bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving hepatic and portal venous flows using tissue expander and Foley catheter in liver transplantation
Authors: Wang Chih‐Chi , Concejero Allan M , Yong Chee‐Chien , Chen Yaw‐Sen , Wang Shih‐Ho , Lin Chih‐Che , Liu Yueh‐Wei , Yang Chin‐Hsiang , Lin Tsan‐Shiun , Hung Kuo‐Chen , Jawan Bruno , Cheng Yu‐Fan , Ibrahim Salleh , Chen Chao‐Long
Published: August 2005

Abstract: Background and objective: Vascular reconstruction is important in liver transplantation because its obstruction causes graft failure and eventual loss. Vascular outflow obstruction may be due to graft malposition. We describe our experience with liver allograft repositioning using tissue expander and Foley catheter to improve hepatic and portal venous outflows.

Patients and methods: A total of seven patients who received liver transplantation at our institution developed hepatic and/or portal venous obstruction during final graft positioning detected by Doppler ultrasonography (hepatic vein flow <10 cm/s; portal vein flow <12 cm/s). Chart and operative records of these patients were reviewed. Technique of operation, donor–recipient characteristics, use of tissue expander or Foley catheter to improve venous outflow, complications, and outcome were analyzed.

Results: Hepatic and/or portal venous obstruction were detected after portal reperfusion. We used commercially available tissue expander used in plastic surgery and Foley catheter to reposition the graft. Tissue expanders were used in three recipients (age: 27–46 yr). Foley catheters were used in four recipients (age: 7 months–53 yr). One recipient used both tissue expander and Foley catheter. Expanders were filled with 300–770 mL saline and placed into the right subphrenic space. Foley catheters were filled with 15–75 mL saline. Significant improvements in hepatic and/or portal venous outflow were detected by Doppler ultrasonography post‐graft repositioning. Aspiration of expander and Foley catheter contents was started from 6th to 27th postoperative day under sonographic guidance. All expanders and catheters were removed by the 19th–56th postoperative day (mean: 38 d). Complications included chylous ascites (1/7), bile leak (1/7), tube drain infection (2/7), septicemia (2/7). All complications were successfully managed by non‐operative interventions. There was no outflow obstruction detected by ultrasonography before and after removal of expanders and catheters. One‐ and two‐year graft and patient survivals were both 100%.

Conclusion: The use of tissue expanders and Foley catheters to improve hepatic and portal venous outflow in malposed liver allografts is a simple and safe method after liver transplantation.
EMERGING FUNCTIONS OF 10 TYPES OF TRP CATIONIC CHANNEL IN VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE
Authors: Beech David J
Published: August 2005

1. The influx of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+ and the efflux of K+ have central importance for the function and survival of vascular smooth muscle cells, but progress in understanding the influx/efflux pathways has been restricted by a lack of identification of the genes underlying many of the non‐voltage‐gated cationic channels.

2. The present review highlights evidence suggesting the genes are mammalian homologues of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) gene of the fruit‐fly Drosophila. The weight of evidence supports roles for TRPC1, TRPP2/1 and TRPC6, but recent studies point also to TRPC3, TRPC4/5, TRPV2, TRPM4 and TRPM7.

3. Activity of these TRP channels is suggested to modulate contraction and sense changes in intracellular Ca2+ storage, G‐protein‐coupled receptor activation and osmotic stress. Roles in relation to myogenic tone, actions of vasoconstrictors substances, Mg2+ homeostasis and the vascular injury response are suggested.

4. Knowledge that TRP channels are relevant to vascular smooth muscle cells in both their contractile and proliferative phenotypes should pave the way for a better understanding of vascular biology and provide the basis for the discovery of a new set of therapeutic agents targeted to vascular disease.
The epidemiology of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Greek adults: the ATTICA study
Authors: Panagiotakos D. B. , Pitsavos C. , Chrysohoou C. , Stefanadis C.
Published: August 2005

Aims  Individuals with Type 2 diabetes are at high risk for coronary heart disease, and may benefit from aggressive lifestyle modification. We evaluated the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, in a Greek adult population, in relation to physical activity and dietary habits.

Methods  From May 2001 to December 2002, we randomly enrolled 1514 men and 1528 women, with no evidence of cardiovascular or any other chronic disease. The sampling was stratified by the age and gender distribution of the general population in the greater area of Athens (census 2001). Diabetes was defined according to the established American Diabetes Association criteria. Dietary habits were assessed through a validated food frequency questionnaire and a diet score was developed, in which higher values suggest greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Weekly energy expenditure was assessed by considering frequency, duration and intensity of sports‐related physical activity during a usual week.

Results  After age adjustment for the Greek adult population (2001 census), the projected prevalence of Type 2 diabetes was 7.6% in men and 5.9% in women. A significant proportion of diabetic subjects (24% of men and 30% of women) were unaware of their condition. Moreover, a 10‐unit increase in the diet score was associated with 21% lower odds of diabetes (P < 0.05), while individuals taking light physical activity were at 35% lower odds ratio of diabetes compared with sedentary individuals (P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Diabetes mellitus is common in our population, with approximately 1 in 5 individuals with Type 2 diabetes being unaware of their condition. The lifestyle approach described here may contribute significantly to the reduction in the prevalence of diabetes, at a population level.
Moral Behaviour in Organizations: The Contribution of Management Education and Development
Authors: Maclagan Patrick
Published: August 2005

SUMMARY The concurrent growth of interest in management competencies and management development and in business ethics, exposes a need to bring these two fields together. The moral dimension to organizational behaviour should be considered when management education and development programmes are being designed. Those concerned with ethics in business and management should look beyond approaches based on codes of conduct and traditional educational methods. In this paper the idea of management competence is conceptualized broadly, with insight drawn from sources in education and social psychology. It is argued that ideas derived from Kohlberg's work on moral development can provide the basis for management development programmes in which theoretical understanding of ethical theory and moral issues is augmented by commitment to personal principles, a well integrated sense of personal identity, and relevant interpersonal skills, acquired through experiential learning.
Action Learning ‐ A Paradigm in Emergence: the Problems Facing a Challenge to Traditional Management Education and Development
Authors: McLaughlin Hugh , Thorpe Richard
Published: August 2005

This paper examines the proposition that action learning is a new paradigm in management education. Action learning is becoming widely accepted methodology for the development of managers and managerial competence. This is in both public and private sector organizations and within the context of certificated and organisationally based programmes. The paper seeks to use Kuhn's work on the nature of paradigms and change as a way of explaining the increase of interest in his approach. Importantly, although this approach promises to answer some of the problems of traditional management education, it is not without its own critics. Kuhn's criteria for a paradigm change are explained with reference to action learning literature and knowledge of practice. From this a framework is developed that compares a traditional approach to management education with an action learning approach on three levels. Our conclusion is that action learning is a new paradigm, but for the maximum benefit to be gained from the approach its application needs to be more carefully considered, particularly in relation to the provision of some wider external frameworks for the manager to use as‘tools for thinking’
Managerial Self‐efficacy and Managerial Performance
Authors: Robertson Ivan T. , Sadri Golnaz
Published: August 2005

Some of the main features of Bandura's self‐efficacy concept are presented. The importance of the concept to the work organization and to individual performance is discussed. A field study is described. The first part of the study involved the development of parallel versions of a scale to assess managerial self‐efficacy. Data concerning the psychometric properties of the parallel version of the scale show that they are reliable and independent of social desirability. The second part of the study provided evidence of the relationships between scores on the managerial self‐efficacy scale and supervisors’ ratings of managers’ performance. The results indicate that managerial self‐efficacy correlates with work performance ratings.
Treatment options – development of consensus guidelines
Authors: Lecha M , Effendy I , Feuilhade de Chauvin M , Di Chiacchio N , Baran R
Published: August 2005

Background  There are currently three main treatment strategies for onychomycosis: topical, oral and combination. Amorolfine nail lacquer appears to be the most effective form of topical monotherapy. However, the best mycological and clinical cure rates are obtained with combination therapy. Combination therapy increases antifungal spectrum, fungicidal activity and safety. New antifungals (triazoles and echinocandins) were recently developed, enabling new protocols.

Objectives  To review available therapies. To design an algorithm for the management of onychomycoses in daily practice.

Results  Therapeutic choice should be based on numerous factors including patient's age and health, aetiology, extent of involvement and clinical form.

The consensus was that topical monotherapy is recommended when < 50% of the nail is affected without matrix area involvement. Oral monotherapy or combination therapy is indicated when > 50% of the nail, including the matrix area, is involved. Topical treatments should not be used alone when topical drug transport is suboptimal (i.e. when dermatophytoma, onycholysis or spikes are present). Chemical or mechanical removal should also be considered whenever applicable (interruption of drug transport).

Conclusion  In conclusion, treatment decision‐making tools (e.g. an illustrated booklet or CD‐ROM presenting each type of onychomycosis and criteria to be considered before selecting treatment regimen) would be valuable supports for the successful treatment of onychomycoses.
Clinical trial design – towards better practices
Authors: Correia O , Faergemann J , Nowicki R , Ro B‐I
Published: August 2005

Objectives  To review methodological approaches used in recent publications in onychomycosis clinical research. To identify key methodological criteria to ensure conclusive and reliable clinical results.

Methods  A Medline search for recent articles on onychomycosis treatment revealed considerable variation in inclusion criteria, definitions and methodology, rendering comparisons difficult.

Results  Careful diagnosis at trial entry is critical and predisposing factors affecting overall results are rarely considered at enrolment. Clear definitions are required, notably for the terms mycological, clinical and total cure.

A consensus was reached that only studies that are evidence‐based, controlled and double‐blind with less than 10–15% of patients lost to follow‐up should be accepted.

Results should be interpreted with caution if a given treatment is found to be less effective than previously reported, even if the results are published in a recognized journal.

It was agreed that an explanatory/pilot study should be done initially to determine whether there is a reason to believe that a new therapy is effective. If promising results are obtained, a double‐blind, randomized study comparing the new therapy with either an existing therapy (preferably) or a placebo may be initiated.

Conclusions  Sample size, and inclusion and exclusion criteria should be clearly determined. Efficacy criteria should include mycological, clinical and total cure rates. Finally, studies of toenail and fingernail onychomycosis must last at least 18 and 9 months, respectively.
Antenatal screening for the prediction of postnatal depression: validation of a psychosocial Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire
Authors: Austin M.‐P. , Hadzi‐Pavlovic D. , Saint K. , Parker G.
Published: August 2005

Objective:  To assess the predictive value of an antenatal index of risk for postnatal depression (PND).

Method:  Participants returned the Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire (PRQ; 18 antenatal items) and the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) at a mean of 32 weeks gestation; the EDS was then mailed out at 2 and 4 months postpartum to ascertain those women who were screened positive (score >12), i.e. probable cases of depression. Only those returning the EDS at 2 and/or 4  months were included in the study (n = 1296). Women who screened positive (n = 322; 24.8%) were contacted and of these, 245 completed the Auto‐Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and form the basis of our primary analyses.

Results:  A CIDI diagnosis of major depression was found in 5.3% women at either 2 or 4 months. In this population, the optimal PRQ cut‐off was ≥46 at which point sensitivity was 44% and specificity 92%. At this cut‐off 9.9% tested positive (for risk of PND) on the PRQ with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 23.5%. Of 1079 women who scored below 46 on the PRQ, 3.2% were cases of CIDI depression while of those 119 scoring 46 or above, 23.5% were CIDI cases at 2 or 4 months postpartum, yielding an odds ratio of 9.18.

Conclusion:  Using a cut‐off of ≥46, the PRQ is better than previously reported tools in the antenatal prediction of PND with respect to sensitivity and specificity, while like other studies PPV remains limited. The PRQ allows identification of high and low risk groups and thus has applicability in both the research and clinical settings.
Cortisol level predicts executive and memory function in depression, symptom level predicts psychomotor speed
Authors: Egeland J. , Lund A. , Landrø N. I. , Rund B. R. , Sundet K. , Asbjørnsen A. , Mjellem N. , Roness A. , Stordal K. I.
Published: August 2005

Objective:  On a group level depression is related to hypercortisolism and to psychomotor retardation, executive dysfunction and memory impairment. However, intra‐group heterogeneity is substantial. Why some are impaired while others remain in the normal range, is not clear. The present study aims at discerning the relative contribution of present symptom severity and hypercortisolism to impairment in the three domains of cognition.

Method:  Morning saliva cortisol was measured in 26 subjects with recurrent major depression prior to a neuropsychological examination with tests known to be sensitive to cognitive impairment in depression.

Results:  Cortisol level correlated with executive dysfunction and post‐encoding memory deficits, but not with processing speed. Depression level correlated with processing speed. These patterns remained significant after controlling for confounders through partial correlations.

Conclusion:  The association between cortisol and cognition is not an artifact of psychiatric symptom load. High level of saliva cortisol is associated with aspects of cognition that can be dissociated from psychomotor retardation, which is dependent on symptom load.
The Response of Playa and Sabkha Hydraulics and Mineralogy to Climate Forcing
Authors: Tyler Scott W. , Muñoz José F. , Wood Warren W.
Published: August 2005

Dry playa lakes and sabkhat often represent the terminus of large ground water flow systems and act as integrators of both upgradient (recharge) and downgradient discharge (evaporation). Ground water levels beneath playa/sabkha systems show a variety of surprising responses driven by large evaporation demands and chemical processes not typically encountered in more humid regions. When the water table is very close to the land surface, almost instantaneous rises can be observed with little observed change in either upgradient ground water recharge or potential evaporation. Conversely, when water tables are several meters below the playa surface, water table responses to interannual variability of recharge can be damped and lag significantly behind such changes. This review of the dynamics of shallow water tables in playa lakes and sabkhat discusses the pertinent hydraulic and solute processes and extracts a simple but comprehensive model based on soil physics for predicting the water table response to either upstream recharge changes or changes in potential evaporation at the playa/sabkha. Solutes and associated authigenic minerals are also shown to be important in discriminating both the causes and effects of water level fluctuations.
Using Direct‐Push Tools to Map Hydrostratigraphy and Predict MTBE Plume Diving
Authors: Wilson John T. , Ross Randall R. , Acree Steven
Published: August 2005

At a number of sites, a plume of methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) in ground water has dived below the screen of conventional monitoring wells and escaped detection. Techniques are needed to predict the vertical extent of MTBE in an aquifer. Two techniques that are emerging in the site characterization market are electrical conductivity logging and pneumatic slug testing performed in temporary push wells. These techniques were evaluated at a diving plume of MTBE in the aquifer that supplies water to the village of East Alton, Illinois. The plume stayed near the water table for the first 100 m from the potential sources and then dived below conventional monitoring over the next 100 m. At the location where the MTBE plume dived, the depth to water was 9.1 m below land surface. The first 10 m of material below the water table had an electrical conductivity near 100 mS/m, indicating silts and clays. An electrical conductivity near 25 mS/m, indicating sands or gravels, was encountered at a depth of 10.6 m below the water table, and the sands and gravel extended to a depth of at least 15.2 m below the water table. Pneumatic slug tests measured low hydraulic conductivity in the interval of silt and clay (0.34 and 0.012 m/d) and higher hydraulic conductivity in the interval with sands and gravels (12.5, 11.6, and 11.3 m/d). Ground water with the highest concentration of MTBE was produced just below the contact between the silt and clay and the sands and gravel.
Incubation effort in relation to male attractiveness in zebra finchesTaeniopygia guttata
Authors: E. Gorman Helen , E. Arnold Kathryn , G. Nager Ruedi
Published: August 2005

The division of labour in parental care between the two sexes varies between and within species. In birds, parents have been shown to invest more into egg production and nestling care when paired with an attractive rather than an unattractive mate, as predicted by the differential allocation hypothesis. Here we investigate variation in the female's and male's share of incubation behaviour, a vital, and costly, period of parental care during which the embryo is vulnerable to perturbations in developmental conditions. We manipulated the attractiveness of male zebra finchesTaeniopygia guttata, using red or green leg‐rings. To simulate their natural social environment we allowed them to breed in outdoor aviaries. All males within an aviary were given the same coloured ring to avoid ring‐colour related assortative mating. Males within a colony, however, were still expected to show some variation in attractiveness with the earliest laying females possibly pairing with the most attractive males. Indeed we found that both factors played a role in explaining female incubation effort. Among females mated to red ringed males, earlier laying females contributed significantly more to incubation than late laying females, but no such pattern was found in females mated to green ringed males. Overall, there were no differences in the level of incubation provided by both parents between treatment groups, suggesting some compensation within the pair. Hatching success was correlated with a pair's total incubation effort. These results suggest that variation in the division of parental care between the sexes is in agreement with both increased effort of females mated with attractive males, and females compensating for the reduced effort of attractive males seeking further mating opportunities. These two factors can act at the same time in natural populations and both should be considered when explaining variation in division of labour between the sexes.
Phylogenetic analysis of mutualistic filamentous bacteria associated with fungus-growing ants
Authors: Cafaro Matías J , Currie Cameron R
Published: August 2005

The attine ant–microbe system is a quadripartite symbiosis, involving a complex set of mutualistic and parasitic associations. The symbiosis includes the fungus-growing ants (tribe Attini), the basidiomycetous fungi the ants cultivate for food, specialized microfungal parasites (in the genus Escovopsis) of the cultivar, and ant-associated mu tualistic filamentous bacteria that secrete antibiotics specifically targeted to suppress the growth of Escovopsis. In this study, we conduct the first phylogenetic analysis of the filamentous mutualistic bacteria (actinomycetes) associated with fungus-growing ants. The filamentous bacteria present on 3 genera of fungus-growing ants (Acromyrmex, Trachy myrmex, and Apterostigma) were isolated from 126 colonies. The isolated actinomycetes were grouped into 3 distinct morphological types. Each morphological type was specific to the ant genus from which it was isolated, suggesting some degree of host specificity. The phylogenetic position of the 3 morphotypes was estimated using 16S rDNA for representative strains. The 8 isolates of actinomycetes sequenced are in the family Pseudonocardiaceae (Actino mycetales) and belong to the genus Pseudonocardia. Transmission electron microscopy examination of the actino mycete associated with the cuticle of Acromyrmex sp. revealed bacterial cells with an outer electron-dense membrane, consistent with actinomycetes in the genus Pseudonocardia. Ant-associated Pseudonocardia isolates did not form a monophyletic group, suggesting multiple acquisitions of actinomycetes by fungus-growing ants over their evolutionary history.Key words: actinomycetes, Pseudonocardia, phylogeny, mutualism, attine ants.
Occurrence of antibiotic resistance inEscherichia colifrom surface waters and fecal pollution sources near Hamilton, Ontario
Authors: Edge Thomas A , Hill Stephen
Published: August 2005

Antibiotic resistance was examined in 462 Escherichia coli isolates from surface waters and fecal pollution sources around Hamilton, Ontario. Escherichia coli were resistant to the highest concentrations of each of the 14 antibiotics studied, although the prevalence of high resistance was mostly low. Two of 12 E. coli isolates from sewage in a CSO tank had multiple resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and tetracycline above their clinical breakpoints. Antibiotic resistance was less prevalent in E. coli from bird feces than from municipal wastewater sources. A discriminant function calculated from antibiotic resistance data provided an average rate of correct classification of 68% for discriminating E. coli from bird and wastewater fecal pollution sources. The preliminary microbial source tracking results suggest that, at times, bird feces might be a more prominent contributor of E. coli to Bayfront Park beach waters than municipal wastewater sources.Key words: antibiotic resistance, Escherichia coli, surface water, fecal pollution.
Search for Long-Lived Parents of the Z0 Boson
Authors:   Representing the CDF Collaboration., Scott Adam L.
Published: August 2005

We present the results of a search for new particles with long lifetime that decay to a Z0 boson. A long-lived parent of the Z0 is predicted by several models in addition to being an experimentally clean channel. We vertex dimuons with invariant mass near the Z0 peak and study the decay length distribution. No evidence of a long-lived component is found, and cross-section limits are presented on a fourth generation quark model.
A SEARCH FOR HIGGS DECAYS TO WW* AT DØ
Authors:   for the DØ Collaboration., JENKINS AMBER
Published: August 2005

A search for the Higgs boson in the channels [Formula: see text] at DØ is described. The data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of up to 177 pb-1, are compared to theoretical predictions. No excess of events above the expected background is observed in any of the leptonic final states. Limits on the production cross-section times branching ratio, σ × BR(H → WW*), are therefore set at the 95% Confidence Level.
A SEARCH FOR NEUTRAL HIGGS BOSONS AT HIGH tan β WITH THE DØ DETECTOR
Authors:   for the DØ Collaboration., NAUMANN N. AXEL
Published: August 2005

Many models of Electro-Weak symmetry breaking predict two Higgs doublets, and thus five Higgs bosons, three of which are neutral (h, H, A). The Minimal Supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model (MSSM) predicts the coupling of the bottom quark to the CP-odd scalar A to vary as tan β. The sum of the production of the CP-even scalars, h and H, is also proportional to tan 2 β. After searching for neutral Higgs bosons in multi-jet events containing three or more bottom-quark jets collected at the Tevatron by the DØ detector during Run II, we can exclude tan β > 80 – 120 for 90 GeV < mA < 150 GeV.
A NEW SEARCH FOR A NEUTRON ELECTRIC DIPOLE MOMENT
Authors:   For the EDM Collaboration., PLASTER B.
Published: August 2005

The possible existence of a non-zero neutron electric dipole moment directly impacts our understanding of the nature of the electroweak and strong interactions. Experimental efforts over the past fifty years have increased the sensitivity to this very small quantity by eight orders of magnitude. An overview of a proposed experiment with the goal of a further two orders of magnitude increase in sensitivity to the level of 10-28 e- cm is presented. Progress towards the solution of various technical challenges associated with the experiment is discussed, and a timeline for the experiment is outlined.
Measurement of the Electric Dipole Moment and Magnetic Moment Anomaly of the Muon
Authors: Onderwater C. J. G.
Published: August 2005

The experimental precision of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon has been improved to 0.5 part-per-million by the Brookhaven E821 experiment, similar to the theoretical uncertainty. In the same experiment, a new limit on the electric dipole moment of 2.8 × 10-19 e·cm (95% CL) was set. The experiment and plans to improve them are described.
PRECISION MEASUREMENTS OF PARITY VIOLATION AND THE WEAK MIXING ANGLE IN MØLLER SCATTERING
Authors:   Speaker for the the SLAC El58 Collaboration., EMAM WALED S.
Published: August 2005

We report an observation of a parity-violating asymmetry in fixed target electron-electron (Møller) scattering at a four-momentum transfer Q2 = 0.03 ( GeV/c )2. This is a most precise measurement of parity nonconservation to date, and leads to a determination of the electron's weak charge and of the value of the effective weak mixing angle [Formula: see text], which is consistent with the Standard Model expectation at the current level of precision. The comparison between the measurements of the weak mixing angle at Q2 = 0.03 ( GeV/c )2 and at the Z0 pole establishes the running of sin 2θW with 6.5σ significance.
LINEAR COLLIDER DETECTOR SIMULATION OVERVIEW
Authors: GRAF NORMAN A.
Published: August 2005

We describe the ILC detector simulation environment, which features a flexible GEANT4-based detector response program and a Java toolkit for full event reconstruction and analysis. The toolkit is currently being used for detector design and physics analysis for a future e+e- linear collider. The reconstruction components are fully modular and are available for tasks from digitization of tracking detector signals through to cluster finding, pattern recognition, fitting, jetfinding, and analysis.
I = 2S-wave pion scattering phase shift with two flavor full QCD
Authors:   for CP-PACS Collaboration., Yamazaki T.
Published: August 2005

We present a lattice calculation of the scattering phase shift for the I = 2 S -wave pion-pion system in the continuum limit with two-flavor dynamical effect. Calculations are made at three lattice spacings, using the finite volume method proposed by Lüscher in the center of mass system, and its extension to the laboratory system by Rummukainen and Gottlieb.
SEARCH FOR CP VIOLATION IN HYPERON DECAYS WITH THE HYPERCP SPECTROMETER AT FERMILAB
Authors:   On behalf of the HyperCP collaboration., Dukes E. Craig
Published: August 2005

We report on a new result from the Fermilab HyperCP experiment, which is searching for CP violation by comparing the proton and antiproton angular distributions in Ξ- → Λπ- → pπ-π- and [Formula: see text] decays. This result represents a greatly increased sensitivity over previous measurements.
Improved measurement of CP-violation in $B \to (c{\bar c})K^{(\ast)0}$ decays
Authors:   For the BABAR Collaboration., Lange David J.
Published: August 2005

We present results on time-dependent CP asymmetries in neutral B decays. The amplitude of the CP asymmetry, sin 2β in the Standard Model, is derived from decay-time distributions from events in which one neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in a final state containing a charmonium meson and the other B meson is determined to be either a B0or [Formula: see text] from its decay products. Using data collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC, we measure sin 2β = 0.722 ± 0.040( stat ) ± 0.023( syst ) and [Formula: see text], determining the sign of cos 2β to be positive at 86% CL.
MEASUREMENTS OF B- → D(*)0K(*)- DECAYS RELATED TO γ
Authors:   Representing the BABAR Collaboration., MANCINELLI GIAMPIERO
Published: August 2005

We present measurements of branching fractions and CP asymmetries of several B- → D(*)0K(*)- decays, with the D(*)0 decaying to CP-even, CP-odd, and flavor eigenstates, that can constrain the CP angle γ as well as the amplitude ratio rb = A(B → u)/A(B → c), using methods proposed by Gronau, London and Wyler or Atwood, Dunietz and Sony1. We use data collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric energy e+e- collider at SLAC.
NON-STATIONARY ROTATING BLACK HOLES: ENTROPY AND HAWKING'S RADIATION
Authors: IBOHAL NG. , DORENDRO L.
Published: August 2005

In this paper we derive a class of non-stationary rotating solutions including Vaidya–Bonnor–de Sitter, Vaidya–Bonnor-monopole and Vaidya–Bonnor–Kerr. The rotating Viadya–Bonnor–de Sitter solution describes an embedded black hole that the rotating Vaidya–Bonnor black hole is embedded into the rotating de Sitter cosmological universe. In the case of the Vaidya–Bonnor–Kerr, the rotating Vaidya–Bonnor solution is embedded into the vacuum Kerr solution, and similarly, Vaidya–Bonnor-monopole. By considering the charge to be function of u and r, we discuss the Hawking's evaporation of the masses of variable-charged non-embedded, non-rotating and rotating Vaidya–Bonnor, and embedded rotating, Vaidya–Bonnor–de Sitter, Vaidya–Bonnor-monopole and Vaidya–Bonnor–Kerr, black holes. It is found that every electrical radiation of variable-charged black holes will produce a change in the mass of the body without affecting the Maxwell scalar in non-embedded cases; whereas in embedded cases, the Maxwell scalar, the cosmological constant, monopole charge and the Kerr mass are not affected by the radiation process. It was also found that during the Hawking's radiation process, after the complete evaporation of masses of these variable-charged black holes, the electrical radiation will continue creating (i) negative mass naked singularities in non-embedded ones, and (ii) embedded negative mass naked singularities in embedded black holes. The surface gravity, entropy and angular velocity of the horizon are presented for each of these non-stationary black holes.
PURE QUANTUM FREEZING OF THE 5TH DIMENSION
Authors: DZHUNUSHALIEV VLADIMIR
Published: August 2005

It is shown that super-thin and super-long gravitational flux tube solutions in the 5D Kaluza–Klein gravity have the Planck scale regions (≈ l Pl ) where the metric signature changes from {+, -, -, -, -} to {-, -, -, -, +}. Such a change occurs too rapidly according to one of the paradigms of quantum gravity which holds that the Planck length is the minimal length in nature and consequently the physical quantities cannot change very quickly over this length scale. To avoid such a dynamic, it is hypothesized that a pure quantum freezing of the dynamics of the 5th dimension takes place. As a continuation of the flux tube metric in the longitudinal direction, the Reissner–Nordström metric is proposed. As a consequence of such a construction one can avoid the appearance of a point-like singularity in the extremal Reissner–Nordström solution.
Alterations in liver, muscle, and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity in men with HIV infection and dyslipidemia
Authors: Reeds D. N. , Yarasheski K. E. , Fontana L. , Cade W. T. , Laciny E. , DeMoss A. , Patterson B. W. , Powderly W. G. , Klein S.
Published: August 2005

Dyslipidemia is common in patients with HIV infection. In this study, a two-stage euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, with infusion of stable isotopically labeled tracers, was used to evaluate insulin action in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue in HIV-infected men with dyslipidemia (HIV-DL; plasma triglyceride >250 mg/dl and HDL <45mg/dl; n = 12), HIV-infected men without dyslipidemia (HIV w/o DL; n = 12), and healthy men ( n = 6). Basal rates of glucose production (glucose Ra), glucose disposal (glucose Rd), and lipolysis (palmitate Ra) were similar between groups. The relative suppression of glucose Ra(63 ± 4, 77 ± 2, and 78 ± 3%, P = 0.008) and palmitate Ra(49 ± 4, 63 ± 3, and 68 ± 3%, P = 0.005) during low-dose insulin infusion (plasma insulin ∼30 μU/ml), and the relative stimulation of glucose Rd(214 ± 21, 390 ± 25, and 393 ± 46%, P = 0.001) during high-dose insulin infusion (plasma insulin ∼75 μU/ml) were lower in HIV-DL than in HIV w/o DL and healthy volunteers, respectively. Suppression of basal glucose Racorrelated with plasma adiponectin ( r = 0.44, P = 0.02) and inversely with plasma IL-6 ( r = −0.49, P < 0.001). Stimulation of glucose Rdcorrelated directly with adiponectin ( r = 0.48, P < 0.01) and inversely with IL-6 ( r = −0.49, P = 0.02). We conclude that dyslipidemia in HIV-infected men is indicative of multiorgan insulin resistance, and circulating adipokines may be important in the pathogenesis of impaired insulin action.
Correlating structure with solute and water transport in a chronic model of peritoneal inflammation
Authors: Flessner Michael F. , Choi Jaehwa , Vanpelt Heather , He Zhi , Credit Kimberly , Henegar Jeffrey , Hughson Michael
Published: August 2005

To study the process of chronic peritoneal inflammation from sterile solutions, we established an animal model to link structural changes with solute and water transport. Filtered solutions containing 4% N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) or 4% glucose (G) were injected intraperitoneally daily in 200- to 300-g rats and compared with controls (C). After 2 mo, each animal underwent transport studies using a chamber affixed to the parietal peritoneum to determine small-solute and protein mass transfer, osmotic filtration, and hydraulic flow. After euthanasia, parietal tissues were sampled for histological analysis, which demonstrated significant differences in peritoneal thickness (μm; C, 42.6 ± 7.5; G, 80.4 ± 22.3; NAG, 450 ± 104; P < 0.05). Staining for VEGF correlated with CD-31 vessel counts (no./mm2: C, 53.1 ± 16.1; G, 166 ± 32; NAG, 183 ± 32; P < 0.05 ). Tissue analysis showed treatment effects on tissue hyaluronan (μg/g: C, 962 ± 73; G, 1,169 ± 69; NAG, 1,428 ± 69; P < 0.05) and collagen (μg/g: C, 56.9 ± 12.0; G, 107 ± 12; NAG, 97.6 ± 11.4; P < 0.05) but not sulfated glycosaminoglycan. Transport experiments revealed no significant differences in mannitol transfer or osmotic flow. Changes were seen in hydrostatic pressure-driven flux (μl·min−1·cm−2: C, 0.676 ± 0.133; G, 0.317 ± 0.124; NAG, 0.284 ± 0.117; P < 0.05) and albumin transfer (μl·min−1·cm−2: C, 0.331 ± 0.028; G, 0.286 ± 0.026; NAG, 0.229 ± 0.025; P < 0.04). We conclude that alteration of the interstitial matrix correlates with diminished hydraulic conductivity and macromolecular transport.
Attenuation and Delay of Diabetic Cataracts by Antioxidants: Effectiveness of Pyruvate after Onset of Cataract
Authors: Varma S.D. , Hegde K.R. , Kovtun S.
Published: August 2005

Cataract is one of the most significant vision-impairing complications of diabetes. The present study examined the feasibility of inhibiting cataract formation by treatment with pyruvate, a metabolite known to effectively scavenge reactive species of oxygen and inhibit protein glycation, both known to be involved in the genesis of diabetic cataracts. In addition, pyruvate stimulates tissue metabolism, which is depressed with the onset of cataract formation. The objective of our experiments was to determine if this compound could be effective in offsetting the progress of cataract, specifically if administered after the diabetes-induced lens changes have begun, as opposed to the previous reports wherein it has been reported to delay cataract formation if administered prophylactically with the immediate onset of diabetes. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin to mice. Lens transparency was assessed by slit lamp examination and its photography. ATP was determined enzymatically by reacting it with luciferin-luciferase mixture and measuring the fluorescence intensity. The findings described herein are in accordance with this possibility. The incidence of cataract in the group of diabetic animals, where treatment with pyruvate was initiated after the initial lens changes set in, was significantly lower at all times of observation in comparison to the untreated diabetic group. In addition, the severity of opacities in the pyruvate-treated group, when present, was much minor, the transparency of these cases being close to that in the control animals. The ophthalmic findings are supported biochemically by ATP levels, which were significantly higher in the pyruvate group in comparison to the untreated group. The present findings emphasize the clinical usefulness of initiating treatment with anti-oxidants and metabolic agonists even when the lens changes are detected at the time of the diabetes diagnosis. The latter usually comes much later than the onset of visual aberrations. Prophylaxis is not an absolute requirement.
Recurrence and Progression of T1G3 Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder Treated with Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin
Authors: Günlüsoy B. , Değirmenci T. , Arslan M. , Nergiz N. , Minareci S. , Ayder A.R.
Published: August 2005

Objective: To examine the incidence of recurrence and progression in patients with stage T1, grade-3 carcinoma of the bladder treated with endovesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) after complete transurethral resection. Material and Methods: From May 1995 to June 2002, 937 patients with superficial bladder cancer underwent transurethral resection. 46 patients (4.9%) had T1G3 tumors. All patients received endovesical BCG therapy 2–3 weeks after transurethral resection, given in 6 sessions as weekly instillations of 120 ml Pasteur strain BCG in 50 ml saline. Success was defined by normal cytology and cystoscopy, and normal bladder biopsies. Recurrent tumors were resected and a second or third cycle of therapy was given according to pathological status. Progressive tumors were managed by radical cystectomy, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy depending on the nature of the tumor or clinical status of the patient. Results: During follow-up 60.7% of the patients (28 of 46) remained tumor free after only 1 BCG cycle and 73.9% (34 of 46) after the third BCG cycle, and the bladder was preserved in all. Muscle-invasive progression was noted in 10 (21.7%) patients at the end of the BCG cycles. Radical cystectomy was done in 10 patients. The tumor-free survival rate of all patients including those who underwent cystectomy is 84.8% (39 of 46) with a median follow-up of 61 (range 39–118) months. Conclusion: Adjuvant immunotherapy with BCG after complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumor represents a highly effective treatment for bladder preservation in stage pT1, grade-3 carcinoma of the bladder. pT1G3 tumors with early high-grade recurrence after failed immunotherapy should be regarded as candidates for early radical cystectomy.
Severe Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Abdul-Halim Hamdy , Kehinde Elijah O. , Abdeen Suad , Lashin Ibrahim , Al-Hunayan Adel A. , Al-Awadi Khaleel A.
Published: August 2005

Purpose: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a rare, severe gas-forming infection of renal parenchyma and surrounding tissues seen mostly in diabetic patients. Diagnosis and adequate therapeutic regimen are controversial. We reviewed the clinical presentation, diagnosis and aspects of surgical management of patients presenting with severe EPN. Patients and Methods: Patients with EPN managed in our unit between 1996 and 2004 were reviewed. Diagnosis was confirmed by CT scan appearance of gas in the renal or perirenal area in a very ill patient. We compared the outcome of immediate nephrectomy with drainage of perinephric abscesses in patients presenting with severe EPN. Results: Seven patients were managed in our unit during the 8-year period. All patients were diabetic and women outnumbered men (6:1). Renogram in all 7 patients showed renal function of affected kidney to be less than 15% in 6 patients. Escherichia coli was isolated in all patients from either urine, blood or perinephric pus. Management consisted of intensive resuscitation, control of blood glucose and use of intravenous antibiotics. Emergency nephrectomy was performed in 3 patients, delayed nephrectomy after an initial period of percutaneous drainage in 2 patients, incision and drainage in one patient and immediate percutaneous drainage was performed in one patient. One patient died 5 days post-nephrectomy of myocardial infarction. Patients who had immediate nephrectomy recovered quicker (18–21 days) and had no postoperative complications. Patients who had incision and drainage, or percutaneous drainage presented with recurrent discharging sinuses or perinephric abscesses requiring further surgical interventions and spent longer time in hospital (28–37 days). Conclusion: Patients with severe EPN often present in extremis and require intensive medical treatment. The diagnosis must be entertained in diabetic women presenting with flank pain and septicemia. The function of the affected kidney is often very poor and early nephrectomy offers the best outcome. Percutaneous drainage or incision and drainage of the abscess may be performed in patients too ill for immediate formal nephrectomy.
Consistency of Urodynamic Parameters in Children with Detrusor Instability: How Many Times Should the Bladder Be Filled?
Authors: Sözübir Selami , Celik Ahmet , Emir Nilüfer , Avanoglu Ali , Ulman Ibrahim
Published: August 2005

Introduction: It is recommended that the bladder be filled at least twice to perform a standard urodynamic study. However, the procedure is time-consuming and distressing for both the patient and the professional. The impact of the number of fillings on urodynamic parameters in children with normal urodynamic results and those with detrusor instability is presented in this study. Patients and Methods: Urodynamic data from 70 children with detrusor instability and 42 with normal urodynamic parameters who had undergone 3 consecutive fillings in a single session during a 2-year period were reviewed retrospectively. The variable parameters that were compared between the 2 groups were the mean bladder capacity ratio, maximum filling pressure and the number of contractions during the filling phase. Results: In the normal group, no difference was found in bladder capacities between the 3 fillings, but there was a significant decrease in the maximum bladder filling pressures in the subsequent fillings. In children with detrusor instability, the number of contractions in the 1st filling was significantly higher than those in the subsequent fillings. Also in this group, a significant difference in the mean bladder capacities between fillings was noted as well as a decrease in the maximum bladder filling pressures in contrast to normal bladders. Conclusion: In patients with suspected detrusor instability the bladder should be filled at least twice for a reliable urodynamic assessment. Two normal fillings without contractions, with normal capacity and normal maximum bladder filling pressure are highly suggestive of a normal 3rd filling.
Seminal Monolateral Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy in Selected Patients
Authors: Bellina Maurizio , Mari Mauro , Ambu Alessandra , Guercio Stefano , Rolle Luigi , Tampellini Marco
Published: August 2005

Introduction: In recent years there has been a shift in prostate cancer stage with the majority of patients nowadays being operated with cT1c disease, prostate-specific antigen levels of <10 ng/ml, and a decreased rate of seminal vesicle invasion. Recent data suggest the role of preservation of the seminal vesicle in improving continence and/or potency. We describe our preliminary experience with seminal-sparing, unilateral nerve-sparing retropubic radical prostatectomy. Patients and Methods: 21 selected patients with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent seminal unilateral nerve-sparing retropubic radical prostatectomy (seminal-sparing group, SSG). We compared the postoperative continence, erectile function and quality of orgasm results to those obtained in a control group (CG) of 21 patients who underwent unilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. Sexual function was evaluated preoperatively and 9 months postoperatively with the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire and with oth er self-administered questionnaires. The quality of orgasm was evaluated 9 months postoperatively. Results: 1 month postoperatively, 95 and 28% of the patients in the SSG and CG were continent (p < 0.001). The median postoperative drop in IIEF-5 score was 5 points in SSG and 14.5 points in CG (p < 0.0001). Nine months postoperatively, 90 and 62% of the patients in SSG and CG, respectively (p = 0.05), maintained the ability to achieve orgasm. Conclusions: In our experience seminal-sparing radical prostatectomy showed good feasibility and improved early postoperative urinary continence, erectile function and quality of orgasm, without compromised cancer control.
Giant Stone in Enterocystoplasty
Authors: Gacci M. , Cai T. , Travaglini F. , Rizzo M. , Bartoletti R. , Carini M.
Published: August 2005

A giant stone in enterocystoplasty is a very rare condition; only 5 cases have been reported in the literature. A 50-year-old female with an enterocystoplasty due to congenital myelomeningocele presented at our institution for an asymptomatic 10-cm bladder stone, incidentally detected during an imaging procedure for uterine fibroma. The patient was treated with a laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral annexectomy, neocystotomy and stone removal under general anesthesia. The case report and an accurate literature review are reported. The incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology and treatment options are analyzed.