bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise training attenuates increases in lumbar sympathetic nerve activity produced by stimulation of the rostral ventrolateral medulla
Authors: Mueller Patrick J.
Published: October 2006

Exercise training (ExTr) has been associated with blunted activation of the sympathetic nervous system in several animal models and in some human studies. Although these data are consistent with the hypothesis that ExTr reduces the incidence of cardiovascular diseases via reduced sympathoexcitation, the mechanisms are unknown. The rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is important in control of sympathetic nervous system activity in both physiological and pathophysiological states. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that ExTr results in reduced sympathoexcitation mediated at the level of the RVLM. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treadmill trained or remained sedentary for 8–10 wk. RVLM microinjections were performed under Inactin anesthesia while mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and lumbar sympathetic nerve activity (LSNA) were recorded. Bilateral microinjections of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline (5 mM, 90 nl) into the RVLM increased LSNA in sedentary animals (169 ± 33%), which was blunted in ExTr animals (100 ± 22%, P < 0.05). Activation of the RVLM with unilateral microinjections of glutamate (10 mM, 30 nl) increased LSNA in sedentary animals (76 ± 13%), which was also attenuated by training (26 ± 2%, P < 0.05). Bilateral microinjections of the ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenate (40 mM, 90 nl) produced small increases in mean arterial pressure and LSNA that were similar between groups. Results suggest that ExTr may reduce increases in LSNA due to reduced activation of the RVLM. Conversely, we speculate that the relatively enhanced activation of LSNA in sedentary animals may be related to the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Regulation of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Desensitization by Ca2+
Authors: Guo Xiaochuan , Lester Robin A. J.
Published: October 2006

The relationship between the concentration of intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) and recovery from desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in rat medial habenula (MHb) neurons was investigated using the whole cell patch-clamp techniques in combination with microfluoresecent [Ca2+]imeasurements. Recovery from desensitization was assessed with a paired-pulse agonist application protocol. Application of 100 μM nicotine (5 s) caused pronounced desensitization of nAChRs, after which recovery proceeded with two components. The relative weight of the two phases of recovery was sensitive to the nature of the intracellular Ca2+chelator, with a greater fraction of channels recovering during the fast phase in the presence of BAPTA than EGTA. Recovery was affected by differential Ca2+buffering only when Ca2+was present in the extracellular solution, implying that Ca2+influx through nAChRs was responsible for slowing the recovery. Simultaneous [Ca2+]imeasurements showed that recovery from desensitization was inversely correlated with the instantaneous [Ca2+]i, further supporting the suggestion that elevation of [Ca2+]ilimits the return of nAChRs to the resting state. In a separate set of experiments, activation of voltage-gated Ca2+channels during the recovery phase produced a sufficiently large increase in [Ca2+]ito reduce recovery from desensitization even in the absence of Ca2+influx through nAChRs. Overall, it is suggested that Ca2+entry through both nAChRs and voltage-gated Ca2+channels exerts a negative feedback on nAChR activity through stabilization of desensitized states. The interaction of these two Ca2+sources could form the basis of a coincidence detector under specific circumstances.
Carney Complex: Pathology and Molecular Genetics
Authors: Boikos Sosipatros A. , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: October 2006

Carney complex (CNC) is a unique multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome (MIM 160980) which is characterized by unusual biochemical features (chronic hypersomatotropinemia and paradoxical responses of cortisol production to glucocorticoids) and multi-tissue involvement. The gene coding for the protein kinase A (PKA) type 1α regulatory subunit, PRKAR1A, had been mapped to 17q22–24, one of the genetic loci involved in CNC, and allelic analysis using probes from this chromosomal region revealed consistent changes in CNC tumors. Sequencing of the PRKAR1A gene in over 100 kindreds showed a number of mutations; in almost all cases, the sequence change was predicted to lead to a premature stop codon, and mutant mRNAs were subject to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. In CNC cells, PKA activity assays showed increased stimulation by cAMP. Few mutations that did not lead to a premature stop codon have been described; they are also associated with increased PKA activity. PRKAR1A has been investigated in sporadic endocrine tumors; it does not appear to be mutated in pituitary adenomas, but both thyroid and adrenal neoplasms have been found to harbor somatic mutations of this gene. Animal models of the disease have been developed. CNC is the first human disease caused by mutations of one of the subunits of the PKA holoenzyme, a critical component of numerous cellular signaling systems. This has wide implications for cAMP involvement in endocrine tumorigenesis.
Parameter Space Structure of Continuous-Time Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Beer Randall D.
Published: October 2006

A fundamental challenge for any general theory of neural circuits is how to characterize the structure of the space of all possible circuits over a given model neuron. As a first step in this direction, this letter begins a systematic study of the global parameter space structure of continuous-time recurrent neural networks (CTRNNs), a class of neural models that is simple but dynamically universal. First, we explicitly compute the local bifurcation manifolds of CTRNNs. We then visualize the structure of these manifolds in net input space for small circuits. These visualizations reveal a set of extremal saddle node bifurcation manifolds that divide CTRNN parameter space into regions of dynamics with different effective dimensionality. Next, we completely characterize the combinatorics and geometry of an asymptotically exact approximation to these regions for circuits of arbitrary size. Finally, we show how these regions can be used to calculate estimates of the probability of encountering different kinds of dynamics in CTRNN parameter space.
The other face of depression, reduced positive affect: the role of catecholamines in causation and cure
Authors: Nutt David , Demyttenaere Koen , Janka Zoltan , Aarre Trond , Bourin Michel , Canonico Pier Luigi , Carrasco Jose Luis , Stahl Steven
Published: October 2006

Despite significant advances in pharmacologic therapy of depression over the past two decades, a substantial proportion of patients fail to respond or experience only partial response to serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants, resulting in chronic functional impairment. There appears to be a pattern of symptoms that are inadequately addressed by serotonergic antidepressants — loss of pleasure, loss of interest, fatigue and loss of energy. These symptoms are key to the maintenance of drive and motivation. Although these symptoms are variously defined, they are consistent with the concept of `decreased positive affect'. Positive affect subsumes a broad range of positive mood states, including feelings of happiness (joy), interest, energy, enthusiasm, alertness and selfconfidence. Although preliminary, there is evidence to suggest that antidepressants that enhance noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity may afford a therapeutic advantage over serotonergic antidepressants in the treatment of symptoms associated with a reduction in positive affect. Dopaminergic and noradrenergic agents, including the dual acting norepinephrine and dopamine re-uptake inhibitors, have demonstrated antidepressant activity in the absence of serotonergic function, showing similar efficacy to both tricyclic and serotonin re-uptake inhibitor antidepressants. Moreover, the norepinephrine and dopamine re-uptake inhibitor bupropion has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of energy, pleasure and interest in patients with depression with predominant baseline symptoms of decreased pleasure, interest and energy.

Focusing treatment on the predominant or driving symptomatology for an individual patient with major depression could potentially improve rates of response and remission.
Can writing a new word detract from learning it? More negative effects of forced output during vocabulary learning
Authors: Barcroft Joe
Published: October 2006

This study examined effects of word writing on second language vocabulary learning. In two experiments, English-speaking learners of Spanish attempted to learn 24 Spanish nouns while viewing word–picture pairs. The participants copied 12 target words and wrote nothing for the other 12 target words being studied. Productive vocabulary learning on immediate and delayed (2 days later) measures was higher in the no-writing condition. These findings suggest that this type of forced output without access to meaning can detract from word learning by exhausting processing resources needed to encode novel lexical forms.
Tgfβ signaling is required for atrioventricular cushion mesenchyme remodeling during in vivo cardiac development
Authors: Jiao Kai , Langworthy Melissa , Batts Lorene , Brown Chris B. , Moses Harold L. , Baldwin H. Scott
Published: October 2006

The transforming growth factorβ (Tgfβ) signaling pathway plays crucial roles in many biological processes. To understand the role(s) of Tgfβ signaling during cardiogenesis in vivo and to overcome the early lethality of Tgfbr2-/- embryos, we applied a Cre/loxp system to specifically inactivate Tgfbr2 in either the myocardium or the endothelium of mouse embryos. Our results show that Tgfbr2 in the myocardium is dispensable for cardiogenesis in most embryos. Contrary to the prediction from results of previous in vitro collagen gel assays, inactivation of Tgfbr2 in the endocardium does not prevent atrioventricular cushion mesenchyme formation, arguing against its essential role in epithelium-mesenchyme transformation in vivo. We further demonstrate that Tgfβ signaling is required for the proper remodeling of the atrioventricular canal and for cardiac looping, and that perturbation in Tgfβ signaling causes the double-inlet left ventricle (DILV) defect. Thus, our study provides a unique mouse genetic model for DILV, further characterization of which suggests a potential cellular mechanism for the defect.
Structural Change around Si Atoms in P2O5–SiO2 Binary Glasses before and after Annealing by 29Si MAS NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Sakida Shinichi , Nanba Tokuro , Miura Yoshinari
Published: October 2006

The 29Si MAS NMR spectra of P2O5–SiO2 binary glasses were measured before and after annealing to examine the local structure around Si atoms in the glasses. The glasses were composed of SiO6 octahedra and Q4 (SiO4 tetrahedra with four bridging oxygens). By increasing the P2O5 content, the fractions of SiO6 octahedra increased and those of Q4 decreased. The fractions of SiO6 octahedra increased by 6–8% in the range of 29.7 to 47.4 mol % P2O5 by annealing for 5 h. This result was found for the first time in binary glasses. On the basis of the results obtained, the local structure around Si atoms in the glasses and the structural change by annealing are discussed.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antipeptic Activity of a Novel Surfactant Having an Azulene Moiety
Authors: Fujio Katsuhiko , Kobayashi Hideharu , Ozeki Sumio , Fujimori Kunihide
Published: October 2006

A novel surfactant having an azulene moiety, sodium 3-decyl-1-azulenesulfonate (C10AS), has been synthesized. The surface-activity of C10AS is lower than that of its structural isomer, sodium 4-decyl-1-naphthalenesulfonate (C10NS), probably caused by the higher hydrophilicity of C10AS due to the dipole moment of azulene moiety. C10AS exhibits the higher antipeptic activity than the propyl derivative (C3AS) below its critical micelle concentration.
21 Helical Assemblies of Cinchona Alkaloids in Crystals: Definition of Their Handedness Based on the Molecular Tilt
Authors: Hisaki Ichiro , Watabe Tsuyoshi , Kogami Yoshihisa , Tohnai Norimitsu , Miyata Mikiji
Published: October 2006

Cinchona alkaloids form 21 helical assemblies in their crystals. We firstly define the handedness of the assemblies on the basis of the molecular tilt. It is revealed that cinchonine and its pseudo-enantiomer, cinchonidine form 21 helical assemblies with right- and left-handedness, respectively.
An Environmentally Friendly Method for Removing Sodium in Red Mud
Authors: Kótai László , Sajó István E , Gács István , Papp Katalin , Bartha András , Bánvölgyi György
Published: October 2006

Iron(III) sulfate or its mixture with aluminium sulfate can be used as a solid phase sulfatizing agent to destroy sodium aluminium silicates in red mud within 2 h at 200–500 °C. These solid phase sulfatizing agents transform sodium aluminium silicates and basic sodium-compounds into water-soluble sodium sulfate without SO2 or SO3 evolution. By means of an aqueous leaching of the sulfatized red mud a raw material with high iron and low sodium content is obtained for blast furnace technologies.
Photoluminescence Enhancement in Tetrakis(arylethynyl)silanes
Authors: Shao Guang , Orita Akihiro , Nishijima Koji , Ishimaru Kanako , Takezaki Makoto , Wakamatsu Kan , Otera Junzo
Published: October 2006

Substitution on silicon with arylethynyl groups enhanced photoluminescence in solution to result in high quantum yields of tetrakis(arylethynyl)silanes.
AMINOGLYCOSIDE OTOTOXICITY IN THE HUMAN
Authors: Fee Willard E.
Published: October 2006

One hundred thirty‐eight patient courses of tobramycin (tobra) and gentamicin (genta) were prospectively monitored for ototoxicity using weekly audiograms and electronystag‐mograms. Twice weekly drug serum levels and kidney function tests were determined. A pre, during, and post‐therapy history was obtained and the results were analyzed to determine significant parameters of ototoxicity.

Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS on an IBM 370/3033 computer. Tobra showed less toxicity than genta but only the difference in vestibular toxicity was statistically significant. Significant associations with toxicity included the patient developing a high temperature, total dose, low hematocrit for tobra, high hematocrit for genta, high creatinine clearance with cochlear toxicity, high creatinine with nephrotoxicity, poor condition or critically ill, and duration of therapy greater than 10 days. Non‐significant parameters included dose rate (mg/kg), serum levels, age, prior noise exposure, prior aminoglycosides, prior ear infections, non‐aminoglycoside ototoxic drugs, underlying disease, or total number of high risks present. Ototoxicity was independent of nephrotoxicity.
The argon laser in acoustic tumor surgery
Authors: Glasscock Michael E. , Jackson C. Gary , Whitaker Samuel R.
Published: October 2006

CO2 laser surgery has been employed successfully in the larynx for the past ten years. Because of the nature of the CO2 beam, it is necessary to mount the laser itself onto the operating microscope, thereby making it difficult to adapt to otologic microsurgery. The ability of the argon laser to be transferred through a fiber optic bundle has made it possible to introduce a whole new concept to microsurgery of the ear and adjacent structures.

The argon laser has been used by the authors, on a routine basis, in all acoustic neuroma surgery for the past ten months (30 cases). The purpose of this paper is to present their preliminary experience. Surgical technique is covered in detail describing the many advantages the laser has provided in the management of these difficult lesions.
Patterns of vestibular function following vestibular nerve section
Authors: Cass Stephen P. , Kartush Jack M. , Graham Malcolm D.
Published: October 2006

Bithermal caloric irrigations, low‐frequency rotational chair stimulation, and posturography were performed on 20 patients before and after vestibular nerve section. Twelve patients demonstrated acute postoperative spontaneous nystagmus and rotational vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) asymmetry. Eight patients demonstrated minimal acute postoperative spontaneous nystagmus and VOR asymmetry. Four patients had suppression of all vestibular function characterized by an absent contralateral caloric response, low VOR gain, and falls on posturography when required to rely solely on vestibular input to maintain posture. Four patients had a severe preoperative vestibular loss and no acute change in vestibular function following surgery. Over time, 5 patients continued to manifest elevated spontaneous nystagmus, 2 patients manifested a persistent rotational VOR asymmetry, and 5 patients exhibited a return of caloric function in the operated ear. It is suggested that multiple clinical factors contributed to the variable vestibular responses demonstrated in this study.
Trends in primary hyperparathyroidism surgery
Authors: Morioka Wilfred T.
Published: October 2006

Controversy exists concerning indications for primary hyperparathyroidism surgery, tests to localize parathyroid tumors, pathologic criteria for adenoma and hyperplasia, and unilateral versus bilateral surgery for hyperparathyroidism.

Seventy cases were reviewed. Results of localization tests, sites of aberrant tumors, symptoms, complications, and ratio of adenoma to hyperplasia will be presented. The foreseeable trends are continued improvement in localization techniques, earlier intervention in the disease spectrum, unilateral exploration for adenoma and bilateral surgery for hyperplasia, and acceptance of primary nodular hyperplasia and normal size with hypercellularity as pathologic entities in primary parathyroid hyperplasia.
Is there a Role for Planned Serial Chest Radiographs and Abdominal Ultrasound Scans in the Resuscitation Room Following Trauma?
Authors: Gales Hannah , Perry Michael
Published: October 2006

INTRODUCTION

Despite advances in trauma care, significant morbidity and mortality exists which could be reduced if all injuries were immediately identified. Two treatable factors are hypoxia and hypovolaemia which may occur secondary to haemorrhage into the chest and abdomen. Pneumothorax is also a frequent cause of preventable trauma death. Clinical examination is limited and we often rely on imaging. Anecdotally, it seemed some patients were investigated too quickly because their injuries had not evolved sufficiently enough to become detectable. In these patients, repeated assessments and imaging would, therefore, be necessary.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study looking at all patients over a 15-month period with significant chest and abdominal injuries. Patients with a chest or abdominal Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) of 3 or above were identified. As a cross reference, those patients who required at least one chest drain, or a laparotomy within 24 h of admission were also identified. Case notes and films were reviewed with particular attention to the presence of initial ‘normal’ imaging.

RESULTS

A total of 1036 patients were eligible for entry into the trauma database; of these, 170 patients had chest and/or abdominal injuries coded as AIS 3 or more. We were able to identify 7 cases (4%) where initial clinical examination and imaging failed to detect either bleeding (pleural space or abdomen) or a pneumothorax. A further 5 cases were potential missed injuries, but the data were incomplete making confident inclusion in this group impossible.

CONCLUSIONS

Occult injuries are reported to have an incidence of around 2–5%. Serial imaging in the resuscitation room may enable early identification of chest and abdominal injuries. However, only 12 cases were identified making interpretation of suitable candidates for repeat imaging difficult. The question is which group of patients would benefit from planned repeat imaging before leaving the resuscitation room.
Reduction in Late Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer Following Introduction of a Specialist Colorectal Surgery Service
Authors: Thorne Amanda L , Mercer Stuart J , Harris Guy JC , Simson Jay NL
Published: October 2006

INTRODUCTION

An audit of patients presenting with colorectal cancer to our district general hospital during a 2-year period from November 1994 found that 12.1% of cases were diagnosed later than 6 months after initial presentation to a physician. This audit was repeated for a 2-year period from December 2001, to determine whether the introduction of a specialist coloproctology surgery service had led to a reduction in late diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Case notes were reviewed of all patients presenting with colorectal cancer between December 2001 and November 2003. Late diagnosis was defined as diagnosis of colorectal cancer more than 6 months after their first attendance to either their general practitioner or district general hospital. The results were compared with those of the previous study.

RESULTS

Of a total of 218 patients presenting with colorectal cancer during the study period, 14 (6.4%; 10 men and 4 women) satisfied the criteria for late diagnosis, with the longest delay being 12.5 months. Reasons for late diagnosis were false-negative reporting of barium studies (n = 3), inaccurate tumour biopsy (n = 2), concurrent pathology causing anaemia (n = 4), inappropriate delay in definitive investigation (n = 3), and refusal of investigation by patients (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

There has been a reduction of nearly 50% (12.1% to 6.4%) in the proportion of patients with a late diagnosis of colorectal cancer compared with our previous audit. It is suggested that an important factor in this improvement in diagnosis has been the introduction of a specialist coloproctology surgery service.
Remote Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for the Detection and Removal of Salt on Metal and Polymeric Surfaces
Authors: Bengtsson M. , Grönlund R. , Lundqvist M. , Larsson A. , Kröll S. , Svanberg S.
Published: October 2006

The detection of contamination such as salt in outdoor high-voltage insulator systems and its subsequent removal are vital for a reliable transmission of electric power. Remote detection of salt on a copper metal surface was carried out by using a mobile laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) Lidar system with a laser wavelength of 355 nm. Detection of salt on a polymeric high-voltage insulator was obtained when an additional lens was inserted into the beam path, and the number of photons that was detected could be calculated by using a calibrated white light source. Ablative cleaning could readily be carried out with LIBS and was verified by observing the disappearance of the sodium D-line emission.
Solid—Liquid Extraction Fluorescence Line Narrowing Spectroscopy of Fluoroquinolones in Aqueous Samples
Authors: Yu Shenjiang , Gomez David G. , Campiglia Andres D.
Published: October 2006

We present a simple, selective, and sensitive method for the analysis of fluoroquinolones in water samples without previous separation. Octadecyl silica membranes are used with the dual purpose of sample preconcentration and solid substrate for fluorescence line narrowing spectroscopy. Measurements at liquid helium temperature (4.2 K) are easily made with the aid of a cryogenic fiber-optic probe. The entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes per sample and it consumes only 100 μL of organic solvent. Unambiguous fluoroquinolone determination is accomplished via wavelength-time matrices, which provide simultaneous information on spectral peak purity and fluorescence lifetime. We show that 10 mL of water sample are enough to detect analyte concentrations at parts-per-billion levels. The potential of this approach for the analysis of real world samples is demonstrated with the analysis of a synthetic mixture of seven fluoroquinolones spiked in a heavily contaminated water sample.
Broadband Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy Characterization of Polymer Thin Films
Authors: Schultz Zachary D. , Gurau Marc C. , Richter Lee J.
Published: October 2006

Broadband coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is demonstrated as an effective probe of polymer thin film materials. A simple modification to a 1 kHz broad bandwidth sum frequency generation (SFG) spectrometer permits acquisition of CARS spectra for polymer thin films less than 100 nm thick, a dimension relevant to organic electronic device applications. CARS spectra are compared to the conventional Raman spectra of polystyrene and the resonance-enhanced Raman spectra of poly(3-hexylthiophene). The CARS spectra obtained under these conditions consistently demonstrate enhanced signal-to-noise ratio compared to the spontaneous Raman scattering. The sensitivity of the CARS measurement is limited by the damage threshold of the samples. The dielectic properties of the substrate have a dramatic effect on the detected signal intensity. For ultrathin films, the strongest signals are obtained from fused silica surfaces. Similar to surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), Au also gives a large signal, but contrary to SERS, no surface roughening is necessary.
Binocular Rivalry as an Aid in Visual Inspection
Authors: Mazumder Sudip , Drury Colin G. , Helander Martin G.
Published: October 2006

Small batch manufacturing typical of modern production systems requires improved visual inspection of novel products for many defect types. Because each item inspected is different, inspectors cannot develop product-specific techniques to speed performance using traditional direct viewing. We performed two experiments to evaluate the use of binocular rivalry as an alternative to direct viewing in stereo viewing of product pairs. Both free stereo viewing (i.e., with no optical aids) and viewing with a stereoscope led to large increases in performance of searching for targets in extended symbol arrays. For increased target set size there was an expected increase in inspection time for direct viewing but no corresponding increase for stereo viewing. Binocular rivalry appears to be a promising, though difficult, tool for facilitating visual inspection, as it both improves performance and appears to allow parallel processing of targets.
Spatial Discrimination in Three-Dimensional Displays as a Function of Computer Graphics Eyepoint Elevation and Stereoscopic Viewing
Authors: Hendrix Claudia , Barfield Woodrow
Published: October 2006

In this study we investigate the effects of computer graphics eyepoint elevation, display type (perspective vs. stereoscopic), and location of computer-generated images within a particular quadrant on the accuracy of spatial judgments. Twelve volunteer participants judged the azimuth and elevation separation between two computer-generated cubes using different computer graphics eyepoint elevation angles and either a stereoscopic or perspective display. The results indicated that eyepoint elevations between 15|dG and 45|dG led to the best overall performance for judgments of both elevation and azimuth. Whereas an eyepoint elevation of -15|dG resulted in significantly degraded judgments in azimuth because of depth compression, an eyepoint elevation of 75|dG resulted in significantly degraded judgments in elevation because of vertical compression. Furthermore, when objects were located in the quadrant closest to the computer graphics eyepoint, significant degradation in elevation judgments were observed because of vertical compression. In addition, the data indicated that stereoscopic viewing did not enhance performance over perspective displays because the monocular depth cues in the scene were effective in aiding participants in their performance of the spatial tasks. We discuss the implications of the results for display design.
Superimposition, Symbology, Visual Attention, and the Head-Up Display
Authors: Martin-Emerson Robin , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: October 2006

In two experiments we examined a number of related factors postulated to influence head-up display (HUD) performance. We addressed the benefit of reduced scanning and the cost of increasing the number of elements in the visual field by comparing a superimposed HUD with an identical display in a head-down position in varying visibility conditions. We explored the extent to which the characteristics of HUD symbology support a division of attention by contrasting conformal symbology (which links elements of the display image to elements of the far domain) with traditional instrument landing system (ILS) symbology. Together the two experiments provide strong evidence that minimizing scanning between flight instruments and the far domain contributes substantially to the observed HUD performance advantage. Experiment 1 provides little evidence for a performance cost attributable to visual clutter. In Experiment 2 the pattern of differences in lateral tracking error between conformal and traditional ILS symbology supports the hypothesis that, to the extent that the symbology forms an object with the far domain, attention may be divided between the superimposed image and its counterpart in the far domain.
Image Quality of Two-Primary Color Active-Matrix Liquid-Crystal Displays
Authors: Post David L. , Reinhart William F.
Published: October 2006

The demand for color head- and helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) is growing. Interest focuses on full-color systems, but a limited color repertoire is sufficient for some applications and can reduce cost and complexity significantly, especially when subtractive-color active-matrix liquid-crystal display (AMLCD) technology is used. We report a series of experiments that investigated important questions about the design and merits of two-primary color AMLCDs for HMD applications. Our main conclusion is that the image quality of a subtractive-color AMLCD with high (≥70%) aperture ratio is superior to a comparable, conventional color AMLCD. Evidence regarding requirements for resolution, aperture ratio, and gray scale is also provided.
On the Biology and Evolution of Music
Authors: Fitch W. Tecumseh
Published: October 2006

I suggest that the question of whether music is an adaptation has been overemphasized in recent discussions of the biology and evolution of music, because the subtleties of this question combine with our poor fossil record for musical abilities of extinct hominids to render many of the key facts necessary to answer it empirically inaccessible, for now and perhaps forever. Thus the “adaptation question” seems a poor choice as a defining issue for the new but rapidly growing field of biomusicology. This field will be better served if we treat this and similar evolutionary questions as “intuition pumps” to help generate testable hypotheses that spur further experimental work on living animals (in both laboratory and field) and humans. In addition to work on music perception, studies of production in animals such as songbirds and humpback whales will play an important role. Finally, I suggest that the distinction between culture and biology made by many in the field creates a false dichotomy: like birdsong learning, human musical ability is better treated as an “instinct to learn” with biological and cultural aspects intimately intertwined.
Saccadic movements using eye-tracking technology in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: pilot study
Authors: Mercadante Marcos T. , Macedo Elizeu C. , Baptista Patrícia M. , Paula Cristiane S. , Schwartzman José S.
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVE: To verify differences in the visual scanning strategies between pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) and controls when they are observing social and non-social pictures. METHOD: PDD group (PDDG) comprised by 10 non-retarded subjects (age from 4 to 41) and age-matched control group (CG). Nine social pictures with human beings (including two pictures of cat mask), and 3 nonsocial pictures of objects were presented for 5 seconds. Saccadic movements and fixation were recorded with equipment EyeGaze® (LC Technologies Inc.). RESULTS: PDDG (mean=292.73, SE=67.62) presented longer duration of saccadic movements for social pictures compared to CG (mean=136.06, SE=14.01) (p=0.04). The CG showed a higher number of fixations in the picture 7 (a women using a cat mask, with the eyes erased) (CG: mean=3.40; PDDG: mean=1.80; p=0.007). CONCLUSION: The results suggest differences in strategies that PDD explore human picture. Moreover, these strategies seem not to be affected by the lack of expected part of the face (the eyes).
sICAM-1 in meningoencephalitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Authors: Dorta-Contreras Alberto Juan , Lewczuc Piotr , Noris-García Elena , Interián-Morales María Teresa , Magraner Tarrau María Esther , Padilla-Docal Bárbara , Escobar-Pérez Xiomara
Published: October 2006

INTRODUCTION: Angiostrongylus cantonensis meningoencephalitis is an emergent disease in the Americas. METHOD: Twelve children suffering from eosinophilic meningoencephalitis due to this parasite aged between 6-10 years were studied. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples were taken simultaneously in the first diagnostic puncture at admission. RESULTS: All cases showed typical findings on the routine CSF and serum analysis: increased CSF total protein, increased Q (CSF/serum) albumin accompanied by eosinophilia in CSF. No intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins was found. Mean serum and CSF sICAM-1 values were 337.4 and 3.97 ng/mL. Qalbumin and QsICAM-1 mean values were 4.1 and 6.2 respectively. In 50% of the patients an increased brain-derived fraction of sICAM-1 was found. CONCLUSION: It may be suggested that a dynamic of the sICAM-1 brain derived fraction is perhaps associated to the immune response in the evolution of the disease.sICAM-1 may be an agent in negative feedback for eosinophils passage through the blood-CSF barrier into the inflammatory brain response.
Meningoencefalocele transesfenoidal transpalatina
Authors: Monteiro Marcílio , Albuquerque Antônio Carlos de , Nobre Márcio Costa , Veloso Adriano Teixeira , Mendes Vandete Aguiar , Souza Filho Lucídio Duarte de , Silva Marcelo José da , Bicalho Geraldo Vítor Cardoso
Published: October 2006

A meningoencefalocele transesfenoidal é rara apresentação dos disrafismos do tubo neural. Caracteriza-se pela herniação do tecido neural através de uma falha óssea no osso esfenóide. A apresentação clínica é variável, podendo ser desde assintomática até obstrução das vias aéreas, rinorréia, meningite, disfunção hipotalâmica e anomalias ópticas. Seu tratamento cirúrgico é controverso. Descrevemos o caso de um menino de 7 anos que apresentava uma estrutura pulsátil preenchendo o teto da cavidade oral, disgenesia palatina e hipertelorismo. O diagnóstico de meningoencefalocele transesfenoidal transpalatina foi confirmado pela tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética. A criança foi operada com sucesso pela via transpalatal/transesfenoidal.
Impacted cisterna magna without syringomyelia associated with spastic paraparesis: case report
Authors: Gonçalves da Silva José Alberto , Costa Maria do Desterro Leiros da , Holanda Maurus Marques de Almeida , Melo Luiz Ricardo Santiago , Araújo Antônio Fernandes Almeida de , Viana André Pachelli Bezerra
Published: October 2006

We report on a 49 year old man with impacted cisterna magna without the presence of syringohydromyelie (SM). The clinical picture was characterized by spastic paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging depicted a cisterna magna filled by the cerebellar tonsils. Six months after osteodural-neural decompression of the posterior fossa there was resolution of neurological symptoms and signs with the exception of hyperactive patellar and Achilles reflexes.
Studying the evolution and the magnetic resonance findings of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy in children
Authors: Ferraz-Filho José Roberto , Rocha-Filho José Alves , Bichuette Tatiana Fantin , Albuquerque Regina Celia Ajeje P. de , Sanchez Rafael Angelo , Souza Antonio Soares
Published: October 2006

PURPOSE: To describe the evolution and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy (RLPS) in children. METHOD: Nine children with neurologic symptoms and sudden increase of the arterial pressure were studied by brain MRI. RESULTS: All children evaluated had lesions seen on FLAIR-weighted images of the parietal-occipital regions. Other regions were also involved. Four patients presented restriction on diffusion-weighted images and only two with reduction of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), whitch evolved with neurologic sequels and persistence of the lesions on the control examination. The other patients had complete regression of the lesions after therapy. CONCLUSION: MRI is important to suggest the diagnosis of RPLS in patients with arterial hypertension and unspecific neurologic symptoms. Moreover, the outcome is not favorable all the time and the association of D-WI with ADC can be an instrument capable of predicting irreversible lesions.
Marcação imuno-histoquímica da resposta macrofágica e astrocitária no tronco encefálico de ratos Wistar submetidos ao modelo gliotóxico do brometo de etídio e tratados com ciclofosfamida
Authors: Sanchez Melissa , Bondan Eduardo Fernandes , Lallo Maria Anete , Sinhorini Idércio Luiz , Dagli Maria Lúcia Zaidan , Maiorka Paulo Cesar , Pereira Luis Antonio Violin Dias , Graça Dominguita Lühers
Published: October 2006

O gliotóxico brometo de etídio (BE) foi utilizado para o estudo da resposta macrofágica e astrocitária sob imunossupressão com ciclofosfamida (CY). Investigou-se a imunorreatividade astrocitária à proteína glial fibrilar ácida (GFAP) e à vimentina (VIM), e a imunorreatividade macrofágica ao ED1 após injeção do BE. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar adultos injetados na cisterna basal com salina a 0,9% (grupo I), BE a 0,1% (grupo II) e BE a 0,1%, imunossuprimidos com CY (grupo III). Fragmentos do tronco encefálico foram colhidos do 1º ao 21º dia pós-injeção para estudo imuno-histoquímico da GFAP, VIM e ED1. Nos grupos II e III, observou-se imunorreatividade aumentada para GFAP e re-expressão de VIM. No grupo II, células ED1-positivas foram observadas a partir do 2º dia e no grupo III, a partir do 3º dia. Aos 14 dias pós-injeção, havia mais células ED1-positivas no grupo III. A CY aparentemente não alterou a resposta astrocitária.
Manifestação clínica familiar em pacientes com defeito neuromesoectodérmico
Authors: Santos Maria Lúcia Leal dos , Dinato Sandra Lopes Mattos e , Moraes Juliana Messias , Nakanishi Carla Patrícia , Dinato Marcelo Mattos e
Published: October 2006

Relatamos a associação de dois casos distintos de neuromesoectodermose ocorridos em uma mesma família, um manifestado através da neurofibromatose tipo 1 e outro através da esclerose tuberosa. O encontro de dois distúrbios entre primos de primeiro grau, ocasionados por diferentes mutações genéticas e transmitidos por herança autossômica dominante, sugere uma possível correlação entre eles. Também são descritas as manifestações clínicas, suas conseqüências e os critérios diagnósticos das duas doenças, visando ressaltar a importância do diagnóstico precoce.
Transtornos psiquiátricos em pacientes diabéticos tipo 2 em distrito docente assistencial de Rio Branco - Acre
Authors: Clavijo Milagros , Carvalho José Joaquim , Rios Márcio , Oliveira Irismar Reis de
Published: October 2006

INTRODUÇÃO: Estudos têm estabelecido maior prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos em diabéticos. OBJETIVO: Descrever as características sócio-demográficas e comparar a freqüência daqueles na população diabética e nos indivíduos não-diabéticos. MÉTODO: Estudo de corte transversal, com grupo de comparação. Oitenta e quatro pacientes diabéticos foram comparados a igual número de pacientes não-diabéticos agrupados quanto ao gênero, idade e residência. Aplicou-se questionário-padrão e a avaliação psiquiátrica foi realizada através do Mini Internacional Neuropsychiatric Interview. RESULTADOS: Transtorno de ansiedade generalizada foi freqüente tanto entre os diabéticos (73,8%) quanto os não-diabeticos (65,5%). Transtornos fóbico-ansiosos representaram 42,8% entre os diabéticos e 31,5% nos não-diabéticos. Transtornos do humor foram de 53,5% no grupo de diabéticos e 29,1% entre os não-diabéticos. Somente as categorias risco de suicídio (p=0,03) e episódio hipomaníaco passado (p=0,006) foram as que tiveram significância estatística para os diabéticos. CONCLUSÃO: Os transtornos de ansiedade e de humor foram os mais encontrados, predominando entre os diabéticos.
Doppler transcraniano convencional em voluntários assintomáticos: variabilidade e valores de referência para parâmetros de fluxo sanguíneo
Authors: Barbosa Maurício Fregonesi , Abdala Nitamar , Carrete Jr. Henrique , Nogueira Roberto Gomes , Nalli Darcio Roberto , Fonseca José Roberto Falco , Szejnfeld Jacob
Published: October 2006

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer valores de referência para medidas de velocidade sanguínea e índices de impedância em indivíduos saudáveis por meio do Doppler transcraniano convencional (DTC) e observar suas variações em relação à idade e sexo. MÉTODO: Foram examinados 88 voluntários assintomáticos, sem antecedentes de doença cerebrovascular, cardíaca ou vascular periférica. Os exames de DTC foram realizados pelo mesmo examinador, sendo as artérias cerebrais médias, anteriores e posteriores estudadas por meio da janela temporal e as artérias vertebrais e basilar por meio da janela suboccipital. Foram arquivados os valores de velocidade média (VM), velocidade de pico sistólico (VPS), velocidade diastólica final (VDF) e índices de resistência (IR) e pulsatilidade (IP) de cada segmento arterial examinado. RESULTADOS: Os limites de referência encontrados por nós foram semelhantes aos descritos por outros autores para todos os parâmetros estudados. Houve tendência das velocidades de fluxo diminuírem e dos índices de impedância aumentarem com o avançar da idade. Os valores de velocidade nas mulheres foram superiores aos encontrados em homens. CONCLUSÃO: O DTC se mostrou útil na avaliação hemodinâmica cerebral de nossa população. Os nossos resultados são semelhantes aos de outros estudos, tanto nos valores de referência quanto na sua relação com a idade e o sexo.
Cerebral microbleeds and intravenous thrombolysis: case report
Authors: Conforto Adriana Bastos , Lucato Leandro Tavares , Leite Claudia da Costa , Evaristo Eli Faria , Yamamoto Fábio Iuji , Scaff Milberto
Published: October 2006

Intravenous thrombolysis is an important procedure that has significant impact on ischemic stroke prognosis. However, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a feared complication of this procedure. It has been suggested that cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) may increase the risk of ICH after thrombolysis. We report on a 69 years-old woman with multiple CMBs submitted to intravenous thrombolysis without complications.
Hypersomnia in Whipple disease: case report
Authors: Maia Luís F. , Marta Mónica , Lopes Vitor , Rocha Nelson , Lopes Carlos , Martins-da-Silva Antônio , Monteiro Luís
Published: October 2006

Whipple disease (WD) is a rare systemic infection caused by Tropheryma whippelii. Neurological involvement has been recognised in 40% of patients, either as initial manifestations or during the course of the disease. We report on a 45 years-old man with WD with initial, persistent and irresistible episodes of daytime somnolence. The patient was HLA-DQB1*0602 positive (genetic marker for narcolepsy). WD diagnosis was suspected on clinical and MRI basis and confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical study of duodenal biopsy. Forty months later all clinical features improved, narcoleptic-like episodes disappeared and cerebral MRI and CSF normalised. Longitudinal neurophysiological studies revealed persistent sleep pattern abnormalities with sleep fragmentation, paucity of slow wave and of REM sleep. The disruption of the hypocretin circuitry in the hypothalamic - diencephalic region triggered by the infection was the probable cause of the hypersomnia and narcopleptic symptoms. WD should be added to the list of causes of secondary hypersomnia.
Aneurisma gigante do segmento intracavernoso da carótida interna associado a doença renal policística autossômica dominante: relato de caso
Authors: Ponte Keven F. , Mont'Alverne Francisco J.A. , Ribeiro Espártaco M.L. , Pinto Paulo V.B. , Cristino Filho Gerardo , Martins Neto João , Salles Junior Luiz D.
Published: October 2006

Apresenta-se o caso de mulher de 60 anos com doença renal policística autossômica dominante (DRPAD) que desenvolveu quadro de cefaléia e oftalmoplegia completa à direita. A TC levantou a hipótese de um aneurisma gigante do segmento intracavernoso da carótida interna direita, o que foi confirmado pela arteriografia. Realizou-se, então, tratamento endovascular por oclusão do vaso parental com molas destacáveis no segmento supraclinóideo. A paciente evoluiu com a interrupção da cefaléia e com redução parcial da ptose e da oftalmoplegia. Neste artigo, enfatiza-se a relação entre DRPAD e aneurismas intracranianos. Comenta-se a história natural dos aneurismas originados no segmento intracavernoso da artéria carótida interna e comparam-se as opções terapêuticas no manejo destas lesões.
Desempenho de cultivares de alface sob cultivo protegido
Authors: Trani Paulo Espíndola , Novo Maria do Carmo de Salvo Soares , Cavallaro Júnior Mário Luiz , Gonçalves Charleston , Maggio Marcos Aurélio , Giusto Andressa Barbosa , Vailati Marcela Leite
Published: October 2006

O desempenho de três cultivares de alface (Lactuca sativa L.), sob cultivo protegido, foi avaliado de julho a outubro de 2004, no Instituto Agronômico, em Campinas (SP). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro repetições, sendo avaliadas as cultivares Bariri (tipo alongada), Mariane (tipo crespa) e Verdinha (tipo lisa). Avaliou-se aos 7, 14, 21 e 28 dias, a altura média das plantas e o número de folhas. Também aos 28 dias foram avaliadas a área foliar, o diâmetro, a biomassa fresca e a biomassa seca da cabeça. Houve aumento linear na altura média e no número de folhas das plantas em função do tempo. Aos 28 dias observou-se que a cultivar Bariri, sem diferir da Mariane foi superior à Verdinha quanto à altura média das plantas.Verificou-se ainda que a cultivar Bariri foi superior às outras duas para número de folhas e área foliar; na `Verdinha' observou-se maior diâmetro de cabeça e maior biomassa fresca de cabeça sem diferir de `Mariane' para essa última característica.
A mucosa oral na hanseníase: um estudo clínico e histopatológico
Authors: Abreu Marilda Aparecida Milanez Morgado de , Michalany Nilceo Schwery , Weckx Luc Louis Maurice , Neto Pimentel Dalva Regina , Hirata Cleonice Hitomi Watashi , Alchorne Maurício Mota de Avelar
Published: October 2006

INTRODUÇÃO: a anseníase multibacilar pode causar comprometimento da mucosa oral, com ou sem lesões aparentes. Há poucos estudos que tratam deste assunto na era da multidrogaterapia. OBJETIVO: Verificar a freqüência do comprometimento da mucosa oral em pacientes de hanseníase multibacilar. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal em vinte pacientes de hanseníase multibacilar, não-tratados, atendidos consecutivamente em Dracena, São Paulo, entre o período de 2000 e 2002. Foi realizado exame clínico completo da mucosa oral. Os pacientes foram submetidos a biópsias na mucosa jugal, na língua e no palato mole, em alteração ou em pontos pré-estabelecidos. Os cortes foram corados pelas técnicas da hematoxilina-eosina e Ziehl-Neelsen. O encontro de granuloma e bacilos álcool-ácido-resistentes ao exame histopatológico determinou o comprometimento específico. RESULTADOS: O estudo envolveu 19 pacientes multibacilares com tempo médio de evolução de 2,5 anos. Ocorreu comprometimento histopatológico específico em apenas um paciente virchowiano, com mucosa oral clinicamente normal, na língua e no palato mole. CONCLUSÕES: 1. Alteração clínica na mucosa oral não implica em comprometimento pela doença, é necessário confirmação histopatológica. 2. Alterações clínicas específicas aparentes são raras. 3. A mucosa oral clinicamente normal pode exibir comprometimento histopatológico específico.