bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MELD and prediction of post–liver transplantation survival
Authors: Habib Shahid , Berk Brian , Chang Chung-Chou H. , Demetris Anthony J. , Fontes Paulo , Dvorchik Igor , Eghtesad Bijan , Marcos Amadeo , Shakil Obaid A.
Published: February 2006

The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was developed to predict short-term mortality in patients with cirrhosis. It has since become the standard tool to prioritize patients for liver transplantation. We assessed the value of pretransplant MELD in the prediction of posttransplant survival. We identified adult patients who underwent liver transplantation at our institution during 1991–2002. Among 2,009 recipients, 1,472 met the inclusion criteria. Based on pretransplant MELD scores, recipients were stratified as low risk (≤15), medium risk (16–25), and high risk (>25). The primary endpoints were patient and graft survival. Mean posttransplant follow-up was 5.5 years. One-, 5- and 10-year patient survival was 83%, 72%, and 58%, respectively, and graft survival was 76%, 65%, and 53%, respectively. In univariable analysis, patient and donor age, patient sex, MELD score, disease etiology, and retransplantation were associated with posttransplantation patient and graft survival. In multivariable analysis adjusted for year of transplantation, patient age >65 years, donor age >50 years, male sex, and retransplantation and pretransplant MELD scores >25 were associated with poor patient and graft survival. The impact of MELD score >25 was maximal during the first year posttransplant. In conclusion, older patient and donor age, male sex of recipient, retransplantation, and high pretransplant MELD score are associated with poor posttransplant outcome. Pretransplant MELD scores correlate inversely with posttransplant survival. However, better prognostic models are needed that would provide an overall assessment of transplant benefit relative to the severity of hepatic dysfunction.
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Kodama Yoshihisa , Sakuhara Yusuke , Abo Daisuke , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Furukawa Hiroyuki , Todo Satoru , Miyasaka Kazuo
Published: February 2006

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation. Eighteen patients with hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation were included in this study. The success rate and complications of PTA and recurrent stenosis of the hepatic artery were evaluated. Seventeen of 18 patients (94.4%) were successfully treated without complication by a first PTA procedure. Recurrence of hepatic artery stenosis occurred in 6 patients (33.3%). Repeated PTA was performed 12 times for the 6 patients. Two complications occurred as arterial dissection and perforation. As a consequence, the complication rate was 6.7%, involving 2 of 30 procedures in total. In conclusion, PTA is effective for treatment of hepatic artery stenosis after living donor liver transplantation without an increase in the complication rate.
Regional sharing for adult status 1 candidates: Reduction in waitlist mortality
Authors: Washburn Kenneth , Harper Ann , Klintmalm Goran , Goss John , Halff Glenn
Published: February 2006

The intent of regional sharing for status 1 candidates is to promote timely access to donor livers. Presumably this decreases waitlist mortality. Little published data exists that supports this policy. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data was used to calculate region 4 and national adult waitlist death and transplant rates 4 yr prior to (period A) and after (period B) implementation of the sharing agreement in July 1999. Death and transplant rates were calculated using a competing risk analysis. Regional sharing resulted in a reduction in adult status 1 waitlist death rate and an increase in transplant rate for region 4 candidates at 7 and 14 days (P > 0.05) without a change in the death rate at 90 days for the non-status 1 candidates. National data showed a significant increase in transplant rate at 7 days and reduction in waitlist death rate at 14 days after listing (P < 0.05). Status 1 waiting time was decreased from 10 to 3 days (P < 0.05). Adult patient survival was not significantly different between the periods. In conclusion, regional sharing for status 1 candidates results in an increased transplant rate and a reduction in waitlist mortality. Sharing did not impact waitlist mortality for non-status 1 candidates.
Neuroproteomics in neurotrauma
Authors: Ottens Andrew K. , Kobeissy Firas H. , Golden Erin C. , Zhang Zhiqun , Haskins William E. , Chen Su‐Shing , Hayes Ronald L. , Wang Kevin K.W. , Denslow Nancy D.
Published: February 2006

Neurotrauma in the form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) afflicts more Americans annually than Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease combined, yet few researchers have used neuroproteomics to investigate the underlying complex molecular events that exacerbate TBI. Discussed in this review is the methodology needed to explore the neurotrauma proteome—from the types of samples used to the mass spectrometry identification and quantification techniques available. This neuroproteomics survey presents a framework for large‐scale protein research in neurotrauma, as applied for immediate TBI biomarker discovery and the far‐reaching systems biology understanding of how the brain responds to trauma. Ultimately, knowledge attained through neuroproteomics could lead to clinical diagnostics and therapeutics to lessen the burden of neurotrauma on society. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 25:380–408, 2006
Health‐related quality of life in multiple system atrophy
Authors: Schrag Anette , Geser Felix , Stampfer‐Kountchev Michaela , Seppi Klaus , Sawires Martin , Köllensperger Martin , Scherfler Christoph , Quinn Niall , Pellecchia Maria T. , Barone Paolo , del Sorbo Francesca , Albanese Alberto , Ostergaard Karen , Dupont Erik , Cardozo Adriana , Tolosa Eduardo , Nilsson Christer F. , Widner Håkan , Lindvall Olle , Giladi Nir , Gurevich Tanya , Daniels Christine , Deuschl Günther , Coelho Miguel , Sampaio Cristina , Abele Michael , Klockgether Thomas , Schimke Nicole , Eggert Karla M. , Oertel Wolfgang , Djaldetti Ruth , Colosimo Carlo , Meco Giuseppe , Poewe Werner , Wenning Gregor K. ,   European MSA‐Study Group
Published: February 2006

Although multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder leading to progressive disability and decreased life expectancy, little is known about patients' own evaluation of their illness and factors associated with poor health‐related quality of life (Hr‐QoL). We, therefore, assessed Hr‐QoL and its determinants in MSA. The following scales were applied to 115 patients in the European MSA‐Study Group (EMSA‐SG) Natural History Study: Medical Outcome Study Short Form (SF‐36), EQ‐5D, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Mini‐Mental state examination (MMSE), Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS), Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) Parkinson's disease staging scale, Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale (COMPASS), and Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS). Forty‐six percent of patients had moderate to severe depression (BDI ≥ 17); Hr‐QoL scores on the SF‐36 and EQ‐5D were significantly impaired. Pain, the only domain with similar scores in MSA and published PD patients, was reported more frequently in patients with MSA‐P (predominantly parkinsonian motor subtype) than MSA‐C (predominantly cerebellar motor subtype; 76% vs. 50%; P = 0.005). Hr‐QoL scores correlated most strongly with UMSARS motor, COMPASS, and BDI scores but not with MMSE scores, age at onset, or disease duration. The COMPASS and UMSARS activities of daily living scores were moderate‐to‐strong predictors for the SF‐36 physical summary score and the BDI and UMSARS motor scores for the SF‐36 mental summary score. This report is the first study to show that Hr‐QoL is significantly impaired in MSA. Although not all possible factors related to impaired Hr‐QoL in MSA could be assessed, autonomic dysfunction, motor impairment, and depression were most closely associated with poor Hr‐QoL, and therapeutic management, therefore, should concentrate upon these aspects of the disease. © 2006 Movement Disorder Society
Expression of cell‐cycle regulator CDK2‐associating protein 1 (p12CDK2AP1) in transgenic mice induces testicular and ovarian atrophy in vivo
Authors: Figueiredo M.L. , Dayan S. , Kim Y. , McBride J. , Kupper T.S. , Wong D.T.W.
Published: February 2006

The novel cell‐cycle regulator p12CDK2AP1 (p12) gene encodes a cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) partner that participates in cell‐cycle regulation, apoptosis, and proliferation. CDK2 has been implicated in maintenance of gonadal homeostasis, as knockout mice display reproductive abnormalities. To investigate the role of p12 in homeostasis of gonadal tissues in vivo, we generated a transgenic mouse model driven by the human keratin 14 promoter, reported to target transgene expression to gonadal tissues and also stratified epithelia. Overexpression of the transgene was associated with a gonadal atrophy phenotype in mice of both sexes, yet fertility was not impaired. Histological evaluation of testes showed seminiferous tubule degeneration and decreased tubule diameter. Female transgenic mice had small ovaries, with a higher number of atretic follicles/mm2 as compared to control nontransgenic mice. Also observed was increased germ cell apoptosis in both sexes (TUNEL). These results suggest that overexpression of p12 leads to testicular and ovarian abnormalities, a phenotype closely related to that of cdk2−/− mice. In combination, these observations suggest that the p12/CDK2 signaling pathways are carefully orchestrated to maintain proper gonadal tissue homeostasis. We suggest that the mechanisms of this regulation may be through p12‐mediated altered expression of gonadal‐specific genes and apoptotic pathways. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 987–997, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TIMP‐1 as candidate gene for embryo survival in two divergent lines selected for uterine capacity in rabbits
Authors: Estellé Jordi , Sastre Yolanda , Merchán Maribel , Peiró Rosa , Santacreu Maria A. , Folch Josep M.
Published: February 2006

Selection on uterine capacity has been used in animal breeding as a way to improve the litter size. A divergent selection experiment for uterine capacity was performed in rabbits during ten generations. After the first generations of selection, large differences in number of implanted embryos were obtained between high and low lines. The major part of the differences between lines was due to embryo survival. A segregation analysis suggested the presence of a major gene affecting the reproductive traits. The objective of this work was to test the TIMP‐1 gene as a candidate gene for embryo survival in rabbits since it stands up as a target for the investigation of reproductive problems in humans. We have analyzed the parental generation of a F2 cross which consists of 8 and 14 animals from the high and low uterine capacity lines, respectively. The rabbit TIMP‐1 gene structure and sequence has been determined, including the proximal promoter region. Despite of the absence of polymorphism between lines in the screened regions (CDS, proximal promoter, exon 1, intron 1, and exon 2), a real‐time RT‐PCR quantification of the TIMP‐1 mRNA in oviduct has shown significant differences between high and low lines at 62 hr of gestation, just when rabbit embryos are located in the oviduct, postulating TIMP‐1 as an interesting candidate gene to be involved in the phenotypic differences between the two rabbit lines. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flame retarded polymer layered silicate nanocomposites: a review of commercial and open literature systems
Authors: Morgan Alexander B.
Published: February 2006

This paper is a review of polymer nanocomposites used for flame retardancy applications, including commercial materials and open literature examples. Where possible, details on how the nanocomposite and flame retardant work together will be discussed. The key lesson from this review is that while the polymer nanocomposite can be considered to be flame retarded (or a flame retardant) by definition, these materials by themselves are unable to pass regulatory fire safety tests such as UL‐94 V. Therefore, additional flame retardants are needed in combination with the polymer nanocomposite to pass these tests. In multiple examples, the nanocomposite works with other flame retardants in a synergistic or cooperative manner to lower the polymer flammability (heat release rate). Finally, a discussion on research needs and outlook for polymer nanocomposite flammability research is included. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential bias in pharmacoepidemiological studies due to the length of the drug free period: a study on antidepressant drug use in adults in the Netherlands
Authors: Gardarsdottir Helga , Heerdink Eibert R. , Egberts Antoine C. G.
Published: February 2006

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the length of the drug free period on incidence measurements as well as on cohort characteristics in users of antidepressants.

Methods

The study population consisted of patients aged 18 years or older who filled a prescription for an antidepressant drug in the Netherlands, between October 2001 and September 2002. One‐year incidence of antidepressant drug use was estimated using drug free periods varying in length from 1 month to 9 years. In addition, we evaluated what effect the drug free period has on cohort characteristics by comparing a cohort of first time antidepressant drug users defined using a 9‐year drug free period with cohorts using 6, 12 and 24 months drug free period.

Results

When using a 6‐month drug free period the measured incidence was about 32 per 1000 individuals (95%CI: 31.3, 32.6) while the measured incidence was 27.5 (95%CI: 26.9, 28.1), 23.5 (95%CI: 22.9, 24.0) and 17.2 (95%CI: 16.7, 17.7) per 1000 individuals when using a 12‐month, 24 month respectively a 9‐year drug free period. Furthermore, the prevalence of characteristics in inception cohort studies changes when using different drug free periods.

Conclusion

Altering the drug free period from a short to a longer one results in decreased incidence. Furthermore, for inception cohorts where first time drug use is an inclusion criterion the drug free period can influence the prevalence of cohort characteristics and for short drug free periods give biased estimates. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of new optically active poly(amide‐imide)s derived from N,N‐(4,4′‐Oxydiphthaloyl)‐bis‐(s)‐(+)‐valine diacid chloride and aromatic diamines
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Kowsari Elaheh
Published: February 2006

4,4′‐Oxydiphthalic anhydride (1) was reacted with (s)‐(+)‐valine (2) in acetic acid and the resulting imide‐acid 3 was obtained in high yield. This compound 3 was converted to diacid chloride 4 by reaction with excess amount of thionyl chloride. The polycondensation reaction of diacid chloride 4 with several aromatic diamines such as 4,4′‐sulfonyldianiline (5a), 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane (5b), 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylether (5c), p‐phenylenediamine (5d), m‐phenylenediamine (5e), and 4,4′‐diaminobiphenyl (5f) was performed by two conventional methods: low temperature solution polycondensation and a short period reflux conditions. To compare conventional solution polycondensation reaction methods with microwave‐assisted polycondensation, the reactions were also carried out under microwave conditions in the presence of small amount of o‐cresol that acts as a primary microwave absorber. The reaction mixture was irradiated for 4 min with 100% of radiation power. Several new optically active poly(amide‐imide)s with inherent viscosity ranging from 0.26–0.44 dL/g were obtained with high yield. All of the above polymers were fully characterized by 1H‐NMR, FTIR, elemental analyses, and specific rotation techniques. Some structural characterizations and physical properties of these new optically active poly (amide‐imide)s are reported. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:558–565, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Protocol‐based titration of intravenous terbutaline decreases length of stay in pediatric status asthmaticus
Authors: Carroll Christopher L. , Schramm Craig M.
Published: February 2006

Although frequently used to treat status asthmaticus in children, intravenous (IV) terbutaline has not been shown to decrease hospital length of stay (LOS). We theorized that this lack of demonstrable benefit resulted from variations in dosing and titration, rather than the drug per se, and that intensive care unit (ICU) LOS would be shortened by the administration of terbutaline according to a protocol incorporating a quantitative assessment of severity of illness. We prospectively treated 20 consecutive children with status asthmaticus with IV terbutaline according to a protocol that titrated the dose based on a clinical asthma score, the Modified Pulmonary Index Score (MPIS). Data were compared to a historic cohort of the previous 20 consecutive ICU patients with status asthmaticus who were treated with IV terbutaline prior to initiation of the protocol. Patients who received terbutaline by standardized protocol had significantly shorter ICU LOS (3.5 ± 1.1 vs. 5.0 ± 2.0 days, P = 0.01), shorter hospital LOS (5.5 ± 1.3 vs. 8.3 ± 2.7 days, P < 0.01), and reduced hospital charges ($19,298 ± $10,516 vs. $26,528 ± $12,328, P = 0.04). The method of administration of IV terbutaline significantly influenced ICU length of stay and hospital charges. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GREB1 is a novel androgen‐regulated gene required for prostate cancer growth
Authors: Rae James M. , Johnson Michael D. , Cordero Kevin E. , Scheys Joshua O. , Larios José M. , Gottardis Marco M. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Lippman Marc E.
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Gene regulated in breast cancer 1 (GREB1) is a novel estrogen‐regulated gene shown to play a pivotal role in hormone‐stimulated breast cancer growth. GREB1 is expressed in the prostate and its putative promoter contains potential androgen receptor (AR) response elements.

METHODS

We investigated the effects of androgens on GREB1 expression and its role in androgen‐dependent prostate cancer growth.

RESULTS

Real‐time PCR demonstrated high level GREB1 expression in benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), localized prostate cancer (L‐PCa), and hormone refractory prostate cancer (HR‐PCa). Androgen treatment of AR‐positive prostate cancer cells induced dose‐dependent GREB1 expression, which was blocked by anti‐androgens. AR binding to the GREB1 promoter was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. Suppression of GREB1 by RNA interference blocked androgen‐stimulated LNCaP cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

GREB1 is expressed in proliferating prostatic tissue and prostate cancer, is regulated by androgens, and suppression of GREB1 blocks androgen‐induced growth suggesting GREB1 may be critically involved in prostate cancer proliferation. Prostate © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel, structure‐based mechanism for uridylylation of the genome‐linked peptide (VPg) of picornaviruses
Authors: Schein Catherine H. , Volk David E. , Oezguen Numan , Paul Aniko
Published: February 2006

The VPg peptide, which is found in poliovirus infected cells either covalently bound to the 5′‐end of both plus and minus strand viral RNA, or in a uridylylated free form, is essential for picornavirus replication. Combining experimental structure and mutation results with molecular modeling suggests a new mechanism for VPg uridylylation, which assigns an additional function, that of scaffold, to the polymerase. The polarity of the NMR structure of VPg is complementary to the binding site on the surface of poliovirus polymerase determined previously by mutagenesis. Docking VPg at this position places the reactive tyrosinate close to the 5′‐end of Poly(A)7 RNA when this is bound with its 3′‐end in the active site of the polymerase. The triphosphate tail of a UTP moiety, base paired with the 5′‐end of the RNA, projects back over the Tyr3‐OH and is held in position by conserved positively charged side‐chains of VPg. Other conserved residues mediate binding to the polymerase surface and serve as ligands for metal ion catalyzed transphosphorylation. Additional viral proteins or a second polymerase molecule may aid in stabilizing the components of the reaction. In the model complex, VPg can direct its own uridylylation before entering the polymerase active site. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is a particular quenched‐in short‐range order necessary for quasicrystal formation from glassy precursors?
Authors: Scudino S. , Stoica M. , Mattern N. , Breitzke H. , Lüders K. , Yavari A. R. , Eckert J.
Published: February 2006

In this letter we analyze the effect of quenched‐in short‐range order on the formation of quasicrystals during the crystallization of two different Zr‐based glassy alloys formed through liquid‐to‐solid (i.e. melt spinning) as well as through solid‐to‐solid transformations (i.e. ball milling). The first alloy undergoes quasicrystalline phase formation during the first stage of the crystallization process when prepared by melt spinning, whereas the material with the same composition prepared by mechanical alloying shows no quasicrystal formation. In contrast, the second alloy is characterized by the formation of quasicrystals in both the melt‐spun and ball‐milled materials. Both alloys are characterized by a strikingly similar local atomic arrangement in the amorphous state. This suggests that the occurrence of a particular quenched‐in short‐range order in the glass is not a mandatory prerequisite for the formation of quasicrystals upon devitrification. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Amino‐catalyzed fragmentation characteristics of polyamides containing N‐methylpyrrole and N‐methylimidazole by electrospray negative ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Niu Mingyu , Cao Shuxia , Ye Yong , Zhang Zhen , Zhao Yufen
Published: February 2006

Different negative fragmentations of synthesized polyamides containing N‐methylpyrrole and N‐methylimidazole were analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry with low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation. An interesting rearrangement derived from amino catalysis of N‐methylimidazole was observed. The observation is useful for the study of the correlations between the sequences of polyamides and their mass fragmentation pathways. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement of field emission properties from screen‐printed CNTs cathodes by heat treatment in a C2H2/H2 gas mixture
Authors: Guo P. S. , Sun Z. , Ni S. , Chen Y. W. , Cao Z. Y.
Published: February 2006

We developed a posttreatment method for the screen‐printed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) cathode to improve its field emission characteristics. The treatment was carried out at 500 °C and 20 kPa for 20 min in the atmosphere of C2H2/H2 (volume ratio 1:2). After the treatment, the field emission characteristics were greatly improved. The turn‐on field lowered from 5.0 to 1.6 V/µm, and the emission current density increased from 2 × 10−4 to 1.0 mA/cm2 at the electric field of 2.6 V/µm. In the mean time, the emission site density and uniformity were significantly increased. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that a new top layer of CNTs film has re‐grown on the surface of the printed CNTs cathode during the treatment. This new re‐grown CNTs layer contributes to the drastic enhancement of field emission from the printed cathode. This heat‐treatment technique is very promising for practical application of CNTs in field emission display. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Models for assisted conception data with embryo‐specific covariates
Authors: Roberts Stephen A.
Published: February 2006

Assisted conception routinely involves multiple embryo implantation within each recipient mother, with the outcome of interest being the number and multiplicity of live births. Here we consider the situation in which covariate information, potentially predictive of outcome, is available at the embryo level for each individual implanted embryo. This presents two challenges: firstly the outcome is measured at a higher, recipient, level than the covariates of interest; and secondly it is generally not known which of the implanted embryos developed to give a successful pregnancy. In practice such data have usually been analysed by aggregation of the embryo‐level covariates to the recipient‐level. Here we consider and compare two alternative approaches which respect the structure of the data alongside the aggregated approach. The first is a deterministic model with separate embryo and recipient success probabilities, each determined by a set of covariates, as first proposed by Spiers and extended by Zhou and Weinberg. The second is based on a multilevel model with the correlations between embryos in the same recipient modelled by a recipient level random effect. These models are compared using two real data sets, and the model properties further explored in a simulation study. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yeast systems biology to unravel the network of life
Authors: Mustacchi Roberta , Hohmann Stefan , Nielsen Jens
Published: February 2006

Systems biology focuses on obtaining a quantitative description of complete biological systems, even complete cellular function. In this way, it will be possible to perform computer‐guided design of novel drugs, advanced therapies for treatment of complex diseases, and to perform in silico design of advanced cell factories for production of fuels, chemicals, food ingredients and pharmaceuticals. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae represents an excellent model system; the density of biological information available on this organism allows it to serve as a eukaryotic model for studying human diseases. Furthermore, it serves as an industrial workhorse for production of a wide range of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Systems biology involves the combination of novel experimental techniques from different disciplines as well as functional genomics, bioinformatics and mathematical modelling, and hence no single laboratory has access to all the necessary competences. For this reason the Yeast Systems Biology Network (YSBN) has been established. YSBN will coordinate research efforts in yeast systems biology and, through the recently obtained EU funding for a Coordination Action, it will be possible to set appropriate guidelines, establish an appropriate infrastructure for the network and organize courses, meetings and conferences that will consolidate the network and promote systems biology. This paper discusses the impacts of systems biology and how YSBN may play a role in the future development of the field. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inverse imbalance reconstruction in rotordynamics
Authors: Ramlau R. , Dicken V. , Maaß P. , Streller C. , Rienäcker A.
Published: February 2006

A method for identifying the distributed rotor imbalance from aircraft engine vibrations measured on the casing of the engine is presented. The problem is heavily ill‐posed. Nonlinear regularization techniques for linear inverse problems and nonlinear functionals are suggested for stable reconstruction algorithms.
Population genetic structure ofSorex unguiculatusandSorex caecutiens(Soricidae, Mammalia) in Hokkaido, based on microsatellite DNA polymorphism
Authors: Naitoh Yukako , Ohdachi Satoshi D.
Published: February 2006

We investigated the genetic structure ofSorex unguiculatusandSorex caecutienspopulations in Hokkaido, Japan, using hypervariable microsatellite DNA markers. We used five microsatellite loci to type 475S. unguiculatusindividuals from 20 localities on the Hokkaido mainland and four localities from each of four offshore islands (and 11 shrews from one locality in southern Sakhalin for a particular analysis). We used six microsatellite loci to type 240S. caecutiensindividuals from 13 localities on the Hokkaido mainland. Genetic variation was high in mainland populations of both species and low in the island populations ofS. unguiculatus. Allelic richness and island size were positively correlated forS. unguiculatus, suggesting that genetic drift occurred on those islands due to small population size. In addition, four insular populations ofS. unguiculatuswere genetically differentiated from the mainland populations, although clear phylogeographic clustering was not confirmed among populations on the Hokkaido mainland for eitherS. unguiculatusorS. caecutiens. Heterozygosity excess was observed in more than half of the populations including the mainland populations of the two species, suggesting recent bottleneck events in these populations. Population dynamics of the shrews might be explained by a metapopulation scheme. According to autocorrelation analysis, the extent of non‐random spatial genetic structure was approximately 100 km. Isolation by distance was observed inS. unguiculatus, but not inS. caecutiensalthough there is a positive trend. The lack of correlation forS. caecutiensmight have been due to small sample size. Thus, no obvious differences in population genetic structure were found between the two species on the Hokkaido mainland in the present study, while previous investigations using mitochondrial DNA sequences inferred that these two species might have rather different biogeographic histories.
Comparison of clinical and neuropathologic diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease in 3 epidemiologic samples
Authors: Plassman Brenda L. , Khachaturian Ara S. , Townsend Jeannette J. , Ball Melvyn J. , Steffens David C. , Leslie Carol E. , Tschanz JoAnn T. , Norton Maria C. , Burke James R. , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen A. , Hulette Christine M. , Nixon Randal R. , Tyrey Mary , Breitner John C.S.
Published: February 2006

Background

Studies of dementia in populations avoid many of the selection biases in clinical samples but require special evaluation and diagnostic methods to obtain high participation rates. To address this issue, we developed a unique in‐home dementia assessment. We assessed validity of these assessments using neuropathologic confirmation of the clinical diagnosis in 3 epidemiologic samples.

Methods

Subjects were 175 participants in 3 ongoing studies of dementia. Two were population based and identified dementia by cognitive screening. The third study sought volunteers via advertisements. Dementia evaluations were then conducted at the participants’ residences by specially trained nurses and psychometricians. Evaluation results were interpreted, and preliminary diagnoses were assigned by a geropsychiatrist or neurologist and a psychologist. Final diagnoses were assigned by a consensus panel of neurologists, geropsychiatrists, and psychologists. We compared the clinical diagnoses with the gold‐standard neuropathologic diagnoses for those participants who subsequently underwent autopsy.

Results

Among the demented, the sensitivity of a clinical diagnosis of probable or possible Alzheimer's disease (AD) was 93% across the 3 studies. The rate of overall diagnostic agreement was 81%. Measures of agreement did not differ meaningfully across varying levels of dementia severity.

Conclusions

Rates of neuropathologic confirmation for clinical AD diagnoses in these studies were similar to those reported from clinic‐based samples. These results support the validity of clinical diagnoses of AD from a structured in‐home assessment of community dwelling and institutionalized individuals using relatively economical methods of dementia screening and assessment.
The NIH Cognitive and Emotional Health Project
Authors: Hendrie Hugh C. , Albert Marilyn S. , Butters Meryl A. , Gao Sujuan , Knopman David S. , Launer Lenore J. , Yaffe Kristine , Cuthbert Bruce N. , Edwards Emmeline , Wagster Molly V.
Published: February 2006

Background

The Cognitive and Emotional Health Project (CEHP) seeks to identify the demographic, social, and biological determinants of cognitive and emotional health in the older adult. As part of the CEHP, a critical evaluation study committee was formed to assess the state of epidemiological research on demographic, social, and biological determinants of cognitive and emotional health.

Methods

Criteria for inclusion in the survey were large cohort studies, longitudinal in design, participants predominantly 65 years or older, with measurements of both cognition and emotion, and information on a wide variety of demographic, psychosocial, and biological factors. North American and European studies, which met these criteria, were selected for the review. Outcome measures included cognition, cognitive decline, and cognitive function. For emotion, symptoms included depression and anxiety, positive and negative affect, subjective well being, mastery, and resilience.

Results

Ninety‐six papers were identified that addressed cognitive and emotional outcomes. A large variety of risk factors were consistently identified with cognitive outcomes, particularly those previously associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There was considerable overlap between risk factors for cognitive and emotional outcomes.

Conclusion

This review identifies a large number of lifestyle and health behaviors that alter the risk for maintenance of cognitive and emotional health. Large longitudinal cohort studies are a unique source to explore factors associated with cognitive and emotional health. Secondary analyses of these studies should be encouraged as should the development of standardized questionnaires to measure cognitive and emotional health. Future research in this field should study cognitive and emotional health simultaneously.
The tale of the hermaphrodite monkey: classification, state interests and natural historical expertise between museum and court, 1791–4
Authors: MAERKER ANNA
Published: February 2006

A purportedly hermaphrodite monkey which was offered to Grand Duke Ferdinando III of Tuscany in 1791 was sent to the Royal Museum of Physics and Natural History for an evaluation. In their investigation, the museum's naturalists encountered a fundamental classificatory problem which made it impossible to decide whether the animal was monstrous or normal – a ‘taxonomist's regress’ which constitutes a special case of finitism as analysed in the Edinburgh school's readings of Wittgenstein. The communication between museum and court shows that in resolving this ambiguity, museum naturalist Giovanni Fabbroni demarcated experts from laypeople and defined state interest by distinguishing between the grand duke's private interests and those of the state. This case thus highlights the role of late Enlightenment absolutism for the creation of modern practices and concepts of expertise in the service of the state.
Examples and experience: on the uncertainty of medicine
Authors: PENDER STEPHEN
Published: February 2006

After a brief account of the uncertainty of medicine in early modern thought, this paper focuses on two supple, sophisticated accounts of medicine by ‘non-medical’ writers – Michel de Montaigne's views of medical theory and medical practice and Francis Bacon's proposals for renovating both – in which the claims of individual sufferers are set against the normativity of medicine as a whole. From around 1500 to around 1680, in the common ensemble of both learned and popular invective, medicine was disparaged as poor philosophy and worse practice, even as the ‘lowest of professions’. In remarkably broad, elegant interventions, Montaigne argues that medicine is based on ‘examples and experience’ (and ‘so is my opinion’, he adds), impugning its universalizing claims with the tractable experience of his own embodiment, with his own historia and consilium, while Francis Bacon enlists dietetics, Hippocratic case-taking and medical history in his broad programme for the reform of medicine. He more or less accepts Montaigne's argument for particularity in medical theory and practice, but presses the particular into service in his reformist programme. Like many sixteenth- and early seventeenth-century scholars and physicians frustrated with Galenic methods and models, both turn to Hippocratic practice and to hygiene and dietetics as salves for an ailing discipline. Finally, I argue that both writers enquire into viable means for inflecting learned medicine with particular experience, and both settle on rhetorical tools – analogy and exemplarity – as the means by which universalized medical models might be particularized or reformed.
An eighteenth-century medical–meteorological society in the Netherlands: an investigation of early organization, instrumentation and quantification. Part 2
Authors: ZUIDERVAART HUIB J.
Published: February 2006

One of the most fascinating experiences gained by the meteorological observers of the Correspondentie Sociëteit concerned the practical use of new instruments. In the period after 1775 renewed interest in meteorology had stimulated the development of various new meteorological instruments. These instruments seemed at first to be a welcome addition or improvement in quantitative meteorology. How did the Correspondentie Sociëteit cope with these new developments? What factors determined whether or not the instruments were accepted as a useful addition to instruments already available? Four examples will be used to illustrate how this issue was tackled.
Making and circulating knowledge through Sir William Hamilton's Campi Phlegraei
Authors: WOOD KAREN
Published: February 2006

William Hamilton's celebrated letters, articles and publications embodied his experiences as a direct observer of nature. This paper tracks their different courses through preparation, production, distribution and consumption to expose the networks through which Hamilton's knowledge was made and moved. It makes a detailed study of the changes incurred when his experiences were translated between written, oral, painted and printed formats. Sensitive to contemporary notions of curiosity, it then links these changes to the distinct audiences that each embodiment found. The paper frames each piece as an opportunity for beholders to become virtual witnesses in order to describe people's diverse encounters with Hamilton's work. This model is developed to highlight the agency and diversity of readers and the importance of physical format for the movement of witnessing tools. The exploration of Campi Phlegraei demonstrates how this method of communications study can be a valuable approach to the history of science.
THE PRINCELY STATE AND THE NOBLE FAMILY: CONFLICT AND CO-OPERATION IN THE MARGRAVIATES ANSBACH–KULMBACH IN THE EARLY SIXTEENTH CENTURY
Authors: ZMORA HILLAY
Published: February 2006

Focusing on the Franconian margraviates of Brandenburg around 1500, this study argues that the process of state formation engendered an elite of nobles who derived their power and status from the possession of high office. It shows, however, that as the state expanded, and the princely debt mounted, the relationship between ruler and noble elite was transformed: the leading nobles came to control more and more of the state in terms of offices and share of the public debt. To secure themselves in this elevated but unstable position they developed a dense network of marriage alliances among themselves. By the early sixteenth century this consortium of eminent nobles acquired a powerful hold on the princely state to the detriment of the princes and the exclusion of fellow nobles. The article suggests that it is against this background that the notorious deposition in 1515 of Margrave Friedrich by his sons should be seen: his overthrow was, among other things, an outcome of a change in the balance of power between prince and nobles that had been taking place since 1450. Finally, this change played a part in the creation of the Imperial Knighthood by which the nobles constitutionally placed themselves outside the princely states.
FEET OF CLAY? THE SOVIET ECONOMIC GIANT IN RECENT HISTORIOGRAPHY
Authors: GATRELL PETER
Published: February 2006

This review considers Soviet economic history in the light of recent contributions to the historiography. Many of the latest studies in Soviet economic history take the form of archive-based treatments of economic policy and economic administration, the causes and consequences of periodic economic crises (notably famine), and the behaviour of workers, managers, and consumers within the constraints of the planned economy. As a result, we now have a clearer idea of the functioning of the economic system, the extent of coercion at various levels, and the scope of reform initiatives. Disagreement remains over important issues, notably the causes and timing of the Soviet economic collapse.
Effects of protein kinase inhibitors on thein vitrogrowth ofBabesia bovis
Authors: BORK S. , DAS S. , OKUBO K. , YOKOYAMA N. , IGARASHI I.
Published: February 2006

Staurosporine, Ro-31-7549, and KN-93, which are inhibitors of serine/threonine protein kinase, protein kinase C, and calcium-modulin kinase, respectively, were tested for their effects on thein vitrogrowth ofBabesia bovis. Staurosporine was the most effective inhibitor, completely clearing the parasitaemia as early as the first day of exposure at a concentration of 100 μM. Moreover, staurosporine caused a significant increase in the percentage of extracellular merozoites, most likely due to the inhibition of erythrocyte invasion by the parasite. Although 5 mMRo-31-7549 and KN-93 had a suppressive action, this was not enough to destroy the parasite. Interestingly, concentrations of 0·5 to 5 mMKN-93 influenced the parasitic development within the infected erythrocytes. The present study suggests thatB. bovisrequires, to a certain extent, the phosphorylations mediated by parasite- or host erythrocyte-protein kinases, in particular, for the processes of successful invasion of erythrocytes and intraerythrocytic development.
Canadian Arctic Permafrost Observatories: Detecting contemporary climate change through inversion of subsurface temperature time series
Authors: Taylor Alan E. , Wang Kelin , Smith Sharon L. , Burgess Margo M. , Judge Alan S.
Published: February 2006

We describe long‐term permafrost temperature and climate change observatories established in the northeastern Canadian High Arctic (77°–82.5°N). Two sites have deep temperature logs (165 and 800 m), and thermistor cables and automatic loggers have been installed in the upper ∼65 m. The third site has multiple temperature logs at three 61‐m boreholes with thermistor cables frozen into the permafrost. A fourth deep site (750 m) is included for regional completeness. Geothermal spectrum inversion is used to determine ground surface temperature histories. The Little Ice Age is resolved from the mid‐1700s to mid‐1800s with surface temperatures ∼ 1 K below the long‐term mean; a subsequent recovery yields late 20th century surface temperatures ∼3 K higher. These results correlate with similar reconstructions reported for Greenland ice cap holes GRIP and Dye‐3 to the southeast. The Canadian and Greenland surface temperatures show a weak, inverse correlation with the North Atlantic Oscillation, suggesting recent climate change as a common causal source. Simultaneous inversions of multiple logs over 22 years at the 61‐m holes resolve two to three major cycles in ground surface temperature variation over the latter half of the 20th century. Here permafrost ground temperatures increase 0.3°–0.5°C/decade, compared to 0.6°C/decade for air temperatures; annual total snow increases 22 cm/decade and may insulate permafrost from the larger transient trends in air temperatures. Finally, atmospheric temperature inversions prevalent in Arctic winters may contribute to anomalously high ground surface temperatures observed at two locations.
Millennial climate variability: GCM‐simulation and Greenland ice cores
Authors: Blender Richard , Fraedrich Klaus , Hunt Barrie
Published: February 2006

The low frequency variability of the near surface temperature in a climate simulation is compared with Greenland ice core δ18O time series during the holocene. The simulation is performed with the coupled CSIRO atmosphere‐ocean model under present‐day conditions. The variability, analyzed by the detrended fluctuation analysis, reveals power‐law scaling of the power‐spectrum for frequency f, S(f) ∼ f−β, and long term memory (LTM) given by β > 0. The near surface temperature shows intense LTM in the North Atlantic south of Greenland, weak LTM in parts of the Antarctic ocean and the tropical Atlantic, and no LTM in the Pacific ocean. The power‐law exponent β ≈ 0.5 near Greenland agrees with ice core temperature proxies up to time scales of 1000 years. The LTM of the surface temperature is explained by the high low frequency variability of the zonally averaged stream‐function in the Atlantic with maxima in the Arctic ocean.
New insights on the runout of large landslides in the Valles‐Marineris canyons, Mars
Authors: Lajeunesse E. , Quantin C. , Allemand P. , Delacourt C.
Published: February 2006

Analogy with lab‐scale dry granular flow experiments demonstrates that runouts and deposits heights of Valles‐Marineris (VM) landslides can be scaled on a curve varying primarily with the initial aspect ratio of the mobilized rock mass (before slope failure). This results suggests both that any interstitial fluid played a negligible part in the VM landslides dynamics and that mobility is not an appropriate tool to characterize their dynamics.
40Ar/39Ar dating of Lujiatun Bed (Jehol Group) in Liaoning, northeastern China
Authors: He H. Y. , Wang X. L. , Zhou Z. H. , Jin F. , Wang F. , Yang L. K. , Ding X. , Boven A. , Zhu R. X.
Published: February 2006

The Lujiatun bed of the Yixian Formation is famous for its extraordinary preservation of three‐dimensional fossils and its implication for the most dramatic catastrophic mass mortality event in the Jehol Biota. The precise age of the fossil bearing deposits, however, remains to be established.40Ar/39Ar step heating analyses on bulk K‐feldspars from the fossil bearing tuff gave a weighted mean age of 123.2 ± 1.0 Ma (2σ). This date suggests the Lujiatun bed was most likely deposited at about the same time as the Jianshangou bed of the lower Yixian Formation, representing a stage when the dinosaurs displayed the most significant radiation in the Early Cretaceous.
Monsoon drought over Java, Indonesia, during the past two centuries
Authors: D'Arrigo Rosanne , Wilson Rob , Palmer Jonathan , Krusic Paul , Curtis Ashley , Sakulich John , Bijaksana Satria , Zulaikah Siti , Ngkoimani La Ode
Published: February 2006

Monsoon droughts, which often coincide with El Niño warm events, can have profound impacts on the populations of Southeast Asia. Improved understanding and prediction of such events can be aided by high‐resolution proxy climate records, but these are scarce for the tropics. Here we reconstruct the boreal autumn (October–November) Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) for Java, Indonesia (1787–1988). This reconstruction is based on nine ring‐width chronologies derived from living teak trees growing on the islands of Java and Sulawesi, and one coral δ18O series from Lombok. The PDSI reconstruction correlates significantly with El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐related sea surface temperatures and other historical and instrumental records of tropical climate, reflecting the strong coupling between the climate of Indonesia and the large scale tropical Indo‐Pacific climate system.