bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Thermal Decomposition of Methane. I. Kinetics of the Primary Decompositionto C2H6 + H2; Rate Constant for the Homogeneous Unimolecular Dissociation of Methane and its Pressure Dependence
Authors: Chen C.-J. , Back M. H. , Back R. A.
Published: May 2006

The pyrolysis of methane has been studied in a static system at temperatures of 995, 1038, 1068, and 1103 K and pressures from 25 to 700 Torr. It was concluded that the initial stages of the reaction can be described by a simple homogeneous, nonchain radical mechanism:[Formula: see text]Initial rates of reaction were measured, based on analysis of hydrogen, ethane, and ethylene, and k1 was found to be pressure dependent and homogeneous. Quantitative agreement was obtained with values of k1 calculated by R.R.K.M. theory. Values of A∞ = 2.8 × 1016 s−1 and E∞ = 107.6 kcal/mol were obtained, the latter appreciably greater than the value of E0 = 103 kcal/mol used in the calculations. Comparison of previous shock-tube and flow-system data at temperatures up to 2200 K showed good agreement with values of k1 obtained by extrapolation of the present R.R.K.M. calculations. It was concluded that in all previous studies, the initial dissociation was in its pressure-dependent region. Estimates were also made of the rate constant for the reverse of [1] and showed fair agreement with recent experimental measurements.
Further Synthetic Applications of Functionalized 1,3-Dipoles
Authors: Lown J. William , Landberg B. Erik
Published: May 2006

Reactions of nitrile imines, azomethine imines, and ethyl diazoacetate (as representatives of functionalized 1,3-dipoles) with reactive olefins lead to a series of novel fused heterocycles after suitable ring closure. The influence of the nature of the heterocyclic leaving group and the substituents in the phenacyl residue in a group of phenacylimidazolium salts on the course of their reaction to produce 1,2-dihydrofurans and perhydropyrazolopyrroles is investigated.
Palytoxin-induced cell death cascade in bovine aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Schilling William P. , Snyder Deborah , Sinkins William G. , Estacion Mark
Published: May 2006

The plasmalemmal Na+-K+-ATPase (NKA) pump is the receptor for the potent marine toxin palytoxin (PTX). PTX binds to the NKA and converts the pump into a monovalent cation channel that exhibits a slight permeability to Ca2+. However, the ability of PTX to directly increase cytosolic free Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) via Na+pump channels and to initiate Ca2+overload-induced oncotic cell death has not been examined. Thus the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of PTX on [Ca2+]iand the downstream events associated with cell death in bovine aortic endothelial cells. PTX (3–100 nM) produced a graded increase in [Ca2+]ithat was dependent on extracellular Ca2+. The increase in [Ca2+]iinitiated by 100 nM PTX was blocked by pretreatment with ouabain with an IC50< 1 μM. The elevation in [Ca2+]icould be reversed by addition of ouabain at various times after PTX, but this required much higher concentrations of ouabain (0.5 mM). These results suggest that the PTX-induced rise in [Ca2+]ioccurs via the Na+pump. Subsequent to the rise in [Ca2+]i, PTX also caused a concentration-dependent increase in uptake of the vital dye ethidium bromide (EB) but not YO-PRO-1. EB uptake was also blocked by ouabain added either before or after PTX. Time-lapse video microscopy showed that PTX ultimately caused cell lysis as indicated by release of transiently expressed green fluorescent protein (molecular mass 27 kDa) and rapid uptake of propidium iodide. Cell lysis was 1) greatly delayed by removing extracellular Ca2+or by adding ouabain after PTX, 2) blocked by the cytoprotective amino acid glycine, and 3) accompanied by dramatic membrane blebbing. These results demonstrate that PTX initiates a cell death cascade characteristic of Ca2+overload.
Disuse in adult male rats attenuates the bone anabolic response to a therapeutic dose of parathyroid hormone
Authors: Turner Russell T. , Lotinun Sutada , Hefferan Theresa E. , Morey-Holton Emily
Published: May 2006

Intermittent treatment with parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases bone formation and prevents bone loss in hindlimb-unloaded (HLU) rats. However, the mechanisms of action of PTH are incompletely known. To explore possible interactions between weight bearing and PTH, we treated 6-mo-old weight-bearing and HLU rats with a human therapeutic dose (1 μg·kg−1·day−1) of human PTH(1–34) (hPTH). Cortical and cancellous bone formation was measured in tibia at the diaphysis proximal to the tibia-fibula synostosis and at the proximal metaphysis, respectively. Two weeks of hindlimb unloading resulted in a dramatic decrease in the rate of bone formation at both skeletal sites, which was prevented by PTH treatment at the cancellous site only. In contrast, PTH treatment increased cortical as well as cancellous bone formation in weight-bearing rats. Two-way ANOVA revealed that hPTH and HLU had independent and opposite effects on all histomorphometric indexes of bone formation [mineral apposition rate (MAR), double-labeled perimeter (dLPm), and bone formation rate (BFR)] at both skeletal sites. The bone anabolic effects of weight bearing and hPTH on dLPm and BFR at the cortical site were additive, as were the effects on MAR at the cancellous site. In contrast, weight bearing and hPTH resulted in synergistic increases in cortical bone MAR and cancellous bone dLPm and BFR. We conclude that weight bearing and PTH act cooperatively to increase bone formation by resulting in site-specific additive and synergistic increases in indexes of osteoblast number and activity, suggesting that weight-bearing exercise targeted to osteopenic skeletal sites may improve the efficacy of PTH therapy for osteoporosis.
Kv1.1-Containing Channels Are Critical for Temporal Precision During Spike Initiation
Authors: Gittelman Joshua X. , Tempel Bruce L
Published: May 2006

Low threshold, voltage-gated potassium currents ( Ikl) are widely expressed in auditory neurons that can fire temporally precise action potentials (APs). In the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB), channels containing the Kv1.1 subunit (encoded by the Kcna1 gene) underlie Ikl. Using pharmacology, genetics and whole cell patch-clamp recordings in mouse brain slices, we tested the role of Iklin limiting AP latency-variability (jitter) in response to trains of single inputs at moderate to high stimulation rates. With dendrotoxin-K (DTX-K, a selective blocker of Kv1.1-containing channels), we blocked Iklmaximally (≈80% with 100 nM DTX-K) or partially (≈50% with 1-h incubation in 3 nM DTX-K). Iklwas similar in 3 nM DTX-K–treated cells and cells from Kcna1−/−mice, allowing a comparison of these two different methods of Iklreduction. In response to current injection, Iklreduction increased the temporal window for AP initiation and increased jitter in response to the smallest currents that were able to drive APs. While 100 nM DTX-K caused the largest increases, latency and jitter in Kcna1−/ −cells and in 3 nM DTX-K–treated cells were similar to each other but increased compared with +/+. The near-phenocopy of the Kcna1−/−cells with 3 nM DTX-K shows that acute blockade of a subset of the Kv1.1-containing channels is functionally similar to the chronic elimination of all Kv1.1 subunits. During rapid stimulation (100–500 Hz), Iklreduction increased jitter in response to both large and small inputs. These data show that Iklis critical for maintaining AP temporal precision at physiologically relevant firing rates.
Biological Characteristics in Bladder Cancer Depend on the Type of Genetic Instability
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshiaki , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Kawauchi Shigeto , Furuya Tomoko , Liu Xiu Ping , Ikemoto Kenzo , Oga Atsunori , Naito Katsusuke , Sasaki Kohsuke
Published: May 2006

Purpose: Malignant tumors show an inherent genetic instability that can be classified as microsatellite instability (MSI) or chromosomal instability (CIN). To elucidate the differences in biological characteristics of bladder cancer between the two types of genetic instability, the expression of the mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, Aurora-A and p53 proteins, the number of centrosomes, numerical aberrations of chromosomes and 20q13, and DNA ploidy were examined in 100 human urothelial carcinomas of the bladder.

Experimental Design: Expressions of the MLH1, MSH2, Aurora-A, and p53 proteins and the numbers of centrosomes were immunohistochemically assessed. Numerical aberrations of chromosomes 7, 9, 17, and 20q13 spots were evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and DNA ploidy was assessed by laser scanning cytometry.

Results: The expression levels of the MMR related-proteins decreased in 9 of 100 tumors. Tumors with low MLH1 or MSH2 expression (designated as MSI cancers) were not linked with centrosome amplification, Aurora-A overexpression, increased p53 immunoreactivity, 20q13 gain, DNA aneuploidy, and disease progression. MSI cancers showed a favorable prognosis. CIN cancers (49 cases), defined as tumors with a large intercellular variation in centromere copy numbers, were associated more frequently with centrosome amplification, Aurora-A overexpression, increased p53 immunoreactivity, and 20q13 gain than the others (51 cases). Tumors with disease progression were included in the CIN cancer group.

Conclusions: The present observations suggest that there are differences in the biological characteristics of the two types of genetic instability.
Expression and Nuclear Localization of ErbB3 in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Koumakpayi Ismaël Hervé , Diallo Jean-Simon , Le Page Cécile , Lessard Laurent , Gleave Martin , Bégin Louis R. , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Saad Fred
Published: May 2006

Purpose: The ErbB1 and ErbB2 receptors have been implicated in prostate cancer progression, but less is known about the role and biology of other ErbB receptor family members in prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression and localization of ErbB3 in prostate tissues and prostate cancer cell lines.

Experimental Design: Immunohistochemistry of ErbB3 was done on prostate cancer tissue sections from 143 patients and on a tissue microarray containing 390 cores of radical prostatectomy-derived specimens representing normal, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, and malignant tissues from 81 patients. ErbB3 subcellular localization was studied by Western blot analysis in LNCaP, 22Rv1, PC-3, and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines.

Results: Immunohistochemistry analysis of prostate cancer tissues revealed that >90% of prostate cancer tissues displayed cytoplasmic ErbB3 staining. Minimal ErbB3 nuclear staining was observed in normal prostate tissues and benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues; in contrast, ErbB3 was frequently localized in the nucleus of cancerous tissues. This nuclear localization was more frequent (P < 0.001) in hormone-refractory tissues (17 of 17, 100%) compared with hormone-sensitive samples (37 of 92, 40.2%). Additionally, in the tissue microarray, increased nuclear ErbB3 was associated with increasing Gleason grade. Interestingly, Western blot analysis of cytoplasmic and nuclear subcellular fractions showed that ErbB3 nuclear localization was more prevalent in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP and 22Rv1) compared with hormone-insensitive cell lines (PC-3 and DU145).

Conclusions: ErbB3 nuclear localization discriminates normal from malignant prostate tissues and between tumors from hormone-sensitive versus hormone-refractory prostate cancer. ErbB3 nuclear staining seems to be associated with risk of disease progression. The high frequency of ErbB3 nuclear localization in hormone-refractory tissues indicates that ErbB3 warrants further study to understand its association with prostate cancer disease progression.
Mechanisms and Effects of Loss of Human Leukocyte Antigen Class II Expression in Immune-Privileged Site-Associated B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Booman Marije , Douwes Jenny , Glas Annuska M. , Riemersma Sietske A. , Jordanova Ekaterina S. , Kok Klaas , Rosenwald Andreas , de Jong Daphne , Schuuring Ed , Kluin Philip M.
Published: May 2006

Purpose and Experimental Design: Loss of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression on tumor cells is frequent in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) arising in immune-privileged sites, such as the testis and central nervous system, and is associated with small homozygous deletions of HLA-DQ/HLA-DR and larger hemizygous deletions of the MHC region. To better understand the significance of down-regulation of HLA class II expression in relation to the homozygous and hemizygous deletions, we analyzed global gene expression patterns in a series of 26 testicular DLBCL after characterization of these deletions.

Results: Low levels of HLA-DR mRNA in whole testicular DLBCL samples were associated with a strong down-regulation of numerous immune-related genes specific for T cells, macrophages, antigen presentation and processing, lymphocyte activation, chemokines and chemokine receptors, and the complement system. The number of CD3+ tumor-infiltrating T cells was also significantly lower in low expressors of HLA-DR mRNA. Interestingly, hemizygous and homozygous deletions in the MHC region did not have any additional effect on global gene expression.

Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that loss of HLA class II mRNA expression in testicular DLBCL is associated with a significant change in global gene expression patterns. This effect is independent of the mechanism causing the down-regulation of HLA class II genes in the lymphoma cells.
Pilot Study of Oral Silibinin, a Putative Chemopreventive Agent, in Colorectal Cancer Patients: Silibinin Levels in Plasma, Colorectum, and Liver and Their Pharmacodynamic Consequences
Authors: Hoh Carmen , Boocock David , Marczylo Tim , Singh Rajinder , Berry David P. , Dennison Ashley R. , Hemingway David , Miller Andrew , West Kevin , Euden Stephanie , Garcea Giuseppe , Farmer Peter B. , Steward William P. , Gescher Andreas J.
Published: May 2006

Silibinin, a flavonolignan from milk thistle, has intestinal cancer chemopreventive efficacy in rodents. It is a strong antioxidant and modulates the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system by increasing circulating levels of IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) and decreasing levels of IGF-I. Here, the hypothesis was tested that administration of oral silibinin generates agent levels in human blood and colorectal and hepatic tissues consistent with pharmacologic activity. Patients with confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma received silibinin formulated with phosphatidylcholine (silipide) at dosages of 360, 720, or 1,440 mg silibinin daily for 7 days. Blood and biopsy samples of normal and malignant colorectum or liver were obtained before dosing, and blood and colorectal or hepatic tissues were collected at resection surgery after the final silipide dose. Levels of silibinin were quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography-UV, and plasma metabolites were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Blood levels of IGFBP-3, IGF-I, and the oxidative DNA damage pyrimidopurinone adduct of deoxyguanosine (M1dG) were determined. Repeated administration of silipide was safe and achieved levels of silibinin of 0.3 to 4 μmol/L in the plasma, 0.3 to 2.5 nmol/g tissue in the liver, and 20 to 141 nmol/g tissue in colorectal tissue. Silibinin monoglucuronide, silibinin diglucuronide, silibinin monosulfate, and silibinin glucuronide sulfate were identified in the plasma. Intervention with silipide did not affect circulating levels of IGFBP-3, IGF-I, or M1dG. The high silibinin levels achieved in the human colorectal mucosa after consumption of safe silibinin doses support its further exploration as a potential human colorectal cancer chemopreventive agent.
Reading the περιτρoπη: Theaetetus 170c-171c
Authors:   Chappell
Published: May 2006

Two readings of the much-discussed περιτρoπη argument of Theaetetus 170c-171c have dominated the literature. One I call "the relativity reading". On this reading, the argument fails by ignoratio elenchi because it "carelessly" omits "the qualifications 'true for so-and-so' which [Protagoras'] theory insists on" (Bostock 1988: 90). The other reading I call "the many-worlds interpretation". On this view, Plato's argument succeeds in showing that "Protagoras' position becomes utterly self-contradictory" because "he claims that everyone lives in his own relativistic world, yet at the same time he is forced by that very claim to admit that no one does" (Burnyeat 1976b: 48). I discuss and criticise both readings, and present a third, according to which the point of the argument is, very roughly, that Protagoras is committed to equating truth and truth-for, and so, further, to their intersubstitutability. This further commitment proves fatal to his argument.
Insurance and Drinking Drivers in the UAE
Authors: Luqman
Published: May 2006

No Abstract
Istisnā` and its Application in Islamic Banking
Authors: Muhammad Al-Amine
Published: May 2006

No Abstract
Middle East Arbitration Status Chart
Authors: Turck
Published: May 2006

No Abstract
Book Review: Lynn Welchman, Beyond the Code: Muslim Family Law and the Shari`a
Authors: Berger
Published: May 2006

No Abstract
La Modification de la Situation Juridique de l'Employeur, en Droit Koweïtien
Authors: Khaled
Published: May 2006

No Abstract
Case Reports from the UAE
Authors: Al Tamimi & Company
Published: May 2006

No Abstract
Law and Order in an Emerging Democracy: Lessons from the Reconstruction of Kosovo’s Police and Justice Systems
Authors: Wilson Jeremy M.
Published: May 2006

“Nation-building” is an increasingly frequent activity of Western governments and the United Nations, with Kosovo an important recent example. This study examines the reconstruction by the United Nations of Kosovo’s internal security infrastructure from 1999 to 2004. It analyzes United Nations and other activities to build democratic police and justice systems. Through a model of security reconstruction, it examines in detail the primary security challenges facing Kosovo, the specific efforts the United Nations made to address these challenges, the ultimate effectiveness of the reconstruction in establishing stability and rule of law, and the linkages between reconstruction efforts and democracy. It concludes with several lessons for improving the effectiveness of such efforts in the future.
Citizenship, Democracy, and the Civic Reintegration of Criminal Offenders
Authors: Uggen Christopher , Manza Jeff , Thompson Melissa
Published: May 2006

Convicted felons face both legal and informal barriers to becoming productive citizens at work, responsible citizens in family life, and active citizens in their communities. As criminal punishment has increased in the United States, collateral sanctions such as voting restrictions have taken on new meaning. The authors place such restrictions in comparative context and consider their effects on civil liberties, democratic institutions, and civic life more generally. Based on demographic life tables, the authors estimate that approximately 4 million former prisoners and 11.7 million former felons live and work among us every day. The authors describe historical changes in these groups; their effects on social institutions; and the extent to which they constitute a caste, class, or status group within American society. The authors conclude by discussing how reintegrative criminal justice practices might strengthen democracy while preserving, and perhaps enhancing, public safety.
Protection from Solar Erythemal Ultraviolet Radiation – Simulated Wear and Laboratory Testing
Authors: Wilson C. A. , Parisi A. V.
Published: May 2006

The effect of fabric type, color, fit and wetness on transmission of solar erythemal ultraviolet radiation through garments was investigated using laboratory testing and during simulated wear using a multivariate experimental design. The effect of fabric type, color, and wetness on UVB transmission (280–320 nm) through fabrics was determined under laboratory conditions using a spectrophotometer. Garments were also evaluated under conditions of simulated use in Queensland, Australia using polysulphone dosimeters. Dosimeters, placed against the ‘skin’ at selected sites on the torso and on the adjacent outer-surface of the covering garment, were used to measure solar UVB. During simulated wear the fabric type, fit and color were the main variables affecting UVB transmission through the garments. To optimize protection, dark fabrics with good cover should be constructed into garments with positive design ease, and be selected and worn as loosely-fitting styles that maximize the surface area covered
Place, Space and Time: Contextualizing Workplace Subjectivities
Authors: Halford Susan , Leonard Pauline
Published: May 2006

This paper explores the relations between management discourse and employee subjectivity in the process of organizational change, drawing on a new empirical study of doctors and nurses working in the British National Health Service (NHS). It builds on recent critiques of more muscular accounts of discourse to examine the manoeuvres made by working subjects in response to managerialist discourses of the entrepreneurial self. While others have shown that alternative discourses including gender, age and profession are important here, this paper argues that we must pay attention to the spatial and temporal contexts within which such generic discourses are received and understood in order to interpret the practices of subjectivity and power in organizational life. We suggest that this approach allows new insights to policy concerns in the NHS; to our understanding of the nature of work subjectivities; and to sociological understandings of organizational power.
Anthropo-éthologie des non-humains politiques
Authors: Despret Vinciane
Published: May 2006

English

The temptation to seek in primates our own origin is still found in ethology. More broadly speaking, we see that the animal kingdom is often used as an anthropological operator of identity, using either similitude or inversion or contrast. The observation data most often reflect values, or even preferences, concerning modes of social organization. However, this observation should not lead to relativism. On the contrary, it invites us to envisage ethological knowledge as constructing humans and animals at the same time, together. This article sets out to explore the concrete conditions in which this kind of knowledge can be constructed.

French

La tentation d'interroger les primates en leur posant la question de notre origine reste présente dans le domaine de l'éthologie. Plus largement, on peut remarquer que l'animal se constitue souvent comme un opérateur anthropologique d'identité, soit par similitude, soit par inversion ou contraste. Or, les faits issus des observations traduisent le plus souvent des valeurs, voire reflètent des préférences quant aux modes d'organisation sociale. Ce constat ne doit pas nous conduire au relativisme. Il nous invite au contraire à envisager le savoir de l'éthologie comme un savoir qui construit simultanément l'identité de l'homme et de l'animal, ensemble. Cet article se propose d'explorer les conditions concrètes dans lesquelles ce type de savoir peut se constituer.
Studies on Tensile and Interlaminar Shear Strength Properties of Thermally Cured and Microwave Cured Glass–Epoxy Composites
Authors: Rao R. M. V. G. K. , Rao Sandhya , Sridhara B. K.
Published: May 2006

Experimental studies are carried out on two different glass–epoxy composites (one room temperature curing epoxy–amine system and the other, an elevated temperature curing epoxy–amine system) subjected to two different curing techniques (thermal and microwave), in order to investigate the effects on their thermomechanical properties. Microwave (MW) curing is carried out using a laboratory scale, custom-built, multi-mode microwave cure chambery operating at a frequency of 2450 MHz.

Tensile and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) properties of the MW cured composites either compared well, or were superior, to those of their thermally cured counterparts, offering the added advantages of reduced cure cycle time, uniformity of cure, and substantial energy savings. Further, the glass transition temperature (Tg) values of MW cured composite laminates are slightly superior to those of thermally cured laminates.
The Psychology of Ownership
Authors: O’driscoll Michael P. , Pierce Jon L. , Coghlan Ann-Marie
Published: May 2006

This study explored a potential mediating role of psychological ownership (of the job and the organization) in the relationship between levels of work environment structure and employee responses, in a diverse sample of 239 New Zealand workers and their managers. It was reasoned that low levels of work environment structure permit employees to exercise more personal control, have greater knowledge (of their job and organization), and invest themselves more extensively into their work. Hence, less structured work environments are more conducive to the development of feelings of psychological ownership for the job and organization than are more highly structured work environments that allow less personal control. Results from this investigation suggest that psychological ownership (especially feelings of ownership for the organization) mediates the relationship of work environment structure with employee citizenship behaviors and organizational commitment.
Sustaining Fair Organization
Authors: Forray Jeanie M.
Published: May 2006

Most organizational justice research investigates employees’ perceptions of fairness with respect to particular policies, procedures, and/or interactions. This article proposes an alternative approach to justice concerns and describes an interpretive research project where attention focused on the verbal practices of five human resource (HR) managers during interactions involving the making, applying, or interpreting of organizational policies. In so doing, it introduces the concept of fair organization to organizational justice theory and describes two interactive verbal practices, hedging intent and demonstrating purpose, employed by HR managers as a means of sustaining fair organization for themselves and for others. The article concludes with a discussion of the opportunities that an interpretive approach to issues of organizational justice provides for management scholarship.
The Politics of Media Accountability in Africa
Authors: Tettey Wisdom J.
Published: May 2006

The media have had a positive impact on democratization in Africa as conduits for political education, watchdogs of political accountability and forums for civic engagement. These developments notwithstanding, some critics characterize the media less sanguinely, highlighting attitudes that portray them as irresponsible, self-serving, unaccountable and a threat to the credibility and sustenance of the democratic process. In the context of the foregoing, this article evaluates various mechanisms of media accountability in Africa, and concludes that they are fraught with tensions among various political interests. It argues that state-controlled mechanisms of accountability are not always conducive to democracy, because they could be subject to abuse. There is, therefore, the need for the media themselves to put in place procedures and demonstrate attitudes and levels of performance that ensure the highest standards of professionalism and levels of probity and accountability.
Digital Switchover in Europe
Authors: Iosifidis Petros
Published: May 2006

This article discusses the political, economic, technological and human aspects of the digital switchover in Europe and explores various policies for managing the process. The article first examines the advantages and drawbacks of digital switchover, and identifies a number of challenges and policy dilemmas of making switchover an achievable objective. It goes on to look at digital television adoption across Europe and assesses the effectiveness of free-to-air digital television to accelerate take-up. Finally, the article examines EU initiatives as well as national plans in digital switchover and proposes various measures for encouraging the take-up of digital services and therefore bringing forward the likely idea of analogue switch-off.
Functional conservation of Pax6 regulatory elements in humans and mice demonstrated with a novel transgenic reporter mouse
Authors: Tyas David A , Simpson T Ian , Carr Catherine B , Kleinjan Dirk A , van Heyningen Veronica , Mason John O , Price David J
Published: May 2006

Background

The Pax6 transcription factor is expressed during development in the eyes and in specific CNS regions, where it is essential for normal cell proliferation and differentiation. Mice lacking one or both copies of the Pax6 gene model closely humans with loss-of-function mutations in the PAX6 locus. The sequence of the Pax6/PAX6 protein is identical in mice and humans and previous studies have shown structural conservation of the gene's regulatory regions.

Results

We generated a transgenic mouse expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and neomycin resistance under the control of the entire complement of human PAX6 regulatory elements using a modified yeast artificial chromosome (YAC). Expression of GFP was studied in embryos from 9.5 days on and was confined to cells known to express Pax6. GFP expression was sufficiently strong that expressing cells could be distinguished from non-expressing cells using flow cytometry.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the functional conservation of the regulatory elements controlling Pax6/PAX6 expression in mice and humans. The transgene provides an excellent tool for studying the functions of different Pax6/PAX6 regulatory elements in controlling Pax6 expression in animals that are otherwise normal. It will allow the analysis and isolation of cells in which Pax6 is activated, irrespective of the status of the endogenous locus.
Combined expectancies: electrophysiological evidence for the adjustment of expectancy effects
Authors: Mattler Uwe , van der Lugt Arie , Münte Thomas F
Published: May 2006

Background

When subjects use cues to prepare for a likely stimulus or a likely response, reaction times are facilitated by valid cues but prolonged by invalid cues. In studies on combined expectancy effects, two cues can independently give information regarding two dimensions of the forthcoming task. In certain situations, cueing effects on one dimension are reduced when the cue on the other dimension is invalid. According to the Adjusted Expectancy Model, cues affect different processing levels and a mechanism is presumed which is sensitive to the validity of early level cues and leads to online adjustment of expectancy effects at later levels. To examine the predictions of this model cueing of stimulus modality was combined with response cueing.

Results

Behavioral measures showed the interaction of cueing effects. Electrophysiological measures of the lateralized readiness potential (LRP) and the N200 amplitude confirmed the predictions of the model. The LRP showed larger effects of response cues on response activation when modality cues were valid rather than invalid. N200 amplitude was largest with valid modality cues and invalid response cues, medium with invalid modality cues, and smallest with two valid cues.

Conclusion

Findings support the view that the validity of early level expectancies modulates the effects of late level expectancies, which included response activation and response conflict in the present study.
Effect of step-synchronized vibration stimulation of soles on gait in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study
Authors: Novak Peter , Novak Vera
Published: May 2006

Background

Previous studies have suggested that impaired proprioceptive processing in the striatum may contribute to abnormal gait in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

This pilot study assessed the effects of enhanced proprioceptive feedback using step-synchronized vibration stimulation of the soles (S-VS) on gait in PD. S-VS was used in 8 PD subjects (3 women and 5 men, age range 44–79 years, on medication) and 8 age-matched healthy subjects (5 women and 3 men). PD subjects had mild or moderate gait impairment associated with abnormal balance, but they did not have gait freezing. Three vibratory devices (VDs) were embedded in elastic insoles (one below the heel and two below the forefoot areas) inserted into the shoes. Each VD operates independently and has a pressure switch that activates the underlying vibratory actuator. The VD delivered the 70-Hz suprathreshold vibration pulse upon touch by the heel or forefoot, and the vibration pulse was deactivated upon respective push-offs. Six-minute hallway walking was studied with and without S-VS. Gait characteristics were measured using the force-sensitive foot switches. The primary outcome was the stride variability expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV), a measure of gait steadiness. Secondary outcome measures were walking distance and speed, stride length and duration, cadence, stance, swing and double support duration, and respective CVs (if applicable).

Results

The walking speed (p < 0.04) and the CV of the stride interval (p < 0.02) differed between the groups and S-VS conditions. In the PD group, S-VS decreased stride variability (p < 0.002), increased walking speed (p < 0.0001), stride duration (p < 0.01), stride length (p < 0.0002), and cadence (p < 0.03). In the control group, S-VS decreased stride variability (p < 0.006) and increased gait speed (p < 0.03), but other locomotion parameters were not significantly altered.

Conclusion

Augmented sensory feedback improves parkinsonian gait steadiness in the short-term setting. Because the suprathreshold stimulation prevented blinding of subjects, the learning effect and increased attention can be a confounding factor underlying results. Long-term studies are needed to establish the clinical value of the S-VS.
Transforming between Beck Depression Inventory and CORE‐OM scores in routine clinical practice
Authors: Leach Chris , Lucock Mike , Barkham Michael , Stiles William B. , Noble Rachael , Iveson Steve
Published: May 2006

Objectives. The Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) are routinely used to assess emotional problems. It would be helpful to be able to compare scores when only one of the measures is available. We investigated the relationship between the measures and produced translation tables.

Methods. Level of agreement between CORE‐OM and BDI‐I was assessed for 2,234 clients who had completed both measures at referral for routine secondary care. Tables for predicting between the measures were constructed using several methods, including non‐linear regression and non‐parametric smoothing. Results were cross‐validated on a separate sample of 326 clients.

Results. High correlations between the measures were obtained (r=.862 for female clients; r=.855 for male clients). Accuracy in predicting caseness is higher than predicting depression levels.

Conclusions. CORE‐OM and BDI can be compared in routine clinical settings with acceptable accuracy.
Challenging behaviour and learning disabilities: The relationship between expressed emotion and staff attributions
Authors: Weigel Luise , Langdon Peter E. , Collins Suzanne , O'Brien Yvonne
Published: May 2006

Objectives. Expressed emotion (EE) and attributions towards challenging behaviour (CB) were explored amongst a group of staff working within a residential and day service placement for people with learning disabilities.

Design. Using a cross‐sectional related‐samples design, EE and attributions were measured amongst all staff working with one client with CB, and one client without CB.

Methods. Fifteen staff members completed the attributional questionnaire and the 5‐minute speech sample (FMSS) to allow for EE ratings concerning staff relationships with two clients. One client exhibited CB, while the other did not, giving 2 samples. Attributional and EE ratings for each group were compared. This study did not employ vignette methodology.

Results. Staff working with a client with learning disabilities and CB attributed the CB as internal to the client and controllable by the client. Staff reported high levels of EE and made more critical comments towards the client with CB as compared with the client without CB. Furthermore, staff who reported high EE attributed CB as internal to the client and controllable by the client.

Conclusions. Staff working with a client with challenging behaviour appeared to be making the ‘fundamental attribution error’. The relationship between expressed emotion and attribution theory is discussed along with the methodological benefits of not relying on vignette methodology in research that examines challenging behaviour.
Viscoelastic behaviour of solid wood under compressive loading
Authors: Penneru Anjaneya Prasad , Jayaraman Krishnan , Bhattacharyya Debes
Published: May 2006

To understand the mechanism of bulk wood forming, compressive stress relaxation experiments were performed on radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) specimens with various moisture contents at a temperature of 200°C. The results aided in understanding the time-dependent viscoelastic behaviour with respect to springback and microstructural changes. This study clearly demonstrates the commercial feasibility of value-adding applications such as pattern forming on wood panels using a relatively simple, quick and inexpensive procedure. The experimental data were characterised by a three-component model with a spring and a Maxwell element in parallel, which showed very good agreement under different forming conditions.
The effect of CaCl2 on growth rate, wood decay and oxalic acid accumulation in Serpula lacrymans and related brown-rot fungi
Authors: Steenkjær Hastrup Anne Christine , Jensen Bo , Clausen Carol , Green III Frederick
Published: May 2006

The dry rot fungus,Serpula lacrymans, is one of the most destructive copper-tolerant fungi causing timber decay in buildings in temperate regions. Calcium and oxalic acid have been shown to play important roles in the mechanism of wood decay. The effect of calcium on growth and decay was evaluated for 12 strains ofS. lacrymansand compared to five brown-rot fungi. This was done by treating copper citrate (CC)-treated Southern yellow pine (SYP) wood with a CaCl2solution and estimating the decay rate and amount of soluble oxalic acid in an ASTM soil block test. Decay byS. lacrymanswas found to be significantly inhibited by treatment with CaCl2in the presence of copper. In addition, calcium showed no effect on two strains ofS. lacrymansand oneSerpula himantioidesstrain in non-copper-treated SYP wood blocks. The growth rate ofS. lacrymanswas not affected on malt extract agar containing CaCl2. In summary, a marked decrease was observed in the decay capacity ofS. lacrymansin pine treated with CC+CaCl2. The amount of soluble oxalic acid was measured in CC-treated blocks and blocks also treated with CaCl2. Of the comparative brown-rot fungi, bothAntrodia vaillantii(TFFH 294) andPostia placenta(Mad 698) displayed notable wood decay despite CaCl2treatment, while the remaining strains were inhibited.
Parents' and Teachers' Concordance with Children's Self‐Ratings of Suicidality: Findings from a High‐Risk Sample
Authors: Thompson Richard , Dubowitz Howard , English Diana J. , Nooner Kate B. , Wike Traci , Bangdiwala Shrikant I. , Runyan Desmond K. , Briggs Ernestine C.
Published: May 2006

This study examined concordance between adult and child reports of child suicidality using a sample of 1,046 8‐year‐old children at risk for, or having experienced, maltreatment. Concordance was low with both caregivers and teachers. For children reporting no suicidality, caregiver‐child agreement was associated with few transitions in caregiver and low social withdrawal and aggression, and teacher‐child agreement was associated with non‐White ethnicity, good academic performance, and low thought problems. For children reporting suicidality, care‐giver‐child agreement was associated with perceptions of child mental health needs, aggression, and somatic complaints, and teacher‐child agreement was associated with thought problems.
Validade da aferição da acuidade visual realizada pelo professor em escolares de 1ª à 4ª série de primeiro grau de uma escola pública do município de São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Temporini Edméa Rita , José Newton Kara , Taiar Alberto , Ferrarini Maria de Lourdes
Published: May 2006

Trata-se de avaliação da medida da acuidade visual pelo professor, comparativamente àquela efetuada pelo médico-oftalmologista, utilizando-se ambos da tabela optométrica de Snellen. Éste estudo foi realizado em decorrência do Plano de Oftalmologia Sanitária Escolar (POSE), em desenvolvimento no Estado de São Paulo, que atinge escolares de 1ª série, classe especial e pré-primário das escolas estaduais de 1º grau, onde a atuação dos professores constitui fator básico da programação, principalmente no seu aspecto educativo e na verificação da acuidade visual. Foram testados 1.352 escolares de 1ª a 4ª série de 1º grau de um estabelecimento de ensino do município de São Paulo (SP) em 1975. Encontrou-se uma concordância de resultados em 80,86% dos casos. Com a diferença de 2 linhas entre os resultados do professor e do médico, constataram-se 122 casos (9,02%) e, com a diferença de 3 linhas, 54 casos (3,99%). À medida em que se consideravam diferenças maiores, decrescia progressivamente o número de casos discordantes encontrados. Observou-se que, à medida em que aumentava a desigualdade de aferição entre o professor e o oftalmologista, isto se verificava em ambos os olhos, o que evidencia uma dificuldade de interpretação daquelas crianças para responder o teste. Considerou-se altamente válida a aplicação do teste de acuidade visual pelo professor devidamente treinado, com a finalidade de triagem a nível de escola, como um dos aspectos para identificar alunos necessitados de exame médico-oftalmológico.
Investigação da bracelose em bovinos e em consumidores humanos do leite
Authors: Souza Ayrton Pinheiro de , Moreira Filho Djalma de Carvalho , Fávero Manildo
Published: May 2006

O uso do leite "in natura" por certos consumidores, tem se constituído num sério problema de Saúde Pública. Desta forma, foi efetuado um levantamento da situação dos rebanhos bovinos na região de Ribeirão Preto, SP (Brasil) para se verificar a prevalência de brucelose. A partir da detecção de um rebanho leiteiro brucélico foram investigados os consumidores humanos do leite suspeito, segundo algumas características, tais como: sexo, cor, idade, ocupação, estado civil, tempo de residência na área, tempo de uso do leite suspeito, tipo de leite ingerido, quantidade de ingestão diária do leite, condições de saúde, uso de medicamentos e morbidades referidas na época do estudo. Foram feitas provas sorológicas para diagnóstico de brucelose no rebanho leiteiro e na população humana consumidora do leite. Observou-se que cerca de 8% das vacas em lactação na época do levantamento foram consideradas brucélicas. Entre os consumidores não se observou casos de sorologia positiva para brucelose. Concluiu-se que: apesar da importância da brucelose como zoonose, ela continua endêmica no nosso meio criatório; a fervura do leite é uma medida eficaz e deve ser preconizada nas regiões onde o leite é consumido "in natura", como medida de escolha em saúde pública.
Flebotomíneos de Londrina, Paraná (Brasil) e observações ecológicas sobre algumas espécies
Authors: Gomes Almério de Castro , Galati Eunice Aparecida Bianchi
Published: May 2006

As investigações desenvolvidas na reserva florestal primária da Fazenda Santa Helena, município de Londrina, evidenciaram treze espécies de flebotomíneos entre as quais assinalamos a presença do Psychodopygus whitmani, Pintomyia fischeri e P. pessoai. A primeira demonstrou ser predominante durante todo o ano, enquanto que o comportamento estacional foi semelhante para as três espécies. Finalmente, P. pessoai parece ser mais sensível a estiagem.
Aplicação de uma curva de ganho de peso para gestantes
Authors: Siqueira Arnaldo Augusto Franco de , Ciari Junior Cyro , Mattos Iara Lucia Brayner , Buralli Keiko Ogura , Baptista Filho Malaquias , Schor Néia , Almeida Pedro Augusto Marcondes de , Tanaka Ana Cristina d'Andretta
Published: May 2006

Com a finalidade de estudar a influência do estado nutricional materno sobre o peso do recém-nascido, foi aplicado em 460 gestantes inscritas no Centro de Saúde Geraldo de Paula Souza o método antropométrico para o diagnóstico do estado nutricional de uma população de gestantes, pois este método é de fácil aplicação e não exige pessoal especializado. Parece existir uma relação positiva entre o peso pré-gestacional, o ganho de peso da gestante durante a gravidez, e o peso ao nascer do concepto, bem como a idade gestacior.al. Observou-se ainda que houve uma diferença de 296,7 gramas a mais no peso dos recém-nascidos de gestante com peso pré-gestacional adequado, que no grupo de gestante com peso pré-gestacional insuficiente. Em trabalhos anteriores descreveu-se a necessidade de se utilizar curvas ponderais para o diagnóstico do estado nutricional materno: a curva que ora se apresenta é mais simples que outras já descritas anteriormente. No momento está sendo testada para se avaliar a sua eficácia.
Relação entre situação social e crescimento físico, numa população infantil de Santo André, SP, Brasil
Authors: Levy Maria Stella Ferreira
Published: May 2006

Baseado em dados sócio-antropológicos e em medidas antropométricas coletados no Município de Santo André, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, foi analisada a população infantil de ambos os sexos e de treze idades diferentes (0, 3, 6 e 9 meses, 1 ano, 1 ano e meio, 2 a 8 anos). Foram utilizadas 3 variáveis independentes ISSE - índice de situação sócio-econômica da família (baseado nas inter-relações da média de gasto familiar mensal "per capita" e a instrução e ocupação do chefe da casa); CATANCES - construída a partir da informação sobre a nacionalidade dos ascendentes das crianças até 3ª geração; e Tamanho do Grupo Residencial. Como variáveis dependentes, utilizou-se a estatura, o peso e o Índice de Kaup. Considerando a relação positiva entre melhores condições de vida e desenvolvimento físico, constatou-se (através do teste de ordenação de médias de Duncan) que, embora as médias das medidas diferissem segundo as variáveis independentes, isso não acontecia igualmente nas mesmas idades e nos dois sexos. Observou-se pelos resultados das análises de variância, na maioria das vezes significantes, que as variáveis selecionadas explicavam muito pouco da variação das medidas nas várias idades e sexos. Conclui-se que a amostra estudada, segundo as variáveis independentes deste estudo, difere entre idades em ambos os sexos. Isto levanta uma série de questões sobre quais as variáveis mais adequadas a estudos desse gênero. Sugere-se, consideradas as duas categorias de variável CATANCES, a utilização de duas "tabela padrão" para peso e altura, segundo regiões brasileiras. Quanto ao índice de Kaup, evidenciou-se a necessidade de ser encontrada uma função matemática específica para cada idade, uma vez que, ao menos em relação a crianças em crescimento, o índice não media aquilo a que se propunha.