bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echinostome infection in green frogs (Rana clamitans) is stage and age dependent
Authors: Holland M. P. , Skelly D. K. , Kashgarian M. , Bolden S. R. , Harrison L. M. , Cappello M.
Published: September 2006

The increasing threat of emerging infectious diseases in both wildlife and humans has spurred interest in the causes of disease emergence, including the role of anthropogenic change. A prior field study of infection patterns in amphibians suggests that echinostome infection may be an emerging disease of green frogsRana clamitansliving in urbanized environments. We examined the impact of echinostome infection on green frog tadpoles at a wide range of developmental stages (Gosner stage 25–39). Echinostome infection was associated with green frog mortality rates of up to 40% in an early developmental stage, and none in later developmental stages. Tadpoles exposed to higher echinostome doses exhibited higher edema rates, a potential sign of compromised renal function. Histopathological analysis further supported the hypothesis that echinostome‐induced tadpole mortality resulted from compromised renal function. Given that the timing of highest cercarial shedding can coincide with the most vulnerable stages of green frog tadpole development, echinostomes could significantly impact green frog survival in nature.
Gendered images of the German nation: the Romantic painter Friedrich Kersting and the patriotic‐national discourse during the Wars of Liberation
Authors: HAGEMANN KAREN
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT.The article analyses the oeuvre ofFriedrich Kersting(1875–1847), a now largely forgotten Romantic painter, and other gendered images of the German nation that were created among his circle of friends but also in the wider context of the patriotic‐national discourse during the Prussian Wars of Liberation. The paper combines the findings of art historical research with those of history and cultural studies. In so doing, it deconstructs gendered images of the nation in the patriotic‐national discourse during the Wars of Liberation and their political importance during that time. The main focus of the analysis is the interrelationship between visual imagery, discursively formed patriotic‐national concepts in the topical literature, cultural practices and individual experience.
Contestation and negotiation: regionalism and the politics of school textbooks in Ukraine's eastern borderlands
Authors: RODGERS PETER W.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT. This paper aims to explore the (re)construction of identities in three regions adjacent to the Russian–Ukrainian border. The article analyses the areas' historical and political development and argues that placing such areas within a mega‐region term such as ‘eastern Ukraine’ fails to recognise important differences between them. Content analysis of regional history textbooks reveals that the ‘official’ state historical narrative found in school history textbooks is heavily negotiated, with regional elites in each area ‘picking and choosing’ which parts of the ‘official’ state narrative to accept and which parts to reject. In this way, the article demonstrates how the notions of ‘inclusion’ and ‘exclusion’ are highly debated topics in the Ukrainian classroom as the central and local state elites are both part of the dynamic process of (re)definition of national identities.
When is a nation ‘a nation’? Identity‐formation within a French West Indian people (Martinique)*
Authors: MILES WILLIAM
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT. Nationhood is usually considered a subjective state of being acquired by a self‐conscious group sharing cultural distinctiveness and political goals. Social scientists and historians also endeavor to delineate objective factors that impart national status to minority peoples. Rarely do the elected officials of a non‐sovereign people have the opportunity to vote on whether or not their constituency constitutes a discrete nation. The extraordinary Congress of 2002 in Martinique did provide such an opportunity, however. The contradictory outcomes of that seminal event – including the plebiscite one year later on a proposed change of status for this Caribbean island within the French Republic – reveal much about the ambiguous status of Martinican group identity. They also underline the need for theoreticians of nationalism to take into account politically and culturally specific understandings of the very concept of ‘nation’. That a formerly colonised people may materially benefit disproportionately from ongoing institutional relationships with its former colonial power – countercolonialism – also needs to be considered.
Metabolic and polycystic ovary syndromes in indigenous South Asian women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wijeyaratne CN , Waduge R , Arandara D , Arasalingam A , Sivasuriam A , Dodampahala SH , Balen AH
Published: September 2006

Objective  To determine the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a cohort of indigenous South Asian women with a recent history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Design  Case–control study.

Setting  Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Sample  Two hundred and seventy‐four indigenous Sri Lankan women with previous GDM and 168 ethnically matched controls. Of these, 147 with previous GDM and 67 controls not taking hormonal contraception participated in an in‐depth endocrine study.

Methods  Assessing the prevalence of MS and PCOS based on clinical features, biochemistry and ovarian ultrasound examination at 3 years postpartum.

Main outcome measures  Prevalence of MS and PCOS.

Results  Women with previous GDM and controls were studied at a mean (range) of 34.6 (13.4–84.1) and 46.5 (17.5–78) months postpartum, respectively. Those with previous GDM had a larger mean ± 95% confidence interval waist circumference (90.9 ± 1.3 versus 81.2 ± 2.8 cm, P= 0.0004) and were more likely to have hypertension (17.6 versus 7.4%, P= 0.001), glucose intolerance (51.7 versus 10.4%, P= 0.00001), hypertriglyceridaemia (16.3 versus 5.9%, P= 0.02) and a lower level of high‐density lipoprotein (70 versus 56.7%, P= 0.04) than the controls. Of the women who had GDM, 72 (49%) had MS, 86 (58.5%) had polycystic ovaries and 59 (40%) had PCOS, significantly more than the control women—4 (6%), 9 (13%) and 2 (3%), respectively (P= 0.00001).

Conclusions  The prevalence of MS and PCOS in indigenous Sri Lankan women 3 years postpartum is significantly higher in those with previous GDM compared with ethnically matched controls. This confirms an association between GDM and subsequent PCOS and MS.
Audit of the influence of body mass index on the performance of epidural analgesia in labour and the subsequent mode of delivery
Authors: Dresner M , Brocklesby J , Bamber J
Published: September 2006

Objective  To assess the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the performance of epidural analgesia in labour and the subsequent mode of delivery.

Design  A retrospective audit of prospectively collected quality assurance data.

Setting  The delivery suite of Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, UK. This is a 4500‐delivery teaching hospital unit.

Population  All women receiving epidural analgesia during labour in our unit between April 1997 and December 2005.

Methods  Epidural recipients were divided into BMI groups according to World Health Organization (WHO) categories and compared for indices of epidural performance and mode of delivery.

Main outcome measures  Midwife and patient satisfaction scores with epidural analgesia, epidural resite rates, and mode of delivery.

Results  Data from 13 299 epidural recipients were analysed. Using WHO definitions, 22.8% were of normal body mass, 41.9% were overweight, 31.9% obese, and 3.4% morbidly obese. Epidurals were more likely to fail as BMI increased, as judged by midwife satisfaction scores (P < 0.001) and epidural resite rates (P < 0.01). This trend was not seen for maternal satisfaction scores using the WHO BMI categories. However, if women with BMI below 30 kg/m2 were grouped together, a significant trend was found (P < 0.01). BMI had no influence on vaginal instrumental deliveries, but caesarean section rates rose from 11.5% in women of normal BMI to 29.2% in the morbidly obese women (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Obesity increases the incidence of analgesic failure and the need for resite of epidurals. The caesarean section rate among epidural recipients increases dramatically as BMI rises.
Review article: Operating on the obese woman—a review
Authors: Alexander CI , Liston WA
Published: September 2006

In this review the authors recognise the growing contribution of obesity to problems in obstetrics and gynaecology. They then focus on methods to reduce complications in intrapartum and gynaecological care particularly in relation to operating on the obese woman. Strategies to reduce surgical morbidity are discussed including consideration of the site of incision, asepsis and reduction in postoperative complications.
Problems of integration of medical care and welfare service: medical treatment under long‐term insurance system
Authors: SUGAI Yuuichi
Published: September 2006

The advent of the long‐term care insurance system has brought substantial structural change not only in the social welfare field but also to the medical care system. Long‐term care insurance has also been introduced into the geriatric hospital system to reduce medical care insurance expenditure. As a result, in cases of emergency involving people under long‐term care, adequate medical care can not be expected because of a shortage of medical treatment wards for the aged. At a sanatorium‐type hospital, the upper limit of the insurance payment is decided by the care degree required by the patient. So from the standpoint of the hospital management, it is necessary to admit patients requiring more severe degrees of care to a sanatorium‐type hospital. It has become difficult to hospitalize dementia patients requiring care degrees 1 or 2. Under the long‐term care insurance system, the problem of medical treatment for the aged becomes all the more serious.
Inhibition of endocytosis activates alternative degradation pathway of βAPP in cultured cells
Authors: FUKUMORI Akio , JIANG Jingwei , TANII Hisashi , MORIHARA Takashi , KAMINO Kojin , TANAKA Toshihisa , KUDO Takashi , ITO Naohiro , TAGAMI Shinji , OKOCHI Masayasu , TAKEDA Masatoshi
Published: September 2006

Background:  Alzheimer’s disease associated βAPP is sequentially endoproteolyzed by α/β‐secretase and γ‐cleavage. In the process, extracellular shedding by α‐secretase (ADAM 9/10/17) or β‐secretase (BACE 1/2) at position L17 or D1 (Aβ numbering) are prerequisites for the generation of P3 or Aβ, respectively. In addition, several alternative extracellular cleavage sites in βAPP have been reported at position I−6, V−3, R5, E11, F20, and A21. Among these sites, position R5 is considered to be cleaved by α‐secretase‐like activity, whereas position E11, F20 and A21 are cleaved by β‐secretase. Therefore, extracellular shedding of βAPP is thought to be mediated exclusively by α/β‐secretase activities. However, so far the characteristics of cleavages at position V−3 and I−6 are not well understood. The aim of this study is to characterize these two cleavages of βAPP.

Methods:  We analyzed the conditioned media of βAPP wt or sw expressing cells with or without pharmacological agents.

Results:  Here, we show that the cleavage at position I−6 of βAPP has characteristics distinct from that of α/β‐secretase, while the cleavage at V−3 seems to be mediated by β‐secretase. Although inhibition of endocytosis enhances the cleavages at both V−3 and I−6, PMA, an α‐secretase stimulator, treatment enhances neither of these cleavages. Interestingly, a β‐secretase inhibitor, z‐VLL‐CHO, suppressed V−3 but not I−6 cleavage. The pathological βAPP Swedish mutant adjacent to the cleavage sites shows similar effects.

Conclusions:  Our data demonstrate that neither α nor β‐secretase undergoes extracellular shedding at I−6 of βAPP. Therefore, our data may indicate a novel alternative βAPP degradation pathway which is up‐regulated upon low level of endocytosis.
Primary alcoholic dementia and alcohol‐related dementia
Authors: MORIYAMA Yasushi , MIMURA Masaru , KATO Motoichiro , KASHIMA Haruo
Published: September 2006

Clinicopathological issues regarding so‐called ‘alcoholic dementia’ remain under debate. Although clinical observation favors the diagnosis of primary alcohol dementia, caused by direct alcohol neurotoxicity, further confirmation from neuropathological and biochemical perspectives is warranted. Repeat episodes of subclinical Wernicke–Korsakoff’s syndrome may partially account for the chronic state of primary alcoholic dementia, thus supporting the notion that primary alcoholic dementia exists in continuum with chronic and subclinical types of Wernicke–Korsakoff’s syndrome. Diagnostic criteria for alcohol related dementia, as detailed by Oslin et al., represent a purer form of alcoholic dementia and are useful for the scientific discussion of this condition.
Demographic and Genetic Estimates of Effective Population and Breeding Size in the AmphibianRana temporaria
Authors: SCHMELLER DIRK S. , MERILÄ JUHA
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Genetic methods for estimating effective population size (Ne) or the effective number of breeders (Nb) have become popular, but comparisons of these estimates with demographic estimates ofNeandNbare rare, especially in anurans. We used three genetic (linkage disequilibrium, temporal moments, Bayesian coalescent‐based method) and three demographic models, the latter considering number of breeding individuals, sex ratio, reproductive skew, and other demographic data, to estimateNeandNbin two subarctic populations (T and P) of the common frogRana temporaria, subject to long‐term capture–recapture studies. Demographic estimates ofNebased on total population size (Ne[T]= 44.5–56.9;Ne[P]= 68.8–93.7) deviated markedly from the genetic estimates obtained using the linkage disequilibrium method (Ne[T]= 97.1;Ne[P]= 13.2). The demographic estimates ofNb, taking into consideration sex ratio and variance in reproductive success (Nb[T]= 10.1–39.7;Nb[P]= 3.9–21.3), were higher than the genetic estimates (Nb[T]= 3.7–5.4;Nb[P]= 3.5–3.9). The main factors affecting the effective size estimates were sex ratio and reproductive skew. The discrepancies between correspondingNeandNbestimates highlight the sensitivity of both demographic and genetic estimates on their underlying assumptions. Yet the ratios of effective or breeding effective size to the census population size were similar to those reported earlier for anurans, reinforcing the view that the discrepancy between actual and effective breeding sizes in anuran populations is typically very large.
Incorporating Evolutionary Measures into Conservation Prioritization
Authors: REDDING DAVID W. , MOOERS ARNE Ø.
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  Conservation prioritization is dominated by the threat status of candidate species. However, species differ markedly in the shared genetic information they embody, and this information is not taken into account if species are prioritized by threat status alone. We developed a system of prioritization that incorporates both threat status and genetic information and applied it to 9546 species of birds worldwide. We devised a simple measure of a species' genetic value that takes into account the shape of the entire taxonomic tree of birds. This measure approximates the evolutionary history that each species embodies and sums to the phylogenetic diversity of the entire taxonomic tree. We then combined this genetic value with each species' probability of extinction to create a species‐specific measure of expected loss of genetic information. The application of our methods to the world's avifauna showed that ranking species by expected loss of genetic information may help preserve bird evolutionary history by upgrading those threatened species with fewer close relatives. We recommend developing a mechanism to incorporate a species' genetic value into the prioritization framework.
Comparison of Reproductive Effects of Levetiracetam and Valproate Studied in Prepubertal Porcine Ovarian Follicular Cells
Authors: Taubøll Erik , Gregoraszczuk Ewa L. , Tworzydø Anna , Wójtowicz Anna K. , Ropstad Erik
Published: September 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Long‐term valproate (VPA) treatment has been associated with reproductive endocrine disorders characterized by hyperandrogenism and polycystic changes in the ovaries in women with epilepsy. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a promising, new antiepileptic drug that may represent an alternative to VPA for many patients. Here the effect of LEV and VPA on basal and gonadotropin‐stimulated steroid secretion from prepubertal porcine ovarian follicular cells was compared and the conversion of testosterone to estradiol is measured.

Methods: Ovarian follicles were obtained from prepubertal pigs. Follicular theca and granulosa cells were cocultured and different concentrations of LEV or VPA added to the control or gonadotropin‐stimulated cultures.

Results: VPA, but not LEV, caused a significant increase of LH‐stimulated testosterone secretion and decreased FSH‐stimulated estradiol secretion. VPA decreased conversion of testosterone to estradiol in both basal and FSH‐stimulated cultures, while LEV only decreased testosterone to estradiol conversion after FSH stimulation and only at the highest, nontherapeutic drug concentration. Both drugs increased basal testosterone secretion at therapeutic drug levels. VPA also reduced basal estradiol secretion, while LEV decreased basal estradiol secretion only at nontherapeutic drug levels.

Conclusion: Both LEV and VPA affect endocrine function in the prepubertal ovary. But while VPA alters both basal and gonadotropin‐stimulated testosterone and estradiol secretion at therapeutic drug concentrations, LEV only affects basal hormone secretion at this concentration level. The possibility that LEV could be an alternative treatment to VPA if reproductive endocrine problems emerge in adult women, is discussed. However, extrapolation to the clinical situation is problematic and particular emphasis is placed on the need for further studies.
The Influence of Gonadal Hormones on Neuronal Excitability, Seizures, and Epilepsy in the Female
Authors: Scharfman Helen E. , MacLusky Neil J.
Published: September 2006

Summary: It is clear from both clinical observations of women, and research in laboratory animals, that gonadal hormones exert a profound influence on neuronal excitability, seizures, and epilepsy. These studies have led to a focus on two of the primary ovarian steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, to clarify how gonadal hormones influence seizures in women with epilepsy. The prevailing view is that estrogen is proconvulsant, whereas progesterone is anticonvulsant. However, estrogen and progesterone may not be the only reproductive hormones to consider in evaluating excitability, seizures, or epilepsy in the female. It seems unlikely that estrogen and progesterone would exert single, uniform actions given our current understanding of their complex pharmacological and physiological relationships. Their modulatory effects are likely to depend on endocrine state, relative concentration, metabolism, and many other factors. Despite the challenges these issues raise to future research, some recent advances have helped clarify past confusion in the literature. In addition, testable hypotheses have developed for complex clinical problems such as “catamenial epilepsy.” Clinical and animal research, designed with the relevant endocrinological and neurobiological issues in mind, will help advance this field in the future.
Two Cases of Painful Gynecomastia and Lower Extremity Pain in Association with Pregabalin Therapy
Authors: Málaga Ignacio , Sanmarti Francesc X.
Published: September 2006

We report two patients with refractory epilepsy who developed unilateral painful gynecomastia and lower extremity pain (one of them localized and the other one diffuse), shortly after receiving Pregabalin (PGB). Neither of them had previous endocrinologic problems or complaints about pain on their medical history. PGB was stopped in one patient and reduced in the other one, with complete disparition of the symptoms in the following weeks in both patients. This supports the hypothesis that gynecomastia could be a drug‐induced and easy to manage secondary effect of PGB, with a higher incidence than observed on previous clinical trials.
Using AMOEBA to Create a Spatial Weights Matrix and Identify Spatial Clusters
Authors: Aldstadt Jared , Getis Arthur
Published: September 2006

The creation of a spatial weights matrix by a procedure called AMOEBA, A Multidirectional Optimum Ecotope‐Based Algorithm, is dependent on the use of a local spatial autocorrelation statistic. The result is (1) a vector that identifies those spatial units that are related and unrelated to contiguous spatial units and (2) a matrix of weights whose values are a function of the relationship of the ith spatial unit with all other nearby spatial units for which there is a spatial association. In addition, the AMOEBA procedure aids in the demarcation of clusters, called ecotopes, of related spatial units. Experimentation reveals that AMOEBA is an effective tool for the identification of clusters. A comparison with a scan statistic procedure (SaTScan) gives evidence of the value of AMOEBA. Total fertility rates in enumeration districts in Amman, Jordan, are used to show a real‐world example of the use of AMOEBA for the construction of a spatial weights matrix and for the identification of clusters. Again, comparisons reveal the effectiveness of the AMOEBA procedure.
Logistic Population Growth in the World's Largest Cities
Authors: Mulligan Gordon F.
Published: September 2006

This article demonstrates that recent population growth in the world's largest cities has conformed to the general parameters of the logistic process. Using data recently provided by the United Nations, logistic population growth for 485 million‐person cities is analyzed at 5‐year intervals during 1950–2010, with the UN projections for 2015 adopted as upper limits. A series of ordinary least‐squares regression models of increasing complexity are estimated on the pooled data. In one class of models, the logarithms of population proportions are specified to be linear in time, which is the standard approach, but in a second class of models those proportions are specified as being quadratic. The most complex models control logistic growth estimates for (i) city‐specific effects (e.g., initial population), (ii) nation‐specific effects (e.g., economic development, age distribution of population), and (iii) global coordinates (for unobserved effects). Moreover, the results are segregated according to each city's membership in four different growth clubs, which was an important finding of previous research.
Isolated bilateral optic neuritis in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Authors: Bangsgaard Regitze , Larsen Vibeke Andrée , Milea Dan
Published: September 2006

Purpose:  We present a 4‐year‐old girl with isolated visual loss related to a bilateral oedematous optic neuropathy of unknown origin, occurring after an episode of viral illness.

Methods:  A cerebral MRI was performed, showing bilateral enhancement of the optic nerves and bilateral, diffuse, cerebral white matter lesions.

Results:  The MRI scan suggested acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Treatment with intravenous steroids and immunoglobulins resulted in favourable visual recovery.

Conclusions:  Bilateral isolated optic neuritis in childhood may be the only presenting symptom in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, which requires appropriate evaluation and therapeutic management.
Dental restorations: a risk factor for periodontal attachment loss?
Authors: Broadbent Jonathan M. , Williams Karen B. , Thomson W. Murray , Williams Sheila M.
Published: September 2006

Background: Dental caries and restorations in proximal tooth surfaces often impinge upon the periodontal biological width.

Aim: This study examines whether these factors may contribute to risk for periodontal attachment loss at these sites.

Methods: The study is based upon data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a long‐standing cohort study. Approximal tooth surfaces of 884 study members were evaluated for restorations and caries at age 26 and again at 32 years, and probing depth and gingival recession were recorded in millimetres at age 32. Attachment loss was computed as the sum of pocket depth and gingival recession. Data were analysed using generalized estimating equations.

Results: Where a caries/restorative event had occurred on an inter‐proximal tooth surface before age 26, the age‐32 attachment loss at the corresponding periodontal site was approximately twice more likely to be 3 mm than if the adjacent tooth surface had remained sound to age 32. This was also true where a caries/restorative event had occurred subsequent to age 26. The association remained after controlling for potential confounders, including smoking.

Conclusions: Site‐specific periodontal attachment loss due to dental caries or restorative events occurs in adults in their third and fourth decades of life.
Periodontal therapy in siblings with Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome and tinea capitis: a report of two cases
Authors: Schacher B. , Baron F. , Ludwig B. , Valesky E. , Noack B. , Eickholz P.
Published: September 2006

Objective: Report of clinical and microbiological periodontal findings before and 6 months after treatment of two siblings with Papillon–Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) and tinea capitis.

Methods: Two brothers, RG 3 years and NG 5 years of age, were referred for treatment due to premature mobility of their deciduous teeth. Probing depths (PPD), attachment levels (PAL‐V), and furcation involvements were examined clinically. Panoramic radiographs were taken. Subgingival plaque samples within the deepest pocket of each tooth were taken and analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (AA), Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Prevotella intermedia. One‐stage full‐mouth scaling and extraction of hopeless teeth were performed under general anaesthesia, followed by systemic amoxicillin and metronidazole for 7 days. Clinical and microbiological analyses were performed 6 months after treatment.

Results: Before treatment, both siblings had exhibited PPD of up to 13 mm, Class III furcation defects at four teeth, and marginal suppuration. AA was detected in both patients and at all teeth at levels ranging from 3.0 × 102 to 5.1 × 106. Both patients exhibited palmar and plantar hyperkeratosis. Seven teeth were extracted from RG, and nine from NG. Six months after treatment, PPD had been reduced to ≤5 mm. AA was not detected in any of the remaining teeth.

Conclusion: Even periodontally affected deciduous teeth of PLS patients can be treated successfully. Suppression of AA to below detection level seems to be of high significance.
Analysis of the CC chemokine receptor 5 delta32 polymorphism in a Brazilian population with cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Brajão de Oliveira Karen , Vissoci Reiche Edna Maria , Kaminami Morimoto Helena , Pelegrinelli Fungaro Maria Helena , Estevão Dirceu , Pontello Rubens , Franco Nasser Thiago , Watanabe Maria Angelica Ehara
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  Patients with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) show a vigorous T‐cell immune response against Leishmania braziliensis. Because the Th response is associated with inflammation, the non‐functional CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) may rely in a less severe inflammatory state. The aim of this study was to investigate the CCR5 gene in a Brazilian population with leishmaniasis compared with healthy control subjects and to determine the progression from cutaneous to MCL in the Δ32 allele carriers. Among 100 patients with Montenegro skin test and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) values positive for leishmaniasis, there were 32% women and 68% men. The patients were 89% CCR5/CCR5, 10% CCR5/Δ32, and 1% Δ32/Δ32, while healthy subjects showed a 91% incidence of CCR5/CCR5, 8% of CCR5/Δ32, and 1% of Δ32/Δ32. The CCR5/CCR5 patients (89%) showed a large spectrum of clinical manifestations, where 22.47% had active mucous lesions and 77.53% had cutaneous lesions. In this work, the Δ32 allele carriers (10%) showed only cutaneous manifestations when compared with wild‐type individuals. Finally, with regard to the Δ32 allele carriers, a less severe spectrum of clinical manifestations was observed in comparison with wild‐type individuals. Although a lack of mucocutaneous lesions was evident among Δ32 allele carriers, the number of individuals studied was small. Therefore, further investigations are needed to elucidate the role of CCR5 in the clinical aspects of leishmaniasis.
L’Éthos romanesque chez Michel Butor
Authors: Vega Jorge Juan Vega y
Published: September 2006

Dans l'activité de langage en général, l'outil rhétorique a montré que, si celle‐là réussit tout à fait, c'est parce qu'un inévitable continuum discursif va se produisant depuis la simple transmission de l'information, en passant par la conviction et la persuasion, jusques enfin la séduction et la fascination des récepteurs. Or dans le cas de La Modification de Michel Butor (le titre en dit déjà longuement…), ce glissement réussi est en même temps – et de la même façon – intra‐ et extra‐fictionnel. Et ceci grâce à l'adresse discursive de l'instance narrative : cet ensemble des voix transitionnelles qui racontent le roman. Voici donc à l’œuvre le prodigieux travail verbal de l’éthos romanesque. Nous avons essayé de prouver que cette mise en instance discursive s'avère être une stratégie linguistiquement efficiente et sensée, rhétoriquement efficace et sensible, et littérairement effective et sensuelle. Le succès de ce roman étant alors directement proportionnel à la qualité (éthique et aléthique) de cette mise en discours.
Formation and Nuclear Export of Preribosomes Are Functionally Linked to the Small‐Ubiquitin‐Related Modifier Pathway
Authors: Panse Vikram Govind , Kressler Dieter , Pauli Andrea , Petfalski Elisabeth , Gnädig Marén , Tollervey David , Hurt Ed
Published: September 2006

Ribosomal precursor particles are initially assembled in the nucleolus prior to their transfer to the nucleoplasm and export to the cytoplasm. In a screen to identify thermosensitive (ts) mutants defective in the export of pre‐60S ribosomal subunit, we isolated the rix16‐1 mutant. In this strain, nucleolar accumulation of the Rpl25‐eGFP reporter was complemented by UBA2 (a subunit of the E1 sumoylation enzyme). Mutations in UBC9 (E2 enzyme), ULP1 [small‐ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO) isopeptidase] and SMT3 (SUMO‐1) caused 60S export defects. A directed analysis of the SUMO proteome revealed that many ribosome biogenesis factors are sumoylated. Importantly, preribosomal particles along both the 60S and the 40S synthesis pathways were decorated with SUMO, showing its direct involvement. Consistent with this, early 60S assembly factors were genetically linked to SUMO conjugation. Notably, the SUMO deconjugating enzyme Ulp1, which localizes to the nuclear pore complex (NPC), was functionally linked to the 60S export factor Mtr2. Together our data suggest that sumoylation of preribosomal particles in the nucleus and subsequent desumoylation at the NPC is necessary for efficient ribosome biogenesis and export in eukaryotes.
PEX Genes in Fungal Genomes: Common, Rare or Redundant
Authors: Kiel Jan A.K.W. , Veenhuis Marten , van der Klei Ida J.
Published: September 2006

PEX genes encode proteins, termed peroxins, that are required for the biogenesis and proliferation of microbodies (peroxisomes). We have screened the available protein and DNA databases to identify putative peroxin orthologs in 17 fungal species (yeast and filamentous fungi) and in humans. This analysis demonstrated that most peroxins are present in all fungi under study. Only Pex16p is absent in most yeast species, with the exception of Yarrowia lipolytica, but this peroxin is present in all filamentous fungi. Furthermore, we found that the Y. lipolytica PEX9 gene, a putative orphan gene, might encode a Pex26p ortholog. In addition, in the genomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida glabrata, several PEX genes appear to have been duplicated, exemplified by the presence of paralogs of the peroxins Pex5p and Pex21p, which were absent in other organisms. In all organisms, we observed multiple paralogs of the peroxins involved in organelle proliferation. These proteins belong to two groups of peroxins that we propose to designate the Pex11p and Pex23p families. This redundancy may complicate future studies on peroxisome biogenesis and proliferation in fungal species.
Evaluation of Patients with Chest Pain who Present to the Emergency Department: Utility of Multidetector CT
Authors: White C. S.
Published: September 2006

The evaluation of patients who present to the Emergency Department with chest pain remains challenging, particularly for atypical chest pain. This article discusses imaging techniques that are used in such equivocal cases, including radionuclide perfusion imaging and echocardiography, with emphasis on the potential role of multi‐detector computed tomography.
Value of Multi‐Detector‐Row CT for the Diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Becker C. R.
Published: September 2006

This paper reviews the currently existing literature for the use of CT in acute coronary syndrome. Because there is urgent need to a modality that allows to triage patients with this disease some very early reports are already available. CT thereby may rapidly provide valuable information about heart disease as well as about other findings relevant for the differential diagnosis. Patients with negative CT may be discharged earlier than according to the current standard procedure. However, further studies with newer modalities are needed to provide more evidence for the use of CT in this particular cohort of patients.
Role of MSCT Coronary Angiography in Patients with an Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: De Feyter P. J.
Published: September 2006

MSCT coronary angiography may evolve to assess the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with unstable angina or non‐ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction. There appears to be no role for MCST‐coronary angiography in patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Use of Olfaction During Prey Location by the Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus)1
Authors: Bahlman Joseph Wm. , Kelt Douglas A.
Published: September 2006

The common vampire bat, Desmodus rotundus, feeds on mammalian blood and is a major agricultural pest in Latin America. One way to prevent bats from biting livestock is to understand how the bats locate the livestock. We confirmed the role of olfaction in foraging with a modified cafeteria trial. Bats significantly favored blood meals associated with scent (fur, feces) over meals lacking these olfactory cues. These results confirm earlier observations on the role of olfaction during prey location by this species, and have potential to facilitate eradication measures without extensive loss of other bat species.
The Demography of Miconia prasina (Melastomataceae) During Secondary Succession in Puerto Rico1
Authors: Pascarella John B. , Aide T. Mitchell , Zimmerman J. K.
Published: September 2006

Miconia prasina (Melastomataceae) is an important colonizing species during early stages of secondary succession in Puerto Rico but its abundance declines with increasing stand age. We studied its demography for 2 yr (1995–1997) in three populations across a pasture to forest chronosequence (1‐, 12‐, and 25‐yr old) and in one population in a hurricane‐disturbed older forest (>60‐yr old). Vegetative growth was positive in the two young sites, but negative in the two older sites. The highest percentage of plants that flowered occurred in the two younger sites but highest seed production occurred in the 25‐yr‐old site. Although seed germination occurred in the two older sites, no seedlings established. Vegetative reproduction (root sprouts) was found in all sites, with most sprouts occurring in young sites. The 2 yr of census data were used to construct stage‐based transition matrices. In the two young sites, the average population growth rate was positive (λ > 1), while average population growth was negative in the two older sites (λ < 1). Elasticity, a measure of the effects of proportional changes in life‐history transitions to the long‐term population growth rate, varied across both stages and sites. Elasticity shifted from large plants in young sites to small plants in older sites. Across all sites, elasticities related to survival were more important than those of growth or vegetative reproduction. The demographic analysis supported the previous observations of changes in the density of M. prasina based on the chronosequence and also suggests that establishment via seeds must occur prior to abandonment in active pastures.
Discovery of two pulsars towards the Galactic Centre
Authors: Johnston Simon , Kramer M. , Lorimer D. R. , Lyne A. G. , McLaughlin M. , Klein B. , Manchester R. N.
Published: September 2006

We report the discovery of two highly dispersed pulsars in the direction of the Galactic Centre made during a survey at 3.1 GHz with the Parkes radio telescope. Both PSRs J1745–2912 and J1746–2856 have an angular separation from the Galactic Centre of less than and dispersion measures in excess of 1100 cm−3 pc, placing them in the top 10 pulsars when ranked on this value. The frequency dependence of the scatter-broadening in PSR J1746–2856 is much shallower than expected from simple theory. We believe it likely that the pulsars are located between 150 and 500 pc from the Galactic Centre on the near side, and are part of an excess population of neutron stars associated with the Centre itself. A second survey made at 8.4 GHz did not detect any pulsars. This implies either that there are not many bright, long-period pulsars at the Galactic Centre or that the scattering is more severe at high frequencies than current models would suggest.
DOES MARRIAGE REDUCE CRIME? A COUNTERFACTUAL APPROACH TO WITHIN‐INDIVIDUAL CAUSAL EFFECTS*
Authors: SAMPSON ROBERT J. , LAUB JOHN H. , WIMER CHRISTOPHER
Published: September 2006

Although marriage is associated with a plethora of adult outcomes, its causal status remains controversial in the absence of experimental evidence. We address this problem by introducing a counterfactual life‐course approach that applies inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to yearly longitudinal data on marriage, crime, and shared covariates in a sample of 500 high‐risk boys followed prospectively from adolescence to age 32. The data consist of criminal histories and death records for all 500 men plus personal interviews, using a life‐history calendar, with a stratified subsample of 52 men followed to age 70. These data are linked to an extensive battery of individual and family background measures gathered from childhood to age 17 — before entry into marriage. Applying IPTW to multiple specifications that also incorporate extensive time‐varying covariates in adulthood, being married is associated with an average reduction of approximately 35 percent in the odds of crime compared to nonmarried states for the same man. These results are robust, supporting the inference that states of marriage causally inhibit crime over the life course.
NO COMMUNITY IS AN ISLAND: THE EFFECTS OF RESOURCE DEPRIVATION ON URBAN VIOLENCE IN SPATIALLY AND SOCIALLY PROXIMATE COMMUNITIES*
Authors: MEARS DANIEL P. , BHATI AVINASH S.
Published: September 2006

The link between resource deprivation and urban violence has long been explored in criminological research. Studies, however, have largely ignored the potential for resource deprivation in particular communities to affect rates of violence in others. The relative inattention is notable because of the strong theoretical grounds to anticipate influences that extend both to geographically contiguous areas and to those that, though not contiguous, share similar social characteristics. We argue that such influences—what we term spatial and social proximity effects, respectively—constitute a central feature of community dynamics. To support this argument, we develop and test theoretically derived hypotheses about spatial and social proximity effects of resource deprivation on aggregated and disaggregated homicide counts. Our analyses indicate that local area resource deprivation contributes to violence in socially proximate communities, an effect that, in the case of instrumental homicides, is stronger when such communities are spatially proximate. We conclude by discussing the implications of our findings for theories focused on community‐level social processes and violence, and for policies aimed at reducing crime in disadvantaged areas.
DOES CRIME JUST MOVE AROUND THE CORNER? A CONTROLLED STUDY OF SPATIAL DISPLACEMENT AND DIFFUSION OF CRIME CONTROL BENEFITS*
Authors: WEISBURD DAVID , WYCKOFF LAURA A. , READY JUSTIN , ECK JOHN E. , HINKLE JOSHUA C. , GAJEWSKI FRANK
Published: September 2006

Recent studies point to the potential theoretical and practical benefits of focusing police resources on crime hot spots. However, many scholars have noted that such approaches risk displacing crime or disorder to other places where programs are not in place. Although much attention has been paid to the idea of displacement, methodological problems associated with measuring it have often been overlooked. We try to fill these gaps in measurement and understanding of displacement and the related phenomenon of diffusion of crime control benefits. Our main focus is on immediate spatial displacement or diffusion of crime to areas near the targeted sites of an intervention. Do focused crime prevention efforts at places simply result in a movement of offenders to areas nearby targeted sites—“do they simply move crime around the corner”? Or, conversely, will a crime prevention effort focusing on specific places lead to improvement in areas nearby—what has come to be termed a diffusion of crime control benefits? Our data are drawn from a controlled study of displacement and diffusion in Jersey City, New Jersey. Two sites with substantial street‐level crime and disorder were targeted and carefully monitored during an experimental period. Two neighboring areas were selected as “catchment areas” from which to assess immediate spatial displacement or diffusion. Intensive police interventions were applied to each target site but not to the catchment areas. More than 6,000 20‐minute social observations were conducted in the target and catchment areas. They were supplemented by interviews and ethnographic field observations. Our findings indicate that, at least for crime markets involving drugs and prostitution, crime does not simply move around the corner. Indeed, this study supports the position that the most likely outcome of such focused crime prevention efforts is a diffusion of crime control benefits to nearby areas.
Camera Calibration Based on Snell’s Law
Authors: Lin Psang Dain , Sung Chi-Kuen
Published: September 2006

In this paper we present a camera calibration method using Snell’s Law. Traditional camera calibration is based on the pinhole model, which is an approximation algorithm using untrue geometrical assumptions and giving a single lumped result for the various optical elements in the camera system. Using full modeling of lens geometry, the proposed method establishes the geometric relationship between images and objects via Snell’s Law. A matrix equation that relates the intrinsic/extrinsic parameters of image the plane and six pose parameters of each element is determined from sensitivity analysis. These parameters can be identified using the least square method by observing points with known coordinates. An illustrative example using a two-camera stereo coordinate measurement system demonstrates that system performance via the proposed method is better than the pinhole model.
Multivariable Loop-Shaping in Bilateral Telemanipulation
Authors: Fite Kevin B. , Goldfarb Michael
Published: September 2006

This paper presents an architecture and control methodology for obtaining transparency and stability robustness in a multivariable bilateral teleoperator system. The work presented here extends a previously published single-input, single-output approach to accommodate multivariable systems. The extension entails the use of impedance control techniques, which are introduced to render linear the otherwise nonlinear dynamics of the master and slave manipulators, in addition to a diagonalization multivariable loop shaping technique, used to render tractable the multivariable compensator design. A multivariable measure of transparency is proposed based on the relative singular values of the environment and transmitted impedance matrices. The approach is experimentally demonstrated on a three degree-of-freedom scaled telemanipulator pair with a highly coupled environment. Using direct measurement of the power delivered to the operator to assess the system’s stability robustness, along with the proposed measure of multivariable transparency, the loop-shaping compensation is shown to improve the stability robustness by a factor of two and the transparency by more than a factor of five.
Handwheel Force Feedback for Lanekeeping Assistance: Combined Dynamics and Stability
Authors: Switkes Joshua P. , Rossetter Eric J. , Coe Ian A. , Gerdes J. Christian
Published: September 2006

Lanekeeping assistance could save thousands of lives each year by maintaining lane position in the absence of driver steering commands. In order to work smoothly with the driver, handwheel force feedback must be an integral part of such a system. Here we combine force feedback with a lanekeeping controller based on lateral and heading error. In addition to force feedback replicating the feel in a conventional vehicle, the force can be based on the level of lanekeeping assistance being given. This coupling of the force feedback and assistance systems can destabilize the vehicle if not designed properly. Linear modeling verified by experiments shows the effect of varying the gains on both the force feedback and the lanekeeping assistance itself. In this analysis we show that within a range of values that feel reasonable to the driver, changes to the lanekeeping controller or force feedback can have marked effects on the response of the vehicle. It also shows that stability of the system can be ensured by injecting artificial damping or reproducing the on-center characteristics of a conventional vehicle. The analysis allows the force feedback designer to determine a range of stable force feedback gains, from which a set most acceptable to the driver can be chosen.
Track-Following Control With Active Vibration Damping of a PZT-Actuated Suspension Dual-Stage Servo System
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Marcassa Federico , Horowitz Roberto , Oboe Roberto , Evans Robert
Published: September 2006

In this paper we discuss the controller design of a PZT-actuated suspension dual-stage servo system in hard disk drives. The proposed control structure includes an active vibration damping control loop and a track-following control loop. The vibration damping control loop, which runs at a faster rate than the track-following control loop, utilizes a PZT element on a PZT-actuated suspension as a vibration sensor to damp the resonance modes of the voice coil motor (VCM) and the PZT actuator. The vibration damping controller is designed using Kalman filter based state feedback control techniques. A simple dual-stage track-following controller is designed, based on the damped actuator model, using the sensitivity function decoupling design method. Simulation and experimental results are presented to demonstrate the benefits of this control scheme in expanding servo control bandwidth and suppressing airflow excited structural vibrations.