bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Enriching Methodology
Authors: Halasek Kay
Published: June 2005

In “Dialogic Origin,” Mikhail Bakhtin—as teacher-researcher and theorist—presents readers with a remarkable essay on teaching grammar and style to 7th-year students (roughly equivalent to 10thgraders in the U.S. educational system). In doing so, Bakhtin employs some of his most notable concepts (among them dialogism and “hero”)as informing and generative principles of writing pedagogy. Modern readers will find much to value as Bakhtin illustrates contextualized grammar instruction, defines grammar as an element of style, proposes innovative teaching methods, and advocates for theory-based pedagogy. Despite these significant similarities, the essay relies exclusively on stylistics, ignoring the demonstrable rhetorical effects of the stylistic choices illustrated in the pedagogy he outlines. In perhaps his most illuminating move, Bakhtin introduces his notion of hero directly into the language arts classroom, illustrating the concept as fundamental even to the grammar and style of language in everyday and academic (not simply literary) contexts.
Influence of Material Property on Vibration Characteristics of the Automotive Rearview Mirror
Authors: Song Fuyin , Ayorinde Emmanuel O.
Published: June 2005

The vehicle rearview mirror is critical to safe driving, and a premium qualifying factor is its vibration performance, which therefore has to be most carefully designed. On account of the complex combination of shape, component materials, mounting, target vibration specifications, and economics of the mirror system, practical design inevitably relies heavily on computational analysis, often done by the finite element method. This article examines this process, focusing on the comparisons of mirror systems based on different materials. This article, to the authors’ knowledge, considers the broadest collection of materials, to date, in works of this type. Several practical higher performance composites - a class of materials which our earlier study pointed to would most probably improve performance - have been investigated to draw conclusions on how dynamic performances of rearview mirror units relate to the properties of the materials utilized. The results should further aid design optimization and cost.
Polystyrene-grafted Carbon Fibers: Surface Properties and Adhesion to Polystyrene
Authors: Bismarck Alexander , Pfaffernoschke Matthias , Springer Jurgen , Schulz Eckhard
Published: June 2005

It is highly desirable to improve attractive interactions between carbon fibers and unreactive thermoplastic matrices to the possible maximum. This could be achieved by a simple grafting process to create a covalently bonded interface or interlayer, which should result in cohesive interactions between the polymer-grafted fibers and the same matrix material, leading to a better adhesion strength in the obtained composite material. Here, we are describing the grafting of styrene onto unmodified and unsized carbon fibers via free-radical bulk polymerization in the presence of fibers. After grafting, the surface properties of the carbon fiber approach those of pure polystyrene which was proven by contact angle and zeta (ζ) potential measurements. As indicated by the water contact angle, the carbon fiber surface becomes more hydrophobic. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides evidence of grafted polymer. This simple procedure results in a continuous polystyrene coating. The fiber diameter increases significantly after polymer grafting. The adhesion and fracture behavior between the original and polystyrene-grafted carbon fibers to a polystyrene (VESTYRON®) matrix was characterized using the single-fiber pull-out test. There is a considerable increase in the measurable adhesion, i.e., the interfacial shear strength IFSS, by almost 300% between the grafted fibers and polystyrene as compared to untreated original fibers. Two planes of interfacial failure could be distinguished; first in the fiber coating interface leading to lower interfacial shear strength and second in the PS-matrix-PS-coating interphase resulting in a higher interfacial shear strength. In addition to the improved adhesion, there are also clear differences in the pull-out behavior between the nongrafted and grafted fibers. After the initial debonding process corresponding to the maximal pull-out force is completed, the pull-out force is increasing again.
Fuzzy Sliding Modes with Moving Surface for the Robust Control of a Planar Robot
Authors: Yagiz Nurkan , Hacioglu Yuksel
Published: June 2005

In this paper, we develop a new control method that brings together the advantages of fuzzy logic and sliding mode control. First, we introduce a non-chattering robust sliding mode control. Then, in order to improve the performance of the controller a fuzzy logic algorithm is integrated with the sliding mode controller. This algorithm decides the slope of the sliding surface of the sliding mode controller dynamically. Thus, the system is caught on the sliding surface rapidly and remains over it, more successfully improving the performance of the controller. Afterwards, to test the success of the controller introduced, it is applied to a planar robot, which is to follow a certain trajectory only using the control inputs produced. The results are compared with those of a conventional PID controlled system and a sliding mode controller with constant surface slope. In order to check the robust behavior of the controller designed, an unexpected change in the mass of the second link is introduced and to make the conditions tougher it is assumed that this change is not sensed by the controllers. Noise resistance of the proposed controller is also checked by introducing normally distributed noise components into the equations of motion of the robot model.
Behavior of a Novel Iterative Deconvolution Algorithm for System Identification
Authors: Liu Qunli , Subhash Ghatu , Evensen Harold A.
Published: June 2005

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness and versatility of an iterative deconvolution algorithm in dealing with noise-rendered, truncated signals when signal averaging is not an option. An iterative deconvolution algorithm for system identification and signal restoration is presented, and its effectiveness and robustness are validated through the analysis of several artificially generated signals that are intended to mimic practically measured signals. Its application is intended for use in improving the quality of system identification by reducing the detrimental effect of information leakage caused by windowing. System identification was conducted for various scenarios, in which the input and output signals were rendered with noise and subjected to different truncation levels at the heads and/or tails. The ability of the algorithm to restore the truncated portion of signals is demonstrated. It is concluded that the algorithm has superior performance compared to currently available traditional approaches, such as the fast Fourier transform and autoregressive moving average methods.
A Structured Linear Quadratic Gaussian Based Control Design Algorithm for Machine Tool Controllers Including Both Feed Drive and Process Dynamics
Authors: Elbeheiry E. M. , Elmaraghy W. H. , Elmaraghy H. A.
Published: June 2005

A new extension of the stochastic linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) regulator problem is developed and used for the design of new suboptimal cross-coupling controllers for machine tool drives. This new extension allowed us to combine both the drive and the cutting dynamics into a unified model driven by the static and the dynamic portions of the cutting force. The dynamic portion of the cutting force is considered as a stochastic random process in end milling contouring processes. The outputs of the axes are corrected by the cutting tool deflections which result from the cutting force-workpiece resistance interactive dynamics. Most importantly, the LQG extension developed here is directly applicable to the design and optimization of centralized, decentralized, and hierarchical machine tool controllers that have previously appeared in the literature. This is possible because our extension allows the assignment of a different control structure for each control input even if more than one control input are contributing to the same axis. Furthermore, the method admits each controller to function in any chosen subset of the available measurements. Thus, it provides us with a powerful means for designing any of the above-mentioned controllers using the same approach. The results of our suboptimal cross-coupling controllers were magnificent when compared to the commercially available positioning controllers.
Interconnections over Time
Authors: Laslett Peter
Published: June 2005

The term ‘generation’ in everyday language is unsuitable for the analysis of temporal connections from a sociological perspective. Understanding these generational linkages, their strength, content and quality, their variability by class, sex, locality, culture, stages in the life course, education, material position and liability to modification by political action, is a fundamental requirement for the analysis of individual behaviour, and is a point of departure, some would say the point of departure, in understanding all social behaviour. Recognition of the centrality of generation to social structure was a basic component of John Locke’s theory of liberal rights and property and of Robert Filmer’s theory of patriarchy and authority. Generation as a tool of analysis should therefore be of intellectual concern to classical sociological theory.
(Re)mapping the nation
Authors: Graml Gundolf
Published: June 2005

In this article I investigate how tourist performances are linked with performances of national identity. Focusing on the guided tours in Salzburg, Austria, that promote the shooting locations of the 1965 Hollywood production The Sound of Music, I trace the shifting meaning of this tourist phenomenon in the context of a critical stage of the role of the ‘national’ in general and of Austrian national identity in particular. My article highlights how tourist performances create a ‘contact zone’ that allows for the continuous reinvention of national identity, not only as a place of resistance against global developments but, as the case of Austria shows, as a spatial configuration that is in itself mobile and open to new developments. I conclude by showing how a performative construction of places redefines the meaning of authenticity, such that tourist practices are not the opposite of ‘real’ identity performances but, rather, a blueprint for building stable places in an ever-changing world.
Global Capitalism and Commodity Chains: Looking Back, Going Forward
Authors: Bair Jennifer
Published: June 2005

This paper assesses the achievements and limitations of commodity chain research as it has evolved over the last decade. The primary objectives are two-fold. First, I highlight an important but generally unacknowledged break between the original world-systems-inspired tradition of commodity chain research and two subsequent chain approaches, the global commodity chain (GCC) and global value chain (GVC) frameworks. Second, I argue that contra the macro and holistic perspective of the world-systems approach, much of the recent chains literature, and particularly the more economistic GVC variant, is increasingly oriented in its analytical approach towards the meso level of sectoral logics and the micro level objective of industrial upgrading. I conclude that closer attention to the larger institutional and structural environments in which commodity chains are embedded is needed in order to more fully inform our understanding of the uneven social and developmental dynamics of contemporary capitalism at the global-local nexus.
Globalization and Paradoxes of Ethical Transnational Production: Code of Conduct in a Chinese Workplace
Authors: Sum Ngai-Ling , Ngai Pun
Published: June 2005

Neo-liberal economic globalization and acceleration in information and communication technologies have strengthened the competitiveness of transnational corporations by making it easier for them to stretch their global commodity chains to developing countries. Such control from a distance threatens national states' capacity to regulate TNCs and their impact upon environment, labour and human rights in developing countries. This has prompted anti-TNC sentiments and campaigns that challenge brand-named TNCs on labour exploitation in the south. These changes have triggered discussions on setting labour standards in the international arena. With the WTO distancing itself from the ‘social clause’, this has prompted the TNCs, NGOs and other stakeholders to self-regulate by introducing codes of conduct. Concentrating on the clothing industry, this paper examines the emergence of company and multi-stakeholder codes of conduct that require the involvement of subcontractors and NGOs in developing countries. The moving of ethical codes to developing countries condenses and reproduces, under the twin pressures of competitiveness and social auditing, the paradoxes of ethical transnational production in the internal organizations of local firms. These paradoxes are demonstrated from a case study of a workplace in China. The paper ends by outlining three paradoxes and commenting on the development of a managerialist ‘audit culture’ in workplace practices as commodification of ethical code.
Improved lung preservation relates to an increase in tubular myelin-associated surfactant protein A
Authors: Fehrenbach Heinz , Tews Sebastian , Fehrenbach Antonia , Ochs Matthias , Wittwer Thorsten , Wahlers Thorsten , Richter Joachim
Published: June 2005

Background

Declining levels of surfactant protein A (SP-A) after lung transplantation are suggested to indicate progression of ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. We hypothesized that the previously described preservation-dependent improvement of alveolar surfactant integrity after IR was associated with alterations in intraalveolar SP-A levels.

Methods

Using immuno electron microscopy and design-based stereology, amount and distribution of SP-A, and of intracellular surfactant phospholipids (lamellar bodies) as well as infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and alveolar macrophages were evaluated in rat lungs after IR and preservation with EuroCollins or Celsior.

Results

After IR, labelling of tubular myelin for intraalveolar SP-A was significantly increased. In lungs preserved with EuroCollins, the total amount of intracellular surfactant phospholipid was reduced, and infiltration by PMNs and alveolar macrophages was significantly increased. With Celsior no changes in infiltration or intracellular surfactant phospholipid amount occurred. Here, an increase in the number of lamellar bodies per cell was associated with a shift towards smaller lamellar bodies. This accounts for preservation-dependent changes in the balance between surfactant phospholipid secretion and synthesis as well as in inflammatory cell infiltration.

Conclusion

We suggest that enhanced release of surfactant phospholipids and SP-A represents an early protective response that compensates in part for the inactivation of intraalveolar surfactant in the early phase of IR injury. This beneficial effect can be supported by adequate lung preservation, as e.g. with Celsior, maintaining surfactant integrity and reducing inflammation, either directly (via antioxidants) or indirectly (via improved surfactant integrity).
Effective ambiguity checking in biosequence analysis
Authors: Reeder Janina , Steffen Peter , Giegerich Robert
Published: June 2005

Background

Ambiguity is a problem in biosequence analysis that arises in various analysis tasks solved via dynamic programming, and in particular, in the modeling of families of RNA secondary structures with stochastic context free grammars. Several types of analysis are invalidated by the presence of ambiguity. As this problem inherits undecidability (as we show here) from the namely problem for context free languages, there is no complete algorithmic solution to the problem of ambiguity checking.

Results

We explain frequently observed sources of ambiguity, and show how to avoid them. We suggest four testing procedures that may help to detect ambiguity when present, including a just-in-time test that permits to work safely with a potentially ambiguous grammar. We introduce, for the special case of stochastic context free grammars and RNA structure modeling, an automated partial procedure for proving non-ambiguity. It is used to demonstrate non-ambiguity for several relevant grammars.

Conclusion

Our mechanical proof procedure and our testing methods provide a powerful arsenal of methods to ensure non-ambiguity.
Tools enabling the elucidation of molecular pathways active in human disease: Application to Hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Reiss David J , Avila-Campillo Iliana , Thorsson Vesteinn , Schwikowski Benno , Galitski Timothy
Published: June 2005

Background

The extraction of biological knowledge from genome-scale data sets requires its analysis in the context of additional biological information. The importance of integrating experimental data sets with molecular interaction networks has been recognized and applied to the study of model organisms, but its systematic application to the study of human disease has lagged behind due to the lack of tools for performing such integration.

Results

We have developed techniques and software tools for simplifying and streamlining the process of integration of diverse experimental data types in molecular networks, as well as for the analysis of these networks. We applied these techniques to extract, from genomic expression data from Hepatitis C virus-infected liver tissue, potentially useful hypotheses related to the onset of this disease. Our integration of the expression data with large-scale molecular interaction networks and subsequent analyses identified molecular pathways that appear to be induced or repressed in the response to Hepatitis C viral infection.

Conclusion

The methods and tools we have implemented allow for the efficient dynamic integration and analysis of diverse data in a major human disease system. This integrated data set in turn enabled simple analyses to yield hypotheses related to the response to Hepatitis C viral infection.
Difference in trafficking of brain-derived neurotrophic factor between axons and dendrites of cortical neurons, revealed by live-cell imaging
Authors: Adachi Naoki , Kohara Keigo , Tsumoto Tadaharu
Published: June 2005

Background

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is sorted into a regulated secretory pathway of neurons, is supposed to act retrogradely through dendrites on presynaptic neurons or anterogradely through axons on postsynaptic neurons. Depending on which is the case, the pattern and direction of trafficking of BDNF in dendrites and axons are expected to be different. To address this issue, we analyzed movements of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged BDNF in axons and dendrites of living cortical neurons by time-lapse imaging. In part of the experiments, the expression of BDNF tagged with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) was compared with that of nerve growth factor (NGF) tagged with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), to see whether fluorescent protein-tagged BDNF is expressed in a manner specific to this neurotrophin.

Results

We found that BDNF tagged with GFP or CFP was expressed in a punctated manner in dendrites and axons in about two-thirds of neurons into which plasmid cDNAs had been injected, while NGF tagged with GFP or YFP was diffusely expressed even in dendrites in about 70% of the plasmid-injected neurons. In neurons in which BDNF-GFP was expressed as vesicular puncta in axons, 59 and 23% of the puncta were moving rapidly in the anterograde and retrograde directions, respectively. On the other hand, 64% of BDNF-GFP puncta in dendrites did not move at all or fluttered back and forth within a short distance. The rest of the puncta in dendrites were moving relatively smoothly in either direction, but their mean velocity of transport, 0.47 ± 0.23 (SD) μm/s, was slower than that of the moving puncta in axons (0.73 ± 0.26 μm/s).

Conclusion

The present results show that the pattern and velocity of the trafficking of fluorescence protein-tagged BDNF are different between axons and dendrites, and suggest that the anterograde transport in axons may be the dominant stream of BDNF to release sites.
Amplitude-dependency of response of SI cortex to flutter stimulation
Authors: Simons Stephen B , Tannan Vinay , Chiu Joannellyn , Favorov Oleg V , Whitsel Barry L , Tommerdahl Mark
Published: June 2005

Background

It is established that increasing the amplitude of a flutter stimulus increases its perceived intensity. Although many studies have examined this phenomenon with regard to the responding afferent population, the way in which the intensity of a stimulus is coded in primary somatosensory cortex (SI) remains unclear.

Results

Optical intrinsic signal (OIS) imaging was used to study the evoked responses in SI of anesthetized squirrel monkeys by 25 Hz sinusoidal vertical skin displacement stimulation. Stimuli were 10 sec duration with a 50 sec inter-stimulus interval. Stimulus amplitude ranged from 50 to 400 microns and different amplitudes were interleaved. Control levels of activity were measured in the absence of stimulation, and used to compare with activation levels evoked by the different stimulus amplitudes. Stimulation of a discrete skin site on the forelimb evoked a prominent increase in absorbance within the forelimb representational region in cytoarchitectonic areas 3b and 1 of the contralateral hemisphere. An increase in stimulus amplitude led to a proportional increase in the magnitude of the absorbance increase in this region of areas 3b and 1 while surrounding cortex underwent a decrease in absorbance. Correlation maps revealed that as stimulus amplitude is increased, the spatial extent of the activated region in SI remains relatively constant, and the activity within this region increases progressively. Additionally, as stimulus amplitude is increased to suprathreshold levels, activity in the surround of the activated SI territory decreases, suggesting an increase in inhibition of neuronal activity within these regions.

Conclusion

Increasing the amplitude of a flutter stimulus leads to a proportional increase in absorbance within the forelimb representational region of SI. This most likely reflects an increase in the firing rate of neurons in this region of SI. The relatively constant spatial extent of this stimulus-evoked increase in absorbance suggests that an increase in the amplitude of a 25 Hz skin stimulus does not evoke a larger area of SI neuronal activation due to an amplitude-dependent lateral inhibitory effect that spatially funnels the responding SI neuronal population.
Anti-proliferative effects, cell cycle G2/M phase arrest and blocking of chromosome segregation by probimane and MST-16 in human tumor cell lines
Authors: Lu Da Yong , Huang Min , Xu Cheng Hui , Yang Wei Yi , Hu Chao Xin , Lin Li Ping , Tong Lin Jiang , Li Mei Hong , Lu Wei , Zhang Xiong Wen , Ding Jian
Published: June 2005

Background

Anticancer bisdioxopiperazines, including ICRF-154, razoxane (Raz, ICRF-159) and ICRF-193, are a family of anticancer agents developed in the UK, especially targeting metastases of neoplasms. Two other bisdioxopiperazine derivatives, probimane (Pro) and MST-16, were synthesized at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. Cytotoxic activities and mechanisms of Raz (+)-steroisomer (ICRF-187, dexrazoxane), Pro and MST-16 against tumor cells were evaluated by MTT colorimetry, flow cytometry and karyotyping.

Results

Pro was cytotoxic to human tumor cell lines in vitro (IC50<50 μM for 48 h). Four human tumor cell lines (SCG-7901, K562, A549 and HL60) were susceptible to Pro at low inhibitory concentrations (IC50 values < 10 μM for 48 h). Although the IC50 against HeLa cell line of vincristine (VCR, 4.56 μM), doxorubicin (Dox, 1.12 μM) and 5-fluoruouracil (5-Fu, 0.232 μM) are lower than Pro (5.12 μM), ICRF-187 (129 μM) and MST-16 (26.4 μM), VCR, Dox and 5-Fu shows a low dose-related – high cytotoxic activity. Time-response studies showed that the cytotoxic effects of Pro are increased for 3 days in human tumor cells, whereas VCR, Dox and 5-Fu showed decreased cytotoxic action after 24 h. Cell cycle G2/M phase arrest and chromosome segregation blocking by Pro and MST-16 were noted. Although there was similar effects of Pro and MST-16 on chromosome segregation blocking action and cell cycle G2/M phase arrest at 1- 4 μM, cytotoxicity of Pro against tumor cells was higher than that of MST-16 in vitro by a factor of 3- 10 folds. Our data show that Pro may be more effective against lung cancer and leukemia while ICRF-187 and MST-16 shows similar IC50 values only against leukemia.

Conclusion

It suggests that Pro has a wider spectrum of cytotoxic effects against human tumor cells than other bisdioxopiperazines, especially against solid tumors, and with a single cytotoxic pathway of Pro and MST-16 affecting chromosome segregation and leading also to cell G2/ M phase arrests, which finally reduces cell division rates. Pro may be more potent than MST-16 in cytotoxicity. High dose- and time- responses of Pro, when compared with VCR, 5-Fu and Dox, were seen that suggest a selectivity of Pro against tumor growth. Compounds of bisdioxopiperazines family may keep up their cytotoxic effects longer than many other anticancer drugs.
Analysis of xylem sap proteins from Brassica napus
Authors: Kehr Julia , Buhtz Anja , Giavalisco Patrick
Published: June 2005

Background

Substance transport in higher land plants is mediated by vascular bundles, consisting of phloem and xylem strands that interconnect all plant organs.

While the phloem mainly allocates photoassimilates, the role of the xylem is the transport of water and inorganic nutrients from roots to all aerial plant parts. Only recently it was noticed that in addition to mineral salts, xylem sap contains organic nutrients and even proteins. Although these proteins might have important impact on the performance of above-ground organs, only a few of them have been identified so far and their physiological functions are still unclear.

Results

We used root-pressure xylem exudate, collected from cut Brassica napus stems, to extract total proteins. These protein preparations were then separated by high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). After individual tryptic digests of the most abundant coomassie-stained protein spots, partial peptide sequence information was deduced from tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) fragmentation spectra and subsequently used for protein identifications by database searches. This approach resulted in the identification of 69 proteins. These identifications include different proteins potentially involved in defence-related reactions and cell wall metabolism.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the most abundant proteins present in xylem sap of Brassica napus. A number of 69 proteins could be identified from which many previously were not known to be localized to this compartment in any other plant species. Since Brassica napus, a close relative of the fully sequenced model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, was used as the experimental system, our results provide a large number of candidate proteins for directed molecular and biochemical analyses of the physiological functions of the xylem under different environmental and developmental conditions. This approach will allow exploiting many of the already established functional genomic resources, like i.e. the large mutant collections, that are available for Arabidopsis.
Treatment failure in a typhoid patient infected with nalidixic acid resistant S. enterica serovar Typhi with reduced susceptibility to Ciprofloxacin: a case report from Cameroon
Authors: Nkemngu Njinkeng J , Asonganyi Etienne DN , Njunda Anna L
Published: June 2005

Background

Fluoroquinolones or third generation cephalosporins are the drugs of choice for the treatment of typhoid fever. Treatment failure with fluoroquinolones has been reported in Asia and Europe. We report a case of ciprofloxacin treatment failure in typhoid fever in Cameroon.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old female patient with suspected typhoid fever from Kumba, Cameroon, yielded growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in blood culture. The isolate was resistant to nalidixic acid but sensitive to ciprofloxacin by disc diffusion test. However, the patient did not respond to treatment with ciprofloxacin, although the isolate was apparently susceptible to ciprofloxacin.

Conclusion

Treatment failure with ciprofloxacin in our case indicates the presence of nalidixic acid resistant S. enterica serovar Typhi (NARST) with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin in Cameroon (Central Africa).
Diagnostic and prognostic utility of an inexpensive rapid on site malaria diagnostic test (ParaHIT f) among ethnic tribal population in areas of high, low and no transmission in central India
Authors: Singh Neeru , Mishra AK , Shukla MM , Chand SK , Bharti Praveen Kumar
Published: June 2005

Background

Malaria presents a diagnostic challenge in most tropical countries. Rapid detection of the malaria parasite and early treatment of infection still remain the most important goals of disease management. Therefore, performance characteristics of the new indigenous ParaHIT f test (Span diagnostic Ltd, Surat, India) was determined among ethnic tribal population in four districts of different transmission potential in central India to assess whether this rapid diagnostic test (RDT) could be widely applied as a diagnostic tool to control malaria. Beyond diagnosis, the logical utilization of RDTs is to monitor treatment outcome.

Methods

A finger prick blood sample was collected from each clinically suspected case of malaria to prepare blood smear and for testing with the RDT after taking informed consent. The blood smears were read by an experienced technician blinded to the RDT results and clinical status of the subjects. The figures for specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and predictive values were calculated using microscopy as gold standard.

Results

The prevalence of malaria infection estimated by RDT in parallel with microscopy provide evidence of the type of high, low or no transmission in the study area. Analysis revealed (pooled data of all four epidemiological settings) that overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the RDT were >90% in areas of different endemicity. While, RDT is useful to confirm the diagnosis of new symptomatic cases of suspected P. falciparum infection, the persistence of parasite antigen leading to false positives even after clearance of asexual parasitaemia has limited its utility as a prognostic tool.

Conclusion

The study showed that the ParaHIT f test was easy to use, reliable and cheap. Thus this RDT is an appropriate test for the use in the field by paramedical staff when laboratory facilities are not available and thus likely to contribute greatly to an effective control of malaria in resource poor countries.
Annular pigment band on the posterior capsule following blunt ocular trauma: a case report
Authors: Anand Aashish , Harrison Rosalind J
Published: June 2005

Background

To report an unusual case of annular pigment band on the posterior capsule following blunt ocular trauma.

Case presentation

We describe an annular pigment band on the posterior capsule following blunt ocular trauma in a 28-year old male patient. Repeat examinations revealed no evidence of other signs of blunt ocular trauma or pigment dispersion syndrome in either eye.

Conclusion

The annular pigment band in this case corresponds to the adherence of the hyaloideocapsulare ligament to the posterior capsule and reconfirms its rare visualization in the living eye. This finding may be an isolated sign of blunt ocular trauma and a compromised integrity of the vitreolenticular interface should be strongly suspected. We recommend careful documentation in context of future cataract surgery in these eyes.
The level of recognition of physical symptoms in patients with a major depression episode in the outpatient psychiatric practice in Puerto Rico: An observational study
Authors: Tamayo Jorge M , Román Karis , Fumero Juan J , Rivas María
Published: June 2005

Background

This study was designed to evaluate the psychiatrists' level of recognition of somatic symptoms associated to a major depressive episode (MDE) (DSM-IV-TR criteria) and the impact of those somatic symptoms on the treatment effectiveness.

Methods

This non-interventional study was conducted in 25 medical offices in Puerto Rico from February to December 2003. It had 2 visits separated by 8 weeks. The level of recognition was determined by: the correlation between the physician clinical evaluation and their patients' self-evaluations through different validated instruments using kappa statistics. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the impact of somatic symptoms on treatment antidepressants' effectiveness.

Results

All the 145 recruited patients reported the presence of at least one somatic symptom associated with their current MDE. In the two visits covered by the study, a fair agreement between the psychiatrists' and the patients' reports was noted for headache, abdominal pain and upper limb pains (0.4003 ≤ κ ≥ 0.6594). For other painful symptoms and painless somatic symptoms, the Kappa values obtained were non-significant. Slight but significant reductions in depression and painful symptoms severity were observed after 8 weeks of treatment. A proportional relationship between the pain and depression severity was observed (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The study results show that somatic symptoms: are very common in depressed Puerto Rican patients; are significant under-reported by psychiatrists; and have a significant impact on the antidepressant effectiveness.
Washing our hands of the congenital cytomegalovirus disease epidemic
Authors: Cannon Michael J , Davis Katherine Finn
Published: June 2005

Background

Each year in the United States, an estimated 40,000 children are born with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, causing an estimated 400 deaths and leaving approximately 8000 children with permanent disabilities such as hearing or vision loss, or mental retardation. More children are affected by serious CMV-related disabilities than by several better-known childhood maladies, including Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and spina bifida.

Discussion

Congenital CMV is a prime target for prevention not only because of its substantial disease burden but also because the biology and epidemiology of CMV suggest that there are ways to reduce viral transmission. Because exposure to the saliva or urine of young children is a major cause of CMV infection among pregnant women, it is likely that good personal hygiene, especially hand-washing, can reduce the risk of CMV acquisition. Experts agree that such measures are likely to be efficacious (i.e., they will work if consistently followed) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that physicians counsel pregnant women about preventing CMV acquisition through careful attention to hygiene. However, because of concerns about effectiveness (i.e., Will women consistently follow hygienic practices as the result of interventions?), the medical and public health communities appear reluctant to embrace primary CMV prevention via improved hygienic practices, and educational interventions are rare. Current data on the effectiveness of such measures in preventing CMV infection are promising, but limited. There is strong evidence, however, that educational interventions can prevent other infectious diseases with similar transmission modes, suggesting that effective interventions can also be found for CMV. Until a CMV vaccine becomes available, effective educational interventions are needed to inform women about congenital CMV prevention.

Perhaps no single cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States currently provides greater opportunity for improved outcomes in more children than congenital CMV. Given the present state of knowledge, women deserve to be informed about how they can reduce their risk of CMV infection during pregnancy, and trials are needed to identify effective educational interventions.
Viral promoters can initiate expression of toxin genes introduced into Escherichia coli
Authors: Lewin Astrid , Mayer Martin , Chusainow Janet , Jacob Daniela , Appel Bernd
Published: June 2005

Background

The expression of recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells requires the fusion of the coding region to a promoter functional in the eukaryotic cell line. Viral promoters are very often used for this purpose. The preceding cloning procedures are usually performed in Escherichia coli and it is therefore of interest if the foreign promoter results in an expression of the gene in bacteria. In the case molecules toxic for humans are to be expressed, this knowledge is indispensable for the specification of safety measures.

Results

We selected five frequently used viral promoters and quantified their activity in E. coli with a reporter system. Only the promoter from the thymidine kinase gene from HSV1 showed no activity, while the polyhedrin promoter from baculovirus, the early immediate CMV promoter, the early SV40 promoter and the 5' LTR promoter from HIV-1 directed gene expression in E. coli. The determination of transcription start sites in the immediate early CMV promoter and the polyhedrin promoter confirmed the existence of bacterial -10 and -35 consensus sequences. The importance of this heterologous gene expression for safety considerations was further supported by analysing fusions between the aforementioned promoters and a promoter-less cytotoxin gene.

Conclusion

According to our results a high percentage of viral promoters have the ability of initiating gene expression in E. coli. The degree of such heterologous gene expression can be sufficient for the expression of toxin genes and must therefore be considered when defining safety measures for the handling of corresponding genetically modified organisms.
Calcium-fortified beverage supplementation on body composition in postmenopausal women
Authors: Haub Mark D , Simons Tammy R , Cook Chad M , Remig Valentina M , Al-Tamimi Enas K , Holcomb Carol Ann
Published: June 2005

Background

We investigated the effects of a calcium-fortified beverage supplemented over 12 months on body composition in postmenopausal women (n = 37, age = 48–75 y).

Methods

Body composition (total-body percent fat, %FatTB; abdominal percent fat, %FatAB) was measured with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. After baseline assessments, subjects were randomly assigned to a free-living control group (CTL) or the supplement group (1,125 mg Ca++/d, CAL). Dietary intake was assessed with 3-day diet records taken at baseline and 12 months (POST). Physical activity was measured using the Yale Physical Activity Survey.

Results

At 12 months, the dietary calcium to protein ratio in the CAL group (32.3 ± 15.6 mg/g) was greater than the CTL group (15.2 ± 7.5 mg/g). There were no differences from baseline to POST between groups for changes in body weight (CAL = 0.1 ± 3.0 kg; CTL = 0.0 ± 2.9 kg), %FatTB (CAL = 0.0 ± 2.4%; CTL = 0.5 ± 5.4%), %FatAB (CAL = -0.4 ± 8.7%; CTL = 0.6 ± 8.7%), or fat mass (CAL = 1.3 ± 2.6 kg; CTL = 1.3 ± 2.7 kg).

Conclusion

These results indicate that increasing the calcium to protein ratio over two-fold by consuming a calcium-fortified beverage for 12 months did not decrease body weight, body fat, or abdominal fat composition in postmenopausal women.
Regulation of pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion by RhoC GTPase and Caveolin-1
Authors: Lin Min , DiVito Melinda M , Merajver Sofia D , Boyanapalli Madanamohan , van Golen Kenneth L
Published: June 2005

Background

In the current study we investigated the role of caveolin-1 (cav-1) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) cell migration and invasion; initial steps in metastasis. Cav-1 is the major structural protein in caveolae; small Ω-shaped invaginations within the plasma membrane. Caveolae are involved in signal transduction, wherein cav-1 acts as a scaffolding protein to organize multiple molecular complexes regulating a variety of cellular events. Recent evidence suggests a role for cav-1 in promoting cancer cell migration, invasion and metastasis; however, the molecular mechanisms have not been described. The small monomeric GTPases are among several molecules which associate with cav-1. Classically, the Rho GTPases control actin cytoskeletal reorganization during cell migration and invasion. RhoC GTPase is overexpressed in aggressive cancers that metastasize and is the predominant GTPase in PC. Like several GTPases, RhoC contains a putative cav-1 binding motif.

Results

Analysis of 10 PC cell lines revealed high levels of cav-1 expression in lines derived from primary tumors and low expression in those derived from metastases. Comparison of the BxPC-3 (derived from a primary tumor) and HPAF-II (derived from a metastasis) demonstrates a reciprocal relationship between cav-1 expression and p42/p44 Erk activation with PC cell migration, invasion, RhoC GTPase and p38 MAPK activation. Furthermore, inhibition of RhoC or p38 activity in HPAF-II cells leads to partial restoration of cav-1 expression.

Conclusion

Cav-1 expression inhibits RhoC GTPase activation and subsequent activation of the p38 MAPK pathway in primary PC cells thus restricting migration and invasion. In contrast, loss of cav-1 expression leads to RhoC-mediated migration and invasion in metastatic PC cells.
A link between high serum levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin and chorionic expression of its mature functional receptor (LHCGR) in Down's syndrome pregnancies
Authors: Banerjee Subhasis , Smallwood Alan , Chambers Anne E , Papageorghiou Aris , Loosfelt Hugues , Spencer Kevin , Campbell Stuart , Nicolaides Kypros
Published: June 2005

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is released from placental trophoblasts and is involved in establishing pregnancy by maintaining progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum. Serum hCG is detected in the maternal circulation within the first 2–3 wks of gestation and peaks at the end of the first trimester before declining. In Down's syndrome (DS) pregnancies, serum hCG remains significantly high compared to gestation age-matched uncompromised pregnancies. It has been proposed that increased serum hCG levels could be due to transcriptional hyper-activation of the CGB (hCG beta) gene, or an increased half life of glycosylated hCG hormone, or both. Another possibility is that serum hCG levels remain high due to reduced availability of the hormone's cognate receptor, LHCGR, leading to lack of hormone utilization. We have tested this hypothesis by quantifying the expression of the hCG beta (CGB) RNA, LHCGR RNA and LHCGR proteins in chorionic villous samples. We demonstrate that chorionic expression of hCG beta (CGB) mRNA directly correlates with high serum hCG levels. The steady-state synthesis of LHCGR mRNA (exons 1–5) in DS pregnancies was significantly higher than that of controls, but the expression of full-length LHCGR mRNA (exons 1–11) in DS was comparable to that of uncompromised pregnancies. However, the synthesis of high molecular weight mature LHCGR proteins was significantly reduced in DS compared to uncompromised pregnancies, suggesting a lack of utilization of circulating hCG in DS pregnancies.
Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist knockout mice show enhanced microglial activation and neuronal damage induced by intracerebroventricular infusion of human β-amyloid
Authors: Craft Jeffrey M , Watterson D Martin , Hirsch Emmet , Van Eldik Linda J
Published: June 2005

Background

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is a key mediator of immune responses in health and disease. Although classically the function of IL-1 has been studied in the systemic immune system, research in the past decade has revealed analogous roles in the CNS where the cytokine can contribute to the neuroinflammation and neuropathology seen in a number of neurodegenerative diseases. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), for example, pre-clinical and clinical studies have implicated IL-1 in the progression of a pathologic, glia-mediated pro-inflammatory state in the CNS. The glia-driven neuroinflammation can lead to neuronal damage, which, in turn, stimulates further glia activation, potentially propagating a detrimental cycle that contributes to progression of pathology. A prediction of this neuroinflammation hypothesis is that increased IL-1 signaling in vivo would correlate with increased severity of AD-relevant neuroinflammation and neuronal damage.

Methods

To test the hypothesis that increased IL-1 signaling predisposes animals to beta-amyloid (Aβ)-induced damage, we used IL-1 receptor antagonist Knock-Out (IL1raKO) and wild-type (WT) littermate mice in a model that involves intracerebroventricular infusion of human oligomeric Aβ1–42. This model mimics many features of AD, including robust neuroinflammation, Aβ plaques, synaptic damage and neuronal loss in the hippocampus. IL1raKO and WT mice were infused with Aβ for 28 days, sacrificed at 42 days, and hippocampal endpoints analyzed.

Results

IL1raKO mice showed increased vulnerability to Aβ-induced neuropathology relative to their WT counterparts. Specifically, IL1raKO mice exhibited increased mortality, enhanced microglial activation and neuroinflammation, and more pronounced loss of synaptic markers. Interestingly, Aβ-induced astrocyte responses were not significantly different between WT and IL1raKO mice, suggesting that enhanced IL-1 signaling predominately affects microglia.

Conclusion

Our data are consistent with the neuroinflammation hypothesis whereby increased IL-1 signaling in AD enhances glia activation and leads to an augmented neuroinflammatory process that increases the severity of neuropathologic sequelae.
Genetic lesions within the 3a gene of SARS-CoV
Authors: Tan Timothy HP , Barkham Timothy , Fielding Burtram C , Chou Chih-Fong , Shen Shuo , Lim Seng Gee , Hong Wanjin , Tan Yee-Joo
Published: June 2005

A series of frameshift mutations within the 3a gene has been observed in culture-derived severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). We report here that viral RNA from clinical samples obtained from SARS-CoV infected patients also contains a heterogeneous population of wild-type and mutant 3a transcripts.
Emotional Boundary Work in Advanced Fertility Nursing Roles
Authors: Allan Helen , Barber Debbie
Published: June 2005

In this article we examine the nature of intimacy and knowing in the nurse-patient relationship in the context of advanced nursing roles in fertility care. We suggest that psychoanalytical approaches to emotions may contribute to an increased understanding of how emotions are managed in advanced nursing roles. These roles include nurses undertaking tasks that were formerly performed by doctors. Rather than limiting the potential for intimacy between nurses and fertility patients, we argue that such roles allow nurses to provide increased continuity of care. This facilitates the management of emotions where a feeling of closeness is created while at the same time maintaining a distance or safe boundary with which both nurses and patients are comfortable. We argue that this distanced or ‘bounded’ relationship can be understood as a defence against the anxiety of emotions raised in the nurse-fertility patient relationship.
Mucin-secreting papillary adenocarcinoma of the hyoid bone: a unique case
Authors: Burnell Ian , Tomkinson Alun , Hourihan Margaret , Robinson Mark , Douglas-Jones Anthony
Published: June 2005

We present a unique case of a mucin-secreting papillary adenocarcinoma of intestinal type which has invaded and completely destroyed the hyoid bone and metastasized to the cervical lymph nodes bilaterally. The tumour is believed to have originated from a malignant thyroglossal duct remnant, and was managed with surgery and radiotherapy. We describe the case and discuss the literature regarding hyoid bone tumours.