bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Integratively: How the Next Generation of Doctors will Practice
Authors: Sierpina Victor S.
Published: September 2004

To prepare the next generation of physicians, we must understand the environment in which they will practice. Teaching integratively involves co-creating that future health care system with medical students, their teachers, and their patients working together. This essay takes a look at what the health care system of the future might look like, how efforts in medical education are helping create the practitioner of the future, and how current models of practice are already evolving to reflect a view of the future. In addition, multiple references, Web sites, and other resources are listed to provide the reader with useful tools for education, practice, and research. Integrative medicine is the medicine of the future. We can help bring that future about by identifying educational needs and pressing public health issues, reliable scholarly resources, and creative solutions. This article is divided into three sections: (1) the future vision of health care, (2) co-creating the health care system of the future, and (3) recognizing elements of medical care of the future that are here now.
Women Entrepreneurship Across Racial Lines: Current Status, Critical Issues, and Future Implications
Authors: Smith-Hunter Andrea
Published: September 2004

This article begins with a look at women employment over the years and the historical place of women entrepreneurship in today’s economy. It continues by analyzing data statistically on women entrepreneurs in the United States across racial lines, with a particular focus on Hispanic women entrepreneurs. The article ends by examining the critical issues that are important for women entrepreneurs in today’s environment as well as the future implications of these issues.
The Code of the Street
Authors: Brezina Timothy , Agnew Robert , Cullen Francis T. , Wright John Paul
Published: September 2004

Based on extensive field research, Elijah Anderson argues that the behavior of many youths is influenced by a street culture or “code” that prescribes violent reactions to interpersonal attacks and shows of disrespect. Although Anderson’s account has been well received by the criminological community, questions remain about the validity and generality of his findings. To address these issues, the authors review other (mostly quantitative) studies of youth violence and consider whether the findings of these studies are consistent with Anderson’s account. The authors also conduct analyses to determine whether Anderson’s observations can help to extend the existing body of quantitative research and, hence, further our understanding of youth violence. Overall, the results of this assessment suggest that Anderson’s observations provide valuable insight into the general problem of youth violence and that future research in this area would benefit from greater attention to the social processes he has served to highlight.
Two Early Experimenters with Groups
Authors: Hinshelwood R. D.
Published: September 2004

The two early experimenters with groups refer to Jacob Moreno and Trigant Burrow. Their influence on the work by group analysts and within groups is set in context alongside contemporary analysts such as Freud, Ferenczi and Lane, and later on, Bion, Anzieu and Foulkes. Their respective backgrounds, their experiences with and approach to groups are compared, with a view to highlighting fundamental dimensions of group therapy which continue to exist in group analysis today.
The Nature, Cause, and Extent of Occupational Musculoskeletal Injuries among Sonographers
Authors: Muir Marylou , Hrynkow Paul , Chase Robert , Boyce Dianne , Mclean Daria
Published: September 2004

Concerns regarding injury rates, as well as resulting discomfort and disability, among sonographers led to a needs assessment across 13 work sites. General sonographers completed 82,642 exams in 2001-2002. Sick time and workers’ compensation costs of more than $180,000 occurred due to worker disability in the same time period. In an effort to improve working conditions and retain workers, funding was allocated to assess the problem and provide recommendations to prevent and manage the injuries more effectively. A survey was administered across the sector to 76 sonographers. The respondent rate was 88%. The results describe the nature of injury, types of scans causing discomfort, effectiveness of various treatments and providers, and workers’ feelings regarding work organization and culture. The results identify and validate the need for action. Recommendations include a standardized approach for treatment, education, and ergonomic work site training as well as prescreening of students for injury risk factors.
Sonography Facilities’ Accommodation of Obese Patients
Authors: Keller Marisa A.
Published: September 2004

As chronic obesity in the United States increases to epidemic proportions, the need for sonography waiting areas and examination rooms to provide sufficient support for obese patients also increases. The purpose of the present study is to determine if these facilities are making the necessary changes to accommodate obese patients. Data were collected from 20 sonography facilities regarding the size of patient gowns, blood pressure cuffs, and size and weight tolerances of examination tables and waiting room chairs. The data were then compared to sizes that accommodate obese patients comfortably. Results show that sonography facilities are not accommodating obese patients.
Sacrococcygeal Teratoma
Authors: Shannon Sara A. , Henningsen Charlotte
Published: September 2004

Sacrococcygeal teratoma is the most common congenital tumor of the fetus, consisting of all three germ cell layers. These layers are commonly large and vascular, causing the blood to be shunted to the tumor. This creates the vascular steal syndrome, resulting in fetal hydrops and cardiac failure. Large tumors may also cause polyhydramnios, resulting in premature labor. Treatment options include open fetal surgery and radio frequency ablation, as well as complete tumor resection following delivery. Serial sonographic examinations are important in the management of the pregnancy, from diagnosis to treatment and delivery.
GASP: Gapped Ancestral Sequence Prediction for proteins
Authors: Edwards Richard J , Shields Denis C
Published: September 2004

Background

The prediction of ancestral protein sequences from multiple sequence alignments is useful for many bioinformatics analyses. Predicting ancestral sequences is not a simple procedure and relies on accurate alignments and phylogenies. Several algorithms exist based on Maximum Parsimony or Maximum Likelihood methods but many current implementations are unable to process residues with gaps, which may represent insertion/deletion (indel) events or sequence fragments.

Results

Here we present a new algorithm, GASP (Gapped Ancestral Sequence Prediction), for predicting ancestral sequences from phylogenetic trees and the corresponding multiple sequence alignments. Alignments may be of any size and contain gaps. GASP first assigns the positions of gaps in the phylogeny before using a likelihood-based approach centred on amino acid substitution matrices to assign ancestral amino acids. Important outgroup information is used by first working down from the tips of the tree to the root, using descendant data only to assign probabilities, and then working back up from the root to the tips using descendant and outgroup data to make predictions. GASP was tested on a number of simulated datasets based on real phylogenies. Prediction accuracy for ungapped data was similar to three alternative algorithms tested, with GASP performing better in some cases and worse in others. Adding simple insertions and deletions to the simulated data did not have a detrimental effect on GASP accuracy.

Conclusions

GASP (Gapped Ancestral Sequence Prediction) will predict ancestral sequences from multiple protein alignments of any size. Although not as accurate in all cases as some of the more sophisticated maximum likelihood approaches, it can process a wide range of input phylogenies and will predict ancestral sequences for gapped and ungapped residues alike.
GDR (G enome D atabase for R osaceae): integrated web resources for Rosaceae genomics and genetics research
Authors: Jung Sook , Jesudurai Christopher , Staton Margaret , Du Zhidian , Ficklin Stephen , Cho Ilhyung , Abbott Albert , Tomkins Jeffrey , Main Dorrie
Published: September 2004

Background

Peach is being developed as a model organism for Rosaceae, an economically important family that includes fruits and ornamental plants such as apple, pear, strawberry, cherry, almond and rose. The genomics and genetics data of peach can play a significant role in the gene discovery and the genetic understanding of related species. The effective utilization of these peach resources, however, requires the development of an integrated and centralized database with associated analysis tools.

Description

The Genome Database for Rosaceae (GDR) is a curated and integrated web-based relational database. GDR contains comprehensive data of the genetically anchored peach physical map, an annotated peach EST database, Rosaceae maps and markers and all publicly available Rosaceae sequences. Annotations of ESTs include contig assembly, putative function, simple sequence repeats, and anchored position to the peach physical map where applicable. Our integrated map viewer provides graphical interface to the genetic, transcriptome and physical mapping information. ESTs, BACs and markers can be queried by various categories and the search result sites are linked to the integrated map viewer or to the WebFPC physical map sites. In addition to browsing and querying the database, users can compare their sequences with the annotated GDR sequences via a dedicated sequence similarity server running either the BLAST or FASTA algorithm. To demonstrate the utility of the integrated and fully annotated database and analysis tools, we describe a case study where we anchored Rosaceae sequences to the peach physical and genetic map by sequence similarity.

Conclusions

The GDR has been initiated to meet the major deficiency in Rosaceae genomics and genetics research, namely a centralized web database and bioinformatics tools for data storage, analysis and exchange. GDR can be accessed at http://www.genome.clemson.edu/gdr/.
Evidence for positive selection on Mycobacterium tuberculosis within patients
Authors: Tanaka Mark M
Published: September 2004

Background

While the pathogenesis and epidemiology of tuberculosis are well studied, relatively little is known about the evolution of the infectious agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis, especially at the within-host level. The insertion sequence IS6110 is a genetic marker that is widely used to track the transmission of tuberculosis between individuals. This and other markers may also facilitate our understanding of the disease within patients.

Results

This article presents three lines of evidence supporting the action of positive selection on M. tuberculosis within patients. The arguments are based on a comparison between empirical findings from molecular epidemiology, and population genetic models of evolution. Under the hypothesis of neutrality of genotypes, 1) the mutation rate of the marker IS6110 is unusually high, 2) the time it takes for substitutions to occur within patients is too short, and 3) the amount of polymorphism within patients is too low.

Conclusions

Empirical observations are explained by the action of positive selection during infection, or alternatively by very low effective population sizes. I discuss the possible roles of antibiotic treatment, the host immune system and extrapulmonary dissemination in creating opportunities for positive selection.
Characterization of a novel large deletion and single point mutations in the BRCA1gene in a Greek cohort of families with suspected hereditary breast cancer
Authors: Belogianni Ioulia , Apessos Angela , Mihalatos Markos , Razi Evangelia , Labropoulos Stefanos , Petounis Andreas , Gaki Vasiliki , Keramopoulos Antonios , Pandis Nikos , Kyriacou Kyriacos , Hadjisavvas Andreas , Kosmidis Paris , Yannoukakos Drakoulis , Nasioulas Georgios
Published: September 2004

Background

Germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 predispose to breast and ovarian cancer. A multitude of mutations have been described and are found to be scattered throughout these two large genes. We describe analysis of BRCA1 in 25 individuals from 18 families from a Greek cohort.

Methods

The approach used is based on dHPLC mutation screening of the BRCA1 gene, followed by sequencing of fragments suspected to carry a mutation including intron – exon boundaries. In patients with a strong family history but for whom no mutations were detected, analysis was extended to exons 10 and 11 of the BRCA2 gene, followed by MLPA analysis for screening for large genomic rearrangements.

Results

A pathogenic mutation in BRCA1 was identified in 5/18 (27.7 %) families, where four distinct mutations have been observed. Single base putative pathogenic mutations were identified by dHPLC and confirmed by sequence analysis in 4 families: 5382insC (in two families), G1738R, and 5586G > A (in one family each). In addition, 18 unclassified variants and silent polymorphisms were detected including a novel silent polymorphism in exon 11 of the BRCA1 gene. Finally, MLPA revealed deletion of exon 20 of the BRCA1 gene in one family, a deletion that encompasses 3.2 kb of the gene starting 21 bases into exon 20 and extending 3.2 kb into intron 20 and leads to skipping of the entire exon 20. The 3' breakpoint lies within an AluSp repeat but there are no recognizable repeat motifs at the 5' breakpoint implicating a mechanism different to Alu-mediated recombination, responsible for the majority of rearrangements in the BRCA1 gene.

Conclusions

We conclude that a combination of techniques capable of detecting both single base mutations and small insertions / deletions and large genomic rearrangements is necessary in order to accurately analyze the BRCA1 gene in patients at high risk of carrying a germline mutation as determined by their family history. Furthermore, our results suggest that in those families with strong evidence of linkage to the BRCA1 locus in whom no point mutation has been identified re-examination should be carried out searching specifically for genomic rearrangements.
Microarrays in ecological research: A case study of a cDNA microarray for plant-herbivore interactions
Authors: Held Matthias , Gase Klaus , Baldwin Ian T
Published: September 2004

Background

Microarray technology allows researchers to simultaneously monitor changes in the expression ratios (ERs) of hundreds of genes and has thereby revolutionized most of biology. Although this technique has the potential of elucidating early stages in an organism's phenotypic response to complex ecological interactions, to date, it has not been fully incorporated into ecological research. This is partially due to a lack of simple procedures of handling and analyzing the expression ratio (ER) data produced from microarrays.

Results

We describe an analysis of the sources of variation in ERs from 73 hybridized cDNA microarrays, each with 234 herbivory-elicited genes from the model ecological expression system, Nicotiana attenuata, using procedures that are commonly used in ecologic research. Each gene is represented by two independently labeled PCR products and each product was arrayed in quadruplicate. We present a robust method of normalizing and analyzing ERs based on arbitrary thresholds and statistical criteria, and characterize a "norm of reaction" of ERs for 6 genes (4 of known function, 2 of unknown) with different ERs as determined across all analyzed arrays to provide a biologically-informed alternative to the use of arbitrary expression ratios in determining significance of expression. These gene-specific ERs and their variance (gene CV) were used to calculate array-based variances (array CV), which, in turn, were used to study the effects of array age, probe cDNA quantity and quality, and quality of spotted PCR products as estimates of technical variation. Cluster analysis and a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to reveal associations among the transcriptional "imprints" of arrays hybridized with cDNA probes derived from mRNA from N. attenuata plants variously elicited and attacked by different herbivore species and from three congeners: N. quadrivalis, N. longiflora and N. clevelandii. Additionally, the PCA revealed the contribution of individual gene ERs to the associations among arrays.

Conclusions

While the costs of 'boutique' array fabrication are rapidly declining, familiar methods for the analysis of the data they create are still missing. The case history illustrated here demonstrates the ease with which this powerful technology can be adapted to ecological research.
Mitoxantrone pleurodesis to palliate malignant pleural effusion secondary to ovarian cancer
Authors: Barbetakis Nikolaos , Vassiliadis Michalis , Kaplanis Konstantinos , Valeri Rosalia , Tsilikas Christodoulos
Published: September 2004

Background

Advanced ovarian cancer is the leading non-breast gynaecologic cause of malignant pleural effusion. Aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of mitoxantrone sclerotherapy as a palliative treatment of malignant pleural effusions due to ovarian cancer.

Methods

Sixty women with known ovarian cancer and malignant recurrent symptomatic pleural effusion were treated with chest tube drainage followed by intrapleural mitoxantrone sclerotherapy. Survival, complications and response to pleurodesis were recorded. The data are expressed as the mean ± SEM and the median.

Results

The mean age of the entire group was 64 ± 11,24 years. The mean interval between diagnosis of ovarian cancer and presentation of the effusion was 10 ± 2,1 months. Eighteen patients (30%) had pleural effusion as the first evidence of recurrence. The mean volume of effusion drained was 1050 ± 105 ml and chest tube was removed within 4 days in 75% of patients. There were no deaths related to the procedure. Side effects of chemical pleurodesis included fever (37–38,5°C) chest pain, nausea and vomiting. At 30 days among 60 treated effusions, there was an 88% overall response rate, including 41 complete responses and 12 partial responses. At 60 days the overall response was 80% (38 complete responses and 10 partial responses). The mean survival of the entire population was 7,5 ± 1,2 months.

Conclusions

Mitoxantrone is effective in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion secondary to ovarian cancer without causing significant local or systemic toxicity.
Single group study to evaluate the feasibility and complications of radiofrequency ablation and usefulness of post treatment position emission tomography in lung tumours
Authors: Kang Shijun , Luo Rongcheng , Liao Wangjun , Wu Hubing , Zhang Xuelin , Meng Yuru
Published: September 2004

Background

There is genuine need to develop interventional treatment options for management of lung tumors. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one such alternative being promoted to treat lung tumors recently. Larger studies should help define RFA's further development. Furthermore fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) has been reported to be an accurate indicator of treatment response in variety of tumors. This study focuses on the evaluating the feasibility of RFA and usefulness of PET scan in lung tumors after RFA procedure.

Patients and methods

Between November 1999 and May 2002, 50 patients with primary or metastasis pulmonary tumors underwent RFA procedure. The electrode was guided to the target areas using computerized tomography (CT). Tumors smaller than 3.5 cm were given single RFA, while tumors larger than 3.5 cm received RFA to multiple sites. Maximum 4 lesions or 6 target areas were treated during one operating procedure. Whole body and/or lung PET images were acquired; identical site CT images and chest X-ray were taken 1 week before and after RFA.

Results

Of the 50 patients, 17 had single lesions while rest had multiple lesions. Tumors smaller than 3.5 cm were completely dissipated after RFA. In tumors larger than 3.5 cm, the part within 3.5 cm diameter dissipated. While CT showed that tumor image became larger 1 to 2 weeks after RFA procedure. PET demonstrated tumor destruction in 70% cases, compared to 38% in CT.

Conclusion

The present study shows RFA to be safe and effective treatment option for lung tumors. PET is superior to CT in evaluation the effectiveness of RFA treatment shortly after the procedure.
Retroviruses 2004: Review of the 2004 Cold Spring Harbor Retroviruses conference
Authors: Freed Eric O , Ross Susan R
Published: September 2004

For the past several decades, retrovirologists from around the world have gathered in late May at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories in New York to present their studies in formal talks and posters, and to discuss their ongoing research informally at the bar or on the beach. As organizers of the 2004 Cold Spring Harbor Retroviruses Conference, we have been asked by the editors of Retrovirology to prepare a review of the meeting for publication on-line. Our goal in this review is not to provide a detailed description of data presented at the meeting but rather to highlight some of the significant developments reported this year. The review is structured in a manner that parallels the organization of the meeting; beginning with the entry phase of the replication cycle, proceeding with post-entry events, assembly and release, integration, reverse transcription, pathogenesis/host factors, RNA-related events (transcription, processing, export, and packaging) and finishing with antivirals. While the most striking developments this year involved post-entry events and assembly/release, significant progress was made towards elucidating a number of aspects of the retroviral replication cycle.
Complete genome sequence of the industrial bacterium Bacillus licheniformis and comparisons with closely related Bacillusspecies
Authors: Rey Michael W , Ramaiya Preethi , Nelson Beth A , Brody-Karpin Shari D , Zaretsky Elizabeth J , Tang Maria , de Leon Alfredo Lopez , Xiang Henry , Gusti Veronica , Clausen Ib Groth , Olsen Peter B , Rasmussen Michael D , Andersen Jens T , Jørgensen Per L , Larsen Thomas S , Sorokin Alexei , Bolotin Alexander , Lapidus Alla , Galleron Nathalie , Ehrlich S Dusko , Berka Randy M
Published: September 2004

Background

Bacillus licheniformis is a Gram-positive, spore-forming soil bacterium that is used in the biotechnology industry to manufacture enzymes, antibiotics, biochemicals and consumer products. This species is closely related to the well studied model organism Bacillus subtilis, and produces an assortment of extracellular enzymes that may contribute to nutrient cycling in nature.

Results

We determined the complete nucleotide sequence of the B. licheniformis ATCC 14580 genome which comprises a circular chromosome of 4,222,336 base-pairs (bp) containing 4,208 predicted protein-coding genes with an average size of 873 bp, seven rRNA operons, and 72 tRNA genes. The B. licheniformis chromosome contains large regions that are colinear with the genomes of B. subtilis and Bacillus halodurans, and approximately 80% of the predicted B. licheniformis coding sequences have B. subtilis orthologs.

Conclusions

Despite the unmistakable organizational similarities between the B. licheniformis and B. subtilis genomes, there are notable differences in the numbers and locations of prophages, transposable elements and a number of extracellular enzymes and secondary metabolic pathway operons that distinguish these species. Differences include a region of more than 80 kilobases (kb) that comprises a cluster of polyketide synthase genes and a second operon of 38 kb encoding plipastatin synthase enzymes that are absent in the B. licheniformis genome. The availability of a completed genome sequence for B. licheniformis should facilitate the design and construction of improved industrial strains and allow for comparative genomics and evolutionary studies within this group of Bacillaceae.
Retinoic acid syndrome after one dose of all-transretinoic acid
Authors: Battistella Marisa , Burry Lisa D , Seki Jack T
Published: September 2004

All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) is typically used as a first line agent in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), achieving complete remission (CR) rates (incombination with chemotherapy) of about 90%. One of the drawbacks of the use of ATRA is that up to 30% of patients can present with retinoic acid syndrome (RAS), which can be fatal in some patients. We describe a case of RAS after only one dose of ATRA, which to our knowledge has not previously been identified in the literature. The pathophysiology and treatment of APL is presented. A clinical description of RAS is outlined, and an evaluation of risk factors for developing RAS is reviewed.
Using mesoscale model winds for correcting wind‐drift errors in radar estimates of surface rainfall
Authors: Mittermaier Marion P. , Hogan Robin J. , Illingworth Anthony J.
Published: September 2004

For operational radars at middle and high latitudes, even the lowest beam of a scan sequence may be above the melting layer for a considerable proportion of the total range. This means that surface rainfall estimates are inferred from measurements made in the snow and ice. Snow and ice are more susceptible to wind drift than rain because of the low fall speed of around 1 m s−1. Sampling these wind‐induced fall‐streak patterns results in a displacement of the radar‐rainfall field when compared to ground measurements. To date wind‐drift corrections have only been attempted in the rain, but corrections of around 2 km are generally smaller than the resolution of the grid on which the rainfall field is reported. Observational evidence from this study shows fall streaks in the snow can lead to displacements of the order of 10–20 km—a significant effect, especially in colder climates and seasons.

In this paper a method for calculating and applying a wind‐drift correction between the top of the fall streak and the bright‐band height is presented. The forecast wind profile from the mesoscale version of the UK Met Office Unified Model is used to calculate the vertical shear of the horizontal wind. We assume the shear and the fall speed in the layer are constant. Results show that the method is able to reproduce observed displacements from high‐resolution radar data in the range–height plane. Assessing the effect of applying the method in plan view shows an improvement in the placement of rainfall at the ground, reflected by an increase in the calculated skill scores. The displacement can be corrected to within 20%. This also shows that whereas wind‐drift corrections in the rain have been found to be insignificant, corrections in the snow are not. Applying a wind‐drift correction also appears to reduce the variability of vertical profiles of reflectivity (VPR) when they are extracted along a fall‐streak path, and lead to a smaller reflectivity lapse rate locally. This would suggest that at least part of the reported variability in VPRs is due to wind effects. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Telling the Story: Narrative and radio news
Authors: Dunn Anne
Published: September 2004

With reference to Australian radio, this paper reviews a premise of recent European television news research: that in the increased climate of competition engendered by deregulation over the last decade, news has moved away from the objectivism embodied in the inverted pyramid, and narratives have come to dominate news reports. This ‘storytelling’ mode has been identified with ‘dumbing down’ or ‘tabloidization’ of news. The paper offers a definition of narrative modes in broadcast news, then analyses radio bulletins on public stations in Sydney, to support the argument that narrative modes are appropriate to the radio medium but raise questions for the news genre.
‘We all have bad bad days’: Attending to face in broadcast troubles-talk
Authors: Atkinson Karen , Moores Shaun
Published: September 2004

The authors of this article investigate electronically mediated communication on a radio phone-in programme, critically applying ideas about face and politeness to instances of broadcast troubles-talk. They focus on the host’s performance of identity, which is bound up with her
strategies for attending to face. Analysing the mediated interaction and quasi-interaction that she has with callers and audiences, the authors show how ordinariness, trust and sincerity can be constructed in relationships between physically distant others - and they argue that, in order to
take account of the significance of straight talking in these moments of intimacy at a distance, it is necessary to modify politeness theory. Bringing together concepts drawn from language studies and media studies, they develop an interdisciplinary perspective on broadcast discourse that
extends the existing range of work in this area.
Legacy: Fourth phase public service broadcasting in Northern Ireland
Authors: Moore Paul
Published: September 2004

This article examines the importance of radio in the context of public service broadcasting in Northern Ireland. It analyses the strategies used by BBC Northern Ireland to engage with the problems of the last thirty years, and argues that technological and audience developments have
produced a new listening environment that demands new modes of broadcast address. The Legacy series, broadcast in Northern Ireland during 1999, is used as a case study to illustrate the ways in which this new mode of address is being constructed. The article uses examples from the Legacy broadcasts
to illustrate the fact that radio in Northern Ireland could be entering a new editorial phase aimed at complementing the political changes enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement.
The shaman reborn in cyberspace, or evolving magico-spiritual techniques of consciousness-making
Authors: Eagar Manie
Published: September 2004

With the expansion of consciousness comes new ways of seeing reality. The hypercontextual pretexts, contexts and subtexts created by the new technologies of virtual, immersive and cyber realities create boundaryless experiences that are analogous to the archaic techniques evolved through shamanic journeys designed to transcend all human boundaries.

The magico-spiritual imagination, far from disappearing in our supposedly secular age, continues to feed the utopian dreams, apocalyptic visions, digital phantasms, and alien obsessions that populate today’s ‘technological unconscious’. The language and ideas of the information society have slipped into and even transformed the myriad worlds of contemporary spirituality. What is emerging is a networked framework for grappling with some of the impulses that are currently tearing us apart: spirit and the machine, modernity and nihilism, technology and the human. ‘We find ourselves trapped on a cyborg sandbank, caught between the old, smouldering campfire stories and the new networks of programming and control’ (Davis 1998: 131). We are ‘beached’ between the archaic sea of our magico-spiritual ancestors, freshly emerged from our proto-modern past, and spawned into the postmodern reality of fragmented selves, networked options, downloadable digitized consumerware and ‘technologies of ecstacy’.
Are the Semi-Living semi-good or semi-evil?
Authors: Zurr Ionat , Catts Oron
Published: September 2004

This article explores some of the language used to describe life and evolutionary processes; from bacteria to collections of cells. Then the paper will discuss the Semi-Living entities created by the Tissue Culture & Art project (TC&A) and the possible different engagements
with them, in the light of increased suspicion and intolerance in Western urban society. Different notions of life will be looked at in the context of current rhetoric used in our pre-war2 global society.
Diurnal Differences in the Innermost Surface of the S2 Layer in Differentiating Tracheids of Cryptomeria japonica Corresponding to a Light-Dark Cycle
Authors: Hosoo Y. , Yoshida M. , Imai T. , Okuyama T.
Published: September 2004

This paper describes the effect of light on the diurnal change in the innermost surface of developing
secondary walls. Cryptomeria japonica D. Don saplings were grown in two growth chambers, in
which temperature and relative humidity were kept constant and the light-dark phase of the photoperiod
varied. One chamber reproduced the natural light-dark phase, while the other reversed it.
Samples of differentiating xylem were collected during the dark period when the tangential strain,
used as an index of volumetric changes in differentiating cells, was high, and during the light period
when the tangential strain was low. The innermost surface of developing secondary walls in differentiating
tracheids was observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. In the specimens
collected during the dark period, amorphous material was observed and the cell wall surface was
immunogold-labeled with an anti-glucomannan antiserum. In the specimens collected during the
light period, cellulose microfibrils were clearly evident, and amorphous material and immunogold
labeling were rarely observed. These results demonstrate that the diurnal changes in the innermost
surface of developing secondary walls correspond to the light-dark cycle over 24 h.
Delignification Mechanism during High-Boiling Solvent Pulping Part 3. Structural Changes in Lignin Analyzed by 13C-NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kishimoto T. , Ueki A. , Sano Y.
Published: September 2004

Milled wood lignin as well as wood meal from todo fir (Abies sachalinensis MAST) was treated
with 70% aqueous 1,4-butanediol solution at 220°C without acid catalyst in order to elucidate the
delignification mechanism during high-boiling solvent (HBS) pulping. HBS lignin was recovered
from black liquor by precipitation, and was subjected to gel permeation chromatography and
quantitative 13C-NMR study. The average molecular weight of MWL decreased. The content of
phenolic hydroxyl groups in MWL increased from 0.28 to 0.68/OMe. The decrease in the content
of β-O-4 substructures was evident, which may be attributed to the homolytic cleavage of phenolic
β-aryl ethers. The changes in the content of β-5 and β-β substructures were rather small. The benzyl
ether formation of β-O-4 structures with 1,4-butanediol was also confirmed by 13C-NMR. However,
the signals corresponding to Hibbert's ketones were not observed, which suggests that acidolysis
was not an important degradation pathway during HBS pulping.
Delignification of Bamboo (Bambusa procera acher) Part 2. Characterisation of Kraft Black Liquors from Different Cooking Conditions
Authors: Vu T. H. M. , Alén R. , Pakkanen H.
Published: September 2004

Bamboo (Bambusa procera acher) was delignified in a laboratory-scale digester by conventional
kraft pulping under varying conditions. Pulps with kappa numbers in the range 12.9–56.3 and viscosities
in the range 871–1319 ml g−1 were obtained. The chemical composition of the corresponding
black liquors was analysed with respect to their main organic and inorganic constituents. The
results indicated that the dry solids of the black liquor contained 40–44% lignin, 20–24% aliphatic
carboxylic acids, 4–7% polysaccharides and the residual matter (about 30%) consisted mainly
of inorganic constituents. Of the monosaccharide moieties detected in the polysaccharides, xylose
was predominant, suggesting that xylan was a major hemicellulose constituent in the black liquor.
The effect of effective alkali, sulphidity and H-factor of the cook on the formation of the individual
constituents in the black liquor is also discussed.
The Effect of Magnesium Ions and Chelants on Peroxide Bleaching
Authors: Lapierre L. , Berry R. , Bouchard J.
Published: September 2004

We recently reported that during peroxide bleaching, magnesium is substantially more effective
when in a complex form with either pulp or a chelant. We also speculated that different magnesium
forms affected the catalytic activity of transition metals towards peroxide decomposition to
different degrees. As oxygen-delignified pulps still containing lignin were used, it was impossible
to separate the catalytic peroxide decomposition by transition metals from the peroxide reaction
with lignin, and thus to determine where in the pulp-liquor system magnesium or chelants, or both,
were deactivating transition metals. In this paper, we studied the peroxide decomposition kinetics
with different modes of addition of the P-stage chemicals in the presence of fully-bleached kraft
pulps which are virtually lignin-free, in alkaline filtrates, in P-stage filtrate and in water. We found
that most of the peroxide decomposition occurring during a P-stage applied to chemical pulps
takes place through interaction with transition metals in the pulp rather than with transition metals
in the soluble bulk phase. We also concluded that in any component of a peroxide bleaching
system, magnesium is extremely efficient at reducing the rate of peroxide decomposition, while a
chelant becomes more valuable when complexing magnesium.
Assessment of Wood-Cement Compatibility: A New Approach
Authors: Karade S. R. , Irle M. , Maher K.
Published: September 2004

The influence of wood upon the setting of cement is generally assessed by conducting semi-adiabatic
hydration tests. The existing methods to quantify wood-cement compatibility are based on
the maximum hydration temperature (Tmax
), the time (tmax
) to reach it or the heat evolved in a
specified period. Results obtained by these methods at higher wood-cement ratios are not convincing
and show inconsistencies for various reasons. This paper discusses these reasons and suggests
an alternative method based on a maturity function. The results from the new calculation method
are compared with those of the existing methods and demonstrate the superiority of this new
method at higher wood-cement ratios.
Contribution of gums to natural durability of Prosopis africana heartwood
Authors: Géardin P. , Neya B. , Dumarçay S. , Pétrissans M. , Serraj M. , Huber F.
Published: September 2004

The exceptional natural durability of Prosopis africana heartwood was investigated to find potential new biocides for wood preservation. Extractions carried out with different solvents indicated high levels of extractives which explained wood durability towards fungal and insects attacks. However, the extractives were not enough to explain the durability. The hydrophobic character of the wood also likely had a significant effect. Contact angle measurements before and after extraction, indicated that extractives have only a minor effect on wood hydrophobicity. Microscopic analysis reveals the presence of high levels of gums filling the wood cell lumens, limiting the penetration of water.
Biological and chemical characteristics of "included sapwood" of Juniperus virginiana L.
Authors: Bauch J. , Puls J. , Klupsch R. , Vogel C.
Published: September 2004

The reddish-violet heartwood of Juniperus virginiana L. contains irregularly distributed and longitudinally oriented streaks of light-coloured wood, described as “included sapwood”. A histological study revealed that a blockage of the rays, which is caused by wounds often associated with tiny shakes, branch stubs and included bark, may lead to this anomaly. A study of fresh wood immediately after felling of the trees showed that “included sapwood” lacks physiological activity similar to the adjacent normal heartwood. Cellular UV-spectroscopic analysis revealed a secondary metabolism particularly of phenolic compounds in the pit membranes of tracheids during “included sapwood” formation, whereas the reddish-violet flavonoid compounds do not develop in this anomalous wood. Chemical analyses of petrol ether, diethyl ether, acetone and ethanol/water extracts of sapwood, “included sapwood” and heartwood showed that the accessory compounds cedrol, α-cedrene, widdrol, thujopsene and cuparene increased in “included sapwood” compared to sapwood. As opposed to the reddish-violet heartwood compounds, these sesquiterpenes turned out to be highly toxic against a brown-rot fungus in a bioassay. These findings justify defining “included sapwood” as a heartwood anomaly, since the important wood characteristics of this tissue obey the definition of heartwood rather than sapwood. This anomaly should no longer be a reason to exclude this type of wood from commercial utilisation.
Fitting parameters for softening of wet wood under quasi static loading
Authors: Hamdan S. , Dwianto W. , Morooka T. , Norimoto M.
Published: September 2004

This work calculates the parameters that can be fitted to
experimental data on compressive tests of selected softwoods
and hardwoods. The woods were subjected to
temperatures between 0°C and 100°C during severe radial
compression. The parameters of m, c and k under the
different conditions can be expressed by a constitutive
equation. For most woods, parameter k (related to the
Poisson's ratio) is approximately 1 except for Carpinus
tschonoskii Maxim (inushide) and Aesculus turninata Blume
(tochinoki). Parameter m ranges between 0.8–1
except for Pinus densiflora Seib. et Zucc. (akamatsu pine)
(1.2–1.6) and Pinus elliottii Engelm (slash pine) (from 2.1
down to 1.8). Parameter c ranges between 0.2–1.5
depending on the viscoelastic properties of the cell wall
for both hardwood and softwood.
Efficacy and Safety of Low‐Dose Valganciclovir for Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Disease in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Single‐Center, Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Gabardi Steven , Magee Colm C. , Baroletti Steven A. , Powelson John A. , Cina Jennifer L. , Chandraker Anil K.
Published: September 2004

Study Objective. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of valganciclovir 450 mg/day for 6 months for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in renal transplant recipients.

Design. Single‐center, retrospective analysis.

Setting. Urban, academic medical center.

Patients. Fifty‐eight patients who received de novo renal transplants from August 1, 2001–November 21, 2002.

Intervention. Valganciclovir 450 mg/day was administered to all renal transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease. Therapy was begun postoperatively and was dose adjusted to renal function.

Measurements and Main Results. Data collected from renal transplant recipients were demographics, immunosuppressive and antiviral drug therapy, and occurrence of CMV disease, acute rejection, allograft loss, and hematologic adverse events. Donor (D)/recipient (R) CMV serostatus was 37.9% D+/R+, 29.3% D‐/R+, 17.3% D+/R‐, and 15.5% D‐/R‐. Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) was administered to 62.1% of patients. Most of the transplant recipients received triple immunosuppression as maintenance therapy. Median follow‐up was 20 months. The frequency of CMV disease was 1.7% within 6 months after transplantation and 5.2% at any point after transplantation. All patients who developed CMV disease were D+/R‐ and had received ATG. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia associated with valganciclovir were seen in 28% and 24% of patients, respectively. One patient developed acute cellular rejection. No graft losses or deaths occurred. Early discontinuation of valganciclovir occurred in 20% of patients secondary to severe, persistent leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and/or diarrhea. None of these patients developed CMV disease.

Conclusion. A high rate of CMV disease was noted among the D+/R‐population. Administration of ATG as an induction agent also increased the frequency of CMV disease. Despite the low dosage of valganciclovir, hematologic adverse events were common. However, valganciclovir, administered at 450 mg/day for 6 months, was effective and relatively safe for prophylaxis of CMV disease in renal transplant recipients.
Levosimendan, a New Calcium‐Sensitizing Inotrope for Heart Failure
Authors: Ng Tien M. H.
Published: September 2004

Calcium sensitizers are a new class of inotropes that share the in vitro properties of calcium sensitization and phosphodiesterase inhibition. Levosimendan is a distinct calcium sensitizer, as it stabilizes the interaction between calcium and troponin C by binding to troponin C in a calcium‐dependent manner, improving inotropy without adversely affecting lusitropy. It does not exhibit clinically relevant phosphodiesterase inhibition at therapeutic concentrations. It also exerts vasodilatory effects, possibly through activation of several potassium channels and other less well characterized mechanisms. The pharmacokinetics of levosimendan are similar in healthy subjects and patients with heart failure and remain relatively unaltered by age, sex, and organ dysfunction. In preclinical and clinical studies, levosimendan exerted potent dose‐dependent positive inotropic and vasodilatory activity. Unlike conventional inotropes, levosimendan is not associated with significant increases in myocardial oxygen consumption, proarrhythmia, or neurohormonal activation. The most common adverse effects are attributable to the vasodilation. Two large, double‐blind, randomized trials demonstrated favorable hemodynamic effects, improved tolerability, and a possible mortality benefit over dobutamine and placebo in patients who had acute symptoms of failure and required inotropic therapy. The long‐term effect on patient outcomes is being confirmed in ongoing placebo‐ and inotrope‐controlled trials. Levosimendan appears to be an effective inodilator devoid of the detrimental effects of conventional inotropes. In the future, levosimendan may provide a promising alternative to conventional inotropes for patients with acutely decompensated heart failure.
Properties of ZrB2‐Reinforced Ternary Composites
Authors: Sciti D. , Melandri C. , Bellosi A.
Published: September 2004

Different amounts of ZrB2 particles are added to a matrix constituted by AlN+SiC for the production of novel electro‐conductive composites by hot pressing. The presence of ZrB2 particles makes the composites electro‐conductive and improves many relevant mechanical properties, such as toughness, hardness and strength. The new materials can reach a fracture toughness of 4 MPa.m1/2 and strength of 504 MPa at 1400°C.
Polyamide‐6/Silica Nanocomposites
Authors: García M. , García‐Turiel J. , Norder B. , Chavez F. , Kooi B.J. , van Zyl W.E. , Verweij H. , Blank D.H.A.
Published: September 2004

New strategies were developed which incorporate silica nanoparticles (<30 nm) into a nylon‐6 matrix, to form technically interesting hybrid nanocomposites with improved stiffness. Silica particles retained their original shape and size (10–30 nm), are mono‐dispersed and mainly non‐agglomerated as shown by TEM. Mechanical tests on the composites were conducted and showed that with less than 0.1 volume fraction of silica addition the E‐modulus of the nanocomposite increased when compared with neat nylon‐6. Furthermore, the rheological properties of the nanocomposites were determined. The viscosity showed a very dependant behavior at different filler loadings. The viscosity of highly filled samples was mainly caused by interactions between particles.