bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Receptors in Serologic Tests for the Early Diagnosis of Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Tai Dar-Fu , Lin Chung-Yin , Wu Tzong-Zeng , Huang Jyh-Hsiung , Shu Pei-Yun
Published: June 2006

Background: Because of the range and nonspecificity of clinical presentations of dengue virus infections, we felt there was a need to create diagnostic tests. We used artificial receptors for the virus to develop serologic assays to detect dengue virus infection.

Methods: We coated a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with molecularly imprinted polymers specific for nonstructural protein 1 of flavivirus. These artificial receptors were specifically created on a QCM chip by polymerization of monomers and were cross-linked in the presence of the epitope site of nonstructural protein 1. We tested serum samples from patients with confirmed cases of dengue reported to the Center for Disease Control in Taipei. Samples were diluted 100-fold; no other sample pretreatment was used. The QCM response was compared with results of monoclonal ELISA.

Results: QCM signals were >15 Hz in 18 of 21 (86%) of dengue samples and in 0 of 16 control samples. The correlation (r2) of the QCM response and the ELISA result was 0.73. Within-run and run-to-run imprecisions (CV) were 4%–28% and 10%–32%, respectively.

Conclusions: The described assay offers a serologic technique for diagnosis of early viremia. The results illustrate the potential of well-organized polymers on the highly sensitive sensor system for diagnostic and biotechnological applications.
Levels of explicitness in political speeches
Authors: Govindasamy Subramaniam , Khan Mahmud Hasan
Published: June 2006

Political speeches are a special kind of discourse that ‘produce and reproduce beliefs, opinions, and ideologies’
(Wodak 2004: 381). One way of studying such discourse would be to look into the use of the grammatical category of performatives. As analysts seek to interpret a text, they must not forget the reality that political discourses are more about beliefs, opinions and ideologies constructed from a partisan perspective than an individual choice. The variety of hegemonic power practised by the political leaders determines to a large extent their exploitation of performatives: in an explicit or implicit manner. In this study, the researchers examine the use of performatives produced by two different political leaders in two political settings. The analysis of the use of performatives by the current Prime Minister of Malaysia is the mainstay of the study. The performatives found in the speeches of the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh are also analyzed for comparative purposes. The differences in style as well as the level of exploitation of performatives by the two leaders are examined exhaustively using the discourse-historical approach
(Wodak 2001; Wodak et al. 1999) as the theoretical framework.
Linguistic resources as evaluators in English and Chinese research articles
Authors: Kong Kenneth C. C
Published: June 2006

Much attention has been paid in the literature to the writing and discourse structure of research articles, but the focus is predominantly on evaluating English research articles from an Anglo-American perspective. The unstated assumption of such studies is that writers whose first language is not English tend to write differently. Despite a number of cross-cultural comparisons in the literature, only surface discursive features have been examined, such as explicit devices that signal clausal relations, or the genre investigated has been stabilized with strong normative traditions. This study investigates how third party ideas are evaluated in research articles written in English and Chinese. The data come from three domains – the humanities, the social sciences, and the hard sciences. The results indicate that there are no large differences between English and Chinese in the weightings of evaluation categories, even though they are realized by different grammatical resources in the two languages. Chinese research articles tend to use more explicit linguistic resources with less frequent use of mitigators, possibly because of the socio-pragmatic and typological differences between English and Chinese. The study also proposes a taxonomy of evaluative resources in English and Chinese research articles, which can be used in future research.
Use of recycled aggregates for cementitious backfill
Authors: Ghataora G. S. , Alobaidi I. , Faragher E. , Grant S.
Published: June 2006

Laboratory and field trials were conducted to assess the performance of cementitious backfill material for reinstatement of trenches and excavations in roads. Backfill material was produced using recycled granular aggregates, pulverised fuel ash and cement. A conventional compacted recycled granular material was used as a control to compare the performance of cementitious backfill. The results showed that recycled granular materials, with a particle size ranging from 5 to 38 mm, could be used to form a cementitious backfill with strengths that comply with the Highway Authorities and Utilities Committee's Specifications for the Reinstatement of Openings in Highways (SROH) for cementitious backfill. This backfill was prepared using conventional mixing plant and was straightforward to install on site. Settlements of trenches with granular backfill up to 1 year of monitoring were found to be higher than the corresponding ones with cementitious backfill. However, settlements for both types of backfill were within the limits of the SROH and did not require any subsequent intervention measures. Although the stiffness of the granular backfill was initially lower than that of the surrounding ground, within a year it had increased to the same level. The cementitious backfill was stiffer than the adjacent ground, but no detrimental effects were observed over the period of monitoring.
Vitamins, Survey
Authors: Block John H.
Published: June 2006

The 13 vitamins are a group of organic substances. Traditionally, they were considered essential, normal constituents of the human diet, required in small amounts, and a participant in normal metabolic processes. Vitamin deficiencies range from well‐defined diseases to a variety of vague symptoms. Some vitamins provide the prototypical structure from which medicinal chemists have developed drugs used to treat diseases not associated with a deficiency of that vitamin. Upper dosage levels have been established for those vitamins that can be potentially toxic if taken chronically in excess. Vitamins are traditionally classified into two groups: fat soluble and water soluble. They also can be classified by function: ligand for receptors, cofactors, and antioxidant.
Synthesis, characterization and biological activity of diorganotin dithioate derivatives
Authors: Lu Ji‐Ting , Chen Shan‐Shan , Du Miao , Tang Liang‐Fu
Published: June 2006

Reaction of dithioacid (ArCS2CH2CO2H, Ar = phenyl, 2‐furyl or 2‐thienyl) with nBu2SnO gives monomeric (ArCS2CH2CO2)2Sn(Bun)2 in a 2:1 molar ratio, and dimeric {[(ArCS2CH2CO2)Sn(Bun)2]2O}2 in a 1:1 molar ratio, respectively, which have been characterized by IR, NMR (1H, 13C and 119Sn) spectra and elemental analyses. X‐ray crystal structure analyses indicate that the compound [(C4H3S)CS2CH2CO2]2Sn(Bun)2 is monomeric with the tin atom occupying a skew‐trapezoidal bipyramidal geometry. In addition, this compound forms a three‐dimensional structure through the weak intermolecular S…S and Sn…O interactions. Compound {[((C4H3S)CS2CH2CO2)Sn(Bun)2]2O}2 is a centrosymmetric dimer with a cyclic Sn2O2 unit, in which the coordination modes of the two crystallographically unique carboxylic ligands are different. One acts as monodentate ligand by the carboxylate oxygen atom, the other bridges two tin atoms via only one carboxylate oxygen atom. Furthermore, each tin atom in this compound locates a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Biological activities of these organotin compounds show that they have hardly acaricidal activity, but display certain activities on fungi. In mononuclear tin compounds, the inhibition percentage of [(C4H3S)CS2CH2CO2]2Sn(Bun)2 in vitro for Alternaria solani and Physolospora piricola is 57.1% and 43.9%, respectively, while in dimers {[((C4H3O)CS2CH2CO2)Sn(Bun)2]2O}2 shows high inhibition percentage for Gibbereila zeae (52.6%) and Physolospora piricola (50.0%), respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic, gel electrophoretic and size exclusion chromatographic studies of subunit structure of arachin and its molecular species
Authors: Bhushan Ravi , Agarwal Rachna
Published: June 2006

Arachin and its molecular species (arachin I and arachin II) were separated and isolated. The number and kind of subunits of arachin, arachin I and arachin II were determined. Studies were carried out under different experimental conditions using slab gel electrophoresis, size‐exclusion chromatography and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Gel electrophoresis was done under varying concentrations of resolving gel. Tube gel as well as slab gel electrophoresis were used and continuous as well as discontinuous buffer systems were used for both types of electrophoresis. In addition, the subunits were separated by reversed‐phase HPLC using a gradient program. Arachin and arachin II were found to have 12 subunits each while arachin I showed six subunits. The subunits of arachin I were allowed to reconstitute by removing SDS. Eight combinations were tried for studying the reconstitution pattern. Molecular weight and weight ratio in each case were also determined. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression of thiol exchange reaction in the determination of reduced‐form thiols by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after derivatization with fluorogenic benzofurazan reagent, 7‐fluoro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole‐4‐sulfonate and 4‐aminosulfonyl‐7‐fluoro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole
Authors: Santa Tomofumi , Aoyama Chiaki , Fukushima Takeshi , Imai Kazuhiro , Funatsu Takashi
Published: June 2006

The derivatization of the reduced‐form thiols with SBD‐F (7‐fluoro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole‐4‐sulfonate) and ABD‐F (4‐aminosulfonyl‐7‐fluoro‐2,1,3‐benzoxadiazole) was studied. The yields of the derivatives of the reduced‐form thiols (cysteine, homocysteine, reduced‐form glutathione) with SBD‐F at 60°C for 45 min in the borate buffer (pH 9.3) were significantly decreased in the presence of the oxidized‐form thiols (cystine, homocystine, oxidized‐form glutathione) because of the thiol exchange reaction between the reduced‐form and the oxidized‐form thiols. The use of ABD‐F at low temperature enabled the suppression of these thiol exchange reactions, and the recommended conditions were below 5°C for 90 min in borate buffer (pH 9.3). These results suggest that ABD‐F is a preferred derivatization reagent for the accurate determination of the reduced‐form thiols in samples containing the oxidized‐form thiols. In addition, it was also suggested that the derivatization of the reduced‐form thiols should also be performed at low temperature when derivatization reagents such as o‐phthalaldehyde (OPA) and monobromobimane (BrB) are used. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Imatinib mesylate in the treatment of systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Droogendijk Helga J. , Kluin‐Nelemans Hanneke J. C. , van Doormaal Jaap J. , Oranje Arnold P. , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A. , van Daele Paul L. A.
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND.

Mastocytosis is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of mast cells in 1 or more organs. In most patients, a mutation is present in the gene for C‐KIT, resulting in deregulation of the c‐kit receptor. Imatinib mesylate is a potent inhibitor of c‐kit receptor tyrosine kinase activity. Therefore, the authors evaluated the efficacy and safety of imatinib mesylate as treatment for patients with systemic mastocytosis.

METHODS.

Patients with systemic mastocytosis received imatinib mesylate orally at a dose of 400 mg once daily for 3 to 6 months. Low doses of prednisone were added during the first 2 weeks. Endpoints were reductions in serum tryptase, urinary N‐methylhistamine excretion, skin lesions, the number of mast cells in bone marrow sections, hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly, and symptoms.

RESULTS.

Of 14 patients who were included in the study, 11 patients had the D816V mutation. One patient expressed the FIP1L1‐PDGFR‐α rearrangement gene. In 2 patients, no mutation was found. In 10 patients, serum tryptase levels decreased >20%. In all patients, urinary N‐methylhistamine excretion was reduced. In 8 of 13 evaluable patients, the number of mast cells in the bone marrow decreased. Skin symptoms diminished in 5 of 9 patients. Hepatosplenomegaly improved in 3 of 6 patients. Symptoms decreased in 8 of 13 patients. In all patients who had the D816V mutation, reductions in ≥2 endpoints were achieved. In the patient who expressed the FIP1L1‐PDGFR‐α rearrangement gene, a complete response was attained. In general, imatinib mesylate was tolerated well.

CONCLUSIONS.

Imatinib mesylate was effective in patients with systemic mastocytosis, including those who had the D816V mutation. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Uniform colour spaces based on CIECAM02 colour appearance model
Authors: Luo M. Ronnier , Cui Guihua , Li Changjun
Published: June 2006

Can a single colour model be used for all colorimetric applications? This article intends to answer that question. Colour appearance models have been developed to predict colour appearance under different viewing conditions. They are also capable of evaluating colour differences because of their embedded uniform colour spaces. This article first tests the performance of the CIE 2002 colour appearance model, CIECAM02, in predicting three types of colour discrimination data sets: large‐ and small‐magnitude colour differences under daylight illuminants and small‐magnitude colour differences under illuminant A. The results showed that CIECAM02 gave reasonable performance compared with the best available formulae and uniform colour spaces. It was further extended to give accurate predictions to all types of colour discrimination data. The results were very encouraging in that the CIECAM02 extensions performed second best among all the colour models tested and only slightly poorer than the models that were developed to fit a particular data set. One extension derived to fit all types of data can predict well for colour differences having a large range of difference magnitudes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 320–330, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20227
Image acquisition technique for high dynamic range scenes using a multiband camera
Authors: Haneishi Hideaki , Miyahara Seiji , Yoshida Atsushi
Published: June 2006

Multiband cameras have been studied and developed for accurate color reproduction. On the other hand, high dynamic range image acquisition is also strongly desired in many applications. Multiband cameras can potentially meet both needs if their sensitivities are properly controlled. In this article, a method for expansion of the dynamic range that uses a six‐band camera consisting of three high‐sensitivity bands and three low‐sensitivity bands is introduced. Experimental results demonstrating the effectiveness of the method are also shown. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 31, 294–302, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20231
Spatiotemporal analysis of the cortical sources of the steady‐state visual evoked potential
Authors: Di Russo Francesco , Pitzalis Sabrina , Aprile Teresa , Spitoni Grazia , Patria Fabiana , Stella Alessandra , Spinelli Donatella , Hillyard Steven A.
Published: June 2006

This study aimed to characterize the neural generators of the steady‐state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) to repetitive, 6 Hz pattern‐reversal stimulation. Multichannel scalp recordings of SSVEPs and dipole modeling techniques were combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and retinotopic mapping in order to estimate the locations of the cortical sources giving rise to the SSVEP elicited by pattern reversal. The time‐varying SSVEP scalp topography indicated contributions from two major cortical sources, which were localized in the medial occipital and mid‐temporal regions of the contralateral hemisphere. Colocalization of dipole locations with fMRI activation sites indicated that these two major sources of the SSVEP were located in primary visual cortex (V1) and in the motion sensitive (MT/V5) areas, respectively. Minor contributions from mid‐occipital (V3A) and ventral occipital (V4/V8) areas were also considered. Comparison of SSVEP phase information with timing information collected in a previous transient VEP study (Di Russo et al. [2005] Neuroimage 24:874–886) suggested that the sequence of cortical activation is similar for steady‐state and transient stimulation. These results provide a detailed spatiotemporal profile of the cortical origins of the SSVEP, which should enhance its use as an efficient clinical tool for evaluating visual‐cortical dysfunction as well as an investigative probe of the cortical mechanisms of visual‐perceptual processing. Hum. Brain Mapp, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Surface characteristics, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility of oxygen plasma‐implanted porous nickel titanium shape memory alloy
Authors: Wu S.L. , Chu Paul K. , Liu X.M. , Chung C.Y. , Ho J.P.Y. , Chu C.L. , Tjong S.C. , Yeung K.W.K. , Lu W.W. , Cheung K.M.C. , Luk K.D.K.
Published: June 2006

Good surface properties and biocompatibility are crucial to porous NiTi shape memory alloys (SMA) used in medical implants, as possible nickel release from porous NiTi may cause deleterious effects in the human body. In this work, oxygen plasma immersion ion implantation (O‐PIII) was used to reduce the amount of nickel leached from porous NiTi alloys with a porosity of 42% prepared by capsule‐free hot isostatic pressing. The mechanical properties, surface properties, and biocompatibility were studied by compression tests, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cell culturing. The O‐PIII porous NiTi SMAs have good mechanical properties and excellent superelasticity, and the amount of nickel leached from the O‐PIII porous NiTi is much less than that from the untreated samples. XPS results indicate that a nickel‐depleted surface layer predominantly composed of TiO2 is produced by O‐PIII and acts as a barrier against out‐diffusion of nickel. The cell culturing tests reveal that both the O‐PIII and untreated porous NiTi alloys have good biocompatibility. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
A comparison between glass/polyimide and titanium/polyimide microjoint performances in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Newaz G. , Mian A. , Sultana T. , Mahmood T. , Georgiev D.G. , Auner G. , Witte R. , Herfurth H.
Published: June 2006

Assessment of neural biocompatibility requires that materials be tested with exposure in neural fluids. Laser bonded microjoint samples made from Ti coated glass substrate and polyimide film (GPI) and titanium foil and polyimide film (TIPI) were evaluated for mechanical performance before and after exposure in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for two, four, and 12 weeks at 37°C. These samples represent a critical feature, i.e., the microjoint—a major weakness in the bioencapsulation system. Both material systems showed initial degradation up to 4 weeks which then stabilized afterwards and retained similar strength until 12 weeks. The TIPI system appears to exhibit better overall performance with less degradation compared to its as‐received strength. The CSF exposed TIPI samples predominantly failed at the interface, while GPI samples had mixed glass and polyimide substrate and interface failure. The amount of glass failure decreases and interface failure increases with increase in CSF exposure time. The failure mechanism of the as‐received (not exposed to CSF) GPI samples under tension was predominantly flexure type failure of the glass substrate. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
The geomorphology and sedimentology of the ‘Témpanos’ moraine at Laguna San Rafael, Chile
Authors: Glasser Neil F. , Jansson Krister , Mitchell Wishart A. , Harrison Stephan
Published: June 2006

The San Rafael Glacier is one of the largest and most dynamic outlet glaciers of the North Patagonian Icefield, Chile. The contemporary glacier calves into a large tidal laguna, which is partially impounded by a large arcuate moraine. This moraine, termed the ‘Témpanos’ moraine, marks the former extent of an expanded San Rafael Glacier and is of an unknown age. Here we describe the geomorphology and sedimentology of the ‘Témpanos’ moraine and relate these to styles of glacier advance and recession. The ‘Témpanos’ moraine attains a maximum height in excess of 40 m and is either single‐crested with a gentle ice‐proximal face and steep distal face, or consists of multiple crests superimposed on a gentle slope. The internal composition of the moraine is variable, comprising diamicton, sorted sedimentary facies (silts, sands and gravel) and laminites. We interpret these sediments as evidence that the San Rafael Glacier advanced over a former proglacial area, culminating in the formation of the ‘Témpanos’ moraine. This advance deformed a carpet of lacustrine or marine mud, which was eroded from its original location, transported and smeared over the glacier bed as a subglacial deposit. We use these sedimentary descriptions as the basis for a reconstruction of the Holocene fluctuations of the glacier. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Holocene marine terraces on two salt diapirs in the Persian Gulf, Iran: age, depositional history and uplift rates
Authors: Bruthans Jiří , Filippi Michal , Geršl Milan , Zare Mohammad , Melková Jaroslava , Pazdur Anna , Bosák Pavel
Published: June 2006

Slightly inclined Holocene marine terraces cover parts of two circular salt diapirs (Hormoz and Namakdan) in the Persian Gulf. Their relative altitude above present sea level results from a combination of general marine transgression/regression affecting the whole area, and of local uplift related to salt diapirism. Differential uplift rate of the studied diapirs in centre‐to‐rim profiles was calculated from results based on: (i) radiocarbon ages of skeletal remains of benthic faunas (19 samples), which originally grew close to sea level; (ii) original altitude of samples, estimated from general sea‐level oscillation curves for the last 10 kyr, and (iii) present sample altitude measured in the field.

Calculated uplift rates increase from rim to centre on both diapirs in the range from: 2 mm yr−1 at the rim to 5–6 mm yr−1 at the interior of Hormoz, and 1–3 mm yr−1 at the rim to 3–5 mm yr−1 at the interior of Namakdan. Such uplift rate distributions fit into the parabolic profile of Newtonian fluid rather than to profiles typical for pseudoplastic fluids. The increase in uplift rate with distance from rim to centre of diapirs is gradual as demonstrated also by generally smooth surface of marine terraces. No tectonic dissections were found. The depositional history on both salt diapirs is similar although they are situated more than 100 km apart. Marine sedimentation started at about 9.6k cal. yr BP on Hormoz and at 8.6k cal. yr BP on Namakdan. Owing to rapid transgression, the sea partially truncated both salt diapirs and rapidly deepened, and carbonate mud was deposited on the peripheries of both salt diapirs. Between 7 and 5k cal. yr BP beach deposition replaced carbonate mud. Soon after 5k cal. yr BP, the sea retreated from most of the marine terraces on both salt diapirs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of nitrogen and sulfur fertilization on glucosinolates in the leaves and roots of broccoli sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. italica)
Authors: Aires Alfredo , Rosa Eduardo , Carvalho Rosa
Published: June 2006

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica cv. Marathon) sprouts are a rich source of glucosinolates, particularly 4‐methylsulfinylbutyl glucosinolate (glucoraphanin), the precursor of the chemoprotective isothiocyanate, sulforaphane. Sulfur and nitrogen fertilization have been shown to influence the pattern and levels of glucosinolates in mature broccoli, but little information is available on the fertilization of sprouts, a transient stage of broccoli growth, which have been recommended for salads. Therefore, an experiment was set up to evaluate the effect of N and S fertilization on the glucosinolate content of the aerial part and roots of broccoli sprouts. Nitrogen was tested at 0, 45.5, 91.0 mg L−1 and sulfur at 0, 14.6 and 29.2 mg L−1. The results showed that total glucosinolates in the aerial part were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in the roots. The major glucosinolates in the aerial part were 4‐methylsulfinylbutyl and 3‐methylsulfinylpropyl whereas in the roots they were 2‐phenylethyl and 4‐methylthiobutyl. Fertilization of broccoli sprouts had a significant (P < 0.001) detrimental effect on the levels of aliphatic glucosinolates whereas the opposite was noted for indole and aromatic glucosinolates, for some of the fertilization combinations tested. Overall, the results indicate that broccoli sprouts do not benefit from fertilization. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
A cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate‐dependent protein kinase C activation is involved in the hyperactivation of boar spermatozoa
Authors: Harayama Hiroshi , Miyake Masashi
Published: June 2006

An intracellular cAMP‐PKA signaling plays a pivotal role in the expression of fertilizing ability in mammalian spermatozoa. The aim of this study is to disclose biological function of serine/threonine protein kinases that are activated by the action of the cAMP‐PKA signaling in boar spermatozoa. Ejaculated spermatozoa were incubated with cBiMPS (a cell‐permeable cAMP analog) at 38.5°C up to 180 min, and then they were used for biochemical analyses of PKCs by Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence and for assessment of flagellar movement. The incubation of spermatozoa with cBiMPS gradually activated PKCs in the connecting piece. The activation of sperm PKCs was accompanied with changes of their electrophoretic mobility by the PKA‐mediated serine/threonine phosphorylation. In coincidence with the PKC activation, the cBiMPS‐incubated spermatozoa were capable of exhibiting hyperactivation of flagellar movement. Moreover, the cBiMPS‐induced hyperactivation was dramatically suppressed by the addition of either of specific PKC inhibitors (Ro‐32‐0432 and bisindolylmaleimide I) to the sperm suspensions. On the other hand, experiments using a calcium‐deficient medium showed that the cBiMPS‐induced hyperactivation of flagellar movement and activation of PKCs required the extracellular calcium. Based on the obtained data, we have concluded that a cAMP‐PKA signaling can induce activation of calcium‐sensitive PKCs that is leading to the hyperactivation of flagellar movement in boar spermatozoa. Moreover, the cAMP may have a unique role as the up‐regulator of PKCs during the expression of fertilizing ability in boar spermatozoa. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 1169–1178, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Annual cycle of the black‐capped chickadee: Seasonality of singing rates and vocal‐control brain regions
Authors: Phillmore Leslie S. , Hoshooley Jennifer S. , Sherry David F. , MacDougall‐Shackleton Scott A.
Published: June 2006

Black‐capped chickadees have a rich vocal repertoire including learned calls and the learned fee‐bee song. However, the neural regions underlying these vocalizations, such as HVC, area X, and RA (robust nucleus of arcopallium), remain understudied. Here, we document seasonal changes in fee‐bee song production and show a marked peak in singing rate during March through May. Despite this, we found only minimal seasonal plasticity in vocal control regions of the brain in males. There was no significant effect of time of year on the size of HVC, X, or RA in birds collected in January, April, July, and October. We then pooled birds into two groups, those with large testes (breeding condition) and those with small testes (nonbreeding), regardless of time of year. Breeding birds had slightly larger RA, but not HVC or X, than nonbreeding birds. Breeding birds had slightly larger HVC and RA, but not X, as a proportion of telencephalon volume than did nonbreeding birds. Birds collected in July had heavier brains than birds at other times of year, and had the greatest loss in brain mass during cryoprotection. The absence of any overall seasonal change in the vocal‐control regions of chickadees likely results from a combination of individual differences in the timing of breeding phenology and demands on the vocal‐control regions to produce learned calls year‐round. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor of the pleura
Authors: Karavitakis Emmanouil M. , Moschovi Maria , Stefanaki Kalliopi , Karamolegou Kalliopi , Dimitriadis Euthimios , Pandis Nikos , Karakousis Constantine P. , Tzortzatou‐Stathopoulou Fotini
Published: June 2006

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare neoplasm with aggressive behavior. Usually it presents as a peritoneal mass, although other cases in various locations have been described. Since less than 10 cases of primary DSRCT in the pleura have been described, it is of interest to report a pediatric case arising from the pleura. The diagnosis was confirmed by molecular detection of the EWS/WT‐1 fusion gene product. Multidisciplinary treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical resection resulted in a progression‐free survival time above the median survival, suggesting that this conventional approach could prove effective for this rare and very aggressive malignancy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:335–338. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the backbone geometry of protein native state structures
Authors: K.V. Brinda , Vishveshwara Saraswathi
Published: June 2006

We present a simple method for analyzing the geometry of noncovalent residue–residue interactions stabilizing the protein structure, which takes into account the constraints on the local backbone geometry. We find that the principal geometrical constraints are amino acid aspecific and are associated with hydrogen bond formation in helices and sheets. In contrast, amino acid residues in nonhelical and nonextended conformations, which make noncovalent interactions stabilizing the protein tertiary structure, display greater flexibility. We apply the method to an analysis of the packing of helices in helical bundle proteins requiring an efficient packing of amino acid side‐chains of the interacting helices. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Psychiatric commitment: over 50 years of case law from the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Niveau G. , Materi J.
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To extensively review the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) case law concerning psychiatric commitment, and to estimate the role of this supranational jurisprudence in the practice of contemporary psychiatry.

Method

Using keywords to search the ECHR computerized database “HUDOC”, we reviewed all cases concerning psychiatric commitment registered between September 1953 and December 31, 2004. Four groups were identified: applications declared inadmissible; applications accepted but not judged by the Court; pending cases; and cases judged by the Court.

Results

Of the almost 118,000 decisions taken by the ECHR in this time frame, we found 108 situations concerning psychiatric commitment. Forty-one of these applications were considered by the Court to be inadmissible. Twenty-four other cases were considered admissible but not judged by the ECHR. Three admissible cases were still pending at the end of 2004. The ECHR judged 40 cases, and found in 35 of them that one or several rights as guaranteed by the Convention had been violated.

Discussion

The ECHR protects the human rights of persons subjected to involuntary psychiatric commitment by creating supranational law in the following areas: definition of “unsoundness of mind”; conditions of lawfulness of detention; right to a review of detention by a Court; right to information; right to respect for private and family life; and conditions of confinement, which address inhuman and degrading treatment. The respective number of applications submitted to the ECHR did not depend on when the Convention had entered into force in that country.

Conclusion

The possibility of an individual to access the ECHR depends on the degree of democracy in his country and on the access to legal assistance through non-governmental organizations or individual intervening parties.
Obstetric outcomes in women with end‐stage renal failure requiring renal dialysis
Authors: Tan L.‐K. , Kanagalingam D. , Tan H.‐K. , Choong H.‐L.
Published: June 2006

Objective: To study obstetric outcomes in women with end‐stage renal failure undergoing chronic renal dialysis. Methods: A retrospective review of the database from the High‐Risk Pregnancy Clinic at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. Results: From 1995 to 2004, 7 women treated with chronic renal dialysis had a total of 11 pregnancies. There were 2 pregnancy losses at previable gestation ages and 9 live births. Median gestational age at delivery was 31 weeks, and mean birth weight was 1390 g. Seven newborns had a low birth weight and 5 required neonatal intensive care. Severe hypertension occurred in 4 women for a total of 7 pregnancies. Other complications included polyhydramnios (n = 2), preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (n = 2), obstetric cholestasis (n = 2), postpartum hemorrhage (n = 1), thrombosis of the arteriovenous fistula (n = 2), postpartum peritonitis (n = 1), and fetal anomaly (n = 1). There were no maternal deaths. Conclusion: Such pregnancies are high‐risk, particularly because of maternal hypertension and prematurity. They should be managed by multidisciplinary teams, and prepregnancy counseling should not be neglected.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Data Users
Authors: Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: June 2006

Effective data interpretation is a habit, not a random event. By applying the seven habits outlined in this article, any otolaryngologist—regardless of the level of statistical knowledge or lack thereof—will be able to use data effectively. The seven habits are (1) check quality before quantity, (2) describe before you analyze, (3) accept the uncertainty of all data, (4) measure error with the right statistical test, (5) put clinical importance before statistical significance, (6) seek the sample source, and (7) view science as a cumulative process. The same habits apply whether interpreting one's own data, interpreting someone else's data, reviewing an unpublished manuscript for a journal, or reviewing a grant application for a funding agency. The basic principles that underlie these habits provide a systematic process for moving from observations to generalizations with predictable degrees of certainty—and uncertainty.
Synergistic Effects of 13‐cis Retinoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid Cascade Inhibitors on Growth of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Vitro
Authors: Spingarn Aaron , Sacks Peter G. , Kelley Daniel , Dannenberg Andrew J. , Schantz Stimson P.
Published: June 2006

Products of arachidonic acid metabolism can influence normal and malignant cell growth. In vivo, inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism have been associated with inhibition of tumor growth, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This has not been evaluated extensively in vitro in an HNSCC model. Therefore we investigated the effects of several arachidonic acid cascade inhibitors (AACIs) (indomethacin, curcumin, phenidone, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 5,8,11,14‐eicosatetraynoic acid, and 13‐cisretinoic acid) on the growth of two HNSCC cell lines (MDA 886Ln and 1483). We found that AACIs caused dose‐dependent growth inhibition of both cell lines. In an effort to inhibit HNSCC cell growth at lower concentrations of these drugs, we evaluated the effects of a variety of AACIs in combination with 13‐cis retinoic acid. We observed synergistic growth inhibition when the drugs were used in all combinations, with the exception of indomethacin. These results suggest that AACIs may have some utility in the direct treatment of HNSCC, and a strategy combining 13‐cis retinoic acid with other AACIs may prove to be even more effective.
Comparison of CT Scan and Electron Microscopic Findings on Endoscopically Harvested Middle Turbinates
Authors: Biedlingmaier John F. , Trifillis Anna
Published: June 2006

CT scans of eight nonsmoking patients with chronic sinusitis and two controls were graded for their disease severity (from 0 to IV) with the classification system proposed by May. Subsequently, endoscopically harvested middle turbinate specimens from these patients (16 diseased turbinates, 4 controls) were evaluated both by scanning and by transmission electron microscopy. As the severity of the disease increased as demonstrated by CT scan, electron microscopy of 5 × 3 × 0.05 mm mucosal specimens demonstrated that the number of ciliated cells decreased whereas the number of goblet and squamous cells increased. As the disease progressed to stages III and IV, scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated areas of squamous metaplasia and areas completely denuded of epithelium. The increased goblet cell population, the loss of cilia and ciliated cells, and the patches of denuded epithelium may account for the recurrent bacterial infections and chronic nasal drainage seen in patients with chronic sinusitis. The extensive mucosal changes that occur in grade III and IV disease are similar to those occurring in cigarette smokers, and it takes years to recover after discontinuation of smoking. Delayed recovery of the mucosal epithelium may account for both the recurrent infections and the slower response to treatment on the part of patients with extensive grade III and IV changes on the CT scan.
A Case/Control Study of Risk Factors for Major Salivary Gland Cancer
Authors: Muscat Joshua E. , Wynder Ernest L.
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND

Salivary gland cancer (SGC) is a rare disease with a largely unknown origin. Because cancer of the tongue and mouth floor is caused primarily by smoking and alcohol consumption, we investigated the role of tobacco, alcohol, and other possible risk factors in the development of SGC in a hospital‐based study.

METHODS

Interviews were obtained from 128 patients with newly diagnosed histologically confirmed SGC and from 114 age‐ and gender‐matched controls by using a structured questionnaire. All patients were interviewed at bedside by a trained interviewer.

RESULTS

No differences in levels of education were found between the two groups. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption did not independently or jointly increase the risk of SGC. Chewing tobacco and snuff use were also unrelated factors. The odds ratio for low body mass in men was 0.46 (p = 0.05). There was no relation with body mass in women. An examination of employment history and job‐related exposures revealed no occupational risk factors.

CONCLUSION

These findings show that smoking, alcohol consumption, and most occupational exposures are unrelated to SGC.
Three‐Dimensional Ultrasound Evaluation in the Head and Neck
Authors: Klimek Ludger , Schreiber Jörg , Amedee Ronald G. , Mann Wolf J.
Published: June 2006

We evaluated the use of a novel three‐dimensional ultrasound imaging device in patients with various head and neck lesions. The investigated system was found to be a valuable adjunct to conventional ultrasound in head and neck evaluations. A disadvantage of the three‐dimensional system was the need for expensive technical equipment.
Sabellariaspinulosa reef: a scoring system for evaluating ‘reefiness’ in the context of the Habitats Directive
Authors: Hendrick Vicki J. , Foster-Smith Robert L.
Published: June 2006

‘Reefs’ are listed under Annex I of the Habitats Directive as a marine habitat to be protected by the designation of Special Areas of Conservation. Crucially for the implementation of the Directive, the distinction between what is considered as ‘reef’ and what is not is imprecise, particularly in relation to colonies of the tube-building polychaete Sabellaria spinulosa. Guidelines are proposed for the implementation of the Habitats Directive definition to provide a robust and transparent approach for the benefit of both regulators and offshore industry. Specifically, it is suggested that the conservation priority of a S. spinulosa aggregation could be determined using a scoring system based on a series of physical, biological and temporal characteristic reef features, weighted according to the perceived importance of each feature and augmented with a further score indicating the confidence in the feature score. Suggestions are given as to how these characteristics might be measured and scored, along with an example to illustrate the application of the approach.
A method to measure three-dimensional substratum rugosity for ecological studies: an example from the date-mussel fishery desertification in the north-western Mediterranean
Authors: Parravicini Valeriano , Rovere Alessio , Donato Marco , Morri Carlo , Bianchi Carlo Nike
Published: June 2006

The impact of date-mussel fishery on substratum rugosity was evaluated at Capo Noli and Isola di Bergeggi (Savona, north-western Italian coast) in the summer of 2004. A new measure of substratum rugosity was used as a surface-dependent index of complexity. The results were compared between impact and control sites using two-way analysis of variance and suggested that the mussel fishery reduces substratum complexity.
Reproductive and larval biology of the sub-Antarctic hermit crab Pagurus comptus reared in the laboratory
Authors: Lovrich Gustavo A. , Thatje Sven
Published: June 2006

Fecundity, hatching rhythm, and the planktotrophic larval development of the hermit crab Pagurus comptus from sub-Antarctic waters of the Beagle Channel (Tierra del Fuego) were studied under controlled laboratory conditions of temperature, light cycle, food supply, and salinity. Fecundity was low, ranging from 134 to 848 eggs per female (cephalotoraxic shield length, SL, 2.3–5.0 mm). Hatching observed in the laboratory ranged from 6 to 30 d. The larval development was studied in laboratory cultures fed with Artemia sp. nauplii and kept at constant 7.0±0.5°C. Larvae invariably passed through four zoeal instars and one megalopa stage. Mean durations of the zoeal stages I to IV were 14.3±1.8, 16.7±4.6, 23.2±6.5, 33.4±9.2 d, respectively. Combined with the 43.8±5.6 d recorded for the survived megalopae, we suggest that the complete larval development lasts about four months. Starved larvae, on average, survived for 22±8.1 d (maximum 38 d) by far exceeding the zoea I duration in fed larvae, but did not reach the moult to the zoea II stage. Unlike other sub-Antarctic decapods, which show a tendency towards abbreviated or endotrophic larval developments at high latitudes, hermit crabs, at their southernmost distributional limit on Earth, show an extended and fully planktotrophic larval development and thus need to synchronize larval release with short periods of high primary production.
Kingiella chilenica (Bivalvia: Cyamiidae); population dynamics, rates of survival, embryo production and annual recruitment of a semelparous brooding clam
Authors: Gallardo Carlos S. , Filún Marcela , Manque Cristian
Published: June 2006

Kingiella chilenica, a brooder mollusc, inhabiting soft bottoms of estuarine tidal flats of southern Chile, is well suited to study larval recruitment. It is a tiny semelparous clam with an annual cycle, and whose recruits must survive an inhospitable winter season prior to growing and reaching reproductive maturity in the following summer season. The population dynamics of this clam was studied through periodic sampling over two successive years to follow fluctuations in its' abundance. Obtained data on embryo production and recruit survival over both periods shows that population abundance varied widely between the two years of study. A high level on recruit survival through the winter of the first year resulted in high numbers of adults in the corresponding summer reproductive season. An inverse situation occurred in the second year, with lower recuit survival and, consequently, fewer reproducing adults. However, the lower abundance of adults in the second year was compensated by their having a higher survival rate over the reproductive season as compared with adults of the previous year. Independently of the abundance of the adults, the number of embryos incubated per female was very similar between both periods. Consequently, we suggest that the net contribution of juveniles produced by females per unit substrate was similar between the annual cycles studied. As predicted for a semelparous species (high reproductive effort), the maximization of the reproductive contribution was clearly reflected by a drop in adult somatic weight, particularly in incubating females. Previous data on abundance for this population suggested inter-annual differences of a high magnitude, with periods (e.g. 1986–1988) with abundances reaching 2–6× that presently reported. Probably, stable environmental conditions (e.g. 1986–1988) promote high abundance and survival of reproducers allowing a large contribution of recruits, which in turn show high degrees of survival through the adult phase. The years reported here (2003–2005), however, represent a period of population decline to lower, perhaps minimum, levels.
How prey size, type and abundance affects foraging decisions by the regular echinoid Psammechinus miliaris
Authors: Otero-Villanueva Maria del Mar , Kelly Maeve S. , Burnell Gavin
Published: June 2006

The influence of size and density of the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis and the common barnacle, Semibalanus balanoides on the foraging behaviour of the sea urchin Psammechinus miliaris was examined in laboratory studies. Urchins of two size-classes offered six size-categories of barnacles exhibited a constant preference for the smallest category ([les ]7.5 mm plate length). Ingestion rates were independent of the size–frequency distribution of mussels presented to large urchins of 38–46 mm test diameter, which showed a preference for small–medium sizes (>13.4–17.8 mm shell length). Large urchins ingested a maximum of six mussels a day and increased their consumption in a density dependent manner until reaching a plateau once more than ten mussels were offered. In most cases, the rate of successful attacks decreased with mussel size.

Pairwise comparison experiments to determine the ingestion rate of fronds of the algae Laminaria saccharina showed that P. miliaris had no preference for old fronds with or without epifauna, but young fronds of the algae were frequently rejected. These results highlight the omnivorous nature and semi-selective behaviour of this urchin and demonstrate the potential for it to have an important role in structuring algal and epifaunal communities.
Morphological diversity of larval skeletons in the sea urchin family Echinometridae (Echinoidea: Echinodermata)
Authors: Kinjo Sonoko , Uehara Tsuyoshi , Yazaki Ikuko , Shirayama Yoshihisa , Wada Hiroshi
Published: June 2006

To clarify the morphological variety of larval skeletons, a detailed morphological comparison among the species of the family Echinometridae was performed. Through conspecific comparison of larval skeletons among different ages, we found five skeletal characters of the body skeleton that are stable in the four-armed pluteus and thus useful in homologous comparison among the species. The morphological variation was summarized as the difference in the number of spines and posteroventral transverse rods, and differences in the shape of the body skeleton. Significant correlations were found between some skeletal characters, such as between upper body length and bottom width of body skeleton and between lower body length and the number of spines. We found that the larval skeletons of tropical species tend to have fewer spines and rods than those of temperate species, which is consistent with the hypothesis that a reduction in skeletal elements decreases the specific gravity of larvae as an adaptation to tropical waters.