bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carrier concentration dependence of Ti∕Au specific contact resistance on n-type amorphous indium zinc oxide thin films
Authors: Lim Wantae , Norton D. P. , Jang Jung Hun , Craciun V. , Pearton S. J. , Ren F.
Published: March 2008

Ti ( 200 Å ) ∕ Au ( 800 Å ) Ohmic contacts to n-type amorphous indium zinc oxide (IZO) films with carrier concentrations of (1×1015)–(5×1020)cm−3 showed as-deposited specific contact resistances in the range of (3×10−1)–(1×10−4)Ωcm2. Postgrowth annealing from 200to500°C resulted in significant improvement in contact resistances due to increase of the carrier concentration in the near surface region of IZO layer, which can be attributed to the formation of Ti–O alloy phases that induce oxygen vacancies in the IZO. After annealing at 500°C, the lowest contact resistance of 8×10−6Ωcm2 was achieved in the sample with carrier concentration of 5×1020cm−3. Temperature dependent measurement showed that tunneling was dominant transport mechanism in the contacts on the most highly doped films (n∼5×1020cm−3) and thermionic emission on the most lightly doped films (n∼1×1015cm−3).
Electroinduced simple harmonic oscillation of a microparticle
Authors: Gao Y. , Tian W. J. , Wang W. , Huang J. P.
Published: March 2008

We develop two energy methods to investigate interparticle forces in a chain of three microparticles in an electric field, two of which are fixed and symmetrically located in the two opposite sides of the third free microparticle. We reveal that, if the free microparticle is laterally dragged and released, it can oscillate perpendicular to the line joining the centers of the two fixed microparticles, being in simple harmonic oscillation with a fixed period for small oscillation amplitudes. This work demonstrates that microparticles can be used to record time, which makes it possible to design a new class of microparticulate clocks.
Ansätze zur regionalen Quantifizierung von Methan aus Pflanzen
Authors: Draxler Susanne , Keppler Frank
Published: March 2008

Hintergrund

Methan hat als klimawirksames Gas bei der Ermittlung der Reduktionslasten nach dem Kyoto-Protokoll eine große Bedeutung. Je genauer regionale anthropogene und biogene Vorkommen ermittelt werden können, desto zielstrebiger können Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung gesetzt werden. Direkte Emissionen von Methan aus Pflanzen dürften einen nicht zu vernachlässigenden Beitrag zur Gesamtemission leisten, der bislang in Emissionsbilanzen nicht berücksichtigt wurde.

Methoden

Hier soll der Versuch vorgestellt werden, mit Hilfe der ersten Messergebnisse ein Berechnungsmodell der aeroben Methanemissionen für einen abgegrenzten Zeitraum in regionaler Auflösung am Beispiel Niederösterreichs aufzustellen und die Ergebnisse in Relation zu bekannten Quellen zu setzen.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Erste Resultate aus dem Berechnungsmodell zeigen die Bedeutung der freigesetzten Methan-Mengen aus Pflanzen in Bezug auf die Emissionsmengen bereits bekannter Quellen.

Ausblick

Die Unsicherheiten in Bezug auf Messergebnisse und Quantifizierung werden durch weitere Studien minimiert werden müssen.
Impaired ubiquitin–proteasome system activity in the synapses of Huntington's disease mice
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Wang Chuan-En , Orr Adam , Tydlacka Suzanne , Li Shi-Hua , Li Xiao-Jiang
Published: March 2008

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the N-terminal region of huntingtin (htt) and is characterized by selective neurodegeneration. In addition to forming nuclear aggregates, mutant htt accumulates in neuronal processes as well as synapses and affects synaptic function. However, the mechanism for the synaptic toxicity of mutant htt remains to be investigated. We targeted fluorescent reporters for the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) to presynaptic or postsynaptic terminals of neurons. Using these reporters and biochemical assays of isolated synaptosomes, we found that mutant htt decreases synaptic UPS activity in cultured neurons and in HD mouse brains that express N-terminal or full-length mutant htt. Given that the UPS is a key regulator of synaptic plasticity and function, our findings offer insight into the selective neuronal dysfunction seen in HD and also establish a method to measure synaptic UPS activity in other neurological disease models.
Factors Associated With Acquisition of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in Roommate Contacts of Patients Colonized or Infected with VRE in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Zhou Qian , Moore Christine , Eden Sarah , Tong Agnes , McGeer Allison ,   Mount Sinai Hospital Infection Control Team
Published: March 2008

Objective.

Most nosocomial acquistion of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is due to cross-transmission. We sought to identify risk factors for acquisition of VRE by roommates of patients colonized or infected with VRE.

Design.

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting.

A 472-bed tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methods.

All patients who shared a room with a patient colonized or infected with VRE at our hospital between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2006 were identified. These roommates of VRE-positive patients were screened by rectal swab culture on days 2, 5, and 7 after the last exposure to the index patient. Chart reviews were performed to identify risk factors for VRE colonization in these roommates.

Results.

Eighty-eight roommates of patients colonized or infected with VRE were identified. Of the 38 roommates with complete follow-up, 8 (21%) became colonized with VRE. These 8 roommates were older (median, 87.5 vs 62.5 years of age; P = .001), had longer duration of room exposure (median, 8.5 vs 4 days; P = .002), and were more likely to have a urinary catheter (odds ratio [OR], 16 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.7-152]; P = .005), an elevated serum creatinine level (OR, 17 [95% CI, 1.4-196]; P = .02), low serum albumin level (OR, 9.9 [95% CI, 1.3-113]; P = .01), and recent third-generation cephalosporin use (OR, 8.3 [95% CI, 1.5-47]; P = .02).

Conclusion.

Roommates of patients identified as colonized or infected with VRE are at substantial risk of becoming colonized, with the degree of risk increasing in older and more frail patients. VRE control programs should pay particular attention to such patients.
Bees get a head start on honey production
Authors: Nicolson Susan W , Human Hannelie
Published: March 2008

Nectar concentration is assumed to remain constant during transport by honeybees between flowers and hive. We sampled crop contents of nectar foragers onAloe greatheadiivar.davyana, a major winter bee plant in South Africa. The nectar is dilute (approx. 20% w/w), but the crop contents of bees captured on flowers are significantly more concentrated. In returning foragers, the concentration increases further to 38–40%, accompanied by a volume decrease. The doubling of sugar concentration suggests that nectar is regurgitated onto the tongue and evaporated during foraging and on the return flight. Processing of the dilute nectar into honey thus begins early, aided by low ambient humidities. This has implications for honeybee thermoregulation, water balance and energetics during foraging, and for the communication of nectar quality to recruits.
Mucoadhesive films inside the colonic tube: performance in a three-dimensional world
Authors: Dodou D , van den Berg M , van Gennip J , Breedveld P , Wieringa P.A
Published: March 2008

A self-propelling colonoscopic device moving inside the colonic tube should be able to periodically grip safely to the colonic wall as well as to manipulate the generated friction. The feasibility of achieving high grip and friction manipulation by covering the device with mucoadhesive films is experimentally tested. More precisely, the frictional behaviour of mucoadhesive films inside the colonic tube is testedin vitroin porcine colon. It appears that mucoadhesive films generate significantly higher friction than conventional materials (ANOVAp=0, 95% CIs=−3.04, −2.14). The geometry of the film plays a role as well. When holes are, for instance, present in the film geometry and are large enough so that the colonic tissue can wrap their borders, friction can be significantly increased (ANOVAp=0, 95% CIs=−2.53, −1.26). By altering the contact area or the film geometry, friction manipulation can be achieved. Moreover, a simple theoretical model is developed and experimentally verified (R=0.92). The model can be used to estimate the level of the friction generated by three-dimensional configurations of mucoadhesive films as a function of their geometric characteristics and the material properties of the colon.
Accuracy of models for the 2001 foot-and-mouth epidemic
Authors: Tildesley Michael J , Deardon Rob , Savill Nicholas J , Bessell Paul R , Brooks Stephen P , Woolhouse Mark E.J , Grenfell Bryan T , Keeling Matt J
Published: March 2008

Since 2001 models of the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, supported by the data from the UK epidemic, have been expounded as some of the best examples of problem-driven epidemic models. These claims are generally based on a comparison between model results and epidemic data at fairly coarse spatio-temporal resolution. Here, we focus on a comparison between model and data at the individual farm level, assessing the potential of the model to predict the infectious status of farms in both the short and long terms. Although the accuracy with which the model predicts farms reporting infection is between 5 and 15%, these low levels are attributable to the expected level of variation between epidemics, and are comparable to the agreement between two independent model simulations. By contrast, while the accuracy of predicting culls is higher (20–30%), this is lower than expected from the comparison between model epidemics. These results generally support the contention that the type of the model used in 2001 was a reliable representation of the epidemic process, but highlight the difficulties of predicting the complex human response, in terms of control strategies to the perceived epidemic risk.
Rad3 and Sty1 function in Schizosaccharomyces pombe: an integrated response to DNA damage and environmental stress?
Authors: Alao John P. , Sunnerhagen Per
Published: March 2008

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the Ataxia Telangiectasia‐mutated (Atm)/Atm and Rad 3 Related (Atr) homologue Rad3 is an essential regulator of the response to DNA damage and stalled replication forks. Rad3 activates the downstream kinases Chk1 and Cds1. These kinases in turn inhibit cell cycle progression by mediating Cdc2 phosphorylation. Studies in both yeast and mammalian cells suggest additional roles for Rad3 in regulating cellular responses to environmental stress. In S. pombe, cellular responses to various environmental stresses are regulated primarily through the stress‐activated MAP kinase p38 homologue Sty1. An important function of Sty1 is to drive cells rapidly through mitosis by facilitating the accumulation of Cdc25. Interestingly, Sty1 is activated simultaneously with Rad3 following exposure to UV radiation or ionizing radiation (IR). Similarly, exposure to environmental stresses induces the expression of rad3+, cds1+ and other checkpoint regulator genes. It is currently unclear how the pathways regulated by Sty1 and Rad3 and their opposing effects on mitosis are integrated. Recent studies suggest that Sty1 and Rad3 function together to regulate the expression of several stress response genes following exposure to IR. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on the interaction of Rad3/Atm and Sty1/p38 in regulating cellular responses to environmental stress and DNA damage.
PCR‐based identification of Pythium spp. causing cavity spot in carrots and sensitive detection in soil samples
Authors: Klemsdal S. S. , Herrero M. L. , Wanner L. A. , Lund G. , Hermansen A.
Published: March 2008

On the basis of ITS sequences PCR primers were designed for the identification of the five Pythium species found to be most important for the development of carrot cavity spot in Norway: P. intermedium, P. sulcatum, P. sylvaticum, P. violae and P. ‘vipa’. The P. ‘vipa’ isolates had a unique ITS sequence, differed morphologically from all other Pythium isolates, and thus probably represent a new species. The PCR primers were species‐specific with no cross‐reaction to other Pythium species or to fungal isolates from carrot tested. The detection limits varied for the different primer pairs. The two most sensitive assays allowed detection of as little as 5 fg DNA. All five Pythium species could be detected in lesions from diseased carrots. Weak positive signals were obtained from some carrot samples without symptoms. PCR assays allowed detection of pathogens in soil. In samples of soil known to produce cavity spots on cropped carrots, strong signals were obtained. In several soil samples more than one of the five Pythium species could be detected. The utilization of this diagnostic PCR assay in analysis of field soil and carrot tissue might in the future be exploited to reduce the incidence of this serious carrot disease.
Thermochronological evidence for Mio‐Pliocene late orogenic extension in the north‐eastern Albanides (Albania)
Authors: Muceku Bardhyl , Van Der Beek Peter , Bernet Matthias , Reiners Peter , Mascle Georges , Tashko Artan
Published: March 2008

New apatite and zircon (U–Th)/He and apatite fission‐track (FT) data allow constraining the timing of Miocene–Pliocene extensional exhumation that affected the central part of the Dinarides‐Albanides‐Hellenides orogen. Apatite (U–Th)/He ages in the northern and western Internal Albanides range from 57 to 17 Ma, contrasting to younger ages of 5.2–9.3 Ma in the eastern Internal Albanides. Eastward younging is also reflected in zircon (U–Th)/He ages varying from 101 Ma in the north‐western Internal Albanides to 19–50 Ma in the east, as well as in recently published apatite FT ages. Thermal history predictions with the new data point to a phase of rapid exhumation of the eastern Internal Albanides around 6–4 Ma, while the western Internal Albanides record slower continuous exhumation since the Eocene. This asymmetric exhumation pattern is most likely linked to extensional reactivation of NE–SW‐trending thrusts east of the Mirdita zone and within the Korabi zone of the eastern Internal Albanides.
Sexual Performance of Rams Sequentially Exposed to Short‐tailed and Fat‐tailed Ewes
Authors: Kridli RT , Abdullah AY , Momani Shaker M , Mahmoud KZ
Published: March 2008

Contents

The objective of the study was to compare sexual performance of pure and crossbred rams, and to evaluate whether prior exposure of rams to short‐tailed females would enhance their mating ability when later exposed to fat‐tailed females. Twenty‐two virgin, yearling Awassi (A; n = 7), F1 Charollais × Awassi (CA; n = 7) and F1 Romanov × Awassi (RA; n = 8) rams were subjected to sexual performance tests on six 20‐min occasions. Each ram was individually exposed to two short‐tailed oestrous ewes for three 20‐min occasions on three consecutive days. Following 1 day of rest, the same 3‐day procedure was repeated for each ram with fat‐tailed ewes. Leg kicking bout frequency increased in CA and RA rams and decreased in A rams, when they were exposed to fat‐tailed compared with short‐tailed ewes. No differences in anogenital sniffing were observed among rams exposed to either short‐tailed or fat‐tailed ewes. However, greater (p < 0.001) anogenital sniffing bouts were recorded, when rams were exposed to short‐tailed females. Upon exposure to fat‐tailed ewes, CA and RA rams experienced a marked increase in mounting frequency compared with a slight increase in mounting of A rams (p < 0.001). The ability of Awassi rams to raise the fat tail of Awassi ewes was greater (p < 0.001) than CA and RA rams. Mating was improved in A while declining in CA and RA, when they were exposed to fat‐tailed compared with short‐tailed ewes (p < 0.001). Based on the results of the current study, it seems that all yearling rams were capable of mating with short‐tailed ewes, whereas only Awassi rams managed to mate with fat‐tailed ewes. It appears that brief exposures of yearling crossbred rams to short‐tailed ewes do not improve their mating ability when later exposed to fat‐tailed ewes.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD OF PANCREAS: EXTENDED LYMPHADENECTOMY OR MODIFIED EN BLOC RESECTION?
Authors: Samra Jaswinder S. , Gananadha Sivakumar , Hugh Thomas J.
Published: March 2008

Pancreatoduodenectomy for the treatment of periampullary cancer was described over 70 years ago. The technique has evolved in an attempt to improve the dismal prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancers. Radical regional resection has been proposed to decrease the incidence of local recurrence as well as to improve survival. These extended resections have failed to show a significant survival benefit in prospective randomized controlled studies. Furthermore, extended pancreatic resections may be associated with increased morbidity. The concept of modified en bloc resection has been advocated and is soundly based on anatomical and pathological principals. This procedure is a modification of the radical regional resection previously described. It involves resection of the peripancreatic retroperitoneal tissue and lymph nodes en bloc with the head of pancreas, in order to achieve an R0 resection but without the morbidity associated with an extended lymphadenectomy. Conceptually, this procedure may be the most appropriate technique for the management of pancreatic head cancers although the ultimate effect on long‐term survival can only be judged after further clinical studies.
GPR30 estrogen receptor agonists induce mechanical hyperalgesia in the rat
Authors: Kuhn Julia , Dina Olayinka A. , Goswami Chandan , Suckow Vanessa , Levine Jon D. , Hucho Tim
Published: March 2008

We evaluated the signalling pathway by which estrogen acts in peripheral tissue to produce protein kinase Cɛ (PKCɛ)‐dependent mechanical hyperalgesia. Specific agonists for the classical estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, did not result in activation of PKCɛ in neurons of dissociated rat dorsal root ganglia. In contrast, G‐1, a specific agonist of the recently identified G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptor, GPR30, induced PKCɛ translocation. Involvement of GPR30 and independence of ERα and ERβ was confirmed using the GPR30 agonist and simultaneous ERα and ERβ antagonist ICI 182,780 (fulvestrant). The GPR30 transcript could be amplified from dorsal root ganglia tissue. We found estrogen‐induced as well as GPR30‐agonist‐induced PKCɛ translocation to be restricted to the subgroup of nociceptive neurons positive for isolectin IB4 from Bandeiraea simplicifolia. Corroborating the cellular results, both GPR30 agonists, G‐1 as well as ICI 182,780, resulted in the onset of PKCɛ‐dependent mechanical hyperalgesia if injected into paws of adult rats. We therefore suggest that estrogen acts acutely at GPR30 in nociceptors to produce mechanical hyperalgesia.
Tomato ASR1 abrogates the response to abscisic acid and glucose in Arabidopsis by competing with ABI4 for DNA binding
Authors: Shkolnik Doron , Bar‐Zvi Dudy
Published: March 2008

The manipulation of transacting factors is commonly used to achieve a wide change in the expression of a large number of genes in transgenic plants as a result of a change in the expression of a single gene product. This is mostly achieved by the overexpression of transactivator or repressor proteins. In this study, it is demonstrated that the overexpression of an exogenous DNA‐binding protein can be used to compete with the expression of an endogenous transcription factor sharing the same DNA‐binding sequence. Arabidopsis was transformed with cDNA encoding tomato abscisic acid stress ripening 1 (ASR1), a sequence‐specific DNA protein that has no orthologues in the Arabidopsis genome. ASR1‐overexpressing (ASR1‐OE) plants display an abscisic acid‐insensitive 4 (abi4) phenotype: seed germination is not sensitive to inhibition by abscisic acid (ABA), glucose, NaCl and paclobutrazol. ASR1 binds coupling element 1 (CE1), a cis‐acting element bound by the ABI4 transcription factor, located in the ABI4‐regulated promoters, including that of the ABI4 gene. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrates that ASR1 is bound in vivo to the promoter of the ABI4 gene in ASR1‐OE plants, but not to promoters of genes known to be regulated by the transcription factors ABI3 or ABI5. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis confirmed that the expression of ABI4 and ABI4‐regulated genes is markedly reduced in ASR1‐OE plants. Therefore, it is concluded that the abi4 phenotype of ASR1‐OE plants is the result of competition between the foreign ASR1 and the endogenous ABI4 on specific promoter DNA sequences. The biotechnological advantage of using this approach in crop plants from the Brassicaceae family to reduce the transactivation activity of ABI4 is discussed.
Are non‐poor households always less vulnerable? The case of households exposed to protracted civil war in Southern Sudan
Authors: Deng Luka Biong
Published: March 2008

Civil wars in Africa are now the leading contributory cause of vulnerability of rural communities. Understanding vulnerability during civil war is critical for humanitarian response and post‐conflict rehabilitation planning. The lack of understanding of vulnerability has led existing studies to make sweeping generalizations, either by equating the dynamics of vulnerability during civil wars with vulnerability in other risk events, or by projecting people in the ‘war zones’ as unable to cope and subsequently becoming vulnerable. This paper is an attempt to gain a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics of vulnerability during protracted civil war. It shows that during civil war the non‐poor are not necessarily less vulnerable than poor households. The idea that people caught up in civil war are all vulnerable is not supported by the findings of this paper. It shows that the ‘standard’ pattern of vulnerability to drought is similar to that during exogenous counter‐insurgency warfare, while a different pattern of vulnerability to endogenous shocks is identified.
Black–White Achievement Gap and Family Wealth
Authors: Yeung W. Jean , Conley Dalton
Published: March 2008

This article examines the extent to which family wealth affects the Black–White test score gap for young children based on data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (aged 3–12). This study found little evidence that wealth mediated the Black–White test scores gaps, which were eliminated when child and family demographic covariates were held constant. However, family wealth had a stronger association with cognitive achievement of school‐aged children than that of preschoolers and a stronger association with school‐aged children’s math than on their reading scores. Liquid assets, particularly holdings in stocks or mutual funds, were positively associated with school‐aged children’s test scores. Family wealth was associated with a higher quality home environment, better parenting behavior, and children’s private school attendance.
Comparison of different methodologies for CD4 estimation in a clinical setting
Authors: Jeganathan S , Bansal M , Smith DE , Gold J
Published: March 2008

Objective

To compare flow cytometry assays, using traditional dual platform (DP) or newer single platform (SP) for CD4 enumeration.

Method

Records of subjects enrolled in four separate clinical trials using the same central laboratory [SP methodology (Trucount)] were reviewed retrospectively. Eighteen subjects had 60 matching contemporaneous samples at multiple timepoints.

Results

DP flow cytometry yielded higher CD4 counts in 50/60 assays (83%). CD4 count and percentage by the two methods showed strong correlation for the counts (r=0.965, P<0.0001) and percentages (r=0.959, P<0.0001). Bland–Altman plot analysis showed that the limits of variation were within agreeable limits of ±2SD in 56/60 (93.3%) samples tested. Twenty‐five (42%) samples had a difference of >50 cells/μL. Of these six (24%) exceeded 100 cells.

Conclusion

This study is in agreement with previous reports of strong correlation between DP and SP flow cytometry. This review found differences in CD4 counts in a high proportion of samples tested highlighting the importance for clinicians to be aware of such differences when interpreting results from the two methods.
Perturbation of wild‐type lamin A metabolism results in a progeroid phenotype
Authors: Candelario Jose , Sudhakar Sivasubramaniam , Navarro Sonia , Reddy Sita , Comai Lucio
Published: March 2008

Mutations in the lamin A/C gene cause the rare genetic disorder Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). The prevalent mutation results in the production of a mutant lamin A protein with an internal 50 amino acid deletion which causes a cellular aging phenotype characterized by growth defects, limited replicative lifespan, and nuclear membrane abnormalities. However, the relevance of these findings to normal human aging is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that increased levels of wild‐type lamin A in normal human cells result in decreased replicative lifespan and nuclear membrane abnormalities that lead to apoptotic cell death and senescence in a manner that is strongly reminiscent of the phenotype shown by HGPS cells. In contrast to the accelerated aging defects observed in HGPS cells, the progeroid phenotype resulting from increased expression of wild‐type lamin A can be rescued by overexpression of ZMPSTE24, the metalloproteinase responsible for the removal of the farnesylated carboxyl terminal region of lamin A. Furthermore, farnesyltransferase inhibitors also serve to reverse the progeroid phenotype resulting from increased lamin A expression. Significantly, cells expressing elevated levels of lamin A display abnormal lamin A localization and similar alterations in the nuclear distribution of lamin A are also observed in cells from old‐age individuals. These data demonstrate that the metabolism of wild‐type lamin A is delicately poised and even in the absence of disease‐linked mutations small perturbations in this system are sufficient to cause prominent nuclear defects and result in a progeroid phenotype.
Public knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy in Kuwait
Authors: Awad Abdelmoneim , Sarkhoo Fatma
Published: March 2008

Summary

Purpose: The study was conducted to determine the familiarity with, knowledge of, misunderstandings, and attitudes toward epilepsy among the Kuwaiti population.

Methods: A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 784 Kuwaiti individuals, selected from five governorates in Kuwait using a multistage stratified clustered sampling.

Results: Seven hundred fifty‐five subjects were interviewed, and 97.6% reported their awareness about epilepsy. Of these, 51.8% knew someone who had epilepsy, 56.4% had witnessed an epileptic seizure, 45.9% believed that epilepsy is a hereditary disease, 60.4% reported that “all epileptic fits manifest symptoms of generalized tonic–clonic seizure,” 88.3% indicated that putting an object into the patient's mouth to prevent tongue biting during a seizure is appropriate, and 57.1% stated that drug therapy was the only treatment available for epilepsy. Objections to shake hands with, working with, marrying, and employing epileptic patients were reported by 16.0%, 24.8%, 71.6%, and 45.2%, respectively. Childbirth by epileptic women and allowing children to play with an epileptic child were opposed by 56.3% and 27.7%, respectively. A total of 370 (50.2%) agreed that epilepsy is equivalent to psychiatric disorder.

Discussion: The present findings have demonstrated that epilepsy is a well‐known disease in Kuwait, and that negative attitudes toward epilepsy do prevail in Kuwait. The majority of the negative attitudes were significantly associated with the misunderstanding of epilepsy. Continuing effective educational interventions would be needed in order to improve the appropriate understanding of epilepsy, and to ameliorate the social discrimination and misconceptions against epileptic patients.
Absence status epilepsy: Delineation of a distinct idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndrome
Authors: Genton Pierre , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Thomas Pierre
Published: March 2008

Summary

Purpose: Absence status epilepticus (AS) is a prolonged, generalized, and nonconvulsive seizure that may occur in various circumstances. We report a series of patients in whom recurrent, unprovoked, typical AS was the main clinical feature.

Method: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients referred to our epileptic centers, on the following criteria: (1) recurrent, unprovoked episodes of typical AS representing the unique or the predominant seizure type, (2) at least one episode of AS recorded by video‐EEG or by EEG only, and (3) clinical and EEG features fulfilling the criteria of idiopathic epilepsy. We excluded patients with situation‐related AS.

Results: We found 11 such cases (5F, 6M). The onset of AS was after puberty or in early adulthood in most; no clear triggering factor could account for the recurrence of AS episodes; infrequent generalized tonic–clonic seizures, and, rarely, absences, could also occur. These patients had no family history of epilepsy, normal neurological evaluation, normal neuroimaging, interictal EEG showing generalized spike‐ and polyspike‐wave discharges on a normal background, no photoparoxysmal response, variable response of AS to intravenous benzodiazepines, and usually good seizure control with valproate. This peculiar condition was misdiagnosed in most because of the unusual clinical presentation and of some atypical interictal EEG findings, often leading to the use of inappropriate drugs.

Conclusion: Although there is some overlap with previously described epilepsy syndromes, specific and shared features point to the existence of a distinct epilepsy entity that we propose to name “absence status epilepsy.” This syndrome expands the spectrum of idiopathic generalized epilepsies.
Hyperhemolysis syndrome in sickle cell disease: case report (recurrent episode) and literature review
Authors: Win Nay , New Helen , Lee Edmond , De La Fuente Josu
Published: March 2008

BACKGROUND: Hyperhemolysis syndrome (HS) has been well described both in sickle cell disease (SCD) and non‐SCD patients. The pathogenesis remains unclear. The possible mechanisms include bystander hemolysis, suppression of erythropoiesis, and destruction of red cells (RBCs) due to contact lysis via activated macrophages.

CASE REPORT: This study reports a child with SCD who presented with recurrent episode of HS. In the first episode, the hemoglobin (Hb) level decreased to 4.1 g per dL. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and oral steroids, and transfusion was avoided. Six months later he had another episode of HS. The nadir Hb level decreased to 3.2 g per dL, and further transfusions were given with IVIG‐IV methylprednisolone cover.

RESULTS: RBC alloantibodies were not identified in pre‐ and posttransfusion samples in patient's serum in both episodes. HLA antibodies were also not detected.

CONCLUSION: This is the second reported case of recurrent HS in a child. Recent studies have shown that the adhesion molecules expressed on RBC erythroid precursor cells and reticulocytes can interact with macrophages and can cause hemolysis. Because RBC alloantibodies and HLA antibodies were not identified in this case, it is believed that the patient's cells and transfused cells were destroyed by macrophages either by direct contact lysis or by erythrophagocytosis. The possible mechanism of IVIG and steroids on suppression of macrophages resulting in cessation of hemolysis is discussed. Our case illustrates the danger of recurrent HS and the difficulty of balancing this against the need for transfusions in patients presented with severe hemolysis.
Models of E‐Government: Are They Correct? An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Coursey David , Norris Donald F.
Published: March 2008

Research into e‐government is relatively new. Nevertheless, much contemporary thinking and writing about e‐government is driven by normative models that appeared less than a decade ago. The authors present empirical evidence from three surveys of local e‐government in the United States to test whether these models are accurate or useful for understanding the actual development of e‐government. They find that local e‐government is mainly informational, with a few transactions but virtually no indication of the high‐level functions predicted in the models. Thus, the models do not accurately describe or predict the development of e‐government, at least among American local governments. These models, though intellectually interesting, are purely speculative, having been developed without linkage to the literature about information technology and government. The authors offer grounded observations about e‐government that will useful to scholars and practitioners alike.
Doppler Superior Vena Cava Flow Evolution and Respiratory Variation in Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Authors: Lv Fa Qin , Duan Yun You , Yuan Li Jun , Wang Wen , Cao Tie Sheng , Liu Xi
Published: March 2008

Background: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a clinical expression of obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava. The patterns of the Doppler flow changes of superior vena cava (SVC), especially the respiratory effects on them have not yet been fully elucidated. This study was to examine SVC Doppler flow patterns and the respiratory effects on them in healthy subjects and patients with SVCS. Methods: The SVC Doppler flow patterns of 18 normal human subjects and 22 patients with SVCS were analyzed at initial diagnosis and were followed up every 2 months for at least 11 months. Results: Among the 22 patients, 5 patients with the tumor near the right atrium oppressing the inferior segment of the SVC had clear VR‐ and AR‐waves, while in the other 17 patients the VR‐ and AR‐waves disappeared or their outlines were vague. The respiratory variations of the S‐ and D‐waves as a percentage change in inspiration compared to expiration in patient group were much lower than those in control group (S‐wave: 1.67 ± 3.32% vs. 15.65 ± 16.15%, P = 0.0003; D‐wave: 1.80 ± 1.12% vs. 23.55 ± 37%, P = 0.0087), which gradually became larger with treatment and showed no significant difference with those in control group after 7 months. Conclusions: The Doppler flows of the patients with SVCS correlate well with the images of CT scan of them. The respiratory variation of the S‐ and D‐velocities could be used to evaluate the severity of SVC obstruction and its therapeutic effect.
Reverse or Inverted Left Ventricular Apical Ballooning Syndrome (Reverse Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy) in a Young Woman in the Setting of Amphetamine Use
Authors: Movahed Mohammad‐Reza , Mostafizi Kioumars
Published: March 2008

Transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome was first described in Japan as “Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.” This syndrome has been identified in many other countries. Many variations of this syndrome have been recently described in the literature. One of the rarest is the reverse type of this syndrome, with hyperdynamic apex and complete akinesia of the base (as opposed to the classic apical ballooning). In this article, we report an interesting case of a young woman who presented with this rare type of reverse apical ballooning syndrome occurring after amphetamine use. This report is followed by review of the literature.
Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic and Transesophageal Echocardiographic Findings in Epithelioid Hemangioma Involving the Mitral Valve
Authors: Dod Harvinder S. , Burri Manjula V. , Hooda Deepak , Sajja Venu , Qureshi Wasif , Massinople David , Nazim Muhammad H. , Murray Charles , Prabhakar Ganga , Williams H. James , Warden Bradford , Beto Robert , Jain Abnash C. , Nanda Navin C.
Published: March 2008

We are describing two‐dimensional and live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic as well as two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic findings in an elderly patient with epithelioid hemangioma involving the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve.
Left and Right Atrial Myocardial Deformation Properties in Patients with an Atrial Septal Defect
Authors: Arat Nurcan , Sökmen Yeliz , Altay Hakan , Özcan Fırat , İlkay Erdoğan
Published: March 2008

Background: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common form of congenital heart defect in adults, which affects all cardiac chambers. Atrial myocardial function in patients with ASD has not yet been clearly elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate atrial myocardial deformation properties in patients with ASDs. Methods: The study involved 24 patients with a secundum type ASD, and 22 healthy subjects. Color Doppler myocardial imaging was used to measure left and right atrial myocardial systolic strain and strain rate values, together with peak systolic velocity, early velocity, and late diastolic velocity. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to age, gender, body mass index, heart rate, blood pressure, left atrial diameter, and ventricular function. The peak systolic atrial myocardial strain and strain rate values in each of the atrial walls studied were lower in the ASD group compared to those of the control group, but the difference reached statistical significance only in the case of the right atrial wall (right atrial strain: 48.0 ± 32.7% vs 100.2 ± 46.6%, P = 0.006; right atrial strain rate: 2.6 ± 1.2/sec vs 3.8 ± 1.2/sec, P = 0.024). Conclusion: The left to right cardiac shunt that results from ASD leads to a reduction in the right atrial myocardial longitudinal lengthening that occurs during ventricular ejection. These findings demonstrate that the reservoir function of the atrium is impaired and atrial stiffness increases in patients with ASDs.
Live/Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Description of Chordoma Metastatic to the Heart
Authors: Pothineni Koteswara R , Nanda Navin C , Burri Manjula V , Bell Walter C , Post James D
Published: March 2008

We describe live/real time three‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic features of a chordoma metastatic to the heart and correlate its appearance with the surgical pathology.
Ultraviolet Illumination as an Adjunctive Aid in Dental Inspection*
Authors: Hermanson Arnold S. , Bush Mary A. , Miller Raymond G. , Bush Peter J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Tooth‐colored resin fillings have become increasingly popular as restorative materials. Their presence in the dentition presents a challenge to the clinician and the forensic odontologist, as detection of the fillings can be difficult both visually and radiographically. As they necessarily form part of the unique dentition of an individual, recognition of the resins is important for forensic identification. Alternative light sources have been used with success in various fields of forensic science. In recent years small LED flashlights emitting at specific wavelengths in the ultraviolet light (UV) range have been developed. Their low cost, small size, and ready availability makes their use practical in both forensic dental inspection and clinical settings. UV inspection is of interest because enamel, dentin and dental materials all have differing fluorescent properties when illuminated by UV light. It was one goal of this research to quantitatively assess the fluorescence properties of modern restorative resins in order to predict their behavior during inspection using UV illumination. The second goal was to demonstrate practical use of UV in dental inspection with examples of how different materials fluoresce. Quantitative measurements were obtained for optical emission wavelength and intensity for 15 modern resins using a spectrophotometer. Results indicated that resin brands fluoresce at different wavelengths and with varying intensities. Practical use and comparison of the flashlights revealed that the most useful excitation wavelengths for resin detection were in the UVA range (365 and 380 nm). Porcelain restorations and composite resin fillings exhibited different responses to these two wavelengths and thus use of both is recommended for forensic dental inspection.
Characterization of Deletions in the DYS385 Flanking Region and Null Alleles Associated with AZFc Microdeletions in Koreans
Authors: Park Myung Jin , Shin Kyoung‐Jin , Kim Na Young , Yang Woo Ick , Cho Sang‐Ho , Lee Hwan Young
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Eight DYS385 allele size discrepancies and six DYS448 null types were detected among 708 Korean men when results of three in‐house multiplex short tandem repeat (STR) systems were compared. The systems included both ordinary and reduced size amplicons. Sequence analysis revealed deletion mutations at two sites upstream of the DYS385 core repeats and deletion of the entire DYS448 locus. At DYS385, allele size differences were one or two repeats and were dependent on the primer set used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Location of the primer target sequence in a flanking region of the STR, distal or proximal to the deletion, determined allele size. Two widely used commercial kits amplify DYS385 so as to include the mutable sites. Arrangement analysis of sequence tagged sites demonstrated that the deletion patterns at DYS448 (and DYS464) were associated with arrangements of the azoospermia factor c gene (AZFc). The DYS448 deletion appears relatively frequent in Asians.
Repeatability and Reproducibility of Earprint Acquisition*
Authors: Alberink Ivo , Ruifrok Arnout
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  For all forensic disciplines dealing with identification—e.g., of glass, tool marks, fibers, faces, fingers, handwriting, speakers—in which manual (subjective, nonautomated) processes play a role, operator dependencies are relevant. With respect to earprint identification, in the period 2002–2005, the Forensic Ear Identification research project collected a database of 1229 donors, three prints per ear, and laid down a “best practice” for print acquisition. Repeatability and reproducibility aspects of the print acquisition are tested. The study suggests that different operators may acquire prints of differing quality, with equal error rates of the matching system ranging from 9% to 19%. Moreover, it turns out that “matching” earprints are more alike when taken in a consecutive row than when taken on separate occasions. This underlines the importance of (1) studying operator effects, (2) operator training, and (3) not gathering “matching” reference material at the same occasion.
Determination of Firing Distance. Lead Analysis on the Target by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS)*
Authors: Gagliano‐Candela Roberto , Colucci Anna P. , Napoli Salvatore
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  This paper reports a method for the determination of the firing distance. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to determine the lead (Pb) pattern around bullet holes produced by shots on test targets from the gun. Test shots were made with a Colt 38 Special at 5, 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 80, and 100 cm target distance. The target was created with sheets of Whatman no. 1 paper on a polystyrene support. The target was subdivided into three carefully cut out rings (1, 2, and 3; with external diameters of 1.4 cm; 5 cm; 10.2 cm, respectively). Each sample was analyzed with graphite furnace AAS. Lead values analysis performed for each ring yielded a linear relation between the firing distance (cm) and the logarithm of lead amounts (μg/cm2) in definite target areas (areas 2 + 3): [ln dPb2+3 = a0 + a1l]; where dPb2+3 = lead μg/cm2 of area 2 + 3; a0 and a1 are experimentally calculated; l = distance in cm.
Fatal Postpartum Spontaneous Liver Rupture: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Sutton Bobbie Collett , Dunn S. Terence , Landrum Jeff , Mielke Greg
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Maternal hepatic rupture is a rare complication of pregnancy that can be fatal to both mother and child. This phenomenon is most often associated with preeclampsia/eclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome, which is defined by a collection of clinical features including hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), and a low platelet count (LP). These disease processes are typically identified and treated during pregnancy, often in the last trimester. The described case is unusual in that the decedent had no known history of preeclampsia/eclampsia or HELLP syndrome during this pregnancy, and she died suddenly several days postpartum of liver rupture with massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage following a routine cesarean section delivery and an uneventful hospital course. Similar cases are infrequent in the literature, which is reviewed in this report.
Odor Analysis of Decomposing Buried Human Remains*
Authors: Vass Arpad A. , Smith Rob R. , Thompson Cyril V. , Burnett Michael N. , Dulgerian Nishan , Eckenrode Brian A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  This study, conducted at the University of Tennessee’s Anthropological Research Facility (ARF), lists and ranks the primary chemical constituents which define the odor of decomposition of human remains as detected at the soil surface of shallow burial sites. Triple sorbent traps were used to collect air samples in the field and revealed eight major classes of chemicals which now contain 478 specific volatile compounds associated with burial decomposition. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and were collected below and above the body, and at the soil surface of 1.5–3.5 ft. (0.46–1.07 m) deep burial sites of four individuals over a 4‐year time span. New data were incorporated into the previously established Decompositional Odor Analysis (DOA) Database providing identification, chemical trends, and semi‐quantitation of chemicals for evaluation. This research identifies the “odor signatures” unique to the decomposition of buried human remains with projected ramifications on human remains detection canine training procedures and in the development of field portable analytical instruments which can be used to locate human remains in shallow burial sites.
Asynchronous and synchronous spawning by smalleye shiner Notropis buccula from the Brazos River, Texas
Authors: Durham B. W. , Wilde G. R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract –  We used a combination of methods to study the reproductive ecology of the imperiled smalleye shiner Notropis buccula Cross in the Brazos River, Texas between April 2003 and March 2005. Patterns in oocyte development, gonadosomatic index and oocyte size distribution indicate that reproduction occurs over a 6‐month period between April and September and that the population spawns asynchronously with individual fish spawning small batches of ova throughout the reproductive season except during periods of elevated streamflow when spawning becomes more intense and is synchronised within the population. This combination of asynchronous spawning and episodic synchronous spawning in the same species challenges the current paradigm of an exclusive association between spawning and periods of elevated streamflow for pelagic, broadcast‐spawning cyprinids in North American Great Plains Rivers. The combination of asynchronous and synchronous spawning that we observed for the smalleye shiner is likely widespread among pelagic, broadcast‐spawning cyprinids and limitations of the methods commonly used to assess reproductive ecology likely contributed to an incomplete understanding of the relationship between spawning and streamflow. An accurate understanding of this relationship is necessary to design and implement appropriate conservation and management strategies for the smalleye shiner and other imperiled broadcast‐spawning cyprinid fishes.