bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgery for gastrointestinal stromal tumour in the post‐imatinib era
Authors: Neuhaus Susan J. , Clark Matthew A. , Hayes Andrew J. , Thomas Joseph M. , Judson Ian
Published: March 2005

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is a rare tumour. Historically, surgery has been the only effective treatment. The prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumour is poor. Even after apparently ‘curative’ surgical resection more than 50% of patients relapse. The development of an effective novel targeted therapy against GIST (imatinib mesylate) is a success story of molecular biology that has dramatically altered the management of patients with these tumours. However, as follow up of patients who have initially responded to imatinib has increased, it has become evident that such hopes of cure were premature because responses to imatinib are of limited duration. Unresolved issues include the role of imatinib as an induction (neo‐adjuvant) therapy prior to surgery, or as adjuvant treatment after surgery, the role of surgery in patients with a differential or partial response and the role of surgery in patients with isolated metastatic disease. In the present paper the biology and natural history of GIST are reviewed, and the complexities of surgical management that exist in the context of an effective, but not curative, biological therapy, are addressed.
Umbilical vein catheterization under electrocardiogram guidance
Authors: TSUI BAN C.H. , RICHARDS GARETH J. , AERDE JOHN VAN
Published: March 2005

Background:  In the neonate, umbilical venous catheters (UVC) are inserted and advanced blindly to a predetermined length from the umbilicus. The reported rates for UVC misplacement into the liver (and occasionally the spleen) range from 20 to 37%. Radiographs are routinely used to confirm the positioning of UVCs. This involves movement of often critically ill infants, as well as radiation exposure. This pilot study examines the potential value of confirming UVC placement in neonates using ECG.

Methods:  In critically ill neonates, a conductive Johans ECG adapter was connected to a UVC. A satisfactory tracing (lead II) was obtained (right arm lead connected to the adapter) when the UVC was filled with saline solution allowing the catheter tip to become a unipolar ECG electrode. The UVC was then advanced from the umbilicus until the tip reached the inferior vena cava (IVC) within the thoracic region, as demonstrated by appearance of normal sized QRS complexes with small P‐waves. A small QRS indicated the catheter was below the diaphragm. The appearance of a tall positive P‐wave indicated the tip was at the right atrium level. The UVC was then withdrawn until the P‐wave size returned to normal. The final UVC position was later confirmed by X‐ray.

Results:  Eight neonates were studied. The figure shows typical ECG tracings when the UVC was placed in the liver, IVC, and right atrium, respectively. Three malpositioned catheters were detected (2 into liver and 1 into spleen).

Conclusions:  Based on these cases, the insertion of UVCs in neonates can be guided with ECG by observing sequential and characteristic alterations in P‐waves and QRS complexes, thereby reducing the use of X‐rays. In addition, this technique could prove to be beneficial in remote healthcare facilities where X‐ray machines may not be readily available and quick intravenous access is required to transport sick neonates to major centers.
Narrative ethics in nursing for persons with intellectual disabilities1
Authors: Meininger Herman P.
Published: March 2005

Abstract Both in the Netherlands and in Britain, practices of ‘life story work’ have emerged in nursing for persons with intellectual disabilities. The narrative approach to care and support may at the same time be considered as an attempt to compensate for the ‘disabled authorship’ of many persons with intellectual disabilities and as a sign of controversy with standard practices of diagnosis and treatment that tend to neglect the personal identities of both clients and care givers, their particular historical and relational contexts and their spiritual needs. This paper argues that narrative ethics not only offers an appropriate moral framework for practices of life story work, but that these practices are a narrative ethics in action. Starting with an account of the concept of ‘life story work’ as it has been introduced in nursing practices in the field of intellectual disability, the paper explains its relationship with key characteristics of narrative ethics. The teleological dimension in narrative ethics and in practices of life story work sparks off a dialectic process of understanding of the client and self‐understanding of the care giver. It also invites a respect for life in its openness toward the future and presupposes an openness toward other possible versions of the life narrative. The phenomenological and hermeneutic‐interpretative methodologies in narrative ethics aim at a ‘sudden moment of intimacy’ in relationships of nurses and clients. The ‘epiphany’ of this essential moment of recognition, insight and engagement cannot, however, be brought about by methodology.
Reorganization of language‐related neuronal networks in patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy – an fMRI study
Authors: Brázdil M. , Chlebus P. , Mikl M. , Pažourková M. , Krupa P. , Rektor I.
Published: March 2005

To investigate the inter‐ and intrahemispheric reorganization of the language cortex in left temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with left‐sided hippocampal sclerosis. A functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 13 right‐handed patients suffering from medically intractable left TLE, and in 13 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls. The activation paradigm used was a silent word generation task. A language laterality index (LI) was calculated from the number of activated voxels in the right and left anterior two‐thirds of the hemispheres. Significant differences between the patients and the controls were observed in the activation of the left‐sided inferior frontal gyrus. Less consistent findings in this region, as well as the relative protection of Broca's area from the activation, were revealed in the patients. In addition, different patterns of activation were proven in the cerebellum and other cortical as well as subcortical brain structures within both hemispheres. Significant differences were also found in the values of the language LIs between the investigated groups: these values suggested a more bihemispheric language representation in the patients. As anticipated, lateralization of the language functions in the epileptics significantly decreased in connection with an earlier age of initial insult. Our results support the hypothesis of a significant intra‐ and interhemispheric functional reorganization of language‐related neuronal networks in left TLE.
Duration of Attacks of First Division Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Pareja JA , Cuadrado ML , Caminero AB , Barriga FJ , Barón M , Sánchez-del-Río M
Published: March 2005

Objective measurements of duration of attacks have been performed in 8 (5 female and 3 male) patients suffering from primary first division (V-1) trigeminal neuralgia. The mean age of the patients was 67.5 ± 11.4 years, and the mean age at onset 64.0 ± 9.7 years. During the study the patients were off treatment. A total of 192 attacks were witnessed by the authors and exactly timed by a stop-watch. The duration of attacks ranged from 2 to 32 s, with a mean of 6.5 ± 6.1 s. The unweighted mean was 8.8 ± 5.7 s, with a range of 2.4-17.5 s. With the present data the duration of attacks of V-1 neuralgia has been exactly determined, and the clinical distinction of V-1 neuralgia from other shortlasting headaches, particularly from SUNCT, has been substantially clarified.
Intrahepatic circulatory time analysis of an ultrasound contrast agent in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hirota Masashi , Kaneko Tetsuya , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Kure Shigehiro , Inoue Soichiro , Takeda Shin , Nakao Akimasa
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy and advantages of intrahepatic circulatory time analysis of an ultrasound contrast agent using pulse‐inversion imaging as compared with recently reported noninvasive diagnostic tests for cirrhosis.

Methods: Forty patients divided into noncirrhotic (nonLC) (n=20) and compensated cirrhotic (LC) (n=20) groups were studied prospectively. After intravenous administration of a contrast agent, the arrival times at the hepatic artery (HA), portal vein (PV), and hepatic vein (HV) were measured by pulse‐inversion imaging. Intrahepatic circulatory time was calculated as the difference between the HV and HA arrival times (HV–HA interval time) or the HV and PV arrival times (HV–PV interval time).

Results: The HV–HA and HV–PV interval times were significantly shorter in the LC group (7.4±1.7 and 1.9±1.5 s, respectively) compared with those in the nonLC group (normal: 15.6±2.1 and 11.1±1.7 s, respectively; P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively, and hepatitis: 12.8±4.1 and 7.8±4.4 s, respectively; P<0.001 and P<0.002, respectively). Each intrahepatic circulatory time showed the highest accuracy rate for cirrhosis in other noninvasive diagnostic tests.

Conclusions: This analysis, which is considered to reflect intrahepatic hemodynamic changes, is a useful noninvasive diagnostic test for compensated cirrhosis.
Blood‐filled spaces with and without deproteinized bone grafts in guided bone regeneration
Authors: Okazaki Kousuke , Shimizu Yoshinaka , Xu Hui , Ooya Kiyoshi
Published: March 2005

Abstract: This experimental study evaluated the effects of deproteinized bone grafts on guided bone regeneration (GBR). A groove was made in the bone marrow of the external cortical plate of the skull. A dome of non‐resorbable membrane was placed on the groove and secured with titanium pins. The secluded graft space was filled with autogenous blood clots (control group) and deproteinized bone particles (experimental group). The rabbits were sacrified 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the operation. Decalcified and paraffin‐embedded, transverse 3‐μm‐thick sections were made and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The proportions of newly formed bone and newly formed bone‐graft particle contact surfaces were histomorphometrically measured in the basal, central, and peripheral areas from the cortical plate to the top of the dome. In the control group, the basal area showed a significant increase at 4 weeks (P<0.01) and a significant decrease at 8 weeks (P<0.01). The central and peripheral areas showed gradual increases in the proportion of newly formed bone. The experimental group showed significant increase at 4 weeks in the basal area and at 8 weeks in central and peripheral area (P<0.01). There were significant differences between both groups in basal and central area (P<0.01). The proportion of newly formed bone‐graft particle contact length showed significant increases at 4 weeks (P<0.01) and no significant decreases at 8 and 12 weeks in three areas. The present study showed that deproteinized bone grafts maintain newly formed bone in extensive areas for a prolonged period during GBR.
Bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)
Authors: COOPER Ross G.
Published: March 2005

The ostrich is susceptible to microorganisms of bacterial, fungal and parasitic origin. Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is dangerous to other livestock and humans. Salmonella is transmitted from rodents or wild bird reservoirs. Pausterellosis caused by Pasteurella multocida results in air sac infections in ostriches. Colibacillosis is caused by Escherichia coli. Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium, is very rare in ostriches. Aspergillosis principally afflicts chicks. Zygomycosis, a secondary fungal infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract, is caused by Basidia, Mucor and Rhizopus. Leucocytozoon struthionis and Plasmodium spp. are harmless protozoa transmitted from flying arthropods. The tapeworm, Houttuynia struthionis, is dangerous in young ostriches. The adult ratite fluke (Philophthalmus gralli) is transmitted to ostriches following ingestion of infected freshwater crustaceans. Tick infestations of ostrich skin in Africa include Amblyomma spp., Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus turanicus and Argus spp. The ostrich quillmite (Pterolichus bicaudatus) and louse (Struthioliperus struthionus) may lower skin and leather quality via pruritis and/or excessive preening and feather loss. Nemododa infections are rare.
In vitro formation of holes on the inner perivitelline layer of quail ovum by chicken spermatozoa
Authors: WIN Mar Mar , MIYAGI Yuki , ASHIZAWA Koji , TATEMOTO Hideki , NAKADA Tadashi
Published: March 2005

The aim of the present study was to examine whether chicken semen can be substituted for quail semen to conduct in vitro experiments on fertilization. Chicken spermatozoa was incubated with the inner perivitelline layer (IPL) isolated from the largest follicle in the quail ovary under in vitro conditions. The perforation of chicken and quail spermatozoa were assessed by counting the number of all visible holes in the pieces of IPL. No difference was found in the number of holes formed by the chicken sperm and quail IPL interaction compared with that between intraspecies. In addition, the number of holes in the IPL was significantly increased with the increase in sperm concentration from 1 × 106 to 8 × 106 sperm/mL (P < 0.05). Interestingly, after treatment of chicken spermatozoa with 2.5 mg/mL of the solubilized quail IPL followed by incubation with the intact chicken IPL, the number of holes in the intact chicken IPL was significantly decreased as compared with that of spermatozoa treated without the solubilized IPL (P < 0.05). This indicates that sperm receptors in the solubilized quail IPL and binding ligands on the chicken spermatozoa would find each other and bind, forming complexes and these complexes blocked the interaction between chicken spermatozoa and intact chicken IPL. These results show that: (i) chicken spermatozoa possess the penetrability into quail IPL; and (ii) a high degree of affinity via the receptor interactions exists between chicken spermatozoa and quail IPL. Therefore, it appears that the substitution of chicken semen for quail semen is possible to use as an in vitro technique to examine the sperm‐IPL interaction during fertilization in quail.
Effects of feeding and animal performance on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium excretion by Holstein cows
Authors: KOJIMA Hideki , KUME Shin‐ichi , NONAKA Kazuhisa , OSHITA Tomoko , KOZAKAI Takaharu , HIROOKA Hiroyuki
Published: March 2005

Thirty‐four Holstein dry cows and 16 lactating cows were used in balance trials to identify the effects of feeding and animal performance on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) excretion by dairy cows, and to develop prediction models for these excreta. Orchard grass silage, corn silage, alfalfa silage or timothy hay were offered to dry cows. Orchard grass silage or alfalfa silage, and concentrates were offered to lactating cows. In the statistical analysis, the independent variables were bodyweight (kg), dry matter (DM) intake (kg/day), milk yield (for lactating cows only, kg/day), water intake (free water plus water in feed, kg/day), intake (g/day) of N, P and K and dietary contents (% of DM) of crude protein, P and K. The dependent variables were N, P and K excretion (g/day) in feces and urine. In both dry and lactating cows, intake of N, P and K had large effects on corresponding excretion. The results indicated that a decrease in the intake of N, P and K could decrease the corresponding excretion. Further research by path analysis showed that K intake positively affected urinary N excretion in dry cows indirectly, through water intake and urine volume.
Weight monitoring of breastfed babies in the UK – centile charts, scales and weighing frequency
Authors: Sachs Magda , Dykes Fiona , Carter Bernie
Published: March 2005

Weighing infants during their first 6 months is an important focus of growth monitoring and a common activity of child health care services worldwide. In these same months, health workers provide support for breastfeeding and promote continued exclusive breastfeeding. The literature on the practice of weighing breastfed babies is reviewed, as it applies to the United Kingdom. The shape of the growth curves for breastfed babies differs from that of formula‐fed infants and also from centile charts previously in use. The World Health Organization commitment to the production of a new growth reference has generated discussion of the implications of charts in use. The country‐specific charts in use in the UK are examined and the data used to construct them discussed with reference to clinical use for breastfed infants. Recent UK discussions on charts, as well as on the frequency of routine weighing for babies in the community are considered, and the available evidence on the accuracy of weighing in practice is noted. The choices made in constructing different charts; the physical condition of scales and their use in practice have implications for plotted growth. This paper aims to present a wide range of evidence available in this area in order to encourage debate on practice. A companion paper will discuss issues of interpretation, conveying information to parents, and interventions.
Investigation of the First Events Leading to Loss of Culturability during
Escherichia coli
Starvation: Future Nonculturable Bacteria Form a Subpopulation
Authors: Cuny Caroline , Dukan Laure , Fraysse Laetitia , Ballesteros Manuel , Dukan Sam
Published: March 2005

In previous experiments we were able to separate, using a nondestructive separation technique, culturable and nonculturable bacteria, from a Luria-Bertani (LB) medium culture of
Escherichia coli
incubated for 48 h. We observed in the nonculturable bacterial population an increase in oxidative damage and up-induction of most defenses against reactive oxygen species (ROS), along with a decrease in cytoplasmic superoxide dismutases. In this study, using the same separation technique, we separated into two subpopulations a 10-h LB medium culture containing only culturable bacteria. For the first time, we succeeded in associating physical separation with physiological differences. Although the levels of defense against ROS (RpoS, RpoH, OxyR, and SoxRS regulons) and oxidative damage (carbonyl contents) were apparently the same, we found that bacteria in one subpopulation were more sensitive to LB medium starvation and to various stresses, such as phosphate buffer starvation, heat shock, and hydrogen peroxide exposure. Based on these results, we suggest that these physiological differences reflect uncharacterized bacterial modifications which do not directly involve defenses against ROS.
Role of the Extracytoplasmic Function Protein Family Sigma Factor RpoE in Metal Resistance of
Escherichia coli
Authors: Egler Monique , Grosse Cornelia , Grass Gregor , Nies Dietrich H.
Published: March 2005

RpoE of
Escherichia coli
is a sigma factor of the extracytoplasmic function protein family and is required for the expression of proteins involved in maintaining the integrity of periplasmic and outer membrane components. RpoE of
E. coli
was needed for full resistance to Zn(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II). Promoter gene fusion and quantitative real time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR (qRT-PCR) assays demonstrated that expression of RpoE was induced by metals. Global gene expression profiles upon metal treatment of a Δ
rpoE
mutant strain and its wild-type strain were analyzed with microarrays, and selected genes were confirmed by qRT-PCR. The absolute number of genes that were changed in their expression upon metal stress was similar in both strains, but the increase or decrease in transcript levels upon metal treatment was smaller in the Δ
rpoE
mutant strain than in the wild type. Genes showing increased expression in the Δ
rpoE
mutant strain encoded proteins that belong to general defense systems against protein-denaturing agents. Genes showing decreased expression were part of the RpoE modulon itself plus the
ompC
gene, encoding a major outer membrane protein. A Δ
ompC
deletion strain was as sensitive to Cu(II) and Cd(II) as the Δ
rpoE
mutant or a Δ
rpoE
Δ
ompC
double mutant strain. In the case of Zn(II), the double mutant was more sensitive than either single mutant. This indicates that increased expression of OmpC contributes to the RpoE modulon-mediated response to metals.
High-Frequency Phase Variation of
Vibrio vulnificus
1003: Isolation and Characterization of a Rugose Phenotypic Variant
Authors: Grau Brenda L. , Henk Margaret C. , Pettis Gregg S.
Published: March 2005

The marine bacterium
Vibrio vulnificus
is a human pathogen that can spontaneously switch between virulent opaque and avirulent translucent phenotypes. Here, we document an additional form, the rugose variant, which produces copious biofilms and which may contribute both to pathogenicity of
V. vulnificus
and to its survival under adverse environmental conditions.
Identification of Cohesive Ends and Genes Encoding the Terminase of Phage16-3
Authors: Ganyu Anita , Csiszovszki Zsolt , Ponyi Tamás , Kern András , Buzás Zsuzsanna , Orosz László , Papp Péter P.
Published: March 2005

Cohesive ends of16-3, a temperate phage ofRhizobium meliloti41, have been identified as 10-base-long, 3′-protruding complementary G/C-rich sequences.terSandterLencode the two subunits of16-3terminase. Significant homologies were detected among the terminase subunits of phage16-3and other phages from various ecosystems.
TEMPERATURE SCALING OF THE FLUX PINNING FORCE FOR SmBa2Cu3O7-x SINGLE CRYSTAL
Authors: ZHANG L. , LIU G. , LENG X. , XU X. B. , DING S. Y. , YAO X.
Published: March 2005

Magnetic critical current density was measured at various temperatures and fields for SmBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x single crystal. Pronounced second peaks were observed at intermediate fields and temperatures. Normalized pinning force density [Formula: see text] exhibited a clear scaling law when H was normalized by H max where the pinning force density has the maximum value. This is an indication that a single pinning mechanism exists in the investigated temperature region.
AN APPLICATION OF NEURAL NETWORKS TO SEQUENCE ANALYSIS AND GENRE IDENTIFICATION
Authors: BISANT DAVID
Published: March 2005

This study borrowed a technique from molecular sequence analysis and applied it to genre identification, which is the process of determining the type or family of a given document. For example, is the document a letter, a news story, a horoscope, a joke, an advertisement, a pornographic story, etc. Genre identification allows a computer user to further filter email and web sites in a way that is totally different from topic-based methods. This study presents original research in an application of machine learning to the genre identification problem. The specific method selected for the application was neural modeling.

The data for the study came from a database constructed by the author and his colleagues. The data consisted of descriptive features and the genre classification, as judged by a human, from over 5,000 different documents. Ten different genres were represented. The descriptive features consisted of 89 different measurements of each document such as average word length, the number of numeric terms, the proportion of present tense verbs, etc. The data was divided into two sets, with 75% set aside for training and 25% reserved separately for testing.

The first neural network applied was a very basic single layer network that achieved 79% correct classifications on the testing data. This performance was equivalent to the previous best method on the problem, decision trees. When more complex neural networks were applied to the problem, performance increased significantly. The best performance of 86% correct classifications was achieved by a network with a single hidden layer of 300 units. Increasing the number of hidden layers, or changing the number of hidden units did not improve performance. The best score is also a significant improvement over scores obtained from topic-based filters.

The neural networks were further used to determine which input features were most influential in the classifications by the networks. The average magnitude of the weights coming from each feature was computed after training. The analysis indicated that 10% of the features were not of any use to the networks. An additional 10% were very influential and were responsible for most of the performance of the networks. The remaining 80% varied between marginally useful to useful.

The analysis of the features indicated that second-order information was being exploited by the networks for better performance. This means that on this problem, neural networks will outperform statistical models or other methods that only utilize first-order information.
EFFECTS OF NONSINGULAR PREPROCESSING ON FEEDFORWARD NETWORK TRAINING
Authors: YU CHANGHUA , MANRY MICHAEL T. , LI JIANG
Published: March 2005

In the neural network literature, many preprocessing techniques, such as feature de-correlation, input unbiasing and normalization, are suggested to accelerate multilayer perceptron training. In this paper, we show that a network trained with an original data set and one trained with a linear transformation of the original data will go through the same training dynamics, as long as they start from equivalent states. Thus preprocessing techniques may not be helpful and are merely equivalent to using a different weight set to initialize the network. Theoretical analyses of such preprocessing approaches are given for conjugate gradient, back propagation and the Newton method. In addition, an efficient Newton-like training algorithm is proposed for hidden layer training. Experiments on various data sets confirm the theoretical analyses and verify the improvement of the new algorithm.
Angiotensin II Induces Calcium-Dependent Rhythmic Activity in a Subpopulation of Rat Hypothalamic Median Preoptic Nucleus Neurons
Authors: Spanswick David , Renaud Leo P.
Published: March 2005

Whole cell patch-clamp recordings revealed a subpopulation (16%, n = 18/112) of rat median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) neurons responded to bath-applied angiotensin II (Ang II; 100 nM to 5 μM; 30–90 s) with a prolonged TTX-resistant membrane depolarization and rhythmic bursting activity. At rest, cells characteristically displayed relatively low input resistance and negative resting potentials. Ang-II-induced responses featured increased input resistance, a reversal potential of −95 ± 2 mV, an increase in action potential duration from 2.9 ± 0.5 to 4.3 ± 0.8 ms, and the appearance of a rebound excitation at the offset of membrane responses to hyperpolarizing current injection. The latter was sensitive to Ni2+ (0.5–1 mM; n = 5), insensitive to extracellular Cs+ (1 mM, n = 7), and intracellular QX-314 (4 mM, n = 5), consistent with activation of a T-type Ca2+ conductance. Coincident with the Ang-II-induced depolarization was the appearance of rhythmic depolarizing shifts at a frequency of 0.14 ± 0.09 Hz with superimposed bursts of 4–22 action potentials interspersed with silent periods persisting for >1 h after washout. These TTX-resistant depolarizing shifts increased in amplitude and decreased in frequency with membrane hyperpolarization with activity ceasing beyond approximately –80mV, and were abolished in low-Ca2+/high-Mg2+ bathing medium ( n = 6), Co2+ (1 mM; n = 6), or Ni2+ (0.5–1 mM; n = 8). Thus in a subpopulation of MnPO neurons, Ang II induces “pacemaker-like” activity by reducing a K+-dependent leak conductance that contributes to resting membrane potential and promoting of Ca2+-dependent regenerative auto-excitation mediated, in part, by a T-type Ca2+ conductance.
Sensorimotor Nucleus NIf Is Necessary for Auditory Processing But Not Vocal Motor Output in the Avian Song System
Authors: Cardin Jessica A. , Raksin Jonathan N. , Schmidt Marc F.
Published: March 2005

Sensorimotor integration in the avian song system is crucial for both learning and maintenance of song, a vocal motor behavior. Although a number of song system areas demonstrate both sensory and motor characteristics, their exact roles in auditory and premotor processing are unclear. In particular, it is unknown whether input from the forebrain nucleus interface of the nidopallium (NIf), which exhibits both sensory and premotor activity, is necessary for both auditory and premotor processing in its target, HVC. Here we show that bilateral NIf lesions result in long-term loss of HVC auditory activity but do not impair song production. NIf is thus a major source of auditory input to HVC, but an intact NIf is not necessary for motor output in adult zebra finches.
A Stereoscopic Look at Visual Cortex
Authors: Neri Peter
Published: March 2005

Three recent studies offer new insights into the way visual cortex handles binocular disparity signals. Two of these studies recorded from single neurons in two different visual areas of the monkey brain, one (V5/MT) in dorsal and one (V4) in ventral cortex. While V5/MT neurons respond similarly to neurons in primary visual cortex (V1), V4 neurons appear to reflect a more advanced stage in the analysis of retinal disparity, closer to the perceptual experience of stereoscopic depth. Both studies are consistent with a third study using fMRI to address similar questions in humans. Together with previous evidence, these results suggest a new framework for understanding stereoscopic processing based on the separation between ventral and dorsal streams in visual cortex.
Requirement of the MAP kinase signaling pathways for mouse preimplantation development
Authors: Maekawa Momoko , Yamamoto Takuya , Tanoue Takuji , Yuasa Yasuhito , Chisaka Osamu , Nishida Eisuke
Published: March 2005

Mammalian preimplantation development involves several crucial events, such as compaction and blastocyst formation, but little is known about essential genes that regulate this developmental process. Here, we have focused on MAP kinase signaling pathways as potential regulatory pathways for the process. Our results show that inhibition of the JNK pathway or of the p38 MAP kinase pathway, but not of the ERK pathway, results in inhibition of cavity formation, and that JNK and p38 are active during mouse preimplantation development. Our subsequent microarray analyses show that, of about 39,000 transcripts analyzed, the number of those genes whose expression level is sensitive to the inhibition of the JNK or the p38 pathway, but insensitive to the inhibition of the ERK pathway, is only 156. Moreover, of the 156 genes,expression of 10 genes (two genes upregulated and eight genes downregulated)is sensitive to either inhibition of the JNK or p38 pathways. These 10 genes include several genes known for their function in axis and pattern formation. Downregulation of some of the 10 genes simultaneously using siRNA leads to abnormality in cavity formation. Thus, this study has successfully narrowed down candidate genes of interest, detailed analysis of which will probably lead to elucidation of the molecular mechanism of preimplantation development.
Spatial Variations in Material Properties of Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Units, Part II: Sampling Considerations for Absorption Tests
Authors: Chan C , Hover KC , Folliard KJ
Published: March 2005

Part I (Observed Variations) of this article summarized observed spatial variations in material properties that could exist in Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) units. As a continuation of Part I, Part II of this article examines in more detail the statistical significance of these observed variations and the implications of such variations on sampling and test result interpretation. It was demonstrated that the observed spatial variations were statistically significant along the casting direction (parabolic distribution) and in a direction away from the split face (linear distribution). As a result of these variations, an analysis involving test simulations showed that, depending on how specimens are sampled, a technician could interpret the SRW unit as being either very uniform or marginally uniform. The effect of increasing the quantity of specimens per test was only to modestly improve the expected value of the perceived test variation, though the range of possible values of perceived variation was substantially narrowed. This analysis also showed that variations in test results decreased with increasing soak time. Finally, an alternate method of specimen sampling (stratified random sampling) was explored and shown to yield slightly more consistent test results by reducing the overall variability in test results.
Zen and the Art (or Is It Science) of a Perfect Analysis
Authors: Nadkarni RAK
Published: March 2005

An analytical laboratory in any industry plays a crucial role in product quality management and ultimate customer satisfaction. Some factors need to be considered for an aspiring laboratory to become a perfect performer. These range from sampling, calibration, contamination control, and use of valid test methods to statistical quality assurance. Some approaches may be utilized to achieve a perfect analysis including: staff training, participation in proficiency testing, use of standard reference materials in the analytical sequence, internal and external audits, agency accreditation, continuous improvement program, benchmarking, etc. Laboratories managed in this way show demonstrated superiority in data precision and accuracy over the labs which do not practice such quality management. Well-managed industrial laboratories can have insignificant laboratory sigma compared with manufacturing variability in the plant production. For a flawless perfect analysis, determination to excel, mental discipline to stay the course, willingness to overcome inertia and resistance, and focus on producing a perfect analysis at all levels of laboratory staff are essential.
Laughter: A Scientific Investigation
Authors: Rich Grant Jewell
Published: March 2005

Laughter:. Scientific Investigation. By Robert R. Provine. 2000. New York: Viking. $24.95 (cloth).
At Home in the World
Authors: Friedrich Paul
Published: March 2005

At Home in the World. MICHAEL JACKSON. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1995. x + 188 pp., maps, notes, references.
The Private World of the Hermitage: Lifestyles of the Rich and Old in an Elite Retirement Home
Authors: Halperin Rhoda H.
Published: March 2005

The Private World of the Hermitage: Lifestyles of the Rich and Old in an Elite Retirement Home. MARY MOORE FREE. Westport, CT: Bergin & Garvey, 1995. x + 168 pp., references, index.
Making It Their Own: Severn Ojibwe Communicative Practices
Authors: Sammons Kay
Published: March 2005

Making It Their Own: Severn Ojibwe Communicative Practices. LISA PHILIPS VALENTINE. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1995. xii + 252 pp., appendix, notes, references, index.
Money Makes Us Relatives: Women's Labor In Urban Turkey
Authors: Bellér‐Hann Ildikó
Published: March 2005

Money Makes Us Relatives: Women's Labor In Urban Turkey. JENNY B. WHITE. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1994. xiv + 190 pp., illustrations, photographs, notes, references, index.
Objects: Signs of Africa
Authors: MacGaffey Wyatt
Published: March 2005

Objects: Signs of Africa. LUC DE HEUSCH, ed. Tervuren, Belgium: Musée royal de I'Atrique centrale, 1995. Charts, figures, photographs, color plates, maps.
Agrarian Change In Sri Lanka
Authors: Guneratne Arjun
Published: March 2005

Agrarian Change In Sri Lanka. JAMES BROW and JOE WEERAMUNDA, eds. New Delhi: Sage Publications, 1992. 445 pp., maps, tables, notes, references, glossary, contributors, index.
Embodiment and Experience: The Existential Ground of Culture and Self
Authors: Masquelier Adeline
Published: March 2005

Embodiment and Experience: The Existential Ground of Culture and Self. THOMAS J. CSORDAS, ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994. xii + 294 pp., contributors, illustrations, notes, references, index.
Selected Papers on Refuge Issues: III
Authors: Berhane‐Selassie Tsehai
Published: March 2005

Selected Papers on Refuge Issues: III. JEFFERY L. MACDONALD and AMY ZAHARLICK, eds. Arlington, VA: American Anthopological Association, 1994. ii + 181 pp., list of contributors, notes, references.
Maya Saints and Souls in a Changing World
Authors: Hendrickson Carol
Published: March 2005

Maya Saints and Souls in a Changing World. JOHN M. WATANABE. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1994 [1992]. xvi + 280 pp., figures, photographs, tables, notes, glossary, references, index.
The Rate of Serious Bacterial Infections Among HIV-Infected Children With Immune Reconstitution Who Have Discontinued Opportunistic Infection Prophylaxis
Authors: Nachman Sharon , Gona Philimon , Dankner Wayne , Weinberg Adrianna , Yogev Ram , Gershon Anne , Rathore Mobeen , Read Jennifer S. , Huang Sharon , Elgie Carol , Hudgens Kim , Hughes Walter
Published: March 2005

Objective. Receipt of highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with a decrease in the incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) among HIV-infected adults. The goal of Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol 1008 was to evaluate prospectively the incidence of serious bacterial infections (SBIs) and other OIs after discontinuation of OI and/or Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis among HIV-infected pediatric subjects who experienced immune reconstitution while receiving stable antiretroviral therapy.

Methods. HIV-infected children and adolescents, 2 to 21 years of age, who had received OI and/or PCP prophylaxis for ≥6 months were enrolled if they had sustained responses (>16 weeks before study entry) to antiretroviral therapy, with CD4+ cell percentages of ≥20% for patients >6 years of age or ≥25% for patients 2 to 6 years of age. Prophylaxis was discontinued at entry. To identify whether any correlation existed between functional immune reconstitution and protection from OIs, subjects were immunized with the hepatitis A virus vaccine. The association between the humoral immune response and the likelihood of developing an OI was evaluated.

Results. A total of 235 HIV-infected subjects from 43 participating sites had a median follow-up period of 132 weeks, yielding 547 person-years of observation. Twenty SBIs were observed among 19 subjects, resulting in an incidence rate of 3.66 SBIs per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 2.24–5.66 SBIs per 100 person-years). Sixteen of the events were presumed bacterial pneumonia, with 4 proven SBIs. One participant experienced 2 separate pneumonia episodes, of presumed bacterial cause. Ten subjects who developed SBIs had baseline CD4+ cell counts of ≥750 cells per mm3, and 15 had CD4+ cell percentages of ≥25% at the time of their SBIs. Two subjects died as a result of non–SBI-related causes. There were no statistically significant differences in changes over time in CD4+ cell counts or CD4+ cell percentages between subjects who experienced primary end points and those who did not. There was no evidence that baseline protease inhibitor use, gender, race/ethnicity, age, or CD4+ cell count or percentage affected the time to development of a SBI.

Conclusions. OI or PCP prophylaxis can be withdrawn safely for HIV-infected pediatric patients who experience CD4+ cell recovery while receiving stable antiretroviral therapy. More studies are needed to assess the association between antibody responses to neoantigens and the development of SBIs.
An Evaluation of Mark–Recapture Estimates of Black Crappie Population Size Determined by Trap-Netting during Fall and Spring in Minnesota Lakes
Authors: McInerny Michael C. , Cross Timothy K.
Published: March 2005

We evaluated mark–recapture population estimates of black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus 200 mm and longer made with trap-net catches during fall or spring in eight Minnesota lakes (18–168 ha). We estimated population size N during fall by use of marking and recapture in fall (FF estimates) and marking in fall and recapture during the following spring (FS estimates). We estimated spring N by use of marking and recapture after ice-out in early spring (ES estimates) and marking after ice-out and recapture during late spring (LS estimates). The FF and ES estimates were multiple-census estimates, whereas the FS and LS estimates were two-census estimates even though sampling occurred over many days. The most precise estimates were the LS estimates (median 95% confidence limits (CLs) were within 36% of 1/N), and FF estimates were least precise (median 95% CLs were within 51% of 1/N) among sampling scenarios. The median trap-net effort needed to achieve 95% CLs within 25% of 1/N estimates ranged from 160 (ES estimates) to 490 trap-net sets (FS estimates), and the effort needed for this level of precision decreased with increasing density of marked fish at large. The ES and LS estimates for the same lakes and years differed significantly (P < 0.05), and FF estimates did not exceed LS estimates from the following spring, which indicates that either the estimates from one or more scenarios were biased or that the catchable portions of populations differed temporally. Probable sources of bias included unequal capture probabilities, unequal mortality, and unequal emigration between marked and unmarked individuals during or after marking, as well as immigration of unmarked individuals after marking. Although marking occurred over short time periods, mortality, emigration, and immigration were possible, and therefore populations may not have been closed. Comparisons of N estimated from the same sampling scenario are the most meaningful because the similarity in biases or catchable portions of populations should be highest.
Near‐Room‐Temperature Production of Diameter‐Tunable ZnO Nanorod Arrays through Natural Oxidation of Zinc Metal
Authors: Zhang Zhongping , Yu Haidong , Shao Xiaoqiong , Han Mingyong
Published: March 2005

A simple, low‐temperature strategy has been developed for the low‐cost and large‐area fabrication of ZnO nanoarrays on a zinc substrate by the natural oxidation of zinc metal in formamide/water mixtures. The one‐step, wet‐chemical approach has exhibited well‐controlled growth of highly oriented and densely packed ZnO nanoarrays with large‐area homogeneity and consisting of nanorods or nanowires with predictable morphologies, such as tunable diameters and identical lengths. The chemical‐liquid‐deposition process, an analogue to the widely used chemical‐vapor‐deposition technique, has been used for the near‐room‐temperature production of ZnO nanoarrays through continuous supply, transport, and thermal decomposition of zinc complexes in a liquid phase.
A Novel Human Hair Protein Fiber Prepared by Watery Hybridization Spinning
Authors: Hirao Yoshitoshi , Ohkawa Kousaku , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Fujii Toshihiro
Published: March 2005

Summary: A novel human hair protein hybrid fiber was developed by combining (i) the high‐efficiency extraction technique for preparing human hair proteins and (ii) the watery hybridization spinning method using gellan and chitosan. The resulting human hair protein‐gellan‐chitosan hybrid fibers are conveniently produced by simply mixing the 7–35 wt.‐% human hair protein‐1.0 wt.‐% gellan aqueous solution and the 1.0 wt.‐% chitosan‐0.15 M acetic acid solution at 50 °C, followed by pulling out to spin the human hair protein‐gellan‐chitosan ternary complex thus formed at the aqueous solution interface. By use of this simple procedure and ambient spinning condition, the human hair proteins were successfully incorporated into the fiber matrix of gellan‐chitosan, without any denaturation and degradation. The hybrid fiber can also be recognized as a new type of the regenerated human hair keratin fiber, because of its high purity and content of human hair keratin types I and II. Mechanical strength of the human hair protein‐gellan‐chitosan fiber varies from 108 to 153 MPa, depending on the contents of the human hair proteins. SEM observation revealed that the incorporated human hair proteins were found as the particles (1–10 μm) on the fiber surface. The type I and II keratins in the fiber matrices were rapidly biodegraded by chymotrypsin within 30 min, and the digested fragments slowly released from the fiber matrices. Thus, the human hair hybrid fiber is a very promising material to have a broad spectrum of applications as the engineering fibers, particularly for the medical uses, because the human hair proteins are easily available, biocompatible, and bioresorbable materials.

Gellan‐chitosan hybrid fiber (a), human hair protein‐gellan‐chitosan hybrid fiber (b).

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Gellan‐chitosan hybrid fiber (a), human hair protein‐gellan‐chitosan hybrid fiber (b).
Enhanced large intestinal potassium permeability in end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Mathialahan T , Maclennan KA , Sandle LN , Verbeke C , Sandle GI
Published: March 2005

The capacity of the colon for potassium (K+) secretion increases in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), to the extent that it makes a substantial contribution to K+ homeostasis. This colonic K+ adaptive response may reflect enhanced active K+ secretion, and be associated with an increase in apical membrane K+ permeability. In this study, this hypothesis was tested in patients with normal renal function or ESRD, by evaluating the effect of barium ions (a K+ channel inhibitor) on rectal K+ secretion using a rectal dialysis technique, and the expression of high conductance (BK) K+ channel protein in colonic mucosa by immunohistochemistry. Under basal conditions, rectal K+ secretion was almost threefold greater (p < 0.02) in ESRD patients (n = 8) than in patients with normal renal function (n = 10). Intraluminal barium (5 mmol/l) decreased K+ secretion in the ESRD patients by 45% (p < 0.05), but had no effect on K+ transport in patients with normal renal function. Immunostaining using a specific antibody to the BK channel α‐subunit revealed greater (p < 0.001) levels of BK channel protein expression in surface colonocytes and crypt cells in ESRD patients (n = 9) than in patients with normal renal function (n = 9), in whom low levels of expression were mainly restricted to surface colonocytes. In conclusion, these results suggest that enhanced colonic K+ secretion in ESRD involves an increase in the apical K+ permeability of the large intestinal epithelium, which most likely reflects increased expression of apical BK channels. Copyright © 2005 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Blunt Tapered and Standard Needles in Closing Abdominal Fascia
Authors: Nordkam Rob A.G. , Bluyssen Simone J. M. , van Goor Harry
Published: March 2005

Glove perforation frequently occurs during the course of surgical procedures, introducing risks for both surgeons and patients. The aim of this study was to compare the use of blunt tapered and “sharp” needles during abdominal wall closure with respect to the incidence of glove perforation and the convenience of needle handling. A series of 200 patients undergoing laparotomy in a 6‐month period for general surgical disorders were randomized to two groups; in one, the abdominal fascia was closed with a blunt tapered needle; in the other, a sharp needle was used. The main outcome measures were glove perforation and convenience of handling the needle. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. In all, 56 glove perforations occurred during 40 (20%) surgical procedures.

Perforation rates differed significantly: 12% for the blunt (n = 100) tapered needle and 28% (n = 100) for the sharp needle (p = 0.003). Only in 12 cases (21%) was the glove perforation detected at surgery. The type of needle (odds ratio 0.35, p = 0.006) and time taken to close the fascia (odds ratio 1.001, p = 0.05) significantly affected the risk of glove perforation. At multivariate logistic regression analysis the type of needle (odds ratio 0.23, p = 0.004) and the visual analog linear scale (VAS) for ease of needle handling (odds ratio 1.18, p = 0.019) were important predictive factors for glove perforation. With the blunt tapered needle, the VAS was significantly (p = 0.0003) higher at primary laparotomy than at relaparotomy. Use of the blunt tapered needle reduces the incidence of glove perforation. Laborious closure predicts glove perforation. Blunt tapered needles are less convenient in closing a scarred abdominal fascia.