analysis. This leads to generally applicable rules for the choice of the bias potential and the sampling parameters. Numerical results for simulations on an analytical model potential are presented for validation. While the derivations are based on umbrella integration analysis, the final error estimate is evaluated from the raw simulation data, and it may therefore be generally applicable as indicated by tests using the weighted histogram analysis method.
High-temperature ferromagnetism in (Co, Al)-codoped ZnO powders
Authors: Liu X. C. , Shi E. W. , Chen Z. Z. , Zhang H. W. , Xiao B. , Song L. X.
Published: June 2006

Zn 0.95 − x Co 0.05 Al x O  (x=0,0.01,0.03) powders were prepared from the acetate-derived precursor by the sol-gel route. The structural and magnetic properties of the powders were investigated. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscope analyses indicate that Co2+ substitute for Zn2+ without changing the wurtzite structure. The powder shows paramagnetic behavior at 5K for x=0 sample. For x=0.01 and 0.03, the powders exhibit ferromagnetic behavior at 360K. It was demonstrated experimentally that high-temperature ferromagnetism in Co-doped ZnO powders can be obtained through increasing the carrier concentration which was realized by doping a few percent of Al.
X-ray diffraction and Raman investigations of thickness dependent stress effects on Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 thin films
Authors: Lappalainen Jyrki , Lantto Vilho , Frantti Johannes , Hiltunen Jussi
Published: June 2006

Microstructure, film orientation, and optical transmission spectra of polycrystalline Nd-modified Pb(ZrxTi1−x)O3 films were studied as a function of film thickness. Pulsed laser deposition was used for the fabrication of films with thickness from 80to465nm on single-crystal MgO(100) substrates. Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and spectrophotometry measurements were utilized in the film characterization. With the decreasing film thickness, films first oriented with c axis perpendicular to film surface, and then, after some critical thickness, changed to a-axis orientation. At the same time, compressive stress increased up to 1.3GPa and a clear blueshift of the optical absorption edge was found in transmission spectra.
Breakdown voltages for discharges initiated from plasma pulses produced by high-frequency excimer lasers
Authors: Yamaura Michiteru
Published: June 2006

The triggering ability under the different electric field was investigated using a KrF excimer laser with a high repetition rate of kilohertz order. Measurements were made of the magnitude of impulse voltages that were required to initiate a discharge from plasmas produced by a high-frequency excimer laser. Breakdown voltages were found to be reduced by 50% through the production of plasmas in the discharge gap by a high-frequency excimer laser. However, under direct-current electric field, triggering ability decreased drastically due to low plasma density. It is considered that such laser operation applied for laser-triggered lightning due to the produced location of plasma channel is formed under the impulse electric field since an electric field of the location drastically reduces temporary when the downward leader from thunderclouds propagates to the plasma channel.
Enhancement of nuclear magnetic resonance in microtesla magnetic field with prepolarization field detected with high-Tc superconducting quantum interference device
Authors: Yang Hong-Chang , Liao Shu-Hsien , Horng Herng-Er , Kuo Shing-Ling , Chen Hsin-Hsien , Yang S. Y.
Published: June 2006

We applied prepolarization field and high-Tc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) detector to enhance nuclear magnetic resonance signal in a microtesla magnetic field. The minimum measuring magnetic field is 8.9μT at which the proton resonance frequency is 380Hz. The specificity instrumentation and the difficulty of using a high-Tc SQUID with prepolarization field were investigated. We applied gradient field to perform one-dimensional proton imaging in a microtesla magnetic field. Additionally, low field high-Tc SQUID-based NMR systems are promising in biomagnetic research due to its use, for example, in imaging with hyperpolarized noble gas.
High coordination chemically bound compounds of noble gases with hydrocarbons: Ng(CCH)4 and Ng(CCH)6, (Ng=Xe or Kr)
Authors: Sheng Li , Gerber R. Benny
Published: June 2006

Ab initio calculations predict the existence of the compounds Ng(CCH)4 and Ng(CCH)6, where Ng=Xe or Kr. Presently known organic noble gas compounds have a coordination number of two at most. The Ng(CCH)4 molecules have D4h symmetry, and Ng(CCH)6 molecules have Oh symmetry. The bonding in all these compounds is partly ionic and partly covalent, with significant contributions from both types of bonding. The relatively high vibrational frequencies and the substantial Ng-(CCH) binding energy in these species indicate that these compounds should be fairly stable, at least in cryogenic conditions. These compounds could be a very interesting addition to the range of known organic noble gas compounds. Suggestions are made on possible approaches to their preparation.
Effects of available nutrition and sire breeding values for growth and muscling on the development of crossbred lambs. 1: Growth and carcass characteristics
Authors: Hegarty R. S. , Shands C. , Marchant R. , Hopkins D. L. , Ball A. J. , Harden S.
Published: June 2006

The growth and development of 387 crossbred lamb progeny from 9 Poll Dorset sires representing muscle (M), control (C), and growth (G) sire-types was studied. Sires were selected on the basis of their LAMBPLAN estimated breeding values (EBVs) for post-weaning growth (PWWT) and depth of loin muscle (PEMD). Lambs were provided with either LOW or HIGH levels of available grazing nutrition from 10 days of age onwards. Liveweight gain (LWG) throughout the study was less on LOW nutrition than on HIGH nutrition, leading to a 9.5 kg lower weaning liveweight (LW) and a 14.9 kg lower final LW in LOW lambs. After adjustment for final LW, HIGH lambs had significantly greater fat depth at the C-site (approximately 40 mm from the midline over the 12th rib) and tissue depth at the GR site (110 mm from the midline over the 12th rib) than did LOW lambs. This effect was consistent across sire-types. Depth of fat at the C-site was positively associated with the EBV of the sire for fat depth. The improvement in pre-weaning LWG, weaning weight, and final weight of lambs resulting from use of sires with a greater PWWT EBV was dependent upon the level of nutrition. This interaction was identified as different slopes (coefficients) for the regression between PWWT and trait for the 2 nutrition levels, indicating that the expression of the sire’s genetic potential for growth at these times was significantly moderated by nutrition. The additional depth of lamb loin muscle resulting from use of sires of higher PEMD EBV was consistent across both LOW and HIGH nutrition treatments, with 1 mm of PEMD leading to a 0.6-mm increase in loin depth. Other consequences of sires having a high genetic capacity for loin muscle depth were reduced carcass C-fat depth with increasing sire PEMD and a tendency for conformation score to improve with the PEMD of the sire. The wool-growth response to improved nutrition was less in M lambs than in lambs of other sire-types, suggesting a difference in priority for protein partitioning between muscle and wool in lambs differing in genetic propensity for muscle growth.
Effects of sire genotype and plane of nutrition on fascicular structure of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum and its effect on eating quality
Authors: Allingham P. G. , Gardner G. E. , Taylor M. , Hegarty R. S. , Harper G. S.
Published: June 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine if estimated breeding value (EBV) of an animal’s sire and or the animal’s nutrition affected the structure of its M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) and, hence, the eating quality of meat derived from its carcass. Lambs were chosen based on the EBV of their sires in terms of post-weaning live weight (PWWT), post weaning fat at the C-site (PFAT), and post-weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD). Morphometric techniques were used to characterise muscle structure in terms of the distribution of intramuscular connective tissue; the variables together are called fascicular structure. Perimysial seam thickness and fascicular width were both influenced by sire estimated breeding values for PWWT, PFAT, and PEMD. Variation in fascicular structure was associated with an interaction between PEMD-EBV and PFAT-EBV of the sire. Fascicular width decreased with increased PEMD-EBV and increased with PFAT-EBV, but was not affected by PWWT-EBV. When the total seam thickness was adjusted to a common fascicular width, the lambs on a low plane of nutrition had relatively more intramuscular connective tissue than those on a high plane. The total seam thickness was negatively associated with PFAT-EBV and positively associated with PEMD-EBV. Warner Bratzler shear (WBS) peak force (PF) and initial yield were not associated with differences in sire EBV. The residual WBS shear force, peak force minus initial yield (PFIY), and compression values were negatively associated with nutrition but were positively associated with PWWT-EBV and PEMD-EBV of the sires. These latter 2 effects were moderated by nutrition. The data support the hypothesis that morphological characteristics of perimysium are genetically determined and nutritionally responsive. Variance in morphology accounted for some variance in the biophysical attributes of meat and may help explain why sheep with high muscling potential have tougher meat.
Afrotropical members of the jumping plant-louse genus Diclidophlebia (Hemiptera:Psylloidea)
Authors: Burckhardt D. , Aléné D. C. , Ouvrard D. , Tamesse J. L. , Messi J.
Published: June 2006

African members of the pantropical genus Diclidophlebia Crawford (Paurocephalinae) are revised. Sixteen species are recognised including three known species, seven new species and six species that are not formally described owing to insufficient material. Adult and last larval instars are diagnosed and illustrated and keys are provided for identification. Five species are associated with Sterculiaceae (Malvales) and one each with Tiliaceae (Malvales), Irvingiaceae/Simaroubaceae (Rutales), Chrysobalanaceae (Rosales) and Euphorbiaceae (Euphorbiales). Host plants of other species are unknown. Possibly monophyletic groups include four species restricted to the Guineo-Congolian region and five species in the Sudano-Zambezian region.
Stargazin controls the pharmacology of AMPA receptor potentiators
Authors: Tomita Susumu , Sekiguchi Masayuki , Wada Keiji , Nicoll Roger A. , Bredt David S.
Published: June 2006

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in brain, and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediate the majority of postsynaptic depolarization. AMPAR ion channels display rapid gating, and their deactivation and desensitization determine the timing of synaptic transmission. AMPAR potentiators slow channel deactivation and desensitization, and these compounds represent exciting therapies for mental and neurodegenerative diseases. Previous studies showed that the AMPAR potentiators cyclothiazide and 4-[2-(phenylsulfonylamino)ethylthio]-2,6-difluorophenoxyacetamide display a preference for flip and flop alternatively spliced versions of glutamate receptor subunits, respectively. Here, we find that the AMPAR auxiliary subunit stargazin changes this pharmacology and makes both spliced forms of glutamate receptor subunit 1 sensitive to both classes of potentiator. Stargazin also enhances the effect of AMPAR potentiators on channel deactivation. This work demonstrates that stargazin controls AMPAR potentiator pharmacology, which has important implications for development of AMPAR potentiators as therapeutic agents.
The guinea pig as a transmission model for human influenza viruses
Authors: Lowen Anice C. , Mubareka Samira , Tumpey Terrence M. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Palese Peter
Published: June 2006

The severity of epidemic and pandemic influenza outbreaks is dictated in part by the efficiency with which the causative strain transmits between human hosts. The mechanisms underlying influenza virus spread are poorly understood, in part because of the lack of a convenient animal model to study this phenomenon. Indeed, despite extremely efficient transmission among humans and virulence in the mouse model, we have shown that even the 1918 pandemic influenza virus does not transmit between mice. We therefore evaluated the guinea pig as a model mammalian host for influenza virus. Using the recent human isolate A/Panama/2007/99 (Pan/99) (H3N2) virus, we found that guinea pigs were highly susceptible to infection with the unadapted virus (ID50= 5 plaque-forming units). Pan/99 virus grew to high titers in the upper respiratory tract and was shed in nasal washings of infected animals. Moreover, influenza virus was transmitted from infected guinea pigs to noninfected guinea pigs housed in the same cage, an adjacent cage, and a cage placed 91 cm away. Our results demonstrate that influenza virus can pass between guinea pigs by means of droplet spread and thereby establish the suitability of the guinea pig as a model host for influenza virus transmission studies.
Terminal association of Rad54 protein with the Rad51–dsDNA filament
Authors: Kiianitsa Konstantin , Solinger Jachen A. , Heyer Wolf-Dietrich
Published: June 2006

Rad54 protein is a Snf2-related dsDNA-specific ATPase essential for homologous recombination mediated by Rad51 protein, the eukaryotic RecA ortholog. Snf2-related enzymes couple ATP hydrolysis with translocation on dsDNA to remodel or dissociate a wide variety of protein–dsDNA complexes. Rad54 and Rad51 interact through species-specific contacts and mutually stimulate their biochemical activities. Specifically, Rad51 bound to dsDNA, the product of homologous recombination after DNA-strand exchange, stimulates the Rad54 ATPase up to 6-fold, leading to the turnover of Rad51 in the product complex. Electron microscopy visualized the Rad51–Rad54 interaction on dsDNA, showing that an oligomeric form of Rad54 associates preferentially with termini of the Rad51–dsDNA filament. Our data support a mechanism of processive dsDNA–Rad51 filament dissociation by the translocating Rad54 protein.
Substitution treatment in European prisons: A study of policies and practices in 18 European countries
Authors: Stöver Heino , Casselman Joris , Hennebel Laetitia
Published: June 2006

The objective of this study was to examine practices and policies in place for the provision of substitution treatment in prison in 18 European countries. Methodology. Across the 15 European member states (prior to 1 May 2004) and Czech Republic, Poland and Slovenia, interviews with ministerial representatives, professionals (i.e. service providers and security officials) working in prisons, and a total of 33 focus groups with a total of 132 male and 52 female prisoners were conducted. Results. Although constraints of access to substitution treatment for specific target groups only (e.g. HIV‐positive opiate users) have largely vanished, substitution treatment is now offered to a broad cross‐section of prisoners. The provision of this treatment still lags behind the standards of substitution treatment in the community (regarding access and continuity). In most countries, this form of therapy is most likely to be discontinued when entering prison. A treatment gap persists between prisoners requiring substitution maintenance treatment and those receiving it. Heterogeneous and inconsistent regulations and treatment modalities appear throughout Europe, sometimes within the same country or region. The concrete provision practice of substitution treatment in prison varies from one country to the other, from one prison to the other, within a medical team, and even
from one doctor to another. Although psychosocial care was seen as a valuable additional and necessary part of the treatment to support the medical part of the substitution treatment in prison, it was found that such support was rarely provided. Compared to previous research, this study illustrates that the scope of substitution treatment has extended considerably across Europe. Across the board, a consensus surrounding the need to continue substitution treatment that had already been started in the community was apparent.
Essential role of IPS-1 in innate immune responses against RNA viruses
Authors: Kumar Himanshu , Kawai Taro , Kato Hiroki , Sato Shintaro , Takahashi Ken , Coban Cevayir , Yamamoto Masahiro , Uematsu Satoshi , Ishii Ken J. , Takeuchi Osamu , Akira Shizuo
Published: June 2006

IFN-β promoter stimulator (IPS)-1 was recently identified as an adapter for retinoic acid–inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (Mda5), which recognize distinct RNA viruses. Here we show the critical role of IPS-1 in antiviral responses in vivo. IPS-1–deficient mice showed severe defects in both RIG-I– and Mda5-mediated induction of type I interferon and inflammatory cytokines and were susceptible to RNA virus infection. RNA virus–induced interferon regulatory factor-3 and nuclear factor κB activation was also impaired in IPS-1–deficient cells. IPS-1, however, was not essential for the responses to either DNA virus or double-stranded B-DNA. Thus, IPS-1 is the sole adapter in both RIG-I and Mda5 signaling that mediates effective responses against a variety of RNA viruses.
Hospital Emergency Care Teams: our solution to out of hours emergency care
Authors: Carberry Martin
Published: June 2006

The implementation of the European Working Time Directive and the compulsory reduction in junior doctors hours provided the main driver and background for this project. The project aim was to implement Hospital Emergency Care Teams (HECT) on three District General Hospitals (DGHs) to provide emergency out‐of‐hours care. The project strategy centred on the recruitment, training and preparation of critical care nurses to undertake advanced assessment roles. Methods used to monitor and evaluate activity include the use of innovative hand‐held computers. Main outcomes include, the conclusion that a multidisciplinary HECT of five could manage the overnight workload and level of acuity in a DGH of 420–500 beds, and that critical care nursing staff can be prepared for advanced supporting roles. Experiences gained provide valuable learning that could be used to influence similar projects. Implications for practice include the development of a national framework to inform areas such as multidisciplinary competency‐based education and training. Scientific evidence is required to evaluate the effect of HECT on hospital mortality and morbidity and quantify the staff, inpatient experiences.
Transoesophageal echocardiography: a useful tool to diagnose entrapment of pulmonary artery catheter
Authors: Rupert E. , Paul A. , Mukherji J.
Published: June 2006

Placement of a pulmonary artery catheter during cardiac surgery is associated with various complications, one of which is entrapment. On the day following surgery unusual resistance was encountered while attempting to remove a pulmonary artery catheter from a patient who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting. Entrapment of the catheter was confirmed by transoesophageal echocardiography, which demonstrated invagination of the free wall of the pulmonary trunk on gentle traction on the pulmonary artery catheter. Surgical exploration revealed that the catheter was transfixed by the suture used to close the pulmonary artery vent site. Surgical re‐exploration and other potential complications related to catheter retrieval can be avoided if catheter entrapment is diagnosed intra‐operatively. We suggest that a high index of clinical suspicion along with the use of intra‐operative transoesophageal echocardiography is considered in situations where catheter entrapment is a possibility.
The circulatory responses to fibreoptic intubation: a comparison of oral and nasal routes
Authors: Xue F. S. , Li C. W. , Sun H. T. , Liu K. P. , Zhang G. H. , Xu Y. C. , Liu Y. , Yu L.
Published: June 2006

The circulatory responses to fibreoptic intubation under general anaesthesia were studied in 60 adult female patients who were randomly assigned to receive either the oral or nasal route for insertion. Non‐invasive blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before anaesthesia induction (baseline values), immediately after anaesthesia induction (post‐induction values), at intubation and every minute for a further 5 min. The product of heart rate and systolic blood pressure (rate pressure product) at every time point was also calculated. The results showed that both fibreoptic orotracheal intubation and fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation resulted in significant increases in blood pressure, heart rate and rate pressure product compared to baseline and post‐induction values. The times required to reach the maximum values of systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly longer in the fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation group than in the fibreoptic orotracheal intubation group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in blood pressure, heart rate and rate pressure product at any measuring point, or in the maximum values during observation. The time required for recovery of systolic blood pressure to the post‐induction value was not significantly different between the two groups, but the time required for recovery of heart rate to post‐induction value was significantly longer in the fibreoptic orotracheal intubation group than in the fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation group. It was concluded that both fibreoptic orotracheal and fibreoptic nasotracheal intubations could cause a similar magnitude of circulatory responses in general anaesthetised, female adults, but the tachycardic response to fibreoptic orotracheal intubation lasted longer than that to fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation.
A dual altered peptide ligand down‐regulates myasthenogenic T cell responses and reverses experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis via up‐regulation of Fas–FasL‐mediated apoptosis
Authors: Aruna Badiga Venkata , Ben‐David Hava , Sela Michael , Mozes Edna
Published: June 2006

Myasthenia gravis (MG) and experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) are T cell‐dependent, antibody‐mediated autoimmune diseases. A dual altered peptide ligand (APL) that is composed of the tandemly arranged two single amino acid analogues of two myasthenogenic peptides, p195–212 and p259–271, was demonstrated to down‐regulate in vitro and in vivo MG‐associated autoreactive responses. The aims of this study were to investigate the possible role of Fas–FasL‐mediated apoptosis in the down‐regulatory mechanism of the dual APL. We demonstrate here the effect of the dual APL on expression of key molecules involved in the Fas–FasL pathway, in a p195–212‐specific T cell line, in mice immunized with Torpedo acetylcholine receptor and in mice afflicted with EAMG (induced with the latter). In vitro and in vivo results show that the dual APL up‐regulated expression of Fas and FasL on the CD4 cells. Expression of the pro‐apoptotic molecules, caspase 8 and caspase 3, was significantly up‐regulated, while anti‐apoptotic cFLIP and Bcl‐2 were down‐regulated upon treatment with the dual APL. The dual APL also increased phosphorylation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinases, c‐Jun‐NH2‐terminal kinase and p‐38, known to play a role in the regulation of FasL expression. Further, in the T cell line incubated with the dual APL as well as in mice of the SJL inbred strain immunized with the myasthenogenic peptide and treated concomitantly with the dual APL, the percentage of apoptotic cells increased. Results strongly indicate that up‐regulation of apoptosis via the Fas–FasL pathway is one of the mechanisms by which the dual APL reverses EAMG manifestations in C57BL/6 mice.
The Impact of Different Antimigraine Compounds on Platelet and Erythrocyte Aggregation
Authors: Evers S , Heuel T , Frese A , Akova-Öztürk E , Husstedt I-W
Published: June 2006

Clinical and experimental data suggest that ergotamine compounds and triptans may contribute to vascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The role of blood cell aggregation in this context is, however, not clarified. We aimed to evaluate the impact of different acute antimigraine compounds on platelet and erythrocyte aggregation in a human ex vivo experimental design. In 20 healthy subjects without migraine and in 20 healthy subjects with migraine without aura, platelet and erythrocyte aggregation were measured before and after intake of placebo, acetylsalicylic acid, ergotamine tartrate, zolmitriptan and sumatriptan. Platelet aggregation was measured by the so-called platelet reactivity index. Erythrocyte aggregation was measured by photometric assessment in an aggregometer. Ergotamine tartrate induced a significant increase of platelet aggregation, whereas acetylsalicylic acid induced a significant decrease in both subject groups. After placebo, after sumatriptan and after zolmitriptan, no significant changes of platelet aggregation were noted. Erythrocyte aggregation was affected by neither compound. We can conclude that platelet aggregation, but not erythrocyte aggregation, is increased after intake of ergotamine tartrate. This may in part contribute to vascular side-effects of this compound. Acetylsalicylic acid and the triptans appeared to be safe with respect to platelet and erythrocyte aggregation.
Real‐time quadrupole mass spectrometer analysis of gas in borehole fluid samples acquired using the U‐tube sampling methodology
Authors: FREIFELD B. M. , TRAUTZ R. C.
Published: June 2006

Sampling of fluids in deep boreholes is challenging because of the necessity of minimizing external contamination and maintaining sample integrity during recovery. The U‐tube sampling methodology was developed to collect large volume, multiphase samples at in situ pressures. As a permanent or semi‐permanent installation, the U‐tube can be used for rapidly acquiring multiple samples or it may be installed for long‐term monitoring applications. The U‐tube was first deployed in Liberty County, TX to monitor crosswell CO2 injection as part of the Frio CO2 sequestration experiment. Analysis of gases (dissolved or separate phase) was performed in the field using a quadrupole mass spectrometer, which served as the basis for determining the arrival of the CO2 plume. The presence of oxygen and argon in elevated concentrations, along with reduced methane concentration, indicates sample alteration caused by the introduction of surface fluids during borehole completion. Despite producing the well to eliminate non‐native fluids, measurements demonstrate that contamination persists until the immiscible CO2 injection swept formation fluid into the observation wellbore.
Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Elderly Population: Disparities by Dual Medicare–Medicaid Enrollment Status
Authors: Koroukian Siran M. , Xu Fang , Dor Avi , Cooper Gregory S.
Published: June 2006

Objectives. To assess the disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening between elderly dual Medicare–Medicaid enrollees (or duals), the most vulnerable subgroup of the Medicare population, and nonduals.

Data Sources/Study Setting. The 1999 Medicare Denominator File, the Medicare Outpatient Standard Analytic Files, and Physician Supplier Part B files. In addition, the 1998 Area Resource File was used as a source for county‐level attributes.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. CRC screening procedures for 1999—fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FLEX), colonoscopy with FOBT and/or FLEX (COL‐WFF), and colonoscopy only (COL‐ONLY)—were extracted from claim records, using diagnostic and procedure codes. Duals (n=2.5 million) and nonduals (n=20.2 million) receiving their care through the fee‐for‐service system were identified from the Denominator file. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted to adjust for individual‐ and county‐level characteristics.

Principal Findings. Compared with nonduals, duals were disproportionately represented by female, older‐old, and minority individuals (respectively 74.4 versus 58.5 percent; 19.3 versus 10.8 percent; 35.7 versus 8.0 percent), and CRC screening was significantly lower in duals than in nonduals (5.1 versus 12.2 percent for FOBT adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.48, 95 percent confidence interval [CI]: 0.45–0.51); 0.7 versus 1.9 percent for FLEX, (AOR: 0.55, 95 percent CI: 0.49–0.61); 0.4 versus 0.8 percent for COL‐WFF (AOR: 0.60, 95 percent CI: 0.54–0.67); and 1.8 versus 2.5 percent for COL‐ONLY (AOR: 0.85, 95 percent CI: 0.80–0.89); p<.001 for all comparisons.

Conclusions. Duals are significantly less likely than nonduals to undergo CRC screening, even after adjusting for individual‐ and county‐level covariates. Future studies should evaluate the contribution of comorbidity and low socioeconomic status to these disparities.
Feline head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a natural model for the human disease and development of a mouse model
Authors: Tannehill‐Gregg S. H. , Levine A. L. , Rosol T. J.
Published: June 2006

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (H/N SCC) is a devastating disease in humans and cats, and shares similar features between the two species. The large population of pet cats inthe United States, along with the high incidence of oral SCC in the cat, makes the cat an attractive candidate as a natural model for the human disease. There are similarities in pathology, progression, outcome, resistance to treatment, possible aetiologies and p53 expression, and we discuss the benefits of the cat as a natural model. We describe the development of a nude mouse xenograft model of feline oral SCC using the SCCF1 cell line transfected with a luciferase expression construct.In vivotumour growth and metastasis were measured using serial bioluminescent imaging, and tumours grew best in the subcutis. The cat and nude mouse models will be useful to investigate the pathogenesis and the molecular basis of H/N SCC, and for preclinical drug screening.
Reflexive Interdisciplinary Research: The Making of a Research Programme on the Rural Economy and Land Use
Authors: Lowe Philip , Phillipson Jeremy
Published: June 2006

This paper provides an account of the origins and formation of the UK Research Councils’ Rural Economy and Land Use (RELU) programme and its approach to promoting interdisciplinary working between social and natural scientists. The programme is set in the context of broader developments in science policy, including a policy discourse centred upon sustainable development and the knowledge economy and associated demands for greater accountability in science. Interdisciplinarity promises research that will be more relevant and responsive to public needs and concerns. In describing the provenance of the RELU programme, therefore, the paper seeks to lay out the different stages in its initiation and design to show how, to varying degrees, these were open to external scrutiny and influence. The process of developing the programme illustrates that it is not straightforward to make research agendas and funding more transparent and accountable. It also provides insights into the challenges that interdisciplinarity and accountability present to established science institutions.
Landscape as a Focus for Integrating Human and Environmental Processes
Authors: Matthews Robin , Selman Paul
Published: June 2006

The landscape has long been an important object of rural policy, particularly in terms of protecting scenic areas. Increasingly, however, landscape is seen as a multifunctional and holistic entity, which provides a framework for the governance and interdisciplinary study of spatial units. A central dilemma in the maintenance of cultural landscapes is that the historical practices which produced them are often obsolete, and new social and economic forces may fail to reproduce their valued properties. Sustainable development strategies therefore seek to instil ‘virtuous’ circles in cultural landscapes, linking society and economy to environmental service functions and land uses, in order to generate mutually reinforcing feedback loops resulting in socially preferred outcomes. We explore ways of investigating these linkages as a basis for future rural research and policy. We conceptualise cultural landscapes as ‘socio‐ecological systems’ (SESs), and consider their capacity for resilience and stability. Noting that resilient systems are characterised, not by simple equilibria, but by ‘basins of attraction’, we argue the need to understand the ways in which SESs stabilise within a particular basin, or move to an alternative. In particular, we reflect on the dynamics of ‘adaptive cycles’ that may lead to changes in system state. Finally, we discuss the development of appropriate models as tools for investigating whether a landscape is trending towards stability within a ‘vicious’ or a ‘virtuous’ circle, and evaluating potential interventions to alter this trajectory.
Roads Alter the Colonization Dynamics of a Keystone Herbivore in Neotropical Savannas1
Authors: Vasconcelos Heraldo L. , Vieira‐Neto Ernane H. M. , Mundim Fabiane M. , Bruna Emilio M.
Published: June 2006

Roads can facilitate the establishment and spread of both native and exotic species. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms facilitating this expansion are rarely known. We tested the hypothesis that dirt roads are favorable landing and nest initiation sites for founding‐queens of the leaf‐cutter ant Atta laevigata. For 2 yr, we compared the number of attempts to found new nests (colonization attempts) in dirt roads and the adjacent vegetation in a reserve of cerrado (tree‐dominated savanna) in southeastern Brazil. The number of colonization attempts in roads was 5 to 10 times greater than in the adjacent vegetation. Experimental transplants indicate that founding‐queens are more likely to establish a nest on bare soil than on soil covered with leaf‐litter, but the amount of litter covering the ground did not fully explain the preference of queens for dirt roads. Queens that landed on roads were at higher risk of predation by beetles and ants than those that landed in the adjacent vegetation. Nevertheless, greater predation in roads was not sufficient to offset the greater number of colonization attempts in this habitat. As a consequence, significantly more new colonies were established in roads than in the adjacent vegetation. Our results suggest that disturbance caused by the opening of roads could result in an increased Atta abundance in protected areas of the Brazilian Cerrado.