bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Thy‐1 in in vivo and in vitro neural development and regeneration of dorsal root ganglionic neurons
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hsing , Wang Seu‐Mei , Yang Shih‐Hung , Jeng Chung‐Jiuan
Published: November 2004

We have examined the expression of Thy‐1, an abundant glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored glycoprotein, in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and associated nerve fascicles, during postnatal development and following a nerve crush. The expression levels of Thy‐1 in DRG neurons, dorsal roots, and central processes in spinal cord were rather low at postnatal day 2, and gradually increased as DRG neurons matured. During early development, the expression of Thy‐1 within DRG neurons was low and equally distributed between plasma membrane and cytosol. With maturation, the staining intensities of Thy‐1 in both the plasma membrane and the cytosol of DRG neurons became increased. We also studied Thy‐1 expression in the regeneration of mature DRG neurons following the crush injury of sciatic nerve. Two days after the crush injury, Thy‐1 expression dramatically decreased in the DRG neurons on the lesion side. Between 4 and 7 days after the injury, the expression of Thy‐1 gradually increased and returned to a normal level 1 week after the sciatic nerve crush. The time course of the up‐regulation of Thy‐1 expression during regeneration matched that of the recovery of sensory functions, such as pain withdraw reflex, placing reflex, and the score of Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale. Taken together, our results suggest that Thy‐1 expression is developmentally regulated and is closely associated with the functional maturation of DRG neurons during both postnatal development and nerve regeneration. Furthermore, perturbation of Thy‐1 function with anti‐Thy‐1 antibodies promoted neurite outgrowth from primary cultured DRG neurons, again confirming the inhibitory role of Thy‐1 on neurite outgrowth. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extensive theoretical studies on the low‐lying electronic states of indium monochloride cation, InCl+
Authors: Zou Wenli , Liu Wenjian
Published: November 2004

The global potential energy curves for the 14 low‐lying doublet and quartet Λ‐S states of InCl+ are calculated at the scalar relativistic MR‐CISD+Q (multireference configuration interaction with single and double excitations, and Davidson's correction) level of theory. Spin‐orbit coupling is accounted for via the state interaction approach with the full Breit–Pauli Hamiltonian, which leads to 30 Ω states. The computed spectroscopic constants of nine bound Λ‐S states and 17 bound Ω states are in good agreement with the available experimental data. The transition dipole moments and Franck–Condon factors of selected transitions are also calculated, from which the corresponding radiative lifetimes are derived. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 106–113, 2005
Junmei Wang, Romain M. Wolf, James W. Caldwell, Peter A. Kollman, and David A. Case, "Development and testing of a general amber force field"Journal of Computational Chemistry(2004) 25(9) 1157–1174
Authors: Wang Junmei , Wolf Romain M. , Caldwell James W. , Kollman Peter A. , Case David A.
Published: November 2004

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Journal of Computational Chemistry (2004) 25(9) 1157–1174
Charge distribution in the water molecule—A comparison of methods
Authors: Martin F. , Zipse H.
Published: November 2004

The charge distribution in the water molecule has been analyzed using a broad variety of basis sets, four different quantum mechanical methods (Hartree–Fock, Becke3LYP, MP2, and QCISD), and six population analysis methods (Mulliken, NPA, AIM, CHELPG, Merz–Kollman, and Resp). The influence of the molecular structure on the calculated atomic charges has been studied using small perturbations of the experimentally determined structure. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 97–105, 2005
Protein polymer build‐up during wheat grain development: influences of temperature and nitrogen timing
Authors: Johansson Eva , Kuktaite Ramune , Andersson Allan , Prieto‐Linde Maria Luisa
Published: November 2004

The amount and size distribution of polymeric protein, environmentally influenced by temperature and nitrogen timing, is an important factor determining gluten strength in wheat. Differences in mature wheat might be explained by alterations in accumulation and build‐up of proteins in the developing wheat grain. One cultivar was grown to maturity in a greenhouse using two temperatures and four nitrogen regimes. Plants were harvested during grain development and protein compositions were determined. Proteins were accumulated and built up similarly independent of temperature and nitrogen regime. Temperature influenced the protein concentration significantly, for all protein types throughout the grain development period and at maturity. The time for increase in amount of polymeric proteins differed with temperature if time was measured as days after anthesis, but not if time was measured as degree‐days. Different temperature regimes did not generally result in changes in amount and size distribution of polymeric protein. The combination of lower temperature, different nitrogen regimes and one of the cultivations led to changes in the amount and size distribution of polymeric protein in mature grains. These differences were due to a change in amount of SDS‐extractable polymeric and large monomeric proteins during grain development, indicating influences on disulphide bond formation. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Consumer perceptions of novel fruit and familiar fruit: a repertory grid application
Authors: Jaeger Sara R , Rossiter Karen L , Lau Karen
Published: November 2004

To explore how consumers perceive novel and familiar fruit, repertory grid interviews were carried out with 60 New Zealand women. Participants described their perceptions of nine fruit varying in familiarity. The data analysis established a two‐dimensional stimuli space that separated samples with respect to familiarity and the amount of preparation required. Fruit that was familiar was characterised as being well liked, easily available in shops and by a number of different use situations. The primary association with novel fruit was that it was expensive. The participants could not readily think of use situations for fruit they were unfamiliar with. Consumers were separated into groups according to the trait of food neophobia, which pertains to an individual's stable propensity to approach or avoid novel foods. When comparing the most neophobic (n = 14; avoids novel foods) and most neophilic (n = 14; approaches novel foods), individuals perceptual differences were uncovered pertaining to which of the fruit were considered novel and to the suitability of some usage situations (cooking and for children). This finding contributed to the growing evidence of the relationship between food neophobia and consumers' everyday food‐related behaviour. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Atypical protein kinase C‐ζ modulates clonogenicity, motility, and secretion of proteolytic enzymes in murine mammary cells
Authors: Urtreger Alejandro J. , Grossoni Valeria C. , Falbo Karina B. , Kazanietz Marcelo G. , Bal de Kier Joffé Elisa D.
Published: November 2004

In this paper, we investigated whether protein kinase C‐ζ (PKCζ), a member of the atypical PKC family, induces phenotypic alterations associated with malignant transformation and tumor progression in mammary cells. The stable overexpression of PKCζ in immortalized mammary epithelial cells (NMuMG), activates the mitogenic extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, enhanced clonal cell growth and exerts profound effects on proteases secretion. The effect on proteases expression seems to be specific for urokinase‐type plasminogen activator and metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) because no modulation in MMP‐2 and MMP‐3 production could be detected. In addition, our experiments demonstrated that PKCζ overexpression markedly altered the adhesive, spreading, and migratory abilities of NMuMG cells. The overexpression of this enzyme was not sufficient to confer an anchorage‐independent growth capacity. An extensive mutational analysis of PKCζ revealed that the effects observed in NMuMG cells were strictly dependent on the kinase (catalytic) domain of the enzyme. Taken together, these results suggest that in mammary cells PKCζ modulates several of the critical events involved in tumor development and dissemination through the activation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ERK pathway. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative study of macro‐ and microsurgical extrahepatic cholestasis in the rat
Authors: Aller Maria Angeles , Duran Manuel , Ortega Luis , Arias Jorge Luis , Nava Maria Paz , Prieto Isabel , Arias Jaime
Published: November 2004

The long‐term (5‐week) evolution of two experimental models of extrahepatic cholestasis, i.e., macrosurgical by bile duct ligation (n = 20) and microsurgical by biliary tract resection (n = 13), is studied. All cholestatic animals showed jaundice, choluria, and portosystemic collateral circulation. Macrosurgical cholestasis causes greater hepatosplenomegaly, hilar biliary pseudocysts, and ascites. Microsurgical extrahepatic cholestasis occurs with a lower degree of hepatosplenomegaly as well as with serum increase (P < 0.001) of γ‐GT and alkaline phosphatase. The bile ductular proliferation in the four hepatic lobes is very intense (P < 0.001) in both experimental models. The differences between both experimental models may be considered secondary to the increase of the predisposition to infection in rats with bile duct ligation, that complicates their evolution. The microsurgical cholestasis model could be useful in studying cholestasis secondary to biliary atresia. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 24:442–447, 2004.
A multicriteria evolutionary algorithm for mechanical design optimization with expert rules
Authors: Coelho R. Filomeno , Bouillard Ph.
Published: November 2004

This paper addresses the problem of optimizing mechanical components during the first stage of the design process. While a previous study focused on parameterized designs with fixed configurations—which led to the development of the PAMUC (Preferences Applied to Multiobjectivity and Constraints) method, to tackle constraints and preferences in evolutionary algorithms (EAs)—, the models to be considered in this work are enriched by the presence of topological variables.

In this context, in order to create optimal but also realistic designs, i.e. fulfilling not only technical requirements but also technological constraints (more naturally expressed in terms of rules), a novel approach is proposed: PAMUC II. It consists in integrating an inference engine within the EA to repair the individuals violating the user‐defined rules. PAMUC II is tested on mechanical benchmarks, and provides very satisfactory results in comparison with a weighted sum method with penalization to deal with the constraints. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formulation of equations of motion of finite element form for vehicle–track–bridge interaction system with two types of vehicle model
Authors: Lou Ping , Zeng Qing‐yuan
Published: November 2004

Vehicle, track and bridge are considered as an entire system in this paper. Two types of vertical vehicle model are described. One is a one foot mass–spring–damper system having two‐degree‐of‐freedom, and the other is four‐wheelset mass–spring–damper system with two‐layer suspension systems possessing 10‐degree‐of‐freedom. For the latter vehicle model, the eccentric load of car body is taken into account. The rails and the bridge deck are modelled as an elastic Bernoulli–Euler upper beam with finite length and a simply supported Bernoulli–Euler lower beam, respectively, while the elasticity and damping properties of the rail bed are represented by continuous springs and dampers. The dynamic contact forces between the moving vehicle and rails are considered as internal forces, so it is not necessary to calculate the internal forces for setting up the equations of motion of the vehicle–track–bridge interaction system. The two types of equations of motion of finite element form for the entire system are derived by means of the principle of a stationary value of total potential energy of dynamic system. The proposed method can set up directly the equations of motion for sophisticated system, and these equations can be solved by step‐by‐step integration method, to obtain simultaneously the dynamic responses of vehicle, of track and of bridge. Illustration examples are given. Copyright 2004 © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of UV aging characteristics of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/carbon black mixture
Authors: Çopuroğlu Mehmet , Şen Murat
Published: November 2004

In this comparative study, the effect of carbon black (CB) on the UV aging characteristics of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) was investigated. EVA, containing 13% vinyl acetate (VA), and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/carbon black mixture (EVA/CB), containing 13% VA and 1% CB, were aged by means of UV light with a wavelength in the vicinity of 259 nm, in air, up to 400 hr. Sol‐gel analyses were made to determine the percentage gelation of both virgin and aged samples. FT‐IR measurements were performed to follow the chemical changes which took place in the samples during aging. Dynamic and isothermal thermogravimetry studies were performed for determination of the thermal stabilities of virgin and aged samples.

Sol‐gel analysis results showed that EVA itself has a tendency to form a gel under UV irradiation. EVA/CB, however, becomes a gel to a smaller extent, comparatively, under the same conditions. As a result of FT‐IR measurements, some oxidation products such as ketone, lactone and vinyl species were observed through UV ageing of EVA and EVA/CB. Thermal analysis experiments exhibited that the thermal stabilities of EVA and EVA/CB decreased, to a similar extent through UV aging. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tensile properties of natural fabric Hildegardia populifolia/polycarbonate toughened epoxy composites
Authors: Rajulu A. Varada , Rao G. Babu , Devi L. Ganga
Published: November 2004

The environmentally friendly composites of natural fabric Hildegardia populifolia/polycarbonate toughened epoxy were prepared. The effect of fabric content and the orientation of the fibers in the fabric on the tensile properties of the composites was studied. The effect of alkali treatment of the fabric and a silane coupling agent on the tensile properties was also studied. The tensile properties improved with alkali treated fabric content when a coupling agent was used. Polym. Compos. 25:563–568, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Big returns from small fibers: A review of polymer/carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Breuer O. , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: November 2004

This paper reviews recent studies conducted on carbon nanotube/polymer composites. Carbon nanotubes are promising new materials for blending with polymers with potential to obtain low‐weight nanocomposites of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, thermal and multifunctional properties. The size scale, aspect ratio and properties of nanotubes provide advantages in a variety of applications, including electrostatically dissipative materials; advanced materials with combined stiffness, strength and impact for aerospace or sporting goods; composite mirrors; automotive parts that require electrostatic painting and automotive components with enhanced mechanical properties. The various processing methods for producing these nanocomposites are discussed, in particular melt mixing, solution processing andin‐situpolymerization. Some key results are summarized, relating to the mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and surface properties. Finally, the challenges for the future are discussed in terms of processing, characterization, nanotube availability, nanotube tailoring, and the mechanisms governing the behavior of these remarkable nanoscale composites. Polym. Compos. 25:630–645, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Implementing the NSF for Diabetes
Authors: Paynter Roger , Woodhead Patricia , Singhal Parag
Published: November 2004

This meeting was part of a rolling programme of regional conferences to discuss and formulate recommendations about the implementation of the National Service Framework (NSF) for Diabetes. The first in the series was held in Kensington, London, on 3 December 2003, and further meetings have also recently been held in London and Sheffield. The conferences are co‐ordinated by Dr Arun Baksi on behalf of the Diabetes Industry Group, a non‐profit making organisation of UK pharmaceutical companies dedicated to raising the profile of diabetes and enhancing diabetes education. James Wroe reports. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of polymerization conditions ono‐phenylenediamine ando‐phenetidine oxidative copolymers
Authors: Huang Mei‐Rong , Li Xin‐Gui , Duan Wei
Published: November 2004

A series of newo‐phenylenediamine (OPD)/o‐phenetidine (PHT) copolymers with partly phenazine‐like structures has been successfully synthesized at three polymerization temperatures by chemically oxidative polymerization in four different polymerization media. The molecular structures and properties of the resulting OPD/PHT polymers were investigated by IR, UV–vis and high‐resolution1H NMR spectroscopies, and DSC, in order to ascertain the effect of reaction temperature, comonomer ratio and acid medium. The copolymerization mechanism of OPD with PHT monomers has been proposed. It is found that the statistical OPD/PHT copolymer obtained at a temperature of 118 °C has a higher degree of polymerization than that obtained at 12–17 °C. The OPD content in the copolymers calculated from NMR spectroscopic analysis is higher than that in the feed OPD content, whereas the OPD content calculated from element analysis is slightly lower than the feed OPD content. It can be predicted that denitrogenation takes place in the OPD units during the polymerization process at OPD/PHT molar ratios of 90/10 and 100/0. These OPD/PHT copolymers exhibit a much better solubility than the OPD homopolymer, hence suggesting an incorporation of PHT units into the phenazine structure of the homopolymer. The thermal behavior of the copolymers was also studied. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Dispersion polymerization of vinyl acetate in a mixture of ethanol and water
Authors: Okaya Takuji , Kikuchi Kenji , Suzuki Atsushi , Ikeda Naoto
Published: November 2004

Dispersion polymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) was studied in a mixed solvent of ethanol and water using poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with a low degree of hydrolysis as a steric stabilizer. Six compositions were chosen from a homogeneous phase before the polymerization. In a composition with the highest solubility parameter, 450 nm particles with a size distribution close to monodispersity were obtained. With decreasing solubility parameters of the compositions, the particles became polydisperse. In the compositions with solubility parameter lower than 17.1, particles were not formed even at 100 % conversion. Degrees of polymerization obtained in this homogeneous phase were less than 100 and close to calculated values. With increasing solubility parameters of the system, degrees of polymerization increased but were still less than 200. Grafting of VAc onto PVA and grafted PVA were very small, indicating the presence of a competing reaction to the grafting. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and solubility of poly(N‐methylbenzimidazole) and poly(N‐ethylbenzimidazole): control of degree of alkylation
Authors: Pu Hongting , Liu Gaihua
Published: November 2004

In this paper, synthesis of poly(N‐methylbenzimidazole) (PNMBI) and poly(N‐ethylbenzimidazole) (PNEBI) with various alkylation degrees was achieved by adding enough LiH and controlling the amount of substituting reactant. The degree of substituted methyl or ethyl was determined by elemental analysis. Changes in infrared spectroscopy due to nature and degree of substitution can clearly be found. With the modification of PBI, the solubility of PNMBI and PNEBI is improved significantly. There is no significant change of chemical structure of PNMBI after 0.5 h thermal treatment in both N2 and air at a temperature lower than 250 °C. Compared with PBI, the methanol permeability of PNMBI and PNEBI is a little higher but still of the same order of magnitude. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Thermal crosslinking behavior of poly (aryl ether ketone) copolymers containing naphthalene moieties
Authors: Niu Yaming , Wang Guibin , Zhang Suxia , Na Ying , Jiang Zhenhua , Dong Fengxia , Zheng Yingguang
Published: November 2004

A series of poly[(ether ether ketone)‐co‐(ether naphthalene ether ketone)] (P(EEK‐co‐ENEK)) copolymers were heated under a variety of conditions. The thermal crosslinking behavior was monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), electron spin resonance (ESR) and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). The results indicate that under a non‐oxidative environment such as nitrogen P(EEK‐co‐ENEK) is more stable, while under oxidative conditions a crosslinking reaction takes place that causes a reduction in the crystallizability of the copolymers, and an increase in the concentration of free radicals on the copolymer. ESR results suggest that the crosslinking reaction proceeds via free radicals. Subsequently two kinds of free radicals were characterized: one is an RO• type free radical and the other is a naphthalene ring free radical. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanical and thermal properties of poplar wood polyacrylonitrile composites
Authors: Joshi TK , Zaidi MGH , Sah PL , Alam S
Published: November 2004

Wood polyacrylonitrile composite (WPC) from poplar wood was synthesized. The synthetic process was carried out through benzoyl peroxide (0.05 mol l−1) catalyzed impregnation polymerization of acrylonitrile (6.075 mol l−1) into poplar wood in benzene medium at 70 ± 1 °C. Modification of the properties of WPC over untreated wood was evaluated in terms of compression, impact strength and simultaneous differential thermogravimetry‐thermogravimetric‐differential thermal analysis (DTG‐TG‐DTA) in air. Compression, impact strength and resistance of wood against thermo‐oxidation were improved with impregnation of polyacrylonitrile. Impregnation of polyacrylonitrile into poplar wood was ascertained through UV‐vis spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Crystal transformation and thermomechanical properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Pramoda KP , Mohamed Ashiq , Yee Phang In , Liu Tianxi
Published: November 2004

The crystal transformation and thermomechanical properties of melt‐intercalated poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/clay nanocomposites are reported in this study. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the thermal properties of PVDF and its nanocomposites with various clay concentrations. The incorporation of clay in PVDF results in the formation of β‐form crystals of PVDF. DSC study of melting behavior suggested the presence of only α‐phase crystals in neat PVDF and both α‐ and β‐phase crystals in the nanocomposite. This conclusion was corroborated by findings from Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) indicated significant improvements in storage modulus over a temperature range of 20–150 °C. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) decreases with increasing clay loading. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 expression and early spontaneous abortion
Authors: Yu X.W. , Yan C.F. , Jin H. , Li X.
Published: November 2004

Objectives

To compare tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) protein expression in women with unexplained early spontaneous abortion (UESA) and normal pregnancy.

Methods

In a prospective study, 62 women with UESA and 60 with normal pregnancy were studied. Decidual membrane TNFR1 was detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry, and serum soluble TNFR1 were by ELISA. Statistical analyses of resulting data employed the student's t test, the Fisher's Exact, and the nonparametric Wilcoxon test

Results

The percentage of membrane tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (mTNFR1) positive decidual cells was 16.42±7.1 for women with UESA and 12.47±5.3 for women with normal pregnancy (p<0.05). The number of mTNFR1 positive cells was more in decidual stromal and vessel endothelial cells in women with UESA, and serum soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR1) concentration was significantly higher than in women with normal pregnancy (554.56±126.7 pg/ml vs. 175.3±52.4 pg/ml; p<0.001).

Conclusion

The overexpression of TNFR1 may contribute to the development of ESA.
Gender and sexual health in clinical practice in Lebanon
Authors: El‐Kak F. , Jurdi R. , Kaddour A. , Zurayk H.
Published: November 2004

This study examines the readiness of obstetricians/gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) in Lebanon to provide sexual consultation, their degree of comfort when discussing issues of sexual health, and their attitudes regarding assessment, treatment, and referral. Data on these concepts were collected through face‐to‐face interviews with 286 randomly selected Ob/Gyns. Most Ob/Gyns reported feeling comfortable discussing sexuality during consultations, which they attributed much more to professional experience than to training. Most Ob/Gyns reported giving proper time for management of sexual health issues and follow‐up, as these issues are brought up frequently by their women clients. However, results suggest that only one‐third (31%) of Lebanese Ob/Gyns nearly always take the initiative in asking patients about their sexual health. Moreover, almost 45% of participating Ob/Gyns did not recognize a strong relationship between reproductive health and sexual functioning. Gender was not found to be an important predictor for any of the indicators measured in the present study. Ob/Gyns in Lebanon are significant consultants on various sexual issues, and they need better postgraduate training, continuing medical education, and access to medical congress resources on the topic of sexuality and its relationship to reproductive health.
Large loop excision and cold coagulation for management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Allam M. , Paterson A. , Thomson A. , Ray B. , Rajagopalan C. , Sarkar G.
Published: November 2004

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) combined with a single application of the cone probe of a Semm Cold Coagulator as a new treatment for women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Methods: Retrospective case‐record review of 666 women treated with large loop excision and cold coagulation (LLECC) from 1992 to 2000. Results: Of the women who had high‐grade CIN at their initial consultation, 4.2% had abnormal cytologic results 6 months after treatment and 0.6% had abnormal cytologic results at 12 months. Of the women who had low‐grade CIN at initial presentation, 3.8% had abnormal cytologic results 6 months after treatment and none (0%) at 12 months. Furthermore, there were no reported cases of cervical cancer in this cohort of women during the follow‐up period. Short‐term bleeding complications (within 24 h of the procedure) occurred in 1% of the women assessed. Conclusions: Large loop excision combined with cold coagulation is a new and effective treatment for CIN. Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings and determine the long‐term safety of the technique.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis and ‘savior siblings’
Authors: Dickens B.M.
Published: November 2004

From its emergence, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been opposed by religious, feminist, and disability‐rights advocates. PGD has developed, however, to extend beyond genetic diagnosis of embryos to diagnose chromosomal abnormalities. Evidence shows that PGD is safe, children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and PGD having no higher rate of birth defects than children of normal pregnancies. Laws may accommodate PGD directly or indirectly, but some prohibit PGD totally or except to identify sex‐linked genetic disorders. When children suffer severe genetic disorders and require stem‐cell transplantation, compatible donors may be unavailable. Then, IVF and PGD of resulting embryos may identify some whose gestation and birth would produce unaffected newborns, and placental and cord blood from which stem‐cells compatible for implantation in sick siblings can be derived. Ethical issues concern conscientious objection to direct participation, discarding of healthy but unsuitable embryos, and valuing savior siblings in themselves, not just as means to others' ends.
Primary Dysmenorrhea: Assessment and Management Update
Authors: Durain Dawn
Published: November 2004

Many women are familiar with the experience of dysmenorrhea, which can contribute to significant physical and emotional distress and life disruption. However, women may not seek professional expertise in their attempt to alleviate this condition. It is important to assess the beliefs and experiences of all women with dysmenorrhea, including adolescents, as early in gynecologic care as possible. This article reviews the management of primary dysmenorrhea. Midwives can provide valuable assistance to women in their explorations of the variety of treatment options available for the relief of dysmenorrhea, including lifestyle changes, complementary and alternative approaches, analgesics, and hormones.
SYMPATHY AND APPROBATION IN HUME AND SMITH: A SOLUTION TO THE OTHER RATIONAL SPECIES PROBLEM
Authors: LEVY DAVID M. , PEART SANDRA J.
Published: November 2004

David Hume's sympathetic principle applies to physical equals. In his account, we sympathize with those like us. By contrast, Adam Smith's sympathetic principle induces equality. We consider Hume's “other rational species” problem to see whether Smith's wider sympathetic principle would alter Hume's conclusion that “superior” beings will enslave “inferior” beings. We show that Smith introduces the notion of “generosity,” which functions as if it were Hume's justice even when there is no possibility of contract.
Blood invasiveness of Salmonella enterica as a function of age and serotype
Authors: WEINBERGER M. , ANDORN N. , AGMON V. , COHEN D. , SHOHAT T. , PITLIK S. D.
Published: November 2004

We explored the dual influence of the patient's age and the infecting serotype on the blood invasiveness patterns of non-Typhi Salmonella enterica (NTS). Blood invasiveness ratio (BIR) was calculated as the ratio between the number of blood and blood+stool isolates. Analysis of 14951 NTS isolates showed that the BIR increased drastically above the age of 60 years, reaching levels 3·5–7 times higher compared to age group <2 years. Different patterns of age-related invasiveness were observed for the five most common NTS serotypes (Enteritidis, Typhimurium, Virchow, Hadar, Infantis). Among children <2 years, the BIR was highest for serotype Virchow and lowest for serotype Hadar, while in persons [ges ]60 years it was highest for serotypes Enteritidis and lowest for serotype Infantis. The tendency of NTS serotypes to invade the bloodstream was significantly influenced by the patient's age, however the impact of age differed for various NTS serotypes.
Parvovirus B19 viraemia in Dutch blood donors
Authors: ZAAIJER H. L. , KOPPELMAN M. H. G. M. , FARRINGTON C. P.
Published: November 2004

Blood, donated by asymptomatic donors, may contain and transmit parvovirus B19. To investigate the dynamics of parvovirus viraemia in asymptomatic blood donors, we studied the amounts of parvovirus DNA in pools of donor plasma, the prevalence of parvovirus antibodies among blood donors in relation to age, and the seasonal and year-to-year variation of the incidence of parvovirus infection in The Netherlands. The incidence of parvovirus infection follows a seasonal cycle and a cycle of several years. Among Dutch blood donors the incidence was estimated to be 0·56% per year. Forty seven out of 100 pools of 5000 plasma donations tested positive for parvovirus DNA. We inferred that the course of viraemia in asymptomatic donors shows a short peak (>109 copies parvovirus DNA/ml), followed by viraemia below 106 copies/ml for about 2 weeks.
Invasive group B streptococcal disease in infants: a 19-year nationwide study. Serotype distribution, incidence and recurrent infection
Authors: EKELUND K. , KONRADSEN H. B.
Published: November 2004

During the period 1984–2002, 472 cases of invasive group B streptococcal (GBS) disease in infants aged 0–90 days in Denmark were registered. The overall incidence was 0·4/1000 live births. Most infants (73%) had early-onset GBS infection with 53% registered within the first day. Serotype III predominated (59%) with other serotypes as follows: Ia (16%), Ib (8%), NT (7%), II (6%), other serotypes (5%). Recurrence of GBS infection was registered in six infants, and the interval with no antibiotic therapy varied from 2 to 39 days. The serotypes of the isolates obtained from first and second episodes were identical (serotype III in five, and serotype Ia in one infant). Paired isolates were indistinguishable by PFGE and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Invasive GBS infections in infants are still a problem in Denmark, and recurrent infections are registered in 1% of these infants.
The prevalence and source of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the community in Hong Kong
Authors: O'DONOGHUE M. M. , BOOST M. V.
Published: November 2004

Although reports of isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from patients admitted from the community have increased, few studies have investigated colonization of healthy subjects. This study aimed to determine community levels of MRSA in Hong Kong. Nasal swabs from a cross section of young adults and family units were cultured for MRSA. Antibiotic sensitivities and risk factors for carriage were determined and clonal relationships were investigated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Overall carriage was low (1·4%), and associated with health-care exposures (OR 13·56, 95% CI 1·11–165·21). Subjects working in health care yielded multi-resistant MRSA strains, but isolates from non-hospital-exposed subjects were methicillin-resistant only. Strains indistinguishable by PFGE were carried by subjects working together, and some spread to other contacts was observed. MRSA colonization in the community is rare in Hong Kong and is largely associated with working in health care. Community-acquired staphylococcal infections may be treated with agents effective against methicillin-sensitive strains.
The cost-effectiveness of ivermectin vs. albendazole in the presumptive treatment of strongyloidiasis in immigrants to the United States
Authors: MUENNIG P. , PALLIN D. , CHALLAH C. , KHAN K.
Published: November 2004

The presumptive treatment of parasitosis among immigrants with albendazole has been shown to save both money and lives, primarily via a reduction in the burden of Strongyloides stercoralis. Ivermectin is more effective than albendazole, but is also more expensive. This coupled with confusion surrounding the cost-effectiveness of guiding therapy based on eosinophil counts has led to disparate practices. We used the newly arrived year 2000 immigrant population as a hypothetical cohort in a decision analysis model to examine the cost-effectiveness of various interventions to reduce parasitosis among immigrants. When the prevalence of S. stercoralis is greater than 2%, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of all presumptive treatment strategies were similar. Ivermectin is associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $1700 per QALY gained for treatment with 12 mg ivermectin relative to 5 days of albendazole when the prevalence is 10%. Any presumptive treatment strategy is cost-effective when compared with most common medical interventions.
Spatial analysis of the distribution of intestinal nematode infections in Uganda
Authors: BROOKER S. , KABATEREINE N. B. , TUKAHEBWA E. M. , KAZIBWE F.
Published: November 2004

The spatial epidemiology of intestinal nematodes in Uganda was investigated using generalized additive models and geostatistical methods. The prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura was unevenly distributed in the country with prevalence greatest in southwest Uganda whereas hookworm was more homogeneously distributed. A. lumbricoides and T. Trichiura prevalence were nonlinearly related to satellite sensor-based estimates of land surface temperature; hookworm was nonlinearly associated with rainfall. Semivariogram analysis indicated that T. trichiura prevalence exhibited no spatial structure and that A. lumbricoides exhibited some spatial dependency at small spatial distances, once large-scale, mainly environmental, trends had been removed. In contrast, there was much more spatial structure in hookworm prevalence although the underlying factors are at present unclear. The implications of the results are discussed in relation to parasite spatial epidemiology and the prediction of infection distributions.
The Effect of Observer Perspective on the Perceived Velocity of Human Walkers
Authors: Schollerer Esther , Groner Rudolf
Published: November 2004

The apparent velocity of a filmed person, walking in front of static or moving backgrounds, was estimated in 2 experiments by 18 observers. The camera either followed the walker or remained at the same position (= stabilized vs. mobile observer perspective). A factorial ANOVA was used with the estimate of the walker’s velocity (in km/h) as dependent variable. Based on the number of applicable motion cues and on the role of motion parallax, it was predicted that the mobile observer perspective should lead to a higher estimate of the walker’s velocity. In both experiments, the opposite of this prediction was observed: Stabilized observer perspective produced consistently higher velocity estimates as a main effect and in interaction with the background variables. No velocity increasing effect of motion parallax was found in stabilized observer perspective, presumably because of the ambiguity of motion cues with respect to background distance.
Computational Modeling of Face Recognition Based on Psychophysical Experiments
Authors: Schwaninger Adrian , Wallraven Christian , Bülthoff Heinrich H.
Published: November 2004

Recent results from psychophysical studies are discussed which clearly show that face processing is not only holistic. Humans do encode face parts (component information) in addition to information about the spatial interrelationship of facial features (global configural information). Based on these findings we propose a computational architecture of face recognition, which implements a component and configural route for encoding and recognizing faces. Modeling results showed a striking similarity between human psychophysical data and the computational model. In addition, we could show that our framework is able to achieve good recognition performance even under large view rotations. Thus, our study is an example of how an interdisciplinary approach can provide a deeper understanding of cognitive processes and lead to further insights in human psychophysics as well as computer vision.
The 2002–2003 El Niño recorded in Australian cave drip waters: Implications for reconstructing rainfall histories using stalagmites
Authors: McDonald Janece , Drysdale Russell , Hill David
Published: November 2004

A 30‐month study of drip hydrochemistry from Kooringa Cave, eastern Australia, revealed a clear geochemical response to the 2002–2003 El Niño. Through the drought, drip discharge fell to base flow, drip Ca2+ concentrations fell by half and drip Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca increased in a co‐varying pattern. Calcite Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca predicted from drip waters displayed a marked increase through, and just beyond, the period of greatest moisture deficit. The results suggest that stalagmites from shallow caves in drought‐sensitive eastern Australia potentially preserve a valuable record of El Niño‐La Niña history.
Impact of monsoon circulations on the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere
Authors: Gettelman Andrew , Kinnison Douglas E. , Dunkerton Timothy J. , Brasseur Guy P.
Published: November 2004

Observations from in situ aircraft and output from a global chemical transport model are used to better understand the impact of Northern Hemisphere summer monsoon circulations on stratosphere‐troposphere exchange. A long‐term model climatology resembles the satellite climatology of water vapor and ozone in the monsoon regions. A simulation with observed winds is able to reproduce individual transport events observed from aircraft, and these events are used to infer that large‐scale motions and monsoon circulations can explain the global correlations of ozone and water vapor around the tropopause. A detailed analysis of model fluxes of water vapor and ozone indicates that the Asian monsoon circulation may contribute 75% of the total net upward water vapor flux in the tropics at tropopause levels from July to September. Some of this air may enter the tropical stratosphere and bypass the tropical tropopause altogether.
Identification of R(−)‐isomer of efonidipine as a selective blocker of T‐type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Furukawa Taiji , Miura Reiko , Honda Mitsuyoshi , Kamiya Natsuko , Mori Yasuo , Takeshita Satoshi , Isshiki Takaaki , Nukada Toshihide
Published: November 2004

Efonidipine, a derivative of dihydropyridine Ca2+ antagonist, is known to block both L‐ and T‐type Ca2+ channels. It remains to be clarified, however, whether efonidipine affects other voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channel subtypes such as N‐, P/Q‐ and R‐types, and whether the optical isomers of efonidipine have different selectivities in blocking these Ca2+ channels, including L‐ and T‐types.

To address these issues, the effects of efonidipine and its R(−)‐ and S(+)‐isomers on these Ca2+ channel subtypes were examined electrophysiologically in the expression systems using Xenopus oocytes and baby hamster kidney cells (BHK tk‐ts13).

Efonidipine, a mixture of R(−)‐ and S(+)‐isomers, exerted blocking actions on L‐ and T‐types, but no effects on N‐, P/Q‐ and R‐type Ca2+ channels.

The selective blocking actions on L‐ and T‐type channels were reproduced by the S(+)‐efonidipine isomer.

By contrast, the R(−)‐efonidipine isomer preferentially blocked T‐type channels.

The blocking actions of efonidipine and its enantiomers were dependent on holding potentials.

These findings indicate that the R(−)‐isomer of efonidipine is a specific blocker of the T‐type Ca2+ channel.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 1050–1057. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705944
Combinatorial invariants and covariants as tools for conical intersections
Authors: Ryb Itai , Baer Roi
Published: November 2004

The combinatorial invariant and covariant are introduced as practical tools for analysis of conical intersections in molecules. The combinatorial invariant is a quantity depending on adiabatic electronic states taken at discrete nuclear configuration points. It is invariant to the phase choice (gauge) of these states. In the limit that the points trace a loop in nuclear configuration space, the value of the invariant approaches the corresponding Berry phase factor. The Berry phase indicates the presence of an odd or even number of conical intersections on surfaces bounded by these loops. Based on the combinatorial invariant, we develop a computationally simple and efficient method for locating conical intersections. The method is robust due to its use of gauge invariant nature. It does not rely on the landscape of intersecting potential energy surfaces nor does it require the computation of nonadiabatic couplings. We generalize the concept to open paths and combinatorial covariants for higher dimensions obtaining a technique for the construction of the gauge-covariant adiabatic-diabatic transformation matrix. This too does not make use of nonadiabatic couplings. The importance of using gauge-covariant expressions is underlined throughout. These techniques can be readily implemented by standard quantum chemistry codes.
Study of internal transport barrier triggering mechanism in tokamak plasmas
Authors: Dong J. Q. , Mou Z. Z. , Long Y. X. , Mahajan S. M.
Published: November 2004

Sheared flow layers driven by magnetic energy, released in tearing-reconnection processes inherent in dissipative magnetohydrodynamics, are proposed as a triggering mechanism for the creation of the internal transport barrier (ITB) in tokamak plasmas. The double tearing mode, mediated by anomalous electron viscosity in configurations with a nonmonotonic safety factor, is investigated as an example. Particular emphasis is placed on the formation of sheared poloidal flow layers in the vicinity of the magnetic islands. A quasilinear simulation demonstrates that the sheared flows induced by the mode have desirable characteristics (lying just outside the magnetic islands), and sufficient levels required for ITB formation. A possible explanation is also proffered for the experimental observation that the transport barriers are preferentially formed in the proximity of low-order rational surfaces.
Quantum yields for product formation in the 120–133 nm photodissociation of O2
Authors: Lambert H. M. , Dixit A. A. , Davis E. W. , Houston P. L.
Published: November 2004

The photodissociation of O2 in the region from 120–133 nm has been investigated using product imaging. The spectrum in this region is dominated by transitions from the ground state to the first three vibrational levels of the E 3Σu− state. The O(1D)+O(3P) channel is the only product channel observed by product imaging for dissociation at either 124.4 nm or 120.4 nm. The O(1D2) product is aligned in the molecular frame in such a way that its J vector is perpendicular to the relative velocity vector between the O(1D) and the O(3P). The variation in the anisotropy of dissociation is approximately predicted by considering transitions on individual lines and then taking into account the coherent excitation of overlapping resonances. At 132.7 nm, both the O(1D)+O(3P) and the O(3P)+O(3P) channels are observed with branching ratios of 0.40±0.08 and 0.60±0.09, respectively. At 130.2 nm, the quantum yield for production of O(1D) is 0.76±0.28.
Orientational dynamics of hydrogen-bonded phenol
Authors: Rezus Y. L. A. , Madsen D. , Bakker H. J.
Published: November 2004

We use femtosecond mid-infrared pump-probe spectroscopy to study the effects of hydrogen bonding on the orientational dynamics of the OD-stretch vibration of phenol-d. We study two samples: phenol-d in chloroform and phenol-d in chloroform to which we added excess acetone. For phenol-d in chloroform, we observe rotational diffusion of the OD group around the CO bond, with a correlation time of 3.7 ps. For phenol-d hydrogen bonded to acetone, the reorientation time is strongly dependent on the probe frequency, varying from 3 ps on the blue side of the spectrum to more than 30 ps on the red side.
Measurement of the ion drag force on free falling microspheres in a plasma
Authors: Hirt Markus , Block Dietmar , Piel Alexander
Published: November 2004

Experiments on the quantitative determination of the ion drag force on free-falling dust particles in a collisionless regime are presented. The ion drag forces are measured for ion energies up to 40 eV and the obtained results are compared in detail with theories. Good agreement is found with the Barnes model [Barnes et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 68, 313 (1992)] of the ion drag force for high ion energies (E>3 eV). At lower ion energies the model of Khrapak [Khrapak et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 225002 (2003)] is found to give a better description of the capture of slowly streaming ions by highly charged particles.