bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification and rationalization of the higher affinity of sodium over potassium to protein surfaces
Authors: Vrbka Luboš , Vondrášek Jiří , Jagoda-Cwiklik Barbara , Vácha Robert , Jungwirth Pavel
Published: October 2006

For a series of different proteins, including a structural protein, enzyme, inhibitor, protein marker, and a charge-transfer system, we have quantified the higher affinity of Na
+
over K
+
to the protein surface by means of molecular dynamics simulations and conductivity measurements. Both approaches show that sodium binds at least twice as strongly to the protein surface than potassium does with this effect being present in all proteins under study. Different parts of the protein exterior are responsible to a varying degree for the higher surface affinity of sodium, with the charged carboxylic groups of aspartate and glutamate playing the most important role. Therefore, local ion pairing is the key to the surface preference of sodium over potassium, which is further demonstrated and quantified by simulations of glutamate and aspartate in the form of isolated amino acids as well as short oligopeptides. As a matter of fact, the effect is already present at the level of preferential pairing of the smallest carboxylate anions, formate or acetate, with Na
+
versus K
+
, as shown by molecular dynamics and
ab initio
quantum chemical calculations. By quantifying and rationalizing the higher preference of sodium over potassium to protein surfaces, the present study opens a way to molecular understanding of many ion-specific (Hofmeister) phenomena involving protein interactions in salt solutions.
Proton–proton Overhauser NMR spectroscopy with polypeptide chains in large structures
Authors: Horst Reto , Wider Gerhard , Fiaux Jocelyne , Bertelsen Eric B. , Horwich Arthur L. , Wüthrich Kurt
Published: October 2006

The use of
1
H–
1
H nuclear Overhauser effects (NOE) for structural studies of uniformly deuterated polypeptide chains in large structures is investigated by model calculations and NMR experiments. Detailed analysis of the evolution of the magnetization during
1
H–
1
H NOE experiments under slow-motion conditions shows that the maximal
1
H–
1
H NOE transfer is independent of the overall rotational correlation time, even in the presence of chemical exchange with the bulk water, provided that the mixing time is adjusted for the size of the structure studied.
1
H–
1
H NOE buildup measurements were performed for the 472-kDa complex of the 72-kDa cochaperonin GroES with a 400-kDa single-ring variant of the chaperonin GroEL (SR1). These experiments demonstrate that multidimensional NOESY experiments with cross-correlated relaxation-enhanced polarization transfer and transverse relaxation-optimized spectroscopy elements can be applied to structures of molecular masses up to several hundred kilodaltabs, which opens new possibilities for studying functional interactions in large maromolecular assemblies in solution.
Shape and oligomerization state of the cytoplasmic domain of the phototaxis transducer II from
Natronobacterium
pharaonis
Authors: Budyak Ivan L. , Pipich Vitaliy , Mironova Olga S. , Schlesinger Ramona , Zaccai Giuseppe , Klein-Seetharaman Judith
Published: October 2006

Phototaxis allows archaea to adjust flagellar motion in response to light. In the photophobic response of
Natronobacterium pharaonis
, light-activated sensory rhodopsin II causes conformational changes in the transducer II protein (pHtrII), initiating the two-component signaling system analogous to bacterial chemotaxis. pHtrII’s cytoplasmic domain (pHtrII-cyt) is homologous to the cytoplasmic domains of eubacterial chemotaxis receptors. Chemotaxis receptors require dimerization for activity and are
in vivo
-organized in large clusters. In this study we investigated the oligomerization and aggregation states of pHtrII-cyt by using chemical cross-linking, analytical gel-filtration chromatography, and small-angle neutron scattering. We show that pHtrII-cyt is monomeric in dilute buffers, but forms dimers in 4 M KCl, the physiological salt concentration for halophilic archaea. At high ammonium sulfate concentration, the protein forms higher-order aggregates. The monomeric protein has a rod-like shape, 202 Å in length and 14.4 Å in diameter; upon dimerization the length increases to 248 Å and the diameter to 18.2 Å. These results suggest that under high salt concentration the shape and oligomerization state of pHtrII-cyt are comparable to those of chemotaxis receptors.
FGF1/p38 MAP kinase inhibitor therapy induces cardiomyocyte mitosis, reduces scarring, and rescues function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Engel Felix B. , Hsieh Patrick C. H. , Lee Richard T. , Keating Mark T.
Published: October 2006

Mammalian cardiomyocytes have limited proliferation potential, and acutely injured mammalian hearts do not regenerate adequately. Instead, injured myocardium develops fibrosis and scarring. Here we show that FGF1/p38 MAP kinase inhibitor treatment after acute myocardial injury in 8- to 10-week-old rats increases cardiomyocyte mitosis. At 3 months after injury, 4 weeks of FGF1/p38 MAP kinase inhibitor therapy results in reduced scarring and wall thinning, with markedly improved cardiac function. In contrast, p38 MAP kinase inhibition alone fails to rescue heart function despite increased cardiomyocyte mitosis. FGF1 improves angiogenesis, possibly contributing to the survival of newly generated cardiomyocytes. Our data indicate that FGF1 and p38 MAP kinase, proteins involved in cardiomyocyte proliferation and angiogenesis during development, may be delivered therapeutically to enhance cardiac regeneration.
ChromoScan: a scan statistic application for identifying chromosomal regions in genomic studies
Authors: Sun Yan V. , Jacobsen Douglas M. , Kardia Sharon L. R.
Published: October 2006

Summary: ChromoScan is an implementation of a genome-based scan statistic that detects genomic regions, which are statistically significant for targeted measurements, such as genetic associations with disease, gene expression profiles, DNA copy number variations, as well as other genome-based measurements. A Java graphic user interface (GUI) is provided to allow users to select appropriate data transformations and thresholds for defining the significant events.

Availability: ChromoScan is freely available from

Contact:  yansun@umich.edu
Eukaryotic microbes, species recognition and the geographic limits of species: examples from the kingdom Fungi
Authors: Taylor John W , Turner Elizabeth , Townsend Jeffrey P , Dettman Jeremy R , Jacobson David
Published: October 2006

The claim that eukaryotic micro-organisms have global geographic ranges, constituting a significant departure from the situation with macro-organisms, has been supported by studies of morphological species from protistan kingdoms. Here, we examine this claim by reviewing examples from another kingdom of eukaryotic microbes, the Fungi. We show that inferred geographic range of a fungal species depends upon the method of species recognition. While some fungal species defined by morphology show global geographic ranges, when fungal species are defined by phylogenetic species recognition they are typically shown to harbour several to many endemic species. We advance two non-exclusive reasons to explain the perceived difference between the size of geographic ranges of microscopic and macroscopic eukaryotic species when morphological methods of species recognition are used. These reasons are that microbial organisms generally have fewer morphological characters, and that the rate of morphological change will be slower for organisms with less elaborate development and fewer cells. Both of these reasons result in fewer discriminatory morphological differences between recently diverged lineages. The rate of genetic change, moreover, is similar for both large and small organisms, which helps to explain why phylogenetic species of large and small organisms show a more similar distribution of geographic ranges. As a consequence of the different rates in fungi of genetic and morphological changes, genetic isolation precedes a recognizable morphological change. The final step in speciation, reproductive isolation, also follows genetic isolation and may precede morphological change.
Modelling bacterial speciation
Authors: Hanage William P , Spratt Brian G , Turner Katherine M.E , Fraser Christophe
Published: October 2006

A central problem in understanding bacterial speciation is how clusters of closely related strains emerge and persist in the face of recombination. We use a neutral Fisher–Wright model in which genotypes, defined by the alleles at 140 house-keeping loci, change in each generation by mutation or recombination, and examine conditions in which an initially uniform population gives rise to resolved clusters. Where recombination occurs at equal frequency between all members of the population, we observe a transition between clonal structure and sexual structure as the rate of recombination increases. In the clonal situation, clearly resolved clusters are regularly formed, break up or go extinct. In the sexual situation, the formation of distinct clusters is prevented by the cohesive force of recombination. Where the rate of recombination is a declining log-linear function of the genetic distance between the donor and recipient strain, distinct clusters emerge even with high rates of recombination. These clusters arise in the absence of selection, and have many of the properties of species, with high recombination rates and thus sexual cohesion within clusters and low rates between clusters. Distance-scaled recombination can thus lead to a population splitting into distinct genotypic clusters, a process that mimics sympatric speciation. However, empirical estimates of the relationship between sequence divergence and recombination rate indicate that the decline in recombination is an insufficiently steep function of genetic distance to generate species in nature under neutral drift, and thus that other mechanisms should be invoked to explain speciation in the presence of recombination.
Does How I Feel About It Matter? The Role of Affect in Cognitive and Behavioral Reactions to an Illness Diagnosis
Authors: Schuettler Darnell , Kiviniemi Marc T.
Published: October 2006

Individuals often have low rates of compliance with treatment recommendations. We examined the role that experienced affect at the time of illness diagnosis might play in influencing thoughts and feelings relating treatment compliance. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a positive, neutral, or negative affect induction after imagining they were diagnosed with kidney cancer. They then reported on thoughts and feelings about the illness and the treatment regimen. Participants also reported interest in additional information about the illness and behavioral intentions for complying with the treatment regimen. Affect significantly influenced interest in information and behavioral intentions. Both effects were mediated by the influence of affect on participants' self‐efficacy beliefs. These mediational findings support a mood‐as‐resource interpretation of the role of affect in treatment compliance.
How Negotiator Self‐Efficacy Drives Decisions to Pursue Mediation
Authors: Arnold Josh A. , O'Connor Kathleen M.
Published: October 2006

We examined the role of self‐efficacy in negotiators' choice of dispute‐resolution procedures and responsiveness to third‐party recommendations after an impasse. Results show that high self‐efficacy negotiators were more likely to choose continued negotiation over mediation than were their low self‐efficacy counterparts. In addition, we found that these negotiators were more likely to reject a mediator's recommendation for settlement, even when this recommendation was evenhanded and met their interests. As predicted, however, the influence of self‐efficacy on the acceptance of recommendations was moderated by mediator credibility. When disputants perceived that the mediator had low credibility, the pattern of effects remained unchanged. However, when disputants viewed the mediator as being highly credible, self‐efficacy had no influence on the acceptance/rejection of mediator recommendations.
Doping in fitness sports: estimated number of unreported cases and individual probability of doping
Authors: Simon Perikles , Striegel Heiko , Aust Fabian , Dietz Klaus , Ulrich Rolf
Published: October 2006

Aims  Recent studies have suggested that the use of doping substances and particularly of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is often practised by fitness centre visitors. These studies employed direct interview techniques and questionnaires to assess the estimated number of unreported cases of doping. Because people hesitate to provide compromising information about themselves, these techniques are subject to response errors. In this study we applied an alternative interview technique to assess more accurately unreported cases of doping in fitness centres.

Design and participants  The present investigation employed the randomized response technique (RRT) to reduce response errors. A cohort of 500 people from 49 fitness centres participated in this study.

Finding  The RRT revealed a high prevalence of doping (12.5%). In addition, and most importantly, the present RRT study revealed an alarmingly high prevalence of illicit drug use, specifically of cocaine use, that has been severely underestimated by previous studies.

Conclusions  The RRT confirmed previously estimated rates of AAS use assessed by direct interview techniques and voluntary questionnaires, but uncovered a much higher usage rate of illicit drugs among fitness centre visitors. This outcome enabled us to construct a ‘probability’ rating for the use of doping substances in fitness centre visitors. Given its high prevalence and the predominant use of AAS, doping among fitness centre visitors is an issue of extreme relevance for the health care system. Our study may help to characterize further doping substance users and to develop and apply prevention and intervention programmes specifically to individuals at high risk.
Addiction to apomorphine: a clinical case‐centred discussion
Authors: Téllez Carlos , Bustamante M. Leonor , Toro Pablo , Venegas Pablo
Published: October 2006

Aim  To report the case of a patient, who in the context of an anti‐Parkinsonian therapy, developed addiction to apomorphine.

Methods  Clinical case description.

Results  Apomorphine is a dopaminergic agonist that acts directly on D2 receptors. It has been used in alcoholism, male sexual dysfunction and with diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Conclusions  The present work describes the case of a woman with PD who developed a loss of control over the consumption of apomorphine that resulted in a significant impairment of her functioning. PD patients with high frequency develop different psychiatric symptoms. Conversely, anti‐Parkinsonian drugs also generate psychiatric symptoms that can be experienced by the patient as pleasant sensations (‘alerting’, ‘awakening’, ‘activating’, hypomania and hypersexuality). In spite of this, addiction to these drugs in patients with PD is a very rare phenomenon. Currently, the prescription of apomorphine has been extended to patients with erectile dysfunction, which may increase the prevalence of addiction cases or of severe psychiatric symptoms.
Abstinence and moderate use goals in the treatment of marijuana dependence
Authors: Lozano Brian E. , Stephens Robert S. , Roffman Roger A.
Published: October 2006

Aims  The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of personal goals (abstinence or moderation) on treatment outcomes for marijuana use. Hypotheses regarding self‐efficacy for goal attainment were tested.

Design  Adult marijuana users seeking treatment were assigned randomly to three treatment conditions: (1) cognitive‐behavioral relapse prevention support group; (2) individualized brief motivational enhancement; and (3) delayed treatment control group. Follow‐up assessments were conducted at 4, 7, 13 and 16 months. 

 Setting  University research offices. 

Participants  Participants were 291 adult marijuana users. 

Measurements  Marijuana use, personal treatment goals and self‐efficacy for achieving one’s goal were assessed across the 16‐month follow‐up.

Findings  Greater marijuana related problems and dependence symptoms were associated with an initial goal of abstinence. Participants were more likely to achieve outcomes consistent with their personal goals. Participants with abstinence goals reported greater self‐efficacy for goal achievement than those with moderation goals after participating in the abstinence oriented treatment; self‐efficacy for goal success predicted goal achievement for both moderate use and abstinence goals.

Conclusions  Marijuana users approaching an abstinence‐oriented treatment varied in the extent to which they were actively seeking abstinence as the outcome. Differences in goals were predictable from severity of problems related to use. Goal preference and self‐efficacy for achieving goals predicted outcomes. Future research should incorporate personal goals into treatment and assess their effects on outcomes.
Elevation of serum high‐mobility group box 1 protein during granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐induced peripheral blood stem cell mobilisation
Authors: Tagami Kozo , Yujiri Toshiaki , Tanimura Atsuko , Mitani Noriyuki , Nakamura Yukinori , Ariyoshi Koichi , Ando Toshihiko , Fujii Yasuhiko , Tanizawa Yukio
Published: October 2006

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a non‐histone protein involved in maintaining the architecture of chromatin. HMGB1 also acts extracellularly as a cytokine, in processes such as inflammation, cell migration and stem cell recruitment. The involvement of HMGB1 in granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐induced mobilisation of haematopoietic stem cells was investigated in 21 healthy donors. G‐CSF treatment significantly elevated serum HMGB1 levels, which increased from 1·16 ± 0·86 ng/ml, before treatment, to 31·1 ± 5·99 ng/ml, after treatment. These findings suggest HMGB1 may play a role during the mobilisation of stem cells from the bone marrow into the systemic circulation.
The experience of caring for someone over 75 years of age: results from a Scottish General Practice population
Authors: Jarvis Alison , Worth Allison , Porter Mike
Published: October 2006

Aims and objectives.  To understand the unpaid carers’ experiences of looking after someone aged over 75 at all stages of their caring career.

Background.  The role of, and support for, unpaid carers have become central in the debates surrounding community care in the UK. This paper presents the findings of a study to elicit the complexities of the caring role and inform the Primary Health Care Team to help support carers more effectively.

Designs and methods.  A quantitative research design was employed. Carers of people over 75 years of age in a General Practice, who had been previously identified from a screening questionnaire, were sent the Carers Assessment of Difficulties Index, the Carers Assessment of Satisfactions Index and Carers Assessment of Managing Index questionnaires which examine the experience of caring.

Results.  From a sample of 247 carers, a 70% response rate (n = 172) was achieved. Satisfactions lay in the quality of care provided; difficulties reflected the potential and actual family tensions generated; coping strategies included reframing difficulties, using humour and practical problem solving. The data show that caregivers’ reactions, such as feeling angry about the situation, or the consequences of their involvement, such as tensions within the family, cause them more difficulties than the actual care‐giving tasks they perform.

Conclusion.  This study adds to the understanding of carers’ roles by including carers across a range of situations, including those at an early stage of their caring career. Service providers are better able to support carers if they understand the complex interplay of difficulties, rewards and personal coping strategies associated with the caring role.

Relevance to practice.  The study helps illuminate the less obvious, but important, emotional aspects of carers’ difficulties and suggests strategies which service providers may find helpful in assessing carers’ needs and determining the appropriate interventions.
Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasites in Cuban children
Authors: Wördemann Meike , Polman Katja , Menocal Heredia Lenina T. , Junco Diaz Raquel , Collado Madurga Ana‐Maria , Núñez Fernández Fidel A. , Cordovi Prado Raúl A. , Ruiz Espinosa Aniran , Pelayo Duran Liliana , Bonet Gorbea Mariano , Rojas Rivero Lázara , Gryseels Bruno
Published: October 2006

Objectives  To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infections and their risk factors in children in urban and rural settings in two Cuban municipalities.

Methods  A total of 1320 Cuban schoolchildren aged 4–14 were tested by stool examination for intestinal parasite infections and evaluated by parental questionnaire for a number of common environmental, sanitary, socioeconomic and behavioural risk factors. Multivariate regression was applied to examine the relationship between the respective parasite infections and the risk factors.

Results  Prevalences of intestinal parasite infections were 58% in Fomento and 45% in San Juan y Martínez; for helminth infections, these were 18% and 24% and for protozoa infections, 50% and 29%, respectively. Helminth infections were associated with high parental education (maternal: OR 0.68, CI 0.50–0.93; paternal: OR 0.71, CI 0.52–0.96), absence of toilet (OR 1.57, CI 1.12–2.19), consumption of water from a well or river (OR 0.56, CI 0.41–0.77) and eating unpeeled/unwashed fruit (OR 1.37, CI 1.01–1.87); protozoa infections were only associated with high maternal education (OR 0.72, CI 0.57–0.91).

Conclusions  Paediatric intestinal parasite infections are still prevalent in certain areas in Cuba and associated with a number of common environmental, socioeconomic and sanitary risk factors.
Do inherited hypercoagulable states play a role in thrombotic events affecting kidney/pancreas transplant recipients?
Authors: Adrogué Horacio E. , Matas Arthur J. , McGlennon R.C. , Key Nigel S. , Gruessner Angelika , Gruessner Rainer W. , Humar Abhinav , Sutherland David E.R. , Kandaswamy Raja
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Background:  Pancreas graft thrombosis remains the leading non‐immunologic cause of graft loss after pancreas transplantation. We studied the role of hypercoagulable states (HCS) in pancreas graft thrombosis (pthx).

Methods:  Between January 1, 1994, and January 1, 2003, 131 pancreas transplant recipients experienced a pthx (n = 67) or other thrombotic events. Fifty‐six recipients consented to have their blood drawn and tested for the HCS. These results were compared with a control group of pancreas transplant recipients who did not experience a thrombotic event. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the groups.

Results:  We found 18% of the recipients with pancreas thrombosis to have a HCS. Factor V Leiden (FVL) was found in 15% vs. 4% in the control group (p = ns) vs. 3–5% in the general white population. We found 3% of the pancreas thrombosis patients to have a prothrombin gene mutation (PGM) vs. 0% in the control group (p = ns) vs. 1–2% in the general white population.

Conclusions:  Of pancreas transplant recipients with thrombosis, 18% had one or more of the most common factors associated with a HCS (FVL or PGM). This can be compared with 4% in a control group and 4–7% in the general white population, respectively. Although the differences are not statistically significant due to small numbers, we feel that the findings may be clinically relevant. While this is only a pilot study, it may be reasonable to screen select pancreas transplant candidates for HCS, especially FVL and PGM, until more data become available.
Role of pre‐transplant marital status in renal transplant outcome
Authors: Naiman Natalie , Baird Bradley C. , Isaacs Ross B. , Koford James K. , Habib Arsalan N. , Wang Ben‐jr , Barenbaum Lev L. , Goldfarb‐Rumyantzev Alexander S.
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Background:  End‐stage renal disease is associated with illness‐induced disruptions that challenge patients and their families to accommodate and adapt. However, the impact of patients’ marital status on kidney transplant outcome has never been studied. This project, based on data from United States Renal Data System (USRDS), helps to answer how marriage affects renal transplant outcome.

Methods:  Data have been collected from USRDS on all kidney/kidney‐pancreas allograft recipients between January 1, 1995 and June 30, 2002, who were 18 yr old or older and had information about their marital status prior to the kidney transplantation (n = 2061). Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards modeling to control for confounding variables.

Results:  Overall findings of this study suggest that being married has a significant protective effect on death‐censored graft survival [Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.80, p < 0.05] but a non‐significant effect on recipient survival (HR 0.85, p = 0.122). When stratified by gender, the effect was still present in males for death‐censored graft survival (HR 0.75, p < 0.05), but not for recipient survival (HR 0.86, p = 0.24). The effect was not observed in females, where neither graft (HR 0.90, p = 0.55) nor recipient (HR 0.8, p = 0.198) survival had an association with marital status. In subgroup analysis similar association was found in the recipients of a single transplant.

Conclusion:  Based on our analysis, being married in the pre‐transplant period is associated with positive outcome for the graft, but not for the recipient survival. When analyzed separately, the effect is present in male, but not in female recipients.
Leg crossers’ dimple: A form of localized lipoatrophy
Authors: Kalouche Hassan , Whitfeld Margot J
Published: October 2006

We report eight individuals with localized lipoatrophy of the lateral lower leg that were seen by a single dermatologist in a 1‐year period. All were asymptomatic and half had mild epidermal changes consistent with lichenification. Seven were an incidental finding during a general skin examination. All had a long‐standing history of frequent leg crossing. The sites correlated with the area resting on the patella of the opposing knee. The depressions were larger on sides of leg‐crossing preference. Only one had a significant rise in antinuclear antibodies, but this patient had no other clinical or serological abnormalities. This appears to be an extremely common yet previously unreported form of localized lipoatrophy.
Successful treatment of recalcitrant necrotizing eosinophilic folliculitis using indomethacin and cephalexin
Authors: Fallah Haady , Dunlop Kate , Kossard Steven
Published: October 2006

A 56‐year‐old man presented with a 4‐month history of a painful and pruritic eruption consisting of crusted plaques and blisters on his face, scalp and chest. The patient suffered from headaches and malaise but was afebrile. Two skin biopsies revealed an epidermis which was eroded and covered by locules of serum and neutrophils. In the underlying dermis, there was a marked mixed inflammatory reaction including lymphocytes, neutrophils and numerous eosinophils. There was exocytosis of eosinophils into several follicles with areas of follicular mucinosis. A diagnosis of necrotizing eosinophilic folliculitis was made based upon the clinical and histopathological findings. The diagnosis was supported by the rapid response to a combination of indomethacin and cephalexin. The patient has taken continuous indomethacin (with rabeprazole and misoprostol cover) and cephalexin for 2 years. If treatment is withdrawn he experiences a flare of his disease within 2 weeks. This case highlights the potentially chronic nature of this disease.
An atypical panniculitis
Authors: Storer Emma
Published: October 2006

A 33 year old Caucasian male presented with a 6‐week history of purpuric tender nodules, first appearing on his lower legs. Over time, the nodules increased in size and number over his thighs, trunk and later, his face and neck. Initially, he had no associated symptoms and at this time diagnoses such as an atypical erythema nodosum, lupus panniculitis, and infections were considered.

Incisional biopsies were taken from the thigh, for histopathology and bacterial, fungal and mycobacterial culture. He also had numerous blood tests and a chest X‐ray. Whilst awaiting conclusive results, the patient became unwell with fevers and a productive cough, precipitating admission for further investigation and management.

The biopsy revealed a diffuse lobular panniculitis, characterised by an atypical dermal and subcutaneous lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, with a lymphocytic small and large vessel vasculitis. There were also poorly formed tuberculoid granulomata, more conspicuous in the dermis than the subcutis. The infiltrates of small atypical lymphocytes were interspersed with occasional larger, blastic lymphocytes and histiocytes with bubbly cytoplasm. Some of the histiocytes appeared phagocytic, but this was not a predominant feature. There was no polarisable foreign material and special stains excluded various micro‐organisms. This was supported by negative microscopy and culture of the fresh specimen.

Immunocytochemistry demonstrated the diffuse lymphocytic infiltrate was >90% T cells, with majority CD4+. 10% of the T cells were CD56+ and there was no staining with Epstein Barr virus latent membrane protein or CD30. Lymphocyte gene rearrangement studies showed no clonal band on the TCR gamma/delta rearrangement.

Based on these findings, it was not possible to either confirm or deny a definite subcutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. The histopathology findings favoured an atypical lymphocytic lobular panniculitis, which usually follows an indolent course. However, further staging revealed lymphomatous infiltrates in both lungs and bone marrow, and flow cytometry confirmed this as a T/NK cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, with extensive cutaneous and extra‐nodal involvement.
Flaking failures originating from microholes of bearings under rolling contact fatigue
Authors: KIDA K. , YOSHIDOME K. , YAMAKAWA K. , HARADA H. , OGUMA N.
Published: October 2006

Rolling contact fatigue tests were carried out using plates with microholes (diameter was about 100 μm and depth was about 140 μm) under three different loads (maximum values of Hertzian stress were about 3250, 3550 and 3840 MPa, respectively) and the surface cracks initiating from those holes were observed. It was found that there is a threshold value of maximum Hertzian stress whether surface cracks originate from microholes or not, and its value is between 3250 and 3550 MPa. However, flaking failures occurred even when the stress values were lower than the threshold value. In order to investigate the relation between the flaking failures and the cracks, sectional observations of the subsurface cracks were made before and after the surface layer separations. From these observations, it was found that the subsurface cracks caused the flaking failures even when the maximum value of Hertzian stress was lower than the threshold value of surface crack initiation.
There's more to macroecology than meets the eye
Authors: Blackburn Tim M. , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: October 2006

Macroecology sits at the junction of, and can contribute to, the fields of ecology, biogeography, palaeontology and macroevolution, using a broad range of approaches to tackle a diverse set of questions. Here, we argue that there is more to macroecology than mapping, and that while they are potentially useful, maps are insufficient to assess macroecological pattern and process. The true nature of pattern can only be assessed, and competing hypotheses about process can only be disentangled, by adopting a statistical approach, and it is this that has been key to the development of macroecology as a respected and rigorous scientific discipline.
Cutaneous melioidosis
Authors: Teo Lynn , Tay Yong‐Kwang , Mancer Kent J F
Published: October 2006

Melioidosis is an infection caused by the gram‐negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. This disease is endemic in Southeast Asia and North Australia with sporadic occurrence in temperate countries, mostly imported from travellers. Any organ can be involved in melioidosis whereby Burkholderia pseudomallei causes an acute inflammatory reaction with rapid development of small abcesses which tend to coalesce to form larger abscesses. Cutaneous manifestations vary greatly. We report a man with systemic melioidosis who presented with cutaneous lesions.
Brain potentials to mathematical syntax problems
Authors: Martín‐Loeches Manuel , Casado Pilar , Gonzalo Raquel , De Heras Lidia , Fernández‐Frías Carlos
Published: October 2006

Anterior negativities obtained during sentence processing have never been unambiguously reported in the mathematical domain. The reason for this might be that the tasks explored in the mathematical domain have been far from resembling those typically yielding language‐related anterior negativities. To test this hypothesis, we explored three mathematical aspects: Order‐relevant information, a parenthesis indicating the onset of an embedded calculation, and violations of the type of symbol displayed. Results yielded parieto‐occipital instead of frontal negativities. Late posterior positivities were also found, largely comparable to linguistic P600 in topography, but dissociable in functional terms. Our data suggest that language‐related anterior negativities may indeed reflect language‐specific resources of the human brain and support recent claims that language and mathematical domains are more independent than previously thought.
The Effect of Immediate Reading of Screening Mammograms on Medical Care Utilization and Costs after False‐Positive Mammograms
Authors: Stewart Kate A. , Neumann Peter J. , Fletcher Suzanne W. , Barton Mary B.
Published: October 2006

Objective. To investigate whether decreased anxiety associated with immediate reading of screening mammograms resulted in lower downstream utilization and costs among women with false‐positive mammograms.

Data Sources/Study Setting. We identified 1,140 women,≥age 40, with false‐positive mammograms and 12‐month follow‐up after participating in a trial of immediate versus batch mammographic reading between February 1999 and January 2001 in a multispecialty group managed care practice in Massachusetts.

Study Design. We determined downstream utilization and costs for study participants by immediate and batch reading status.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Demographic, comorbidity, and medical care utilization data were obtained from survey data and computerized medical record databases. Costs included direct medical costs, patient time, travel and copayments, and additional professional time costs associated with immediate reading.

Principal Findings. Immediate reading cost an additional $4.40 per screening mammogram. Women with immediate readings had more follow‐up mammograms (781 versus 750, p=.018) and fewer diagnostic ultrasounds (176 versus 219, p=.016) than women with batch readings. Costs to the health plan for breast care were approximately 10 percent higher for immediate readings in multivariable analyses (p=.046), but no significant difference was seen in total societal costs (p=.072).

Conclusions. Immediate mammogram reading was associated with increased costs to the health plan and changes in follow‐up radiology procedures. These costs must be examined alongside beneficial effects of immediate reading.
Usefulness of Video‐EEG Monitoring
Authors: Nordli Douglas R.
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Video‐EEG (vEEG) was originally used in specialized centers as part of the evaluation for epilepsy surgery. It is now widely available and often utilized for other indications including: clarifying the nature of paroxysmal events, quantifying the frequency of seizures, and identifying the epilepsy syndrome. Ictal recordings can be obtained in children with refractory seizures during relatively brief studies (recordings lasting less than 24 h) in many circumstances. The information gleaned from an analysis of the ictal events can be very helpful in clarifying the true nature of the epilepsies. Several illustrative clinical cases will be briefly discussed to highlight these points.
2005 AES Annual Course: Evidence Used to Treat Women with Epilepsy
Authors: Pennell Page B.
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Although most female‐specific considerations for treatment of epilepsy cannot be answered by Class I evidence, significant progress in our knowledge base has occurred in the past few years. Open‐label studies of progesterone supplementation showed promising results; an ongoing randomized trial may provide definitive evidence for therapeutic use of progesterone in women. A randomized trial of hormone replacement therapy demonstrated a dose‐related increase in seizure frequency in postmenopausal women with epilepsy. The use of different AED regimens during pregnancy cannot be explored with randomized, controlled trials; we must rely on the best available evidence from ongoing observational studies. The consistent findings of large prospective pregnancy registries reveal a consistent pattern of amplified risk for major congenital malformations in pregnancies exposed to valproate. These registries have also highlighted the concern for the effect of shifting hormones on AED concentrations. An increased frequency of seizures during pregnancy has been noted with lamotrigine (LTG) and oxcarabazepine, both of which undergo glucuronidation. Other studies have demonstrated an increased clearance of LTG during pregnancy and with exogenous estrogen use. It may be prudent to closely monitor serum concentrations of these AEDs with hormonal changes. An increased risk for neurodevelopmental consequences has been demonstrated for the fetus exposed to AED polytherapy, valproic acid, or frequent maternal convulsive seizures. Preliminary information about breastfeeding with LTG and levetiracetam is available. These newly released findings provide the tools to begin to practice evidence‐based medicine when treating our female patients during their reproductive and postmenopausal years.
Demystifying Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy—Are We Close?
Authors: So Elson L.
Published: October 2006

Summary:  The cause of sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is still elusive, despite multiple studies over the past few decades. This review assesses recent progress in the understanding of risk factors (situations that predispose patients to SUDEP) and terminal events (events immediately associated with death) that potentially contribute to SUDEP. Recent studies strongly support a close relationship between seizure episodes (especially generalized convulsions) and SUDEP. The lethal nature of some seizure‐induced cardiorespiratory events has been documented fortuitously in rare patient cases, and these events have been consistently reproduced in SUDEP animal models. Nonetheless, SUDEP likely does not have a single cause, and risk factors identified thus far may vary in importance among persons with epilepsy. In the absence of a complete understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying SUDEP, potential preventive measures for high‐risk patients are offered for consideration. Seizure control is most important for reducing SUDEP risk. Circumstantial data suggest that heightened supervision of patients with frequent seizures may be beneficial. Relatively simple interventions may be sufficient to interrupt potentially lethal events such as periictal suffocation or apnea. However, application of these preventive measures to all epilepsy patients has not been proven to substantially reduce the rate of SUDEP. Additional clinical and laboratory investigations are needed to identify and confirm pathogenic factors and preventive measures.
Disparities Between Ambient, Standard Lighting and Retinal Acuities in Community‐Dwelling Older People: Implications for Disability
Authors: Albert Steven M. , Bear‐Lehman Jane , Burkhardt Ann
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVES: To examine three types of visual ability—ambient acuity, standard lighting acuity, and retinal acuity—and their relationship with self‐reported disability.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional prevalence survey.

SETTING: New York, New York.

PARTICIPANTS: Community‐dwelling older people.

MEASUREMENTS: Ambient acuity assessed using a near reading card; standard lighting acuity and retinal acuity assessed using the Retinal Acuity Meter. Difficulty in activities of daily living was assessed according to self‐report.

RESULTS: Mean logMAR acuities were 0.44 (20/56) for ambient acuity, 0.33 (20/44) for standard lighting acuity, and 0.19 (20/31) for retinal acuity (all pairwise differences, P<.001). Given the distribution of disability by ambient acuity in this sample, improving ambient acuity to the level of retinal acuity could potentially reduce self‐care disability 22%.

CONCLUSION: Better utilization of retinal acuity through optimal ophthalmologic care and improvement in lighting would likely reduce disability in older adults.
A comparison of two chlorhexidine gel brushing regimens and a conventional toothpaste brushing regimen for the development of tooth staining over a 6‐week period
Authors: Claydon NCA , Addy M , Adams G , Smith SR , Bosma ML , North M , Moran J
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Aims: A single‐centre, randomized single‐blind parallel study was undertaken to compare staining seen with three brushing regimens and to determine subject perception of side effects such as staining and effects on taste. Methods: This 6‐week parallel study used 157 volunteers who were randomized into one of three treatment groups: (i) brushing in the morning and evening with a normal dose of a 1% chlorhexidine gel, (ii) brushing with a low dose of chlorhexidine gel in the evening and a whitening dentifrice in the morning, and (iii) brushing with a standard fluoride paste in the morning and evening. Following home usage of their allocated products, the study volunteers returned after 3 and 6 weeks to record the amount of stain present. After the 6‐week period, subject perception of taste and stain acceptability was determined using a questionnaire. Results: After 6 weeks of use of the low‐dose chlorhexidine gel and whitening dentifrice, significantly more stain was seen compared with the use of a standard dentifrice (P < 0.0001). Similarly, significantly more stain was seen with use of the normal‐dose chlorhexidine gel compared with the low‐dose gel and whitening dentifrice (P = 0.0007). Approximately 30% of individuals on the low‐dose chlorhexidine gel regimen found the amount of stain unacceptable and 10% noted an effect on their taste perception. Conclusions: The use of low dose of chlorhexidine gel at night and a whitening paste in the morning produced a significant amount of stain that 30% of subjects considered unacceptable.
DIAGNOSTIC ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN ATLANTIC SALMON (Salmo salar)
Authors: Sande Ronald D. , Poppe Trygve T.
Published: October 2006

Diagnostic ultrasound examination was performed on 53 mature, tranquillized, Atlantic salmon. Wild fish and farmed fish were equally represented. The purpose was to find a rapid method of examination that could be used to identify and separate fish with cardiomyopathy syndrome while fish are tranquillized for other procedures. Three methods of examination were studied. The non‐elastic pericardium and absence of lungs results in cardiac function which is clearly different from that in mammals. M‐mode echocardiography was complex, technical and time consuming and calculated fractional shortening was not reliable. Subjective evaluation of the heart and liver was valuable and easy to perform. Measurement of the transverse dimension of the atrium and ventricle on a ventro‐dorsal axis through the cranial limit of the A‐V valve gave acceptable objective data for comparison of the ventricular and atrial size. Diagnostic ultrasound is both practical and valuable for the clinical study of disease in fish.
The formation of the double pulsar PSR J0737–3039A/B
Authors: Stairs I. H. , Thorsett S. E. , Dewey R. J. , Kramer M. , McPhee C. A.
Published: October 2006

Recent timing observations of the double pulsar J0737∓3039A/B have shown that its transverse velocity is extremely low, only 10 km s−1, and nearly in the plane of the Galaxy. With this new information, we rigorously re-examine the history and formation of this system, determining estimates of the pre-supernova companion mass, supernova kick and misalignment angle between the pre- and post-supernova orbital planes. We find that the progenitor to the recently formed ‘B’ pulsar was probably less than 2 M⊙, lending credence to suggestions that this object may not have formed in a normal supernova involving the collapse of an iron core. At the same time, the supernova kick was likely non-zero. A comparison to the history of the double neutron star binary B1534+12 suggests a range of possible parameters for the progenitors of these systems, which should be taken into account in future binary population syntheses and in predictions of the rate and spatial distribution of short gamma-ray burst events.
Culture‐Specific Variation in the Flavor Profile of Soymilks
Authors: Keast R.S.J. , Lau J.J.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT: A modified quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) method was used to determine sensory profiles of 8 soymilk products: 3 manufactured in Australia, 3 manufactured in Singapore, 1 manufactured in Malaysia, and 1 manufactured in Hong Kong. A panel (n= 7) was selected, trained in descriptive profiling of soymilk, and developed a soymilk language that was used to evaluate the flavor attributes of the soymilk products. A repeated‐measure ANOVA showed highly reproducible panel performance, and significant differences in soymilk attributes among all soymilks. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed 2 main groupings among the soymilks that corresponded to cultural origin: Australia and Asia (Singapore and Hong Kong/Malaysia). Products from Australia were significantly stronger in milky, astringent, salty notes and pale in color, while products from Asia were significantly stronger in beany, cooked beans, sweet, and pandan notes (P< 0.05). In addition, the Asian soymilks could be separated into 2 subgroups, with Singaporean soymilks having deeper color, greater viscosity, and less green flavor than Hong Kong/Malaysia soymilks. Australian produced soymilk is bovine‐milk‐like compared with Asian soymilk, presumably due to bovine milk being the primary source of milk in Australia. We conclude that culture‐specific flavor preferences are a determining factor in flavor profiles of soymilks from geographically distinct regions.
Determination of Total Protein Content in Gelatin Solutions with the Lowry or Biuret Assay
Authors: Zhou P. , Regenstein J.M.
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT:  Gelatins can be obtained from different sources and prepared using different processes, and the end product gelatin may vary in amino acid composition and molecular weight distribution. In the present study, the variation in “protein color” development among gelatins in colorimetric total protein content measurements was investigated at 540 nm using the Biuret assay and at 650 nm using the Lowry assay, with bovine serum albumin as the reference protein. In both the Biuret and Lowry assays, the color response varied significantly among gelatins. The difference in imino acid content was the major factor responsible for this variation, which probably influenced the gelatin helix → coil phase transition and resulted in the difference in gelatin associate state. Based on their “protein color” development abilities in both Biuret and Lowry, gelatins were classified into 2 major groups with the hierarchical cluster analysis: 1 group included all cold water fish gelatins, while the other included gelatins from warm water fish, avian, and mammalian species.