bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Intense-pulsed Light and Modified Kligman’s Formula for Management of the Moderate to Severe Melasma: A Comparative Study
Authors: Elethawi Ali Mozan Dhahir , Al-Gurairi Fahim Thabit
Published: February 2024

Background: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder that poses therapeutic challenges, so a variety of treatment modalities have been used in targeting pigmentation of melasma such as laser, Intense-pulsed light (IPL) and topical depigmented agents.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of Intense-pulsed light (IPL) with modified kligman formula (triple combination) versus IPL alone in the treatment of melasma.

Methods: Forty-one patients with melasma (20 group-A and 21 group -B) were selected, mostly of skin type III, IV and V.  Treatment is performed by using a session of IPL then daily use modified kligman formula at night and glycerin cream as moisturizer in the morning and with use of sunscreen in group -A for 4 sessions while group -B patients were treated by IPL alone at 4-week intervals. All the patients were photographed before starting the therapy and at the end of four IPL sessions. 

Results: Most of the patients in both groups had showed a good improvement in their melasma with the use of our treatment with adequate sun protection. The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores significantly decreased in both groups after the treatment especially in epidermal types and also mixed types though no statistical difference was established among final MASI values of patients with dermal type in group-B.

Conclusion:  The use of IPL sessions and triple mixture cream seems to be more effective than IPL sessions alone.  It is an easy and a good option for patients with melasma. Adverse effects were minimal and acceptable with good satisfaction rate among patients.
Advancing Coffee Leaf Rust Disease Management: A Deep Learning Approach for Accurate Detection and Classification Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Jayashree, A.  , Suresh, K. P.  , Raaga, R.
Published: February 2024

Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR), caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix, poses a severe threat to global coffee production. Timely detection is critical for effective control measures. This study employs Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to enhance CLR detection accuracy. Traditionally, this task relies on expert assessment. DL emerges as a promising approach, capable of autonomously extracting salient features. Our model, trained on a diverse dataset, accurately identifies CLR. Using 1365 meticulously curated images, the model undergoes rigorous preprocessing and augmentation. The DL-based approach achieves remarkable accuracy (98.89%), precision (99.00%), recall (98.07%), and an F1 score of (98.55%). These outcomes establish the CNN model as a proficient system for precise, real-time CLR diagnosis. This study contributes to the creation of an efficient system, safeguarding coffee orchard vitality and productivity.
Gastric Adenocarcinoma With Enteroblastic Differentiation: Lessons From a Rare Case
Authors: Takahashi Kunihiko , Yokoyama Masaya , Kita Junji , Hirayama Nobuo , Chochi Kentaro , Nakagawa Aya , Kinoshita Mayuko , Toyoda Hiroe , Kinoshita Kazuya , Omori Keita , Furihata Makoto , Furihata Tadashi , Sano Keiji , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Gastric adenocarcinoma with enteroblastic differentiation (GAED), also known as clear cell carcinoma or fetal gut-like adenocarcinoma, is a special type of adenocarcinoma characterized by primitive intestine-like structures. GAED partially overlaps with α-fetoprotein–producing gastric carcinoma (APGC). There is insufficient information on the biologic behavior of GAED, which has a worse prognosis compared with conventional gastric carcinoma (GC).

Case presentation

We introduce an 82-year-old man who presented 4 years ago with severe epigastralgia; the patient then underwent distal gastrectomy for a large GC. The patient received an initial diagnosis of well-to-moderately differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma with lymphatic invasion and without nodal involvement, resulting in a TNM classification of T1N0M0, stage IB. Follow-up computed tomography 31 months after the gastrectomy revealed a hepatic lesion. Lateral segmentectomy of the liver was performed for therapeutic diagnosis. Pathology specimens from the resected tissue were characterized by glycogen-rich neoplastic cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm with a focal glandular component on hematoxylin-eosin staining and periodic acid–Schiff staining. By retrospective analysis using immunohistochemical staining, Glypican 3 was partially positive and spalt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL-4) was strongly positive in the resected GC and metastatic hepatic carcinoma, indicating that GAED metastasized to the liver.

Conclusions

Although exceedingly rare, surgeons should recognize GAED as one of the special types of GC. Treatment guidelines for GAED have not yet been established; however, pathological confirmation of GAED when encountering an APGC by immunohistochemical staining for Glypican 3 and SALL-4 is essential to recognize its malignant biological behavior unlike conventional GC.
Bimetallic Ni-Fe Supported by Gadolinium Doped Ceria (GDC) Catalyst for CO2 Methanation
Authors: Kristiani Anis , Takeishi Kaoru , Jenie Siti Nurul Aisyiyah , Petrus Himawan Tri Bayu Murti
Published: February 2024

CO2 conversion into fuels and high value-added chemical feedstocks, such as methane, has gained novel interest as a crucial process for further manufacturing multi-carbon products. Methane, CH4, becomes a promising alternative for environmental and energy supply issues. Nickel-based catalysts were found to be very active and selective for CH4 production. The use of promoter and support material to develop high activity, high selectivity, and durable catalysts for CO2 methanation at low temperature is a challenge. Gadolinium-Doped Ceria (GDC) has been known as material for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) due to higher ionic conductivity and lower operating temperatures. However, few researches have been done regarding to CO2 methanation over GDC as catalyst support so far. In this present work, CO2 methanation was investigated over bimetallic Ni-Fe catalyst supported by GDC. The results showed that CH4 production rate by using Ni-Fe/GDC catalyst was higher than that of GDC at all reaction temperatures carried on. Ni-Fe/GDC showed remarkable CH4 production rate as of 17.73 mmol.gcat−1.h−1 at 280 °C. No catalytic activity was produced by GDC catalyst only. The highest CO2 conversion (46.50%) was observed at 280 °C, with almost 100% selectivity to CH4. The turnover frequency (TOF) value of Ni-Fe/GDC (4529.32 h−1) was the highest than that of Ni and common CO2 methanation catalyst, Ni/Al2O3 catalysts at 280 °C, further displaying the outstanding low-temperature catalytic activity. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
DNA adduct formation by 7H‐dibenzo[c,g]carbazole and its tissue‐ and organ‐specific derivatives in Chinese hamster V79 cell lines stably expressing cytochrome P450 enzymes
Authors: Gábelová Alena , Binková Blanka , Valovičová Zuzana , Šrám Radim J.
Published: November 2004

The cytochrome P4501A subfamily (CYP1A) is involved in the metabolic activation of 7H‐dibenzo[c,g]carbazole (DBC) and its tissue‐ and organ‐specific derivatives, N‐methyldibenzo[c,g]carbazole (MeDBC)and 5,9‐dimethyldibenzo[c,g]carbazole (diMeDBC). In this study, we have evaluated the relationship between the tissue specificity and 32P‐postlabeled adduct patterns produced by these compounds by using a panel of Chinese hamster V79 cell lines stably expressing human CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 and/or N‐acetyltransferase. Treatment of the parental cell lines V79MZ and V79NH, which are devoid of any CYP activity, with DBC and its derivatives did not result in detectable adducts. The highest DNA adduct levels were found in CYP1A1‐expressing V79MZh1A1 cells after DBC and MeDBC treatment (24.5 ± 7.2 and 16.2 ± 3.6 adducts/108 nucleotides, respectively). Exposure of this cell line to DBC resulted in five distinct spots, while six spots with different chromatographic mobilities were detected in MeDBC‐treated cells. DiMeDBC produced only very low levels of DNA adducts in V79MZh1A1 cells. DBC and MeDBC formed relatively low levels of DNA adducts in CYP1A2‐expressing V79MZh1A2 cells (0.7 ± 0.2 and 2.1 ± 1.2 adducts/108 nucleotides, respectively). DBC formed three weak spots and MeDBC five spots in V79MZh1A2 cells, and all the spots had different chromatographic mobilities. In contrast, diMeDBC did not induce any DNA adducts in these cells, although diMeDBC induced a significant dose‐dependent increase in micronucleus frequency under similar treatment conditions (r = 0.76; P < 0.001). The significant increase in DNA damage in the Comet assay following incubation of exposed cells with a repair‐specific endonuclease (Fpg protein) suggests that base modifications such as 8‐oxodG or Fapy‐adducts might be responsible for the genotoxicity of diMeDBC in V79MZh1A2 cells. The similarities between the DNA adduct patterns produced by DBC and MeDBC in V79MZh1A1 and V79MZh1A2 cells suggest that biotransformation mediated via CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 might depend on a PAH‐type pathway involving the aromatic ring system. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transformation of the microvascular system during multistage tumorigenesis
Authors: Ryschich Eduard , Schmidt Jan , Hämmerling Günter J. , Klar Ernst , Ganss Ruth
Published: November 2004

Simian virus SV40 large T Antigen expression in the islets of Langerhans of transgenic mice results in β‐cell hyperproliferation, onset of new blood vessel formation and the development of highly vascularized solid tumors. Angiogenesis in the RIPTag mouse model, as well as in human cancer, is a hallmark of multistage tumorigenesis and precedes the development of solid tumors. In our study, intravital microscopy was used to monitor changes in the blood vessel phenotype, microcirculation and leukocyte adhesion during the progression from normal islets to angiogenic islets and solid tumors. In RIP1‐Tag5 mice, an aberrant microangioarchitecture becomes apparent in early stages during spontaneous tumor development. Notably, the transition from normal to angiogenic islets is characterized by an increase in vessel diameter rather than vessel numbers. Thus, dilatation of existing vessels precedes vessel sprouting. Once initiated, neovascularization in angiogenic islets results in loss of vessel hierarchy and differentiation. Solid insulinomas display a higher vessel density and even more dramatic vessel heterogeneity as revealed by local “hot spots” of neovascularization and irregular vessel diameters. Strikingly, profound changes in the microangioarchitecture are already observed in early angiogenic islets suggesting that key features of the angiogenic vasculature are established prior to the expansion of tumor mass. Moreover, adhesion of leukocytes was found to be dramatically decreased in both angiogenic islets and solid tumors and correlates with morphological alterations of the vasculature. Thus, vessel transformation and reduced leukocyte‐endothelium interactions are not exclusively features of solid tumors but represent early events during tumorigenesis. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Geographical epidemiology of prostate cancer in Great Britain
Authors: Jarup Lars , Best Nicky , Toledano Mireille B. , Wakefield Jon , Elliott Paul
Published: November 2004

Prostate cancer incidence has increased during recent years, possibly linked to environmental exposures. Exposure to environmental carcinogens is unlikely to be evenly distributed geographically, which may give rise to variations in disease occurrence that is detectable in a spatial analysis. The aim of our study was to examine the spatial variation of prostate cancer in Great Britain at ages 45–64 years. Spatial variation was examined across electoral wards from 1975–1991. Poisson regression was used to examine regional, urbanisation and socioeconomic effects, while Bayesian mapping techniques were used to assess spatial variability. There was an indication of geographical differences in prostate cancer risk at a regional level, ranging from 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78–0.87) to 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1–1.3) across regions. There was significant heterogeneity in the risk across wards, although the range of relative risks was narrow. More detailed spatial analyses within 4 regions did not indicate any clear evidence of localised geographical clustering for prostate cancer. The absence of any marked geographical variability at a small‐area scale argues against a geographically varying environmental factor operating strongly in the aetiology of prostate cancer. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus type 16 E6‐enhanced susceptibility to apoptosis induced by TNF in A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line
Authors: Vikhanskaya Faina , Falugi Carla , Valente Piera , Russo Patrizia
Published: November 2004

In our study, we show that expression of HPV‐16 E6 sensitizes TNF‐induced cytotoxicity of human ovarian cancer cell line A2780. This effect is not related to a different number of TNF receptors present on cell membrane. The major induction of massive apoptosis induced by TNF is not p53‐ and p21waf‐1‐dependent but it is principally related to NF‐κB inhibition in A2780/E6 cells. Consistently to NF‐κB inhibition a rapidly release of cytochrome c and severe induction of DNA fragmentation are seen in A2780/E6 cells. Also in human colon cancer cell line HCT‐116/E6 the expression of HPV‐16 E6 enhances TNF‐cytotoxicity. This effect is not present in the HCT‐116/mu‐p53 clone (transfected with a dominant‐negative mutated p53 transgene). Thus, taken together all these observations suggest that HPV‐16 E6 sensitizes A2780 and HCT‐116 cells to TNF; this effect is not p53‐dependent, but it is essentially mediated through an inhibition in activating NF‐κB activities. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wear particles and surface topographies are modulators of osteoclastogenesis in vitro
Authors: Sommer Beatrice , Felix Rolf , Sprecher Christoph , Leunig Michael , Ganz Reinhold , Hofstetter Willy
Published: November 2004

Prosthetic and osteosynthetic implants from metal alloys will be indispensable in orthopedic surgery, as long as tissue engineering and biodegradable bone substitutes do not lead to products that will be applied in clinical routine for the repair of bone, cartilage, and joint defects. Therefore, the elucidation of the interactions between the periprosthetic tissues and the implant remains of clinical relevance and several factors are known to affect the longevity of implants. Within this study, the effects of metal particles and surface topography on the recruitment of osteoclasts was investigated in vitro in a coculture of osteoblasts and bone marrow cells. The cells were grown in the presence of particles of different sizes and chemical composition or on metal discs with polished or sandblasted surfaces, respectively. At the end of the culture, newly formed osteoclasts were counted. Osteoclastogenesis was reduced when particles were added directly to the coculture. The effect depended on the size of the particles, small particles exerting stronger effects than larger ones. The chemical composition of the particles, however, did not affect the development of osteoclasts. In cocultures grown on sandblasted surfaces, osteoclasts developed at higher rates than they did in cultures on polished surfaces. The data demonstrate that wear particles and implant surfaces affect osteoclastogenesis and thus may be involved in the induction of local bone resorption and the formation of osteolytic lesions, leading eventually to the loosening of orthopedic implants. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 67–76, 2005
Adhesive and mechanical properties of hydrogels influence neurite extension
Authors: Gunn Jonathan W. , Turner Suzanne D. , Mann Brenda K.
Published: November 2004

Photopolymerizable polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels conjugated with bioactive ligands were examined for their use as scaffolds in peripheral nerve regeneration applications. The bioactivity and mechanical properties of PEG hydrogels can be tailored through the integration of bioactive factors (adhesion ligands, proteolytic sites, growth factors) and the alteration of PEG concentrations, respectively. For peripheral nerve regeneration, it will be important to determine the type and concentration of the bioactive molecules required to improve neurite extension. In this study, cell adhesion ligands (RGDS, IKVAV, and YIGSR) were covalently attached to PEG hydrogels. Both the type and concentration of cell adhesion ligand used affected neurite extension. Extension from PC12 cells was greater on hydrogels with RGDS incorporated than IKVAV, and the optimal concentration for each ligand was different. Cells adhered to but did not extend neurites on hydrogels with YIGSR. Cells did not adhere to hydrogels containing RGES. Furthermore, different combinations of these ligands affected neurite extension to different degrees. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels also significantly affected neurite extension. PC12 cells grown on more flexible hydrogels exhibited the greatest degree of neurite extension. PEG hydrogels have thus been developed with varying biochemical and mechanical properties that may enhance nerve regeneration. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 91–97, 2005
Thrombin peptide (TP508) treatment of rat growth plate cartilage cells promotes proliferation and retention of the chondrocytic phenotype while blocking terminal endochondral differentiation
Authors: Schwartz Z. , Carney D.H. , Crowther R.S. , Ryaby J.T. , Boyan B.D.
Published: November 2004

A synthetic peptide representing the receptor‐binding domain of human thrombin (TP508, also known as Chrysalin®) accelerates fracture repair in rats via endochondral ossification and promotes repair of rabbit cartilage defects. To understand how this peptide might stimulate cartilage and bone formation, we employed an established in vitro model of growth plate cartilage regulation. Rat costochondral cartilage resting zone and growth zone chondrocytes were treated with 0, 0.07, 0.7, or 7 μg/ml TP508 or a scrambled peptide, TP508‐SP. Proliferation ([3H]‐thymidine incorporation) was examined in pre‐confluent cultures; effects on cell number, alkaline phosphatase activity, [35S]‐sulfate incorporation, and responsiveness to vitamin D metabolites were tested using confluent cultures. TP508 did not affect proliferation of resting zone cells but it caused a dose‐dependent increase in cell number and DNA synthesis of growth zone cells. Alkaline phosphatase specific activity of resting zone cells was reduced by TP508, whereas [35S]‐sulfate incorporation was increased. Neither parameter was affected in growth zone cell cultures. TP508 treatment for 24 h did not induce resting zone cells to respond to 1α,25(OH)2D3, either with respect to alkaline phosphatase activity or proteoglycan production. In contrast, TP508 treatment reduced the stimulatory effect of 24R,25(OH)2D3 on alkaline phosphatase but it did not alter the stimulatory effect of 24R,25(OH)2D3 on [35S]‐sulfate incorporation. In cultures treated for 48, 72, or 140 h with TP508, 1α,25(OH)2D3 restored alkaline phosphatase activity to control levels but did not stimulate activity over levels observed in untreated control cultures. The stimulatory effect of TP508 on [35S]‐sulfate incorporation was evident up to 48 h post‐confluence but at later time points, proteoglycan production was comparable to that seen in control cultures, control cultures challenged with 1α,25(OH)2D3, and cultures treated with TP508 followed by 1α,25(OH)2D3. TP508‐SP had no effect on any of the parameters tested. These results indicate that TP508 exerts maturation specific effects on chondrocytes in the endochondral lineage, promoting cartilage extracellular matrix synthesis over endochondral differentiation in resting zone cells and proliferation over differentiation of growth zone cells. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dorsal fin in the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias: A dynamic stabilizer for fast swimming
Authors: Lingham‐Soliar Theagarten
Published: November 2004

Transverse sections of the skin in the dorsal fin of the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, and spotted raggedtooth shark, Carcharias taurus, show large numbers of dermal fiber bundles, which extend from the body into the fin. The bundles are tightly grouped together in staggered formation (not arranged in a straight line or in rows). This arrangement of dermal fibers gives tensile strength without impeding fiber movement. Tangential sections indicate that the fibers in all three species are strained and lie at angles in excess of 60°. Of the three species investigated the dermal fibers in C. carcharias are the most densely concentrated and extend furthest distally along the dorsal fin. The overall results indicate that the dorsal fin of C. carcharias functions as a dynamic stabilizer and that the dermal fibers are crucial to this role. The fibers work like riggings that stabilize a ship's mast. During fast swimming, when the problems of yaw and roll are greatest, hydrostatic pressure within the shark increases and the fibers around the body, including in the dorsal fin, become taut, thereby stiffening the fin. During slow swimming and feeding the hydrostatic pressure is reduced, the fibers are slackened, and the muscles are able to exert greater bending forces on the fin via the radials and ceratotrichia. In C. carcharias there is a trade‐off for greater stiffness of the dorsal fin against flexibility. J. Morphol. 263:1–11, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Iterative receivers for coded MIMO signaling
Authors: Biglieri Ezio , Nordio Alessandro , Taricco Giorgio
Published: November 2004

In this tutorial paper, we describe iterative receivers that combine a soft decoder for a general space‐time code with a spatial‐interference canceler. The performance of these receivers is analyzed by using EXIT charts, a convenient graphical description that yields quite accurate results. By properly combining the EXIT characteristics of the canceler and of the decoder, the convergence behavior of the iterative algorithms can be understood, and design guidelines derived. The idea here is to observe that both the interference canceler and the decoder can be studied by examining the evolution of the extrinsic information passed along to the connected blocks. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symbol timing estimation in MIMO correlated flat‐fading channels
Authors: Wu Yik‐Chung , Serpedin Erchin
Published: November 2004

In this paper, the data aided (DA) and non‐data aided (NDA) maximum likelihood (ML) symbol timing estimators and their corresponding conditional Cramer–Rao bound (CCRB) and modified Cramer–Rao bound (MCRB) in multiple‐input‐multiple‐output (MIMO) correlated flat‐fading channels are derived. It is shown that the approximated ML algorithm in References [4,13] is just a special case of the DA ML estimator; while the extended squaring algorithm in Reference [14] is just a special case of the NDA ML estimator. For the DA case, the optimal orthogonal training sequences are also derived. It is found that the optimal orthogonal sequences resemble the Walsh sequences, but present different envelopes. Simulation results under different operating conditions (e.g. number of antennas and correlation between antennas) are given to assess and compare the performances of the DA and NDA ML estimators with respect to their corresponding CCRBs and MCRBs. It is found that (i) the mean square error (MSE) of the DA ML estimator is close to the CCRB and MCRB, (ii) the MSE of the NDA ML estimator is close to the CCRB but not to the MCRB, (iii) the MSEs of both DA and NDA ML estimators are approximately independent of the number of transmit antennas and are inversely proportional to the number of receive antennas, (iv) correlation between antennas has little effect on the MSEs of DA and NDA ML estimators and (v) DA ML estimator performs better than NDA ML estimator at the cost of lower transmission efficiency and higher implementation complexity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A space‐time channel simulator for MIMO channels based on the geometrical one‐ring scattering model
Authors: Pätzold Matthias , Hogstad Bjørn Olav
Published: November 2004

This paper introduces a general concept for the design of efficient multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) narrowband fading channel simulators. The proposed procedure is applied on a reference model for the geometrical one‐ring scattering model consisting of an infinite number of local scatterers laying on a ring around the mobile station (MS). The statistical properties of both the reference model and the simulation model are studied. Closed‐form solutions are presented, for example for the space‐time cross‐correlation function (CCF), the time autocorrelation function (ACF) and the two‐dimensional (2‐D) space CCF. It will be shown, how the parameters of the MIMO channel simulator can be determined for any given space‐time CCF describing the reference model. The excellent performance of the proposed space‐time channel simulator is demonstrated by comparing its temporal and spatial correlation properties with those of the reference model. Moreover, it is demonstrated how the channel simulator can be used to analyze the statistics of the capacity of MIMO channels from time‐domain simulations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pain prevalence and predictors among inpatients in a major Italian teaching hospital. A baseline survey towards a pain free hospital
Authors: Melotti Rita Maria , Samolsky‐Dekel Boaz Gedaliahu , Ricchi Ennio , Chiari Paolo , Di Giacinto Ida , Carosi Francesca , Di Nino GianFranco
Published: November 2004

Pain prevalence among inpatients is an important indicator of quality care; it may reach over 80% in various clinical settings. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in a teaching hospital to depict benchmark data regarding pain prevalence and predictors among the entire inpatient population. Overall 892 patients, ≥6 years old and hospitalized for at least 24 h in 57 hospital wards were interviewed using an internationally applied questionnaire. Patients self‐reported their pain intensity at the time of the interview (T0) and worst pain perceived during the previous 24 h (T‐1), using a numerical rating scale (NRS) and indicated current pain duration. Specific pain predictor data (hospital stay, gender, age and marital status) were obtained from patient medical charts. Pain prevalence at T0 was 38% and 52% at T‐1. Pain was moderate to severe (NRS ≥ 4) in 25% of the patients at T0 and in 40% at T‐1. High pain prevalence was found (at T0 and T‐1, respectively) in Radiotherapy (63%;77%), Obstetrics (68%;54%), and Surgery (59%;45%) wards. Gender was a prominent determinant as pain was significantly associated with females. Pain prevalence was high among young adults or divorced/separated individuals and low among pediatric patients (20%). Protracted hospitalization and prolonged pain duration were associated with major pain severity. Results yield Quality Assurance interventions to ameliorate pain undertreatment. Predictor analysis suggests that attention should be paid to pain management in young adults, socially vulnerable patients and those with protracted hospitalization and pain.
Impact of experimental trawling on the benthic assemblage along the Tuscany coast (north Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)
Authors: De Biasi Anna Maria
Published: November 2004

The impact of repeated experimental otter trawling, in the north Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean) was investigated using a spatially replicated sampling design. Macroscopic modifications of the seabed morphology were assessed by sidescan sonar. Alterations of the sediment texture and changes in macrobenthic infauna were assessed using a box-corer. The most obvious modifications of the seabed were trawl tracks caused by the passage of trawl doors through the sediments. Ephemeral but significant changes in the sediment composition were observed. Changes in the benthic assemblage were detected only 48 h after experimental trawling. The clearest changes were detected in the molluscan component. The present study suggests that recovery from trawling may take place within one month.
Vertical distribution and feeding patterns in fish foraging on the krill Meganyctiphanes norvegica
Authors: Onsrud M.S.R. , Kaartvedt S. , Røstad A. , Klevjer T.A.
Published: November 2004

Fish and krill were studied at a 120 m deep site in the Oslofjord, Norway. Herring (Clupea harengus), whiting (Merlangius merlangus), and Norway pout (Trisopterus esmarkii) were foraging on krill (Euphausiacea, Meganyctiphanes norvegica) during both day and night. During daytime, herring and whiting were foraging in the upper and middle part of the krill assemblage, while the deep-living, and often benthopelagic Norway pout was approaching the krill from below. Krill and fish ascended and fish schools dispersed at dusk. At night, herring and whiting were feeding near the surface, with the shallowest distribution suggested for herring. Norway pout foraged in midwater. Krill antipredator behaviour comprised diel vertical migration and instantaneous escape reactions, and the krill also appeared to actively seek out strata with low acoustic recordings of fish. Fish accumulated beneath the research vessel when the ship was anchored at a fixed location during acoustic studies, apparently resulting in artificially high local fish abundances. Since we suggest that krill respond to the presence of fish, such high fish abundance may bias studies of interactions between the fish predators and their krill prey.
Healing of the aponeurosis during recovery from aponeurotomy: Morphological and histological adaptation and related changes in mechanical properties
Authors: Jaspers R. T. , Brunner R. , Riede U. N. , Huijing P. A.
Published: November 2004

Aponeurotomy, which is the transection of an aponeurosis perpendicular to its length, is performed to lengthen spastic and/or short muscles. During recovery, the cut ends of the aponeurosis are reconnected by new connective tissue bridging both ends. The aim of this study is to investigate the histological features of this new connective tissue as well as its mechanical properties after recovery from aponeurotomy. For this purpose, aponeurotomy was performed on the proximal aponeurosis of rat m. gastrocnemius medialis (GM), which was followed by six weeks of recovery. The lengths of aponeurotic tissues were measured as a function of active muscle length. The results are compared to a control group as well as to the acute effects and a sham operated group.

Activation of the muscle at increasing lengths after aponeurotomy caused a gap between the cut ends of the aponeurosis. However, after recovery, new connective tissue is formed bridging the aponeurotic ends, consisting of thin collagen fibres, which are densely packed and generally arranged in the direction of the aponeurosis. The number of fibroblasts was three to five times higher than that of aponeurotic tissue of the intact parts as well as that of the acute and sham operated muscles. The strain of the new connective tissue as a function of active muscle length was shown to be about three times higher than that of the aponeurosis. It is concluded that the inserted new aponeurotic tissue is more compliant and that the aponeurosis becomes 10–15% longer than in untreated muscle. As a consequence, the muscle fibres located distally to the new aponeurotic tissue will become shorter than prior to aponeurotomy. This explains a shift of the length–force curve, which favours the restoration of the range of joint motion. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
C*-ALGEBRAS THAT ARE ISOMORPHIC AFTER TENSORING AND FULL PROJECTIONS
Authors: Kodaka Kazunori
Published: November 2004

Let $A$ be a unital $C^*$-algebra and for each $n\in\mathbb{N}$ let $M_n$ be the $n\times n$ matrix algebra over $\mathbb{C}$. In this paper we shall give a necessary and sufficient condition that there is a unital $C^*$-algebra $B$ satisfying $A\not\cong B$ but for which $A\otimes M_n\cong B\otimes M_n$ for some $n\in\mathbb{N}\setminus\{1\}$. Also, we shall give some examples of unital $C^*$-algebras satisfying the above property.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 46L05
ON THE COALGEBRAIC RING AND BOUSFIELD–KAN SPECTRAL SEQUENCE FOR A LANDWEBER EXACT SPECTRUM
Authors: Bendersky Martin , Hunton John R.
Published: November 2004

We construct a Bousfield–Kan (unstable Adams) spectral sequence based on an arbitrary (and not necessarily connective) ring spectrum $E$ with unit and which is related to the homotopy groups of a certain unstable $E$ completion $X_E^{\wedge}$ of a space $X$. For $E$ an $\mathbb{S}$-algebra this completion agrees with that of the first author and Thompson. We also establish in detail the Hopf algebra structure of the unstable cooperations (the coalgebraic module) $E_*(\underline{E}_*)$ for an arbitrary Landweber exact spectrum $E$, extending work of the second author with Hopkins and with Turner and giving basis-free descriptions of the modules of primitives and indecomposables. Taken together, these results enable us to give a simple description of the $E_2$-page of the $E$-theory Bousfield–Kan spectral sequence when $E$ is any Landweber exact ring spectrum with unit. This extends work of the first author and others and gives a tractable unstable Adams spectral sequence based on a $v_n$-periodic theory for all $n$.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 55P60; 55Q51; 55S25; 55T15. Secondary 55P47
A NOTE ON GROUP IDENTITIES IN DIVISION RINGS
Authors: Chebotar M. A. , Lee P.-H.
Published: November 2004

Let $D$ be a division ring whose group of units satisfies a non-trivial group identity $w$. Let $\alpha$ be the sum of positive degrees of indeterminates occurring in $w$. If the centre of $D$ contains more than $3\alpha$ elements, then $D$ is commutative.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 16R50. Secondary 16K20
WAVELET CHARACTERIZATIONS FOR ANISOTROPIC BESOV SPACES WITH 0<p<1
Authors: Garrigós Gustavo , Hochmuth Reinhard , Tabacco Anita
Published: November 2004

We present a wavelet characterization of anisotropic Besov spaces $B_{p,q}^{\bm{\alpha}}(\mathbb{R}^n)$, valid for the whole range $0\ltp,q\lt\infty$, and in terms of multi-resolution analyses with dilation adapted to the anisotropy of the space. Our proofs combine classical techniques based on Bernstein and Jackson-type inequalities, and nonlinear methods for the cases $p\lt1$. Among the consequences of our results, we characterize $B_{p,q}^{\bm{\alpha}}$ as a linear approximation space, and derive embeddings and interpolation formulae for $B_{p,q}^{\bm{\alpha}}$, which appear to be new in the literature when $p\lt1$.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 42B35; 42C40; 41A17
TRANSFORMATION OF STURM–LIOUVILLE PROBLEMS WITH DECREASING AFFINE BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: Binding Paul A. , Browne Patrick J. , Code Warren J. , Watson Bruce A.
Published: November 2004

We consider Sturm–Liouville boundary-value problems on the interval $[0,1]$ of the form $-y''+qy=\lambda y$ with boundary conditions $y'(0)\sin\alpha=y(0)\cos\alpha$ and $y'(1)=(a\lambda+b)y(1)$, where $a\lt0$. We show that via multiple Crum–Darboux transformations, this boundary-value problem can be transformed ‘almost’ isospectrally to a boundary-value problem of the same form, but with the boundary condition at $x=1$ replaced by $y'(1)\sin\beta=y(1)\cos\beta$, for some $\beta$.

AMS 2000 Mathematics subject classification: Primary 34B07; 47E05; 34L05
Associative Memory Based Image and Object Recognition by Quantum Holography
Authors: Loo Chu Kiong , Peruš Mitja , Bischof Horst
Published: November 2004

A quantum associative memory, much more natural than those of “quantum computers”, is presented. Neural-net-like processing with real-valued variables is transformed into processing with quantum waves. Successful computer simulations of image storage and retrieval are reported. Our Hopfield-like algorithm allows quantum implementation with holographic procedure using present-day quantum-optics techniques. This brings many advantages over classical Hopfield neural nets and quantum computers with logic gates.
Annual cycles of multiyear sea ice coverage of the Arctic Ocean: 1999–2003
Authors: Kwok R.
Published: November 2004

For the years 1999–2003, we estimate the time‐varying perennial ice zone (PIZ) coverage and construct the annual cycles of multiyear (MY, including second year) ice coverage of the Arctic Ocean using QuikSCAT backscatter, MY fractions from RADARSAT, and the record of ice export from satellite passive microwave observations. An area balance approach extends the winter MY coverage from QuikSCAT to the remainder of the year. From these estimates, the coverage of MY ice at the beginning of each year is 3774 × 103 km2 (2000), 3896 × 103 km2 (2001), 4475 × 103 km2 (2002), and 4122 × 103 km2 (2003). Uncertainties in coverage are ∼150 × 103 km2. In the mean, on 1 January, MY ice covers ∼60% of the Arctic Ocean. Ice export reduces this coverage to ∼55% by 1 May. From the multiple annual cycles, the area of first‐year (FY) ice that survives the intervening summers are 1192 × 103 km2 (2000), 1509 × 103 km2 (2001), and 582 × 103 km2 (2002). In order for the MY coverage to remain constant from year to year, these replenishment areas must balance the overall area export and melt during the summer. The effect of the record minimum in Arctic sea ice area during the summer of 2002 is seen in the lowest area of surviving FY ice of the three summers. In addition to the spatial coverage, the location of the PIZ is important. One consequence of the unusual location of the PIZ at the end of the summer of 2002 is the preconditioning for enhanced export of MY ice into the Barents and Kara seas. Differences between the minimums in summer sea ice coverage from our estimates and passive microwave observations are discussed.
A minimum time for the formation of Holden Northeast fan, Mars
Authors: Jerolmack Douglas J. , Mohrig David , Zuber Maria T. , Byrne Shane
Published: November 2004

The recently discovered deposits of a channelized fan located northeast of Holden Crater preserve a history of vertical and lateral accretion and avulsion of many channels, indicating water flowed freely across the surface of the fan during its construction. These sedimentary deposits, however, do not unambiguously discriminate between a deltaic or purely riverine origin for the feature. By using a numerical model describing fan construction solely by river channels, we estimate a minimum formation time of several decades to centuries. A minimum value for the total volume of transporting fluid required to construct the fan is modest, 900 km3, and may not have required precipitation.
Three‐dimensional MHD simulations of the magnetosphere of Uranus
Authors: Tóth Gábor , Kovács Dániel , Hansen Kenneth C. , Gombosi Tamas I.
Published: November 2004

We have successfully simulated the magnetosphere of Uranus for the time period of the Voyager 2 flyby in January 1986. On the basis of the Voyager measurements, a self‐consistent numerical solution is obtained with the parallel block adaptive three‐dimensional (3‐D) MHD code BATS‐R‐US. The time‐dependent simulation has been carried out with a new explicit‐implicit time integration scheme. By comparing corotating steady state solutions and a fully time‐dependent 3‐D simulation with the Voyager data, we show that the magnetosphere of Uranus at the time of the flyby can be regarded as stationary relative to the frame corotating with the planet. We obtained excellent agreement with the observed magnetic field vector along the whole path of the flyby, which includes the near‐Uranus offset dipole field as well as several current sheet crossings in the tail. The location of the bow shock and the magnetopause also agree to high accuracy. We are confident that our numerical solution is a good representation of the three‐dimensional magnetosphere of Uranus during the flyby. The numerical solution shows a twisted magnetotail with field lines that are also stretched due to the flow of plasma in the magnetotail.
Price impact on urban residential water demand: A dynamic panel data approach
Authors: Arbués Fernando , Barberán Ramón , Villanúa Inmaculada
Published: November 2004

In this paper, we formulate and estimate a model of residential water demand with the aim of evaluating the potential of pricing policies as a mechanism for managing residential water. The proposed econometric model offers a new perspective on urban water demand analysis by combining microlevel data with a dynamic panel data estimation procedure. The empirical application suggests that residential users are more responsive to a lagged average price specification. Another result of the estimated model is that price is a moderately effective tool in reducing residential water demand within the present range of prices, with the estimated values for income elasticity and “elasticity of consumption with respect to family size” reinforcing this conclusion.
Modeling the salinity of an inland coastal brackish karstic spring with a conduit‐matrix model
Authors: Arfib B. , de Marsily G.
Published: November 2004

The salinity of an inland coastal brackish karstic spring is modeled on the basis of a simple concept of fluid exchange through head differences between a continuous porous matrix and a karst conduit. The coastal aquifer is reduced to an equivalent porous medium (matrix) naturally invaded by seawater, crossed by a single karst conduit where fresh water and brackish water mix in variable proportions and flow up into the spring. A new numerical model with an upwind explicit finite difference scheme, called salt‐water intrusion in karst conduits (SWIKAC), was developed and successfully applied to the Almyros spring of Heraklio (Crete, Greece). The good fit of the model to the observed salinity in the spring validates the proposed conceptual model of salinization. It provides a quantitative description of the seawater intrusion inside the karst conduit. The results open up new perspectives for managing the fragile and precious fresh water resources in karstic coastal zones.
Ubiquitination of the peroxisomal import receptor Pex5p
Authors: PLATTA Harald W. , GIRZALSKY Wolfgang , ERDMANN Ralf
Published: November 2004

Proteins harbouring a peroxisomal targeting signal of type 1 (PTS1) are recognized by the import receptor Pex5p in the cytosol which directs them to a docking and translocation complex at the peroxisomal membrane. We demonstrate the ubiquitination of Pex5p in cells lacking components of the peroxisomal AAA (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) or Pex4p–Pex22p complexes of the peroxisomal protein import machinery and in cells affected in proteasomal degradation. In cells lacking components of the Pex4p–Pex22p complex, mono-ubiquitinated Pex5p represents the major modification, while in cells lacking components of the AAA complex polyubiquitinated forms are most prominent. Ubiquitination of Pex5p is shown to take place exclusively at the peroxisomal membrane after the docking step, and requires the presence of the RING-finger peroxin Pex10p. Mono- and poly-ubiquitination are demonstrated to depend on the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc4p, suggesting that the ubiquitinated forms of Pex5p are targeted for proteasomal degradation. Accumulation of ubiquitinated Pex5p in proteasomal mutants demonstrates that the ubiquitination of Pex5p also takes place in strains which are not affected in peroxisomal biogenesis, indicating that the ubiquitination of Pex5p represents a genuine stage in the Pex5p receptor cycle.
The gene encoding human retinoic acid-receptor-related orphan receptor α is a target for hypoxia-inducible factor 1
Authors: CHAUVET Caroline , BOIS-JOYEUX Brigitte , BERRA Edurne , POUYSSEGUR Jacques , DANAN Jean-Louis
Published: November 2004

Retinoic acid-receptor-related orphan receptor (ROR) α is a nuclear receptor involved in many pathophysiological processes such as cerebellar ataxia, inflammation, atherosclerosis and angiogenesis. In the present study we first demonstrate that hypoxia increases the amount of Rora transcripts in a wide panel of cell lines derived from diverse tissues. In addition, we identified a functional promoter sequence upstream of the first exon of the human Rora gene, spanning −487 and −45 from the translation initiation site of RORα1. When cloned in a luciferase reporter vector, this sequence allowed the efficient transcription of the luciferase gene in several cell lines. Interestingly, the activity of the Rora promoter was enhanced by hypoxia in HepG2 human hepatoma cells, and this effect was dependent on an HRE (hypoxia response element) spanning from −229 to −225. Using electrophoretic-mobility-shift assays, we showed that HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1), which plays a key role in the transcriptional response to hypoxia, bound to this HRE. Overexpression of HIF-1α increased the activity of the Rora promoter through the HRE. Overexpression of a dominant-negative form of HIF-1α producing transcriptionally inactive HIF-1α/HIF-1β dimers abolished hypoxic activation of the Rora promoter. This indicated that HIF-1 is involved in the response of RORα to hypoxia. Taken together, our data reveal Rora as a new HIF-1 target gene. This illustrates, at the molecular level, the existence of cross-talk between signalling pathways mediated by HIF-1 and those mediated by nuclear receptors.
Direct activation of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter by natural plant flavonoids
Authors: MONTERO Mayte , LOBATÓN Carmen D. , HERNÁNDEZ-SANMIGUEL Esther , SANTODOMINGO Jaime , VAY Laura , MORENO Alfredo , ALVAREZ Javier
Published: November 2004

During cell activation, mitochondria play an important role in Ca2+ homoeostasis due to the presence of a fast and specific Ca2+ channel in its inner membrane, the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter. This channel allows mitochondria to buffer local cytosolic [Ca2+] changes and controls the intramitochondrial Ca2+ levels, thus modulating a variety of phenomena from respiratory rate to apoptosis. We have described recently that SB202190, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), strongly activated the uniporter. We show in the present study that a series of natural plant flavonoids, widely distributed in foods, produced also a strong stimulation of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter. This effect was of the same magnitude as that induced by SB202190 (an approx. 20-fold increase in the mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake rate), developed without measurable delay and was rapidly reversible. In intact cells, the mitochondrial Ca2+ peak induced by histamine was also largely increased by the flavonoids. Stimulation of the uniporter by either flavonoids or SB202190 did not require ATP, suggesting a direct effect on the uniporter or an associated protein which is not mediated by protein phosphorylation. The most active compound, kaempferol, increased the rate of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake by 85±15% (mean±S.E.M., n=4) and the histamine-induced mitochondrial Ca2+ peak by 139±19% (mean±S.E.M., n=5) at a concentration of 1 μM. Given that flavonoids can reach this concentration range in plasma after ingestion of flavonoid-rich food, these compounds could be modulating the uniporter under physiological conditions.