bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does participation in a nurse visitation programme reduce the frequency of adverse perinatal outcomes in first‐time mothers?
Authors: Carabin Hélène , Cowan Linda D. , Beebe Laura A. , Skaggs Valerie J. , Thompson David , Agbangla Christophe
Published: April 2005

Children First (C1), a nurse home visitation programme for first‐time mothers, was implemented statewide in Oklahoma in mid‐1997. The objective of this study was to compare the risks of low (<2500 g) and very low birthweight (<1500 g), preterm (<37 weeks) and very preterm (<30 weeks) deliveries and infant mortality between mothers participating and not participating in C1. All 239 466 Oklahoma birth certificates were reviewed. The C1 and birth certificate databases were matched to identify C1 participants. Mother's age at delivery, education level, race, marital status, prior pregnancy loss or pregnancy risk factors, birthweight and gestational age at delivery were measured from the birth certificates. Death certificates were matched to the birth certificates to identify infant deaths.

A Bayesian multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse the data. Among single mothers without pregnancy risk factors, the risks of all study outcomes were lower for participants in C1: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.89, [95% Bayesian Credible Interval (BCI) 0.79, 1.00] for preterm delivery; aOR 0.71, [95% BCI 0.50, 0.98] for very preterm delivery; aOR 0.86, [95% BCI 0.75, 0.98] for low birthweight; aOR 0.77, [95% BCI 0.56, 1.02] for very low birthweight and aOR 0.36, [95% BCI 0.17, 0.63] for infant mortality. These risk reductions were not observed among married mothers. In both single and married mothers, the presence of pregnancy risk factors reduced the impact of C1 on lowering the risk of low birthweight and preterm deliveries. The C1 programme targets young, pregnant women of low socio‐economic level. We found that among single mothers, the risks of perinatal adverse outcomes are reduced or similar to those found in non‐participating mothers.

A reduced effect of C1 in the presence of pregnancy risk factors may be because mothers with pregnancy risk factors who did not participate in C1 received better prenatal care, or that C1 interventions do not impact these particular factors. C1 shows promise in reducing infant mortality in single mothers. Lower incidence of preterm and very preterm deliveries is especially interesting and future analyses should focus on isolating programme components specifically associated with influencing these outcomes.
Effect of cations on IAA‐induced proton excretion in the xylem of Vigna unguiculata
Authors: Mizuno Akiko , Katou Kiyoshi
Published: April 2005

Perfusion of IAA through the xylem of a hypocotyl segment of Vigna unguiculata L. cv. Otsubu hyperpolarized the boundary membrane between the xylem and the symplast followed by acidification of the xylem exudate. K+, Ca2+ or Mg2+ enhanced IAA‐induced acidification of the xylem exudate. Cation‐induced acidification in IAA‐treated segment was observed even under anoxia. However, Na+ had only a small effect on the IAA‐induced acidification. Thus, the acidification enhanced by cations may not be due to the stimulation of a plasmalemma proton pump but originates in the cation/proton exchange on the cell wall. Apparently, IAA stimulates the electrogenic proton‐pump at the plasmalemma that excretes protons to the cell wall apoplast. The cell wall acts as a buffer, however, to hide the proton‐excretion unless the protons are exchanged with other cations. This may be the reason why IAA‐induced acidification of the bathing medium was not always observed when tested on several plant tissues.
Immuno‐gold localization of IAA in leaf cells of Prunus persica at different stages of development
Authors: Ohmiya Akemi , Hayashi Tateki
Published: April 2005

Subcellular localization of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) in leaf cells of peach (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch ‘Hakuho’) was investigated using imuno‐gold electron microscopy. The distribution pattern of the gold particles, which detected IAA, changed as cells matured. The most prominent feature was the accumulation of the gold label in the chloroplasts and mitochondria of the parenchyma cells of opened leaves. Throughout the development, the cytosol, nuclei, and cell wall were labelled, although the level was low and no significant changes occurred. The density of colloidal gold at each stage of leaf development was well correlated with the analytical data obtained by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Protein kinase inhibitor K‐252a and fusicoccin induce similar initial changes in ion transport of parsley suspension cells
Authors: Kauss Heinrich , Jeblick Wolfgang , Conrath Uwe
Published: April 2005

The protein kinase inhibitor K‐252a induces a rapid, transient decrease of extracellular pH and [K+], and a concomitant increase in extracellular [Ca2+] in suspensions of cultured parsley cells. These effects are subsequently reversed. As with K‐252a, fusicoccin also induces similar changes in pH and extracellular [Ca2+], but reversion does not occur. Acidification by HCI also leads to an increase in external [Ca2+], suggesting that the changes in extracellular [Ca2+] are mainly due to a pH‐dependent displacement of Ca2+ ionically bound to the cell wall. The artificial acidification by HCI is rapidly followed by cell‐mediated alkalinization, a process associated with K2 release and rebinding of Ca2+. Any change in external pH or [K+] induced by K‐252a, fusicoccin, or HCI is followed by an uptake of 45Ca2+ into cellular pools. The results show that K‐252a may be a valuable tool for studying the complex regulation of ion transport which may involve changes in the phosphorylation of unknown proteins.
Periodicity of cambial activity in Abies balsamea. II. Effects of temperature and photoperiod on the size of the nuclear genome in fusiform cambial cells
Authors: Mellerowicz E. J. , Riding R. T. , Little C. H. A.
Published: April 2005

Previously, we showed that the size of the nuclear genome, measured cytophotometrically in Feulgen‐stained fusiform cambial cells of Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., oscillates annually between a maximum in spring and a minimum in late summer, the labile, extra DNA being synthesized during the fall. To determine it the oscillation is induced by the concomitant seasonal changes in temperature and photoperiod, genome size was measured in cambial cells obtained from one‐year‐old branches of 6‐year‐old potted trees at the beginning and end of 9 weeks of exposure during the fall, spring and summer to either the natural environment or one of 4 controlled environments, viz. (1) WS, warm temperature (24/20°C in day/night) and short photoperiod (8 h). (2) WL, warm temperature (24/20°C) and long photoperiod (8 h + 1 h night break), (3) CS, cold temperature (9/5°C) and short photoperiod (8 h). and (4) CL, cold temperature (9/5°C) and long photoperiod (8 h + 1 h night break). Overall, genome size (2C) varied between 20 and 34 pg. In the fall, when the cambium was initially dormant, the genome size increased in the natural environment, did not change under short days (WS and CS), and decreased under long days (WL and CL). The cambium reactivated in both WS and WL conditions. In the spring, while the cambium reactivated, the size of the genome decreased in the natural, WS and WL conditions, but not in the CS environment. In the CL conditions, the genome size started to decrease at the end of the 9‐week exposure period. The decrease apparently occurred between prophase and telophase, which suggests that the extra DNA is extrachromosomal. In the summer, while the cambium ceased activity, the genome size did not change in the WS, WL and natural environments, whereas it decreased in the CS and CL conditions. The results indicate that increasing temperature and lengthening photoperiod in the spring induce the loss of the extra DNA. However, the environmental conditions that promote DNA synthesis in the fall remain unknown. Genome size varied independently of cambial growth potential and frost hardiness measured previously in the same experimental trees, indicating that the regulation of these processes does not directly involve the extra DNA. However, the finding that cambial cells cycled in the CS and CL environments only in the spring, when their genome size was large, suggests that the extra DNA is important for cambial growth at low temperatures.
Auxin dependent growth of rhizoids of Chara globularis
Authors: Klämbt Dieter , Knauth Beate , Dittmann Ilona
Published: April 2005

Auxin greatly influences plant cell elongation, particularly in the organs of shoots but also in roots. Earlier reports are limited to organ and/or cell growth connected with a mosaic type of cell elongation. The present paper describes auxin sensitivity of polarly growing rhizoid cells of Chara globularis Thuill. where auxin‐dependent growth could be observed in two different ways: (1) Auxin had no effect when applied to intact Chara explants with developed thizoids, but decapitated explants reacted to auxin with optimal growth at 1 μM indole‐3‐acetic‐acid (IAA). (2) N‐I‐Naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) at 10 and 100 μM caused a strong inhibition in rhizoid growth of intact Chara explants. Auxin applied at the same time abolished this inhibition but, due to lack of plant material, endogenous IAA content could not be measured. Chara explants pre‐fed with 1‐[14C] IAA from a 3.5 μM solution for 8 h, then washed and transferred for 11 h to auxin free solution containing 0, 10 or 100 μM NPA, showed an effect of NPA upon IAA accumulation. Therefore, NPA may inhibit auxin secretion in Chara, 100. Our data are in agreement with earlier results on auxin regulated cell elongation and H−‐secretion, and show that auxin secretion may also be an essential step in endogenous regulation of polar growth in Chara rhizoids.
A meta‐analysis of the association of physical activity with reduced risk of colorectal cancer
Authors: Samad A. K. A. , Taylor R. S. , Marshall T. , Chapman M. A. S.
Published: April 2005

Background  Physical activity may be associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The main aim of this paper is to review the available evidence for a link between exercise and large bowel cancer.

Methods  A Cochrane‐type methodology was performed. Data extracted included, type of study, type of physical activity measured and the numerical results. The risk ratios (RR) of the studies have been pooled according to the type of study, type of exercise, type of cancer and sex. Pooling was undertaken using fixed effect meta‐analysis. A random effect meta‐analysis was used where substantial heterogeneity existed.

Result  Data from 19 cohort studies showed a statistically significant reduction in the risk of colon cancer in physically active males, RR being 0.79 (95% CI 0.72–0.87) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.68–0.91) for occupational and recreational activities, respectively. In women only recreational activities are protective against colon cancer (RR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.57–0.88). Case‐control studies showed significantly reduced risks of colon cancer in both sexes irrespective of the type of activity. No protection against rectal cancer is seen in either sex.

Conclusion  There is considerable evidence that physical activity is associated with reduced risk of colon cancer in both males and females.
Bowel function following insertion of self‐expanding metallic stents for palliation of colorectal cancer
Authors: Davies R. J. , Barros D'Sa I. , Lucarotti M. E. , Fowler A L. , Tottle A. , Birch P. , Cook T. A.
Published: April 2005

Objective  Self‐expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are an important addition to the treatment of large bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was firstly to assess bowel function following SEMS placement and secondly to identify any potential factors which might aid in the prediction of technical failure of stent insertion.

Methods  A review of all patients undergoing attempted SEMS placement for palliation of malignant left‐sided colorectal obstruction over a four‐year period (1st May 2000–30th April 2004) was performed.

Results  Twenty‐one patients (12 male) with a median age of 76 years (range 48–92 years) were included, 11 with metastatic disease and 10 severe comorbidity. SEMS insertion was technically successful in 16 (76%) of 21 cases. Contrast successfully passed through the obstructing lesion in all 16 cases where SEMS placement was technically successful. It only passed through 1 of 5 cases where stenting was not possible (P = 0.0008, Fisher's Exact test). Complications included colonic perforation (1 case), stent migration (1 case) and tumour ingrowth requiring a second stent (1 case). Median survival after SEMS was 12 months (range 1–30 months), and 9 patients died during follow‐up. Median bowel frequency following SEMS was 3.5 times per day (range 1–7). Eight patients always passed a liquid stool, 3 others regularly required laxatives and one further patient with poor function after stenting requested a defunctioning stoma.

Conclusion  Failure of contrast to pass through the obstructing lesion may predict those cases where stenting will not be technically possible. Median survival following SEMS insertion is encouraging in this series, but bowel function is often poor. Expected bowel function should be discussed fully when consenting patients for a SEMS, particularly those with metastatic disease who are otherwise fit for resectional surgery.
Early detection of cutaneous angiosarcoma of the face and scalp and treatment with placitaxel
Authors: Pestoni C , Paredes‐Suarez C , Peteiro C , Toribio J
Published: April 2005

Cutaneous angiosarcoma (AS) of the face and scalp of the elderly is a rare malignant tumour with a very poor prognosis. The variable presentation and the benign appearance of the cutaneous AS may often delay the correct diagnosis. Because it is extremely aggressive, only early detection and treatment can modify the prognosis. We describe a case of an old man who was diagnosed of AS of the face and scalp 1 month after developing the cutaneous lesion. After treatment with placitaxel, the lesion completely diminished. Unfortunately, he developed pulmonary fibrosis and died 6 months after diagnosis. Predisposing factors of this entity are also discussed.
Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and auricular hypoplasia: associated with juvenile colloid milium or ligneous conjunctivitis?
Authors: Kavak A , Kaya M , Alper M , Çam M , Büyükbabani N , Bilen A , Sılan F
Published: April 2005

The exact nature of amyloid‐like hyaline material deposits in the skin is not well understood in some disorders. Three of those – ligneous conjunctivitis, ligneous periodontitis and colloid milium – have been rarely reported in a same patient. We report a case of mucosal and skin deposits of an amyloid‐like homogeneous material associated with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and congenital auricular hypoplasia. We discussed and reviewed the literature on these unique associations to determine whether these are the same pathological process. We also noted whether this case represents a new syndrome or a coincidental association.
Relationship between bone growth rate and the thickness of calcified cartilage in the long bones of the Galloanserae (Aves)
Authors: Montes L. , De Margerie E. , Castanet J. , De Ricqlès A. , Cubo J.
Published: April 2005

The histological features of mineralized tissues can be preserved for hundreds of millions of years, and are therefore important potential sources of information for reconstructing the life history traits of extinct species. Bone growth rates and the duration of the growth period have recently been estimated in fossil archosaurs from periosteal ossification (a mechanism responsible for bone diametral growth). Similarly, data on endochondral ossification (the mechanism responsible for bone longitudinal growth) may also yield information on growth duration and rate among extinct vertebrates, as long as potentially informative structures are preserved. However, in order to carry out palaeobiological estimations of growth rate and/or the duration of growth, it is first necessary to quantify in extant species the relationship between these life history traits and the histological features of endochondral ossification that are potentially preserved in the fossil record. Here we analyse the ontogenetic variation of both bone longitudinal growth rate and the thickness of the calcified cartilage in the femora of two Galloanserae (Aves) and find a significant positive relationship between these variables in both species. We discuss possible factors underlying interspecific differences in this relationship, and conclude that it could be applied with caution to draw palaeobiological inferences.
A 3D digital reconstruction of the components of the gas exchange tissue of the lung of the muscovy duck, Cairina moschata
Authors: Woodward Jeremy D. , Maina John N.
Published: April 2005

To elucidate the shape, size, and spatial arrangement and association of the terminal respiratory units of the avian lung, a three‐dimensional (3D) computer‐aided voxel reconstruction was generated from serial plastic sections of the lung of the adult muscovy duck, Cairina moschata. The air capillaries (ACs) are rather rotund structures that interconnect via short, narrow passageways, and the blood capillaries (BCs) comprise proliferative segments of rather uniform dimensions. The ACs and BCs anastomose profusely and closely intertwine with each other, forming a complex network. The two sets of respiratory units are, however, absolutely not mirror images of each other, as has been claimed by some investigators. Historically, the terms ‘air capillaries’ and ‘blood capillaries’ were derived from observations that the exchange tissue of the avian lung mainly consisted of a network of minuscule air‐ and vascular units. The entrenched notion that the ACs are straight (non‐branching), blind‐ending tubules that project outwards from the parabronchial lumen and that the BCs are direct tubules that run inwards parallel to and in contact with the ACs is overly simplistic, misleading and incorrect. The exact architectural properties of the respiratory units of the avian lung need to be documented and applied in formulating reliable physiological models. A few ostensibly isolated ACs were identified. The mechanism through which such units form and their functional significance, if any, are currently unclear.
Src homology domains in phospholipase C‐γ1 mediate its anti‐apoptotic action through regulating the enzymatic activity
Authors: Liu Xia , Ye Keqiang
Published: April 2005

Phospholipase‐γ1 (PLC‐γ1) prevents programmed cell death, for which the enzymatic activity has been implicated. However, the biological function of Src homology (SH) domains of PLC‐γ1 in promoting cell survival remains elusive. Here, we showed that deletion of the N‐SH2 domain or both N‐SH2 and C‐SH2 domains, but not the SH3 domain, abolished the anti‐apoptotic activity of PLC‐γ1. Surprisingly, removal of the whole SH domain inhibited apoptosis. The lipase‐inactive PLC‐γ1 mutant (LIM) failed to suppress apoptosis. Moreover, the phospholipase activity in SH3‐ or whole SH domain‐deleted cells was comparable to that of wild‐type cells. By contrast, the enzymatic activity was substantially ablated in SH2 domain‐deleted or LIM cells. A pharmacological inhibitor of PLC‐γ1 robustly diminished the anti‐apoptotic action in wild‐type, SH3‐ or whole SH domain‐deleted cells, whereas pretreatment of SH2 domain‐deleted or LIM cells with agents activating PKC and calcium mobilization markedly promoted cell survival. These results indicate that SH domains in PLC‐γ1 might mediate its anti‐apoptotic action by regulating the enzymatic activity.
Involvement of γ protein kinase C in estrogen‐induced neuroprotection against focal brain ischemia through G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor
Authors: Hayashi Shigeto , Ueyama Takehiko , Kajimoto Taketoshi , Yagi Keiko , Kohmura Eiji , Saito Naoaki
Published: April 2005

The neuroprotective effects of estrogen were studied in the ischemic model mice by 90 min transient unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 22.5 h reperfusion. The total infarct size in C57BL/6 female mice after MCAO and reperfusion was significantly smaller than that in male mice. Intraperitoneal injection of estrogen after the start of reperfusion significantly reduced the infarct volume in the male mice. However, no significant gender difference was found in total infarct size in γ protein kinase C (PKC)‐knockout mice, suggesting that the neuroprotective effects of estrogen are due to the activation of a specific subtype of PKC, γPKC, a neuron‐specific PKC subtype, in the brain. We demonstrated that exogenous estrogen‐induced neuroprotection was attenuated in γPKC‐knockout mice. Immunocytochemical study showed that γPKC was translocated to nerve fiber‐like structures when observed shortly after MCAO and reperfusion. We also visualized the rapid and reversible translocation of γPKC‐GFP (green fluorescent protein) by estrogen stimulation in living CHO‐K1 cells. These results suggest that the activation of γPKC through the G‐protein‐coupled estrogen receptors on the plasma membrane is involved in the estrogen‐induced neuroprotection against focal brain ischemia.
Neuroprotective effects of preconditioning ischaemia on ischaemic brain injury through inhibition of mixed‐lineage kinase 3 via NMDA receptor‐mediated Akt1 activation
Authors: Yin Xiao‐Hui , Zhang Quan‐Guang , Miao Bei , Zhang Guang‐Yi
Published: April 2005

A number of works show that the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway responds actively in cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion. We undertook our present studies to clarify the role of mixed‐lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), a MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK) in MAPK cascades, in global ischaemia and ischaemic tolerance. The mechanism concerning NMDA receptor‐mediated Akt1 activation underlying ischaemic tolerance, was also investigated. Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to 6 min of ischaemia and differing times of reperfusion. Our results showed MLK3 was activated in the hippocampal CA1 region with two peaks occurring at 30 min and 6 h, respectively. This activation returned to base level 3 days later. Both preconditioning with 3 min of sublethal ischaemia and NMDA pretreatment inhibited the 6‐h peak of activation. However, pretreatment of ketamine before preconditioning reversed the inhibiting effect of preconditioning on MLK3 activation at 6 h of reperfusion. In the case of Akt1, however, preconditioning and NMDA pretreatment enhanced Akt1 activation at 10 min of reperfusion. Furthermore, ketamine pretreatment reversed preconditioning‐induced increase of Akt1 activation. We also noted that pretreatment of LY294002 before preconditioning reversed both the inhibition of MLK3 activation at 6 h of reperfusion and the increase in Akt1 activation at 10 min of reperfusion. The above‐mentioned results lead us to conclude that, in the hippocampal CA1 region, preconditioning inhibits MLK3 activation after lethal ischaemia and reperfusion and, furthermore, this effect is mediated by Akt1 activation through NMDA receptor stimulation.
Corneal mechanical sensitivity measurement using a staircase technique
Authors: Golebiowski Blanka , Papas Eric , Stapleton Fiona
Published: April 2005

Purpose:  To determine the repeatability of an unequal staircase technique (Garcia‐Perez Staircase, GPS) to measure corneal mechanical threshold using the CRCERT‐Belmonte Aesthesiometer, and to compare this with a previously‐reported psychophysical method (Method of Constant Stimuli, MOCS).

Methods:  The GPS, utilising unequal ascending and descending steps, was used to obtain a threshold measurement from the mean of six response reversals. Repeatability was determined for the GPS and MOCS methods (n = 14), and threshold results obtained with each method were compared (n = 10).

Results:  The GPS (65.0 ± 16.9 mL min−1; CoR ± 18.3 mL min−1) method was more repeatable than the MOCS (64.0 ± 15.7 mL min−1; CoR ± 37.3 mL min−1) and the absolute values obtained with the two methods were not significantly different.

Conclusions:  Although each method gave equivalent threshold results, the GPS method was more repeatable and quicker to apply and hence should reduce the influence of patient fatigue and help to minimise possible carry‐over effects.
SOME REFLECTIONS ON THE INTERSECTORAL TERMS OF TRADE(1) FOR DENMARK IN THE PERIOD 1949 TO 1965
Authors: Bjerke Kjeld
Published: April 2005

This article is an extension of an earlier article dealing with gains and losses from changes in the terms of trade. The object of the present article is to show how gains and losses in foreign trade are distributed among the branches of domestic industry. To this end, price changes for gross domestic product at factor cost in each of 25 branches of industry over the period 1949–1965, computed where possible by the double deflation method, are compared with the change over the same period in final demand—i.e., consumption plus gross investment.
Quantitative 1HMRS and MRI Volumetry Indicate Neuronal Damage in the Hippocampus of Children with Focal Epilepsy and Infrequent Seizures
Authors: Varho Tarja , Komu Markku , Sonninen Pirkko , Lähdetie Jaana , Holopainen Irma E.
Published: April 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Seizures induce progressive morphologic and functional changes in particular in the hippocampus, but whether and at what stage the hippocampus is affected in children with focal, temporal, nonintractable epilepsy is poorly known. We have now studied eventual metabolic and volume changes in the hippocampus of children with nonsymptomatic focal epilepsy taking antiepileptic medication (AEDs) but still having infrequent seizures.

Methods: Quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) and volumetric MRI were used to study the hippocampal region of 11 pediatric outpatients (age 10 to 17 years) with cryptogenic localization‐related epilepsy, and eight healthy volunteers (age 9 to 16 years) served as controls. The spectra were obtained bilaterally from the hippocampi by using the 1.5‐T MR imager. The spectral resonance lines of N‐acetyl group (NA), creatine and phosphocreatine group (Cr), choline‐containing compounds (Cho), and myoinositol (mI) were analyzed quantitatively. The volume of the hippocampus was semiautomatically calculated.

Results: The mean concentration of NA was significantly decreased both in the focus side (9.02 ± 2.00 mM) and in the nonfocus side (8.88 ± 2.09 mM) of the patients compared with the controls (10.76 ± 1.86 mM), in particular if the children had a history of generalized tonic–clonic seizures. The mean concentrations of Cho, Cr, and mI did not differ significantly between the patients and controls. Moreover, the mean hippocampal volume of the focus side of patients was significantly reduced compared with that of the controls.

Conclusions: Metabolic changes in hippocampi were detected in children with nonsymptomatic localization‐related epilepsy and infrequent seizures. Reduced NA could reflect neuronal metabolic dysfunction and/or neuronal damage, as indicated by our volumetric findings.
Effect of ACTH Therapy for Epileptic Spasms without Hypsarrhythmia
Authors: Oguni Hirokazu , Funatsuka Makoto , Sasaki Kaori , Nakajima Tae , Yoshii Keisuke , Nishimura Tsutomu , Osawa Makiko
Published: April 2005

Summary: Purpose:We analyzed the short‐ and long‐term effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy for patients with epileptic spasms (ESs) who did not meet the criteria of West syndrome (WS).

Methods:The subjects were 30 patients, including 13 boys and 17 girls, who had received ACTH therapy between 1970 and 2003. We excluded patients with WS, but included those with a history of WS who no longer showed hypsarrhythmia at the period of ACTH therapy. The age at onset of ESs and at ACTH therapy ranged from 2 to 82 months with a median of 18 months, and from 11 to 86 months with a median of 29 months, respectively.

Results:Excellent and poor responses were obtained in 19 (63%) and 11 (37%) patients, respectively, as a short‐term effect. Although the patients could be subclassified into five subgroups according to the previous reports, no difference was seen in short‐ term response to ACTH. Among 17 of the 19 patients with excellent short‐term outcomes and a follow‐up of >1 year after the ACTH therapy, eight patients have continued to be seizure free (29%; excellent long‐term effect), whereas the remaining nine patients had a recurrence of seizures (complex partial seizures, four; generalized tonic seizures, three; ESs, two) at 9 months to 198 months (median, 49 months) after ACTH therapy. In addition, nine of the 17 patients demonstrated a localized frontal EEG focus after the ACTH therapy, although most of these had previously shown diffuse epileptic EEG abnormality.

Conclusions:ACTH therapy is worth trying for patients with resistant ESs, even without features of WS. However, the long‐term effect is uncertain because recurrences of various types of seizures, including focal, were frequently observed.
Time‐dependent Effect of Kainate‐induced Seizures on Glutamate Receptor GluR5, GluR6, and GluR7 mRNA and Protein Expression in Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Ullal Gautam , Fahnestock Margaret , Racine Ronald
Published: April 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Glutamate receptor 6 is strongly implicated in human refractory epilepsy and in kainic acid (KA)‐induced status epilepticus (SE). In vitro pharmacologic studies with newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are increasingly indicating the role of glutamate receptor 5 (GluR5) in epilepsy. Glutamate receptor 7 (GluR7) has been the least investigated in the context of epilepsy. We studied the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression of GluR5, GluR6, and GluR7 in rat hippocampus 72 h, 90 days, and 180 days after KA‐induced SE.

Methods: SE was induced by injecting KA intraperitoneally (i.p.) into adult rats. The hippocampi were isolated 72 h, 90 days, and 180 days after SE. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed for mRNA expression. Western blots determined the protein expression.

Results: A significant increase was noted in GluR5 expression in KA‐treated animals compared with controls at 72 h and 180 days, with no significant difference at the intervening 90‐day point. Protein levels for GluR5 increased at 72 h and remained elevated until 180 days. GluR7 mRNA showed a significant decrease at 90 days after seizures. Neither the mRNA expression nor the protein levels of GluR6 differed from controls at any of the times after SE.

Conclusions: KA‐induced SE leads to an upregulation of GluR5 mRNA and protein and a downregulation of GluR7 mRNA in rat hippocampus, with no change in GluR6 mRNA or protein expression.
Cost‐effectiveness of First‐line Antiepileptic Drug Treatments in the Developing World: A Population‐level Analysis
Authors: Chisholm Dan ,   WHO‐CHOICE
Published: April 2005

Summary: Purpose:To establish the population‐level costs and cost‐effectiveness of first‐line antiepileptic drug (AED) treatments for reducing the treatment gap in developing countries.

Methods:A population model was applied to nine World Health Organization (WHO) developing subregions to estimate the impact of four first‐line AEDs in the primary care management of (ICD‐10 defined) idiopathic epilepsy and epileptic syndromes: phenobarbitone (PB), phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), and valproic acid (VPA). The efficacy of treatment was gauged in terms of improvements to both disability and recovery, subsequently adjusted for treatment coverage, response, and adherence. Total population‐level treatment effects (measured in disability‐adjusted life years or DALYs averted) and treatment costs (measured in international dollars; I$) were combined to form ratios of cost‐effectiveness.

Results:Across nine developing WHO subregions, extending AED treatment coverage to 50% of primary epilepsy cases would avert between 150 and 650 DALYs per one million population (equivalent to 13–40% of the current burden), at an annual cost per capita of I$ 0.20–1.33. Older first‐line AEDs (PB, PHT) were most cost‐effective on account of their similar efficacy but lower acquisition cost (I$ 800–2,000 for each DALY averted).

Conclusions:A significant proportion of the current burden of epilepsy in developing countries is avertable by scaling‐up the routine availability of low‐cost AEDs. Critical factors in the successful implementation of such a scaled‐up level of service delivery, apart from renewed political support and investment, relate to appropriate training and continuity of drug supply.
Biting Behavior, Aggression, and Seizures
Authors: Alberto Tassinari Carlo , Tassi Laura , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna , Stanzani‐Maserati Michelangelo , Fini Nicola , Pizza Fabio , Sartori Ivana , Michelucci Roberto , Lo Russo Giorgio , Meletti Stefano
Published: April 2005

Summary: Purpose:To describe the semiologic features of aggressive behaviors observed in human epileptic seizures with particular reference to the act of biting a conspecific.

Methods:We analyzed the biting behavior (BB) and other aggressive gestures occurring in a group of 11 patients retrospectively selected from >1,000 patients subjected to video‐EEG/SEEG monitoring for presurgical evaluation of drug‐resistant seizures.

Results:Patients displaying BB showed (a) a male sex predominance, (b) heterogeneous etiologies and lesion locations, and (c) seizures involving the frontotemporal regions of both hemispheres. The act of biting was a rapid motor action, lasting ∼600 ms, occurring in the context of strong emotional arousal, fear, and anger, with various bodily gestures with aggressive connotation. BB was mainly a “reflexive” behavior, in that biting acts were evoked (both during and after seizures) by actions of people in close contact with the patient. The sole intrusion of the examiner's hand in the space near the patient's face was effective in triggering BB. Rarely, self‐directed or object‐directed biting acts were not triggered by external stimuli. Intracranial data (SEEG) obtained in one subject showed that the amygdala/hippocampal region plus the orbitomedial prefrontal cortex had to be involved by ictal activity to observe BB.

Conclusions:Anatomic and electrophysiologic data in our patients suggest that a model of dual—temporal and frontal—dysfunction could account for the occurrence of ictal/postictal BB. Behavioral data suggest also that BB and related aggressive gestures can be considered as the emergence of instinctive behaviors with an adaptative significance of defense of the peripersonal space.
PROPERTIES OF CARICA PAPAYA L. (PAPAYA) SEED OIL FOLLOWING EXTRACTIONS USING SOLVENT AND AQUEOUS ENZYMATIC METHODS
Authors: PUANGSRI T. , ABDULKARIM S.M. , GHAZALI H.M.
Published: April 2005

The physico‐chemical properties of oil from Carica papaya were determined following extraction with petroleum ether and aqueous‐enzymatic methods. Four commercial enzymes were used for the enzymatic extraction, namely, Termamyl 120 L, Type L (α‐Amylase), Neutrase®0.8 L (Neutral protease), Celluclast®1.5 L FG (Cellulase) and Pectinex®Ultra SP‐L (Pectinase). The melting point of the oil was 9.7–10.5C and showed that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the oil obtained from enzyme and solvent extractions. Generally, the color of the oil was reddish yellow. Solvent‐extracted oil tended to have more yellow and red color (24 Y + 4.0 R) compared to enzyme‐extracted oil (20 Y + 3.0 R). The iodine and the saponification values of the solvent‐extracted oil were found to be 66.0 and 154.7, respectively, while those of the enzyme extracted oil were 66.2–69.3 and 154.2–161.7, respectively. The unsaponifiable matter of the oil extracted using different enzymes ranged between 2.07 and 2.90% and were significantly different (P < 0.05) from that of the solvent‐extracted oil (1.39%). The predominant fatty acid in the oil was oleic acid (72–78%), with some palmitic (12–14%), stearic (4–5%) and linoleic (2.5–3.5%) acids with no significant difference in fatty acid compositions between oil extracted using solvent and enzymes. The main triacylglycerols (TAGs) were sn‐glycerol‐oleate‐oleate‐oleate (OOO) (43.5–45.5%) and 1‐palmitoyl‐dioleoyl glycerol (POO) +stearoyl‐oleoyl‐linoleoyl glycerol (SOL) (29.5–30.5%).
RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF POMEGRANATE (PUNICA GRANATUM L.) JUICE AND CONCENTRATE
Authors: ALTAN AYLİN , MASKAN MEDENİ
Published: April 2005

The rheological behavior of pomegranate juice (Punica granatum L.), prepared from fresh pomegranates, was studied as a function of solids concentration in the range 17.5–75°Brix at 10–55C, using a controlled stress rheometer. Concentration methods did not influence flow behavior. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between viscosity and activation energy values for the pomegranate juices concentrated by different methods. The juices exhibited Newtonian behavior regardless of the concentration method. The effect of temperature was described by an Arrhenius‐type equation with an activation energy in the range 5.34–32.2 kJ/mol depending on concentration. An exponential model described better the effect of the soluble solids on the viscosity and Eavalues. A simple equation was proposed for describing the combined effect of temperature and soluble solids content on the juice viscosity.
EFFECT OF ADDED SALT ON TEXTURAL PROPERTIES OF HEAT‐INDUCED GELS MADE FROM GUM–PROTEIN MIXTURES
Authors: TOTOSAUS A. , GUERRERO I. , MONTEJANO J.G.
Published: April 2005

Large deformation rheological tests were employed to determine the textural differences in heat‐induced gel systems. Three different large deformation rheological methods (viscosity index and apparent elasticity, texture profile analysis (TPA) and torsional fracture) were employed to study the dependence of the ion type on the textural properties of heat‐induced mixed protein–gum gels. Protein–gum mixed solutions were prepared with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or egg white albumin (EWA) (20% w/v) with κ‐carrageenan (KCG), gellan (GLN) or xanthan gums (XNT) (0.5% w/v) at 0.1 M sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl) or no added salt. Despite inherent differences in protein type, the main effect on the textural properties evaluated was for the kind of salt added, since potassium ions, with a strong influence on KCG and GLN gelation, affected the parameters related to the structure or hardness of the samples. There was no significant effect on parameters associated with sample ductility or elasticity. GLN formed stronger gels than KCG, whereas XNT did not perform as well in gel formation since it does not contribute to protein matrix formation. The results indicated that potassium may be substituted for sodium ions at low ionic strengths in foods where the incorporation of KCG or GLN helps to improve texture and related features.
Tip Loss Correction for Actuator/Navier–Stokes Computations
Authors: Shen Wen Zhong , Sørensen Jens Nørkær , Mikkelsen Robert
Published: April 2005

A new tip loss correction, initially developed for 1D Blade Element/Momentum (BEM) computations (submitted to Wind Energy), is now extended to 2D Actuator Disc/Navier–Stokes (AD/NS) computations and 3D Actuator Line/Navier–Stokes (AL/NS) computations. In the paper, it is shown that the tip loss correction is an important and necessary step for actuator/Navier–Stokes models. Computed results are compared to experimental data and to results from BEM computations using the new tip correction as well as the original one of Glauert (Aerodynamic Theory, Dover, New York, Chap. VII, Div. L, pp. 251–268). From the results it is concluded that the tip loss correction has been correctly employed in the Navier–Stokes based actuator models. The results also demonstrate that the difference between actuator line and actuator disk-based models may increase, especially for flows at a low tip speed ratio. Since the flows at a low tip speed ratio are too far to be considered as axisymmetrical flows, the actuator disk models that are based on axisymmetrical flow behaviors may not be valid.
Ten Years of Meteorological Measurements for Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Barthelmie Rebecca , Hansen Ole Frost , Enevoldsen Karen , Højstrup Jørgen , Frandsen Sten , Pryor Sara , Larsen Søren , Motta Maurizio , Sanderhoff Peter
Published: April 2005

Risø has been monitoring wind resources and power output from offshore wind farms since 1993. A considerable degree of expertise has been developed in optimizing measurements and in using these databases to develop and validate models for offshore environments. This paper describes the evolution of monitoring strategies to a fully automated satellite based retrieval that provides near-real time access to offshore data, even at remote stand-alone masts. An overview of wind speed and turbulence at offshore sites in Denmark is given. Finally, three methods of generating long-term wind resource estimates from short-term measurements are outlined.
Cost Analysis of Solar Reflective Hard-Coat Materials Deposited by Ion-Beam-Assisted Deposition
Authors: Kennedy C. E. , Swisher R. L.
Published: April 2005

Commercialization of concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies require the development of advanced reflector materials that are low cost and maintain high specular reflectance for extended lifetimes under severe outdoor environments. During the past nine years, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has funded Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in McLean, Virginia, to develop a promising low-cost advanced solar reflective material (ASRM) combining the best of both thin-glass and silvered-polymer reflectors. The alumina Al2O3 coating is deposited by ion-beam-assisted physical vapor deposition (IBAD). Materials undergoing testing demonstrate excellent durability under accelerated and outdoor weathering. To help commercialize the technology, NREL had a cost analysis performed incorporating realistic web coating assumptions and the technical improvements made in the ASRM. The biggest process cost items are the alumina and machine burden (which collects the cost of the building and office staff). The switch from a polyethylene terethaphalate (PET) to a steel substrate for the ASRM is a significant contributor to the cost. The cost of high-purity alumina should drop from $400 to $200/kg when purchased in 20 kg quantities. Alumina deposition rate then becomes the critical cost driver. In a previous study, deposition rates above 100 nm/s were not examined, but deposition rates greater than 100 nm/s are being used routinely for thin alumina coatings deposited on commercial web-coaters as barrier coatings. In addition, multiple (2–3) Al2O3 IBAD zones can be used in one roll-coating machine to deposit thicker alumina at a lower web speed. This means that with increasing deposition rate and/or multiple zones, the total production cost of the SAIC ASRM with 1 μm thick Al2O3 on PET will meet both the 1992 cost goal of $10.76/m2$1/ft2 and the equivalent cost goal of $13.79/m2$1.31/ft2 when the 1992 cost goal is corrected for inflation. There is a minimum deposition rate needed to reach the cost goal and a maximum deposition rate related to the number of zones after which no significant cost gains are observed. These asymptotic total production costs are $8.06/m2($7.39/m2 excluding substrate) for a large commercial web-coating company and $7.62/m2($6.94/m2 excluding substrate) for a smaller company. As can be seen by these numbers, the $10.76/m2 cost goal can be reached, but the cost of the substrate is still a major consideration. In addition, the width of the web was increased from 600 to 1200 mm, which decreased the asymptotic total production costs. The results of the cost analysis will be described.
Noise Propagation Issues in Wind Energy Applications
Authors: Prospathopoulos John M. , Voutsinas Spyros G.
Published: April 2005

The prediction of noise emitted from operating wind turbines is important to planners in order to avoid the possibility of surpassing the allowable limits close to residential areas. To this end, the wave equation is solved, taking into account the atmospheric and ground characteristics that affect sound propagation. In the present paper, a ray tracing methodology capable of performing axisymmetric calculations of the sound field around an isolated source is used. The methodology simulates all the main physical mechanisms that influence sound propagation and performs calculations for the whole range of acoustic frequencies. In the case of more sources, a quasi-3D calculation is implemented, superposing the contributions from all sources. Application to single wind turbines is validated with available measurements. The effect of various parameters such as ground impedance, temperature, humidity, turbulence, and wind velocity is investigated for an isolated wind turbine as well as for wind parks. It is shown that ground and atmospheric absorption are important at the low and high frequency ranges, respectively. In flat terrain cases, simple propagation models may also give satisfactory predictions of the overall sound pressure levels. However, in complex terrain cases, the wind velocity and the relief of the topography can significantly affect noise propagation, suggesting the necessity for using sophisticated propagation models, such as the current one.
The Effect of Adhesive Curing Condition on Bonding Strength in Auto Body Assembly
Authors: Wu Xin , Hao Hongqi
Published: April 2005

The bonding strength of metal-to-metal lap joining of a two-part epoxy-based adhesive employed in an automotive assembly line was investigated under different heating rates (10 to 6000°C/min), peak temperatures (room to 250°C), and holding times. The results indicate that bonding strength is controlled mainly by the peak curing temperature and the heating rate. The maximum bonding strength appears between 70 and 110°C, but the value of it depends on the heating rate. At heating rates of 10, 50, and 100°C/min, the peak strength decreases with increasing heating rate. However, a further increase in heating rate to 2000–6000°C/min resulted in higher peak bonding strength. The microstructures and fractured surfaces after shear testing were examined by a scanning electron microscope. The results revealed that many gas bubbles (voids) were formed during the adhesive curing process, and the fracture process was controlled by the link of the voids. At low heating rates (10–100°C/min), the mean void size and volume fraction increase with heating rate and peak temperature, causing the weakening of the bonding strength. However, at very high heating rates (2000–6000°C/min), the rapid hardening of the adhesive suppressed the development of gas bubbles, so that the mean void size and volume fraction were low, and the bonding strength was high. This result indicates that to effectively improve the adhesive bonding strength, both the chemical reaction (degree of cure) and physical response (gas bubble formation) need to be optimized.