bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INDICATION OF TREATMENT FOR ESOPHAGEAL VARICES: WHO AND WHEN?
Authors: Chang Young Woon
Published: December 2005

Variceal bleeding is a major cause of death in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, indication (to whom) and timing (when) of the treatment for patients who have never had previous variceal bleeing is not completely established. Given the poor outcome associated with variceal bleeding, the identification of those at high risk and the prevention of a first bleeding episode are critical objectives. Clinical factors associated with an increased risk of a first variceal bleeding include continued alcohol use and poor liver function. Endoscopic predictive factors for the risk of bleeding are large size of varices and presence of red signs on the varices. Current recommendations for primary prophylaxis pertain only to cirrhotics with large varices. However, more patients with small varices will bleed than those with large ones. Non‐selective beta‐blockers are the prophylactic therapy of choice in patients with medium‐sized/large varices, irrespective of the severity of liver dysfunction. Beta‐blockers should be continued life long. Endoscopic variceal band ligation should be contemplated in high‐risk patients who have contraindications or side effects of beta‐blockers. It is salutary to remember that prophylactic sclerotherapy caused harm and its use was abandoned. The use of venodilators (nitrates) alone should be discouraged because there is as yet no proof of their efficacy and evidence suggests that they could worsen the already altered circulatory state of the cirrhotic patient. In patients with small varices, follow‐up endoscopy should be performed every 1–2 years because the risk of bleeding is so small.
Community and cultivation analysis of arsenite oxidizing biofilms at Hot Creek
Authors: Salmassi Tina M. , Walker Jeffrey J. , Newman Dianne K. , Leadbetter Jared R. , Pace Norman R. , Hering Janet G.
Published: December 2005

At Hot Creek in California, geothermally derived arsenite is rapidly oxidized to arsenate. This process is mediated by microorganisms colonizing the surfaces of submerged aquatic macrophytes in the creek. Here we describe a multifaceted approach to characterizing this biofilm community and its activity. Molecular techniques were used to describe the community as a function of 16S‐rRNA gene diversity. Cultivation‐based strategies were used to enumerate and isolate three novel arsenite oxidizers, strains YED1‐18, YED6‐4 and YED6‐21. All three strains are β‐Proteobacteria, of the genus Hydrogenophaga. Because these strains were isolated from the highest (i.e. million‐fold) dilutions of disrupted biofilm suspensions, they represent the most numerically significant arsenite oxidizers recovered from this community. One clone (Hot Creek Clone 44) obtained from an inventory of the 16S rDNA sequence diversity present in the biofilm was found to be 99.6% identical to the 16S rDNA sequence of the isolate YED6‐21. On the basis of most probable number (MPN) analyses, arsenite‐oxidizing bacteria were found to account for 6–56% of the cultivated members of the community. Using MPN values, we could estimate an upper bound on the value of Vmax for the community of 1 × 10−9µmole arsenite min−1 cell−1. This estimate represents the first normalization of arsenite oxidation rates to MPN cell densities for a microbial community in a field incubation experiment.
Microbial life in ridge flank crustal fluids
Authors: Huber Julie A. , Johnson H. Paul , Butterfield David A. , Baross John A.
Published: December 2005

To determine the microbial community diversity within old oceanic crust, a novel sampling strategy was used to collect crustal fluids at Baby Bare Seamount, a 3.5 Ma old outcrop located in the north‐east Pacific Ocean on the eastern flank of the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Stainless steel probes were driven directly into the igneous ocean crust to obtain samples of ridge flank crustal fluids. Genetic signatures and enrichment cultures of microorganisms demonstrate that these crustal fluids host a microbial community composed of species indigenous to the subseafloor, including anaerobic thermophiles, and species from other deep‐sea habitats, such as seawater and sediments. Evidence using molecular techniques indicates the presence of a relatively small but active microbial population, dominated by bacteria. The microbial community diversity found in the crustal fluids may indicate habitat variability in old oceanic crust, with inputs of nutrients from seawater, sediment pore‐water fluids and possibly hydrothermal sources. This report further supports the presence of an indigenous microbial community in ridge flank crustal fluids and advances our understanding of the potential physiological and phylogenetic diversity of this community.
Stable carbon isotope fractionation during degradation of dichloromethane by methylotrophic bacteria
Authors: Nikolausz Marcell , Nijenhuis Ivonne , Ziller Katja , Richnow Hans‐Hermann , Kästner Matthias
Published: December 2005

Stable carbon isotope fractionation during dichloromethane (DCM) degradation by methylotrophic bacteria was investigated under aerobic and nitrate‐reducing conditions. The strains studied comprise several Hyphomicrobium strains, Methylobacterium, Methylopila, Methylophilus and Methylorhabdus spp. that are considered to degrade DCM by a glutathione (GSH)‐dependent dehalogenase enzyme system in the initial step. The stable carbon isotope fractionation factors (αC) of the strains varied under aerobic conditions between 1.043 and 1.071 and under nitrate‐reducing conditions between 1.048 and 1.065. Comparison of isotope fractionation under aerobic and nitrate‐reducing conditions by individual strains revealed only minor to no differences. The variability in isotope fractionation among strains was found to be related to the polymorphism of the functional genes encoding the DCM dehalogenase.
Hope springs eternal: cavernosal nerve regeneration
Authors: SYME DAVID B.Y. , CORCORAN NIALL M. , BOUCHIER‐HAYES DAVID M. , COSTELLO ANTHONY J.
Published: December 2005

Erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer remains a significant morbidity for a large group of patients. A large body of work suggests that disrupting the cavernosal nerves is central as a causative factor. Extensive research has focused on ways to increase potency rates after surgery, either by preserving neuro‐integrity, or attempting to restore it using various approaches. Herein we discuss the neurophysiology of nerve injury and regeneration, and review the work to date on cavernosal nerve regeneration.
Does the interval between prostate biopsy and radical prostatectomy affect the immediate postoperative outcome?
Authors: LEE DANIEL K. , ALLAREDDY VEERASUTHPURSH , O'DONNELL MICHAEL A. , WILLIAMS RICHARD D. , KONETY BADRINATH R.
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the interval between prostate biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP) affects the immediate postoperative outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was a retrospective chart review of 169 patients who had retropubic RP at our institution. Using a series of univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, we evaluated whether the interval between biopsy and RP was a significant independent predictor of operative duration, estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, nerve‐sparing (yes/no), positive margin rate, length of stay, complications, and urinary continence after RP.

RESULTS

The interval from biopsy to RP was 14–378 days; there were no significant differences in operative duration, estimated intraoperative blood loss, nerve‐sparing rate, transfusion rate and amount, hospitalization time, positive margin rate, major postoperative complications, and continence in patients with biopsy to RP intervals above and below the median. The biopsy to RP interval was not an independent predictor of outcomes during or after RP. There were no direct or indirect correlations between biopsy to RP interval and any of the postoperative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The interval between prostate biopsy and retropubic RP appears to have no effect on immediate postoperative outcomes. We were unable to determine a specific minimum required interval beyond 2 weeks after prostate biopsy before proceeding with RP.
Mini‐flank supra‐11th rib incision for open partial or radical nephrectomy
Authors: DiBLASIO CHRISTOPHER J. , SNYDER MARK E. , RUSSO PAUL
Published: December 2005

Authors from New York describe their experience with a supra‐11th rib mini‐flank incision as a practical alternative to traditional open or laparoscopic nephrectomy. They used a small 8‐cm incision and found that it did not compromise cancer, and gave excellent cosmetic results.

OBJECTIVE

To report our approach to partial (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) using a supra‐11th mini‐flank incision, as the widespread availability of advanced imaging has increased the detection of incidental, lower‐stage renal tumours that are generally amenable to resection using smaller incisions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 167 consecutive patients undergoing PN/RN for renal tumours treated between February 2000 and March 2003 using the supra‐11th rib mini‐flank approach. Variables analysed were age, gender, nephrectomy type (PN vs RN), operative duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), hospital stay, tumour size and location, pathological stage and histology, perioperative transfusions, and complications. Patients undergoing PN were examined for ischaemia type (cold, warm, none) and duration of renal artery clamping. The interval after surgery to initiate solid diet and discontinue patient‐controlled analgesia, and overall pain control, were analysed and compared between PN and RN.

RESULTS

In all, 133 patients (80%) underwent PN and 34 (20%) RN, at a median age of 61.7 years. The median operative duration was 2.9 h, the EBL 400 mL, tumour size 3.2 cm and median hospital stay 5 days. At a median follow‐up of 18.2 months, there were seven (4%) late complications: six patients had a flank bulge and one had a reducible hernia. Surgical margins were negative in 164 (98%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The supra‐11th rib mini‐flank incision offers a practical alternative to traditional open or laparoscopic PN or RN. Using a small (8 cm) incision with no rib resection, this approach affords optimum exposure without compromising cancer control, with excellent cosmetic results and a lower risk of late complications at the wound site.
Severity categories of the International Prostate Symptom Score before, and urinary morbidity after, permanent prostate brachytherapy
Authors: GUTMAN SARAH , MERRICK GREGORY S. , BUTLER WAYNE M. , WALLNER KENT E. , ALLEN ZACHARIAH , GALBREATH ROBERT W. , ADAMOVICH EDWARD
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before seed implantation, stratified into mild (0–7), moderate (8–19) and severe (>20) categories, predicts brachytherapy‐related morbidity in terms of IPSS resolution, catheter dependency and the need for surgical intervention after brachytherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1998 to September 2003, 1034 consecutive patients had permanent interstitial brachytherapy for clinical stage T1b‐T3a NXM0 (2002 system) prostate cancer. Of the 1034 patients, 739 (71.5%) presented with an IPSS of 0–7, 287 (27.7%) of 8–19, and eight (0.8%) of ≥ 20. The IPSS 8–19 cohort was further stratified into 8–14 (237 men) and 15–19 (50 men) subgroups. The median follow‐up was 38.2 months. In all patients, an α‐blocker was initiated before brachytherapy and continued at least until the IPSS normalized, the latter defined as a return to within 1 point of that before implantation. A median of 21 IPSS questionnaires were obtained per patient. Several clinical, treatment and dosimetric variables were evaluated as predictors of urinary morbidity.

RESULTS

For the entire cohort, the IPSS peaked at a mean of 0.5 months after implantation and resolved at a mean of 1.7 months. At 5 years after brachytherapy, 90.1% of patients at risk (88.8%, 95.5%, and four of eight patients with a pre‐implant IPSS of 0–7, 8–19 and ≥ 20, respectively) were within the IPSS 0–7 category. Compared to the pre‐implant IPSS, 13 patients (8%) were assigned to a higher IPSS severity category. Neither prolonged urinary catheter dependency (>5 days; 16 patients, 1.5%) or transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP, 17 patients, 1.6%) depended on the pre‐implant IPSS subgroup. In Cox regression analysis, IPSS resolution was best predicted by pre‐implant IPSS, prolonged catheter dependency by patient age, and TURP by any catheter dependency, the maximum IPSS increase and the maximum urethral dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The IPSS before implantation predicted the resolution of IPSS after brachytherapy, but did not correlate with substantial urinary morbidity, including catheter dependency or the need for TURP. At 5 years after brachytherapy, 90.1% of patients at risk were assigned to the IPSS 0–7 category.
Proteinuria on dipstick urine analysis after sexual intercourse
Authors: DOMACHEVSKY LIRAN , GRUPPER MOTI , SHOCHAT TZIPPORA , ADIR YOCHAI
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVE

To examine the role of sexual intercourse as a cause of proteinuria, and establishes its duration, as a knowledge of benign causes of proteinuria is required to avoid unnecessary testing.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty‐four married couples were instructed to produce a urine sample before and after sexual intercourse; their urine was tested for proteinuria by dipstick analysis.

RESULTS

Samples were assayed from 22 men and 11 women. Whereas none of the 24 men originally assessed for the study had proteinuria before sexual intercourse, six of the 22 who were eventually enrolled had proteinuria after intercourse (27.3%, 95% confidence interval, 10–50%; P = 0.008). None of the women had proteinuria after sexual intercourse (95% confidence interval, 70–100%). The time to disappearance of proteinuria was <12 h.

CONCLUSION

Sexual intercourse is confirmed as a benign cause of proteinuria in men. Whenever possible, it is wise to avoid sexual intercourse at least 12 h before urinary dipstick testing.
Mumps orchitis in the non‐immune postpubertal male: a resurgent threat to male fertility?
Authors: PHILIP JOE , SELVAN DAVID , DESMOND ANTHONY D.
Published: December 2005

OBJECTIVE

To report clinical findings associated with an increased incidence of mumps orchitis in Liverpool, UK, as in the last 2 years there has been a four‐fold increase in the number of notified viral mumps cases in the UK.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the 8 months before April 2005, patients presenting to the Accident and Emergency/Urology Departments of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital with a diagnosis of epididymo‐orchitis were identified from the emergency urological admission database.

RESULTS

Of 195 males presenting with an acute history of testicular pain and swelling, 25 gave a history of mumps parotitis 4–11 days earlier. Three had bilateral orchitis and two needed scrotal exploration to exclude torsion. Scrotal ultrasonography findings varied from increased vascularity to abnormal testicular echo texture. Treatment included analgesia, scrotal support, re‐hydration and broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Of the 10 patients followed‐up to date, four had testicular abnormalities; one had persistent testicular pain, one a change in testicular consistency, one a noticeably reduced size of one testis, and one significant testicular atrophy.

CONCLUSION

As postpubertal mumps in males is associated with a 40% incidence of orchitis, parents should be made aware that failing to immunize their children threatens the future fertility of their sons. Young men not immunized as children should be counselled and offered urgent vaccination. Clinicians should be aware that epididymo‐orchitis may be secondary to mumps infection even with no history or clinical evidence of parotitis.
OPTIMAL DEBT AND ENDOGENOUS GROWTH IN MODELS OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
Authors: STEIN JEROME L.
Published: December 2005

The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the bond rating agencies did not anticipate the crises in Asia 1997–98 and in Argentina 2001. With this statement in mind, we consider some multi‐stage inter‐temporal stochastic optimisation models in international finance that imply theoretically founded and empirically measurable Early Warning Signals. The mathematical technique is dynamic programming/stochastic optimal control (DP/SOC).

The variables of interest are the optimal foreign debt, consumption, capital and the growth rate of GDP. They are used as benchmarks of economic performance. By comparing the actual debt to the optimal debt we derive a measure of the sustainability of the debt and vulnerability to default problems. The two sources of uncertainty – the productivity of capital and the real interest rate on the foreign debt – are modeled as stochastic processes. Specific applications of the DP/SOC techniques are given for country defaults in Asia and Latin America, and the US current account deficits.
Forecast Encompassing and Parameter Estimation*
Authors: Harvey David I. , Newbold Paul
Published: December 2005

A desirable property of a forecast is that it encompasses competing predictions, in the sense that the accuracy of the preferred forecast cannot be improved through linear combination with a rival prediction. In this paper, we investigate the impact of the uncertainty associated with estimating model parameters in‐sample on the encompassing properties of out‐of‐sample forecasts. Specifically, using examples of non‐nested econometric models, we show that forecasts from the true (but estimated) data generating process (DGP) do not encompass forecasts from competing mis‐specified models in general, particularly when the number of in‐sample observations is small. Following this result, we also examine the scope for achieving gains in accuracy by combining the forecasts from the DGP and mis‐specified models.
Levels, Differences and ECMs – Principles for Improved Econometric Forecasting*
Authors: Geoffrey Allen P. , Fildes Robert
Published: December 2005

Unit‐root testing can be a preliminary step in model development, an intermediate step, or an end in itself. Some researchers have questioned the value of any unit‐root and cointegration testing, arguing that restrictions based on theory are at least as effective. Such confusion is unsatisfactory. Needed is a set of principles that limit and define the role of the tacit knowledge of the model builders. In a forecasting context, we enumerate the various possible model selection strategies and, based on simulation and empirical evidence, recommend using these tests to improve the specification of an initial general vector autoregression model.
No going back: A review of the literature on sustaining organizational change
Authors: Buchanan David , Fitzgerald Louise , Ketley Diane , Gollop Rose , Jones Jane Louise , Lamont Sharon Saint , Neath Annette , Whitby Elaine
Published: December 2005

Why do some organizational changes persist, while others decay? The sustainability of change can be defined broadly as the process through which new working methods, performance goals and improvement trajectories are maintained for a period appropriate to a given context. However, sustainability has received limited attention, although the concept reflects Lewin's concern with ‘refreezing’ (Lewin. K. 1951. Field Theory in Social Science: Selected Theoretical Papers by Kurt Lewin, UK edition published 1952, ed. D. Cartwright, London: Tavistock). In an uncertain environment, working practices that fail to adapt are targets for change, and stability has been regarded not as a condition to be achieved, but as a symptom of inertia, a problem to be solved. This paper reviews the emerging literature, seeking to develop a provisional model of the processes influencing change sustainability and decay, as a platform for further research. This review suggests that sustainability is dependent on multiple factors, at different levels of analysis: substantial, individual, managerial, financial, leadership, organizational, cultural, political, processual, contextual and temporal. The relative significance of those factors cannot be determined a priori, raising questions concerning the properties of the sustainability process with regard to different types of change in different contexts.
Prevalence of Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Migraine Patients
Authors: Ifergane G , Buskila D , Simiseshvely N , Zeev K , Cohen H
Published: December 2005

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown aetiology characterized by diffuse pain over more than 3 months and tenderness in specific sites named tender points. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of FMS among patients suffering from episodic migraine. Ninety-two consecutive patients (20 male, 72 female) fulfilling the International Headache Society criteria for migraine with and without aura from a tertiary headache clinic were evaluated. A headache and generalized pain history was recorded, tender points were evaluated by thumb palpation. The diagnosis of FMS was made based on the 1990 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for FMS. Sixteen (22.2%) of the female patients and none of the male patients were diagnosed as suffering from FMS. Migraine severity and characteristics were similar to other female migraine patients. Patients suffering from migraine-FMS had lower quality of life scores and higher levels of mental distress. A high incidence of FMS was found among female migraine patients but not in males. The coexistence of FMS should be considered when choosing a prophylactic migraine therapy.
NG2‐expressing cells in the nervous system: role of the proteoglycan in migration and glial–neuron interaction
Authors: Karram Khalad , Chatterjee Nivedita , Trotter Jacqueline
Published: December 2005

The NG2 glycoprotein is a type I membrane protein expressed in the developing and adult central nervous system (CNS) by subpopulations of glia including oligodendroglial precursor cells (OPCs), and in the developing CNS additionally by pericytes. In the mouse CNS, expression of NG2 protein is already observed at embryonic day 13 and peaks between postnatal days 8 and 12. NG2+ cells persist in grey and white matter in adult mouse brain: cells in the developing and adult brain show clear differences in migration, cell‐cycle length and lineage restriction. Several groups have provided evidence that subpopulations of NG2+ cells can generate neurons in vivo. Neuronal stimulation in the developing and adult hippocampus leads to Ca2+ signals in apposing NG2+ glia, suggesting that these cells may modulate synaptic activity, and NG2+ cells often ensheath synapses. The structure of the protein with two N‐terminal LamininG/Neurexin/Sex‐hormone‐binding globulin domains suggests a role in adhesion. The C‐terminal PSD‐95/DiscsLarge/Zona Occludens‐1 (PDZ)‐binding motif has been found to associate with several PDZ proteins including the Glutamate Receptor Interacting Protein GRIP: NG2 may thus act to position AMPA receptors on glia towards sites of neuronal glutamate release. Furthermore, the NG2 proteoglycan plays a role in cell migration and spreading and associates with actin‐containing cytoskeletal structures.
Atypical development of Sertoli cells and impairment of spermatogenesis in the hypogonadal (hpg) mouse
Authors: Myers M. , Ebling F. J. P. , Nwagwu M. , Boulton R. , Wadhwa K. , Stewart J. , Kerr J. B.
Published: December 2005

Testes of hypogonadal (hpg) mice show arrested postnatal development due to congenital deficiencies of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophin synthesis and secretion. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), androgen or oestrogen treatment restore qualitatively normal spermatogenesis in hpg testes. Understanding the cellular and molecular changes accompanying hormone‐induced spermatogenesis in hpg mice requires detailed morphological analyses of the germ cells and Sertoli cells in the untreated hpg testis. We compared seminiferous epithelial cytology in adult hpg, immature and adult wild‐type mice using unbiased optical disector‐based stereology, immunolocalization of Sertoli cell microtubules (MT), espin (a component of the blood–testis barrier), markers of Sertoli cell maturity (p27kip1 and WT‐1), and electron microscopy. Hpg testes had marked reductions in weight, seminiferous cord volume and length, and severe spermatogenic impairment with germ cells per testis < 1% of adult wild‐type testes. Sertoli cell nuclei expressed WT‐1 in hpg testes, but often were centrally located, similar to 9–14‐day‐old wild‐type testes, and they expressed p27kip1, indicating that hpg Sertoli cells were post‐mitotic. Hpg testes had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced Sertoli cells per testis (0.56 million) compared with 10‐day wild‐type (1.15 million) and adult wild‐type testes (2.06 million). Immunofluorescence labelling of normal adult Sertoli cells showed supranuclear MT columns and basally located espin, but these features were absent in 10‐day‐old and hpg Sertoli cells. Hpg Sertoli cells showed pleomorphic nuclear ultrastructure with mature‐type nucleoli, similar to normal adult‐type Sertoli cells, but hpg Sertoli cells exhibited incomplete tight junctions that lacked ectoplasmic specializations. We conclude that in hpg mice, chronic gonadotrophin insufficiency restrains Sertoli cell proliferation and maturation, forming pseudo‐adult‐type Sertoli cells that are incapable of supporting germ cell proliferation and maturation.
Changes in adipocytes and dendritic cells in lymph node containing adipose depots during and after many weeks of mild inflammation
Authors: Sadler Dawn , Mattacks Christine A. , Pond Caroline M.
Published: December 2005

The time course and cellular basis for inflammation‐induced hypertrophy of adipose tissue were investigated over 20 weeks in mature male rats. Mild inflammation was induced by subcutaneous injection of 20 µg lipopolysaccharide into one hind‐leg three times/week for 4 or 8 weeks, followed by up to 12 weeks ‘rest’ without intervention. Mean volume and frequency of apoptosis (TUNEL assay) were measured in adipocytes isolated from sites defined by their anatomical relations to lymph nodes, plus numbers of CCL21‐stimulated lymph node‐derived and adipose tissue‐derived dendritic cells. Experimental inflammation increased dendritic cells and adipocyte apoptosis in the locally stimulated popliteal depot and the lymphoid tissue‐associated regions of the contralateral popliteal and mesentery and omentum. Responses declined slowly after inflammation ended, but all measurements from the locally stimulated popliteal depot, and the omentum, were still significantly different from controls after 12 weeks rest. The locally stimulated popliteal adipose tissue enlarged by 5% within 4 weeks and remained larger than the control. We conclude that prolonged inflammation induces permanent enlargement, greater adipocyte turnover and increased dendritic cell surveillance in the adjacent adipose tissue and the omentum. The experiment suggests a mechanism for selective hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue‐associated adipose tissue in chronic stress and inflammatory disorders, including impaired lymph drainage, Crohn's disease and HIV‐associated lipodystrophy, and a link between evolutionary fitness, sexual selection and aesthetically pleasing body symmetry. It would be useful for further study of molecular mechanisms in inflammation‐induced local hypertrophy of adipose tissue and development of specific therapies that avoid interference with whole‐body lipid metabolism.
Twenty‐year trends of workplace lunches in Finland
Authors: Raulio Susanna , Roos Eva , Rahkonen Ossi , Prättälä Ritva
Published: December 2005

The aim of this study was to examine the trend of workplace cafeteria use among Finnish adults between 1979 and 2001. Data from annually collected cross‐sectional surveys on health behaviour, conducted since 1978, were used. Subjects were 24 292 employed men and 24 746 women aged 25–64. Frequency of workplace cafeteria use has been stable in Finland over the two decades under study. Women used the cafeterias more often than men. Differences by years of education and place of residence have remained relatively stable. People living in the capital area and having more years of education used the cafeterias more often. The Finnish habit of having a mid‐day lunch at the cafeteria of one's respective workplace has resisted major changes in working and living conditions and social structures during the past two decades.
Recent change in refining process in Nippon Steel Corporation and metallurgical phenomena in the new process
Authors: Naito Ken‐ichiro , Wakoh Masamitsu
Published: December 2005

Since the 1980s, Nippon Steel has been developing multistage refining processes, mainly in the area of hot metal pre‐treatment, due to increasing demand for high‐purity steels. In recent years, in order to cope with the new problems that have arisen with the changing business environment, e.g. raw material conditions and environmental regulations and establishing a more efficient process with respect to productivity, resources and energy, several rearrangements have been carried out with emphasis on primary refining. The major change in the new process comprises (1) high‐efficiency hot metal desulfurization and (2) desiliconization and dephosphorization using basic oxygen furnaces. Consequently, high‐speed treatment, fluoride‐free refining, decrease in CaO consumption and waste slag and improvement of heat balance have been accomplished. Some of the metallurgical phenomena concerning the new process are discussed and future works are suggested.
Physical modeling simulations of refining processes in Brazilian Steel Industry
Authors: Seshadri Varadarajan , Silva Carlos Antonio , Da Silva Itavahn Alves
Published: December 2005

In this work, the techniques of physical modeling for optimization, control and improvement of metallurgical processes, such as RH degassing, continuous casting, IR‐UT, etc with special reference to Brazilian steel plants such as Usiminas, CST, Belgo‐Mineira etc. are discussed. Many of these have been industry‐sponsored projects, involving development of physical models of laboratory scale, considering similarity principles and carrying over the results of experiments to the industrial unit, for optimizing the processes or suggesting alternative techniques for improved efficiency.
Copper electrodeposition onto extended surface area electrodes and the treatment of copper‐containing waste streams
Authors: Evans James W. , Ding Ran , Doyle Fiona M. , Jiriçny V.
Published: December 2005

The paper reviews work on copper deposition onto porous, fluidized and spouted bed electrodes and discusses the phenomena that are important in governing electrode behavior. An ongoing investigation into the use of ion exchange and electrodeposition to recover copper and water from semiconductor industry waste streams is described. These waste streams, and the associated fresh water consumption, appear to be a growing problem as the semiconductor industry moves to copper metallization (by electrolytic and electroless deposition). Copper metallization also implies the generation of significant waste streams from copper removal by chemical‐mechanical planarization (CMP). The quantity of copper to be recovered is still small but its removal from the waste stream will facilitate disposal and, perhaps, reuse of the large volume of water entailed. Extended surface area electrodes may play a role in this task and results using porous carbon electrodes are presented. Recent results on the growth of copper particles in spouted electrodes and the deposition of copper from electrolytes containing other metal salts are presented.
Thermodynamics of lanthanide halides and application to high‐temperature processes
Authors: Gaune‐Escard Marcelle
Published: December 2005

The physicochemical properties of lanthanides, and of their derivatives, contribute essential functions to a range of modern‐day materials and processes. Some fundamental thermodynamic and electrochemical features of lanthanide halide melts are presented. They are illustrated by a few selected examples of relevance for applications ranging from pyroreprocessing of spent nuclear fuel to electrochemical molten salt synthesis of materials.
A single mismatch in the DNA induces enhanced aggregation of MutS
Authors: Nag Nabanita , Krishnamoorthy G. , Rao Basuthkar J.
Published: December 2005

Changes in the oligomeric status of MutS protein was probed in solution by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and corroborated by sedimentation analyses. In the absence of any nucleotide cofactor, free MutS protein [hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of 10–12 nm] shows a small increment in size (Rh 14 nm) following the addition of homoduplex DNA (121 bp), whereas the same increases to about 18–20 nm with heteroduplex DNA containing a mismatch. MutS forms large aggregates (Rh>500 nm) with ATP, but not in the presence of a poorly hydrolysable analogue of ATP (ATPγS). Addition of either homo‐ or heteroduplex DNA attenuates the same, due to protein recruitment to DNA. However, the same protein/DNA complexes, at high concentration of ATP (10 mm), manifest an interesting property where the presence of a single mismatch provokes a much larger oligomerization of MutS on DNA (Rh>500 nm in the presence of MutL) as compared to the normal homoduplex (Rh≈ 100–200 nm) and such mismatch induced MutS aggregation is entirely sustained by the ongoing hydrolysis of ATP in the reaction. We speculate that the surprising property of a single mismatch, in nucleating a massive aggregation of MutS encompassing the bound DNA might play an important role in mismatch repair system.
Catalytic transformations of supercoiled DNA as studied by flow linear dichroism technique
Authors: Gabibov Alexander , Yakubovskaya Elena , Lukin Mark , Favorov Peter , Reshetnyak Andrey , Monastyrsky Michael
Published: December 2005

A catalytic turnover of supercoiled DNA (scDNA) transformation mediated by topoisomerases leads to changes in the linking number (Lk) of the polymeric substrate by 1 or 2 per cycle. As a substrate of the topoisomerization reaction it is chemically identical to its product; even a single catalytic event results in the quantum leap in the scDNA topology. Non‐intrusive continuous assay to measure the kinetics of the scDNA topoisomerization was performed. The development of such a technique was hindered because of multiple DNA species of intermediate topology present in the reaction mixture. The interrelation of DNA topology, its hydrodynamics, and optical anisotropy enable us to use the flow linear dichroism technique (FLD) for continuous monitoring of the scDNA topoisomerization reaction. This approach permits us to study the kinetics of DNA transformation catalyzed by eukaryotic topoisomerases I and II, as well as mechanistic characteristics of these enzymes and their interactions with anticancer drugs. Moreover, FLD assay can be applied to any enzymatic reaction that involves scDNA as a substrate. It also provides a new way of screening drugs dynamically and is likely to be potent in various biomedical applications.
Identification of the epitope of a monoclonal antibody that disrupts binding of human transferrin to the human transferrin receptor
Authors: M. Teh Evelyn , Hewitt Jeff , C. Ung Karen , Tanya A. M. Griffiths  , Vinh Nguyen  , Briggs Sara K. , Mason Anne B. , MacGillivray Ross T. A.
Published: December 2005

The molecular basis of the transferrin (TF)–transferrin receptor (TFR) interaction is not known. The C‐lobe of TF is required to facilitate binding to the TFR and both the N‐ and C‐lobes are necessary for maximal binding. Several mAb have been raised against human transferrin (hTF). One of these, designated F11, is specific to the C‐lobe of hTF and does not recognize mouse or pig TF. Furthermore, mAb F11 inhibits the binding of TF to TFR on HeLa cells. To map the epitope for mAb F11, constructs spanning various regions of hTF were expressed as glutathione S‐transferase (GST) fusion proteins in Escherichia coli. The recombinant fusion proteins were analysed in an iterative fashion by immunoblotting using mAb F11 as the probe. This process resulted in the localization of the F11 epitope to the C1 domain (residues 365–401) of hTF. Subsequent computer modelling suggested that the epitope is probably restricted to a surface patch of hTF consisting of residues 365–385. Mutagenesis of the F11 epitope of hTF to the sequence of either mouse or pig TF confirmed the identity of the epitope as immunoreactivity was diminished or lost. In agreement with other studies, these epitope mapping studies support a role for residues in the C1 domain of hTF in receptor binding.
The Neural Matrix of Pain Processing and Placebo Analgesia: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Finniss Damien G , Benedetti Fabrizio
Published: December 2005

The placebo response has been the focus of increased research attention in recent years, particularly in the field of pain. Advances in research have improved our understanding about the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms underpinning this response, ultimately demonstrating the complexity of the mind–brain–body interaction. This has also allowed for the discussion of possible clinical implications of this research, both in clinical trial design and clinical practice. The ability to harness and maximize the mechanisms of the placebo response presents an exciting challenge for further research and clinical practice. This review presents an overview of the mechanisms of the placebo response and discusses the implications on clinical trial design and clinical practice.
[O ii] line ratios
Authors: Pradhan Anil K. , Montenegro Maximiliano , Nahar Sultana N. , Eissner Werner
Published: December 2005

Based on new calculations, we reconfirm the low- and high-density limits on the forbidden fine-structure line intensity ratio [O ii]I(3729)/I(3726): and . Employing [O ii] collision strengths calculated using the Breit–Pauli R-matrix method, we rule out any significant deviation due to relativistic effects from these canonical values. The present results are in substantial agreement with older calculations by Pradhan, and validate the extensive observational analyses of gaseous nebulae by Copetti & Writzel and Wang et al. that reach the same conclusions. The present theoretical results and the recent observational analyses differ significantly from the calculations by McLaughlin & Bell and Keenan et al. The new Maxwellian averaged effective collision strengths are presented for the 10 transitions among the first five levels to enable computations of [O ii] line ratios.
Using Analytic Element Models to Delineate Drinking Water Source Protection Areas
Authors: Raymond Heather A. , Bondoc Michael , McGinnis John , Metropulos Kathy , Heider Pat , Reed Allison , Saines Steve
Published: December 2005

Since 1999, Ohio EPA hydrogeologists have used two analytic element models (AEMs), the proprietary software GFLOW and U.S. EPA's WhAEM, to delineate protection areas for 535 public water systems. Both models now use the GFLOW2001 solution engine, integrate well with Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, have a user‐friendly graphical interface, are capable of simulating a variety of complex hydrogeologic settings, and do not rely upon a model grid. These features simplify the modeling process and enable AEMs to bridge the gap between existing simplistic delineation methods and more complex numerical models. Ohio EPA hydrogeologists demonstrated that WhAEM2000 and GFLOW2000 were capable of producing capture zones similar to more widely accepted models by applying the AEMs to eight sites that had been previously delineated using other methods. After the Ohio EPA delineated protection areas using AEMs, more simplistic delineation methods used by other states (volumetric equation and arbitrary fixed radii) were applied to the same water systems to compare the differences between various methods. GIS software and two‐tailed paired t‐tests were used to quantify the differences in protection areas and analyze the data. The results of this analysis demonstrate that AEMs typically produce significantly different protection areas than the most simplistic delineation methods, in terms of total area and shape. If the volumetric equation had been used instead of AEMs, Ohio would not have protected 265 km2 of critical upgradient area and would have overprotected 269 km2 of primarily downgradient land. Since an increasing number of land‐use restrictions are being tied to drinking water protection areas, this analysis has broad policy implications.
Multiscale Characterization of a Heterogeneous Aquifer Using an ASR Operation
Authors: Pavelic Paul , Dillon Peter J , Simmons Craig T
Published: December 2005

Heterogeneity in the physical properties of an aquifer can significantly affect the viability of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) by reducing the recoverable proportion of low‐salinity water where the ambient ground water is brackish or saline. This study investigated the relationship between knowledge of heterogeneity and predictions of solute transport and recovery efficiency by combining permeability and ASR‐based tracer testing with modeling. Multiscale permeability testing of a sandy limestone aquifer at an ASR trial site showed that small‐scale core data give lower‐bound estimates of aquifer hydraulic conductivity (K), intermediate‐scale downhole flowmeter data offer valuable information on variations in K with depth, and large‐scale pumping test data provide an integrated measure of the effective K that is useful to constrain ground water models. Chloride breakthrough and thermal profiling data measured during two cycles of ASR showed that the movement of injected water is predominantly within two stratigraphic layers identified from the flowmeter data. The behavior of the injectant was reasonably well simulated with a four‐layer numerical model that required minimal calibration. Verification in the second cycle achieved acceptable results given the model's simplicity. Without accounting for the aquifer's layered structure, high precision could be achieved on either piezometer breakthrough or recovered water quality, but not both. This study demonstrates the merit of an integrated approach to characterizing aquifers targeted for ASR.
Preliminary study on the use of nonrigid registration for thoraco‐abdominal radiosurgery
Authors: Stancanello J. , Berna E. , Cavedon C. , Francescon P. , Loeckx D. , Cerveri P. , Ferrigno G. , Baselli G.
Published: December 2005

The inclusion of organ deformation and movement in radiosurgery treatment planning is of increasing importance as research and clinical applications begin to take into consideration the effects of physiological processes, like breathing, on the shape and position of lesions. In this scenario, the challenge is to localize the target in toto (not only by means of marker sampling) and to calculate the dose distribution as the sum of all the contributions from the positions assumed by the target during the respiratory cycle. The aim of this work is to investigate the use of nonrigid registration for target tracking and dynamic treatment planning, i.e., treatment planning based not on one single CT scan but on multiple CT scans representative of the respiration. Twenty patients were CT scanned at end‐inhale and end‐exhale. An expert radiation oncologist identified the PTV in both examinations. The two CT data sets per patient were nonrigidly registered using a free‐form deformation algorithm based on B‐splines. The optimized objective function consisted of a weighted sum of a similarity criterion (Mutual Information) and a regularization factor which constrains the transformation to be locally rigid. Once the transformation was obtained and the registration validated, its parameters were applied to the target only. Finally, the deformed target was compared to the PTV delineated by the radiation oncologist in the other study. The results of this procedure show an agreement between the center of mass as well as volume of the target identified automatically by deformable registration and manually by the radiation oncologist. Moreover, obtained displacements were in agreement with body structure constraints and considerations usually accepted in radiation therapy practice. No significant influence of initial target volume on displacements was found. In conclusion, the proposed method seems to offer the possibility of using nonrigid registrations in radiosurgery treatment planning, even if more cases need to be investigated in order to give a statistical consistency to parameter setup and proposed considerations.
Monte Carlo simulation estimates of neutron doses to critical organs of a patient undergoing x‐ray LINAC‐based radiotherapy
Authors: Barquero R. , Edwards T. M. , Iñiguez M. P. , Vega‐Carrillo H. R.
Published: December 2005

Absorbed photoneutron dose to patients undergoing x‐ray therapy was studied using Monte Carlo simulations based on the MCNPX code. Two separate transport simulations were conducted, one for the photoneutron contribution and another for neutron capture gamma rays. The phantom model used was of a female patient receiving a four‐field pelvic box treatment. Photoneutron doses were determinate to be higher for organs and tissues located inside the treatment field, especially those closest to the patient's skin. The maximum organ equivalent dose per x‐ray treatment dose achieved within each treatment port was to the rectum ( field), to the intestine wall ( field), to the colon wall ( field), and to the skin ( field). The maximum neutron equivalent dose per x‐ray treatment dose received by organs outside the treatment field was to the skin in the antero‐posterior field. A mean value of was obtained for organs distant from the treatment field. Distant organ neutron equivalent doses are all of the same order of magnitude and constitute a good estimate of deep organ neutron equivalent doses. Using the risk assessment method of the ICRP‐60 report, the greatest likelihood of fatal secondary cancer for a dose is estimated to be 0.02% for the pelvic postero‐anterior field, the rectum being the organ representing the maximum contribution of 0.011%.
The physics of computed radiography: Measurements of pulse height spectra of photostimulable phosphor screens using prompt luminescence
Authors: Watt Kristina N. , Yan Kuo , DeCrescenzo Giovanni , Rowlands J. A.
Published: December 2005

Computed radiography (CR) is a digital technology that employs reusable photostimulable phosphor (PSP) imaging plates (IP) to acquire radiographic images. In CR, the x‐ray attenuation pattern of the imaged object is temporarily stored as a latent charge image within the PSP. The latent image is optically readout as photostimulated luminescence (PSL) when the phosphor is subsequently stimulated using a scanning laser. The multiple stages necessary to create a CR image make it difficult to investigate either experimentally or theoretically. In order to examine the performance of the CR system at a fundamental level separate measurements of the processes involved are desirable. Here pulse height spectroscopy is used to study the prompt violet light emission or prompt luminescence (PL) from commercial PSP screens. Since the mechanism by which light escapes from the phosphor is identical for PL and PSL, observations and conclusions based on the pulse height spectra (PHS) of PL are relevant to the understanding of the behavior of the PSL light emission that outputs the radiographic image in CR. The PL PHS of screens of different thickness and optical properties were measured and compared with the PHS of conventional phosphors. A new method for calibration of the PHS in terms of the absolute number of optical photons per x‐ray is introduced and compared to previously established methods.