bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The National Women's Health Study: assembly and description of a population-based reproductive cohort
Authors: Maconochie Noreen , Doyle Pat , Prior Susan
Published: August 2004

Background

Miscarriage is a common event but is remarkably difficult to measure in epidemiological studies. Few large-scale population-based studies have been conducted in the UK.

Methods

This was a population-based two-stage postal survey of reproductive histories of adult women living in the United Kingdom in 2001, sampled from the electronic electoral roll. In Stage 1 a short "screening" questionnaire was sent to over 60,000 randomly selected women in order to identify those aged 55 and under who had ever been pregnant or ever attempted to achieve a pregnancy, from whom a brief reproductive history was requested. Stage 2 involved a more lengthy questionnaire requesting detailed information on every pregnancy (and fertility problems), and questions relating to socio-demographic, behavioural and other factors for the most recent pregnancy in order to examine risk factors for miscarriage. Data on stillbirth, multiple birth and maternal age are compared to national data in order to assess response bias.

Results

The response rate was 49% for Stage 1 and 73% for the more targeted Stage 2. A total of 26,050 questionnaires were returned in Stage 1. Of the 17,748 women who were eligible on the grounds of age, 27% reported that they had never been pregnant and had never attempted to conceive a child. The remaining 13,035 women reported a total of 30,661 pregnancies. Comparison of key reproductive indicators (stillbirth and multiple birth rates and maternal age at first birth) with national statistics showed that the data look remarkably similar to the general population.

Conclusions

This study has enabled the assembly of a large population-based dataset of women's reproductive histories which appears unbiased compared to the general UK population and which will enable investigation of hard-to-measure outcomes such as miscarriage and infertility.
Recovery of frog and lizard communities following primary habitat alteration in Mizoram, Northeast India
Authors: Pawar Samraat S , Rawat Gopal S , Choudhury Binod C
Published: August 2004

Background

Community recovery following primary habitat alteration can provide tests for various hypotheses in ecology and conservation biology. Prominent among these are questions related to the manner and rate of community assembly after habitat perturbation. Here we use space-for-time substitution to analyse frog and lizard community assembly along two gradients of habitat recovery following slash and burn agriculture (jhum) in Mizoram, Northeast India. One recovery gradient undergoes natural succession to mature tropical rainforest, while the other involves plantation of jhum fallows with teak Tectona grandis monoculture.

Results

Frog and lizard communities accumulated species steadily during natural succession, attaining characteristics similar to those from mature forest after 30 years of regeneration. Lizards showed higher turnover and lower augmentation of species relative to frogs. Niche based classification identified a number of guilds, some of which contained both frogs and lizards. Successional change in species richness was due to increase in the number of guilds as well as the number of species per guild. Phylogenetic structure increased with succession for some guilds. Communities along the teak plantation gradient on the other hand, did not show any sign of change with chronosere age. Factor analysis revealed sets of habitat variables that independently determined changes in community and guild composition during habitat recovery.

Conclusions

The timescale of frog and lizard community recovery was comparable with that reported by previous studies on different faunal groups in other tropical regions. Both communities converged on primary habitat attributes during natural vegetation succession, the recovery being driven by deterministic, nonlinear changes in habitat characteristics. On the other hand, very little faunal recovery was seen even in relatively old teak plantation. In general, tree monocultures are unlikely to support recovery of natural forest communities and the combined effect of shortened jhum cultivation cycles and plantation forestry could result in landscapes without mature forest. Lack of source pools of genetic diversity will then lead to altered vegetation succession and faunal community reassembly. It is therefore important that the value of habitat mosaics containing even patches of primary forest and successional secondary habitats be taken into account.
Thermal modeling of lesion growth with radiofrequency ablation devices
Authors: Chang Isaac A , Nguyen Uyen D
Published: August 2004

Background

Temperature is a frequently used parameter to describe the predicted size of lesions computed by computational models. In many cases, however, temperature correlates poorly with lesion size. Although many studies have been conducted to characterize the relationship between time-temperature exposure of tissue heating to cell damage, to date these relationships have not been employed in a finite element model.

Methods

We present an axisymmetric two-dimensional finite element model that calculates cell damage in tissues and compare lesion sizes using common tissue damage and iso-temperature contour definitions. The model accounts for both temperature-dependent changes in the electrical conductivity of tissue as well as tissue damage-dependent changes in local tissue perfusion. The data is validated using excised porcine liver tissues.

Results

The data demonstrate the size of thermal lesions is grossly overestimated when calculated using traditional temperature isocontours of 42°C and 47°C. The computational model results predicted lesion dimensions that were within 5% of the experimental measurements.

Conclusion

When modeling radiofrequency ablation problems, temperature isotherms may not be representative of actual tissue damage patterns.
An Approach to Improving Science Knowledge About Energy Balance and Nutrition Among Elementary- and Middle-School Students
Authors: Moreno Nancy P. , Denk James P. , Roberts J. Kyle , Tharp Barbara Z. , Bost Michelle , Thomson William A.
Published: August 2004

Unhealthy diets, lack of fitness, and obesity are serious problems in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control, Surgeon General, and Department of Health and Human Services are calling for action to address these problems. Scientists and educators at Baylor College of Medicine and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute teamed to produce an instructional unit, “Food and Fitness,” and evaluated it with students in grades 3-7 in Houston, Texas. A field-test group (447 students) completed all unit activities under the guidance of their teachers. This group and a comparison group (343 students) completed pre- and postassessments measuring knowledge of concepts covered in the unit. Outcomes indicate that the unit significantly increased students' knowledge and awareness of science concepts related to energy in living systems, metabolism, nutrients, and diet. Pre-assessment results suggest that most students understand concepts related to calories in food, exercise and energy use, and matching food intake to energy use. Students' prior knowledge was found to be much lower on topics related to healthy portion sizes, foods that supply the most energy, essential nutrients, what “diet” actually means, and the relationship between body size and basal metabolic rate.
A Hierarchical Biology Concept Framework: A Tool for Course Design
Authors: Khodor Julia , Halme Dina Gould , Walker Graham C.
Published: August 2004

A typical undergraduate biology curriculum covers a very large number of concepts and details. We describe the development of a Biology Concept Framework (BCF) as a possible way to organize this material to enhance teaching and learning. Our BCF is hierarchical, places details in context, nests related concepts, and articulates concepts that are inherently obvious to experts but often difficult for novices to grasp. Our BCF is also cross-referenced, highlighting interconnections between concepts. We have found our BCF to be a versatile tool for design, evaluation, and revision of course goals and materials. There has been a call for creating Biology Concept Inventories, multiple-choice exams that test important biology concepts, analogous to those in physics, astronomy, and chemistry. We argue that the community of researchers and educators must first reach consensus about not only what concepts are important to test, but also how the concepts should be organized and how that organization might influence teaching and learning. We think that our BCF can serve as a catalyst for community-wide discussion on organizing the vast number of concepts in biology, as a model for others to formulate their own BCFs and as a contribution toward the creation of a comprehensive BCF.
Teaching Cell Biology to Nonscience Majors Through Forensics, or How to Design a Killer Course
Authors: Arwood Laura
Published: August 2004

Nonscience majors often do not respond to traditional lecture-only biology courses. However, these students still need exposure to basic biological concepts. To accomplish this goal, forensic science was paired with compatible cell biology subjects. Several topics such as human development and molecular biology were found to fulfill this purpose. Another goal was to maximize the hands-on experience of the nonscience major students. This objective was fulfilled by specific activities such as fingerprinting and DNA typing. One particularly effective teaching tool was a mock murder mystery complete with a Grand Jury trial. Another objective was to improve students' attitudes toward science. This was successful in that students felt more confident in their own scientific abilities after taking the course. In pre/post tests, students answered four questions about their ability to conduct science. All four statements showed a positive shift after the course (p values ranging from .001 to .036, df = 23; n = 24). The emphasis on experiential pedagogy was also shown to increase critical thinking skills. In pre / post testing, students in this course significantly their performance on critical thinking assessment tests from 33.3% correct to 45.3% (p = .008, df = 4; n = 24).
The BEF and the Issue of Surrender on the Western Front in 1940
Authors: Connelly Mark , Miller Walter
Published: August 2004

This article explores the reasons behind the surrenders of large numbers of British troops in the 1940 battle for France and Flanders. The article contends that the surrenders do not indicate poor morale but merely a pragmatic reaction to the situation. British troops fought gallantly and with some skill for as long as the situation appeared reasonable, and surrendered only when resistance no longer seemed to offer any valuable service. The reasons behind this approach to battle are identified in British military training and the structure and philosophy of the entire British army.
Predisposition to choose: the language of an information gap task in a multilingual primary classroom
Authors: Dufficy Paul
Published: August 2004

This paper focuses on an information gap task that was part of a larger critical action research project that sought to expand talk opportunities for children in multilingual classrooms. Little of the previous research on tasks and language learning has focused on children learning English as an additional language in the context of diverse, urban, multilingual mainstream classrooms. It is important therefore that these sites are investigated for the way tasks might be utilized to assist both language development, and crucially, academic content learning. The information gap task was investigated to determine the extent to which it predis-posed children to use particular patterns of language. Six groups of children were videotaped doing the task and the interactions transcribed. These transcripts were then analysed using aspects of systemic functional grammar in conjunction with a concordance tool. Across the resulting corpus there was a strong regularity in the language choices made by the children. Furthermore, the structure of the task pre-disposed the children to use patterns of language that might later be utilized in writing information reports. The task could be considered a bridge from the generally situated nature of spoken language to the more decontextualized nature of written language.
Corrective feedback and learner uptake in communicative classrooms across instructional settings
Authors: Sheen YoungHee
Published: August 2004

This paper reports similarities and differences in teachers’ corrective feedback and learners’ uptake across instructional settings. Four communicative classroom settings - French Immersion, Canada ESL, New Zealand ESL and Korean EFL - were examined using Lyster and Ranta’s taxonomy of teachers’ corrective feedback moves and learner uptake. The results indicate that recasts were the most frequent feedback type in all four contexts but were much more frequent in the Korean EFL and New Zealand ESL classrooms (83% and 68%, respectively) than in the Canadian Immersion and ESL classrooms (55% for both). Also, the rates for both uptake and repair following recasts were greater in the New Zealand and Korean settings than in the Canadian contexts. The findings of this study suggest that the extent to which recasts lead to learner uptake and repair may be greater in contexts where the focus of the recasts is more salient, as with reduced/partial recasts, and where students are oriented to attending to linguistic form rather than meaning. The study underscores the importance of considering the influence of context on corrective feedback and learner uptake.
The C2 domains of the class I Rab11 family of interacting proteins target recycling vesicles to the plasma membrane
Authors: Lindsay Andrew J. , McCaffrey Mary W.
Published: August 2004

The Rab11 family of interacting proteins (Rab11-FIP) is a recently identified protein family composed of, to date, six members that interact with Rab11. They all share a highly homologous Rab11-binding domain (RBD) at their C-termini. However, apart from the RBD, they vary in their domain organization. Rab11-FIP3 and Rab11-FIP4 possess an ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) domain in their C-terminal half and EF hands in their N-terminal region. They have been termed class II Rab11-FIPs. The class I Rab11-FIPs, Rab coupling protein (RCP), Rip11 and Rab11-FIP2, each have a C2 phospholipid-binding domain near their N-termini. Although they are still membrane associated, truncation mutants of the class I Rab11-FIPs that lack their C2 domains display an altered subcellular distribution in vivo, indicating that this domain plays an important role in specifying their correct intracellular localization. To determine the phospholipids to which they bind, a protein phospholipid overlay assay was performed. Our results indicate that the class-I Rab11-FIPs bind preferentially to phosphatidylinositol-(3,4,5)-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3] and the second messenger phosphatidic acid. Stimulation of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 or phosphatidic acid synthesis results in the translocation of the Rab11-FIPs from a perinuclear location to the periphery of the cell. By contrast, the transferrin receptor does not translocate to the plasma membrane under these conditions. This translocation is dependent on the presence of the C2 domain, because class I Rab11-FIP green-fluorescent-protein fusions that lack the C2 domain cannot translocate to the plasma membrane. We propose that the C2 domains of the class I Rab11-FIPs function to target these proteins to `docking sites' in the plasma membrane that are enriched in PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and phosphatidic acid.
Cytoplasmic dynein regulates the subcellular distribution of mitochondria by controlling the recruitment of the fission factor dynamin-related protein-1
Authors: Varadi Aniko , Johnson-Cadwell Linda I. , Cirulli Vincenzo , Yoon Yisang , Allan Victoria J. , Rutter Guy A.
Published: August 2004

While the subcellular organisation of mitochondria is likely to influence many aspects of cell physiology, its molecular control is poorly understood. Here, we have investigated the role of the retrograde motor protein complex, dynein-dynactin, in mitochondrial localisation and morphology. Disruption of dynein function, achieved in HeLa cells either by over-expressing the dynactin subunit, dynamitin (p50), or by microinjection of an anti-dynein intermediate chain antibody, resulted in (a) the redistribution of mitochondria to the nuclear periphery, and (b) the formation of long and highly branched mitochondrial structures. Suggesting that an alteration in the balance between mitochondrial fission and fusion may be involved in both of these changes, overexpression of p50 induced the translocation of the fission factor dynamin-related protein (Drp1) from mitochondrial membranes to the cytosol and microsomes. Moreover, a dominant-negative-acting form of Drp1 mimicked the effects of p50 on mitochondrial morphology, while wild-type Drp1 almost completely restored normal mitochondrial distribution in p50 over-expressing cells. Thus, the dynein/dynactin complex plays an unexpected role in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology in living cells, by controlling the recruitment of Drp1 to these organelles.
Efficient generation of neural stem cell-like cells from adult human bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Hermann Andreas , Gastl Regina , Liebau Stefan , Popa M. Oana , Fiedler Jörg , Boehm Bernhard O. , Maisel Martina , Lerche Holger , Schwarz Johannes , Brenner Rolf , Storch Alexander
Published: August 2004

Clonogenic neural stem cells (NSCs) are self-renewing cells that maintain the capacity to differentiate into brain-specific cell types, and may also replace or repair diseased brain tissue. NSCs can be directly isolated from fetal or adult nervous tissue, or derived from embryonic stem cells. Here, we describe the efficient conversion of human adult bone marrow stromal cells (hMSC) into a neural stem cell-like population (hmNSC, for human marrow-derived NSC-like cells). These cells grow in neurosphere-like structures, express high levels of early neuroectodermal markers, such as the proneural genes NeuroD1, Neurog2, MSl1 as well as otx1 and nestin, but lose the characteristics of mesodermal stromal cells. In the presence of selected growth factors, hmNSCs can be differentiated into the three main neural phenotypes: astroglia, oligodendroglia and neurons. Clonal analysis demonstrates that individual hmNSCs are multipotent and retain the capacity to generate both glia and neurons. Our cell culture system provides a powerful tool for investigating the molecular mechanisms of neural differentiation in adult human NSCs. hmNSCs may therefore ultimately help to treat acute and chronic neurodegenerative diseases.
Thermomechanical analysis of insulated subsea flowlines
Authors: Nielsen A H , Smith G H
Published: August 2004

This paper presents a novel finite element with cylindrical symmetry that can be used to analyse multilayered flowline systems subject to internal and external pressure and heating. Implicit in the method is the ability to model (a) an elastic modulus as a function of temperature and (b) thermal conductivity as a function of volume change in the coating. The method is validated against the analytical solution as determined by the Lamé equation and by comparisons with a previous analytic model applied to two different flowline systems designed for deep water. The results show that thermal effects can have a considerable impact on the stress distribution and the U-value. Although for these systems a linear solution is adequate, where a strong thermomechanical coupling exists, a modified, iterative algorithm is required. A further ‘non-jacketed’ system is examined to illustrate this. The equations used to model the variation in materials property can only be considered to be a first approximation, but do serve to demonstrate the need to consider these factors in greater detail.
Measurements and predictions of forces, pressures and cavitation on 2-D sections suitable for marine current turbines
Authors: Molland A F , Bahaj A S , Chaplin J R , Batten W M J
Published: August 2004

An investigation has been carried out into the lift, drag and cavitation characteristics of two-dimensional foil sections, which may typically be used as a starting point in the design of blade sections for marine current turbines. Cavitation tunnel experiments and numerical predictions using a panel code were carried out on four representative sections derived from the NACA series 4415, 6615, 63—215 and 63—815. The experimental lift and drag results show reasonable correlation with published wind tunnel data. The sections were modelled numerically using the two-dimensional panel code XFoil. The numerical cavitation predictions in most cases showed satisfactory agreement with the experiments and it is considered that such predictions could be used with reasonable confidence for predicting cavitation at the preliminary design stage. Overall, the results of the investigation provide detailed information that should assist in the design and operation of marine current turbines.
Guidance and control of a biomimetic autonomous underwater vehicle using body-fin propulsion
Authors: Guo Jenhwa , Joeng Yung-Jyi
Published: August 2004

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) with rigid hulls and powered by rotary propellers have problems such as inefficient propulsion, difficulties associated with positioning, limited turning agility and imprecise hovering. Recently, research and development into biomimetic AUVs (BAUVs) have accelerated in order to solve the problems of the propulsion of AUVs by propellers. A testbed BAUV is being developed. A local control law that coordinates body angles by periodically alternating the position of the centre-of-mass in local coordinates is developed. Three parameters are found to suffice to coordinate joint angles in carangiform swimming. A global control law is then developed for solving the waypoint tracking problem. The effectiveness of this method is evaluated using computer simulation. The control performance of the BAUV system with model uncertainties for waypoint tracking under the influence of disturbances is also discussed.
Application of the responsibility-sharing management approach for minimizing welding distortion in ship production
Authors: Sukovoy O , Kuo C
Published: August 2004

The paper presents the practical application of the responsibility-sharing management (RSM) approach in the effective management of welding distortion in ship production. The paper begins with a brief outline of the RSM approach before examining key features of its six elements in more detail. Techniques of hazard identification, risk assessment and risk reduction are used to derive cost effective methods for controlling welding distortion while taking into account management, operational aspects and human factors as well as technical aspects. An illustrative example is used to demonstrate the effective use of this approach in a shipyard. The main conclusion is that the proposed RSM approach, which has already been successfully implemented in practice for addressing ship safety, has been shown in this paper to be applicable to various areas of shipbuilding, including coping with welding distortion.
An Efficient Template Pathway to Synthesis of Ordered Metal Oxide Nanotube Arrays Using Metal Acetylacetonates as Single-Source Molecular Precursors
Authors: Shen Xiao-Ping , Liu Hong-Jiang , Pan Li , Chen Kang-Min , Hong Jian-Ming , Xu Zheng
Published: August 2004

α-Fe2O3 and CuO nanotube arrays were obtained for the first time within the pores of the porous anodic alumina membranes by pyrolyzing Fe(acac)3 (Hacac = 2,4-pentanedione) at 300 °C and Cu(acac)2 at 330 °C, respectively. These nanotubes with an outer diameter of about 100–300 nm and a length of up to tens of microns were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively.
Preparation of Nanoparticles of LiCoO2 Using Laser Ablation in Liquids
Authors: Tsuji Takeshi , Kakita Toshihiko , Hamagami Taro , Kawamura Tetsuya , Yamaki Junichi , Tsuji Masaharu
Published: August 2004

In order to prepare nanoparticles of LiCoO2, laser ablation of LiCoO2 in liquids (water, methanol, and cyclohexane) was carried out at 355 nm. Spherical particles of 10–200 nm in diameters were prepared, while Co3O4 were also produced due to liberation of Li. It was found that liberation of Li decreased in methanol and cyclohexane as compared to that in water.
Synthesis of Mesostructured Materials from K2NbO3F as Starting Material
Authors: Ogasawara Masataka , Kato Sumio , Tsukidate Hiroshi , Akaogi Takahiro , Moriya Yoshio , Nakata Shinichi
Published: August 2004

We synthesized mesostructured materials using layered perovskite K2NbO3F and CnTMACl (n = 12, 14, 16, 18) as starting materials. In the case of n = 16, lamellar phase at pH 9, 10.5 was obtained, while 2D-hexagonal phase at pH 3–7 was observed. This result indicates that the mesophase structure depends on the pH of the reacted solution. The d100 of mesostructured materials increased with increasing length of the alkyl chain. This indicates that the periodicity of the mesostructure can be controlled by selection of the surfactant.
Dendrimer-Encapsulated Oligothiophenes
Authors: Otsubo Tetsuo , Ueno Shinpei , Takimiya Kazuo , Aso Yoshio
Published: August 2004

A series of novel oligothiophenes, trimer, hexamer, nonamer, and dodecamer, attached with benzyl ether dendrons at the molecular sides has been developed. Since the dendron pendants prevent the formation of π-dimers, the electronic absorption spectra of the dodecamer under doping reveal the involvement of chain dimers and bipolarons as other possible charge carrier species for conductive polythiophenes.
A Comparative Study of the Collision-Induced Dissociation and the Electron Capture Dissociation of Model Peptides Using Electrospray Ionization Fourier-Transform Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Fung Y.M. Eva , Duan Lifang , Chan T.-W. Dominic
Published: August 2004

Tandem mass spectra of several model peptides, including KG3WG3K, NG3WG3N, RG7R, RG3WG3R, RG3DG3R, RG3EG3R, RG3FG3R and RG5WG5R were studied using both sustained off-resonance irradiation collision-induced dissociation (SORI-CID) and electron capture dissociation (ECD) methods. By cross comparing the fragmentation pattern of these peptides using the same dissociation method and the same peptide using different dissociation methods, interesting spectral features that are related to the mechanisms of dissociation under SORI-CID and ECD conditions were extracted. Both dissociation methods were believed to be charge-directed. Due presumably to the stepwise ion activation, peptide ion dissociation under SORI-CID conditions was influenced mainly by “localized” hydrogen bonds. Consistent with previous literature findings, mobility proton models could be used to account for the spectral features observed. Substantial changes in the fragmentation patterns of these peptides were observed by using ECD methods. By postulating that the initial tertiary structures of the peptide ions were retained prior to the electron capture process, the changes in fragmentation pattern could be attributed to the directing effect of the “global” hydrogen-bonding network. From the present results, no special preference was observed for cleavage at the backbone linkages adjacent to tryptophan residue over other inter-residual linkages. The previously reported nine-times cleavage preference at the C-terminal side of the tryptophan residue should, therefore, be attributed to some sequence-specific phenomena.
The Role of Free Electrons in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization: Electron Capture by Molecules of α-Cyano-4-Hydroxycinnamic Acid
Authors: Pshenichnyuk S.A. , Asfandiarov N.L.
Published: August 2004

Low-energy (0–12 eV) electron attachment to molecules of a typical matrix substance used for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS), namely α-cyano-4-hydroxicynnamic acid, has been investigated in the gas phase at different temperatures ranging from 140°C to 260°C by means of electron capture negative-ion mass spectrometry (ECNI MS). The yield of negative ions, formed by electron capture, was measured as a function of incident electron energy for four different temperatures. The long-lived parent molecular anion, [M]− ( m/z 189), was observed in the negative-ion mass spectra of the substance under investigation. Its autodetachment lifetime was estimated to be approximately 600 μs. It was found that at 140°C the main decay channel of the long-lived temporary molecular anion of α-cyano-4-hydroxicynnamic acid is a formation of the [M – COOH]− fragment negative ion ( m/z 144) with an intensity of 37.2% in percentage terms in respect of the total anion current. There are also [M – H]−, [M – CO2]− and [CN]− fragments in the spectra with intensities of about 7.7%, 21.6% and 3.1% at 140°C. It was shown that the escape of the CO2 molecule from the parent molecular anion is a slow process. It takes [M]− about 10μs to decay on carbon dioxide molecules and [M – CO2]− fragment anions. Increasing the temperature of the target molecule alters the negative-ion mass spectra of α-cyano-4-hydroxicynnamic acid significantly. A possible role for the findings in typical MALDI MS experiments is discussed.
Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Synthetically Myristoylated Peptides
Authors: Chen Tsefang S. , Yoder Jennifer D. , Hruby Dennis E.
Published: August 2004

Myristoylpeptides were synthesized in order to determine if a neutral loss of 210 Da, C14H26O (the mass of the myristoyl moiety), was universal and observable by both liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole ion trap (LC-ESI-QIT) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF/ToF) mass spectrometry. Myristoylation was successfully introduced on the N-terminus, internally on the amino group of lysine and arginine. Larger peptides and the arginine compounds needed elevated temperatures for myristoylation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a chemically-synthesized myristoylated arginine in a peptide. Collision energy studies for the LC-ESI-QIT instrument showed that modified peptides and a loss of 210 Da could be detected under commonly used conditions (energy level between 30 and 42%) with picomole amounts of sample. The loss of myristoyl moiety is observed on the MALDI-Tof/Tof mass spectrometer as well. Due to the hydrophobic properties of the myristoyl moiety, it is not surprising that the modified peptides all formed at least dimers, and in some cases trimers. We were also able to distinguish a mixture of two mono-myristoylated peptides. MS3 data from the LC-ESI-QIT instrument on a di-myristoylated peptide indicates the loss of 210 Da at either the N-terminus or lysine. We were also able to analyze a mixture of modified and unmodified peptides on the MALDI-ToF/ToF instrument. The data presented in this paper demonstrates the constant neutral loss of the 210 Da, C14H26O, from both N-terminally and internally myristoylated peptides can be identified unambiguously using LC-ESI-QIT or MALDI-ToF/ToF mass spectrometers. This will be a useful tool in determining the myristoylation status of candidate proteins after enzyme digestion, and in elucidating the modification sites of internal myristoyl proteins.
High Detection Sensitivity Achieved with Cryogenic Detectors in Combination with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Christ P. , Rutzinger S. , Seidel W. , Uchaikin S. , Pröbst F. , Koy C. , Glocker M.O.
Published: August 2004

Cryogenic detectors directly measure the impact energy of any impinging particle independent of its velocity. Thus, a very high, mass-independent, detection efficiency is expected from their application in time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The cryogenic detector applied here is based on a superconducting phase-transition thermometer and was implemented in a dual reflector time-of-flight mass spectrometer (N-geometry). A dilution series, using standard sample preparation procedures, shows that the detection limit for insulin (Mr: 5734) can be decreased by several orders of magnitude, down to 0.5 amol on the MALDI target. Detection limits for rhM-CSF β (Mr: 49,032) and for polyclonal IgG (Mr: ca 150,000) in the high femtomole and low picomole range, respectively, were established.
Liquid Injection Field Desorption Ionization: A New Tool for Soft Ionization of Samples Including Air-Sensitive Catalysts and Non-Polar Hydrocarbons
Authors: Linden H. Bernhard
Published: August 2004

Mass analysis of air-sensitive samples, like organometallic catalysts, require inert sample preparation to avoid degradation of such reactive molecules. Non-polar samples like hydrocarbons are stable but, nonetheless, need soft ionization to reduce congestion of fragment peaks for analysis of complex mixtures. This paper describes a novel type of probe that combines the advantages of field ionization and field desorption (FI/FD) with an efficient liquid inlet. The new method is called liquid injection field desorption ionization (LIFDI). Sample solutions are delivered to the emitter wire inside the ion source without breaking the vacuum. Sample preparation is reduced to dipping the LIFDI transfer capillary into another sample vial. In the case of air-sensitive samples kept under inert gas, the preparation is inert without special experimental effort. The new tool provides significantly raised sample throughput at excellent sensitivity.
Surgical approach for congenital midline cervical cleft
Authors: Bajaj Y. , Dunaway D. , Hartley B.E.J.
Published: August 2004

This is a report of a case of a rare congenital midline cervical cleft and a description of the surgical approach.

Congenital midline cervical cleft is a very rare developmental anomaly. It represents a failure of the branchial arches to fuse in the midline and presents at birth with a ventral midline defect of the skin of the neck. Associated clinical features could include mandibular spurs, cleft mandible, microgenia, thyroglossal cyst, cleft lip or bronchogenic cysts.

The authors present a case of a midline cervical cleft that was diagnosed and managed at an early age. They discuss the clinical presentation and embryological development of this rare condition. The operative findings, surgical excision and repair of the long vertical defect by Z-plasty are discussed in detail.

The authors report a very satisfactory result following excision and Z-plasty closure of this rare congenital anomaly.
Cervical necrotizing fasciitis with facial nerve paralysis
Authors: Al-Ammar Amed , Maqbool Mir Suhail
Published: August 2004

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a very aggressive infection with associated high mortality. Risk factors of acquiring this infection may include diabetes mellitus, surgery, trauma, and infection. This infection necessitates prompt recognition and aggressive management in order to avoid its unfavourable outcomes. Associated nerve paralysis may indicate the involvement of deeper tissue.

The present report highlights a case of cervical NF that was complicated by facial nerve paralysis, a feature that has rarely been reported.
Nasopharyngeal hamartoma: importance of routine complete nasal examination
Authors: Owens David , Alderson David , Garrido Consuelo
Published: August 2004

The authors report clinical experience in managing an 82-year-old female presenting with long-standing bilateral nasal obstruction resulting from a nasopharyngeal mass. The patient had undergone a number of treatments including surgery. The previous examinations, investigations and treatment had all been performed within the previous 10 years and although examination had been documented there was no evidence on review of the notes that the nasopharynx had been inspected either by nasendoscopy or indirectly. The mass was removed via a combined nasal and oral approach. Histopathological examination of the specimen was consistent with mesenchymal hamartoma. In addition to describing a rare presentation the authors believe this case highlights the importance of complete examination in all patients with nasal symptoms
Patient burden of centralization of head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Patel R.S. , Hewett Julie , Hickey S.A.
Published: August 2004

This study was undertaken to assess the impact on patients of proposals to centralize head and neck oncology services in the UK. A retrospective audit of the 2001–2002 head and neck cancer database at South Devon district general hospital identified 85 patients (50 males: 35 females; median age 66 years; range 29–93) diagnosed with head and neck cancer. The total number of hospital visits for diagnostic, therapeutic and other management services were recorded (median number of visits 28; range 1–78). Using this data, the extra distance required to travel to a potential regional cancer centre located in Bristol during the first six months of management was extrapolated. It was calculated that each patient would have to travel on average an extra 5333 miles (median 5658; range 185–13 759). Published documents advocating centralization of oncology services make no reference to the patient burden of geographic relocation of medical services. Agencies involved with restructuring oncology services must recognize the non-clinical impact of centralization and make some provision to overcome the burden facing patients and their carers.
Earliest historic reference of ’tinnitus’ is controversial
Authors: Dietrich S.
Published: August 2004

Tinnitus, that is defined as ’ringing in the ear’, is and has probably always been a very common phenomenon in the health history of mankind. A variety of pathomechanisms for its onset has been proposed in the past and this trend sees no stopping. Precise pathomechanisms still remain unclear. From the historical point of view, tinnitus is a very interesting topic but there is a lack of scientific enquiries. As its earliest historic reference, the Papyrus Ebers is often cited. By reviewing the original source, however, it is very unlikely that this contains the earliest historic reference of tinnitus. It is rather likely indeed that tinnitus was a known symptom in the ancient Egypt but it has never been exclusively been written down. This article reviews data provided by this fascinating historical period on the questionable reference and highlights the impact of history on the modern status of tinnitus.
Restoration of the impacted nasal pyramid using a Kirschner wire
Authors: Murphy J. , Marshall A.H. , Jones N.S.
Published: August 2004

One of the most challenging types of nasal fracture is when the nasal pyramid, comprising of the upper and lower lateral cartilages and septum including the vomer, is fractured, impacted and has rotated into the face. This paper describes a technique to elevate the nasal complex and hold it forwards using a Kirschner wire.
Numerical Study of Non-Cavitating Underwater Propeller Noise
Authors: Seol Hanshin , Pyo Sanngwoo , Suh Jung-Chun , Lee Soogab
Published: August 2004

Non-cavitating noise of underwater propeller is numerically investigated. The main purpose is to analyze non-cavitating noise in various operating conditions with different configurations. The noise is predicted using time-domain acoustic analogy and boundary element method. The flow field is analyzed with potential based panel method, and then the time-dependent pressure data are used as the input for Ffowcs-Williams Hawkings formulation to predict the far-field acoustics. Boundary element method is also considered to investigate the effect of ducted propellers. Sound deflection and scattering effect on the duct is considered with the BEM. The governing equations are based on the assumption that all acoustic pressure is linear. A scattering approach is applied in which the acoustic pressure field is split into the known incident component and the unknown scattered component. Noise prediction results are presented for single propeller and ducted propeller in non-uniform flow conditions. The investigation reveals that the effect of a duct on the acoustic performance of propellers is small in the far field under non-cavitating situations since the noise directivities of single and ducted propeller are almost the same. Only the high order BPFs are influenced by the existence of the duct.
Big Noise in Baghdad
Authors: Leventhall Geoff
Published: August 2004

Is it a loud hailer… or is it a non-lethal weapon? Only experience will give the answer, but American forces in Iraq are to be equipped with a noisy piece of equipment known as a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD). One use is to give instructions from a safe distance to crowds, vehicles, shipping or anything else which may be a potential danger. However, the LRAD also packs a punch as a generator of loud and unpleasant sounds. Flick a switch and change from voice messages to a built in generator, giving an ear-splitting and piercingly unpleasant output, designed to make you wish you were well out of its beam. The LRAD is a development from a new form of highly directional loudspeaker, HSS (HyperSonic Sound), from the American Technology Corporation ( www.atcsd.com )
Meta-Analysis of Interventions for Medication Adherence to Antihypertensives
Authors: Takiya Liza N , Peterson Andrew M , Finley Rebecca S
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To identify methods targeted at improving adherence to antihypertensives and determine their effect on adherence using meta-analytic techniques.

METHODS

A literature search from 1970 to December 2000 using MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, PsychLit, ERIC, and EMBASE was performed using the terms compliance, adherence, and medication. Randomized articles with an intervention directed at a patient/caregiver, a comparator group, and a minimum of 10 subjects in each intervention group were identified by 3 independent reviewers. Articles that did not report sample size data or adequate results of the intervention were excluded. Sixteen citations focusing on antihypertensive adherence were identified. Of the 16 citations, 6 studied either more than one intervention in the same population or different interventions in different patient populations, yielding 24 cohorts with 2446 patients.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight percent of the methods focused on behavioral interventions (BIs), 29% studied the effect of a combination of behavioral and educational interventions (BEIs), and 13% utilized educational interventions (EIs) alone. Overall, the study groups were nonhomogenous (Q = 183.92; p < 0.001). However, when the groups were separated by the intervention type, the BIs were homogenous (Q = 1.19; p = 1.00) with an overall effect size (ES) of 0.04 (95% CI −0.01 to −0.09), indicating a trend toward improved adherence. Fifty percent of the BIs were performed in the physician's office; however, setting did not influence the intervention's impact (p = 0.13). Within the BIs, no single intervention improved adherence over others.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the interventions included in this meta-analysis, there is no single intervention that improves adherence to antihypertensives over others; therefore, a patient-specific approach should be modeled.
Management of Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients Receiving Interferon for Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Wong Siu-Fun , Jakowatz James G , Taheri Reza
Published: August 2004

OBJECTIVE

To describe 3 cases of hypertriglyceridemia associated with the use of interferon alfa (IFN-α) for the treatment of malignant melanoma and propose a management plan for dyslipidemia associated with interferon therapy

CASE SUMMARIES

Three case reports of hypertriglyceridemia with or without elevation of total cholesterol level associated with the use of adjuvant IFN-α for the treatment of malignant melanoma are described. These patients received IFN-α-based adjuvant therapy with doses ranging from 5–20 million units/m 2 for 1–2 years' duration. The onset and severity of dyslipidemia appeared to occur randomly. Pre-existing cardiovascular disorders did not seem to play a role. The patients were treated with atorvastatin, gemfibrozil, and a combination of lovastatin with niacin, depending on their lipid panel results.

DISCUSSION

Based on our case reports and published data, hypertriglyceridemia is more frequently associated with longer duration of interferon therapy, although the time of onset is not clearly defined. Presence or absence of baseline dyslipidemia does not seem to play a role in the development of hypertriglyceridemia associated with interferon, and its occurrence and severity are not dependent on the dose. Lifestyle modifications should be encouraged in patients who develop dyslipidemia, and drug treatment should be considered. If drug therapy is indicated, fibric acid derivatives should be considered as first-line therapy. Even at lower doses, this class of drug seems to be effective in managing severe triglyceride elevations in these patients. The Naranjo probability scale of these cases ranged from possible to probable.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertriglyceridemia is a rare but potentially severe adverse consequence of interferon therapy. Patients with malignant melanoma who develop dyslipidemia while receiving interferon should be considered for antidyslipidemic management.
Early Postmarketing Drug Safety Surveillance: Data Mining Points to Consider
Authors: Hauben Manfred
Published: August 2004

BACKGROUND

Computer-assisted data mining algorithms (DMAs) are being studied to screen spontaneous reporting databases for signals of novel adverse events. The performance characteristics and optimum deployment of these techniques remain to be established.

OBJECTIVE

To explore issues in the practical evaluation and deployment of DMAs by comparing findings from an empirical Bayesian DMA with those from a traditional drug safety surveillance program.

METHODS

Published findings from early postmarketing safety surveillance of thalidomide were compared with findings from an empirical Bayesian DMA. Differential results were used to explore practical issues in the evaluation and deployment of DMAs.

RESULTS

Most adverse events highlighted by each method were compatible with the product labeling or natural history/complications of reported treatment indications. Traditional surveillance highlighted 4 potentially serious and unexpected adverse events (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, seizures, skin ulcers) warranting labeling amendments or close monitoring. None of these adverse event terms generated a signal using the DMA.

CONCLUSIONS

The DMA would not have enhanced early postmarketing surveillance in this particular setting. While the results cannot be used to draw inferences about the global performance of DMAs, they illustrate the following: (1) DMA performance may be highly situation dependent; (2) over-reliance on these methods may have deleterious consequences, especially with so-called “designated medical events”; and (3) the most appropriate selection of pharmacovigilance tools needs to be tailored to each situation, being mindful of the numerous factors that may influence comparative performance and incremental utility of DMAs.