bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anesthesia management in a young child with aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase deficiency
Authors: VUTSKITS LASZLO , MENACHE CAROLINE , MANZANO SERGIO , HAENGGELI CHARLES‐ANDRÉ , HABRE WALID
Published: September 2005

Aromatic l‐amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is characterized by an almost complete absence of sympathetic autoregulation, because of very low levels of circulating catecholamines. Here, we report the successful management of four consecutive anesthesia procedures in a young child presenting with AADC deficiency. Our experience suggests that, with appropriate anticipation of the potential autonomic disturbances, anesthesia, at least for minor surgical and diagnostic procedures, can be conducted safely in patients with AADC deficiency.
Caudal injectate can be reliably imaged using portable ultrasound – a preliminary study
Authors: ROBERTS STEVEN A. , GURUSWAMY VELU , GALVEZ IGNACIO
Published: September 2005

Background : Correct caudal cannula placement is essential for block success and the avoidance of complications. The aim of this study was to assess the use of a saline injection test bolus with ultrasound (US) imaging to identify correct cannula placement for caudal anesthesia.

Methods : A prospective observational study of 60 children undergoing caudal anesthesia. A Sonosite 180 Plus (Sonosite Inc., Bothwell, WA) was used to image the spine and look for caudal space expansion secondary to saline injection.

Results : Saline test bolus correctly identified position in 96.5% of all subjects, and was 100% successful in children under 2 years of age.

Conclusions : These preliminary results suggest saline test bolus under US imaging is a reliable indicator of correct cannula position for caudal block. We found it safe, quick to perform, and provided additional useful information.
Preliminary experience with oral dexmedetomidine for procedural and anesthetic premedication
Authors: ZUB DAVID , BERKENBOSCH JOHN W. , TOBIAS JOSEPH D.
Published: September 2005

Background : Oral premedication is often required in children to provide anxiolysis and lessen the psychological impact of hospitalization and/or procedures. We present our experience with dexmedetomidine as an oral premedicant prior to procedural sedation or anesthetic induction.

Methods : We undertook a retrospective review of the anesthesia or sedation service records of patients who received oral dexmedetomidine.

Results : The cohort for the study included 13 patients ranging in age from 4 to 14 years. Oral dexmedetomidine (mean dose: 2.6 ± 0.83 μg·kg−1; range 1.0–4.2 μg·kg−1) was used as premedication prior to anesthesia induction in four patients and prior to intravenous (IV) cannula placement for procedural sedation in nine patients with neurobehavioral problems. Effective sedation was achieved in 11 of 13 patients. The one patient in whom anxiolysis was not achieved received the lowest dose of dexmedetomidine (1 μg·kg−1) prior to anesthesia induction. In the other three patients, parental separation and acceptance of the mask was achieved at 20–30 min with a dose of 2.5 μg·kg−1. When used for procedural sedation, placement of an IV cannula was accomplished without difficulty in seven of eight patients with neurobehavioral disorders and with only mild resistance in the other. No complications were noted and parental satisfaction with the sedation experience was high.

Conclusions : These preliminary data suggest that dexmedetomidine may be an effective oral premedicant prior to anesthesia induction or procedural sedation. We found that it was effective even in patients with neurobehavioral disorders in whom previous attempts at sedation had failed.
Amitriptyline poisoning in a 2‐year old
Authors: DEEGAN CATHERINE , O'BRIEN KAY
Published: September 2005

We describe a case of a 2‐year‐old boy who ingested 35 mg·kg−1 of amitriptyline. He developed central nervous system toxicity, as demonstrated by coma and seizures and cardiac toxicity (cardiac arrest) within 1 h of ingestion. The cardiac toxicity was refractory to standard therapy. His cardiac rhythm alternated between ventricular tachycardia and pulseless ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation for a period of 17 h. Following prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation and aggressive supportive management, the patient recovered both cardiovascularly and neurologically. An echocardiogram and MRI brain were subsequently performed and were normal. The patient was discharged 2 weeks later with normal cognitive, behavioral and motor function. We discuss the benefit of prolonged and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the management of this potentially fatal poisoning.
Suspected malignant hyperthermia in a child with laminin α2 (merosin) deficiency in the absence of a triggering agent
Authors: SHUKRY MOHANAD , GURULI ZURAB V , RAMADHYANI USHA
Published: September 2005

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an inherited disorder of the skeletal muscles that can be triggered by many anesthetic agents. MH has different presentations and manifestations that makes it difficult to diagnose. Patients with laminin α2 deficiency have never been reported to be susceptible to MH. We present a suspected MH episode in the absence of classic triggering agents in a 7‐year‐old boy with laminin α2 (merosin) deficiency and congenital muscular dystrophy. The episode was diagnosed using the MH clinical grading scale and responded well to prompt management with dantrolene. We conclude that patients with laminin α2 deficiency may be susceptible to MH, and early suspicion and rapid treatment is vital in the management of MH. Anesthesiologists should be prepared to treat MH in susceptible patients even in the absence of a classical triggering agent.
A retrospective study of climatic suitability for the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus)microplus in the Americas
Authors: Estrada‐Peña A. , Acedo C. Sánchez , Quílez J. , Del Cacho E.
Published: September 2005

Aim  Climate change has the potential to have an impact on the distribution of ticks and tick‐borne diseases. This paper identifies the changes in climate suitability for the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in the Americas by analysing climate data for the period 1950–99.

Location  The model was applied to the American continent.

Methods  A model based on Environmental Niche Modelling was used on a gridded (0.5°) long‐term (1950–99) climate data set. A map of the core range of the species was constructed, and areas where habitat suitability (HS) changes suddenly over short time periods were identified as regions of high sensitivity. Tendency of climate in the continent was evaluated and scenarios constructed for 2025 and 2050.

Results  Regions of high sensitivity included the southern USA, Mexico and western and central Argentina. Analysis of climate variables in these regions identified water vapour pressure deficit and evaporation as underlying the high sensitivity of habitat suitability in the USA and Mexico, and showed that episodes of high variability are linked to the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Projections of the tendency of HS as observed for the 1950–99 period point to an increase in this value in parts of the southern USA and in central Argentina, a finding that can be attributed to the progressive increase in minimum and yearly averaged temperatures.

Conclusions  Short‐term changes in climate may drive the system into unstable situations with sudden changes in habitat suitability for the target tick in specific zones of the Americas. Results suggest an increased abiotic (climate) suitability for R. microplus in areas whose habitat is currently unsuitable for this species.
Plant allometry, stoichiometry and the temperature‐dependence of primary productivity
Authors: Kerkhoff Andrew J. , Enquist Brian J. , Elser James J. , Fagan William F.
Published: September 2005

Aim While physical constraints influence terrestrial primary productivity, the extent to which geographical variation in productivity is influenced by physiological adaptations and changes in vegetation structure is unclear. Further, quantifying the effect of variability in species traits on ecosystems remains a critical research challenge. Here, we take a macroecological approach and ask if variation in the stoichiometric traits (C: N: P ratios) of plants and primary productivity across global‐scale temperature gradients is consistent with a scaling model that integrates recent insights from the theories of metabolic scaling and ecological stoichiometry.

Location This study is global in scope, encompassing a wide variety of terrestrial plant communities.

Methods We first develop a scaling model that incorporates potentially adaptive variation in leaf and whole‐plant nutrient content, kinetic aspects of photosynthesis and plant respiration, and the allometry of biomass partitioning and allocation. We then examine extensive data sets concerning the stoichiometry and productivity of diverse plant communities in light of the model.

Results Across diverse ecosystems, both foliar stoichiometry (N : P) and ‘nitrogen productivity’ (which depends on both community size structure and plant nutrient content) vary systematically across global scale temperature gradients. Primary productivity shows no relationship to temperature.

Main conclusions The model predicts that the observed patterns of variation in plant stoichiometry and nutrient productivity may offset the temperature dependence of primary production expected from the kinetics of photosynthesis alone. Our approach provides a quantitative framework for treating potentially adaptive functional variation across communities as a continuum and may thus inform studies of global change. More generally, our approach represents one of the first explicit combinations of ecological stoichiometry and metabolic scaling theories in the analysis of macroecological patterns.
Survey Response and Survey Characteristics: Microlevel Evidence from the European Community Household Panel
Authors: Nicoletti Cheti , Peracchi Franco
Published: September 2005

The paper presents microlevel evidence on the role of the sociodemographic characteristics of a population and the characteristics of the data collection process as predictors of survey response. Our evidence is based on the public use files of the European Community Household Panel, a longitudinal household survey covering the countries of the European Union, whose attractive feature is the high level of comparability across countries and over time. We model the response process as the outcome of two sequential events: contact between the interviewer and an eligible interviewee, and co-operation by the interviewee. Our model allows for dependence between the ease of contact and the propensity to co-operate, taking into account the censoring problem caused by the fact that we observe whether a person is a respondent only if she has been contacted.
A Review of Cancer Screening Evaluation Techniques, with some Particular Examples in Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Warwick Jane , Duffy Stephen W.
Published: September 2005

The instigation of mass screening for breast cancer has, over the last three decades, raised various statistical issues and led to the development of new statistical approaches. Initially, the design of screening trials was the main focus of research but, as the evidence in favour of population-based screening programmes mounts, a variety of other applications have also been identified. These include administrative and quality control tasks, for monitoring routine screening services, as well as epidemiological modelling of incidence and mortality. We review the commonly used methods of cancer screening evaluation, highlight some current issues in breast screening and, using examples from randomized trials and established screening programmes, illustrate the role that statistical science has played in the development of clinical research in this field.
Resolving Paradoxes Involving Surrogate End Points
Authors: Baker Stuart G. , Izmirlian Grant , Kipnis Victor
Published: September 2005

We define a surrogate end point as a measure or indicator of a biological process that is obtained sooner, at less cost or less invasively than a true end point of health outcome and is used to make conclusions about the effect of an intervention on the true end point. Prentice presented criteria for valid hypothesis testing of a surrogate end point that replaces a true end point. For using the surrogate end point to estimate the predicted effect of intervention on the true end point, Day and Duffy assumed the Prentice criterion and arrived at two paradoxical results: the estimated predicted intervention effect by using a surrogate can give more precise estimates than the usual estimate of the intervention effect by using the true end point and the variance is greatest when the surrogate end point perfectly predicts the true end point. Begg and Leung formulated similar paradoxes and concluded that they indicate a flawed conceptual strategy arising from the Prentice criterion. We resolve the paradoxes as follows. Day and Duffy compared a surrogate-based estimate of the effect of intervention on the true end point with an estimate of the effect of intervention on the true end point that uses the true end point. Their paradox arose because the former estimate assumes the Prentice criterion whereas the latter does not. If both or neither of these estimates assume the Prentice criterion, there is no paradox. The paradoxes of Begg and Leung, although similar to those of Day and Duffy, arise from ignoring the variability of the parameter estimates irrespective of the Prentice criterion and disappear when the variability is included. Our resolution of the paradoxes provides a firm foundation for future meta-analytic extensions of the approach of Day and Duffy.
A Protective Estimator for Longitudinal Binary Data Subject to Non-Ignorable Non-Monotone Missingness
Authors: Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Molenberghs Geert , Ibrahim Joseph G.
Published: September 2005

In longitudinal studies missing data are the rule not the exception. We consider the analysis of longitudinal binary data with non-monotone missingness that is thought to be non-ignorable. In this setting a full likelihood approach is complicated algebraically and can be computationally prohibitive when there are many measurement occasions. We propose a ‘protective’ estimator that assumes that the probability that a response is missing at any occasion depends, in a completely unspecified way, on the value of that variable alone. Relying on this ‘protectiveness’ assumption, we describe a pseudolikelihood estimator of the regression parameters under non-ignorable missingness, without having to model the missing data mechanism directly. The method proposed is applied to CD4 cell count data from two longitudinal clinical trials of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus.
The Professionalization of the ‘Shoe Clerk’
Authors: Grieve Andrew P.
Published: September 2005

The address reviews the professionalization of statisticians working in the regulated world of drug development. The need for statisticians to continue to push the boundaries of their professional environment is stressed. It is argued that to maintain the strength and influence of the profession it is neither desirable, nor necessary, to define in a statutory sense access to the profession.
Estimating Utilities from Individual Health Preference Data: A Nonparametric Bayesian Method
Authors: Kharroubi Samer A. , O’Hagan Anthony , Brazier John E.
Published: September 2005

A fundamental benefit that is conferred by medical treatments is to increase the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) that is experienced by patients. Various descriptive systems exist to define a patient’s health state, and we address the problem of assigning an HRQOL value to any given state in such a descriptive system. Data derive from experiments in which individuals are asked to assign their personal values to various health states. We construct a Bayesian model that takes account of various important aspects of such data. Specifically, we allow for the repeated measures feature that each individual values several different states, and the fact that individuals vary markedly in their valuations, with some people consistently providing higher valuations than others. We model the relationship between HRQOL and health state nonparametrically. We illustrate our method by using data from an experiment in which 611 individuals each valued up to six states in the descriptive system known as the SF-6D system. Although the SF-6D system distinguishes 18000 different health states, only 249 of these were valued in this experiment. We provide posterior inference about the HRQOL values for all 18000 states.
Correlating Two Continuous Variables Subject to Detection Limits in the Context of Mixture Distributions
Authors: Chu Haitao , Moulton Lawrence H. , Mack Wendy J. , Passaro Douglas J. , Barroso Paulo F. , Muñoz Alvaro
Published: September 2005

In individuals who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), distributions of quantitative HIV ribonucleic acid measurements may be highly left censored with an extra spike below the limit of detection LD of the assay. A two-component mixture model with the lower component entirely supported on [0, LD] is recommended to model the extra spike in univariate analysis better. Let LD1 and LD2 be the limits of detection for the two HIV viral load measurements. When estimating the correlation coefficient between two different measures of viral load obtained from each of a sample of patients, a bivariate Gaussian mixture model is recommended to model the extra spike on [0, LD1] and [0, LD2] better when the proportion below LD is incompatible with the left-hand tail of a bivariate Gaussian distribution. When the proportion of both variables falling below LD is very large, the parameters of the lower component may not be estimable since almost all observations from the lower component are falling below LD. A partial solution is to assume that the lower component’s entire support is on [0, LD1]×[0, LD2]. Maximum likelihood is used to estimate the parameters of the lower and higher components. To evaluate whether there is a lower component, we apply a Monte Carlo approach to assess the p-value of the likelihood ratio test and two information criteria: a bootstrap-based information criterion and a cross-validation-based information criterion. We provide simulation results to evaluate the performance and compare it with two ad hoc estimators and a single-component bivariate Gaussian likelihood estimator. These methods are applied to the data from a cohort study of HIV-infected men in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the data from the Women’s Interagency HIV oral study. These results emphasize the need for caution when estimating correlation coefficients from data with a large proportion of non-detectable values when the proportion below LD is incompatible with the left-hand tail of a bivariate Gaussian distribution.
Predicting Future Discoveries of European Marine Species by Using a Non-Homogeneous Renewal Process
Authors: Wilson Simon P. , Costello Mark J.
Published: September 2005

Predicting future rates of species discovery and the number of species remaining are important in efforts to preserve biodiversity, discussions on the rate of species extinction and comparisons on the state of knowledge of animals and plants of different taxa. Data on discovery dates of species in 32 European marine taxa are analysed by using a class of thinned temporal renewal process models. These models allow for both underdispersion and overdispersion with respect to the non-homogeneous Poisson process. An approach for implementing Bayesian inference for these models is described that uses Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation and that is applicable to other types of thinned process. Predictions are made on the number of species remaining to be discovered in each taxon.
Bayesian Model Selection for Join Point Regression with Application to Age-Adjusted Cancer Rates
Authors: Tiwari Ram C. , Cronin Kathleen A. , Davis William , Feuer Eric J. , Yu Binbing , Chib Siddhartha
Published: September 2005

The method of Bayesian model selection for join point regression models is developed. Given a set of K+1 join point models M0, M1, …, MK with 0, 1, …, K join points respec-tively, the posterior distributions of the parameters and competing models Mk are computed by Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations. The Bayes information criterion BIC is used to select the model Mk with the smallest value of BIC as the best model. Another approach based on the Bayes factor selects the model Mk with the largest posterior probability as the best model when the prior distribution of Mk is discrete uniform. Both methods are applied to analyse the observed US cancer incidence rates for some selected cancer sites. The graphs of the join point models fitted to the data are produced by using the methods proposed and compared with the method of Kim and co-workers that is based on a series of permutation tests. The analyses show that the Bayes factor is sensitive to the prior specification of the variance σ2, and that the model which is selected by BIC fits the data as well as the model that is selected by the permutation test and has the advantage of producing the posterior distribution for the join points. The Bayesian join point model and model selection method that are presented here will be integrated in the National Cancer Institute’s join point software (http://www.srab.cancer.gov/joinpoint/) and will be available to the public.
Near-Optimal Designs for Dual Channel Microarray Studies
Authors: Wit Ernst , Nobile Agostino , Khanin Raya
Published: September 2005

Much biological and medical research employs microarray studies to monitor gene expression levels across a wide range of organisms and under many experimental conditions. Dual channel microarrays are a common platform and allow two samples to be measured simultaneously. A frequently used design uses a common reference sample to make conditions across different arrays comparable. Our aim is to formulate microarray experiments in the experimental design context and to use simulated annealing to search for near-optimal designs. We identify a subclass of designs, the so-called interwoven loop designs, that seems to have good optimality properties compared with the near-optimal designs that are found by simulated annealing. Commonly used reference designs and dye swap designs are shown to be highly inefficient.
The Neglog Transformation and Quantile Regression for the Analysis of a Large Credit Scoring Database
Authors: Whittaker Joe , Whitehead Chris , Somers Mark
Published: September 2005

A statistical analysis of a bank’s credit card database is presented. The database is a snapshot of accounts whose holders have missed a payment on a given month but who do not subsequently default. The variables on which there is information are observable measures on the account (such as profit and activity), and whether actions that are available to the bank (such as letters and telephone calls) have been taken. A primary objective for the bank is to gain insight into the effect that collections activity has on on-going account usage. A neglog transformation that highlights features that are hidden on the original scale and improves the joint distribution of the covariates is introduced. Quantile regression, a novel methodology to the credit scoring industry, is used as it is relatively assumption free, and it is suspected that different relationships may be manifest in different parts of the response distribution. The large size is handled by selecting relatively small subsamples for training and then building empirical distributions from repeated samples for validation. In the application to the database of clients who have missed a single payment a substantive finding is that the predictor of the median of the target variable contains different variables from those of the predictor of the 30% quantile. This suggests that different mechanisms may be at play in different parts of the distribution.
Analysis of Familial Aggregation in the Presence of Varying Family Sizes
Authors: Matthews Abigail G. , Finkelstein Dianne M. , Betensky Rebecca A.
Published: September 2005

Family studies are frequently undertaken as the first step in the search for genetic and/or environmental determinants of disease. Significant familial aggregation of disease is suggestive of a genetic aetiology for the disease and may lead to more focused genetic analysis. Of course, it may also be due to shared environmental factors. Many methods have been proposed in the literature for the analysis of family studies. One model that is appealing for the simplicity of its computation and the conditional interpretation of its parameters is the quadratic exponential model. However, a limiting factor in its application is that it is not reproducible, meaning that all families must be of the same size. To increase the applicability of this model, we propose a hybrid approach in which analysis is based on the assumption of the quadratic exponential model for a selected family size and combines a missing data approach for smaller families with a marginalization approach for larger families. We apply our approach to a family study of colorectal cancer that was sponsored by the Cancer Genetics Network of the National Institutes of Health. We investigate the properties of our approach in simulation studies. Our approach applies more generally to clustered binary data.
The Relationship Between Migraine and Atopic Disorders—the Contribution of Pulmonary Function Tests and Immunological Screening
Authors: Özge A , Özge C , Öztürk C , Kaleagasi H , Özcan M , Yalçinkaya DE , Özveren N , Yalçin F
Published: September 2005

This cross-sectional clinical study was conducted in order to explore the relationship between atopic disorders and migraine. We evaluated 186 consecutive patients with migraine. Patients with a history of atopic disorders were compared with the others during headache-free intervals, for their headache characteristics, pulmonary test (PFT) performances and immunological screenings, through appropriate statistical methods. Of the patients with migraine, 77 (41.4%) reported at least one atopic disorder. PFT screening showed a general decreased pulmonary capacity and an important correlation between a positive history of atopic disorders and both increased eosinophil and IgE levels in headache-free periods. It should be discussed whether screening with PFT or immunological tests helps in early detection of progressive lung disease which might develop in these patients.
Gait perception of part‐reverse biological motion pattern produced by eight point‐lights attached to the back of a walker1
Authors: SUMI SHIGEMASA
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  The Johansson side‐view point‐light walker (PLW) gives a vivid impression of an invisible human, and the Cutting Cm (center of moment), determined by the relative widths of the shoulders and hips of the walker, is a well‐known important parameter for sex identification of perceived gait. The back‐view PLWs produced by the eight point‐lights attached to the back of a walker also give a clear image of human gait (Sumi, 2000). In the present investigation, the part‐reverse (P‐R) PLWs were used as stimuli. In the P‐R PLWs, the lower‐half elements (knees and heels) of the back‐view PLWs were arranged to be the reverse of their normal PLWs and the upper half elements (shoulders and hips) were arranged exactly the same as their normal PLWs. Results revealed that the P‐R PLWs were identified correctly as often as the normal PLWs, indicating that the Cutting Cm is valid for the back‐view PLWs. It was also found that, when the sex of the P‐R PLW was identified correctly, the age was estimated to be younger, whereas when the sex was not identified correctly, the age was estimated to be older. This finding was discussed in relation to the difference between the data profiles obtained from the P‐R PLWs and the normal PLWs.
A new explanation of perceptual transparency connecting the X‐junction contrast‐polarity model with the luminance‐based arithmetic model1
Authors: KITAOKA AKIYOSHI
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  The luminance‐based arithmetic model of perceptual transparency was applied to explain Adelson‐Anandan‐Anderson's X‐junction contrast‐polarity model, which classifies perceptual transparency on a phenomenological level. As a result, the reason why the apparent depth order of two surfaces is fixed in the configuration of unique transparency could be well understood. Moreover, the reason why the apparent depth order of two surfaces is reversible in the configuration of bistable transparency could also be well explained by introducing a new classification of perceptual transparency that differentiates full‐layer transparency from object transparency. An experiment of bistable transparency revealed that object transparency is preferred to full‐layer transparency. It also revealed two factors affecting perceptual transparency: average lightness or luminance of adjacent regions, and the difference in lightness or luminance between them. In addition, it appeared that Michelson contrast does not play a critical role in perceptual transparency.
Top‐down controlled eye movements in visual search tasks1
Authors: KERSTEN BERND , GRONER MARINA , GRONER RUDOLF
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  An analysis of the first and following saccades made during a complex visual search task is reported. The observer's task was the search for a face or building (content) with the conjoint features of ideal filtering and contrast. Evidence for a stimulus‐driven information processing and for a search intention processing was found. The probability of correct hits and of saccades, landing on a pattern sharing two features with the target, was increased after prior exposure of this target. We further address the issue of what information might be held in trans‐saccadic memory. Carryover effects from saccadic eye movements of nonhits to hits were found with respect to the preceding processing time. Search intention (measured using the similarity of fixated to target pattern) also increased the probability of the following hit. This carryover effect of information from one to the following saccade is not effective on a longer time scale. The saccadic memory is in contradiction to results using simpler conjoint tasks or a search for a target, which does not include search for content.
The face‐inversion effect can be explained by the capacity limitations of an orientation normalization mechanism1
Authors: SCHWANINGER ADRIAN , MAST FRED W.
Published: September 2005

Abstract:  The effect of orientation on face recognition was explored by selectively altering facial components (eyes and mouth) or by changing configural information (distances between components). Regardless of the type of change, a linear increase in reaction time for same‐different judgments was revealed when the faces were rotated away from upright. The analyses of error scores indicated that the detection of altered components was only slightly affected by orientation, while orientation had a detrimental effect on the detection of configural changes. These results are consistent with the assumption that rotated faces overtax an orientation normalization mechanism so that they have to be processed by mentally rotating parts, which makes it difficult to recover configural information.
Perceived preservation format and food preference
Authors: Hurling Robert , Martin Karen J.
Published: September 2005

The same (chilled) food product was presented to 77 consumers with either a frozen or chilled label. As predicted, liking for the food product was found to be in line with consumer expectation of liking for the different preservation format labels. For example, consumers that expected chilled foods to taste better than frozen reported higher liking for the product with the chilled label, even though actual quality of all products tasted was the same. Contrary to our prediction that tasting similar quality products perceived to be from different preservation formats would bring expectation of liking for those formats closer together, we found consumers who expressed no preference before tasting the products had developed a preference afterwards. We discuss the implication of these results and similarities between the concepts of conditioning, attitude, expectation and preference.
Consumers’ perception of food packaging in Trinidad, West Indies and its related impact on food choices
Authors: Peters‐Texeira Angela , Badrie Neela
Published: September 2005

The purpose of the study was to investigate consumers’ perception of food packaging and its impact on food choices. The study population comprised 82 people who were ultimately consumers of packaged food products. The sample was drawn from six major supermarkets located in different geographical areas in Trinidad, West Indies. Data collection was carried out by using a questionnaire based on five topics: visual impact or attractiveness of the packaging; type of packaging material; labelling and nutritional information; new products; and fruit preserves. The packaging feature that influenced most of the respondents’ choice of products was information on the label (41.5%); it was followed by quality and type of packaging (24.4%), brand name/popularity (22.0%) and visual impact (12.2%). When asked if they would purchase a product that was most attractively packaged, 85.4% responded in the affirmative. Most respondents (92.7%) believed that packaging material could adversely affect the quality of performance of a food product. Also, 92.7% of respondents agreed that nutrition information should be shown on all food products, although 36.6% admitted that they do not read the label because of its complexity. Influence of gender was not significant (P < 0.05) on consumer perception of food packaging and on food choices. Although the sample was small, the data highlighted the need to educate consumers of packaged foods, so that informed decisions could be taken in respect to food quality, safety and nutrition.
Adolescent brand consciousness and product placements: awareness, liking and perceived effects on self and others
Authors: Nelson Michelle R. , McLeod Laurie Ellis
Published: September 2005

Product placements in entertainment media are increasing, particularly in content targeted to adolescents. This marketing communication tactic is examined in the context of media socialization and individual differences in brand consciousness. The relative influence of commercial media (TV, radio, movies, online) and perceived peer and parent brand consciousness on US adolescent brand consciousness is assessed, as well as differences in how low and high brand‐conscious adolescents view product placements. Awareness, liking and perceived effects of product placements on self and others (third‐person perception) were measured. Results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses show that movies and perceived parent and peer brand consciousness were positively related to adolescent brand consciousness. Those adolescents considered to be highly brand‐conscious were also those who were most aware of and favourable towards product placements. All adolescents demonstrated third‐person perception of media effects in that they considered others to be more influenced by product placements than themselves, with peers influenced more than friends. Highly brand‐conscious teens perceived the greatest effects of product placements on their own and others’ buying behaviours, yet low brand‐conscious teens revealed the largest gap in perceptions of impact on self vs. peers. The results are discussed in view of media effects; ramifications for marketers and public policy makers are also appraised.
Opposing effects of phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, on the signaling of structurally related human dopamine D1 and D5 receptors
Authors: Jackson Adele , Sedaghat Keyvan , Minerds Kirsty , James Carolyn , Tiberi Mario
Published: September 2005

The ‘cross‐talk’ between different types of neurotransmitters through second messenger pathways represents a major regulatory mechanism in neuronal function. We investigated the effects of activation of protein kinase C (PKC) on cAMP‐dependent signaling by structurally related human D1‐like dopaminergic receptors. Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells expressing D1 or D5 receptors were pretreated with phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate (PMA), a potent activator of PKC, followed by analysis of dopamine‐mediated receptor activation using whole cell cAMP assays. Unpredictably, PKC activation had completely opposite effects on D1 and D5 receptor signaling. PMA dramatically augmented agonist‐evoked D1 receptor signaling, whereas constitutive and dopamine‐mediated D5 receptor activation were rapidly blunted. RT–PCR and immunoblotting analyses showed that phorbol ester‐regulated PKC isozymes (conventional: α, βI, βII, γ; novel: δ, ɛ, η, θ) and protein kinase D (PKCµ) are expressed in HEK293 cells. PMA appears to mediate these contrasting effects through the activation of Ca2+‐independent novel PKC isoforms as revealed by specific inhibitors, bisindolylmaleimide I, Gö6976, and Gö6983. The finding that cross‐talk between PKC and cAMP pathways can produce such opposite outcomes following the activation of structurally similar D1‐like receptor subtypes is novel and further strengthens the view that D1 and D5 receptors serve distinct functions in the mammalian nervous and endocrine systems.
Development of STMS markers from the medicinal plant Madagascar periwinkle [Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don.]
Authors: SHOKEEN BHUMIKA , SETHY NIROJ K. , CHOUDHARY SHALU , BHATIA SABHYATA
Published: September 2005

We report the isolation and characterization of the first set of sequence‐tagged microsatellites sites (STMS) markers in Catharanthus roseus, a plant with a vast range of medicinal uses. The microsatellite loci were cloned from an enriched library constructed using degenerate primers. Based on the microsatellite motifs, seven STMS primer pairs were designed. They were used to amplify 32 accessions of C. roseus and one accession of Catharanthus trichophyllus. The primers amplified an average of 3.86 alleles per locus. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.2903 to 0.9688 with an average of 0.7511. The STMS markers of C. roseus also amplified corresponding loci in a related species (C. trichophyllus) suggesting conservation of the loci across the genus. These markers will prove useful for genetic diversity analysis and linkage map construction in C. roseus.
genalex 6: genetic analysis in Excel. Population genetic software for teaching and research
Authors: PEAKALL ROD , SMOUSE PETER E.
Published: September 2005

genalex is a user‐friendly cross‐platform package that runs within Microsoft Excel, enabling population genetic analyses of codominant, haploid and binary data. Allele frequency‐based analyses include heterozygosity, F statistics, Nei's genetic distance, population assignment, probabilities of identity and pairwise relatedness. Distance‐based calculations include amova, principal coordinates analysis (PCA), Mantel tests, multivariate and 2D spatial autocorrelation and twogener. More than 20 different graphs summarize data and aid exploration. Sequence and genotype data can be imported from automated sequencers, and exported to other software. Initially designed as tool for teaching, genalex 6 now offers features for researchers as well. Documentation and the program are available at http://www.anu.edu.au/BoZo/GenAlEx/
Evaluation of clinical usefulness of second‐generation HCV core antigen assay: comparison with COBAS AMPLICOR HCV MONITOR assay version 2.0
Authors: Yokosuka Osamu , Kawai Shigenobu , Suzuki Yoichi , Fukai Kenichi , Imazeki Fumio , Kanda Tatsuo , Tada Motohisa , Mikata Rintarou , Hata Akira , Saisho Hiromitsu
Published: October 2005

Abstract: Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important etiologic agent for chronic liver diseases.

Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of second‐generation HCV core antigen assay by comparing the results of the assay with those of the COBAS AMPLICOR HCV MONITOR version 2.0 (COBAS v2.0).

Results: HCV core antigen was detectable by this assay in 142/149 (95.3%) of serotype 1 (3821±322 fmol/l; mean±SD), in 56/58 (96.6%) of serotype 2 (2589±449 fmol/l), and in 6/6 (100%) of serotypes 1+2 (1240±548 fmol/l). The HCV core antigen levels measured by this assay correlated well with the HCV RNA levels by COBAS v2.0 (r=0.848, P<0.0001). In relation to the outcome of interferon monotherapy, the pretreatment HCV core antigen levels of sustained and non‐sustained virological responders were 659±189 and 4904±376 fmol/l in serotype 1, 1993±740 and 3145±519 fmol/l in serotype 2. The cutoff values with the best accuracy for HCV core Ag levels to discriminate between sustained and non‐sustained virological response were 699 fmol/l for serotype 1 and 292 fmol/l for serotype 2, respectively, by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Conclusion: This new assay was considered to be useful in evaluating the HCV levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization and collection in 42 patients with primary systemic amyloidosis
Authors: Perotti Cesare , Del Fante Claudia , Viarengo Gianluca , Perlini Stefano , Vezzoli Monia , Rodi Giuseppe , Palo Alessandra , Bergamaschi Paola , Salvaneschi Laura
Published: September 2005

BACKGROUND: High‐dose chemotherapy followed by an inoculum of autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) can improve survival in patients affected with primary systemic amyloidosis (AL). It has been documented, however, that the morbidity and mortality of PBPC mobilization and collection in this setting are higher than in patients with other diseases. To minimize the mobilization and collection‐related risks, we developed a multidisciplinary approach involving different specialists to manage AL patients with predominant heart and renal involvement.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We report our experience in 42 patients (23 men, 19 women; median age, 51.2 years; range, 28‐68 years) with AL who underwent PBPC mobilization and collection. Twenty of the 42 patients (47.6%) had cardiac involvement and 35 of 42 (83.3%) renal involvement. Thirty‐three patients (78.5%) were mobilized with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) alone (10 µg/kg) and 9 (21.4%) with cyclophosphamide (CTX) (3 g/m2) plus G‐CSF (10 µg/kg).

RESULTS: The median number of collections per patient after either G‐CSF or CTX plus G‐CSF was 1.8 (range, 1‐3). The median number of CD34+ cells collected in patients mobilized with G‐CSF alone was 8.2 × 106 per kg (range, 1.35 × 106‐21.3 × 106/kg) and in patients mobilized with CTX plus G‐CSF it was 8.9 × 106 per kg (range, 5.5 × 106‐14.9 × 106/kg). Forty of the 42 (95.2%) patients produced the minimum required CD34+ cell target dose (4 × 106/kg). The overall rate of morbidity during the collections was 50 percent (21/42 patients): 18 patients (42.8%) had asymptomatic hypotension, 1 (2.4%) had symptomatic hypotension with nausea and vomiting, and 2 (4.7%) experienced a life‐threatening hypotensive episode. There were no procedure‐related deaths.

CONCLUSION: Our multidisciplinary approach was effective in limiting the serious side effects related to PBPC mobilization and collection in AL patients.
Rhnull syndrome: identification of a novel mutation in RHce
Authors: Rosa K.A. , Reid M.E. , Lomas‐Francis C. , Powell V.I. , Costa F.F. , Stinghen S.T. , Watanabe A.M. , Carboni E.K. , Baldon J.P. , Jucksch M.M.F. , Castilho L.
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND: The deficiency of Rh proteins on red blood cells (RBCs) from individuals of the Rhnull amorph type are the result of homozygosity for a silent RHCE in cis with a deleted RHD. A novel mutation in RHce was identified in two Caucasian Brazilian girls with the amorph type of Rhnull who were born to parents who were first cousins.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBCs from the Rhnull sisters and from family members were analyzed by serology and flow cytometry with specific antibodies. Genomic DNA and transcripts were tested by polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis.

RESULTS: Rhnull RBCs were nonreactive with anti‐Rh and anti‐LW. Molecular analyses showed a deletion of RHD and of one nucleotide (960/963; GGGG→GGG) in exon 7 of the RHce. This deletion introduced a frameshift after Gly321, a new C‐terminal sequence, and a premature stop codon, resulting in a shorter predicted protein with 357 amino acids.

CONCLUSION: The detection of a unique RHce transcript indicated that the two sisters were homozygous, whereas the other family members were heterozygous for the mutation. A novel mutation resulting in the amorph Rhnull with loss of Rh antigen expression is described.
Acute Blood Pressure Changes After the Onset of Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia: A Time‐Course Analysis
Authors: RAZAVI MEHDI , LURIA DAVID M. , JAHANGIR ARSHAD , HODGE DAVID O. , LOW PHILLIP A. , SHEN WIN‐KUANG
Published: September 2005

Introduction: We aimed to characterize blood pressure (BP) response at the beginning of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) and its relationship to orthostatic challenge and variable atrioventricular interval.

Methods and Results: In this prospective study of 17 consecutive patients with documented AVNRT, mean BP was analyzed in the supine and upright positions during sinus rhythm, AVNRT, and pacing with atrioventricular delay of 150 msec (AV150) and 0 msec (AV0). Mean BPs were compared at 3–5 seconds, 8–10 seconds, and 28–30 seconds after the onset of AVNRT or pacing. BP decreased immediately after AVNRT initiation, with gradual recovery during the first 30 seconds from 71.9 ± 16.5 mmHg to 86 ± 13.8 mmHg, P < 0.01. A similar pattern was observed during AV0, but not during AV150, pacing. While supine, mean BP decrease was more pronounced during AVNRT and AV0 pacing (−26.1% and −32.1%, respectively) than during AV150 pacing (−8%, P = 0.02 and P = 0.07, respectively). This difference subsided 30 seconds after the onset of AVNRT or pacing. When upright, the mean BP time course was similar, but mean BP recovery during AVNRT was slower, and the difference between mean BP during AVNRT and AV150 persisted at 30 seconds.

Conclusions: The initial mean BP decrease during AVNRT recovered gradually within 30 seconds. A short atrioventricular interval is associated with a greater mean BP decrease at the onset of tachycardia. These observations may explain clinical symptoms immediately after the onset of AVNRT.
Idiopathic Left Ventricular Tachycardia Originating from the Mitral Annulus
Authors: KUMAGAI KOJI , YAMAUCHI YASUTERU , TAKAHASHI ATSUSHI , YOKOYAMA YASUHIRO , SEKIGUCHI YUKIO , WATANABE JUN , IESAKA YOSHITO , SHIRATO KUNIO , AONUMA KAZUTAKA
Published: September 2005

Background: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) can eliminate most idiopathic repetitive monomorphic ventricular tachycardias (RMVTs) originating from the right and left ventricular outflow tracts (RVOT, LVOT). Here, we describe the electrophysiological (EP) findings of a new variant of RMVT originating from the mitral annulus (MAVT).

Methods and Results: MAVT was identified in 35 patients out of 72 consecutive left ventricular RMVTs from May 2000 to June 2004. All patients underwent an EP study and RFCA. The sites of origin of the MAVT were grouped into four groups according to the successful ablation sites around the mitral annulus. Group I included the anterior sites (n = 11), group II the anterolateral sites (n = 9), group III the lateral sites (n = 6), and group IV the posterior sites (n = 9). The MAVTs were a wide QRS tachycardia with a delta wave‐like beginning of the QRS complex. The transitional zone of the R wave occurred between V1‐V2 in all cases. The 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern might reflect the site of the origin of MAVTs around the mitral annulus. We proposed an algorithm for predicting the site of the focus and the tactics needed for successful RFCA of the MAVT.

Conclusions: We described the EP findings of the new variant of RMVT, MAVT. Most MAVTs could be eliminated by RF applications to the endocardial mitral annulus using our proposed tactics.