bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maggot Debridement Therapy in the Treatment of Footrot and Foot Scald in Sheep
Authors: Kočišová A. , Pistl J. , Link R. , Čonková E. , Goldová M.
Published: January 2007

In sheep with acute and chronic interdigital skin inflammation, maggot therapy was used for the debridement and speeding up the healing process. Sheep were housed at the university farm Zemplínska Teplica and before using maggot therapy, they were unsuccessfully treated by a footbath containing 10% copper sulphate and topical application of oxytetracycline solution in alcohol. Six non-pregnant Valachian sheep between two to four years of age, weighing 43 to 57 kg were treated with maggots of Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The larval population should be 8-12 per square centimetre of wound, but all affected tissues were trimmed away before their application. The effect of a single application for 3-6 days was evaluated. Debridement was rapid and selective. The treatment was well tolerated by animals. New layers of healthy tissue were formed over the wounds. It was observed that maggots of L. sericata are capable of cleaning the wounds after single application.
A preliminary analysis of the DNA and diet of the extinct Beothuk: A systematic approach to ancient human DNA
Authors: Kuch Melanie , Gröcke Darren R. , Knyf Martin C. , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Younghusband Ban , Young Terry , Marshall Ingeborg , Willerslev Eske , Stoneking Mark , Poinar Hendrik
Published: January 2007

We have used a systematic protocol for extracting, quantitating, sexing and validating ancient human mitochondrial and nuclear DNA of one male and one female Beothuk, a Native American population from Newfoundland, which became extinct ∼180 years ago. They carried mtDNA haplotypes, which fall within haplogroups X and C, consistent with Northeastern Native populations today. In addition we have sexed the male using a novel‐sexing assay and confirmed the authenticity of his Y chromosome with the presence of the Native American specific Y‐QM3 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). This is the first ancient nuclear SNP typed from a Native population in the Americas. In addition, using the same teeth we conducted a stable isotopes analysis of collagen and dentine to show that both individuals relied on marine sources (fresh and salt water fish, seals) with no hierarchy seen between them, and that their water sources were pooled or stored water. Both mtDNA sequence data and Y SNP data hint at possible gene flow or a common ancestral population for both the Beothuk and the current day Mikmaq, but more importantly the data do not lend credence to the proposed idea that the Beothuk (specifically, Nonosabasut) were of admixed (European‐Native American) descent. We also analyzed patterns of DNA damage in the clones of authentic mtDNA sequences; there is no tendency for DNA damage to occur preferentially at previously defined mutational hotspots, suggesting that such mutational hotspots are not hypervariable because they are more prone to damage. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Ulcerated Leg Severity Assessment score for prediction of venous leg ulcer healing
Authors: Kulkarni S R , Gohel M S , Wakely C , Minor J , Poskitt K R , Whyman M R
Published: January 2007

Background

The aim of the study was to create a reliable scoring system for the prediction of venous ulcer healing in patients treated with compression.

Methods

A prospective baseline study to identify risk factors for venous ulcer healing was undertaken between March 1999 and August 2001. All patients were treated with multilayer compression. A number of variables were related to 24-week healing rates. A Cox regression model was used to identify risk factors that predicted ulcer healing, from which a scoring system was developed and validated prospectively between February 2004 and March 2005.

Results

In the baseline study of 229 patients, patient age, ulcer chronicity and venous refill time (VRT) of 20 s or less were identified as risk factors. Using these factors and hazard ratios from the Cox regression analysis, the following formula was devised: Ulcerated Leg Severity Assessment (ULSA) score = age + chronicity − 50 (when VRT is greater than 20 s). Patients with an ULSA score of 50 or less had higher 24-week ulcer healing rates than those with higher scores in both the baseline study (P < 0·001, log rank test) and the validation study performed in 86 patients (P = 0·007, log rank test).

Conclusion

The ULSA score may help to identify patients with venous ulcers unlikely to respond to conventional treatment who could be offered alternative therapy.
Nerve management during open hernia repair
Authors: Wijsmuller A R , van Veen R N , Bosch J L , Lange J F M , Kleinrensink G J , Jeekel J , Lange J F
Published: January 2007

Background

Peroperative identification and subsequent division or preservation of the inguinal nerves during open hernia repair may influence the incidence of chronic postoperative pain.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies investigating the influence of different types of nerve management.

Results

Based on three randomized studies the pooled mean percentage of patients with chronic pain after identification and division of the ilioinguinal nerve was similar to that after identification and preservation of the ilioinguinal nerve. Two cohort studies suggested that the incidence of chronic pain was significantly lower after identification of all inguinal nerves compared with no identification of any nerve. Another cohort study reported a significant difference in the incidence of chronic pain in favour of identification and facultative pragmatic division of the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve compared with no identification at all.

Conclusion

The nerves should probably be identified during open hernia repair. Division of and preservation of the ilioinguinal nerve show similar results.
Hepatic artery stenosis after liver transplant, managed with percutaneous angioplasty and stent placement
Authors: Shaikh Fareed , Solis Joaquin , Bajwa Tanvir
Published: January 2007

Hepatic artery stenosis is a recognized vascular complication of orthotropic liver transplant that carries significant morbidity and mortality. The authors present a case of hepatic artery stenosis in a 50‐year‐old female successfully treated with balloon angioplasty and stent. This case report highlights the importance of percutaneous intervention as a preferred treatment option in patients with hepatic artery stenosis postorthotropic liver transplant. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Forecasting the recent behavior of US business fixed investment spending: an analysis of competing models
Authors: Rapach David E. , Wohar Mark E.
Published: January 2007

We evaluate forecasting models of US business fixed investment spending growth over the recent 1995:1–2004:2 out‐of‐sample period. The forecasting models are based on the conventional Accelerator, Neoclassical, Average Q, and Cash‐Flow models of investment spending, as well as real stock prices and excess stock return predictors. The real stock price model typically generates the most accurate forecasts, and forecast‐encompassing tests indicate that this model contains most of the information useful for forecasting investment spending growth relative to the other models at longer horizons. In a robustness check, we also evaluate the forecasting performance of the models over two alternative out‐of‐sample periods: 1975:1–1984:4 and 1985:1–1994:4. A number of different models produce the most accurate forecasts over these alternative out‐of‐sample periods, indicating that while the real stock price model appears particularly useful for forecasting the recent behavior of investment spending growth, it may not continue to perform well in future periods.  Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skin‐derived stem cells transplanted into resorbable guides provide functional nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve resection
Authors: Marchesi C. , Pluderi M. , Colleoni F. , Belicchi M. , Meregalli M. , Farini A. , Parolini D. , Draghi L. , Fruguglietti M. E. , Gavina M. , Porretti L. , Cattaneo A. , Battistelli M. , Prelle A. , Moggio M. , Borsa S. , Bello L. , Spagnoli D. , Gaini S. M. , Tanzi M. C. , Bresolin N. , Grimoldi N. , Torrente Y.
Published: January 2007

The regeneration in the peripheral nervous system is often incomplete and the treatment of severe lesions with nerve tissue loss is primarily aimed at recreating nerve continuity. Guide tubes of various types, filled with Schwann cells, stem cells, or nerve growth factors are attractive as an alternative therapy to nerve grafts. In this study, we evaluated whether skin‐derived stem cells (SDSCs) can improve peripheral nerve regeneration after transplantation into nerve guides. We compared peripheral nerve regeneration in adult rats with sciatic nerve gaps of 16 mm after autologous transplantation of GFP‐labeled SDSCs into two different types of guides: a synthetic guide, obtained by dip coating with a L‐lactide and trimethylene carbonate (PLA‐TMC) copolymer and a collagen‐based guide. The sciatic function index and the recovery rates of the compound muscle action potential were significantly higher in the animals that received SDSCs transplantation, in particular, into the collagen guide, compared to the control guides filled only with PBS. For these guides the morphological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated an increased number of myelinated axons expressing S100 and Neurofilament 70, suggesting the presence of regenerating nerve fibers along the gap. GFP positive cells were found around regenerating nerve fibers and few of them were positive for the expression of glial markers as S‐100 and glial fibrillary acidic protein. RT‐PCR analysis confirmed the expression of S100 and myelin basic protein in the animals treated with the collagen guide filled with SDSCs. These data support the hypothesis that SDSCs could represent a tool for future cell therapy applications in peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Astroglia‐mediated effects of uric acid to protect spinal cord neurons from glutamate toxicity
Authors: Du Yangzhou , Chen Christopher P. , Tseng Chia‐Yi , Eisenberg Yuval , Firestein Bonnie L.
Published: January 2007

Uric acid (UA) has been demonstrated to reduce damage to neurons elicited by oxidative stress. However, our studies utilizing cultures derived from embryonic rat spinal cord indicate that an astroglia‐mediated mechanism is involved in the effects of UA to protect neurons from glutamate toxicity. The damage elicted by glutamate to neurons in a mixed culture of spinal cord cells can be reversed by UA. Furthermore, addition of UA after the termination of glutamate exposure suggests that UA plays an active role in mediating neuroprotection rather than purely binding peroxynitrite, as previously thought. Importantly, in pure neuron cultures from the same tissue, UA does not protect against glutamate toxicity. Addition of astroglia to the pure neuron cultures restores the ability of UA to protect the neurons from glutamate‐induced toxicity. Our results also suggest that glia provide EAAT‐1 and EAAT‐2 glutamate transporters to protect neurons from glutamate, that functional EAATs may be necessary to mediate the effects of UA, and that treatment with UA results in upregulation of EAAT‐1 protein. Taken together, our data strongly suggest that astroglia in mixed cultures are essential for mediating the effects of UA, revealing a novel mechanism by which UA, a naturally produced substance in the body, may act to protect neurons from damage during insults such as spinal cord injury. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CD133 positive hepatocellular carcinoma cells possess high capacity for tumorigenicity
Authors: Yin Shengyong , Li Jinjun , Hu Chen , Chen Xinhua , Yao Ming , Yan Mingxia , Jiang Guoping , Ge Chao , Xie Haiyang , Wan Dafang , Yang Shengli , Zheng Shusen , Gu Jianren
Published: January 2007

Recently increasing reported data have suggested that only a small subset of cancer cells possess capability to initiate malignancies including leukemia and solid tumors, which was based on investigation in these cells displaying a distinct surface marker pattern within the primary cancers. CD133 is a putative hematopoietic and neuronal stem‐cell marker, which was also considered as a tumorigenic marker in brain and prostate cancer. We hypothesized that CD133 was a marker closely correlated with tumorigenicity, since it was reported that CD133 expressed in human fetal liver and repairing liver tissues, which tightly associated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Our findings showed that a small population of CD133 positive cells indeed exists in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and primary HCC tissues. From SMMC‐7721 cell line, CD133+ cells isolated by MACS manifested high tumorigenecity and clonogenicity as compared with CD133− HCC cells. The implication that CD133 might be one of the markers for HCC cancer stem‐like cells needed further investigation. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and polymerization of first‐generation dendritic methacrylate macromonomers
Authors: Reemers Sandra , Mela Petra , Mourran Ahmed , Magonov Sergei , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: January 2007

First‐generation dendritic macromonomers with a methacryloyl end group on one side, long alkyl chains on the other side, and a biuret system with two urethane groups in the core have been synthesized. The synthesis comprises three steps with hexamethylene diisocyanate uretdione as the starting material. The branching points were introduced via biuret groups and the prepared macromonomers were polymerized by free and controlled radical polymerization. Depending on the reaction conditions linear dendronized polymers as well as branched dendronized polymers and microgels with long alkyl chains were obtained. Scanning force microscopy was used to visualize high molecular weight molecules spincoated on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 614–628, 2007
Labeled oxidation products from [1‐14C], [U‐14C] and [16‐14C]‐palmitate in hepatocytes and mitochondria
Authors: Chatzidakis Chris , Otto David A.
Published: January 2007

When [1‐14C], [U‐14C], and [16‐14C]palmitate were oxidized by isolated rat hepatocytes, there was a differential distribution of label as a percent of total oxidized products, such that14CO2 from [1‐14C]>[U‐14C]>[16‐14C]‐palmitate and acid‐soluble radioactivity from [16‐14C]>[U‐14C]>[1‐14C]palmitate. The oxidation of [2,3‐14C]succinate to14CO2 by isolated hepatocytes was only 9.1% of that from [1,4‐14C]succinate, demonstrating that the differences in distribution of labeled products are in part due to less14CO2 production from label in the even carbon positions entering the citric acid cycle. Apparent total ketone body production from [16‐14C]palmitate was markedly higher than [1‐14C], and [U‐14C]palmitate. In addition, the14C‐acetone:14CO2 ratio derived from decarboxylation of labeled acetoacetate from [1‐14C]palmitate was less than 1 and positively correlated to the rate of fatty acid oxidation in hepatocytes. These findings indicate that the known preferential incorporation of the omega‐C2 unit of fatty acids into14C‐ketone bodies also contributed to the differential distribution of labeled products and that this contribution was greatest at the lower rates of fatty acid oxidation. In isolated mitochondria, the distribution of label to14CO2 and acid‐soluble radioactivity from [1‐14C], [U‐14C] and [16‐14C]palmitate was qualitatively similar to that seen with hepatocytes. The distribution of label from [1‐14C]acetylcarnitine to14CO2 and14C‐ketone bodies by mitochondria was identical to that observed from [1‐14C]palmitate, indicating that the higher rates of14CO2 production from [1‐14C]palmitate cannot be explained by a preferential oxidation in the citric acid cycle of either extramitochondrial acetyl‐CoA (generated in peroxisomes) or the carboxyl terminal of the fatty acid. As shown by others in cell‐free systems, we observed that the total oxidation of [16‐14C]palmitate by hepatocytes and mitochondria was significantly less than [1‐14C] and [U‐14C]palmitate, suggesting either incomplete mitochondrial β‐oxidation or incomplete degradation of peroxisomal oxidation products. The data indicate that this incomplete oxidation does not, however, contribute to the differential distribution of label to oxidized products.
Phosphocholine phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase are different enzymes in hamster heart
Authors: Hatch Grant M. , Choy Patrick C.
Published: January 2007

The CDP‐choline pathway is the major pathway for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine in the hamster heart. The formation of phosphocholine from choline was regarded as the first committed reaction in this pathway. We demonstrated earlier that the phosphocholine pool in the heart was substantially less than that found in other tissues, and we observed that a substantial amount of the phosphocholine was hydrolyzed back to choline by a phosphatase. This phosphatase was located in the microsomal fraction of the heart, and unlike alkaline phosphatase, it was not inhibited by amino acids. The pH optima and heat sensitivity of phosphocholine phosphatase were also found to differ from alkaline phosphatase. Phosphocholine did not inhibit the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenylphosphate, but a “mixed type” inhibition of the hydrolysis of phosphocholine was observed in the presence of pnitrophenylphosphate. Our data support the hypothesis that these two activities originate from separate and distinct enzymes, and we postulate that the cardiac phosphocholine phosphatase may play a role in the regulation of the phosphocholine pool size in the hamster heart.
Slow recovery of the fatty acid composition of sciatic nerve in rats fed a diet initially low in n−3 fatty acids
Authors: Bourre J. M. , Youyou A. , Durand G. , Pascal G.
Published: January 2007

The sciatic nerve of rats fed sunflower oil (6 mg 18∶3n−3/100 g of diet) presented dramatic alterations in the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in comparison with those fed soy oil (130 mg 18∶3n−3/100 g of diet). In both 15‐day‐old and 60‐day‐old animals fed sunflower oil, 22∶6n−3 (cervonic acid) was fourfold less, 22∶5n−6 was 10‐fold greater; adrenic acid (22∶4n−6) was slightly greater and arachidonic acid (20∶4n−6) was close to that in rats fed soy oil. The percentage distribution of total polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as the individual saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were the same in both groups.

When the sunflower oil‐fed animals were switched to a soy oil‐containing diet for either 15 or 60 days, the percentage distribution of 22∶6n−3 increased slowly to reach the control value 2.5 months later. Conversely 22∶5n−6 decreased slowly. The decay of 22∶5n−6 was more rapid than the increase of 22∶6n−3.
Serum fatty acid profiles after intravenous medium chain triglyceride administration
Authors: Mascioli Edward A. , Lopes Sarah , Randall Sheldon , Porter Kathaleen A. , Kater Gabrielle , Hirschberg Yulia , Babayan Vigen K. , Bistrian Bruce R. , Blackburn George L.
Published: January 2007

The serum fatty acid profiles of patients receiving either intravenous medium or long chain triglycerides were studied. Seventeen hospitalized patients, dependent on total parenteral nutrition, were randomly enrolled into a prospective study. The total parenteral nutrition (TPN) delivered amino acids and glucose and either a 75% medium chain triglyceride and 25% long chain triglyceride (MCT group) physical mixture or all long chain triglyceride (LCT group), as the respective fat sources. The amino acids and glucose were given continously, and the lipid was given for 10 hours each day over five days. Fatty acid profiles on serum triglycerides and free fatty acids were done in the morning before any lipid was given and also later in the afternoon, near the end of the lipid administration, on days 1, 3 and 5.

Medium chain fatty acids rose quickly in the triglyceride fraction in patients given MCT. Rapid MCT hydrolysis occurred as evidenced by the appearance of medium chain fatty acids in the free fatty acid fraction in the afternoon sampling. Clearance of the hydrolyzed medium chain free fatty acids (MCFFA) occurred so that little, if any, were present in the morning sampling one day later. Long chain fatty acids, as either triglycerides or free fatty acids, showed expected increases during the daily infusion, but not of such relative magnitude as the medium chain fatty acids. Medium chain fatty acid incorporation into the phospholipid or cholesterol ester fractions by the end of the five‐day feeding period was present but minimal. As opposed to conventional long chain triglycerides, intravenously administered medium chain triglycerides are hydrolyzed and cleared rapidly and do not accumulate in other lipid fractions, and are therefore a more readily available lipid fuel.
Damage to microsomal membrane by lipid peroxidation
Authors: Bidlack W. R. , Tappel Al L.
Published: January 2007

Alterations of microsomal membrane integrity were examined during lipid peroxidation. Loss of membrane‐bound NADPH cytochromec reductase activity and protein release into the aqueous phase were related to disruption of the lipophilic region of the membrane. Formation of fluorescent products in the lipid phase of the membrane occurred only in the presence of peroxidation products. Changes in the membrane lipid phase during peroxidation included a decrease in the reactive amino groups of the phospholipids and a decrease in detectable phosphatidyl ethanolamine. In an ultrafiltration continuous flow chamber, peroxidized microsomal membranes were hydrolyzed to a lesser degree by solubilized lysosomal cathepsins and to a greater degree by lysosomal nucleases than were nonperoxidized membranes.
Managing chronic whiplash associated pain with a combination of low‐dose opioid (remifentanil) and NMDA‐antagonist (ketamine)
Authors: Lemming Dag , Sörensen Jan , Graven‐Nielsen Thomas , Lauber Rolf , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Gerdle Björn
Published: January 2007

The aim was to investigate the efficacy of a combination of low‐dose remifentanil (REMI) and ketamine (KET) compared to the single drugs and placebo (P) on whiplash associated pain (WAD) in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study.

Twenty patients with chronic (>1 year) WAD were included. Four different drug combinations were tested in four sessions: placebo/placebo (P/P), placebo/remifentanil (P/REMI), ketamine/placebo (KET/P) and ketamine/remifentanil (KET/REMI). Target concentrations were 1 and 2ng/ml (stepwise) for remifentanil and 100ng/ml for ketamine.

Habitual pain intensity was assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Experimental pain was assessed with electrical stimulation (single and repeated) of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle, pressure pain algometry applied over infraspinatus (IS) and TA muscles and VAS scores after intramuscular hypertonic saline infusion in TA.

KET/REMI significantly reduced habitual pain. KET/REMI infused at low REMI target concentration (1ng/ml) significantly elevated electrical intramuscular pain thresholds (single and repeated). Pain thresholds to electrical stimulation were similarly increased by both P/REMI and KET/REMI at 2ng/ml target concentration. Pressure pain thresholds were increased by both KET/REMI and P/REMI. VAS‐scores after intramuscular saline were also similarly decreased by both REMI combinations. Seven out of 20 subjects were non‐responders (<50% pain relief). No correlation was found between effects on spontaneous pain and experimental pain.

KET/REMI showed an analgesic effect on habitual pain. Experimental pain was attenuated by both combinations containing the opioid, however, KET seemed to enhance the effect of REMI on electrical pain thresholds when a low REMI target concentration was used.
Complex resonances and trapped modes in ducted domains
Authors: DUAN YUTING , KOCH WERNER , LINTON CHRIS M. , McIVER MAUREEN
Published: January 2007

Owing to radiation losses, resonances in open systems, i.e. solution domains which extend to infinity in at least one direction, are generally complex valued. However, near symmetric centred objects in ducted domains, or in periodic arrays, so-called trapped modes can exist below the cut-off frequency of the first non-trivial duct mode. These trapped modes have no radiation loss and correspond to real-valued resonances. Above the first cut-off frequency isolated trapped modes exist only for specific parameter combinations. These isolated trapped modes are termed embedded, because their corresponding eigenvalues are embedded in the continuous spectrum of an appropriate differential operator. Trapped modes are of considerable importance in applications because at these parameters the system can be excited easily by external forcing. In the present paper directly computed embedded trapped modes are compared with numerically obtained resonances for several model configurations. Acoustic resonances are also computed in two-dimensional models of a butterfly and a ball-type valve as examples of more complicated geometries.
The choice of chromogen and reliability of contact rhinoscopy in the irradiated nasopharynx
Authors: Pak Martin W , Chow Samuel , van Hasselt C A
Published: January 2007

A cross-sectional randomised single blind study was conducted to assess how concentrations of chromogen (vital stain) and the characteristics of the assessors affect the assessment of contact rhinoscopy. Twenty-eight patients who had undergone external radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma were assessed by contact rhinoscopy using 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent methylene blue stain on opposite sides of the nasopharynx. Three independent observers assessed the visual clarity of the 45 contact endoscopic images showing squamous metaplasia according to a visual analogue scale. The intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.916 to 0.957 and 0.839 to 0.964 for intra-observer reliability of assessors in the groups of 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent stains, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficients for inter-observer reliability of assessors were 0.884 and 0.885 in the groups of 0.5 per cent and 1 per cent stains, respectively. The mean scores of clarity of the cellular details were statistically higher in the group of 1 per cent stain among all assessors. These results showed that the assessment of squamous metaplasia by contact endoscopy is highly reliable irrespective of the clinical experience and knowledge of histopathology of the assessors. One per cent methylene blue should be the vital stain of choice in contact endoscopy.
Income-related inequality in mental health in Britain: the concentration index approach
Authors: MANGALORE ROSHNI , KNAPP MARTIN , JENKINS RACHEL
Published: January 2007

Background. Reduction of health inequalities is a major policy goal in the UK. While there is general recognition of the disadvantaged position of people with mental health problems, the extent of inequality, particularly the association with socio-economic characteristics, has not been widely studied. We aimed to measure income-related inequality in the distribution of psychiatric disorders and to compare with inequality in other health domains.

Method. The concentration index (CI) approach was used to examine income-related inequality in mental health using data from the Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2000 for Britain.

Results. There is marked inequality unfavourable to lower income groups with respect to mental health disorders. The extent of inequality increases with the severity of problems, with the greatest inequality observed for psychosis. Income-related inequality for psychiatric disorders is higher than for general health in the UK. Standardized CIs suggest that these inequalities are not due to the demographic composition of the income quintiles.

Conclusions. Income-related inequalities exist in mental health in Britain. As much of the observed inequality is probably due to factors associated with income and not due to the demographic composition of the income quintiles, it may be that these inequalities are potentially ‘avoidable’.
Survival of the Ideas that Fit: An Evolutionary Analogy for the Use of Evidence in Policy
Authors: Stevens Alex
Published: January 2007

This paper explores bias in the use of evidence in policy. It argues that existing models of the evidence–policy relationship neglect the tendency for attention to be paid only to that evidence helpful to the interests of powerful social groups. An evolutionary analogy is used to explain how this bias arises, without the need for irrationality or conspiracy on the part of policy makers. Examples are given in the fields of drug, asylum and other policies, and the possible responses by researchers to the biased use of research evidence are discussed.
Burial and exhumation of Corsica (France) in the light of fission track data
Authors: Danišík Martin , Kuhlemann Joachim , Dunkl István , Székely Balázs , Frisch Wolfgang
Published: January 2007

The Mesozoic and Cenozoic exhumation and cooling history of Corsica is reconstructed by fission track (FT) data on basement and sedimentary rocks. Apatite ages are 105–16 Ma; zircon ages are 160–145 Ma. The Jurassic and Cretaceous ages show that parts of the Variscan basement escaped Alpine influence. The basement was thermally affected by rifting prior to Jurassic opening of the Ligurian‐Piedmont Ocean; then it cooled to near‐surface temperatures. In Paleocene‐Eocene times, subduction buried parts of the basement and overlying flysch to greater depth. In the Oligocene, both collapse of the nappe stack and rifting prior to opening of the Ligurian‐Provençal Basin affected the apatite FT system of the basement in different, partly overlapping areas causing a complex age pattern. The study shows that thorough analysis of FT data and thermal modeling allow to assign age populations to distinct cooling processes even when several thermotectonic events contributed to generate an intricate age pattern.
Existence of a seismic belt in the upper plane of the double seismic zone extending in the along‐arc direction at depths of 70–100 km beneath NE Japan
Authors: Kita Saeko , Okada Tomomi , Nakajima Junichi , Matsuzawa Toru , Hasegawa Akira
Published: January 2007

We relocated microearthquakes using data obtained via a dense seismic network and systematically detected the characteristic distribution of the upper seismic plane seismicity within the Pacific slab beneath NE Japan. We found a seismic “belt” parallel to the iso‐depth contour of the plate interface that is beneath the forearc area at depths of 70–100 km, indicating that the distribution of the upper plane earthquakes is non‐uniform. The location of the deeper limits of this belt and seismicity of the upper seismic plane appear to correspond respectively to two facies boundaries where H2O contents change in the slab crust. Events in the upper seismic plane have mainly down‐dip compression‐type focal mechanisms but several events have normal fault‐type (NF‐type) versions, whose spatial distribution appears to correspond to these boundaries. These NF events might be induced by the tensional stress field that is caused by volume reduction due to dehydration reactions.
A total electron content space weather study of the nighttime Weddell Sea Anomaly of 1996/1997 southern summer with TOPEX/Poseidon radar altimetry
Authors: Horvath Ildiko
Published: January 2007

This paper reports on a total electron content space weather study of the nighttime Weddell Sea Anomaly, overlooked by previously published TOPEX/Poseidon climate studies, and of the nighttime ionosphere during the 1996/1997 southern summer. To ascertain the morphology of spatial TEC distribution over the oceans in terms of hourly, geomagnetic, longitudinal and summer‐winter variations, the TOPEX TEC, magnetic, and published neutral wind velocity data are utilized. To understand the underlying physical processes, the TEC results are combined with inclination and declination data plus global magnetic field‐line maps. To investigate spatial and temporal TEC variations, geographic/magnetic latitudes and local times are computed. As results show, the nighttime Weddell Sea Anomaly is a large (∼1,600(°)2; ∼22 million km2 estimated for a steady ionosphere) space weather feature. Extending between 200°E and 300°E (geographic), it is an ionization enhancement peaking at 50°S–60°S/250°E–270°E and continuing beyond 66°S. It develops where the spacing between the magnetic field lines is wide/medium, easterly declination is large‐medium (20°–50°), and inclination is optimum (∼55°S). Its development and hourly variations are closely correlated with wind speed variations. There is a noticeable (∼43%) reduction in its average area during the high magnetic activity period investigated. Southern summer nighttime TECs follow closely the variations of declination and field‐line configuration and therefore introduce a longitudinal division of four (Indian, western/eastern Pacific, Atlantic). Northern winter nighttime TECs measured over a limited area are rather uniform longitudinally because of the small declination variation. TOPEX maps depict the expected strong asymmetry in TEC distribution about the magnetic dip equator.
A fruitfly's guide to keeping the brain wired
Authors: Leyssen Maarten , Hassan Bassem A
Published: January 2007

The behaviour of all animals is governed by the connectivity of neural circuits in the brain. Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as traumatic injuries to the nervous system, can alter or disrupt the normal connectivity of the brain and result in disability. In this review, we highlight the contributions of the genetic model organism Drosophila melanogaster to our understanding of neural connectivity in health and disease. In this context we also discuss the research areas in which we believe the fruitfly is likely to be a useful model system in the future.
MEGF9: a novel transmembrane protein with a strong and developmentally regulated expression in the nervous system
Authors: Brandt-Bohne Ulrike , Keene Douglas R. , White Fletcher A. , Koch Manuel
Published: January 2007

MEGF9 [multiple EGF (epidermal growth factor)-like-domains 9], a novel transmembrane protein with multiple EGF-like repeats, is predominantly expressed in the developing and adult CNS (central nervous system) and PNS (peripheral nervous system). The domain structure of MEGF9 consists of an N-terminal region with several potential O-glycosylation sites followed by five EGF-like domains, which are highly homologous with the short arms of laminins. Following one single pass transmembrane domain, a highly conserved short intracellular domain with potential phosphorylation sites is present. The protein was recombinantly expressed and characterized as a tissue component. To study the expression pattern further, immunohistochemistry was performed and staining was detected in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in glial cells of the PNS. Additional expression was observed in the epidermal layer of skin, papillae of the tongue and the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract. By immunoelectron microscopy, MEGF9 was detected in glial cells of the sciatic nerve facing the basement membrane. MEGF9 represents a novel putative receptor, expressed in neuronal and non-neuronal tissues, that is regulated during development and could function as a guidance or signalling molecule.
Resistance to alkyl-lysophospholipid-induced apoptosis due to downregulated sphingomyelin synthase 1 expression with consequent sphingomyelin- and cholesterol-deficiency in lipid rafts
Authors: Van der Luit Arnold H. , Budde Marianne , Zerp Shuraila , Caan Wendy , Klarenbeek Jeffrey B. , Verheij Marcel , van Blitterswijk Wim J.
Published: January 2007

The ALP (alkyl-lysophospholipid) edelfosine (1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine; Et-18-OCH3) induces apoptosis in S49 mouse lymphoma cells. To this end, ALP is internalized by lipid raft-dependent endocytosis and inhibits phosphatidylcholine synthesis. A variant cell-line, S49AR, which is resistant to ALP, was shown previously to be unable to internalize ALP via this lipid raft pathway. The reason for this uptake failure is not understood. In the present study, we show that S49AR cells are unable to synthesize SM (sphingomyelin) due to down-regulated SMS1 (SM synthase 1) expression. In parental S49 cells, resistance to ALP could be mimicked by small interfering RNA-induced SMS1 suppression, resulting in SM deficiency and blockage of raft-dependent internalization of ALP and induction of apoptosis. Similar results were obtained by treatment of the cells with myriocin/ISP-1, an inhibitor of general sphingolipid synthesis, or with U18666A, a cholesterol homoeostasis perturbing agent. U18666A is known to inhibit Niemann–Pick C1 protein-dependent vesicular transport of cholesterol from endosomal compartments to the trans-Golgi network and the plasma membrane. U18666A reduced cholesterol partitioning in detergent-resistant lipid rafts and inhibited SM synthesis in S49 cells, causing ALP resistance similar to that observed in S49AR cells. The results are explained by the strong physical interaction between (newly synthesized) SM and available cholesterol at the Golgi, where they facilitate lipid raft formation. We propose that ALP internalization by lipid-raft-dependent endocytosis represents the retrograde route of a constitutive SMS1- and lipid-raft-dependent membrane vesicular recycling process.
Propagation of terahertz radiation through random structures: An alternative theoretical approach and experimental validation
Authors: Fletcher J. R. , Swift G. P. , Dai De Chang , Levitt J. A. , Chamberlain J. M.
Published: January 2007

A model describing the propagation of terahertz frequency radiation through inhomogeneous materials is proposed. In such materials (e.g., powders or clothing), the size of the scattering centers, their separation, and the wavelength of the radiation are all commensurate. A phase distribution function is used to model the optical properties of a randomly structured transmitting layer. The predictions of the model are compared with exact (Mie) theory for isolated spherical scatterers and with previously published experimental data. Measurements of the transmission of terahertz radiation through a variety of samples in order to validate the present model are also reported. These include arrays of cylinders, textiles, powders, and glass balls. Overall, satisfactory agreement between the experimental data and theoretical predictions is obtained.
Effects of electrostatic discharge high-field current impulse on oxide breakdown
Authors: Tseng Jen-Chou , Hwu Jenn-Gwo
Published: January 2007

Stress testing is performed in two stages, a high-field prestress test followed by an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event, which induces high-field current impulse stress. dc and impulse high-field prestress sources are separately applied to generate different formations of bulk oxide traps, near-interface oxide traps (border traps), and interface traps. Experimental results indicate that the dc prestress testing induces many more interface traps and border traps in the metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor structure than the impulse prestress testing. Additionally, an anomalous turnaround degradation of oxide breakdown subjected to the following ESD impulse stress is observed and attributed to the effect of border traps. Border traps cannot communicate with interface traps and silicon substrate during high-field current impulse stressing, and therefore cannot emit trapped charges instantaneously. Consequently, these trapped charges provide a negative electric field decreasing the Fowler-Nordheim stress current and therefore reducing the degradation of the oxide breakdown.
Further insights in the conductivity behavior of nanocrystalline NiFe2O4
Authors: Baruwati Babita , Rana Rohit Kumar , Manorama Sunkara V.
Published: January 2007

Control on the conductivity behaviors has been achieved in nanoparticles of NiFe2O4, synthesized by the hydrothermal route at a fixed temperature of 225°C by varying the pH of the starting solution. Particles synthesized at pH 7 and 8 behave as n-type semiconductors, while those synthesized at pH 9 and above behave as p-type semiconductors. The observed conductivity behavior has been confirmed by gas sensing and thermo-emf studies, and the mechanism has been established by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies. Complete physicochemical characterizations of their phase and morphology have been carried out by x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The thermal and electrical characteristics, elemental composition, and magnetic properties have been evaluated by thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry, dc conductivity, ac impedance studies, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Gas sensing studies reveal that the resistance across the samples synthesized at pH 7 and 8 decreases in presence of a reducing gas, while the same increases in case of the samples synthesized at pH 9 and above and these are phenomena exhibited typically by n-type and p-type semiconductors, respectively. Thermo-emf studies confirmed the observations of gas sensing studies with negative emf values for samples 7 and 8 and positive values for the samples 9 and 10. From XPS studies it is unambiguously established that excess Ni3+ ions in case of the higher pH samples results in Ni2+⇔Ni3+ hopping and hence the observed p-type conductivity in case of samples 9 and 10. From all the above studies an attempt has been made to discuss the best possible explanation for the different conductivity behavior in these ferrite materials.
Canonical sampling through velocity rescaling
Authors: Bussi Giovanni , Donadio Davide , Parrinello Michele
Published: January 2007

The authors present a new molecular dynamics algorithm for sampling the canonical distribution. In this approach the velocities of all the particles are rescaled by a properly chosen random factor. The algorithm is formally justified and it is shown that, in spite of its stochastic nature, a quantity can still be defined that remains constant during the evolution. In numerical applications this quantity can be used to measure the accuracy of the sampling. The authors illustrate the properties of this new method on Lennard-Jones and TIP4P water models in the solid and liquid phases. Its performance is excellent and largely independent of the thermostat parameter also with regard to the dynamic properties.
Measurement of spin diffusion length in sputtered Ni films using a special exchange-biased spin valve geometry
Authors: Moreau Charles E. , Moraru Ion C. , Birge Norman O. , Pratt William P.
Published: January 2007

The authors report the spin diffusion length at 4.2K in sputtered Ni of lsfNi=21±2nm, and spin-dependent scattering parameters in Ni and at Ni∕Cu interfaces. They have employed current perpendicular to plane giant magnetoresistance in both a traditional and an alternative exchange-biased spin valve geometry that inserts a Ni “spoiler” layer into a Py/Cu/Py spin valve. Fits to data of AΔR vs Ni thickness using Valet-Fert theory [Phys. Rev. B 48, 7099 (1993)] show good agreement between fit parameters for both sample geometries.
Volume Fresnel zone plates fabricated by femtosecond laser direct writing
Authors: Srisungsitthisunti Pornsak , Ersoy Okan K. , Xu Xianfan
Published: January 2007

In this letter, volume Fresnel zone plates fabricated inside fused silica using femtosecond laser direct writing are demonstrated. A volume zone plate consists of a number of layers of Fresnel zone plates designed to focus light together. Results indicate that volume Fresnel zone plates increase the overall diffraction efficiency significantly. Phase zone plates yield considerably higher diffraction efficiency due to a number of reasons including negligible light absorption, robustness against fabrication phase errors, and minimum interference between different zone plates in a volume.
WNT/β-catenin mediates radiation resistance of mouse mammary progenitor cells
Authors: Woodward Wendy A. , Chen Mercy S. , Behbod Fariba , Alfaro Maria P. , Buchholz Thomas A. , Rosen Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2007

Recent studies have identified a subpopulation of highly tumorigenic cells with stem/progenitor cell properties from human breast cancers, and it has been suggested that stem/progenitor cells, which remain after breast cancer therapy, may give rise to recurrent disease. We hypothesized that progenitor cells are resistant to radiation, a component of conventional breast cancer therapy, and that that resistance is mediated at least in part by Wnt signaling, which has been implicated in stem cell survival. To test this hypothesis, we investigated radioresistance by treating primary BALB/c mouse mammary epithelial cells with clinically relevant doses of radiation and found enrichment in normal progenitor cells (stem cell antigen 1-positive and side population progenitors). Radiation selectively enriched for progenitors in mammary epithelial cells isolated from transgenic mice with activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling but not for background-matched controls, and irradiated stem cell antigen 1-positive cells had a selective increase in active β-catenin and survivin expression compared with stem cell antigen 1-negative cells. In clonogenic assays, colony formation in the stem cell antigen 1-positive progenitors was unaffected by clinically relevant doses of radiation. Radiation also induced enrichment of side population progenitors in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. These data demonstrate that, compared with differentiated cells, progenitor cells have different cell survival properties that may facilitate the development of targeted antiprogenitor cell therapies.
Attributable Cost and Length of Stay for Patients With Central Venous Catheter—Associated Bloodstream Infection in Mexico City Intensive Care Units A Prospective, Matched Analysis
Authors: Higuera Francisco , Rangel-Frausto Manuel Sigfrido , Rosenthal Victor Daniel , Soto Jose Martinez , Castañon Jorge , Franco Guillermo , Tabal-Galan Natividad , Ruiz Javier , Duarte Pablo , Graves Nicholas
Published: January 2007

Background.

No information is available about the financial impact of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infection (BSI) in Mexico.

Objective.

To calculate the costs associated with BSI in intensive care units (ICUs) in Mexico City.

Design.

An 18-month (June 2002 through November 2003), prospective, nested case-control study of patients with and patients without BSI.

Setting.

Adult ICUs in 3 hospitals in Mexico City.

Patients and Methods.

A total of 55 patients with BSI (case patients) and 55 patients without BSI (control patients) were compared with respect to hospital, type of ICU, year of hospital admission, length of ICU stay, sex, age, and mean severity of illness score. Information about the length of ICU stay was obtained prospectively during daily rounds. The daily cost of ICU stay was provided by the finance department of each hospital. The cost of antibiotics prescribed for BSI was provided by the hospitals' pharmacy departments.

Results.

For case patients, the mean extra length of stay was 6.1 days, the mean extra cost of antibiotics was $598, the mean extra hospital cost was $11,591, and the attributable extra mortality was 20%.

Conclusions.

In this study, the duration of ICU stay for patients with central venous catheter-associated BSI was significantly longer than that for control patients, resulting in increased healthcare costs and a higher attributable mortality. These conclusions support the need to implement preventive measures for hospitalized patients with central venous catheters in Mexico.