bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stimulation of the globus pallidus internus for childhood‐onset dystonia
Authors: Zorzi Giovanna , Marras Carlo , Nardocci Nardo , Franzini Angelo , Chiapparini Luisa , Maccagnano Elio , Angelini Lucia , Caldiroli Dario , Broggi Giovanni
Published: May 2005

We report the results of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in 12 patients with childhood‐onset generalized dystonia refractory to medication, including 3 patients with status dystonicus. There were 8 patients who had DYT1‐negative primary dystonia, 1 had DYT1‐positive dystonia, and 3 had symptomatic dystonia. Stimulation was effective in all but 1 patient. Dystonic postures and movements of the axis and limbs responded to DBS to a greater extent than oromandibular dystonia and fixed dystonic postures. These findings provide further evidence that pallidal stimulation is an effective treatment for intractable childhood‐onset dystonia, including status dystonicus, and together with previous findings, suggest that it should be considered the treatment of choice for these conditions. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Expression of imprinted genes is aberrant in deceased newborn cloned calves and relatively normal in surviving adult clones
Authors: Yang Lan , Chavatte‐Palmer Pascale , Kubota Chikara , O'Neill Michael , Hoagland Thomas , Renard Jean‐Paul , Taneja Maneesh , Yang Xiangzhong , Tian X. Cindy
Published: May 2005

Cattle are the species used most frequently for the development of assisted reproductive technologies, such as nuclear transfer. Cattle cloning can be performed by a large number of laboratories around the world, and the efficiency of nuclear transfer in cattle is the highest among all species in which successful cloning has been achieved. However, an understanding of the expression of imprinted genes in this important species is lacking. In the present study, real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was utilized to quantify the expression of the bovine Igf2, Igf2r, and H19 genes in eight major organs (brain, bladder, heart, kidney, liver, lung, spleen, and thymus) of somatic cell cloned calves that died shortly after birth, in three tissues (skin, muscle, and liver) of healthy clones that survived to adulthood, and in corresponding tissues of control animals from natural reproduction. We found that, deceased bovine cloned calves exhibited abnormal expression of all three genes studied in various organs. Large variations in the expression levels of imprinted genes were also seen among these clones, which were produced from the same genetic donor. In surviving adult clones, however, the expression of these imprinted genes was largely normal, except for the expression of the Igf2 gene in muscle, which was highly variable. Our data showed disruptions of expression of imprinted genes in bovine clones, which is possibly due to incomplete reprogramming of donor cell nuclei during nuclear transfer, and these abnormalities may be associated with the high neonatal mortality in cloned animals; clones that survived to adulthood, however, are not only physically healthy but also relatively normal at the molecular level of those three imprinted genes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An animal model of SARS produced by infection of Macaca mulatta with SARS coronavirus
Authors: Qin Chuan , Wang Jianwei , Wei Qiang , She Mingpeng , Marasco Wayne A , Jiang Hong , Tu Xinming , Zhu Hua , Ren Lili , Gao Hong , Guo Li , Huang Lan , Yang Renquan , Cong Zhe , Guo Lan , Wang Yanbin , Liu Yali , Sun Yili , Duan Shumin , Qu Jianguo , Chen Liangbiao , Tong Wei , Ruan Li , Liu Peimao , Zhang Hua , Zhang Jianmin , Zhang Huiyuan , Liu Depei , Liu Qian , Hong Tao , He Wei
Published: May 2005

A new SARS animal model was established by inoculating SARS coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) into rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) through the nasal cavity. Pathological pulmonary changes were successively detected on days 5–60 after virus inoculation. All eight animals showed a transient fever 2–3 days after inoculation. Immunological, molecular biological, and pathological studies support the establishment of this SARS animal model. Firstly, SARS‐CoV‐specific IgGs were detected in the sera of macaques from 11 to 60 days after inoculation. Secondly, SARS‐CoV RNA could be detected in pharyngeal swab samples using nested RT‐PCR in all infected animals from 5 days after virus inoculation. Finally, histopathological changes of interstitial pneumonia were found in the lungs during the 60 days after viral inoculation: these changes were less marked at later time points, indicating that an active healing process together with resolution of an acute inflammatory response was taking place in these animals. This animal model should provide insight into the mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐related pulmonary disease and greatly facilitate the development of vaccines and therapeutics against SARS. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Method optimisation for peptide profiling of microdissected breast carcinoma tissue by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight/time of flight‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Umar Arzu , Dalebout Johannes C. H. , Timmermans A. Mieke , Foekens John A. , Luider Theo M.
Published: May 2005

Appropriate methods for the analysis of microdissected solid tumour tissues by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) are not yet well established. Optimisation of sample preparation was performed first on undissected tissue slices, representing ∼200 000 cells, which were solubilised either in urea containing buffer, trifluoroethanol/NH4HCO3, 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) or in 0.1% RapiGest solution, then trypsin digested and analysed by MALDI‐TOF MS. Solubilisation in 0.1% SDS resulted in detection of the highest number of sample specific peak signals. Interestingly, there was little overlap in detectable peaks using the different buffers, implying that they can be used complementarily to each other. Additionally, we fractionated tryptic digests on a monolithic high‐performance liquid chromatography column. Fractionation of tryptic digest from whole tissue sections resulted in a four‐fold increase in the total number of peaks detected. To prove this principle, we used 0.1% SDS to generate peptide patterns from 2000 microdissected tumour and stromal cells from five different breast carcinoma tumours. The tumour and stroma specific peaks could be detected upon comparison of the peptide profiles. Identification of differentially expressed peaks by MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS was performed on fractionated tryptic digests derived from a whole tissue slice. In conclusion, we describe a method that is suitable for direct peptide profiling on small amounts of microdissected cells obtained from breast cancer tissues.
Proteomic approach to blossom‐end rot in tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum M.): Antioxidant enzymes and the pentose phosphate pathway
Authors: Casado‐Vela Juan , Sellés Susana , Bru Martínez Roque
Published: May 2005

Blossom‐end rot (BER) is a physiopathy that affects tomato fruits causing disorganisation, cell breakage and darkening of the tissues. In this study we describe a tomato fruit protein extraction protocol that includes polyvinyl polypyrrolidone, ascorbic acid and protease inhibitors to promote depletion of phenolics and to avoid protein degradation. The temperature‐induced phase separation of plant extracts with nonionic detergent Triton X‐114 favours the solubilisation of partially‐hydrophobic species in the low‐detergent upper phase, making them suitable for further analysis using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. The analysis of two‐dimensional images revealed differences in number and expression levels of several proteins from the control and BER‐affected tomato fruits. Although the appearance of BER in tomato is primarily attributed to a lack of calcium supply to fruits, very little is known about the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved. The identification of differential proteins from affected fruits with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight and peptide mass fingerprinting analysis revealed the induction of proteins participating in antioxidant processes (ascorbate‐glutathione cycle) and the pentose phosphate pathway. We suggest that these two biochemical pathways, acting as reactive oxygen species scavengers in BER‐affected fruits, restrain the spread of the blackening to the whole fruit.
Identification of fatty acid binding proteins as markers associated with the initiation and/or progression of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Seliger Barbara , Lichtenfels Rudolf , Atkins Derek , Bukur Jürgen , Halder Thomas , Kersten Michael , Harder Alois , Ackermann Angelika , Malenica Barbara , Brenner Walburgis , Zobawa Monica , Lottspeich Friedrich
Published: May 2005

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) representing the most common neoplasia of the kidney in Western countries is a histologic diverse disease with an often unpredictable course. The prognosis of RCC is worsened with the onset of metastasis, and the therapies currently available are of limited success for the treatment of metastatic RCC. Although gene expression analyses and other methods are promising tools clarifying and standardizing the pathological classification of RCC, novel innovative molecular markers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and for the monitoring of this disease during therapy as well as potential therapeutic targets are urgently needed. Using proteome‐based strategies, a number of RCC‐associated markers either over‐expressed or down‐regulated in tumor lesions in comparison to the normal epithelium have been identified which have been implicated in tumorigenesis, but never linked to the initiation and/or progression of RCC. These include members of the fatty acid binding protein family, which have the potential to serve as diagnostic or prognostic markers for the screening of RCC patients.
Electrical and mechanical behavior of filled rubber. III. Dynamic loading and the rate of recovery
Authors: Busfield J. J. C. , Thomas A. G. , Yamaguchi K.
Published: May 2005

Following the earlier articles in this series, the changes in the electrical resistivity and mechanical behavior as a result of static and dynamic deformation have been studied. Cyclic shear and tensile loading were used to follow the changes in stress and resistivity with strain, including the recovery with time from the effects of a large strain as monitored by the small‐strain behavior. The recovery of resistivity from a prestrain was not complete even after 7 days at room temperature or at 50 °C, but swelling with a solvent and subsequent drying produced rapid recovery. It appears from the detailed results that there are two strain regions. Below about 10% the resistance and the modulus are strongly dependent on the filler–filler structure, which can break down and reform fairly readily, but the changes at higher strains are probably influenced by changes in the elastomer matrix and also by slippage at the filler–rubber interface. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1649–1661, 2005
Equation of state for high density solid and melt polyethylene
Authors: Sachdev V. K. , Jain R. K.
Published: May 2005

Pressure‐volume‐temperature (PVT) measurements for high‐density linear polyethylene (LPE) are studied experimentally over a temperature range of 290 to 470 K and pressures up to 3.1 kbar. For melt, the results can be represented by the Tait equation within the precision of the data. It is noticed that for each isotherm, an abrupt departure from the Tait representation occurs at a particular pressure. This is ascribed to onset of solidification due to pressure. Further, variation of the degree of crystallinity with pressure at various temperatures has been investigated. Finally, the PVT data has been analyzed in terms of the LJD cell theory in its original form without any modifications or simplifications of the cell potential. Satisfactory agreement is obtained between experiment and theory over the entire range of PVT data both in solids and melt states. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 1618–1623, 2005
Highly explosive nanosilicon‐based composite materials
Authors: Clément D. , Diener J. , Gross E. , Künzner N. , Timoshenko V. Yu. , Kovalev D.
Published: May 2005

We present a highly explosive binary system based on porous silicon layers with their pores filled with solid oxidizers. The porous layers are produced by a standard electrochemical etching process and exhibit properties that are different from other energetic materials. Its production is completely compatible with the standard silicon technology and full bulk silicon wafers can be processed and therefore a large number of explosive elements can be produced simultaneously. The application‐relevant parameters: the efficiency and the long‐term stability of various porous silicon/oxidizer systems have been studied in details. Structural properties of porous silicon, its surface termination, the atomic ratio of silicon to oxygen and the chosen oxidizers were optimized to achieve the highest efficiency of the explosive reaction. This explosive system reveals various possible applications in different industrial fields, e.g. as a novel, very fast airbag igniter. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and optical properties of cubic‐CdS and hexagonal‐CdS thin films grown by MOCVD on GaAs substrates using a single‐source precursor C14H30CdN2S4
Authors: Choi In‐Hwan , Yu Peter Y.
Published: May 2005

We have grown single‐phase thin films of CdS on GaAs substrates. The structure of the CdS film has been determined by X‐ray diffraction to be either zincblende or wurtzite depending on whether the orientation of the substrate is [100] or [111]. The films are found to be strained by 1% or less. The quality of the films have also been characterized by temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) and multiphonon resonant Raman scattering (RRS). The PL spectra are dominated by excitonic emission. The observed peak energies are equal to those reported in bulk CdS within experimental errors. RRS of as many seven longitudinal optical (LO) phonon have been observed. The overall quality of the thin films are found to be comparable to those of bulk CdS samples. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic phase boundary and transport properties of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3
Authors: Xia Z. C. , Hu M. T. , Zeng F. R. , Liu G. , Dong B. , Xiao L. X. , Liu L. , Liu S. , Tang C. Q. , Yuan S. L.
Published: May 2005

The effects of Fe3O4 magnetic phase and its doping level on the electric transport and magnetic properties of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 were investigated, where the Fe3O4 doping level was 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 7.5, and 20%. A twofold effect, enhancement and suppression, on magnetization properties was observed in the La0.67Ca0.33MnO3/Fe3O4 composites. For a low field ranging from 0 to 0.3 T an obvious enhanced magnetization was observed, while for a higher field a suppressed magnetization was observed. A new insulator–metal transition behaviour was observed for all the composites. Compared with pure La0.67Ca0.33MnO3, the twofold influence and new transition were discussed by considering the separation and pinning effects of the Fe3O4 on the growth and rotation of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 ferromagnetic domain. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ansatz for the evaluation of the relativistic contributions to core ionization energies in complex molecules involving heavy atoms
Authors: Maruani J. , Kuleff A. I. , Chong D. P. , Bonnelle C.
Published: May 2005

On the basis of numerical, ab initio ΔDF and ΔHF computations of 1s‐core, 2s‐core, and 2p‐core ionization energies of atoms, from Li through Xe, an allometric empirical formula that was proposed for evaluating relativistic corrections (including QED effects) to nonrelativistic values is assessed for homogeneous sets of elements in the periodic table. The two coefficients involved in this formula are precisely determined for 1s‐core ionization in the sets of atoms Be‐Ne, Mg‐Ar, Zn‐Kr, and Cd‐Xe; 2s‐core ionization in the sets of atoms Mg‐Ar, Zn‐Kr, and Cd‐Xe; and 2p‐core ionization in the set Mg‐Ar. It is shown that the medium relative error on the results obtained using this formula, with respect to those directly computed, decreases from a few percent to a few hundredths of 1% when the depth of the ionized level increases. This formula could be used to include relativistic (and QED) corrections to results yielded by simpler, nonrelativistic calculations on complex molecules involving heavy atoms. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Literate programming in quantum chemistry: A simple example
Authors: Quiney H. M. , Wilson S.
Published: May 2005

Literate programming methods have not been widely used in computational molecular structure theory. We argue that significant advantages would result from the use of literate programming methods in the computational molecular sciences and, indeed, in computational science, in general. Our arguments are illustrated by a simple example of literate programming methods in ab initio electronic structure theory is described. We distinguish text‐embedded code, or literate programs, from code‐embedded text and suggest that the latter may form a more useful vehicle for publication than literate programs. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Organic‐Dye‐Coupled Magnetic Nanoparticles Encaged Inside Thermoresponsive PNIPAM Microcapsules
Authors: Guo Jia , Yang Wuli , Deng Yonghui , Wang Changchun , Fu Shoukuan
Published: May 2005

We present a new approach for the fabrication of thermoresponsive polymer microcapsules with mobile magnetic cores that undergo a volume phase‐transition upon changing the temperature and are collected under an external magnetic field. We have prepared organic/inorganic composite microspheres with a well‐defined core–shell structure that are composed of a crosslinked poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) shell and silica cores dotted centrally by magnetite nanoparticles. Since the infiltration of template‐decomposed products is dependent on the permeability of PNIPAM shells triggered by changes of exterior temperature, the silica layer sandwiched between the magnetic core and the PNIPAM shell was quantitatively removed to generate PNIPAM microcapsules with mobile magnetic cores by treatment with aqueous NaOH solution. For development of the desired multifunctional microcapsules, modification of the unetched silica surface interiors can be realized by treatment with a silane coupling agent containing functional groups that can easily bind to catalysts, enzymes, or labeling molecules. Herein, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), which is a common organic dye, is attached to the insides of the mobile magnetic cores to give PNIPAM microcapsules with FITC‐labeled magnetic cores. In this system, it can be expected that an extension of the functionalization of the cavity properties of smart polymer microcapsules is to immobilize other target molecules onto the mobile cores in order to introduce other desired functions in the hollow cage.
Ionogel‐Templated Synthesis and Organization of Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Firestone Millicent A. , Dietz Mark L. , Seifert Sönke , Trasobares Susana , Miller Dean J. , Zaluzec Nestor J.
Published: May 2005

Photochemical reduction of tetrachloroaurate (AuCl4−) ions in the highly constrained aqueous domains of a nanostructured ionogel template, formed via self‐assembly of the ionic liquid 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (C10mim+Cl−) in water, results in the formation of anisotropic gold nanoparticles with a variety of sizes and morphologies, which include previously unattainable trigonal prismatic nanorods. Unexpectedly, small‐angle X‐ray scattering studies of the Au–ionogel composite reveal that the in situ formation of the nanoparticles increases the mesoscopic order of the ionogel, which results in its conversion to a near‐monodomain structure. The findings demonstrate that nanostructured, ionic liquid‐based gels can be used to template the formation of new nanoparticle morphologies with technologically important optical, electronic, and catalytic properties. It may also be possible to design soft templates that permit the fabrication of highly ordered nanoparticle array–hydrogel composites, thereby enabling control and tuning of the collective properties of the encapsulated nanoparticles.
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Damage and Phonetic Modifications after Total Thyroidectomy: Surgical Malpractice Only or Predictable Sequence?
Authors: Rosato Lodovico , Carlevato Maria Teresa , De Toma Giorgio , Avenia Nicola
Published: May 2005

Modifications of phonation occurring after total thyroidectomy (TT) are usually attributed to surgical malpractice, but other causes of voice impairment even in nonoperated subjects should also be taken into account. This study analyzes 208 patients who underwent TT from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2001. Follow‐up ended on December 31, 2003. Only cases in which the surgeon ruled out the possibility of operative damage to the laryngeal nerves were included. All patients underwent pre‐ and postoperative clinical and instrumental nose and throat examination (NTE). Preoperatively, 86 patients (41%) showed hoarseness or dysphagia: 4 (2%) monoplegia and 12 (6%) hypomobility of the vocal cords due to impaired function of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN); 6 (3%) cord hypotonia due to impairment of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN); 34 (16%) dysphagia: and 30 (14%) hoarseness due to other causes. At follow‐up 1 month after surgery, 71 patients (34%) had an onset of previously absent signs and symptoms: 8 (4%) had palsy of one vocal cord (2% permanent); 6 (3%) had cord hypomobility (all temporary); 12 (6%) had cord hypotonia due to disease of the SLN, 4 of which (2%) were permanent; 44 patients (21%) had symptoms due to scarring and adhesions between the laryngotracheal axis and the prethyroid muscles and between these and the skin. One patient (0.5%) had a nodular cord lesion that occurred after 3 months. Overall, more than one‐third of the patients had preoperative voice modifications or swallowing impairment, around one‐third had these problems after TT, and less than one‐third were free of pre‐ and postoperative complications. The surgeon’s care to avoid damage to the anatomica integrity of the of laryngeal nerves does not exclude functional problems of the nerves and of laryngeal dynamics. In fact, such problems could be referred to outcomes linked to the operation itself (hematoma, edema, scarring adhesion) or to events that only temporarily follow surgery but must be considered as an unavoidable sequel (e.g., neuritis, viral neuritis, myopathy). The patient should undergo a careful clinical and instrumental NTE to detect conditions prior to surgery, and the information provided by the surgeons should be thorough to allow the patient to be aware of all possible sequels and consequences.
Diagnostic Value of Measuring Liver Volume for Detecting Occult Hepatic Metastases from Colorectal or Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ishizawa Takeaki , Yamamoto Tetsuhisa , Nishida Koichiro , Tsukui Hajime , Sekikawa Takayoshi
Published: May 2005

Some studies have shown reduced portal blood flow in patients with occult hepatic metastases, which may lead to decreased liver volume. A retrospective study was conducted in patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal (n= 63) or gastric (n= 52) cancer. The ratio of the preoperative computed tomography (CT)‐estimated liver volume to the standard liver volume (CV/SV ratio) was calculated. The mean ± SD CT‐estimated liver volume was 858 ±109 in 14 patients who subsequently developed hepatic metastases and 1173 ± 230 ml in 101 patients without metastases (p< 0.0001). The CV/SV ratio was smaller in patients with metachronous hepatic metastases than in those without (0.78 ± 0.08 vs. 1.02 + 0.13;p< 0.0001). The results suggest that the liver with occult metastases decreases in size before metastases develop that are detectable using conventional imaging techniques. The CV/SV ratio may be of value in detecting occult hepatic metastases from colorectal and gastric cancer.
Climatic factors affecting the tree‐ring width of Betula ermanii at the timberline on Mount Norikura, central Japan
Authors: Takahashi Koichi , Tokumitsu Yohei , Yasue Koh
Published: May 2005

Tree‐ring‐width chronology of Betula ermanii was developed at the timberline (2,400 m a.s.l.) on Mount Norikura in central Japan, and climatic factors affecting the tree‐ring width of B. ermanii were examined. Three monthly climatic data (mean temperature, insolation duration, and sum of precipitation) were used for the analysis. The tree‐ring width of B. ermanii was negatively correlated with the December and January temperatures and with the January precipitation prior to the growth. However, why high temperatures and heavy snow in winter had negative effects on the growth of B. ermanii is unknown. The tree‐ring width was positively correlated with summer temperatures during June–August of the current year. The tree‐ring width was also positively correlated with the insolation duration in July of the current year. In contrast, the tree‐ring width was negatively correlated with summer precipitation during July–September of the current year. However, these negative correlations of summer precipitation do not seem to be independent of temperature and insolation duration, i.e., substantial precipitation reduces the insolation duration and temperature. Therefore, it is suggested that significant insolation duration and high temperature due to less precipitation in summer of the current year increase the radial growth of B. ermanii at the timberline. The results were also compared with those of our previous study conducted at the lower altitudinal limit of B. ermanii (approximately 1,600 m a.s.l.) on Mount Norikura. This study suggests that the climatic factors that increase the radial growth of B. ermanii differ between its upper and lower altitudinal limits.
Ukrainian political parties and foreign policy in election campaigns: Parliamentary elections of 1998 and 2002
Authors: Makhorkina Anna
Published: May 2005

The foreign policy agendas of Ukrainian political parties participating in parliamentary elections are among the important factors of influence on Ukrainians voting in favor or against. There is a positive correlation between the preferences of Ukrainian voters and the foreign policy orientations of the political parties as expressed in their electoral platforms. Even if it is not likely that in general foreign policy plays a dominant role in the average citizen’s voting decisions, it is, nevertheless, very relevant in the context of Ukrainian politics. In this article it is demonstrated that the use of foreign policy issues is a part of the overall electoral strategy of Ukrainian political parties.
Pathogenesis of Wegener's granulomatosis: current concepts
Authors: Sarraf Pasha , Sneller Michael C.
Published: May 2005

Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a complex autoimmune syndrome that is characterised by upper/lower respiratory necrotising granulomatosis, glomerulonephritis and small-vessel vasculitis. Since Wegener's 1936 description, considerable advances in recognition and treatment have changed this disease from a rapidly and uniformly fatal illness to a chronic disease characterised by remissions and relapses. The serendipitous discovery of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) as a marker associated with WG focused attention on the potential pathogenic role of these antibodies and has recently led to the development of novel animal models that might facilitate our understanding of the disease pathogenesis. Future animal models of this disease will have to account for the role of both ANCA-mediated pathology and granulomatous inflammation to enable us to understand the chronic and persistent features of WG in humans.
Hope: Concerning structure and function
Authors: WEIN SIMON
Published: May 2005

There is little convincing agreement in the literature on the definition, measurement, and application of hope. The usual platitude—where there's life, there's hope—does not clarify the confusion, and clinical practice puts paid to a simplistic approach to hope.A 28 year-old man with widespread melanoma is hoping the doctor will offer him a new treatment. He hopes he will marry and have a family. The hopes to us are unrealistic—but for him they are tangible, the stuff of life, the dreams that keep him going. What should clinicians do with this man's hopes? Should we support him medically, for the sake of hope? Does hoping prolong life against death? Should we encourage unproven therapies as elixirs of hope? When hope clashes with reality and causes angst, is it better to jettison hope, or reality? What does acceptance of death mean in terms of hope? What can it mean to live without hope?
Assessing hope at the end of life: Validation of an experience of hope scale in advanced cancer patients
Authors: NEKOLAICHUK CHERYL L. , BRUERA EDUARDO
Published: May 2005

Objective:The purpose of this study was to gather validity evidence for an innovative experience of hope scale, theHope Differential-Short (HDS), and evaluate its clinical utility for assessing hope in advanced cancer patients.

Methods:A consecutive sampling approach was used to recruit 96 patients from an inpatient tertiary palliative care unit and three hospice settings. Each participant completed an in-person survey interview, consisting of the following measures: HDS (nine items), Herth Hope Index (HHI), hope visual analog scale (Hope-VAS) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS).

Results:Using factor analytic procedures, a two-factor structure for the HDS was identified, consisting ofauthentic spirit(Factor I) andcomfort(Factor II). The HDS factors had good overall internal consistency (α = 0.83), with Factor I (α = 0.83) being higher than Factor II (α = 0.69). The two factors positively correlated with the HHI, Hope-VAS, and one of the ESAS visual analog scales, well-being (range: 0.38 to 0.64) and negatively correlated with depression and anxiety, as measured by the ESAS (range: −0.25 to −0.42).

Significance of results:This is the first validation study of the HDS in advanced cancer patients. Its promising psychometric properties and brief patient-oriented nature provide a solid initial foundation for its future use as a clinical assessment measure in oncology and palliative care. Additional studies are warranted to gather further validity evidence for the HDS before its routine use in clinical practice.
The Norwegian version of the Herth Hope Index (HHI-N): A
psychometric study
Authors: WAHL ASTRID K. , RUSTØEN TONE , LERDAL ANNERS , HANESTAD BERIT R. , JR. ØISTEIN KNUDSEN , MOUM TORBJØRN
Published: May 2005

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
psychometric properties of the Herth Hope Index (HHI) in a representative
sample of the Norwegian population.

Methods: The HHI-N was administered to 4000 people randomly
selected from the Norwegian population. 1893 questionnaires were usable,
yielding a response rate of 48.5%.

Results: The internal consistency of the HHI-N, estimated by
Cronbach's alpha, was 0.81. Factor analysis resulted in a two-factor
solution, which explained 38% of the variance. The correlation between
hope and overall quality of life was 0.48 (p < 0.001), and
between hope and fatigue severity −0.30 (p < 0.001).

Significance of results: Further testing, especially with
regard to the dimensionality of the instrument, is recommended.
Hospice staff members' views on conducting end-of-life research
Authors: KIRSH KENNETH L. , WALKER ROBERT , SNIDER SUSAN , WEISENFLUH SHERRI , BROWN GRETCHEN M. , PASSIK STEVEN D.
Published: May 2005

Objective: Hospice staff members have concerns about the appropriateness of enrolling terminally ill people in research studies. These concerns can have profound implications for the advancement of palliative and hospice care as they can impede the empirical investigation of interventions for improving the quality of life of patients with advanced disease. This survey study was designed to examine hospice staff attitudes, beliefs, and values about research with their patients and family members.

Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional, anonymous survey design to measure hospice staff members' beliefs, attitudes, and values. The survey contained questions derived by hospice and palliative care experts from their experience and review of the literature. It was handed out at staff meetings and returned via mail. The survey contained 14 questions and was able to be completed in less than 5 min.

Results: A total of 225 participants (56.25% response rate) completed the survey and were included in the data analysis. Hospice staff members were largely supportive about the idea of conducting research with patients and family members (mean agreement of 4.08–4.44 on several perception items about research on a 1–5 scale). They also acknowledged a mixture of being protective of controlling access to patients (52% wanted to be the ones to approach patients) and not having enough time for research (59% either had no time or would be willing to spend no more than 10 min on research).

Significance of results: Although many of the opinions derived from the survey appear to indicate a willingness to embrace research in a hospice setting, significant barriers, especially time constraints and protective attitudes, remain. Educational efforts and firsthand involvement in the research process might be a useful first step in attempting to address these barriers and traditionally held beliefs against using hospice patients and families in research.
Care planning for pressure ulcers in hospice: The team effect
Authors: EISENBERGER ANDREW , ZELEZNIK JOMARIE
Published: May 2005

Objective: The standards of care for patients at risk for or with a pressure ulcer in hospitals and nursing homes focus on prevention and ulcer healing using an interdisciplinary approach. Although not a primary hospice condition, pressure ulcers are not uncommon in dying patients. Their management in hospices, particularly the involvement of family caregivers, has not been studied. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that influence care planning for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in hospice patients and develop a taxonomy to use for further study.

Methods: A telephone survey was conducted with 18 hospice directors of clinical services and 10 direct-care nurses. Descriptive qualitative data analysis using grounded theory was utilized.

Results: The following three themes were identified: (1) the primary role of the hospice nurse is an educator rather than a wound care provider; (2) hospice providers perceive the barriers and burdens of family caregiver involvement in pressure ulcer care to be bodily location of the pressure ulcer, unpleasant wound characteristics, fear of causing pain, guilt, and having to acknowledge the dying process when a new pressure ulcer develops; and (3) the “team effect” describes the collaboration between family caregivers and the health care providers to establish individualized achievable goals of care ranging from pressure ulcer prevention to acceptance of a pressure ulcer and symptom palliation.

Significance of results: Pressure ulcer care planning is a model of collaborative decision making between family caregivers and hospice providers for a condition that occurs as a secondary condition in hospice. A pressure ulcer places significant burdens on family caregivers distinct from common end-of-life symptoms whose treatment is directed at the patient. Because the goals of pressure ulcer care appear to be individualized for a dying patient and their caregivers, the basis of quality-of-care evaluations should be the process of care rather than the outcome of an incident pressure ulcer.
Little boy blue
Authors: ALEXANDER CARLA , MULASI ILA
Published: May 2005

He was slim in build, and even as he sat in his wheelchair, you could
see that he was tall. Infected, he claimed, by a serious bout of sexual
promiscuity with women and too much alcohol. He gave me an
overenthusiastic grin, trying just a bit too hard to be nonchalant, and
said “Hey good-looking, coming to see me next?” I nodded
absent-mindedly, trying to get through the note I was writing and
simultaneously fending off the 20-odd patients clamoring the halls, all
keen to get a word in with the doctor before their chance at an
intervention disappeared for another week. Even though we frequented the
nursing home far more often than mandated by state regulations, there
still seemed to be so much to do and such little time to do it in. I told
Mr. J I'd be with him in a minute, and he smiled affably.
“I'll be waiting in my room,” he said pointedly, knowing
full well it would take me too long to get to him.
Reconciling different observational data sets from Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) for model validation purposes
Authors: Huwald H. , Tremblay L.‐B. , Blatter H.
Published: May 2005

Observations from the Surface Heat Budget of the Arctic Ocean (SHEBA) are analyzed to develop a consistent data set suitable for the validation of snow and sea ice components used in climate models. Since the snow depth is a crucial variable to properly determine the ice thickness evolution, several methods are tested to estimate the actual snow depth at the exact location of the measured internal temperatures. Snow and ice thickness gauge measurements show high spatial variability at small spatial scales. Consequently, individual measurements of snow/ice thickness are not representative of the thickness at the locations where temperature profiles were measured. Observed skin temperatures and snow internal temperature profiles suggest that the mean winter snow cover at the reference mass balance site was thicker by 11 cm when compared with gauge observations at a small distance from that reference site. The mean winter snow cover thickness measured at the SHEBA mass balance site, Pittsburgh, is larger by a factor of 2.3 when compared to the snow depth derived from precipitation measurements. Assuming continuity of heat fluxes at the snow‐ice interface, an effective snow thermal conductivity of 0.50 Wm−1 K−1 is calculated. This is significantly higher than values generally used in climate models (0.31 Wm−1 K−1) or derived from in situ measurements (0.14 Wm−1 K−1) at SHEBA. Ocean heat fluxes, inferred from ice thickness and internal temperature measurements at various sites, are very consistent and match reasonably well those derived from turbulence measurements and a bulk formulation. A heat budget of surface fluxes shows a mean annual net imbalance of 1.5 Wm−2, with a mean energy deficit of 3.5 Wm−2 during winter and a mean surplus of 6.4 Wm−2 during summer.
Field‐aligned beam observations at the quasi‐perpendicular bow shock: Generation and shock angle dependence
Authors: Oka M. , Terasawa T. , Saito Y. , Mukai T.
Published: May 2005

On 19 October 1995 the Geotail satellite skimmed along the quasi‐perpendicular bow shock for more than 3 hours, and field‐aligned ion beams (FABs) were continuously observed in the foreshock region. Also observed were 11 crossings with the bow shock where these FABs are thought to be generated. The upstream condition of the bow shock was in the state of low Mach number (MA ∼ 2.9) and low beta (β ∼ 0.02). By a detailed study of the evolution of the ion distribution across one of the crossings, we have found that leakage as origin of these ions from the magnetosheath is unlikely. Comparison of the observations with simulations suggests that FAB ions are generated by multiple interaction of incoming solar wind ions with the bow shock. We have then compared the FAB flux normalized by the solar wind flux, , with the shock angle θBn and have found that falls off rapidly just above θBn > 60°, but it maintains significant level ( ∼ 0.01%) up to ∼75°.
Parallel electric fields in a diverging flux tube with upward current: Nature of quasi‐static fields
Authors: Singh Nagendra , Deverapalli C. , Khazanov I. , Puthumbakum N. , Rajagiri A.
Published: May 2005

Using one‐dimensional (1‐D) particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations of a diverging magnetic flux tube, the spatial distribution of parallel electric field in response to an applied potential drop is studied. Hot and cold plasma populations as appropriate for the upward current region are included. Simulations start with an initially empty flux tube representing an auroral density cavity. The cavity refills with plasmas flowing from the ionosphere at the bottom and the magnetosphere at the top. The ionospheric cold ions are significantly accelerated by means of plasma expansion processes in the cavity. When an appropriate warm secondary electron population at the ionospheric boundary is included in the simulations, a significant feature of the expanding ionospheric plasma is a rarefaction shock (RFS) near the bottom of the density cavity. Dynamics of the shock and its role in setting up a low‐altitude double layer (DL) are examined. Even after the shock's decay due to the heating of the ionospheric cold electrons by wave‐particle interactions, electron heating at low altitudes sustains the enhanced role of plasma expansion in upward acceleration of ions. The applied potential drop does localize like that in a strong DL, but only rarely a strong monotonic DL forms; often the DL is highly dynamic and evolves continually via plasma turbulence consisting of both electron and ion timescales. Averaging the fast fluctuations at the electron timescales, the potential distribution across the quasi‐static DL yields oscillatory and spiky parallel fields, which evolve with ion‐acoustic and ion hole turbulence. We compare our results with observations from satellites.
Simulation study of the longitudinal variation of evening vertical ionospheric drifts at the magnetic equator during equinox
Authors: Vichare Geeta , Richmond A. D.
Published: May 2005

Quiet‐time low‐latitude ionospheric electric fields and vertical drifts in the evening sector at equinox are examined as a function of longitude and solar activity, using simulations from the Magnetosphere‐Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (MTIEGCM). The model inputs are held fixed with respect to universal time, in order to evaluate the contributions to longitudinal variations of the equatorial electric fields and drifts associated with zonal variations in the geomagnetic field. The simulated upward evening drift is somewhat larger than observations. It increases with solar activity at a similar rate in all longitude sectors. This rate, about 0.32–0.37 m/s per unit of 10.7 cm solar flux, is quantitatively consistent with observations in the Peruvian sector but is considerably greater than observations in the Indian sector. The simulations agree with observations in finding larger vertical drifts in the American‐Atlantic sector than in the East Asian‐Pacific sector, generally associated with longitudinal variations in the strength of the geomagnetic field. Relations among the longitude variations of the vertical drift, the conductivity, the eastward wind velocity, the geomagnetic declination, and gradients of the wind and declination are examined, revealing few clear correlations. However, extrema of many of these quantities are noted in the American‐Atlantic sector.
Statistical pitch angle properties of substorm‐injected electron clouds and their relation to dawnside energetic electron precipitation
Authors: Åsnes A. , Friedel R. W. , Stadsnes J. , Thomsen M. , Østgaard N. , Cayton T.
Published: May 2005

Using the existing large database of geosynchronous orbit particle measurements from Los Alamos instruments, statistical properties of substorm‐injected electron clouds are investigated, with special focus on the pitch angle distribution (PAD) of the electrons. The electron distributions at 6.6 RE do in general show some anisotropy, and their PADs are probably caused by the combined influence of drift orbits, different for each energy and pitch angle, and pitch angle diffusion due to waves. The statistical results of this paper indicate that the PADs during intervals of increased electron flux at energies greater than 10 keV from midnight till noon are dominated by pitch angle diffusion by interaction with waves. The strength of the pitch angle diffusion is seen to initially limit the growth of anisotropy from differential drift speeds and orbits and later on to increase the anisotropy when the diffusion strength decreases. After local noon we find evidence that pitch angle diffusion is no longer important and the PADs are evolving due to differential drift effects.
Geomagnetic conjugate observation of nighttime medium‐scale and large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances: FRONT3 campaign
Authors: Shiokawa K. , Otsuka Y. , Tsugawa T. , Ogawa T. , Saito A. , Ohshima K. , Kubota M. , Maruyama T. , Nakamura T. , Yamamoto M. , Wilkinson P.
Published: May 2005

The third FRONT (F‐region Radio and Optical measurement of Nighttime TID) campaign was carried out during the new‐moon period of May–June 2003, in order to investigate the geomagnetic conjugacy of medium‐scale and large‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs/LSTIDs) at midlatitudes. Seven all‐sky airglow imagers were operated in Japan and Australia. For almost all clear‐sky nights, we observed MSTIDs in the 630‐nm airglow images with horizontal wavelengths of 100–400 km propagating southwestward in Japan and northwestward in Australia. All of them show a one‐to‐one correspondence of wave structures between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, indicating strong electrodynamic coupling between the two hemispheres through the geomagnetic field line. We also found that airglow intensity variations with a timescale longer than that of MSTIDs often show a good correlation between the two hemispheres. On 28 May, we succeeded in detecting an equatorward propagating LSTID (spatial scale ∼1000 km) as airglow enhancements at the conjugate stations. The airglow peak of the LSTID in the Northern Hemisphere was ∼20 min earlier than that in the Southern Hemisphere, indicating that the observed LSTID is caused by a wave in the neutral atmosphere rather than by an electric field structure.