bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progression of kidney disease in type 2 diabetes – beyond blood pressure control: an observational study
Authors: Leehey David J , Kramer Holly J , Daoud Tarek M , Chatha Maninder P , Isreb Majd A
Published: June 2005

Background

The risk factors for progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have not been fully elucidated. Although uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) is known to be deleterious, other factors may become more important once BP is treated.

Methods

All patients seen in the outpatient clinics of our hospital between January 1993 and September 2002 with type 2 DM and clinical evidence of CKD were evaluated. Progression of kidney disease was evaluated by rate of decline of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as estimated from the simplified MDRD formula. Variables associated with progression in univariate analyses were examined by multivariate analysis to determine the factors independently associated with kidney disease progression.

Results

343 patients (mean age 69 years; all male; 77% Caucasian) were studied. Mean BP, glycated hemoglobin, and serum cholesterol during the study period were 138/72 mmHg, 8.1%, and 4.8 mmol/L, respectively. Mean decline of GFR was 4.5 ml min-1 1.73 m2-1 yr-1 (range -14 to +32). Low initial serum albumin (p < 0.001), black race (p < 0.001), and degree of proteinuria (p = 0.002), but not blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin, or serum cholesterol, were independently associated with progression.

Conclusion

In a cohort of diabetic patients with CKD in whom mean BP was < 140/80 mmHg, the potentially remediable factors hypoalbuminemia and proteinuria but not blood pressure were independently associated with progression of kidney disease. Further understanding of the relationship between these factors and kidney disease progression may lead to beneficial therapies in such patients.
Methacholine bronchial provocation measured by spirometry versus wheeze detection in preschool children
Authors: Bentur Lea , Beck Raphael , Elias Nael , Barak Asher , Efrati Ori , Yahav Yaacov , Vilozni Daphna
Published: June 2005

Background

Determination of PC20-FEV1during Methacholine bronchial provocation test (MCT) is considered to be impossible in preschool children, as it requires repetitive spirometry sets. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of determining PC20-FEV1in preschool age children and compares the results to the wheeze detection (PCW) method.

Methods

55 preschool children (ages 2.8–6.4 years) with recurrent respiratory symptoms were recruited. Baseline spirometry and MCT were performed according to ATS/ERS guidelines and the following parameters were determined at baseline and after each inhalation: spirometry-indices, lung auscultation at tidal breathing, oxygen saturation, respiratory and heart rate. Comparison between PCW and PC20-FEV1and clinical parameters at these end-points was done by paired Student's t-tests.

Results and discussion

Thirty-six of 55 children (65.4%) successfully performed spirometry-sets up to the point of PCW. PC20-FEV1occurred at a mean concentration of 1.70+/-2.01 while PCW occurred at a mean concentration of 4.37+/-3.40 mg/ml (p < 0.05). At PCW, all spirometry-parameters were markedly reduced: FVC by 41.3+/-16.4% (mean +/-SD); FEV1by 44.7+/-14.5%; PEFR by 40.5+/-14.5 and FEF25–75by 54.7+/-14.4% (P < 0.01 for all parameters). This reduction was accompanied by de-saturation, hyperpnoea, tachycardia and a response to bronchodilators.

Conclusion

Determination of PC20-FEV1by spirometry is feasible in many preschool children. PC20-FEV1often appears at lower provocation dose than PCW. The lower dose may shorten the test and encourage participation. Significant decrease in spirometry indices at PCW suggests that PC20-FEV1determination may be safer.
International public health research involving interpreters: a case study from Bangladesh
Authors: Pitchforth Emma , van Teijlingen Edwin
Published: June 2005

Background

Cross-cultural and international research are important components of public health research, but the challenges of language barriers and working with interpreters are often overlooked, particularly in the case of qualitative research.

Methods

A case-study approach was used to explore experiences of working with an interpreter in Bangladesh as part of a research project investigating women's experiences of emergency obstetric care.

The case study

Data from the researcher's field notes provided evidence of experiences in working with an interpreter and show how the model of interviewing was adapted over time to give a more active role to the interpreter. The advantages of a more active role were increased rapport and "flow" in interviews. The disadvantages included reduced control from the researcher's perspective. Some tensions between the researcher and interpreter remained hard to overcome, irrespective of the model used. Independent transcription and translation of the interviews also raised questions around accuracy in translation.

Conclusion

The issues examined in this case study have broader implications for public health research. Further work is needed in three areas: 1) developing effective relationships with interpreters; 2) the impact of the interpreter on the research process; and 3) the accuracy of the translation and level of analysis needed in any specific public health research. Finally, this paper highlights the importance to authors of reflecting on the potential impact of translation and interpretation on the research process when disseminating their research.
A model of the ternary complex of interleukin-10 with its soluble receptors
Authors: Pletnev Sergei , Magracheva Eugenia , Wlodawer Alexander , Zdanov Alexander
Published: June 2005

Background

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine whose main biological function is to suppress the immune response by induction of a signal(s) leading to inhibition of synthesis of a number of cytokines and their cellular receptors. Signal transduction is initiated upon formation of a ternary complex of IL-10 with two of its receptor chains, IL-10R1 and IL-10R2, expressed on the cell membrane. The affinity of IL-10R1 toward IL-10 is very high, which allowed determination of the crystal structure of IL-10 complexed with the extracellular/soluble domain of IL-10R1, while the affinity of IL-10R2 toward either IL-10 or IL-10/sIL-10R1 complex is quite low. This so far has prevented any attempts to obtain structural information about the ternary complex of IL-10 with its receptor chains.

Results

Structures of the second soluble receptor chain of interleukin-10 (sIL-10R2) and the ternary complex of IL-10/sIL-10R1/sIL-10R2 have been generated by homology modeling, which allowed us to identify residues involved in ligand-receptor and receptor-receptor interactions.

Conclusion

The previously experimentally determined structure of the intermediate/binary complex IL-10/sIL-10R1 is the same in the ternary complex. There are two binding sites for the second receptor chain on the surface of the IL-10/sIL-10R1 complex, involving both IL-10 and sIL-10R1. Most of the interactions are hydrophilic in nature, although each interface includes two internal hydrophobic clusters. The distance between C-termini of the receptor chains is 25 Å, which is common for known structures of ternary complexes of other cytokines. The structure is likely to represent the biologically active signaling complex of IL-10 with its receptor on the surface of the cell membrane.
Structural organization and interactions of transmembrane domains in tetraspanin proteins
Authors: Kovalenko Oleg V , Metcalf Douglas G , DeGrado William F , Hemler Martin E
Published: June 2005

Background

Proteins of the tetraspanin family contain four transmembrane domains (TM1-4) linked by two extracellular loops and a short intracellular loop, and have short intracellular N- and C-termini. While structure and function analysis of the larger extracellular loop has been performed, the organization and role of transmembrane domains have not been systematically assessed.

Results

Among 28 human tetraspanin proteins, the TM1-3 sequences display a distinct heptad repeat motif (
abcdefg
)n. In TM1, position
a
is occupied by structurally conserved bulky residues and position
d
contains highly conserved Asn and Gly residues. In TM2, position
a
is occupied by conserved small residues (Gly/Ala/Thr), and position
d
has a conserved Gly and two bulky aliphatic residues. In TM3, three
a
positions of the heptad repeat are filled by two leucines and a glutamate/glutamine residue, and two
d
positions are occupied by either Phe/Tyr or Val/Ile/Leu residues. No heptad motif is apparent in TM4 sequences. Mutations of conserved glycines in human CD9 (Gly25 and Gly32 in TM1; Gly67 and Gly74 in TM2) caused aggregation of mutant proteins inside the cell. Modeling of the TM1-TM2 interface in CD9, using a novel algorithm, predicts tight packing of conserved bulky residues against conserved Gly residues along the two helices. The homodimeric interface of CD9 was mapped, by disulfide cross-linking of single-cysteine mutants, to the vicinity of residues Leu14 and Phe17 in TM1 (positions
g
and
c
) and Gly77, Gly80 and Ala81 in TM2 (positions
d
,
g
and
a
, respectively). Mutations of
a
and
d
residues in both TM1 and TM2 (Gly25, Gly32, Gly67 and Gly74), involved in intra molecular TM1-TM2 interaction, also strongly diminished inter molecular interaction, as assessed by cross-linking of Cys80.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that tetraspanin intra- and intermolecular interactions are mediated by conserved residues in adjacent, but distinct regions of TM1 and TM2. A key structural element that defines TM1-TM2 interaction in tetraspanins is the specific packing of bulky residues against small residues.
PMD2HD – A web tool aligning a PubMed search results page with the local German Cancer Research Centre library collection
Authors: Bohne-Lang Andreas , Lang Elke , Taube Anke
Published: June 2005

Background

Web-based searching is the accepted contemporary mode of retrieving relevant literature, and retrieving as many full text articles as possible is a typical prerequisite for research success. In most cases only a proportion of references will be directly accessible as digital reprints through displayed links. A large number of references, however, have to be verified in library catalogues and, depending on their availability, are accessible as print holdings or by interlibrary loan request.

Methods

The problem of verifying local print holdings from an initial retrieval set of citations can be solved using Z39.50, an ANSI protocol for interactively querying library information systems. Numerous systems include Z39.50 interfaces and therefore can process Z39.50 interactive requests. However, the programmed query interaction command structure is non-intuitive and inaccessible to the average biomedical researcher. For the typical user, it is necessary to implement the protocol within a tool that hides and handles Z39.50 syntax, presenting a comfortable user interface.

Results

PMD2HD is a web tool implementing Z39.50 to provide an appropriately functional and usable interface to integrate into the typical workflow that follows an initial PubMed literature search, providing users with an immediate asset to assist in the most tedious step in literature retrieval, checking for subscription holdings against a local online catalogue.

Conclusion

PMD2HD can facilitate literature access considerably with respect to the time and cost of manual comparisons of search results with local catalogue holdings. The example presented in this article is related to the library system and collections of the German Cancer Research Centre. However, the PMD2HD software architecture and use of common Z39.50 protocol commands allow for transfer to a broad range of scientific libraries using Z39.50-compatible library information systems.
Optimal design of outdoor lighting systems by genetic algorithms
Authors: Corcione M , Fontana L
Published: June 2005

The use of genetic algorithms for the optimal design of lighting systems is illustrated and discussed. The lighting of an outdoor tennis court and of a football field are considered as case-studies. The main aims of the paper are: 1) the evaluation of the performance of the genetic algorithm strategies in comparison with more traditional optimization procedures e.g., Montecarlo and gradient methods, through the study of a relatively simple lighting installation, an outdoor tennis court, whose optimal design solution is calculated in a relatively short time by the analysis of all the possible design alternatives; and 2) the evaluation of the performance of the genetic algorithm strategies applied to the design of a larger and more complex lighting system i.e., that for an outdoor football field, for which a comparison between the results obtained through the optimization procedure and those relevant to an existing lighting installation is examined and discussed. Considerations on both the computational times required and the calculation accuracy obtained are also reported.
Measuring the subjective response to interior lighting: paired comparisons and semantic differential scaling
Authors: Houser Kevin W , Tiller Dale K
Published: June 2005

Paired comparisons and semantic differential (SD) scales were used as part of a larger study assessing subjective responses to linear fluorescent direct/indirect lighting systems. Two experiments were performed under identical lighting conditions, one with each technique, yielding independent subjective response data sets for the same light settings. This article compares independent multidimensional scaling solutions from the two datasets and describes an intercorrelation analysis of the SD scaling responses. These analyses highlight strengths and weaknesses of the two psychometric techniques. Guidance is offered for applying paired comparisons and SD scales in future lighting research.
The effect of luminance uniformity on visibility level in road lighting
Authors: Güler Ö , Onaygil S
Published: June 2005

This study evaluates the effect of low overall and longitudinal uniformities ratios on visual conditions as measured by visibility level at certain points of the road when the average visibility level on the road surface is adequate. A computer program has been developed to determine criteria for calculation of the road lighting based on visibility level to ensure driver comfort and safety. Five different arrangements, left hand single-sided, opposite, staggered, twin-bracket central and combined twin-bracket central and opposite are examined for 30 different road lighting luminaires. To examine the effect of the luminance uniformity on visibility level, average luminances of 1.0; 1.5; 2.0; 2.5 and 3.0 cd/m2 were obtained by changing the mounting height and luminaire spacing. This study explores the effect that luminance uniformity ratios and the luminaire type have on the visibility level. The uniformity ratios provided should not be lower than the values recommended for road lighting calculations based on the luminance concept. To obviate negative visual conditions, a criterion that restricts the distribution of the visibility level values on the road is needed in addition to the average visibility level and both overall and longitudinal luminance uniformity ratios.
Improved Survival of Follicular Lymphoma Patients in the United States
Authors: Swenson Wade T. , Wooldridge James E. , Lynch Charles F. , Forman-Hoffman Valerie L. , Chrischilles Elizabeth , Link Brian K.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Despite several new treatment options, single- and multi-institution analyses have not clarified whether survival patterns in follicular lymphoma (FL) patients have changed in recent decades. We undertook a study using a large population-based registry to analyze survival patterns among patients with FL.

Patients and Methods

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results morphology codes were used to identify 14,564 patients diagnosed with FL between 1978 and 1999. Observed median survival times, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, proportional death hazard ratios, and relative survival rates were calculated. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to identify trends in annual adjusted death hazard ratios.

Results

An improvement in survival of all patients with FL was observed between each of three diagnosis eras (1978 to 1985, 1986 to 1992, and 1993 to 1999) by log-rank tests. Among patients with stage-specific data, the median survival time improved from 84 months (95% CI, 81 to 88 months) in the 1983 to 1989 era to 93 months (95% CI, 89 to 97 months) in the 1993 to 1999 era. Similar findings were identified across sex and age groups and for subsets including advanced-stage, large-cell FL and the combined subset of small cleaved- and mixed-cell FL. The inter-era survival advantage observed in white patients was not observed for black patients. The relative risk of death decreased by 1.8% per year over the 1983 to 1999 observation period.

Conclusion

The survival of patients with FL in the United States has improved over the last 25 years. The survival improvement may be a result of the sequential application of effective therapies and improved supportive care.
Predictive Value of Bone Resorption and Formation Markers in Cancer Patients With Bone Metastases Receiving the Bisphosphonate Zoledronic Acid
Authors: Coleman Robert E. , Major Pierre , Lipton Allan , Brown Janet E. , Lee Ker-Ai , Smith Matthew , Saad Fred , Zheng Ming , Hei Yong Jiang , Seaman John , Cook Richard
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Three large, randomized trials of patients with bone metastases recently demonstrated that zoledronic acid reduces the risk of skeletal-related events. These trials provide an opportunity for investigating the correlation between bone metabolism and clinical outcome during bisphosphonate therapy.

Patients and Methods

Urinary measurements of N-telopeptide (Ntx) and serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were obtained in 1,824 bisphosphonate-treated patients—1,462 with zoledronic acid (breast, 490; prostate, 411; myeloma, 210; non–small-cell lung, 183; other, 168) and 362 with pamidronate (breast, 254; myeloma, 108). This exploratory cohort analysis grouped patients by baseline and most recent levels of Ntx as low (< 50 nmol/mmol creatinine), moderate (50 to 99 nmol/mmol creatinine), or high (≥ 100 nmol/mmol creatinine), and BAP as low (< 146 U/L) or high (≥ 146 U/L). The relative risks for negative clinical outcomes were estimated for each group using multiple-event and Cox regression models with time-varying covariates.

Results

Patients with high and moderate Ntx levels had 2-fold increases in their risk of skeletal complications and disease progression compared with patients with low Ntx levels (P < .001 for all). High Ntx levels in each solid tumor category were associated with a 4- to 6-fold increased risk of death on study, and moderate Ntx levels a 2- to 4-fold increased risk compared with low Ntx levels (P < .001 for all). Bone alkaline phosphatase also showed some correlation with risk of negative clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

The bone resorption marker Ntx provides valuable prognostic information in patients with bone metastases receiving bisphosphonates.
Effects of Exemestane Administered for 2 Years Versus Placebo on Bone Mineral Density, Bone Biomarkers, and Plasma Lipids in Patients With Surgically Resected Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Lønning Per E. , Geisler Jürgen , Krag Lars E. , Erikstein Bjørn , Bremnes Yngve , Hagen Anne I. , Schlichting Ellen , Lien Ernst A. , Øfjord Erik S. , Paolini Jolanda , Polli Anna , Massimini Giorgio
Published: June 2005

Purpose

To evaluate potential detrimental effects of exemestane on bone and lipid metabolism.

Patients and Methods

Postmenopausal women with early breast cancer were randomly assigned to exemestane 25 mg daily or placebo for 2 years in a double-blind setting. Primary objective was to evaluate the effect of exemestane on bone mineral density. Secondary objectives were effects on bone biomarkers, plasma lipids, coagulation factors, and homocysteine. Planned size was 128 patients.

Results

One hundred forty-seven patients were enrolled. All patients completed their 24-month visit except for those discontinuing treatment at an earlier stage. The mean annual rate of bone mineral density loss was 2.17% v 1.84% in the lumbar spine (P = .568) and 2.72% v 1.48% in the femoral neck (P = .024) in the exemestane and placebo arm, respectively. The mean change in T-score after 2 years was −0.21 for exemestane and −0.11 on placebo in the hip, and −0.30 and −0.21, respectively, in the lumbar spine. Exemestane significantly increased serum level and urinary excretion of bone resorption, but also bone formation markers. Except for a modest reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .001) and apolipoprotein A1 (P = .004), exemestane had no major effect on lipid profile, homocysteine levels, or coagulation parameters.

Conclusion

Exemestane modestly enhanced bone loss from the femoral neck without significant influence on lumbar bone loss. Except for a 6% to 9% drop in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, no major effects on serum lipids, coagulation factors, or homocysteine were recorded. Bone mineral density should be assessed according to the US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines.
Phase II Trial of Single-Agent Temsirolimus (CCI-779) for Relapsed Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Witzig Thomas E. , Geyer Susan M. , Ghobrial Irene , Inwards David J. , Fonseca Rafael , Kurtin Paul , Ansell Stephen M. , Luyun Ronnie , Flynn Patrick J. , Morton Roscoe F. , Dakhil Shaker R. , Gross Howard , Kaufmann Scott H.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by a t(11;14) resulting in overexpression of cyclin D1 messenger RNA. This study tested whether temsirolimus (previously known as CCI-779), an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin kinase that regulates cyclin D1 translation, could produce tumor responses in patients with MCL.

Patients and Methods

Patients with relapsed or refractory MCL were eligible to receive temsirolimus 250 mg intravenously every week as a single agent. Patients with a tumor response after six cycles were eligible to continue drug for a total of 12 cycles or two cycles after complete remission, and were then observed without maintenance.

Results

Thirty-five patients were enrolled and were assessable for toxicity; one patient had MCL by histology but was cyclin D1 negative and was ineligible for efficacy. The median age was 70 years (range, 38 to 89 years), 91% were stage 4, and 69% had two or more extranodal sites. Patients had received a median of three prior therapies (range, one to 11), and 54% were refractory to the last treatment. The overall response rate was 38% (13 of 34 patients; 90% CI, 24% to 54%) with one complete response (3%) and 12 partial responses (35%). The median time-to-progression in all patients was 6.5 months (95% CI, 2.9 to 8.3 months), and the duration of response for the 13 responders was 6.9 months (95% CI, 5.2 to 12.4 months). Hematologic toxicities were the most common, with 71% (25 of 35 patients) having grade 3 and 11% (four of 35 patients) having grade 4 toxicities observed. Thrombocytopenia was the most frequent cause of dose reductions but was of short duration, typically resolving within 1 week.

Conclusions

Single-agent temsirolimus has substantial antitumor activity in relapsed MCL. This study demonstrates that agents that selectively target cellular pathways dysregulated in MCL cells can produce therapeutic benefit. Further studies of this agent in MCL and other lymphoid malignancies are warranted.
Intracellular Signal Transduction Pathway Proteins As Targets for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Adjei Alex A. , Hidalgo Manuel
Published: June 2005

Circulating cytokines, hormones, and growth factors control all aspects of cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and senescence. These chemical signals are propagated from the cell surface to intracellular processes via sequential kinase signaling, arranged in modules that exhibit redundancy and cross talk. This signal transduction system comprising growth factors, transmembrane receptor proteins, and cytoplasmic secondary messengers is often exploited to optimize tumor growth and metastasis in malignancies. Thus, it represents an attractive target for cancer therapy. This review will summarize current knowledge of selected intracellular signaling networks and their role in cancer therapy. The focus will be on pathways for which inhibitory agents are currently undergoing clinical testing. Original data for inclusion in this review were identified through a MEDLINE search of the literature. All papers from 1966 through March 2005 were identified by the following search terms: “signal transduction,” “intracellular signaling,” “kinases,” “proliferation,” “growth factors,” and “cancer therapy.” All original research and review papers related to the role of intracellular signaling in oncogenesis and therapeutic interventions relating to abnormal cell signaling were identified. This search was supplemented by a manual search of the Proceedings of the Annual Meetings of the American Association for Cancer Research, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American Association for Cancer Research (AARC) –European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) –National Cancer Institute (NCI) Symposium on New Anticancer Drugs.
Control theory and psychopathology: An integrative approach
Authors: Mansell Warren
Published: June 2005

Perceptual control theory (PCT;Powers, 1973) is presented and adapted as a framework to understand the causes, maintenance, and treatment of psychological disorders. PCT provides dynamic, working models based on the principle that goal‐directed activity arises from a hierarchy of negative feedback loops that control perception through control of the environment. The theory proposes that psychological distress arises from the unresolved conflict between goals. The present paper integrates PCT, control theory, and self‐regulatory approaches to psychopathology and psychotherapy and recent empirical findings, particularly in the field of cognitive therapy. The approach aims to offer fresh insights into the role of goal conflict, automatic processes, imagery, perceptual distortion, and loss of control in psychological disorders. Implications for psychological therapy are discussed, including an integration of the existing work on the assessment of control profiles and the use of assertive versus yielding modes of control.
Outcome of cognitive behaviour therapy for minor depression in routine practice
Authors: Cuijpers Pim , Smit Filip , Voordouw Ineke , Kramer Jeannet
Published: June 2005

Objectives. To examine (1) whether the improvement in depressive symptomatology in subjects participating in psychoeducational groups for minor depression in routine practice is comparable to the improvement realized in a randomized efficacy trial; and (2) whether the level of depressive symptoms of subjects who participated in this intervention is similar after treatment to the level of depressive symptoms of the general population.

Design. Participants (N=187) of 20 psychoeducational groups in routine practice in the Netherlands were examined before and after the intervention using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies – Depression scale (CES‐D).

Methods. The standardized improvement from pre‐ to post‐test in subjects was compared to the improvement found in subjects participating in a randomized trial of the same intervention. Furthermore, we compared the post‐test scores to the scores of the general population.

Results. The improvement of depressive symptoms in routine practice was of the same magnitude as the improvement in the randomized trial. However, a considerable proportion of the participants (54.5%) still scored above the cut‐off score of the CES‐D at post‐test, and the mean CES‐D score of the participants (M=17.0; SD=9.8) differed significantly (p<.01) from the mean score in the general population (M=9.7; SD=8.6).

Conclusion. Psychoeducational intervention can be an important help for people with depressive symptoms. The improvement in terms of depressive symptoms in routine practice does not differ from the improvement found in a randomized trial. However, participants remained considerably more depressed than the general population and this intervention is, for many, not sufficient as a form of treatment.
The use of drawing for psychological assessment in Britain: Survey findings
Authors: Bekhit Nawal S. , Thomas Glyn V. , Jolley Richard P.
Published: June 2005

The current study reports previously unpublished data on drawing as an assessment tool obtained from a survey of broader assessment practices of British clinical psychologists (Bekhit, Thomas, Lalonde, & Jolley, 2002). A questionnaire was completed by 158 clinical psychologists practising in Britain concerning their use of, and views about psychological assessment and the use of drawings in such assessment. The results were compared with those of a similar survey conducted in the United States by Lubin, Larsen, Matarazzo, and Seever (1985) and Watkins, Campbell, Nieberding, and Hallmark (1995). Drawing tests are used extensively by North American clinical psychologists despite controversy over their reliability and validity. In contrast, the current survey's results indicate that British clinical psychologists hardly ever use formal drawing tests, but approximately half of them reported using drawings as an informal assessment aid. The frequent but informal use of drawing as an aid to assessment by British psychologists is consistent with their overwhelming preference for clinical interviewing as opposed to formal testing in the psychological evaluation of their clients. The more widespread use of drawing tests by American clinicians is consistent with their greater willingness than their British counterparts to include projective testing in their assessments.
Who benefits from inpatient short‐term psychotherapy in the long run? Patients' evaluations, outpatient after‐care and determinants of outcome
Authors: Beutel M. E. , Höflich A. , Kurth R. A. , Reimer Ch.
Published: June 2005

Background. Little work has been published on short‐term inpatient treatments combining the virtues of inpatient treatments and short‐term psychotherapy. The purposes of this study are to (a) determine the outcomes of short‐term psychodynamic inpatient psychotherapy from patients' and therapists' perspectives, (b) assess the stability of changes, and (c) identify predictors of long‐term outcome.

Methods. 83 consecutive inpatients (76% of those eligible) were assessed at intake, discharge, and 1 year follow‐up by standardized questionnaires regarding symptoms (SCL‐90R), interpersonal problems (IIP), object relationships (IPO), and the therapeutic relationship (HAQ). Diagnoses and functioning (GAF) were assessed by the therapists.

Results. Psychological distress (effect size S=1.14) and physical complaints (ES=1.03) decreased strongly from intake to discharge, the majority of patients moving from the pathological to the normal range of the global severity index GSI (SCL‐90R). At follow‐up, average distress remained at a low level, and the majority of patients, and their therapists and physicians, regarded their well‐being as improved. In a multivariate approach, a substantial proportion of variance of the distress at follow‐up (42%) was explained by an infantile object relationship pattern (IPO), social avoidance (IIP), negative vocational changes, and a lack of a confidant at follow‐up. A delayed start of subsequent ambulatory psychotherapy was another negative outcome predictor.

Conclusions. Attention should be given to maladaptive interpersonal relationship patterns, to vocational reintegration, and a confiding relationship as potential predictors of long‐term outcome. Also, patterns of ambulatory after‐care following inpatient treatment need further scrutiny.
Clinician reports of personality pathology of patients beginning and patients ending psychoanalysis
Authors: Cogan Rosemary , Porcerelli John H.
Published: June 2005

Objectives. The purpose of this work was to use a clinician Q‐sort procedure to describe the personality pathology and adaptive functioning of patients beginning and ending psychoanalysis.

Design. With a cross‐sectional design, we compared a group of patients beginning and a group of patients ending psychoanalysis.

Methods. Twenty‐six psychoanalysts described a patient beginning psychoanalysis and 26 described a patient ending psychoanalysis using the Shedler‐Westen Assessment Procedure 200 (SWAP‐200). Each clinician also completed questions about themselves, the patient, and the treatment. The most characteristic SWAP‐200 items describing patients beginning and patients ending psychoanalysis provide a meaningful picture of the two groups.

Results. Among patients at the end of psychoanalysis, scores were significantly lower on the SWAP‐200 Paranoid, Schizotypal, Borderline, Histrionic, and Dependent scales and scores were significantly higher on the SWAP‐200 High functioning scale and the DSM‐IV GAF scale. Common characteristics of patients beginning psychoanalysis were anxiety, guilt, and shame. Common characteristics of patients ending psychoanalysis were conscientiousness and responsibility, striving to live up to moral and ethical standards, and enjoyment of challenges.

Conclusions. The findings demonstrate the usefulness of a clinician report measure for the study of psychoanalytic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.
Myosin Heavy Chain Isoforms in Equine Gluteus Medius Muscle: Comparison of mRNA and Protein Expression Profiles
Authors: Eizema Karin , van den Burg Maarten M.M. , de Jonge Henriëtte W. , Dingboom Elizabeth G. , Weijs Wim A. , Everts Maria E.
Published: June 2005

The major structural protein in skeletal muscle, myosin heavy chain (MyHC), is primarily transcriptionally controlled. We compared the expression of MyHC isoforms on the mRNA and protein level in biopsies from the m. gluteus medius from adult untrained horses. In transverse sections, the majority of fibers showed qualitatively identical mRNA and protein expression patterns. However, coexpression of 2a and 2d/x MyHCs was substantially more common at the protein than at the mRNA level, suggesting a fine-tuning of these two genes in normal muscle not subjected to any training protocol. Because transverse sections give a limited sampling of mRNA expression in the case of uneven distribution of transcripts in a muscle fiber, we also analyzed longitudinal sections. We present, for the first time, evidence that expression of MyHC mRNA and protein was equal along the length of the fiber. Hence, mRNA expression is not regulated by differential expression of isoforms by separate myonuclei. It is concluded that the number of protein hybrid fibers in equine gluteus medius muscle is controlled by alteration of the transcription pattern uniformly along the fiber, rather than by simultaneous transcription of genes. The differences with the results in muscle of small animals and humans are discussed.
Analysis of Green Fluorescent Protein Expression in Transgenic Rats for Tracking Transplanted Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Mothe Andrea J. , Kulbatski Iris , van Bendegem Rita L. , Lee Linda , Kobayashi Eiji , Keating Armand , Tator Charles H.
Published: June 2005

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression was evaluated in tissues of different transgenic rodents—Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat strain [SD-Tg(GFP)Bal], W rat strain [Wistar-TgN(CAG-GFP)184ys], and M mouse strain [Tg(GFPU)5Nagy/J]—by direct fluorescence of native GFP expression and by immunohistochemistry. The constitutively expressing GFP transgenic strains showed tissue-specific differences in GFP expression, and GFP immunohistochemistry amplified the fluorescent signal. The fluorescence of stem/progenitor cells cultured as neurospheres from the ependymal region of the adult spinal cord from the GFP SD and W rat strains was assessed in vitro. After transplantation of the cells into wildtype spinal cord, the ability to track the grafted cells was evaluated in vivo. Cultured stem/progenitor cells from the SD strain required GFP immunostaining to be visualized. Likewise, after transplantation of SD cells into the spinal cord, immunohistochemical amplification of the GFP signal was required for detection. In contrast, GFP expression of stem/progenitor cells generated from the W strain was readily detected by direct fluorescence both in vitro and in vivo without the need for immunohistochemical amplification. The cultured stem/progenitor cells transplanted into the spinal cord survived for at least 49 days after transplantation, and continued to express GFP, demonstrating stable expression of the GFP transgene in vivo.
Expression of Versican and ADAMTS1, 4, and 5 During Bone Development in the Rat Mandible and Hind Limb
Authors: Nakamura Megumi , Sone Shinya , Takahashi Ichiro , Mizoguchi Itaru , Echigo Seishi , Sasano Yasuyuki
Published: June 2005

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is achieved by both production and degradation of ECM molecules during bone development. ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motifs) constitutes a family of extracellular proteases which are implicated in cleaving the protein versican. The present study was designed to investigate the expression of versican and ADAMTS1, 4, and 5 mRNA during bone development in rat mandibles and hind limbs by RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Versican was localized by immunohistochemistry. The process of bone development from day 14 postcoitum through week 6 postnatum was divided into the beginning of osteogenesis, woven bone, and lamellar bone stages. Versican protein was abundant in the woven bone matrix, but decreased in the lamellar bone matrix. Versican mRNA was prominent in some osteoblasts with corresponding localization of the cognate protein. The temporal and spatial mRNA expression pattern of ADAMTS1, 4, and 5 was comparable to that of versican. These results suggest that woven bone rich in versican alters into lamellar bone containing little versican during bone development in both mandibles and hind limbs, where some osteoblasts may be involved in production as well as degradation of versican by secreting ADAMTS1, 4, and 5.
ATP-sensitive K+ -channel Subunits on the Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum of Rat Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhou Ming , Tanaka Osamu , Sekiguchi Masaki , He Hui-jing , Yasuoka Yukiko , Itoh Hideaki , Kawahara Katsumasa , Abe Hiroshi
Published: June 2005

ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channel subunits on the subcellular structures of rat cardiomyocytes were studied with antibodies against Kir6.1 and Kir6.2. According to the results of Western blot analysis, Kir6.1 was strongly expressed in mitochondrial and microsome fractions, and faintly expressed in cell membrane fraction, whereas Kir6.2 was mainly expressed in the microsome fraction and weakly in cell membrane and mitochondrial fractions. Immunohistochemistry showed that Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 were expressed in the endocardium, atrial and ventricular myocardium, and in vascular smooth muscles. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that Kir6.1 immunoreactivity was mainly localized in the mitochondria, whereas Kir6.2 immunoreactivity was mainly localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and a few in the mitochondria. Both Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 are candidates of mitochondrial KATP channel subunits. The data obtained in this study will be useful for analyzing the composition of KATP channels of cardiomyocytes and help to understanding the cardioprotective role of KATP channels during heart ischemia.
Resin Tissue Microarrays: a Universal Format for Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Howat William J. , Warford Anthony , Mitchell Joanne N. , Clarke Kay F. , Conquer Jen S. , McCafferty John
Published: June 2005

Tissue microarray (TMA) technology allows the miniaturization and characterization of multiple tissue samples on a single slide and commonly uses formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue or acetone-fixed frozen tissue. The former provides good morphology but can compromise antigenicity, whereas the latter provides compromised morphology with good antigenicity. Here, we report the development of TMAs in glycol methacrylate resin, which combine the advantages of both methods in one embedding format. Freshly collected tissue fixed in -20C acetone or 10% neutral buffered formaldehyde were cored and arrayed into an intermediary medium of 2% agarose before infiltration of the agarose array with glycol methacrylate resin. Acetone-fixed resin TMA demonstrated improved morphology over acetone-fixed frozen TMA, with no loss of antigenicity. Staining for extracellular, cell surface, and nuclear antigens could be realized with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies as well as with monomeric single-chain Fv preparations. In addition, when compared with FFPE TMA, formalin-fixed tissue in a resin TMA gave enhanced morphology and subcellular detail. Therefore, resin provides a universal format for the construction of TMAs, providing improved tissue morphology while retaining antigenicity, allows thin-section preparation, and could be used to replace preparation of frozen and FFPE TMAs for freshly collected tissue.
Review of Radio Studies teaching
Authors: Price-Davies Eryl , Wall Tim , Windows Peter , McClellan Tim , Dubber Andrew , Keith Michael C. , Berryman Bruce , Duffield Lee
Published: June 2005

This survey of current approaches to the teaching of radio studies in universities seeks to identify common themes and elements of such courses. In addition, it identifies notable examples of interesting, unusual and creative pedagogic approaches, based on contributions volunteered
by university teachers of radio in Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. The introduction by Eryl Price-Davies covers the variety of approaches to radio in UK degree programmes, which include theory and practice, critical listening skills, history and archives, vocations in the radio
industries, and the actual practice of broadcasting within a course. The contributions that follow this illustrate international examples of some of these approaches. These include the pre-produced radio interview programme as a lecture, ‘visualisation’ lectures, web-radio production
training, individual students broadcasting from an overseas/exchange assignment, and programmes with a developed radio route - comprising several modules or units.

1.
Introduction: some thematic observations on the teaching of radio studies
(Eryl Price-Davies)

2.
BA
(Hons.) Media and Communications (Radio): a case study. The specialist radio degree at UCE, Birmingham, UK
(Tim Wall and Peter Windows)

3.
Touching the imagination through sound: using visualization to develop undergraduate creativity
(Tim McClellan)

4.
The
radio interview as teaching: how listening to a radio show can beat the in-person lecture
(Andrew Dubber)

5.
A debating point: radio in the curriculum in the United States of America
(Michael C. Keith)

6.
From on-air to the Web: Re-defining the radio producer

(Bruce Berryman)

7.
QUT's international radio reporting field trips
(Lee Duffield)
Narrowcasting and the dream of radio's great global conversation
Authors: Priestman Chris
Published: June 2005

Digital technology reveals new perspectives on the nature and potentialities of our original broadcast medium. Whilst confusing our attempts to define radio it heightens our awareness of the qualities, which, apparently independently of platform, continue to make radio such a durable
form of public communication. This article argues that, paradoxically, the ‘narrowcast’ and ‘on demand’ characteristics of Internet transmission, far from being remote from ‘real radio’ in fact open up new spaces in which one of its earliest recognized,
inspirational qualities can be revitalized: that of the listener's sense of tuning into an ongoing, dynamic conversation - broadly defined. Scannell's phenomenological approach is helpful in the elucidation of this quality. The economics of filling airtime under today's broadcast licence regimes,
together with the availability of automating production technology, threatens to steer a large section of popular radio away from such a cultural conversation and towards closer integration with the interests of the mainstream music industry. Case studies show how combining automation tools
with the non-time-limited, on-demand resources of the Internet is starting to create an architecture through which a version of the dream of radio as public conversation might be re-envisioned.
British or American?: Canada's ‘mixed’ broadcasting system in the 1930s
Authors: Vipond Mary
Published: June 2005

This article examines the role of independent commercial radio stations in Canada in the early 1930s. Canada's first public broadcaster, the Canadian Radio Broadcasting Commission, was created in 1932. It constructed a national network comprised of its own stations and time leased on many of the previously existing privately owned stations. A number of commercial stations, however, remained independent of all networks. It is argued here that for a brief period these stations were able to provide an alternative model of locally oriented community programming that could be characterized as truly popular.
British radio and the politics of culture in post-war Britain: the work of Charles Parker
Authors: Long Paul
Published: June 2005

There has been little academic consideration of the life, work and ideas of the BBCradio producer Charles Parker. Where he is remembered it is for his work on the prize-winning series known as the Radio Ballads. Beginning with ‘The Ballad of John Axon’ in 1958 the series addressed the lives and work of working-class people, and was one of the first programmes to use ‘actuality’ incorporating original, spontaneous testimonies. The author values Parker's work as an expressionof thementalitésof welfare-state Britain and that wider project evinced by hiscolleagues and collaborators that sought to challenge the circumscribed lineaments of class, culture, history, education and language. However, an appreciation of Parker and his role in the process of democratizing the cultural sphere alsolends itself to a critique of the assumptions behind categories such as class, authenticity and experience that proved to be so useful in this moment.
Vom Stau zur Verkehrsinformation – Datenfusion als Teil eines Gesamtprozesses (From Jams on the Road to Traffic Information – Data Fusion as a Part of the Traffic Modelling Process)
Authors: Vortisch Peter , Ortgiese Michael
Published: June 2005

Optimal informiert zu sein – der Wunsch wohl der meisten Verkehrsteilnehmer. Eine Vielzahl von Aktivitäten versuchen, diesem Wunsch immer stärker zu entsprechen. Im Zentrum dieser Bemühungen steht die Fusion möglichst vieler Eingangsdaten zu einer Verkehrslage. Diese komplexen technischen und wirtschaftlichen Inhalte sollen mit Blick auf die folgenden Fragestellungen beleuchtet werden: Was verbirgt sich hinter dem Begriff Verkehrlage? Welche Datenquellen können zu einer Verkehrslage fusioniert werden? Welche technischen Ansätze können zur Fusion genutzt werden? Wie sollten die unterschiedlichen Akteure im Gesamtprozess zusammenarbeiten? Was sind die Rahmenbedingungen, die im Kontext der Wertschöpfungskette bei der Datenfusion zu berücksichtigen sind?
An Assessment of China's Taiwan Policy under the Third Generation Leadership
Authors: Tung Chen-yuan
Published: June 2005

The Taiwan policy of China's third leadership generation focuses primarily on the hope that the Taiwan issue will not delay or undermine the progress of China's economic development. China's Taiwan policy is founded on two basic pillars: “utilizing the U.S. to suppress Taiwan” and “appealing to the Taiwanese public.”
Why Japan Signed the Mine Ban Treaty: The Political Dynamics behind the Decision
Authors: Adachi Kenki
Published: June 2005

This article clarifies the dynamics of Japan's decision-making process regarding its signing of the Mine Ban Treaty, analyzing the influence of non-governmental organizations on policymakers. It will demonstrate that this case was atypical in the Japanese decision-making process and that NGOs, with the support of domestic and international public opinion, can overcome entrenched bureaucratic policies.