bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Algebra of Assortative Encounters and the Evolution of Cooperation
Authors: Bergstrom Theodore C.
Published: September 2003

This paper explores the way in which assortative matching can maintain cooperative behavior under evolutionary dynamics. If encounters are random, then in Prisoner's Dilemma games, defectors necessarily get higher payoffs than cooperators and thus will eventually prevail. But if matching is assortative, the cost of cooperating may be repaid by higher probabilities of playing against a cooperating opponent. This paper shows that a simple index of assortativity allows a unifying treatment of the evolutionary dynamics in a wide variety of models of social encounters.
Finite Population Dynamics and Mixed Equilibria
Authors: Alós-Ferrer Carlos
Published: September 2003

This paper examines the stability of mixed-strategy Nash equilibria of symmetric games, viewed as population profiles in dynamical systems with learning within a single, finite population. Alternative models of imitation and myopic best reply are considered under different assumptions on the speed of adjustment. It is found that two specific refinements of mixed Nash equilibria identify focal rest points of these dynamics in general games. The relationship between both concepts is studied. In the 2×2 case, both imitation and myopic best reply yield strong stability results for the same type of mixed Nash equilibria.
Effects of Duodenal Lipids on Gastric Sensitivity and Relaxation in Patients with Ulcer-Like and Dysmotility-Like Dyspepsia
Authors: Björnsson Einar , Sjöberg Jonna , Ringström Gisela , Norström Malte , Simrén Magnus , Abrahamsson Hasse
Published: September 2003

Background/Aims: Functional dyspepsia (FD) according to Rome II is divided into ulcer-like dyspepsia (ULD) and dysmotility-like dyspepsia (DLD). The rationale behind this is the assumption that the underlying pathophysiology is different, but this is largely unexplored. Our aim was to elucidate the differences in gastric sensorimotor function in these subgroups of FD. 13 healthy controls (HC) and 20 patients with FD, 10 ULD and 10 DLD, were included. Methods: A feeding tube was placed fluoroscopically in the proximal duodenum and a barostat balloon was placed in the proximal stomach. Sensory thresholds to gastric distention for first sensation, bloating and discomfort were assessed before and after duodenal lipid infusion (2 kcal/min, 60 min). Results: Volume changes in the balloon were recorded as a measure of gastric tone. In FD patients, sensory thresholds in the fasting state were significantly lower than in HC, mostly due to gastric hypersensitivity in ULD. After lipid infusion, 95% of FD patients fell outside the normal range of HC for first sensation, bloating and/or discomfort, compared with 65% in the fasting state. Patients with ULD but not DLD had impaired fundic relaxation after duodenal lipids compared with HC. Conclusions: Investigating gastric sensorimotor function after duodenal lipid infusion, FD patients can accurately be differentiated from HC. Impaired fundic relaxation seems to be more common in patients with ULD.
GRO-α and CXCR2 in the Human Fetal Brain and Multiple Sclerosis Lesions
Authors: Filipovic R. , Jakovcevski I. , Zecevic N.
Published: September 2003

Chemokines, small proinflammatory cytokines, are involved in migration of inflammatory cells, but also have a role in normal central nervous system development. One chemokine, growth-related oncogene-α (GRO-α) and its receptor CXCR2, are involved in proliferation and migration of oligodendrocyte progenitors in rats. Here we studied the regional and cell type-specific expression of GRO-α and CXCR2 in the human telencephalon at midgestation, the time that oligodendrocytes are being generated in the human brain. Our results showed that both GRO-α and CXCR2 are predominately expressed by oligodendrocyte progenitors and activated microglial cells in the highly proliferative subventricular zone. This cellular and regional localization suggests that GRO-α/CXCR2 may play a role in human oligodendrocyte proliferation and subsequent migration. We also studied the expression of GRO-α and CXCR2 in brain sections of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Consistent with their role in the inflammatory process of MS, both GRO-α and CXCR2 were expressed in activated microglia localized on the border of MS lesions. However, neither GRO-α nor CXCR2 were present in early oligodendrocyte progenitors, a finding that may partially explain why remyelination is not more efficient in MS.
Usefulness of the Initial Noninvasive Imaging Study to Predict the Adverse Outcomes in the Medical Treatment of Acute Type A Aortic Intramural Hematoma
Authors: Song Jong-Min , Kim Hyun-Sook , Song Jae-Kwan , Kang Duk-Hyun , Hong Myeong-Ki , Kim Jae-Joong , Park Seong-Wook , Park Seung-Jung , Lim Tae-Hwan , Song Meong-Gun
Published: September 2003

Background—

There have been contradictory reports about the outcomes of medically treated patients with type A aortic intramural hematoma (AIH), and it is not certain if the initial noninvasive imaging studies can provide any useful predictors for the adverse outcomes.

Methods and Results—

Imaging studies and clinical outcomes of 25 consecutive patients with type A AIH who initially received medical treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Adverse outcomes (death, surgery, and development of dissection) occurred in 9 patients (group A), whereas the other 16 patients showed an uneventful course (group B). The hematoma thickness (14±4 versus 8±4 mm,
P
<0.005) and hematoma area (988±316 versus 555±352 mm
2
,
P
<0.01) in the imaging study performed ≤48 hours after onset of initial symptoms were significantly larger in group A; maximal aortic diameter (53±6 versus 48±8 mm,
P
=0.10) and aortic cross-sectional area (2247±501 versus 1809±626 mm
2
,
P
=0.09) were also somewhat larger in group A. The hematoma thickness was the only independent predictor for the adverse outcomes by stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.86,
P
<0.05). Hematoma thickness ≥11 mm predicted the adverse outcomes with sensitivity 89% and specificity 69%. No one with hemodynamically stable initial condition and the hematoma thickness <11 mm experienced the adverse outcomes.

Conclusion—

Noninvasive imaging study provides important prognostic information in the medical treatment of acute type A AIH, and initial hematoma thickness seems to be the best index for predicting adverse clinical outcome.
Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair Without Ring Annuloplasty for Acute Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Timek Tomasz A. , Nielsen Sten L. , Lai David T. , Tibayan Frederick A , Liang David , Rodriguez Filiberto , Daughters George T. , Ingels Neil B. , Miller D. Craig
Published: September 2003

Background

Alfieri edge-to-edge mitral repair has been used clinically with ring annuloplasty to correct ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR), but its efficacy without concomitant ring annuloplasty has not been described in this setting.

Methods

Seventeen sheep underwent implantation of 9 radiopaque markers on the left ventricle, 8 on the mitral annulus (MA), 1 on each papillary muscle (PM) tip, and 1 on the anterior and posterior leaflet edges near the anterior and posterior commissures. Alfieri repair was performed in 7 animals, and 10 were controls. Biplane videofluoroscopy and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) were performed (open chest) before and continuously during left circumflex coronary artery occlusion to induce acute IMR. MA area (MAA), anterior (APM), and posterior (PPM) papillary muscle tip distances to midseptal MA (“saddle horn”), and distance of each leaflet marker to the mitral annular plane were calculated from 3-dimensional marker coordinates at end-systole (ES).

Results

Severity of IMR was not different between groups (+1.9±0.7 versus +1.4±0.5 for Control and Alfieri, respectively;
P
=not significant [NS]). Mitral annular area (MAA; 21±15 versus 19±9%;
P
=NS) and septal-lateral (SL) annular diameter (12±6 versus 12±11%;
P
=NS) increased similarly during ischemia. While PPM-saddle horn distance increased in both groups (1.5±1.3 and 1.6±1.4 mm for Control and Alfieri, respectively;
P
<0.05 versus preischemia), APM-saddle horn distance increased in Control (1.0±1.2 mm;
P
=0.03) but not in the Alfieri animals (0.8±08 mm;
P
=0.07). Leaflet edge displacements from the annular plane during ischemia were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Alfieri repair did not prevent acute IMR nor alter ischemic valvular or subvalvular geometric perturbations. Adjunct surgical procedures, such as ring annuloplasty, are also necessary.
Fate of the Aortic Root Late After Ross Operation
Authors: Luciani Giovanni Battista , Casali Gianluca , Favaro Alessandro , Prioli Maria Antonia , Barozzi Luca , Santini Francesco , Mazzucco Alessandro
Published: September 2003

Background—

The Ross operation is an alternative to mechanical aortic valve replacement in the young. Early dilatation of the pulmonary autograft root exposed to the systemic circulation has been reported. To define the prevalence of, risk factors for, and consequences of late autograft dilatation, outcome in all consecutive patients operated since May 1994 was reviewed.

Methods and Results—

Ninety one patients, 77 males and 14 females, with at least 1 year of follow-up underwent cross-sectional clinical and echocardiographic examination. Age at operation was 27±10 years (range 6 to 49), and the indication was aortic regurgitation in 54 (59%) patients and bicuspid valve was present in 62 (68%). End-points of the study were freedom from autograft dilatation (root diameter >4 cm or 0.21 cm/m
2
), from (moderate) autograft regurgitation and from reoperation. Follow-up (4.0±1.9, range 1 to 8 years) autograft root diameters were anulus, 29±4 mm (18–39); sinus of Valsalva, 38±7 mm (24–53); sinotubular junction, 37±6 mm (23–54); and ascending aorta, 37±5 mm (27–54). Late autograft dilatation was identified in 31 (34%) patients and regurgitation in 13 (14%), 7 of whom had autograft dilatation. At 7 years, freedom from dilatation was 42±8%, freedom from regurgitation was 75±8%, and freedom from reoperation was 85±10%. Cox proportional hazard analysis identified younger age (
P
=0.05), preoperative sinus of Valsalva (
P
=0.02), root replacement technique (
P
=0.03), and absence of pericardial buttressing (
P
=0.04) as predictive of autograft dilatation, whereas female sex (
P
=0.002), follow-up sinus of Valsalva (
P
=0.003), and sinotubular junction diameter (
P
=0.02) as predictive of autograft regurgitation.

Conclusions—

Autograft dilatation is common late after the Ross procedure, particularly in younger patients, in those with preoperative aortic aneurysm, and those having root replacement without support of anulus and sinotubular junction. Bicuspid aortic valve is not a risk factor. Significant autograft valve dysfunction affects a minority of patients, but it is more prevalent in those with autograft dilatation.
Science's Workings and Scientists' Work
Authors: Chung Ko Yiu , Bun Chan Kwok
Published: September 2003

Using an interactionist approach, this essay uncovers the complexity of the interactions between the modern worlds of science and non-science, of scientists and non-scientists. While analysing the many moments of the interface between the two social worlds, the sociologist often surprises himself or herself of the magnitude of intrusion, or should we say, penetration of such so-called non-science elements as politics, economics, markets, bureaucracy, power, authority, state policy, into the very workings of science - as well as into the behaviour and choice of scientists. Science has lost its autonomy and its grip on its own fate; like other institutions, science has lost its magic, its myth, maybe its charm. Science is disillusioned. All this is happening, ironically, when the laymen have been worried about how their everyday lives have been dominated by science and technology, rationality, mechanical notions of progress, machines, instruments - often in an incomprehensible fashion but with deep and far-reaching consequences. Scienceness and worldliness, science worlds and non-science worlds, would go on top of each other, literally.
Gender Geographies of Activism: Motherhood, Migration, and Labour Protest in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Silvey Rachel
Published: September 2003

This article contributes to the literature on the geography of unionism through an examination of the processes shaping women's labour activism in Indonesia. Based on in-depth interviews and survey data, the study is a comparative investigation of two villages in West Java. The research investigates both the factors that women factory workers consider when deciding whether to participate in labour protests, as well as the gender-specific pressures on women to refrain from participating in labour activism in the two villages. The study explores the ways in which ideologies of motherhood and femininity operate differently in the two communities and within groups of women with different migration and marital statuses. In sum, the article contends that in order to develop a more complete analysis of the geographies of labour activism, research must take seriously the specificity of community-scale negotiations over gender norms and expectations, and address women's active roles in the on-going production of gender relations and spaces of activism.
On Friendship: Derrida, Foucault, and the Practice of Becoming
Authors: Webb David
Published: September 2003

The aim of this paper is to question Derrida's approach to the theme of friendship and to set out an alternative reading drawn from the work of Foucault on the care of the self. Derrida's treatment of friendship as aporetic, though faithful to a long tradition of writing on friendship, depends on the use of a formal language that, I argue, exacerbates the difficulties inherent in the theme of friendship. Moreover, it is not clear that the experience of friendship always displays the temporal form given to this aporetic structure. In contrast, Foucault's work suggests that friendship emerges from the complex system of relations that condition who we are and how we can act. Friends are those with whom we work on the historical conditions of our existence, and those with whom we share the practice of becoming who we are.
Ethical Life
Authors: Peperzak Adriaan
Published: September 2003

Kant's formalism remains unreal if it cannot be concretized in a historical ethos. An ethos belongs—with texts, contexts, structures, processes, networks, etc.—to an economy of customs and opinions, which presupposes that participating individuals have been and are being initiated and acculturated to it. The analysis of education, transmission, and transition unveils the irreducible—noneconomic and non-(con)textual— essence of addressing and interlocution, without which no culture could exist. The otherness that is involved implies, but is not confined to, "you." The third and I myself are also other by imposing the same inescapable responsibility for them on me.
Nature's Metabolism: On Eating in Derrida, Agamben, and Spinoza
Authors: Klein Julie
Published: September 2003

This article studies a series of provocative references to Spinoza by Jacques Derrida and Giorgio Agamben. For both contemporary philosophers, the context is discussions of eating, a subject matter that turns out to involve such central issues as subjectivity, nature, ethics, and teleology. Each situates Spinoza in a counter-history of philosophy and suggests that Spinoza constitutes an important resource for contemporary reflections. Through an analysis of the three philosophers' texts about eating, nutrition, and being metabolized, I argue that Spinoza's nonteleological, nonhumanistic conception of nature remains a radical possibility, even in the face of contemporary attempts to think outside the canonical discourses of transcendental subjectivity, technological reason, and teleological ethics. Spinoza's position is, in the end, more uncompromising than that of Derrida or Agamben.
Midnight Salivary Cortisol Versus Urinary Free and Midnight Serum Cortisol as Screening Tests for Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Putignano Pietro , Toja Paola , Dubini Antonella , Giraldi Francesca Pecori , Corsello Salvatore Maria , Cavagnini Francesco
Published: September 2003

The diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is often a challenge. Recently, the determination of late night salivary cortisol levels has been reported to be a sensitive and convenient screening test for CS. However, no studies have included a comparison with other screening tests in a setting more closely resembling clinical practice, i.e. few patients with CS to be distinguished from patients with pseudo-Cushing states (PC), including the large population of obese patients. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of midnight salivary cortisol (MSC) measurement with that of midnight serum cortisol (MNC) and urinary free cortisol (UFC) in differentiating 41 patients with CS from 33 with PC, 199 with simple obesity, and 27 healthy normal weight volunteers. Three patients with CS had MSC levels lower than the cut-off point derived from receiver operator characteristic analysis (9.7 nmol/liter), yielding a sensitivity for this parameter of 92.7%. In the whole study population, no statistically significant differences in terms of sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic accuracy, and predictive values were observed among tests. In particular, the overall diagnostic accuracy for MSC (93%; 95% confidence interval, 90.1–95.9%) was similar to those of UFC (95.3%; 94.1–96.5%) and MNC (95.7%; 93.4–98%; both P = NS). The diagnostic performance of MSC was superimposable to that of MNC also within the area of overlap in UFC values (≤569 nmol/24 h) between CS and PC. In conclusion, MSC measurement can be recommended as a first-line test for CS in both low risk (simple obesity) and high-risk (i.e. PC) patients. Given its convenience, this procedure can be added to tests traditionally used for this purpose, such as UFC and MNC.
High Sensitivity of the Human Circadian Melatonin Rhythm to Resetting by Short Wavelength Light
Authors: Lockley Steven W. , Brainard George C. , Czeisler Charles A.
Published: September 2003

The endogenous circadian oscillator in mammals, situated in the suprachiasmatic nuclei, receives environmental photic input from specialized subsets of photoreceptive retinal ganglion cells. The human circadian pacemaker is exquisitely sensitive to ocular light exposure, even in some people who are otherwise totally blind. The magnitude of the resetting response to white light depends on the timing, intensity, duration, number and pattern of exposures. We report here that the circadian resetting response in humans, as measured by the pineal melatonin rhythm, is also wavelength dependent. Exposure to 6.5 h of monochromatic light at 460 nm induces a two-fold greater circadian phase delay than 6.5 h of 555 nm monochromatic light of equal photon density. Similarly, 460 nm monochromatic light causes twice the amount of melatonin suppression compared to 555 nm monochromatic light, and is dependent on the duration of exposure in addition to wavelength. These studies demonstrate that the peak of sensitivity of the human circadian pacemaker to light is blue-shifted relative to the three-cone visual photopic system, the sensitivity of which peaks at ∼555 nm. Thus photopic lux, the standard unit of illuminance, is inappropriate when quantifying the photic drive required to reset the human circadian pacemaker.
Mechanical evolution of the rotating biological contactor into the 21st century
Authors: Mba D
Published: September 2003

This paper presents a review on the evolution of the mechanical design of rotating biological contactors (RBCs) within the UK. The findings documented have been taken from the biggest mechanical survey on RBCs ever undertaken worldwide and focuses on 300 operational units. The paper looks at the main components of the RBC and discusses the evolution of each member. Mechanical deficiencies associated with each design are briefly presented, giving an insight into reasons for improvements. This is the only known document that details changes in design philosophy employed over the last 30 years, with illustrative examples.

For the purpose of this review, the mechanical evolution of the RBC is focused on three primary sections: media panel designs, media support structures, and auxiliary support systems including bearings, power units, and transmission systems. It is shown that the evolution of media panels has largely been directed by economies of manufacture and operational requirements. However, advances in the mechanical design of the RBC supporting structure, while dependent on media type, are largely influenced by overcoming known mechanical deficiencies as well as increasing operational life. This paper depicts the current technology and practice of UK-based manufacturers and details reasons for mechanical deficiencies.
An overview of methods for calculating the head of a rotodynamic impeller and their practical significance
Authors: Yedidiah S
Published: September 2003

This paper explains why Euler's equation and the airfoil theory, while analytically correct, sometimes produce disappointing results. It also emphasizes the merits of a recently developed approach and demonstrates its usefulness in solving problems encountered in practice. The subject matter relates, directly, only to rotodynamic pumps. However, with proper modifications, it can be easily expanded to other fluids machines.
Feasibility of air cycle systems for low-temperature refrigeration applications with heat recovery
Authors: Williamson N J , Bansal P K
Published: September 2003

In this paper the viability of an air cycle refrigeration system (Joule cycle) is investigated for a moderately low-temperature cooling system with heat recovery. The goal is to determine the best possible cycle configuration of heat exchangers and turbomachinery components for this particular application, and then to determine whether it can compete with a conventional vapour compression system. Simple models were developed for each cycle configuration, and the results were compared with each other on a consistent basis. The sensitivity of the system to heat exchanger effectiveness and expander and compressor efficiency was determined, and contours were plotted.
Transient elastohydrodynamic point contact analysis using a new coupled differential deflection method Part 2: Results
Authors: Holmes M. J. A. , Evans H. P. , Hughes T. G. , Snidle R. W.
Published: September 2003

The paper presents results obtained using a transient analysis technique for point contact elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) problems based on a formulation that effectively couples the elastic and hydrodynamic equations. Results are presented for transverse ground surfaces in an elliptical contact that show severe film thinning at the transverse limits of the contact area. This thinning is caused by transverse (side) leakage of the lubricant from the contact in the remaining deep valley features. Comparison is made between the elliptical contact results on the entrainment centreline and the equivalent line contact analysis. This confirms the importance of edge effects as a likely cause of film collapse and scuffing failure.

The surface profiles used in the analysis are taken from test discs used in scuffing experiments and from gears used in micropitting tests. Side leakage is found to be sufficiently severe to cause microasperity contact in the numerical examples presented. This contact mainly occurs close to the edges of the corresponding Hertzian area and correlates in position with the location at which scuffing is found to first occur in the earlier experiments.

Comparisons are made with other numerical results for point contact configurations with sinusoidally varying surface features obtained by Zhu (2000) and considerable differences are seen in the calculated extent of asperity contact. The differences are thought to be due to the simplified treatment of the lubrication equation adopted by Zhu.
Guidelines for management of thyroid cancer in adults: implications for clinical biochemistry
Authors: Beastall Graham H
Published: September 2003

The implementation of recently published guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer in adults should result in improved clinical outcomes for patients with this condition. A clinical biochemist should be part of the support team for the local multidisciplinary thyroid cancer management team. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone assays should have a minimum detection limit of 0.10mU/L or lower and good baseline security. The measurement of both thyroglobulin and calcitonin is challenging and clinical biochemists should have detailed knowledge of the performance characteristics and limitations of the assays that they report, including those referred to a specialist centre, in order to facilitate clinically valid decisions on patient management.
Changes in serum markers of bone turnover during normal pregnancy
Authors: Kaur Malveen , Godber Ian M , Lawson Nigel , Baker Phillip N , Pearson Derek , Hosking David J
Published: September 2003

Background: Maternal calcium homeostasis adapts during pregnancy to provide for the needs of the growing fetal skeleton. Wide selections of bone turnover markers are currently available to assess the changes taking place; here, data are presented on two serum-based markers.

Methods: The use of serum-based biochemical bone turnover markers during pregnancy was assessed in a cohort of 41 women recruited prior to conception. Serum N-terminal extension peptide of procollagen (P1NP) was used to monitor bone formation and serum β-crosslaps (S-CTX) used to assess resorption. Blood samples were measured at five time points from a pre-conceptual baseline, through pregnancy, to the final sample, which was taken within 1 week of delivery.

Results: An initial decrease from the baseline in both P1NP and S-CTX was observed at 12 weeks; however, it is suggested that this may be due to the haemodilutional effect of pregnancy rather than a true change in bone turnover. Significant increases from the baseline of both analytes were observed by 36 weeks (P1NP, P = 0.013; S-CTX, P = 0.002), when the calcium demands of the fetus are greatest.

Conclusions: This study illustrates the use of serum-based bone turnover markers to assess turnover during normal pregnancy, a time when ionizing radiation cannot be used to assess bone turnover.
Macroenzyme detection by polyethylene glycol precipitation
Authors: Davidson D Fraser , Watson Dawn JM
Published: September 2003

Background: The presence of macroenzymes can cause significant diagnostic confusion and their detection can involve relatively cumbersome analytical procedures.

Methods: Using a simplified polyethylene glycol precipitation technique and isoenzyme electrophoresis, this report describes the construction of reference ranges of precipitable activity for each of seven commonly measured enzymes in plasma.

Results: The proposed reference ranges are reported. Since introducing the protocol, 12 cases of macroenzymaemia have been encountered. Three typical case histories are described in some detail.

Conclusions: The polyethylene glycol precipitation method has thus far proved to be a simple and effective additional test for the detection of macroenzymes when the plasma enzyme activity is elevated.
Routine transferrin saturation measurement in liver clinic patients increases detection of hereditary haemochromatosis
Authors: Poullis A , Moodie SJ , Ang L , Finlayson CJ , Levin GE , Maxwell JD
Published: September 2003

Background: Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is one of the commonest genetic disorders in European populations. Transferrin saturation (TFS) measurement has been advocated as a phenotypic screening test to improve detection. We undertook a prospective study to examine the value of routine TFS measurement in detecting new cases of HH in unselected liver clinic attenders.

Methods: Non-fasting TFS was measured in new patients. HH mutations were determined in those with elevated TFS (>45%) and all who underwent liver biopsy. Liver biopsy was performed in 349 patients, including all found to be C282Y homozygotes or compound heterozygotes.

Results: Of 667 new patients attending over 5 years, 156 had TFS >45% and 18 had significant mutations (12 C282Y homozygotes and six compound heterozygotes). Eleven of the 12 C282Y homozygotes identified had an elevated TFS and 10 had significant hepatic siderosis. Only two of the six compound heterozygotes had an elevated TFS and hepatic siderosis.

Conclusions: The prevalence of new HH cases in patients of European origin attending a liver clinic, detected by phenotypic screening over a 5-year period, was 2.8%. All were identified by a TFS cut off >45%, but TFS >60% provided the best combination of sensitivity and specificity for detecting C282Y homozygosity.
Use of the Bayer DCA 2000+ for the measurement of glycated haemoglobin in a remote Australian Aboriginal community
Authors: Shemesh T , Piers LS , O'Dea K
Published: September 2003

Background: Good glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes can reduce both morbidity and mortality, and monitoring of glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is currently recommended for this purpose.

Methods: Haemoglobin A1c can be measured using the portable Bayer DCA 2000+. As part of a community-based screening project for chronic diseases, subjects with impaired fasting glucose concentrations or diabetes had their HbA1c concentration measured on the analyser. HbA1c measurements were also made in a laboratory using cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography. Results were then compared to those obtained in the field. HbA1c values were loge transformed to obtain a normal distribution.

Results: Mean (95% confidence interval) HbA1c measured on the DCA 2000+ ( n = 39) was 6.3% (5.8, 6.9%), while that measured in the laboratory was 6.5% (6.0, 7.0%). The correlation coefficient ( r) between the measurements was 0.96 ( P < 0.01). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the DCA 2000+ estimate of HbA1c could be used interchangeably with that from the laboratory (mean bias = 0.1%, limits of agreement - 1.1, 0.8%). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of the DCA 2000+ estimate of HbA1c using a cut-off value of <7% for adequate glycaemic control, were all 100%.

Conclusions: The DCA 2000+ may be used to measure HbA1c in remote communities.
System and Process for Production of Methanol from Combined Wind-Turbine and Fuel-Cell Power
Authors: Spiegel R. J.
Published: September 2003

This study examines the integrated use of wind turbines, natural gas and high temperature fuel cells to produce methanol. The purpose is to produce transportation fuel from national local resources with the least polluting emissions. The fuel would displace petroleum imports and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting wind power, natural gas and fuel cell energy. The proposal includes the utilization of waste heat and exhaust gas (CO2) into clean liquid fuel (methanol) that is compatible with future vehicle technology based on fuel cells. Potential designs are presented and assessed for methanol yield, production cost and emissions reductions. Results show that this process (a) can produce significant amounts of vehicle fuel, comparable to what is annually consumed in the U.S. (∼19 EJ/y); (b) can minimize emissions; (c) is potentially cost competitive with other technologies that produce methanol; and (d) is compatible with the requirements of a new generation of vehicles based on fuel cells.
Colluvial deposits in dry valleys of southern England as proxy indicators of paleoenvironmental and land‐use change
Authors: Wilkinson Keith N.
Published: September 2003

Investigations of colluvial sequences infilling the dry valleys of the southern English chalk escarpment have been undertaken since the late 1950s. Chalkland environments are characterized by a rich prehistoric cultural record and, because of poor pollen preservation in the highly calcareous chalkland sediments, molluscan analysis of such deposits has frequently been undertaken to reconstruct past land use and environment. Archaeologists often base their interpretations of past chalkland environments on these reconstructions. In order to test the value of this proxy data source, seven dry valley systems in southern England were investigated using a combination of lithostratigraphic and biostratigraphic techniques. The results of this study demonstrate that patterns of sedimentation are similar within valley systems, but that the mechanisms and chronology of deposition vary between valleys. The differences are probably caused by a combination of factors, including variations in past land use, the impact of storm activity, and local topography. It can therefore be argued that it is unwise to use dry valley sequences and their accompanying biological assemblages for regional environmental reconstruction, although the data are invaluable when examining land use on a local level—the scale at which most archaeological projects in the United Kingdom are carried out. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Akt1 protects against inflammatory microglial activation through maintenance of membrane asymmetry and modulation of cysteine protease activity
Authors: Kang Jing‐Qiong , Chong Zhao Zhong , Maiese Kenneth
Published: September 2003

In several cell systems, protein kinase B (Akt1) can promote cell growth and development, but the “antiapoptotic” pathways of this kinase that may offer protection against cellular inflammatory demise have not been defined. Given that early cellular membrane phosphatidylserine exposure is a critical component of apoptosis, we investigated the role of Akt1 during neuronal apoptotic injury. By employing differentiated SH‐SY5Y neuronal cells that overexpress a constitutively active form of Akt1 (myristoylated Akt1), free radical‐induced cell injury was assessed through trypan blue dye exclusion, DNA fragmentation, membrane phosphatidylserine exposure, protein kinase B phosphorylation, cysteine protease activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Membrane phosphatidylserine exposure was both necessary and sufficient for microglial activation, insofar as cotreatment with an antiphosphatidylserine receptor‐neutralizing antibody could prevent microglial activity following neuronal loss of membrane asymmetry. Furthermore, expression of myristoylated Akt1 not only prevented cell injury through the prevention of membrane phosphatidylserine exposure and genomic DNA fragmentation but also inhibited microglial activation and proliferation that required the inhibition of caspase 9‐, caspase 3‐, and caspase 1‐like activities linked to cytochrome c release. Interestingly, Akt1 modulation of membrane phosphatidylserine exposure was primarily through caspase 1 activity. Removal of Akt1 activity abolished neuronal protection, suggesting that Akt1 functions as a critical pathway for the maintenance of cellular integrity and the prevention of phagocytic cellular removal during neurodegenerative insults. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Planning for stingray tourism at Hamelin Bay, Western Australia: the importance of stakeholder perspectives
Authors: Lewis Anna , Newsome David
Published: September 2003

Stingray tourism continues to be developed at various locations around the world with the concept being marketed on television travel programmes, documentaries, internet sites and travel brochures. Food provisioned stingray tourism, for example, now attracts some 100 000 visitors a year to ‘tingray city’ in the Caymen Islands. At Hamelin Bay in southwest Western Australia, up to 16 large stingrays (Dasyatis brevicaudata and Dasyatis thetidis) and numerous eaglerays (Myliobatis australis) are fed by visitors from the waters edge. This study reports on stakeholder perspectives relating to tourism development and potential management of the Hamelin Bay site. From the results of this study it is clear that there is sufficient interest in stingray tourism (by all the stakeholders surveyed) to develop Hamelin Bay as a permanent feeding site. Visitors on average gave their experience with the rays a satisfaction value of 8.9 out of 10. Twenty‐five per cent of visitors surveyed did not want commercialisation, tour groups or excessive visitor numbers. Their main concern was that the health and safety of the rays may deteriorate with an increase of visitors if the situation is not managed correctly. Visitors desire to be educated about the rays, and how to best interact with them safely. Visitors also acknowledged that the site needs management through more signs, information and a management plan. Management for the site is therefore likely to be best implemented through the application of signage, development of guidelines/codes of conduct, protection of the rays and zoning the beach according to specific recreational purposes. Management regimes should also use various indicators to monitor the impacts of stingray tourism at Hamelin Bay. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutation of BAD within the BH3 domain impairs its phosphorylation‐mediated regulation
Authors: Adachi M. , Zhang Yu-Bin , Imai K.
Published: September 2003

Pro‐apoptotic functions of the BH3‐only protein BAD are negatively regulated by survival signal‐mediated phosphorylation at several serine residues. Recently, we found that the mutant BAD (BADD119G) with an amino acid substitution of Asp (Asp119 to Gly) within the BH3 domain displays strong pro‐apoptotic activity in serum‐starved COS‐7 cells, although it cannot interact with Bcl‐2. Here, we demonstrate that the BADD119G loses phosphorylation‐mediated negative regulation. Importantly, pro‐apoptotic activity of wild‐type BAD (BADwt) was strongly suppressed by co‐transfection with constitutively active Akt (CA‐Akt) cDNA, whereas that of BADD119G was not. In these transfectants, BADD119G phosphorylation was barely detectable at serine residues (S75 and S99), although BADwt phosphorylation was clearly increased by CA‐Akt. In addition, various external stimuli UV, TPA and forskolin could not phosphorylate BADD119G neither at S75, S99 nor S118 in COS‐7 cells. However, in vitro kinase assay revealed that catalytic protein kinase A (PKA) strongly phosphorylated both BADs at S75 and S118, excluding the possibility that the target sequence of PKA was disrupted by mutation at S119. Furthermore, as a result of disrupted phosphorylation, BADD119G could not physically interact with 14‐3‐3. Taken together, disruption of phosphorylation‐mediated negative regulation may explain, at least in part, the strong pro‐apoptotic functions of BADD119G, and suggest a role for the BH3 domain in phosphorylation events.
Effective detection of remote homologues by searching in sequence dataset of a protein domain fold
Authors: Sandhya S , Kishore S , Sowdhamini R , Srinivasan N
Published: September 2003

Profile matching methods are commonly used in searches in protein sequence databases to detect evolutionary relationships. We describe here a sensitive protocol, which detects remote similarities by searching in a specialized database of sequences belonging to a fold. We have assessed this protocol by exploring the relationships we detect among sequences known to belong to specific folds. We find that searches within sequences adopting a fold are more effective in detecting remote similarities and evolutionary connections than searches in a database of all sequences. We also discuss the implications of using this strategy to link sequence and structure space.
Transabdominal antepartum amnioinfusion
Authors: Gramellini D. , Fieni S. , Kaihura C. , Faiola S. , Vadora E.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether transabdominal antepartum amnioinfusion is associated with maternal complications during pregnancy and at childbirth. Methods: Fifty‐three pregnant women, hospitalized for oligohydramnios and submitted to transabdominal antepartum amnioinfusion between 16 and 34 weeks’ gestational age, were compared with a historic group of 42 pregnant women treated conservatively. Results: The study population was divided into two groups of women with ruptured and unruptured membranes (Groups A and B, respectively). The latency period between time of admission and term of pregnancy was more favorable in amnioinfused patients (Group A: 22 vs. 11 days; Group B: 30 vs. 9 days), and none of the maternal adverse events under study was significantly more common in amnioinfused patients. By contrast, maternal temperature over 38 °C was more frequent among controls than among amnioinfused patients with ruptured membranes (23% vs. 4%); so was the number of cesarean sections for fetal distress in Group B (50 vs. 11%). Conclusions: Antepartum amnioinfusion does not appear to induce greater complications than conservative treatment for oligohydramnios, with or without premature rupture of membranes. On the contrary, this procedure seems to offer several benefits to pregnant women.
Doppler flow and arterial location in ovarian tumors
Authors: Itakura T. , Kikkawa F. , Kajiyama H. , Mitsui T. , Kawai M. , Mizutani S.
Published: September 2003

Objectives: This prospective study investigated the clinical evaluation of transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors. Methods: Transvaginal ultrasonography (morphological assessment, DePriest's index) and color Doppler analysis were performed for 31 malignant and 64 benign tumors ovarian tumors. Serum tumor markers such as CA125, CA72‐4, and STN were measured. Results: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were as follows: DePriest's index, 90.3%, 73.4%, 62.2%, 94.0%, 78.9%; CA125, 70.4%, 87.7%, 73.1%, 86.2%, 82.1%; minimum pulsatile index combined with detection of location of arterial blood flow, 83.9%, 98.4%, 96.3%, 92.6%, 93.7%, respectively. In cases where arterial blood flow was recognized, malignant tumors had significantly fewer diastolic notches, while benign tumors had many diastolic notches. The difference in the presence of diastolic notch between malignant and benign tumors was significant (P<0.0004). Conclusions: For diagnosis of ovarian tumors, transvaginal color Doppler analysis combined with detection of arterial location is more useful than other procedures.
A framework for assessing the impact of ionising radiation on non-human species
Authors: Valentin J
Published: September 2003

In its 1990 Recommendations, the ICRP indicated that it believed that the standards of environmental control needed to protect man to the degree currently thought desirable would ensure that other species are not put at risk. The ICRP considers that its system of radiological protection has provided a fairly good indirect protection of the human habitat. However, no internationally agreed criteria or policies explicitly address protection of the environment from ionising radiation, and it is difficult to determine or demonstrate whether or not the environment is adequately protected from potential impacts of radiation under different circumstances. The present report suggests a framework, based on scientific and ethical-philosophical principles, by which a policy for the protection of non-human species could be achieved. The primary purpose of developing such a framework is to fill a conceptual gap in radiological protection; it does not reflect any particular concern over environmental radiation hazards.

The proposed framework is designed to harmonise with the ICRP's approach to the protection of human beings, but does not intend to set regulatory standards. Instead, the proposed framework is intended to be a practical tool to provide high-level advice and guidance for regulators and operators. An agreed set of quantities and units, a set of reference dose models, reference dose-per-unit-intake (or unit exposure), and reference fauna and flora are required to serve as a basis for the more fundamental understanding and interpretation of the relationships between exposure and dose and between dose and certain categories of effect, for a few, clearly defined types of animals and plants. As a first step, a small set of reference fauna and flora with supporting databases will be developed by the ICRP. Others can then develop more area- and situation-specific approaches to assess and manage risks to non-human species.
Cutting or Round-Bodied Needles for Tendon Repair
Authors: LAM W. L. , GARRIDO A. , VANDERMEULEN J. , FAGAN M. J. , STANLEY P. R. W.
Published: September 2003

We carried out a biomechanical study comparing tensile strength after using round-bodied or cutting needles for tendon repair. Swine tendons were repaired in three groups: Group 1 core suture repair only; group 2 core and circumferential suture repair; and group 3 isolated circumferential suture repair. The tendons were tested at longitudinal stress to failure at 5 mm/minute. No significant differences were found between the round-bodied and cutting needles in any group. Equal numbers in the core suture repair group failed by suture pullout when comparing cutting and round-bodied needles. We conclude that the choice of needle has no effect on the outcome of tendon repair if there is consistency of surgeon’s skill and experience.
The use of Prophylactic Flucloxacillin in Treatment of Open Fractures of the Distal Phalanx within an Accident and Emergency Department: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: STEVENSON J. , MCNAUGHTON G. , RILEY J.
Published: September 2003

Open fractures of the distal phalanx commonly present to the Accident and Emergency Department. Controversy surrounds the use of prophylactic antibiotics in treating this injury. A double-blind, prospective, randomized placebo-controlled study was undertaken comparing the use of prophylactic flucloxacillin to placebo in addition to meticulous wound toilet. One hundred and ninety-three adult patients with an open fracture of the distal phalanx were studied. Seven patients developed superficial infections, an overall infection rate of 4%. No patient developed osteitis or a deep wound infection. There were three cases of infection in the 98 patients (3%) in the antibiotic group and four cases of infection in the 95 patients (4%) in the placebo group. A difference of proportion test confirmed no significant difference. It is concluded that the addition of prophylactic flucloxacillin to thorough wound toilet and careful soft-tissue repair of open fracture of the distal phalanx confers no benefit.
The role of uninjured nerve in spinal nerve ligated rats points to an improved animal model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Lee Doo H. , Iyengar Smriti , Lodge David
Published: September 2003

L5 and L6 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) in rats leads to behavioral signs of neuropathic pain including mechanical allodynia. The purposes of this study were to investigate the role of the intact L4 spinal nerve in the development of mechanical allodynia following L5 and L6 SNL and, as a result, to develop a modified model of neuropathic pain.

As a first set of experiments, in addition to tight ligation of the left L5 and L6 spinal nerves, the intact L4 spinal nerve was manipulated either (1) by gentle repeated stretching of the L4 spinal nerve immediately after L5 and L6 SNL or (2) by intermittent mechanical stimulation to the ipsilateral paw during the first week after SNL. Tactile sensitivity was measured by determining the foot withdrawal threshold before and after SNL. Mild irritation of L4 spinal nerve and application of mechanical stimuli to the ipsilateral paw significantly increased the development of mechanical allodynia after SNL.

In a second set of experiments, SNL was produced by tightly ligating only the left L5 spinal nerve with or without a loop of 5‐0 chromic gut placed loosely around the L4 spinal nerve. This additional L4 loop significantly increased long‐lasting tactile sensitivity compared to L5 SNL alone.

These results suggest that afferent activity of the intact L4 spinal nerve aids in the development of mechanical allodynia in the SNL model of neuropathic pain. The addition of a chromic gut loop around the intact L4 spinal nerve can augment the development of mechanical allodynia following SNL of L5. We propose this latter as a useful and practical animal model of neuropathic pain.