bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator Stroke Treatment in the 3- to 6-Hour Window Using Multimodal Transcranial Doppler/MRI Selection Protocol
Authors: Ribo Marc , Molina Carlos A. , Rovira Alex , Quintana Manuel , Delgado Pilar , Montaner Joan , Grivé Elisenda , Arenillas Juan F. , Álvarez-Sabín José
Published: February 2005

Background—

Growing data point toward intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) benefit after 3 hours in selected stroke patients. We aim to study safety and efficacy of tPA treatment in the 3- to 6-hour window using multimodal transcranial Doppler (TCD)/MRI selection criteria.

Methods—

We studied patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Patients within 0 to 3 hours from symptom onset (A) were treated according to standard computed tomography criteria. Treatment within 3 to 6 hours (B) was decided according to TCD/MRI protocol. Continuous TCD assessed clot location and recanalization. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at 24 hours assessed neurological improvement/worsening and modified Rankin score <3 functional independence at third month.

Results—

Of 135 patients, 56 were in the 3- to 6-hour window. Only 13 (23%) patients within 3 to 6 hours did not meet MRI inclusion criteria. Finally, 122 patients were treated with tPA: A, 79 (65%); B, 43 (35%). Median time to treatment was: A, 136 minutes (range 60 to 180); B, 223 (185 to 360). There were no differences in demographic parameters, baseline NIHSS (A, 17; B, 17;
P
=0.89), and occlusion location (proximal MCA A, 65.8%; B, 74.4%;
P
=0.28). Recanalization rates at 2 hours were similar (A, 49.3%; B, 55.2%;
P
=0.33), as were hemorrhagic transformation rates (asymptomatic: A, 18.7%, B, 26.6%,
P
=0.43; symptomatic: A, 3.75%, B, 2.38%,
P
=0.66). Improvement at discharge was similar in both groups (NIHSS dropped 6.3 points [A] versus 6.1 [B];
P
=0.86). However, the number of patients who benefited from treatment was slightly higher in the 3- to 6-hour group (A, 58.2%; B, 76.2%;
P
=0.05), whereas the same rate of patients worsened (A, 11.4%; B, 7.1%;
P
=0.46). At 3 months, the rate of independent patients was: A, 42% versus B, 38% (
P
=0.74).

Conclusions—

tPA treatment can be safely and effectively extended to the 3- to 6-hour window using TCD/MRI selection criteria. Not using these criteria in the 3- to 6-hour window avoids potentially effective treatment in a high rate of patients.
Soluble Platelet Glycoprotein V Is a Marker of Thrombosis in Patients With Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wolff Valérie , Aleil Boris , Giroud Maurice , Lorenzini Jean-Louis , Meyer Nicolas , Wiesel Marie-Louise , Cazenave Jean-Pierre , Lanza François
Published: February 2005

Background and Purpose—

The diagnosis and management of patients with acute ischemic stroke still lack an informative biochemical test. Soluble glycoprotein V (sGPV) is a new plasmatic marker of thrombosis released from the platelet surface by thrombin. The objective of this prospective study was to compare the levels of sGPV in stroke and control patients.

Methods—

Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (n=159) and controls (n=70) were recruited for sGPV measurement.

Results—

Plasmatic levels of sGPV were significantly increased in ischemic stroke compared with control patients (median [interquartile range] 39.4 [31.8 to 52.9] versus 28.1 [24.0 to 37.9] ng/mL;
P
<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, ischemic stroke was the major determinant of the sGPV increase (odds ratio [95% CI], 5.87 [2.62 to 13.12];
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

sGPV is a new marker of arterial thrombosis and represents a tool to study the mechanisms involved in ischemic stroke. The increase in plasmatic sGPV observed in stroke patients supports a role of platelets and thrombin in the events leading to ischemic stroke.
A Description of Canadian and United States Physician Reimbursement for Thrombolytic Therapy Administration in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kleindorfer Dawn , Hill Michael D. , Woo Daniel , Tomsick Thomas , Pancioli Arthur , Kissela Brett , Demchuk Andrew M. , Losiewicz David , Jauch Edward , Schneider Alexander , Ringer Andrew , Kanter Daniel , Broderick Joseph P.
Published: February 2005

Background and Purpose—

Acute ischemic stroke patients are infrequently treated with rtPA, despite its proven effectiveness. Poor physician reimbursement for acute stroke care is one possible explanation for the low frequency of use. We describe the physician reimbursement for thrombolytic therapy for the stroke team physicians serving the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region (GCNK), and the Alberta region.

Methods—

GCNK: billing logs were accessed for the study period of 7/01–12/02, and cross-matched to stroke call logs. University of Calgary (UC): treatment records of a single physician were reviewed from 4/02–3/04. A telephone survey of Canadian provinces was conducted regarding billing practices.

Results—

GCNK: During the study period, 151 patients received rtPA. For treated pts. the average time spent was 2.6 hours, and average reimbursement received was $472 (of those with insurance). The highest reimbursement was received by billing critical care codes. Reimbursement for critical care was similar to or lower than common office procedures for neurologists. UC: during the study period, 131 patients received rtPA. Average reimbursement for rtPA treated patients was $340 US, not including on-call payments. Survey across Canada revealed many provinces with weekend/after hour premium stipends and on-call stipends.

Conclusions—

Physician reimbursement for the evaluation and treatment of acute stroke, when compared with other diagnoses commonly treated by neurologists, is relatively low in both the U.S. and Canada. Health policy decision-makers in the US and Canada should be made aware of the importance of providing a more balanced plan to provide medical care to stroke patients.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the Iron-Deficient Rat
Authors: Shao Jie , Xi Guohua , Hua Ya , Schallert Timothy , Felt Barbara
Published: February 2005

Background and Purpose—

Iron contributes to brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Because ICH may occur in the context of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), a common nutritional disorder, the purpose of this study was to determine whether IDA in rats affects brain edema, functional behavior, and changes in brain iron-handling proteins after ICH.

Methods—

Six-week-old male rats (n=75) were randomized to non-IDA or IDA groups and provided iron-sufficient or -deficient diets, respectively. After 1 month, 100 μL autologous blood was infused into the right basal ganglia (BG). Brains removed at days 1, 3, 7, and 28 after ICH were assessed for regional brain water content and BG transferrin and transferrin receptor concentrations (Western blotting). Sensorimotor measures of functional recovery were assessed.

Results—

Brain water content was increased for IDA versus non-IDA in injured cortex and BG at day 3 (
P
<0.05). IDA rats had impaired left forepaw placing and more asymmetric forelimb use versus non-IDA after ICH (
P
<0.05). Transferrin and transferrin receptor concentrations in the BG were increased for IDA versus non-IDA within the first week (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Rats with IDA have greater brain edema, poorer sensorimotor outcome, and a greater expression of iron regulatory proteins than non-IDA rats after ICH, suggesting brain iron status is a determinant of injury severity and recovery.
Inosine Reduces Ischemic Brain Injury in Rats
Authors: Shen Hui , Chen Guann-Juh , Harvey Brandon K. , Bickford Paula C. , Wang Yun
Published: February 2005

Background and Purpose—

Purinergic nucleoside inosine elicits protection and regeneration during various injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine the protective effects of inosine against cerebral ischemia.

Methods—

Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized. Inosine, hypoxathine, or vehicle was administered intracerebroventricularly before transient right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Animals were placed in behavioral chambers 2 days to 2 weeks after MCAo and then euthanized for tri-phenyl-tetrazolium chloride staining. Glutamate release was measured by microdialysis/high-performance liquid chromatography, and single-unit action potentials were recorded from neurons in the parietal cortex.

Results—

Stroke animals receiving inosine pretreatment demonstrated a higher level of locomotor activity and less cerebral infarction. Intracerebroventricular administration of the same dose of hypoxanthine did not confer protection. Coadministration of selective A3 receptor antagonist 3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1, 4-(±)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate (MRS1191) significantly reduced inosine-mediated protection. Inosine did not alter basal glutamate release, nor did it reduce ischemia-evoked glutamate overflow from cerebral cortex. However, inosine antagonized glutamate-induced electrophysiological excitation in cerebral cortical neurons.

Conclusions—

Inosine inhibits glutamate postsynaptic responses and reduces cerebral infarction. Its protective effect against ischemia/reperfusion-related insults may involve activation of adenosine A3 receptors.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Model for Learning Nonlinear Statistical Regularities in Nonstationary Natural Signals
Authors: Karklin Yan , Lewicki Michael S.
Published: February 2005

Capturing statistical regularities in complex, high-dimensional data is an important problem in machine learning and signal processing. Models such as principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) make few assumptions about the structure in the data and have good scaling properties, but they are limited to representing linear statistical regularities and assume that the distribution of the data is stationary. For many natural, complex signals, the latent variables often exhibit residual dependencies as well as nonstationary statistics. Here we present a hierarchical Bayesian model that is able to capture higher-order nonlinear structure and represent nonstationary data distributions. The model is a generalization of ICA in which the basis function coefficients are no longer assumed to be independent; instead, the dependencies in their magnitudes are captured by a set of density components. Each density component describes a common pattern of deviation from the marginal density of the pattern ensemble; in different combinations, they can describe nonstationary distributions. Adapting the model to image or audio data yields a nonlinear, distributed code for higher-order statistical regularities that reflect more abstract, invariant properties of the signal.
Extended Gaussianization Method for Blind Separation of Post-Nonlinear Mixtures
Authors: Zhang Kun , Chan Lai-Wan
Published: February 2005

The linear mixture model has been investigated in most articles tackling the problem of blind source separation. Recently, several articles have addressed a more complex model: blind source separation (BSS) of post-nonlinear (PNL) mixtures. These mixtures are assumed to be generated by applying an unknown invertible nonlinear distortion to linear instantaneous mixtures of some independent sources. The gaussianization technique for BSS of PNL mixtures emerged based on the assumption that the distribution of the linear mixture of independent sources is gaussian. In this letter, we review the gaussianization method and then extend it to apply to PNL mixture in which the linear mixture is close to gaussian. Our proposed method approximates the linear mixture using the Cornish-Fisher expansion. We choose the mutual information as the independence measurement to develop a learning algorithm to separate PNL mixtures. This method provides better applicability and accuracy. We then discuss the sufficient condition for the method to be valid. The characteristics of the nonlinearity do not affect the performance of this method. With only a few parameters to tune, our algorithm has a comparatively low computation. Finally, we present experiments to illustrate the efficiency of our method.
Loading Deep Networks Is Hard: The Pyramidal Case
Authors: Windisch David
Published: February 2005

The question of whether it is possible to load deep neural network architectures efficiently is examined by considering the class of pyramidal architectures. This class allows only a low interaction of the nodes. Still, the loading problem is found to be NP-complete. This provides evidence that depth alone is a factor accounting for loading hardness.
Bayesian Analysis of Nonlinear Autoregression Models Based on Neural Networks
Authors: Menchero A. , Diez R. Montes , Insua D. Ríos , Müller P.
Published: February 2005

We show how Bayesian neural networks can be used for time-series analysis. We consider a block-based model building strategy to model linear and nonlinear features within the time series: a linear combination of a linear autoregression term and a feedforward neural network (FFNN) with an unknown number of hidden nodes. To allow for simpler models, we also consider these terms separately as competing models to select from. Model identifiability problems arise when FFNN sigmoidal activation functions exhibit almost linear behavior or when there are almost duplicate or irrelevant neural network nodes. New reversible-jump moves are proposed to facilitate model selection, mitigating model identifiability problems. We illustrate this methodology analyzing several time-series data examples.
Spikernels: Predicting Arm Movements by Embedding Population Spike Rate Patterns in Inner-Product Spaces
Authors: Shpigelman Lavi , Singer Yoram , Paz Rony , Vaadia Eilon
Published: February 2005

Inner-product operators, often referred to as kernels in statistical learning, define a mapping from some input space into a feature space. The focus of this letter is the construction of biologically motivated kernels for cortical activities. The kernels we derive, termed Spikernels, map spike count sequences into an abstract vector space in which we can perform various prediction tasks. We discuss in detail the derivation of Spikernels and describe an efficient algorithm for computing their value on any two sequences of neural population spike counts. We demonstrate the merits of our modeling approach by comparing the Spikernel to various standard kernels in the task of predicting hand movement velocities from cortical recordings. All of the kernels that we tested in our experiments outperform the standard scalar product used in linear regression, with the Spikernel consistently achieving the best performance.
On the Capabilities of Higher-Order Neurons: A Radial Basis Function Approach
Authors: Schmitt Michael
Published: February 2005

Higher-order neurons with k monomials in n variables are shown to have Vapnik-Chervonenkis (VC) dimension at least nk + 1. This result supersedes the previously known lower bound obtained viak-term monotone disjunctive normal form (DNF) formulas. Moreover, it implies that the VC dimension of higher-order neurons with k monomials is strictly larger than the VC dimension of k-term monotone DNF. The result is achieved by introducing an exponential approach that employs gaussian radial basis function neural networks for obtaining classifications of points in terms of higher-order neurons.
Social Structure and Personality During the Process of Radical Social Change: A Study of Ukraine in Transition
Authors: Paniotto Vladimir , Kohn Melvin , Khmelko Valeriy , Hung HO-Fung
Published: February 2005

This paper investigates the relationships of social structure and personality during a period of radical social change attendant on the early stages of the transformation of Ukraine from socialism to nascent capitalism. It does so by analyzing data secured from face-to-face interviews with a representative sample of urban Ukrainian men and women in 1992-93, together with a follow-up survey three to three and a half years later of all those respondents who at the time of the initial survey either were employed or were seeking paid employment.We found that the over-time correlations – the stabilities – of two underlying dimensions of personality – self-directedness of orientation and a sense of well-being or distress – were startlingly low, by comparison not only to the United States at a time of much greater social stability, but also to Poland at the same time as the Ukrainian study, albeit at a later stage of transition. The stability of a third fundamental dimension of personality – intellectual flexibility – was higher than those of self-directedness of orientation and distress, but considerably lower than past research had led us to expect. Still, despite massive changes in social and economic conditions and great instability of personality, the relationships of social structure with personality were remarkably consistent over time and, with the partial exception of those with the sense of wellbeing or distress, were quite similar to those of both socialist and advanced capitalist societies during times of apparent social stability. Our analyses suggest that consistency in the relationships between social structure and personality despite great change both in social structure and in personality results from the continued stability of proximate conditions of life that link position in the larger social structure to individual personality, and the continued strength of those linkages. Notable among these proximate conditions, for those people who were employed at the times of both the baseline and follow-up surveys, is the substantive complexity of their work.
Boom, Gloom, Doom: Balance Sheets, Monetary Fragmentation, and the Politics of Financial Crisis in Argentina and Russia
Authors: Woodruff David M.
Published: February 2005

In the 1990s, Russia and Argentina both tied their currencies to the dollar to combat inflation. They later devalued under pressure, but only after an extremely costly delay, and only after an explosive spread of monetary surrogates substituting for official currency. This article explains these puzzling developments using an institutional-sociological approach to money, which relates exchange-rate preferences to financial context (“balance sheets”) rather than sectoral position, as is common. It proposes a “lock-in” mechanism explaining delayed devaluation in both cases, as well as Argentina’s greater delay, and explores the linkages between exchange-rate policy and the origins of monetary surrogates.
Problematic Interviewee Behaviors in Qualitative Research
Authors: Collins Melinda , Shattell Mona , Thomas Sandra P.
Published: February 2005

The interview is a staple of many qualitative approaches. Although textbooks offer extensive guidance to researchers about conducting interviews, less guidance is available about problematic interviewee behaviors, such as flattery or statements indicative of social desirability response bias. In this study, a secondary analysis of 22 phenomenological interview transcripts, we sought to examine problematic interviewee behaviors. More than 300 pages of typed text were subjected to line-by-line scrutiny, yielding only six potential instances of the phenomenon. Each could be interpreted several ways. What appeared to be flattery could also be perceived as simple gratitude or appreciation. We concluded that problematic behavior was rare in this data set.
Nurses as Imperfect Role Models for Health Promotion
Authors: Rush Kathy L. , Kee Carolyn C. , Rice Marti
Published: February 2005

The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover ways in which nurses describe themselves as health-promoting role models. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with nurses working in a variety of settings. Transcribed interviews were analyzed thematically. Nurses defined themselves as role models of health promotion according to the meaning they gave the term, their perceptions of societal expectations, and their self-constructed personal and professional domains. The term role model evoked diverse interpretations ranging from negative perceptions of the idealized image to a humanized, authentic representation. Nurses perceived that society expected them as role models to be informational resources and to practice what they preached. Nurses defined themselves independently of societal expectations according to personal and professional domains. Valuing health, accepting imperfections, and self-reflecting were aspects of the personal domain, whereas gaining trust, caring, and partnering were facets of the professional domain.
Police Service Dogs in the Use-of-Force Continuum
Authors: Dorriety Jonathan K.
Published: February 2005

History has long since documented the role of the domesticated dog in human history. Its role in law enforcement has also been well documented as a helper and valuable tool in fighting crime and the criminal element. Courts, however, have been forced to scrutinize their usage in use-of-force cases, and where agencies place them in the use of-force continuum is a delicate decision. How the courts view dogs and the “reasonableness” of their deployment will build the foundation for their continued use in the future.
Predictive and Treatment Validity of Life Satisfaction and the Quality of Life Inventory
Authors: Frisch Michael B. , Clark Michelle P. , Rouse Steven V. , Rudd M. David , Paweleck Jennifer K. , Greenstone Andrew , Kopplin David A.
Published: February 2005

The clinical and positive psychology usefulness of quality of life, well-being, and life satisfaction assessments depends on their ability to predict important outcomes and to detect intervention-related change. These issues were explored in the context of a program of instrument validation for the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) involving 3,927 clients from various clinical settings. Clinical norms were also generated that supplement existing nationwide norms. The predictive validity of the QOLI and life satisfaction in a university counseling center was supported in terms of its ability to predict academic retention both by itself and in conjunction with cumulative grade point average 1 to 3 years in advance. The QOLI was also found to be sensitive to treatment-related change in two naturalistic clinical settings and samples. The interpretation and intervention utility of measures of quality of life, well-being, and life satisfaction are discussed with respect to clinical and positive psychology research.
Ability of Substance Abusers to Escape Detection on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A) in a Juvenile Correctional Facility
Authors: Stein L. A. R. , Graham John R.
Published: February 2005

The ability of respondents to underreport successfully on substance abuse and validity scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent (MMPI-A; Butcher et al., 1992) was evaluated. Incarcerated teens (67 substance abusing, 59 non-substance abusing) completed the MMPI-A twice: once under standard instructions (SI) and once under instructions to fake good (FG). Under SI, substance scales correctly classified about 60% to 85% of adolescents. Under FG, substance- and non-substance-abusing juveniles produced lower scores on substance scales. However, the Lie Scale (L) was able to detect more than 75% of deceptive profiles and about 77% of honest profiles. When scale L and the best substance scale were used in combination, only about 18% of faking substance abusers were not identified as either substance abusers or as underreporting. For feigning substance abusers, only about 10% of substance abusers were detected, with about 72% being categorized as faking and needing further assessment.
Estimating Facets of Psychopathy From Normal Personality Traits
Authors: Benning Stephen D. , Patrick Christopher J. , Blonigen Daniel M. , Hicks Brian M. , Iacono William G.
Published: February 2005

In three samples consisting of community and undergraduate men and women and incarcerated men, we examined the criterion validity of two distinct factors of psychopathy embodied in the Psychopathic Personality Inventory (PPI) as indexed by primary trait scales from the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ). Consistent with the PPI factors themselves, MPQ-estimated PPI-I related negatively with internalizing disorder symptoms and fearfulness and positively with thrill and adventure seeking, sociability, activity, and narcissism. MPQ-estimated PPI-II was associated negatively with socialization and positively with externalizing disorder symptoms, impulsivity, disinhibition and boredom susceptibility, and trait anxiety and negative emotionality. Additionally, PPI-I was selectively related to the interpersonal facet of Factor 1 of the Psychopathy Checklist—Revised (PCL-R), whereas PPI-II was related preferentially to Factor 2 of the PCL-R.
Development and Validation of the Schedule of Compulsions, Obsessions, and Pathological Impulses (SCOPI)
Authors: Watson David , Wu Kevin D.
Published: February 2005

This article describes a factor analytically derived, self-report instrument—the Schedule of Compulsions, Obsessions, and Pathological Impulses (SCOPI)—using data from college students, adults, psychiatric outpatients, and patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The five SCOPI scales all are internally consistent (with coefficient alphas of .80 and higher) and are strongly stable across a 2-month interval (with retest correlations ranging from .79 to .82). They also show good convergent and adequate discriminant validity (a) when correlated with other OCD measures and (b) in analyses of self-ratings versus spouse ratings. Additional analyses indicate that three scales—Obsessive Checking, Obsessive Cleanliness, and Compulsive Rituals—assess core symptoms of OCD. The two remaining scales—Hoarding and Pathological Impulses—appear to tap different (but related) constructs.
An Actuarial Model for Assessment of Prison Violence Risk Among Maximum Security Inmates
Authors: Cunningham Mark D. , Sorensen Jon R. , Reidy Thomas J.
Published: February 2005

An experimental scale for the assessment of prison violence risk among maximum security inmates was developed from a logistic regression analysis involving inmates serving parole-eligible terms of varying length (n = 1,503), life-without-parole inmates (n = 960), and death-sentenced inmates who were mainstreamed into the general prison population (n = 132). Records of institutional violent misconduct of these 2,595 inmates were retrospectively examined for an 11-year period (1991 to 2002). Predictors affecting the likelihood of such misconduct included age, type and length of sentence, education, prior prison terms, prior probated sentences, and years served. The scale was modestly successful, as demonstrated by an overall omnibus area under the curve of .719. Double cross-validation demonstrated minimal shrinkage. The authors have termed this experimental scale the Risk Assessment Scale for Prison.
Metaphors and Biorisks
Authors: Larson Brendon M. H. , Nerlich Brigitte , Wallis Patrick
Published: February 2005

This article seeks to construct a comparative investigation of the role and application of militaristic metaphors in three contested areas of science-society discourse (invasive species, foot-and-mouth disease, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). It examines differences in the uses of metaphors and the role played by the emergence or neglect of critical linguistic engagement in these areas of public concern. It contributes to debates about the relationship between language use, policy, and the public understanding of science and technology. It demonstrates that militaristic metaphors are still part of a pervasive, but by no means inevitable, mode of science and policy communication.
Changing Approaches to Historic Preservation in Quedlinburg, Germany
Authors: Alberts Heike C. , Brinda Mark R.
Published: February 2005

This article examines the changing approaches to historic preservation of half-timbered houses in Quedlinburg, Germany. Under the East German (GDR) regime, the scarcity of funds and materials limited preservation measures. After the German reunification, the conditions improved significantly, and Quedlinburg became the largest historic preservation project in the country. The difficulties in enforcing the high preservation standards and the conflicts arising over certain aspects of the project clearly demonstrate the need for integrating historic preservation projects with general urban planning to meet the needs of both preservationists and inhabitants of the city.
Measuring the Effect of Subprime Lending on Neighborhood Foreclosures
Authors: Immergluck Dan , Smith Geoff
Published: February 2005

Since the early 1990s, there has been a very large growth in mortgages made by so-called subprime lenders, which specialize in lending to borrowers with credit history problems. One reason for concern about this trend is that it has been associated with a large and simultaneous rise in foreclosures, which can entail significant costs not just for those directly affected but also for surrounding neighborhoodsand larger communities. This study usesmultivariate estimations to quantify the impact of subprime lending on neighborhood foreclosure levels. After controlling for neighborhood demographics and economic conditions, the authors find that subprime loans lead to foreclosures at far greater rates than do prime loans. Moreover, subprime lending appears to account for a substantial share of foreclosure activity in high-foreclosure neighborhoods.
The Pessary, a Method for Treating Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Hassler Amanda , Michael Kim
Published: February 2005

A pessary is a device similar to the outer ring of a diaphragm that is placed into the vagina to help reposition and support the uterus or bladder. It is a common method for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Numerous pessaries are available, and selection is based on pathologic condition and patient comfort. After a pessary is placed, patient follow-up is necessary to determine if it is working correctly.
An Overview
Authors: Milburn Donald T.
Published: February 2005

• Why does every ultrasound textbook begin with a “physics chapter”?

• Don't you know everything you need to know about ultrasound physics? After all, you've probably been performing echocardiograms or sonograms for years.

• How will learning more about the physical principles of sound make you a better sonographer?

This article will answer these questions in order. You simply cannot be the best if you don't know the physics of sound.
Postoperative Aneurysmal Fistula of Sinus of Valsalva Dissecting Through Interventricular Septum and Communicating With Coronary Sinus
Authors: Elhagrassi Ihab , Uthaman Babu
Published: February 2005

The authors describe an incidental finding of a rare type of aneurysmal fistula of the right coronary sinus dissecting through the interventricular septum and communicating with the coronary sinus. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were the major tools of detecting and delineating its origin and course, which was further proved by cardiac angiography. With the help of transesophageal echocardiography, the fistula could be closed successfully by catheter coil embolization. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of coil embolization to manage such a lesion in the interventricular septum.
Multifunctional role of Erk5 in multiple myeloma
Authors: Carvajal-Vergara Xonia , Tabera Soraya , Montero Juan C. , Esparís-Ogando Azucena , López-Pérez Ricardo , Mateo Gema , Gutiérrez Norma , Parmo-Cabañas Marisa , Teixidó Joaquín , San Miguel Jesús F. , Pandiella Atanasio
Published: February 2005

Multiple myeloma is characterized by the accumulation of terminally differentiated B cells in the bone marrow, due to increased proliferation and restricted apoptosis of the myelomatous clone. Here we have studied the participation of a novel mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) route, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (Erk5) pathway, in the regulation of myeloma cell proliferation and apoptosis. Erk5 was expressed in cells isolated from patients and in myeloma cell lines. The myeloma growth factor interleukin 6 (IL-6) activated Erk5, and this activation was independent of Ras and Src. Expression of a dominant-negative form of Erk5 restricted the proliferation of myeloma cells and inhibited IL-6–dependent cell duplication. This dominant-negative form also sensitized myeloma cells to the proapoptotic action of dexamethasone and PS341. The latter compound caused a profound decrease in the amount of endogenous Erk5 and was less effective in inducing apoptosis when the level of Erk5 was increased by transfection of Erk5. These results place the Erk5 route as a new regulatory signaling pathway that affects multiple myeloma proliferation and apoptosis.
An anti-CD20–IL-2 immunocytokine is highly efficacious in a SCID mouse model of established human B lymphoma
Authors: Gillies Stephen D. , Lan Yan , Williams Steven , Carr Frank , Forman Stephen , Raubitschek Andrew , Lo Kin-Ming
Published: February 2005

We have engineered an anti-CD20–interleukin 2 (IL-2) immunocytokine (ICK) based on the Leu16 anti-CD20 antibody and have deimmunized both the variable (V) regions as well as the junction between the heavy (H) chain constant region and IL-2. Mutations were made to remove potential T-cell epitopes identified by in silico binding to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. The resulting immunocytokine, DI-Leu16-IL-2, retained full anti-CD20 activity as assessed by fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) analysis, and had enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) effector function relative to the DI-Leu16 antibody or control anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab). In a severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse model of disseminated, residual lymphoma, anti-CD20–IL-2 immunocytokines based on Leu16 were far more effective at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg than anti-CD20 antibody given at 25/mg/kg, despite a shorter half-life of the ICK. Anti-CD20–IL-2 was also far more effective than a control ICK targeted to an antigen with greatly reduced expression on Daudi tumor cells, or various combinations of anti-CD20 antibodies and IL-2. Antitumor activity of DI-Leu16-IL-2 was shown to partially but not entirely depend on Fc receptor (R) binding, suggesting that ADCC and targeting of IL-2 both play roles in the mechanism of tumor clearance. Based on these animal models, DI-Leu16-IL-2 could offer therapeutic potential for patients with CD20 positive lymphoma. Clinical trials are currently under development.
Induction of tumor NK-cell immunity by anti-CD69 antibody therapy
Authors: Esplugues Enric , Vega-Ramos Javier , Cartoixà David , Vazquez Berta N. , Salaet Ignasi , Engel Pablo , Lauzurica Pilar
Published: February 2005

The leukocyte activation marker CD69 is a novel regulator of the immune response, modulating the production of cytokines including transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). We have generated an antimurine CD69 monoclonal antibody (mAb), CD69.2.2, which down-regulates CD69 expression in vivo but does not deplete CD69-expressing cells. Therapeutic administration of CD69.2.2 to wild-type mice induces significant natural killer (NK) cell–dependent antitumor responses to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I low RMA-S lymphomas and to RM-1 prostatic carcinoma lung metastases. These in vivo antitumor responses are comparable to those seen in CD69-/- mice. Enhanced host NK cytotoxic activity correlates with a reduction in NK-cell TGF-β production and is independent of tumor priming. In vitro studies demonstrate the novel ability of anti-CD69 mAbs to activate resting NK cells in an Fc receptor–independent manner, resulting in a substantial increase in both NK-cell cytolytic activity and interferon γ (IFNγ) production. Modulation of the innate immune system with monoclonal antibodies to host CD69 thus provides a novel means to antagonize tumor growth and metastasis.
Plasma membrane sequestration of apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 in human B-lymphoma cells: a novel mechanism of chemoresistance
Authors: Sun Yu , Orrenius Sten , Pervaiz Shazib , Fadeel Bengt
Published: February 2005

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a highly aggressive B-cell neoplasm harboring chromosomal rearrangements of the c-myc oncogene. BL cells frequently resist apoptosis induction by chemotherapeutic agents; however, the mechanism of unresponsiveness has not been elucidated. Here, we show that cytochrome c fails to stimulate apoptosome formation and caspase activation in cytosolic extracts of human BL-derived cell lines, due to insufficient levels of apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (Apaf-1). Enforced expression of Apaf-1 increased its concentration in the cytosolic compartment, restored cytochrome c-dependent caspase activation, and rendered the prototypic Raji BL cell line sensitive to etoposide- and staurosporine-induced apoptosis. Surprisingly, in nontransfected BL cells, the bulk of Apaf-1 was found to associate with discrete domains in the plasma membrane. Disruption of lipid raft domains or the actin cytoskeleton of Raji cells liberated Apaf-1 and restored sensitivity to cytochrome c–dependent apoptosis, indicating that constitutive Apaf-1 retained its ability to promote caspase activation. Moreover, disruption of lipid rafts sensitized BL cells to apoptosis induced by etoposide. Together, our findings suggest that ectopic (noncytosolic) localization of Apaf-1 may constitute a novel mechanism of chemoresistance in B lymphoma.
Graft-versus-tumor response in patients with multiple myeloma is associated with antibody response to BCMA, a plasma-cell membrane receptor
Authors: Bellucci Roberto , Alyea Edwin P. , Chiaretti Sabina , Wu Catherine J. , Zorn Emmanuel , Weller Edie , Wu Bingyan , Canning Christine , Schlossman Robert , Munshi Nikhil C. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Ritz Jerome
Published: February 2005

Donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) induce effective graft-versus-tumor responses in patients with multiple myeloma who relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. The graft-versus-myeloma response is presumably mediated primarily by donor T cells, but recent studies have also demonstrated the presence of antibodies specific for a variety of myeloma-associated antigens in patients who achieve complete remission after DLI. One of the B-cell antigens identified in these studies was B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), a transmembrane receptor of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily that is selectively expressed by mature B cells. The present studies were undertaken to characterize the functional significance of antibodies to BCMA in vivo. Using transfected cells expressing BCMA, antibodies in patient serum were found to react with the cell-surface domain of BCMA. Post-DLI patient serum was able to induce complement-mediated lysis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of transfected cells and primary myeloma cells expressing BCMA. BCMA antibodies were only found in post-DLI responders and not in other allogeneic transplant patients or healthy donors. These results demonstrate that BCMA is a target of donor B-cell immunity in patients with myeloma who respond to DLI. Antibody responses to cell-surface BCMA may contribute directly to tumor rejection in vivo.
DNA repeat arrays in chicken and human genomes and the adaptive evolution of avian genome size
Authors: Hughes Austin L , Piontkivska Helen
Published: February 2005

Background

Birds have smaller average genome sizes than other tetrapod classes, and it has been proposed that a relatively low frequency of repeating DNA is one factor in reduction of avian genome sizes.

Results

DNA repeat arrays in the sequenced portion of the chicken (Gallus gallus) autosomes were quantified and compared with those in human autosomes. In the chicken 10.3% of the genome was occupied by DNA repeats, in contrast to 44.9% in human. In the chicken, the percentage of a chromosome occupied by repeats was positively correlated with chromosome length, but even the largest chicken chromosomes had repeat densities much lower than those in human, indicating that avoidance of repeats in the chicken is not confined to minichromosomes. When 294 simple sequence repeat types shared between chicken and human genomes were compared, mean repeat array length and maximum repeat array length were significantly lower in the chicken than in human.

Conclusions

The fact that the chicken simple sequence repeat arrays were consistently smaller than arrays of the same type in human is evidence that the reduction in repeat array length in the chicken has involved numerous independent evolutionary events. This implies that reduction of DNA repeats in birds is the result of adaptive evolution. Reduction of DNA repeats on minichromosomes may be an adaptation to permit chiasma formation and alignment of small chromosomes. However, the fact that repeat array lengths are consistently reduced on the largest chicken chromosomes supports the hypothesis that other selective factors are at work, presumably related to the reduction of cell size and consequent advantages for the energetic demands of flight.
Narrative Exposure Therapy as a treatment for child war survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder: Two case reports and a pilot study in an African refugee settlement
Authors: Onyut Lamaro P , Neuner Frank , Schauer Elisabeth , Ertl Verena , Odenwald Michael , Schauer Maggie , Elbert Thomas
Published: February 2005

Background

Little data exists on the effectiveness of psychological interventions for children with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that has resulted from exposure to war or conflict-related violence, especially in non-industrialized countries. We created and evaluated the efficacy of KIDNET, a child-friendly version of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), as a short-term treatment for children.

Methods

Six Somali children suffering from PTSD aged 12–17 years resident in a refugee settlement in Uganda were treated with four to six individual sessions of KIDNET by expert clinicians. Symptoms of PTSD and depression were assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment and at nine months follow-up using the CIDI Sections K and E.

Results

Important symptom reduction was evident immediately after treatment and treatment outcomes were sustained at the 9-month follow-up. All patients completed therapy, reported functioning gains and could be helped to reconstruct their traumatic experiences into a narrative with the use of illustrative material.

Conclusions

NET may be safe and effective to treat children with war related PTSD in the setting of refugee settlements in developing countries.
Effect of urbanization on bone mineral density: A Thai epidemiological study
Authors: Pongchaiyakul Chatlert , Nguyen Tuan V , Kosulwat Vongsvat , Rojroongwasinkul Nipa , Charoenkiatkul Somsri , Rajatanavin Rajata
Published: February 2005

Background

The incidence of fractures in rural populations is lower than in urban populations, although the reason for this difference is unclear. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the difference in bone mineral density (BMD), a primary predictor of fracture risk, between urban and rural Thai populations.

Methods

Femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar, Madison, WI) in 411 urban and 436 rural subjects (340 men and 507 women), aged between 20 and 84 years. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height.

Results

After adjusting for age and body weight in an analysis of covariance model, femoral neck BMD in rural men and women was significantly higher than those in urban men and women (P < 0.001), but the difference was not observed at the lumbar spine. After stratifying by sex, age group, and BMI category, the urban-rural difference in femoral neck BMD became more pronounced in men and women aged <50 years and with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2.

Conclusions

These data suggest that femoral neck BMD in rural men and women was higher than their counterparts in urban areas. This difference could potentially explain part of the urban-rural difference in fracture incidence.
Differential effects of ERK and p38 signaling in BMP-2 stimulated hypertrophy of cultured chick sternal chondrocytes
Authors: Reilly Gwendolen C , Golden Eleanor B , Grasso-Knight Giovi , Leboy Phoebe S
Published: February 2005

Background

During endochondral bone formation, the hypertrophy of chondrocytes is accompanied by selective expression of several genes including type X collagen and alkaline phosphatase. This expression is stimulated by inducers including BMPs and ascorbate. A 316 base pair region of the type X collagen (Col X) promoter has been previously characterized as the site required for BMP regulation. The intent of this study was to examine the role of Mitogen Activated Protein (MAP) and related kinase pathways in the regulation of Col X transcription and alkaline phosphatase activity in pre-hypertrophic chick chondrocytes.

Results

Using a luciferase reporter regulated by the BMP-responsive region of the type X collagen promoter, we show that promoter activity is increased by inhibition of extra-cellular signal regulated kinases 1 or 2 (ERK1/2). In contrast the ability of BMP-2 to induce alkaline phosphatase activity is little affected by ERK1/2 inhibition. The previously demonstrated stimulatory affect of p38 on Col X was shown to act specifically at the BMP responsive region of the promoter. The inhibitory effect of the ERK1/2 pathway and stimulatory effect of the p38 pathway on the Col X promoter were confirmed by the use of mutant kinases. Inhibition of upstream kinases: protein kinase C (PKC) and phosphatidylinositol 3-(PI3) kinase pathways increased basal Col X activity but had no effect on the BMP-2 induced increase. In contrast, ascorbate had no effect on the BMP-2 responsive region of the Col X promoter nor did it alter the increase in promoter activity induced by ERK1/2 inhibition. The previously shown increase in alkaline phosphatase activity induced by ascorbate was not affected by any kinase inhibitors examined. However some reduction in the alkaline phosphatase activity induced by the combination of BMP-2 and ascorbate was observed with ERK1/2 inhibition.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that ERK1/2 plays a negative role while p38 plays a positive role in the BMP-2 activated transcription of type X collagen. This regulation occurs specifically at the BMP-2 responsive promoter region of Col X. Ascorbate does not modulate Col X at this region indicating that BMP-2 and ascorbate exert their action on chondrocyte hypertrophy via different transcriptional pathways. MAP kinases seem to have only a modest effect on alkaline phosphatase when activity is induced by the combination of both BMP-2 and ascorbate.