bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the improvements to the wave statistics of narrowbanded waves when applied to broadbanded waves
Authors: Zheng Guizhen , Cong Peixiu , Pei Yuhua
Published: November 2006

On the basis of the narrowband approximation the joint and marginal probability distribution functions (pdf) of local wave heights and periods of ocean surface waves have been derived and have been taken approximately as those of the crest‐to‐trough wave heights and zero upcrossing periods. Various correction schemes have been proposed to these pdf's in order to apply them to broadband waves. This paper is devoted to taking a close look at these correction schemes. The relationship between the distributions of the local and the discrete wave heights and periods is derived at first. This derivation provides a precise interpretation to the improvements due to Stansell et al. (2004) and Zheng et al. (2004). The resultant relationship is different from the one deduced by Kitano and Mase (1998), on which their improved wave height distribution rests. The unique analysis of Kitano and Mase (1998) leading to this relationship is inspected and their omission is found. The crest‐to‐trough wave height distribution proposed by Tayfun (1981) is also examined and found to be reasonable only when the spectral bandwidth is infinitesimal. The wind wave data measured in Bohai China in 1997 is analyzed here. The sensitivities of the measured (as opposed to actual) distributions to smoothing timescale and to sampling rate are explored and comparisons of various theoretical pdf's with the measured distributions are made. It is found that (1) the wave height distribution due to Stansell et al. (2004) and Zheng et al. (2004) in which the contributions of negative phase derivatives are taken into account fits best with the 20 Hz sampled, 5‐point smoothed data; (2) neglecting the contributions of negative phase derivatives results in an expression of the probability of exceeding large wave heights which is closest to the 20 Hz sampled, 5 or 9‐point smoothed data; (3) the Rayleigh distribution generally agrees well with our data; the discrepancy between it and early observations mainly comes from the low sampling rate; (4) Forristall's (1984) suggestion of employing Tayfun's (1981) distribution to predict the probability of exceeding given large wave height agrees well with both the 5 and 9‐point smoothed data within the range 1.0 ≤ H ≤ 3.0; and (5) the improved joint distribution of wave heights and periods, as well as the marginal distribution of wave periods due to Stansell et al. (2004) and Zheng et al. (2004) are unsatisfactory for broadband waves.
Models of synthetic aperture radar backscattering for bright flows and dark spots on Titan
Authors: Paillou Philippe , Crapeau Marc , Elachi Charles , Wall Stephen , Encrenaz Pierre
Published: November 2006

The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging mode of the Cassini RADAR instrument enables us to map the surface of Titan through its thick atmosphere. The first Cassini close flyby, acquired on 26 October 2004, revealed a complex surface, with areas of low relief and dome‐like volcanic constructs, flows, and sinuous channels. In particular, fan‐like features with strong radar backscattering were observed. Such structures, extending from tens of kilometers to more than 200 km in length, could be the result of cryovolcanism. Several radar dark spots, up to 30 km across, were also observed; they may correspond to smooth hydrocarbon deposits. We present here a first modeling of these radar‐bright and radar‐dark features on the basis of classical radar backscattering models. We considered two main materials which could constitute the surface of Titan, tholins and water‐ammonia ice, and modeled both single‐ and two‐layer cases, taking into account volume and subsurface scattering. Our results show that SAR‐bright regions could better be explained by the effect of a thin layer of water‐ammonia ice covering a tholin substratum. Radar‐dark spots can be modeled in two ways: a rough tholin surface or a smooth one with some volume scattering. We show that multi‐incidence SAR data could help discriminate between the various scenarios proposed.
High open circuit voltage organic photovoltaic cells based on oligothiophene derivatives
Authors: Liu Ping , Li Qiang , Huang Mingsheng , Pan Wanzhang , Deng Wenji
Published: November 2006

For the purpose of developing organic photovoltaic devices with good performance characteristics, The authors have fabricated two cells using 5-vinyl-2,2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴-quarterthiophene (V4T), 5-vinyl-2′:5′,2″:5″,2‴:5‴,2″″-quinquethiophene (V5T) and 3,4,9,10-perylenetertracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA). The indium tin oxide (ITO)/V4T/PTCDA/Al cell has an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 2.07V and a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 2.32%. The ITO/V5T/PTCDA/Al cell has an Voc of 1.87V and a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 2.67%. The two cells have higher Voc (1.87–2.07V). It is possible that intermolecular hydrogen bonding between –CHCH2 group of VnT with carboxylic dianhydride of PTCDA contributes to the enhancement by promoting forward interfacial electron transfer and eliminating the subconducting band trap sites.
Westminster Executive Meets Local Government ‘Culture’: Overview and Scrutiny in Three English County Councils
Authors: Sandford Mark
Published: November 2006

The Local Government Act 2000 established the system of ‘overview and scrutiny’ in a majority of English local authorities. Ostensibly an attempt to transfer some of the features of the parliamentary/government decisionmaking process, the new system has not been able entirely to replace its predecessor. An analysis of three case-study county councils shows that they have adapted the overview and scrutiny system to existing political preferences, which owe much both to existing local government practice and to the prevailing cultures within the councils. Culture has influenced the structure of committees, their relationship to the executive, officer relationships, questioning, and use of the call-in function.
The impact of Sector, Specialisation, and Space on Business Birth Rates in the United Kingdom: A Challenge for Policy?
Authors: Anyadike-Danes Michael , Hart Mark
Published: November 2006

The authors use VAT data to shed light on the pattern of variation in business birth rates across the local authority areas of the United Kingdom. They seek to provide policymakers with a more realistic assessment of the extent to which their interventions might be able to affect the rate of new-business formation. An empirical investigation of the separate impacts of sector, specialisation, and space, suggests that the share of business-services businesses in the business stock seems to play the largest role in accounting for the spatial distribution of the business birth rate across the United Kingdom; and that this share is significantly influenced by the spatial pattern of population density. Policies which involve setting ‘targets' for business birth rates need to take the local ‘context’ into account and, perhaps more importantly, aspirations may have to change: it seems unlikely that stimulation of business birth rates should realistically be expected to close the ‘enterprise gap’ between different parts of the country.
New Patterns of Governance in the English Region: Assessing their Implications for Spatial Planning
Authors: Pearce Graham , Ayres Sarah
Published: November 2006

Compared with the constitutional changes introduced elsewhere in the United Kingdom, in the English regions a more cautious approach has been adopted based on administrative decentralisation. A key feature of the government's reforms has been the strengthening of regional spatial planning and the transfer of the regional planning function to unelected regional assemblies. We examine how far these reforms have assisted regions to achieve greater discretion over planning policies and a more corporate approach to spatial planning. Our central argument is that, given the absence of elected regional government in England, there are outstanding institutional, cultural, and resource obstacles to extending regional freedoms and flexibilities. Nonetheless, the introduction of new statutory regional spatial strategies, together with a greater commitment in Whitehall to coordinate regional budgets, offers a potential way forward.
Knowledge and acceptance of human papillomavirus vaccination: perspectives of young Australians living in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: McClelland Amy , Liamputtong Pranee
Published: November 2006

Background: This paper explores knowledge of and attitudes toward sexually transmissible infections, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and vaccine acceptability among young people in Australia. It also explores factors influencing acceptance and attempts to identify gender differences in knowledge and acceptance. Methods: The study employed a qualitative approach and involved 14 in-depth interviews with young men and women aged between 18 and 23 years who reside in Melbourne, Australia. Results: The findings suggest that knowledge of HPV is inadequate; however, this was not found to have any impact on vaccine acceptance, which was reported as high. No clear gender differences were found in virus and vaccine knowledge and vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: It is clear in the present study that vaccination is generally viewed positively by the young men and women involved in the study and the health beliefs of these individuals have been shaped largely by several factors including cost of the vaccine, access to the vaccine and personal susceptibility to the virus.
Risk factors and causes of death in the Australian HIV Observational Database
Authors: Petoumenos Kathy , Law Matthew G. , on behalf of the Australian HIV Observational Database
Published: November 2006

Introduction: Mortality rates in HIV-infected people remain high in the era of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). The objective of this paper was to examine causes of deaths in the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD) and compare risk factors for HIV-related and HIV-unrelated deaths. Methods: Data from AHOD, an observational study of people with HIV attending medical sites between 1999 and 2004, were analysed. Primary and underlying causes of death were ascertained by sites completing a standardised cause of death form. Causes of death were then coded as HIV-related or HIV-unrelated. Risk factors for HIV-related and unrelated deaths were assessed using survival analysis among patients who had a baseline and at least one follow-up CD4 and RNA measure. Results: The AHOD had enrolled 2329 patients between 1999 and 2004. During this time, a total of 105 patients died, with a crude mortality rate of 1.58 per 100 person years. Forty-two (40%) deaths were HIV-related (directly attributable to an AIDS event), 55 (52%) HIV-unrelated (all other causes), and eight had unknown cause of death. Independent risk factors for HIV-related deaths were low CD4 count and receipt of a larger number of antiretroviral treatment combinations. Among HIV-unrelated deaths, low CD4 count and older age were independent risk factors. Conclusions: In AHOD in the HAART era, mortality in people with HIV remains around 10-fold higher than in the general population. In our analyses, HIV-unrelated deaths were associated with more advanced HIV disease in a similar way to HIV-related deaths.
Age of sexual initiation and HIV-related behaviours: application of survival analysis
Authors: Yang Hongmei , Li Xiaoming , Barth-Jones Daniel C.
Published: November 2006

Previous studies have consistently suggested positive associations between early sexual initiation and subsequent risky sexual behaviours, HIV/STD infection, adolescent pregnancy and substance use. In the present study, survival curves for rural-to-urban migrants in China with and without HIV-related behaviours were analysed to determine (1) the risk of initiating sex at each age and (2) the association between sexual initiation and HIV-related behaviours.
An audit of contact tracing activities and records for chlamydia in an urban sexual health clinic
Authors: Edmiston Natalie , Chuah John , McLaws Mary-Louise
Published: November 2006

The National Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategy 2005–2008 emphasised the importance of control of chlamydia and recognised contact tracing as an important health tool for this. This paper reports on a recent audit of contact tracing conducted at the Gold Coast Sexual Health Clinic.
The Canadian Natural Health Products (NHP) Regulations: Industry Compliance Motivations
Authors: Laeeque Hina , Boon Heather , Kachan Natasha , Cohen Jillian Clare , D′Cruz Joseph
Published: November 2006

This qualitative study explores corporations′ motivations to comply with new natural health products (NHP) Regulations in Canada. Interviews were conducted with representatives from 20 Canadian NHP companies. Findings show that the rationale for compliance differs for large compared to small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Large firms are motivated to comply with the regulations because of the deterrent fear of negative media coverage, social motivations, ability to comply and maintaining a competitive market advantage. In contrast, SMEs are motivated to comply due to the deterrent fear of legal prosecution and a sense of duty.
Early dating predicts smoking during adolescence: a prospective study
Authors: Fidler Jennifer A. , West Robert , Jarvis Martin J. , Wardle Jane
Published: November 2006

Aim  To examine the relationship between dating and smoking behaviour.

Design  A 5‐year prospective study.

Setting  Thirty‐six schools in South London, England.

Participants  A socio‐economically and ethnically diverse sample of students (n = 4319 at baseline) took part in the study, providing annual assessments from age 11–16 years.

Measurements  Questionnaire items assessed dating status, smoking status, friends and family smoking, psychological wellbeing, popularity and conduct, pubertal status, gender, ethnicity and deprivation. Cotinine assays provided biochemical verification of smoking status.

Findings  At age 11–12, 29% of girls and 18% of boys reported having a boyfriend or girlfriend. Logistic regressions showed being an early ‘dater’ to be a strong predictor of later smoking uptake at each study year, with odds ratios ranging from 3.03 to 8.96 among girls and 1.87 to 5.85 among boys. These associations remained significant after controlling for potential confounding factors, including past smoking and pubertal stage. There was minimal evidence that having smoked by age 11–12 predicted later dating.

Conclusions  The association between early dating and later smoking is strong, and not explained by obvious confounders or dependent on the influence of past smoking experience. The use of smoking to maintain a popular image, and the link between both behaviours and aspirations towards maturity, are potential explanations for the effect. Identification of adolescents dating early could help to target prevention of later smoking uptake.
A time‐series analysis of the impact of heavy drinking on homicide and suicide mortality in Russia, 1956–2002*
Authors: Pridemore William Alex , Chamlin Mitchell B.
Published: November 2006

Aim  Assess the impact of heavy drinking on homicide and suicide mortality in Russia between 1956 and 2002.

Measures and design  Alcohol‐related mortality was used as a proxy for heavy drinking. We used autoregressive integrated moving average techniques to model total and sex‐specific alcohol–homicide and alcohol–suicide relationships at the population level.

Findings  We found a positive and significant contemporaneous association between alcohol and homicide and between alcohol and suicide. We found no evidence of lagged relationships. These results held for overall and sex‐specific associations.

Conclusion  Our results lend convergent validity to the alcohol–suicide link in Russia found by Nemtsov and to the alcohol–homicide associations found in cross‐sectional analyses of Russia. Levels of alcohol consumption, homicide and suicide in Russia are among the highest in the world, and the mounting evidence of the damaging effects of consumption on the social fabric of the country reveals the need for intervention at multiple levels.
Various distinctive cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia aged 60 years and older express adverse prognostic value: results from a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Van Der Holt Bronno , Breems Dimitri A. , Berna Beverloo H. , Van Den Berg Eva , Burnett Alan K. , Sonneveld Pieter , Löwenberg Bob
Published: November 2006

Diagnostic cytogenetic abnormalities are considered important prognostic factors in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). However, the prognostic assessments have mainly been derived from patients with AML aged <60 years. Two recent studies of AML patients of 60 years and older proposed prognostic classifications with distinct discrepancies. To further study the prognostic value of cytogenetic abnormalities in this patient population, we have evaluated cytogenetic abnormalities in a series of 293 untreated patients with AML aged 60 years and older, included in a randomised phase 3 trial, also in relation to patient characteristics and clinical outcome. The most frequently observed cytogenetic abnormality was trisomy 8 (+8), in 31 (11%) patients. Abnormalities, such as −5, 5q‐, abn(17p) and abn(17q), were almost exclusively present in complex karyotypes. A relatively favourable outcome was only observed in five patients with core‐binding factor abnormalities t(8;21) and inv(16)/del(16)/t(16;16). However, most of the other evaluated cytogenetic abnormalities, such as 5q‐, −7, +8, abn(17p), abn(17q), and complex aberrations expressed a more adverse prognosis when compared with patients with AML aged 60 years and older with a normal karyotype. Large studies to confirm the prognosis of individual cytogenetic aberrations are warranted.
Kudoa trifolia sp. n. – molecular phylogeny suggests a new spore morphology and unusual tissue location for a well‐known genus
Authors: Holzer A S , Blasco‐Costa I , Sarabeev V L , Ovcharenko M O , Balbuena J A
Published: November 2006

A new species of myxozoan, Kudoa trifolia sp. n., was found in various organs of the golden grey mullet, Liza aurata (Risso), and the thinlip mullet, L. ramada (Risso), from the western Mediterranean. Spores developed in subspherical plasmodia of 0.28–1 mm diameter within connective tissue, predominantly in the spleen, the outer wall of the gall bladder and the gut, the mesenteries and occasionally also in the gills. The spores of K. trifolia differ from the commonly known shape of Kudoa by considerable enlargement of one of the four valve cells, thus forming a ‘spore body’, which contains the major part of the binucleate sporoplasm. Scanning electron microscopy of the spores revealed the presence of grape‐like appendages, which occur in bundles terminally on the valve cells. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rDNA sequence of K. trifolia showed that this species is deeply embedded in the genus Kudoa despite its aberrant morphology and host tissue location. This suggests important amendments to the morphological diagnosis of the genus Kudoa.
A new method for evaluation of intestinal muscle contraction properties: studies in normal subjects and in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Gregersen H. , Liao D. , Pedersen J. , Drewes A. M.
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease that involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Seventy‐five per cent of systemic sclerosis patients experience symptoms arising from oesophagus. The intestine has less frequently been subject for studies than the oesophagus. When the small intestine becomes involved, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhoea and malabsorption may occur. Previous studies have shown decreased and abnormal intestinal motility, dilatation and a stiffer wall. The aim was to study muscle mechanics in systemic sclerosis patients using novel analysis of intestinal muscle contraction force–velocity and power. A volume‐controlled duodenal ramp‐distension protocol was used in nine patients and eight healthy controls. The wall stretch ratio, tension, shortening velocity and muscle power were computed from pressure and cross‐sectional area data recorded by an impedance planimetry system. The tension–stretch ratio relation obtained in patients was shifted to the left, indicating a stiffer wall. The in vivo tension‐shortening velocity relationship was quantified using Hill's equation. The maximum preload tension (tension at zero velocity) was lower in the patients than in the healthy controls (P < 0.001). The muscle power was lowest in the patients. An association was found between the duration of the disease and the maximum stretch ratio (P < 0.05). The study represents the first data with application of in vivo muscle force–velocity relations in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. Systemic sclerosis patients had increased stiffness and impaired muscle dynamics of the duodenum. Decreased muscle function and increased wall stiffness may explain the GI symptoms reported in this patient group.
Encarsia or Encarsiella? – redefining generic limits based on morphological and molecular evidence (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae)
Authors: SCHMIDT STEFAN , POLASZEK ANDREW
Published: November 2006

Abstract The genus Encarsiella (syn.n.) (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Aphelinidae) is synonymized with Encarsia on the basis of molecular and morphological characters. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted of the D2 expansion region of the 28S ribosomal DNA including thirty‐eight Encarsia species. Our phylogenetic analysis revealed a polyphyletic origin of Encarsiella and confirmed the results of earlier analyses indicating the paraphyly of Encarsia. Four species are described as new (Encarsia bifasciata sp.n., E. caelata sp.n., E. obliqua sp.n. and E. pilosa sp.n.). The following species are transferred from Encarsiella to Encarsia: Encarsia aleurodici (Girault, 1916) comb.n., E. amabilis (Huang & Polaszek, 1998) comb.n., E. boswelli (Girault, 1915) comb.n., E. magniclava (Girault, 1915) comb.n., E. narroi Gómez & García comb.n., E. nepalensis (Polaszek & Hayat, 1992) comb.n., E. noyesi (Hayat, 1983) comb.n., E. pithecura (Polaszek, 1999) comb.n., E. tachii (Polaszek & Hayat, 1992) comb.n., E. taiwanensis (Chou & Chou, 1994) comb.n. and E. tamaulipeca (Myartseva & Coronado‐Blanco, 2002) comb.n. The generic limits of Encarsia are re‐defined based on a re‐assessment of morphological characters, and the results are discussed with respect to the current classification of the aphelinid subfamily Coccophaginae.
Rift Valley fever in West Africa: the role of space in endemicity
Authors: Favier Charly , Chalvet‐Monfray Karine , Sabatier Philippe , Lancelot Renaud , Fontenille Didier , Dubois Marc A.
Published: November 2006

Rift Valley fever is an endemic vector‐borne disease in West Africa, which mainly affects domestic ruminants and occasionally humans. The aetiological mechanisms of its endemicity remain under debate. We used a simple spatially explicit model to assess the possibility of endemicity without wild animals providing a permanent virus reservoir. Our model takes into account the vertical transmission in some mosquito species, the rainfall‐driven emergence of their eggs and local and distant contacts because of herd migration. Endemicity without such a permanent virus reservoir would be impossible in a single site except when there is a strictly periodic rainfall pattern; but it would be possible when there are herd movements and sufficient inter‐site variability in rainfall, which drives mosquito emergence.
Mechanism of cerebral fat embolism in subarachnoid hemorrhage: An experimental study
Authors: Aydin Mehmet D. , Kotan Dilcan , Aydin Nazan , Gundogdu Cemal , Onder Arif , Akcay Fatih
Published: November 2006

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may cause neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE), and chylomicron metabolism may be destroyed in injured lungs. We aimed to investigate the effect of neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE), if present, on the development of cerebral fat embolism. This study has been conducted on 20 rabbits. Experimental SAH has been applied to half of the animals by injecting homologous blood into the cisterna magna, and the remaining half was applied only isotonic saline solution in the same manner under general anesthesia. After 20 days, all animals were killed. Their lungs and brains were examined histopathologically. Six animals died of SAH between 16 and 20 days, and foamy hemorrhagic parenchymal lesions and intra‐alveolar hemorrhage were observed in their lungs. Fat globules were abundantly found in cerebral arteries of six of all the non‐surviving animals. But, minimal histopathological changes were found in the lungs and brains of the surviving animals. Cerebral fat embolism was detected in only one animal that was given isotonic solution. SAH may cause NPE and result in lung tissue destruction. Chylomicron metabolism may be disordered in the destructed lungs and leakage of chylomicrons into systemic circulation may be facilitated via destroyed lung barrier. These pathologic processes may lead to cerebral fat embolism.
Pathological and biochemical studies on a case of Pick disease with severe white matter atrophy
Authors: Yamakawa Kazuo , Takanashi Masashi , Watanabe Masao , Nakamura Noriyuki , Kobayashi Tomonori , Hasegawa Masato , Mizuno Yoshikuni , Tanaka Shigeki , Mori Hideo
Published: November 2006

We report on a male patient with Pick disease who had shown severe white matter atrophy and dilatation of the lateral ventricle in the frontal lobe from an early stage. Upon admission to our hospital 2 years after disease onset, the patient showed apathy, and MRI revealed severe atrophy of the cortex and white matter of the frontal lobe. He died at age 74, 11 years after disease onset. Autopsy revealed severe atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes, severe loss of white matter in the frontal lobe, dilatation of the lateral ventricles, and cortical thinning. Histopathological examination showed severe loss of myelinated fibers in the frontal white matter and severe neuronal loss with gliosis in the frontal and temporal cortices. Many Pick bodies were seen. Our patient had a rare case of Pick disease predominantly affecting the frontal lobe with severe involvement of the white matter from an early stage. This case suggests that myelinated fibers in the white matter as well as cerebral neurons are primarily affected in Pick disease.
Calcium–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II phosphorylation modulates PSD‐95 binding to NMDA receptors
Authors: Gardoni Fabrizio , Polli Federica , Cattabeni Flaminio , Di Luca Monica
Published: November 2006

At the postsynaptic membrane of excitatory synapses, NMDA‐type receptors are bound to scaffolding and signalling proteins that regulate the strength of synaptic transmission. The cytosolic tails of the NR2A and NR2B subunits of NMDA receptor bind to calcium–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and to members of the MAGUK family such as PSD‐95. In particular, although NR2A and NR2B subunits are highly homologous, the sites of their interaction with CaMKII as well as the regulation of this binding differ. We identified PSD‐95 phosphorylation as a molecular mechanism responsible for the dynamic regulation of the interaction of both PSD‐95 and CaMKII with the NR2A subunit. CaMKII‐dependent phosphorylation of PSD‐95 occurs both in vitro, in GST‐PSD‐95 fusion proteins phosphorylated by purified active CaMKII, and in vivo, in transfected COS‐7 as well as in cultured hippocampal neurons. We identified Ser73 as major phosphorylation site within the PDZ1 domain of PSD‐95, as confirmed by point mutagenesis experiments and by using a phospho‐specific antibody. PSD‐95 Ser73 phosphorylation causes NR2A dissociation from PSD‐95, while it does not interfere with NR2B binding to PSD‐95. These results identify CaMKII‐dependent phosphorylation of the PDZ1 domain of PSD‐95 as a mechanism regulating the signalling transduction pathway downstream NMDA receptor.
Glutamatergic activity modulates the phase‐shifting effects of gastrin‐releasing peptide and light
Authors: Kallingal George J. , Mintz Eric M.
Published: November 2006

Previous studies have established that microinjection of gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) into the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) region or third ventricle causes circadian phase shifts similar to those produced by light pulses. Activation of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the SCN region also produces light‐like phase shifts. This study was designed to test the effects of (±)‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), an NMDA antagonist, and l‐trans‐pyrrolidine‐2,4‐dicarboxylic acid (PDC), a glutamate reuptake inhibitor, on GRP‐induced phase shifts. Adult male Syrian hamsters equipped with a surgically implanted guide cannula aimed at the third ventricle were housed in constant darkness until stable free‐running rhythms of wheel‐running activity were apparent. Microinjection of GRP into the third ventricle at circadian time (CT)13 induced large phase delays. These GRP‐induced phase delays were completely blocked by co‐administration of AP5, suggesting that GRP‐induced phase delays require concurrent activation of NMDA receptors. Microinjection of AP5 alone did not induce significant phase shifts. A second set of experiments was designed to test whether GRP‐induced phase shifts would be enhanced by PDC. Co‐administration of PDC and GRP elicited significantly larger phase delays at CT13 than GRP alone. However, administration of PDC alone did not induce a significant phase shift. Finally, when administered just prior to a light pulse, PDC elicited significantly larger phase delays than light pulse plus vehicle controls. These data suggest that the effects of GRP on the circadian clock phase are highly dependent on the level of excitation provided by activated NMDA receptors.
Absence of S‐cone input in human blindsight following hemispherectomy
Authors: Leh Sandra E. , Mullen Kathy T. , Ptito Alain
Published: November 2006

Destruction of the occipital cortex presumably leads to permanent blindness in the contralateral visual field. Residual abilities to respond to visual stimuli in the blind field without consciously experiencing them have, however, been described in cortically blind patients and are termed ‘blindsight’. Although the neuronal basis of blindsight remains unknown, possible neuronal correlates have been proposed based on the nature of the residual vision observed. The most prominent but still controversial hypothesis postulates the involvement of the superior colliculi in blindsight. Here we demonstrate, using a computer‐based reaction time test in a group of hemispherectomized subjects, that human ‘attention‐blindsight’ can be measured for achromatic stimuli but disappears for stimuli that solely activate S‐cones. Given that primate data have shown that the superior colliculi lacks input from S‐cones, our results lend strong support to the hypothesis that ‘attention‐blindsight’ is mediated through a collicular pathway. The contribution of a direct geniculo‐extrastriate‐koniocellular projection was ruled out by testing hemispherectomized subjects in whom a whole hemisphere has been removed or disconnected for the treatment of epilepsy. A direct retino‐pulvinar‐cortical connection is also unlikely as the pulvinar nucleus is known to receive input from S‐cones as well as from L/M‐cone‐driven colour‐opponent ganglion cells.
Are prostatic biopsies necessary in men aged ≥80 years?
Authors: Bott Simon R.J. , Foley Charlotte L. , Bull Matthew D. , Reddy C.C. Jeevan , Freeman Alex , Montgomery Bruce S.I. , Langley Stephen E.M.
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether prostatic biopsies are necessary in all men aged ≥80 years, as men found to have prostate cancer are frequently treated with a ‘watch and wait’ policy or with hormonal withdrawal alone, and biopsies are associated with a small but significant complication rate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The findings on a digital rectal examination (DRE), the prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, the biopsy and staging bone scan results for all men aged ≥ 80 years who had prostatic biopsies over a 3‐year period were reviewed, together with those in a group of men aged <80 years for comparison. All biopsy samples had been examined in one of three histopathology units, and 33 consultant urological surgeons contributed.

RESULTS

In all, 210 biopsies from 205 men aged ≥ 80 years were identified, of whom 163 (79%) had biopsy‐confirmed prostate cancer. All 29 men with a PSA level of ≥ 100 ng/mL, 98% of 47 with ≥ 50 ng/mL, 97% of 76 with ≥ 30 ng/mL and 92% of 101 with ≥ 20 ng/mL had biopsy cores containing cancer; 63% of men with a PSA level of <20 ng/mL had cancer on biopsy. In men with cancer and a PSA level of ≥ 30 ng/mL, 92% had Gleason grade ≥ 7 and 93% were treated with hormonal withdrawal alone. In all men with cancer the DRE was abnormal in 91%, the mean number of positive cores was 59% and the bone scan was positive in 18%. The DRE was abnormal in 77% of men with benign biopsies.

CONCLUSIONS

In men aged ≥ 80 years with a PSA level of ≥ 30 ng/mL, at least 97% had prostate cancer, >90% of whom had high‐grade disease, and nearly all with cancer received active pharmacological treatment. In the vast majority of these men prostate biopsies did not alter their cancer management. The value of prostatic biopsy in this age group, with a PSA level of ≥ 30 ng/mL, is questionable.
The follow‐up management of non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma: definition of a surveillance protocol
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Cozzoli Alberto , Zani Danilo , Zanotelli Tiziano , Nicolai Maria , Cunico Sergio Cosciani , Simeone Claudio
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVE

To define a follow‐up protocol based on the University of California Los Angeles Integrated Staging System (UISS) for patients undergoing surgery for N0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The clinical records of patients treated with radical surgery for N0/NXM0 RCC and monitored through periodic follow‐up studies (≥24 months in disease‐free patients) were reviewed retrospectively from 1399 patients surgically treated for renal neoplasms between 1983 and 2005. Each case was assigned a UISS risk category; recurrence features, time and site were recorded. In particular, recurrence sites were categorized into local, renal (ipsilateral or contralateral) and distant (single‐site or disseminated).

RESULTS

The records were reviewed of 814 patients with a mean follow‐up of 75.6 months. UISS risk categories were distributed as follows: high‐risk (HR) 17.2%, intermediate‐risk (IR) 51.6% and low‐risk (LR) 31.2%. Disease‐free survival rates at 5 years were 63.9%, 88.3% and 96.5% (log‐rank test P < 0.001), respectively. The disease recurred in 193 patients (23.7%), at distant sites (73.0% of recurrences), locally (11.9%), in the contralateral kidney (10.9%) and in the ipsilateral kidney (4.1%). There was a significant correlation between UISS category and risk of distant or local (both P < 0.001) recurrences, whereas there was no correlation of recurrences in the operated kidney (P = 0.372) or contralateral kidney (P = 0.898).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognostic accuracy and applicability of the UISS for distant and local recurrences is confirmed, whereas renal relapses have an independent course. A follow‐up scheme tailored to the recurrence patterns observed in each UISS risk group is recommended.
School health nurses and substance use among adolescents – towards individual identification and early intervention
Authors: Pirskanen Marjatta , Pietilä Anna‐Maija , Halonen Pirjo , Laukkanen Eila
Published: November 2006

Adolescents’ health is today threatened by the use of alcohol and other psychoactive substances. It is therefore important to develop interventions related to substance use in school health care. The aim of this study was to examine the empowering or risk background factors related to substance use among adolescents, and the ability of school nurses (PHN) to identify these factors and to provide needed individual early intervention. The data were collected by semistructured questionnaires completed by 14‐ to 18‐year‐old adolescents (n = 326, response rate 79) and PHNs (n = 10) in 2004. The adolescent questionnaire consisted of items related to the respondents’ background and Adolescents’ Substance Use Measurement (ADSUME). Following individual consent, adolescents’ ADSUME responses were sent to the PHNs for intervention. The PHNs assessed the adolescents’ empowering background factors and intervention using the questionnaire, and 70% (n = 228) of their answers matched the adolescents’ answers. The data were analysed with the SPSS software using the chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, kappa coefficient and agreement percentages. Substance use among adolescents was associated with parental support, mother's education and smoking, the adolescents’ knowledge about substances, peer support and hobbies. The PHNs’ assessments regarding supportive background were not in agreement with the assessments of adolescents who were using hazardous substances. One‐fifth of the adolescents received the brief intervention, although many of them might have needed extra support and follow‐up on the basis of their ADSUME results. The research findings can be generalized only for alcohol use, because only 3% of the study informants used substances other than alcohol. Further research is warranted concerning PHNs’ ability to identify hazardous substance use and to ensure preventive early intervention and requisite support among substance‐using adolescents in order to improve evidence‐based health promotion.
PCR primers for trinucleotide and tetranucleotide microsatellites in greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili
Authors: RENSHAW MARK A. , PATTON JOHN C. , REXROAD CAIRD E. , GOLD JOHN R.
Published: November 2006

Eighteen nuclear‐encoded microsatellites from a genomic DNA library of greater amberjack, Seriola dumerili, were isolated and characterized. The microsatellites include 13 perfect (five tetranucleotide and eight trinucleotide) and five imperfect (three tetranucleotide, one trinucleotide and one combination dinucleotide/trinucleotide) repeat motifs. The number of alleles at the 18 microsatellites among a sample of 29 fish ranged from two to 20; gene diversity (expected heterozygosity) ranged from 0.068 to 0.950, whereas observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.069 to 0.966. Following Bonferroni correction, genotypes at all 18 microsatellites fit expectations of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and all pairwise comparisons of microsatellites did not deviate significantly from genotypic equilibrium. Greater amberjack support commercial and recreational fisheries along both the Atlantic and the Gulf coasts of the USA and represent a species with potential for worldwide aquaculture. The microsatellites developed will be useful for population genetic studies of ‘wild’ populations and breeding studies of domesticated populations.
Signaling mechanisms of melatonin in antiproliferation of hormone‐refractory 22Rv1 human prostate cancer cells: implications for prostate cancer chemoprevention
Authors: Tam Chun W. , Mo Chi W. , Yao Kwok‐Ming , Shiu Stephen Y. W.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  There is an unmet clinical demand for safe and effective pharmaceuticals/nutraceuticals for prostate cancer prevention and hormone‐refractory prostate cancer treatment. Previous laboratory and human studies of our laboratory demonstrated an association between the antiproliferative action of melatonin and melatonin MT1 receptor expression in prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to determine, using a pharmacological approach, the signaling mechanisms of melatonin in hormone‐refractory 22Rv1 human prostate cancer cell antiproliferation. Both immunoreactive MT1 and MT2 subtypes of G protein‐coupled melatonin receptor were expressed in 22Rv1 cells. Melatonin inhibited, concentration dependently, cell proliferation, upregulated p27Kip1 gene transcription and protein expression, and downregulated activated androgen signaling in 22Rv1 cells. While the effects of melatonin were mimicked by 2‐iodomelatonin, a high‐affinity nonselective MT1 and MT2 receptor agonist, melatonin effects were blocked by luzindole, a nonselective MT1 and MT2 receptor antagonist, but were unaffected by 4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamidotetraline, a selective MT2 receptor antagonist. Importantly, we discovered that the antiproliferative effect of melatonin exerted via MT1 receptor on p27Kip1 gene and protein upregulation is mediated by a novel signaling mechanism involving co‐activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and PKA in parallel. Moreover, we also showed that a melatonin/MT1/PKC mechanism is involved in melatonin‐induced downregulation of activated androgen signal transduction in 22Rv1 cells. Taken together with the known molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer progression and transition to androgen independence, our data provide strong support for melatonin to be a promising small‐molecule useful for prostate cancer primary prevention and secondary prevention of the development and progression of hormone refractoriness.
Learning to Observe Cognition, Mastery, and Control
Authors: Delaney Kathleen R.
Published: November 2006

On inpatient psychiatric units, intervening with children and adolescents’ behaviors demands an understanding of how they take in and process information. The third paper focuses on assessment cues that will help inpatient staff decipher patients’ deficits and strengths in information processing, self‐efficacy, and inhibitory control. Each assessment area is explained in the context of the supporting cognitive, neurobiologic, and social‐learning theory. Inpatient interventions consistent with the assessment are explained and illustrated with clinical applications.
Mental Health Needs of Children and Adolescents at Camp: Are They Being Assessed and Treated Appropriately by the Camp Nurse?
Authors: Courey Tamra J.
Published: November 2006

TOPIC:  Increasingly, more children and adolescents are attending camps with mental health concerns. This can pose a challenge for camp nurses who may lack experience in assessment and treatment of mental health issues.

PURPOSE:  To focus on the importance of addressing and treating mental health needs of children and adolescents at camp utilizing the Scope and Standards of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice.

SOURCES:  Personal observations, camp nursing experience, and scholarly published literature.

CONCLUSIONS:  It is paramount that mental health needs of children and adolescents at camp are addressed and managed appropriately by the camp nurse. Education of camp nurses and camp administrators is also a vital part of previding care.
Review article: pharmacological approaches to the optimal control of nocturnal intragastric acidity
Authors: HOWDEN C. W.
Published: November 2006

Once daily, or even twice daily, dosing with proton‐pump inhibitors does not reliably achieve optimal control of nocturnal intragastric acidity. The phenomenon of nocturnal acid breakthrough, defined as intragastric pH < 4 for more than 1 h in the overnight period, was initially described during twice daily dosing with proton‐pump inhibitors and found to affect around 70% of individuals.

Given recent renewed interest in the potential consequences of nocturnal oesophageal acid exposure, it is appropriate to consider alternative pharmacological approaches to optimizing the control of nocturnal intragastric acidity.

Nocturnal acid control is considered to be the maintenance of intragastric pH > 4 for the duration of the night‐time period. At pH > 4, gastric refluxate entering the oesophagus is non‐caustic because pepsin is biologically inactive in this pH range.

Although conventional delayed‐release proton‐pump inhibitors effectively control daytime, food‐stimulated gastric acid secretion, they allow recovery of acid secretion during the night. Bedtime administration of immediate‐release omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid, Santarus, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) has been shown to be highly effective in maintaining overnight intragastric pH above 4 for prolonged periods.

Pharmacodynamic studies in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease have compared the effects of bedtime administration of immediate‐release omeprazole, to either predinner or bedtime administration of three different delayed‐release proton‐pump inhibitors. Bedtime administration of immediate‐release omeprazole was more effective at controlling overnight intragastric acidity than predinner administration of pantoprazole or bedtime administration of lansoprazole.
Structural Basis for Ribosome Recruitment and Manipulation by a Viral IRES RNA
Authors: Pfingsten Jennifer S. , Costantino David A. , Kieft Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2006

Canonical cap-dependent translation initiation requires a large number of protein factors that act in a stepwise assembly process. In contrast, internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs) are
cis
-acting RNAs that in some cases completely supplant these factors by recruiting and activating the ribosome using a single structured RNA. Here we present the crystal structures of the ribosome-binding domain from a Dicistroviridae intergenic region IRES at 3.1 angstrom resolution, providing a view of the prefolded architecture of an all-RNA translation initiation apparatus. Docking of the structure into cryo–electron microscopy reconstructions of an IRES-ribosome complex suggests a model for ribosome manipulation by a dynamic IRES RNA.
Mouse and Human Cell Activation by
N
-Dodecanoyl-
dl
-Homoserine Lactone, a
Chromobacterium violaceum
Autoinducer
Authors: Gomi Kazunori , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Tokue Yutaka , Fujimura Shigeru , Uehara Akiko , Takada Haruhiko , Watanabe Akira , Nukiwa Toshihiro
Published: November 2006

Chromobacterium violaceum
produces autoinducers, including homoserine lactones (HSLs), for genetic regulation. Among the seven HSLs derived from
C. violaceum
we evaluated, only C
12
-HSL stimulated the production of inflammatory cytokines in mammalian monocytic cell lines through the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway besides their quorum-sensing role, like 3-oxo-C
12
-HSL from
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
Rat Strains Differ in Susceptibility to
Ureaplasma parvum
-Induced Urinary Tract Infection and Struvite Stone Formation
Authors: Reyes Leticia , Reinhard Mary , O'Donell L. J. , Stevens Janet , Brown Mary B.
Published: November 2006

Individuals with struvite uroliths are susceptible to recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), sepsis, and renal disease. Unfortunately, little is known about the host-specific factors that predispose to this disease. In order to develop a rodent model that can address this problem, we inoculated female Fischer 344 (F344), Lewis (LEW), Sprague-Dawley (SD), and Wistar (WIS) rats with a host-adapted strain of
Ureaplasma parvum
. Animals were necropsied at 2 weeks postinoculation; 100% of F344, 42% of SD, 10% of LEW, and 10% of WIS rats remained infected. Severe bladder lesions and struvite calculi were seen in 64% of F344 rats; in other rat strains, bladder lesions were mild or absent. F344 rats with struvite uroliths had the highest urinary levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as GRO/KC, interleukin-1α (IL-1α), and IL-1β. F344 rats without struvite stones at necropsy had milder bladder lesions and significantly lower urinary levels of proinflammatory cytokines but a more prominent inflammatory response than did other rat strains. Based on our results, struvite stone formation is linked to a robust inflammatory response that does not resolve UTI but instead promotes damage to surrounding tissues.
Electrochemical Oxidation of But-2-yne-1,4-diol
Authors: Hlavatý Jaromír , Štícha Martin
Published: November 2006

But-2-yne-1,4-diol (1) was electrochemically oxidized on glassy carbon anode in a dry THF solution containing a quaternary ammonium salt, in an undivided cell giving di(1,3-dioxepan-2-yl)ethyne (5) in 80% yield. The electrochemically generated dialdehyde intermediate is assumedly acetalized in a fast reaction with THF. Dimerized product 6 was isolated in 85% yield after electrooxidation of diol 1 in dry 1,2-dimethoxyethane under similar conditions.