bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution‐Gelation Method for Preparing Polycrystalline Zircon
Authors: Haaker Richard F. , Ewing Rodney C.
Published: June 2006

A solution‐gelation method for the preparation of polycrystalline zircon from zirconyl nitrate and tetraethoxysilane is described. Solution‐gelation methods are attractive because they can produce homogeneous starting materials and do not require any special equipment.
Comparison of the Reaction Systems ZrO2‐Si3N4 and TiO2‐Si3N4
Authors: Trigg M. B. , McCARTNEY E. R.
Published: June 2006

Reaction mechanisms occurring in the systems ZrO2‐Si3N4 and TiO2‐Si3N4 have been compared. The thermodynamics of several overall reaction mechanisms have been analyzed, including the effects of the gas phase composition to determine the most energetically favorable course of each reaction.
Elastic Constants of Fe1‐xO Single Crystals
Authors: Berger J. , Berthon J. , Revcolevschi A. , JOLLES E.
Published: June 2006

Ultrasonic velocity measurements conducted on Fe1‐xO single crystals grown along [100], [110], and [111] have led to the determination of the elastic constants C11 C12, and C44. These constants are in good agreement with values previously calculated from neutron scattering data. There does not seem to be any influence of nonstoichiometry on these constants.
Fate of Calcium Chloride Dissolved in Concrete Mix Water
Authors: DIAMOND Sidney , Lopez‐Flores Federico
Published: June 2006

The extent to which chloride ion incorporated in portland cement concrete as calcium chloride accelerator at the usual treatment levels remains dissolved in the pore solution was investigated. This was examined by direct analysis of pore solutions expressed from cement pastes. The chloride ion concentration of the pore solution remains high during the first day of hydration and only gradually declines. It appears that appreciable concentrations of chloride ion likely remain in solution indefinitely.
Arsenate Glasses
Authors: UITERT L. G. VAN , GRODKIEWICZ W. H.
Published: June 2006

Stability regions were determined for a new family of glasses. Arsenic pentoxide (As2O5) forms binary glasses with alkali metal oxides (except Li2O) and the known glass‐formers B2O3, P2O5, GeO2, and TeO2. It also forms ternary glasses with Li2O and a variety of alkaline earth, transition metal, and post‐transition metal oxides when gallium oxide (and in some instances indium oxide) is present as a third component.
Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering Analysis of Nucleation in Glass: I, Matrix Scattering and Sample Surface Effects
Authors: WILLIAMS JOHN A. , RINDONE GUY E. , McKINSTRY HERBERT A.
Published: June 2006

Two major sources of experimental error are examined in the analysis of small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) data from weakly scattering or nearly homogeneous multiphase glasses. The effect of sample surface structure and the importance of a well‐polished surface are examined. There is also a contribution to the measured SAXS from the homogeneous matrix or solvent structure of the glass. This contribution arises from short‐range frozen‐in density fluctuations within the glass. A method for correcting this contribution before analyzing for particulate microstructure is described. In addition, SAXS curves for several commercial glasses are presented.
Oxygen Diffusion in Vapor‐Deposited Indium Oxide Films
Authors: WIRTZ G. P. , TAKIAR H. P.
Published: June 2006

Diffusion measurements were made between 1000 and 1300 K on films of In2O3 by electrochemical techniques using an yttria‐stabilized zirconia solid electrolyte. At atmospheric oxygen pressures, diffusion invariably occurred via an oxygen interstitial mechanism. The diffusion coefficient decreased with decreasing oxygen pressure with a PO21/2 dependence. Near 1.0 Pa PO2the mechanism began to change to a vacancy mechanism which dominated at PO2 <10−3 Pa, where diffusivity increased with further decrease in oxygen pressure according to a PO2−1/2 dependence. Activation energies for interstitial and vacancy diffusion were 166 and 190 kJ/mol, respectively.
Continuous Determination of the Oxidation State in a Soda‐Lime‐Silica Glassmelt During Refining
Authors: Löuh Ingrid , Frey Thomas , Schaeffer Helmut A.
Published: June 2006

Influences on the oxidation state of glassmelts can be studied by using an electrochemical oxygen sensor which allows in‐situ measurements at melting temperatures. The action of fining agents such as arsenic and sodium sulfate was investigated. The behavior of arsenic (i.e. release and uptake of oxygen) and the decomposition of sodium sulfate with and without carbon additions can be seen electrochemically.
Grain Boundaries, Fracture, and Heat Treatment of Commercial Partially Stabilized Zirconia
Authors: Rice R. W. , Mckinney K. R. , Ingel R. P.
Published: June 2006

Studies of commercial PSZ show that fractography is quite feasible. Although the fracture was predominately transgranular, it commonly originated from grain‐boundary facets. This behavior indicates that strengths are controlled by energies less than those for polycrystalline fracture and are limited by grain boundaries. Appropriate heat treatment under reducing conditions gave strengths up to ≅ 600 MPa; Stoichiometry appears to be important.
The 6H→ 3C“Reverse” Transformation in Silicon Carbide Compacts
Authors: Jepps N. W. , Page T. F.
Published: June 2006

It is shown that an α→β transformation can be induced in reaction‐bonded silicon carbide by high‐temperature annealing in high nitrogen pressures. The transformation is the reverse of that commonly observed during high‐temperature processing of SiC compacts and is accompanied by the formation of substantial amorphous grain‐boundary films, suggesting a possible liquid‐phase transformation mechanism.
Novel ELISA system for detection of N‐ERC/mesothelin in the sera of mesothelioma patients
Authors: Shiomi Kazu , Miyamoto Hideaki , Segawa Tatsuya , Hagiwara Yoshiaki , Ota Akinobu , Maeda Masahiro , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Masuda Kimihiko , Sakao Yukinori , Hino Okio
Published: June 2006

We have developed a novel enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system for the detection of N‐ERC/mesothelin in the serum of mesothelioma patients and have begun to examine its clinical usefulness. N‐ERC/mesothelin is a 31‐kDa protein that forms the N‐terminal fragment of the full‐length 71‐kDa ERC/mesothelin protein, and is physiologically secreted into the blood of mesothelioma patients where it can be detected using our sandwich ELISA containing two antibodies (rabbit polyclonal anti‐ERC/mesothelin antibody‐282 and mouse monoclonal antibody 7E7). Our ELISA system has thus far detected much higher serum levels of N‐ERC/mesothelin in mesothelioma patients than in healthy controls or patients with other lung or pleural diseases. In conclusion, N‐ERC/mesothelin is a promising candidate tumor marker for mesothelioma. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 928–932)
Widespread axonal damage in the brain of drug abusers as evidenced by accumulation of β‐amyloid precursor protein (β‐APP): an immunohistochemical investigation
Authors: Büttner Andreas , Rohrmoser Katharina , Mall Gita , Penning Randolph , Weis Serge
Published: June 2006

Background  In drug abusers, white matter changes have been described by neuroimaging analyses in different brain regions. A specific pattern of involvement or a predominance of a specific brain region could not be drawn.

Aims  To examine alterations of the white matter as a possible morphological substrate of the neuroimaging findings.

Methods  Brain specimens of 30 polydrug abusers and 20 controls were obtained at autopsy. The white matter from 11 different brain regions was analysed by means of immunohistochemistry for β‐amyloid precursor protein (β‐APP), a marker of axonal damage.

Findings  In the white matter of polydrug abusers, β‐APP‐immunopositive accumulations were increased significantly compared to controls. They were more prominent in the brains of younger drug abusers than in those of the elderly. With the exception of five cases (four polydrug abusers and one control case), there were no significant white matter changes seen on myelin‐stained sections, but there was a concomitant microglial activation.

Conclusions  Our results show a significant axonal damage in the brains of polydrug abusers, which might represent the morphological substrate of a chronic‐progressive drug‐induced toxic‐metabolic process. It is yet to be established if the observed changes are responsible for the alterations seen in different neuroimaging analyses and which drugs of abuse might be of major pathogenetic significance.
A defect in nir1, a nirA‐like transcription factor, confers morphological abnormalities and loss of pathogenicity in Colletotrichum acutatum
Authors: HOROWITZ SIGAL , FREEMAN STANLEY , ZVEIBIL AIDA , YARDEN ODED
Published: June 2006

A non‐pathogenic mutant of Colletotrichum acutatum, designated Ca5, exhibited epiphytic hyphal growth and did not cause lesions on strawberry plants but grew necrotrophically when inoculated directly onto wounded stolons. In the absence of an external nitrogen source, the mutant exhibited extended germ‐tube growth prior to appressorium formation. The deduced product of the impaired gene (nir1) is similar to NirA, an Aspergillus nidulans transcriptional regulator of nitrogen metabolism. Inoculation of leaves with wild‐type or Ca5 conidia in the presence of a preferred nitrogen source resulted in massive epiphytic hyphal production, appressorium formation and rapid symptom development. Expression of C. acutatum wild‐type nitrate reductase (nit1) and glutamine synthetase (gln1) was induced by nitrate but only nit1 expression was repressed in a rich medium. nit1 transcription increased during the appressorium‐production stage, indicating that nitrogen starvation constitutes a cue for the regulation of appressorium development. The presence of nit1 transcript during various phases of infection is indicative of partial nitrogen starvation in planta. cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A (PKA) was determined to be a negative regulator of immediate post‐germination appressoria formation in the wild‐type. As inhibition of PKA activity in the nir1 mutant did not affect appressoria formation, we suggest that NIR1 acts either in parallel or downstream of the PKA pathway. Our results show that nir1 is a pathogenicity determinant and a regulator of pre‐infection development under nitrogen‐starvation conditions and that nitrogen availability is a significant factor in the pre‐penetration phase.
Major histocompatibility complex class I expression in human tonsillar and laryngeal epithelium
Authors: Hobbs C G L , Rees L E N , Heyderman R S , Birchall M A , Bailey M
Published: June 2006

Understanding the immunological structure of the upper aerodigestive tract is important for analysing the interaction between incident challenges, such as human papillomavirus infection, and disease, particularly head and neck cancer. We have shown previously that tonsillar and laryngeal epithelium express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II locus products, but that expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ is reduced compared to HLA-DR. This may confer a decreased repertoire of presented T cell epitopes generated by the processing of exogenous peptides in upper airway mucosa. To determine whether the peptide repertoire presented by MHC class I loci varies in stratified squamous epithelium, laryngeal and tonsillar biopsies were taken from 19 otherwise healthy patients (M : F 6 : 13, 16–64 years). Quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy, using antibodies to MHC class I α-chain (pan-locus specific, HLA-A, HLA-B + C) and β2-microglobulin, showed lower expression of the α-chain in laryngeal and tonsillar epithelium than in either lamina propria (tonsil 73%versus 89%, P < 0·0001; larynx 68%versus 85%, P < 0·005). Within the epithelium itself, the intensity of α-chain expression decreased from the basal to apical layers. In paired squamous epithelia from the two sites, α-chain expression was significantly higher in the tonsil compared to the larynx (79%versus 62%, P < 0·05). We suggest that these findings reflect functional stratification of these epithelia with the superficial layer, most exposed to incident challenges, less equipped to present antigens to conventional T cells. This may affect immunosurveillance directed at viral and tumour-related epitopes in the upper airway.
Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 polymorphism Asp299Gly is not associated with disease course in Dutch sarcoidosis patients
Authors: Veltkamp M , Grutters J C , Van Moorsel C H M , Ruven H J T , Van Den Bosch J M M
Published: June 2006

The aetiology of sarcoidosis, a systemic disorder characterized by the formation of non-caseating granulomas in variable organs, remains enigmatic. Clarification is hampered by heterogeneity in disease phenotypes and course, due partly to the influence of a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Multiple studies have pointed towards bacteria as possible causative agents. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are innate immunity receptors important in the immune response against pathogens. TLR-4, together with CD14 and MD-2, is an essential receptor for the recognition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), unique to the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria. Recently, an association between TLR-4 polymorphism Asp299Gly, leading to a change in the extracellular domain of the receptor and possible hyporesponsiveness to LPS, and a chronic course of sarcoidosis was found in German patients. In the present study this polymorphism was genotyped in 156 Dutch sarcoidosis patients and 200 healthy Dutch controls using dual-labelled fluorescent oligonucleotides. No differences were found in allelic distributions between patients and controls (P = 0·79) or within the different clinical entities of the sarcoidosis group (P = 0·44). Importantly, there were no differences between the Dutch and German sarcoidosis patients (P = 0·62). However, the allelic distribution of the Asp299Gly polymorphism differed significantly between both control groups (P = 0·04). This study highlights the importance of testing a reported gene association in a distinct population when performing genetic association studies.
EilA, a HilA‐like regulator in enteroaggregative Escherichia coli
Authors: Sheikh Jalaluddin , Dudley Edward G. , Sui Baoquan , Tamboura Boubou , Suleman Altaf , Nataro James P.
Published: June 2006

Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) is increasingly recognized as a diarrhoeal pathogen in developing and industrialized countries. Most EAEC virulence factors thus far described are encoded on virulence plasmid pAA, yet recent completion of the EAEC genome has suggested the presence of additional factors encoded on chromosomal islands. Previous reports have recognized the presence of a type III secretion system (T3SS), designated ETT2, at the glyU locus of prototype EAEC strain 042, along with possible T3SS effectors at the selC locus. The selC locus was also noted to harbour homologues of Salmonella enterica regulator HilA and of invasin from Yersinia spp., yet previous publications suggested that these loci may be silent. Here, we show that the genes of the selC locus are present inconsistently among a collection of well‐characterized EAEC strains. Notably, however, there was perfect correlation between the presence of hilA‐homologue eilA and predicted Yersinia invasin homologue gene eaeX. We hypothesized that if expressed, the putative gene product EilA would contribute to EAEC virulence in part by activation of the T3SS and its effectors. An eilA mutant was constructed in EAEC strain 042, and complementation was achieved by cloning the eilA gene under control of an arabinose‐dependent promoter. In this system, we observed expression of at least seven genes to be affected by expression of eilA, either directly or indirectly: selC locus genes eipB, eipC, eipD, eicA and eaeX (renamed here air), as well as glyU ETT2 genes eivF and eivA. Notably, the eilA mutant was shown to be less adherent to epithelial cells in culture and to form less abundant biofilms than the isogenic parent. These effects were recapitulated in the air mutant, suggesting that the predicted outer membrane protein product of the air gene is involved as an accessory adhesin and aggregin of EAEC, coexpressed with the T3SS. Our data suggest that the T3SS of EAEC and presumed effectors located on different chromosomal islands may be coordinately activated by EilA, which also activates the genetically linked high molecular weight bacterial surface protein Air. Contributions of this new putative virulence‐related regulon in EAEC may include adherence, aggregation, and as yet uncharacterized roles for the T3SS.
Characterization and functional analysis of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase genes in rice
Authors: Fukayama Hiroshi , Tamai Tesshu , Taniguchi Yojiro , Sullivan Stuart , Miyao Mitsue , Nimmo Hugh G.
Published: June 2006

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC), a key enzyme of primary metabolism of higher plants, is regulated by reversible phosphorylation, which is catalyzed by PEPC kinase (PPCK). Rice has three functional PPCK genes, OsPPCK1, OsPPCK2 and OsPPCK3, all of which have an intron close to the 3′ end of the coding region. A novel control mechanism was found for expression of OsPPCK2, namely alternative transcription initiation, and two different transcripts were detected. The four different transcripts of the OsPPCK genes showed different expression patterns. While OsPPCK1 and OsPPCK3 were highly expressed in roots and at low levels in other organs, the two OsPPCK2 transcripts were expressed in all organs. OsPPCK3 was expressed mostly at night, while the long OsPPCK2 transcripts were present in the leaves only in the daytime. Nitrate supplementation of leaves selectively induced expression of both OsPPCK2 transcripts, while phosphate starvation only induced the shorter one. Such diverse expression patterns of OsPPCK genes suggest the importance and variety of strict activity regulation of PEPC in rice. From the correlation between gene expression and the phosphorylation level of PEPC, which was monitored as that of the maize PEPC expressed in transgenic rice plants, it was concluded that the short OsPPCK2 transcripts were expressed in rice leaf mesophyll cells upon nitrogen supplementation and phosphate starvation, whereas OsPPCK3 participated in the nocturnal phosphorylation of PEPC in these cells. Expression of PPCK proteins in rice leaves was detected by immunoblotting using a specific antiserum, and the expression of two different OsPPCK2 proteins derived from alternative transcription initiation was confirmed.
Prion protein in patients with renal failure
Authors: Starke R. , Mackie I. , Drummond O. , MacGregor I. , Harrison P. , Machin S.
Published: June 2006

summary.  We previously found elevated levels of prion protein (PrPC) in the blood plasma of 16 patients with renal failure. We studied a further 20 patients with renal failure, and all had a significantly higher PrPC concentration than healthy normal subjects (P < 0·0001). Renal dialysis did not remove plasma PrPC in these patients. Because dialysis patients receive heparin during dialysis, which could potentially bind to PrPC, the concentration of PrPC was measured in patients receiving heparin for cardiopulmonary bypass and was found to be similar to normal controls. We also studied several other groups with chronic illnesses and found that patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and sickle cell anaemia had normal plasma PrPC levels, but that those with β‐thalassaemia had slightly elevated levels of plasma PrPC. This suggests that the observations in renal failure were not just part of a generalized response to chronic illness or acute phase reaction. The mechanism of elevated plasma PrPC levels in renal disease is unknown, but this shows that plasma PrPC is not a specific marker of neurological disease or Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease.
Heterogeneity of cytokine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms among the Iranian and in the other East‐South Asian populations
Authors: Bagheri M. , Abdi‐Rad I. , Omrani D. , Khalkhali H. R.
Published: June 2006

summary.  Cytokine gene polymorphisms may affect their transcription, influence their level of production and may be implicated in inducing susceptibility or resistance to diseases. In 40 Iranian healthy subjects, cytokine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to determine allelic and genotypic frequencies for the following cytokine genes: IL‐1a (T/C −889), IL‐1β (C/T −511, T/C 3962), IL‐12 (C/A −1188), IFN‐γ (A/T UTR 5644), TGF‐β (C/T codon 10, G/C codon 25), TNF‐a (G/A −308, G/A −238), IL‐2 (T/G −330, G/T 166), IL‐4 (T/G −1089, T/C −590, T/C −33), IL‐6 (G/C −174, G/A nt565), IL‐10 (G/A −1082, C/T −819, C/A −592), IL‐1R (C/T pst11970), IL‐1RA (T/C mspa111100) and IL‐4RA (G/A 1902). All typing were performed with polymerase chain reaction with sequence specific primers assay. Significant heterogeneity of cytokine SNPs among the Iranian and the other East‐South Asian populations was observed. Heterogeneity of cytokine SNPs may explain the role of natural selection in susceptibilities of populations to different disorders.
Prediction of large esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis of the liver using clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters
Authors: Sharma Sanjay Kumar , Aggarwal Rakesh
Published: June 2006

Background:  It is currently recommended that all patients with liver cirrhosis undergo upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) to identify those who have large esophageal varices (LEVx) that carry a high risk of bleeding and may benefit from prophylactic measures. This approach leads to unnecessary UGIE in those without LEVx. We tried to identify clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters that may predict the presence of LEVx and help select patients for UGIE.

Methods:  This prospective study included newly diagnosed patients with cirrhosis and no history of gastrointestinal bleeding scheduled to undergo UGIE. Patients underwent detailed clinical examination, blood tests (hematology, liver function tests) and ultrasonography. Size of esophageal varices was assessed at UGIE; Paquet’s grades 0‐II were classified as small varices, and III‐IV as LEVx. Association of LEVx with qualitative and quantitative parameters was studied using χ2 and Mann–Whitney U‐tests, respectively. Parameters found to be significant were tested in a forward‐conditional multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent predictors. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the efficacy of prediction models.

Results:  Of the 101 patients (median age 45; range 15–74 years; 87 male; Child‐Pugh class: A 18, B 31, C 52), 46 had LEVx. On univariate analysis, five variables were significantly associated with the presence of LEVx. These included pallor (P = 0.026), palpable spleen (P = 0.009), platelet count (P < 0.002), total leukocyte count (P < 0.0004) and liver span on ultrasound (P = 0.031). On multivariate analysis, two of these parameters, namely low platelet count and presence of palpable spleen, were found to be independent predictors of the presence of LEVx. A receiver‐operating characteristics curve using the predictor function arrived at from this analysis had an area under the curve of 0.760.

Conclusion:  Presence of palpable spleen and low platelet count are independent predictors of presence of LEVx in patients with cirrhosis. Use of these parameters may help identify patients with a low probability of LEVx who may not need UGIE. This may help reduce costs and discomfort for these patients and the burden on endoscopy units.
ACE inhibitor treatment in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Nicholls Kathy
Published: June 2006

Date written: September 2004

Final submission: September 2005
Angiotensin II antagonists
Authors: Nicholls Kathy
Published: June 2006

Date written: September 2004

Final submission: September 2005
Parathyroid hormone
Authors: Elder Grahame
Published: June 2006

Date written: June 2005

Final submission: January 2006
The perturbation method and the extended finite element method. An application to fracture mechanics problems
Authors: GRASA J. , BEA J. A. , RODRÍGUEZ J. F. , DOBLARÉ M.
Published: June 2006

The extended finite element method has been successful in the numerical simulation of fracture mechanics problems. With this methodology, different to the conventional finite element method, discretization of the domain with a mesh adapted to the geometry of the discontinuity is not required. On the other hand, in traditional fracture mechanics all variables have been considered to be deterministic (uniquely defined by a given numerical value). However, the uncertainty associated with these variables (external loads, geometry and material properties, among others) it is well known. This paper presents a novel application of the perturbation method along with the extended finite element method to treat these uncertainties. The methodology has been implemented in a commercial software and results are compared with those obtained by means of a Monte Carlo simulation.
The Community Links of a Sample of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Hall Louise , Hewson Simon
Published: June 2006

Background  In 1995, an unpublished study (S. Hewson & C. Waters) showed that the community links of residents in 11 local National Health Services (NHS) trust houses were meagre, despite the service's stated commitment to community presence and participation. The 1995 study was repeated for the same 11 houses in 2002 to examine whether any changes had occurred.

Method  A test–retest design, with repeated measures was used, involving, as closely as possible, the same participants at two time points. Community links referred to the time residents spent outside their house, and the time unpaid visitors spent inside the house in the presence of the residents.

Results  The community links of the people studied were no better in 2002 than in 1995.

Conclusions  These findings question whether current service provision can deliver policy objectives for social inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
Effects of test sequence on anterograde and retrograde impairment of negative emotional scenes1
Authors: TAKAHASHI MASANOBU , ITSUKUSHIMA YUKIO , OKABE YASUNARI
Published: June 2006

Abstract:  The present study examined recognition for sequences of scenes depicting emotional compared with neutral events. In two experiments, participants were presented with a thematic series of 18 slides of scenes in which the content of two critical scenes in the middle of the series were either emotional (dead men's bodies) or neutral (an opera). A two‐item, forced‐choice recognition paradigm was used to test participants’ immediate memory performance of all 18 slides of scenes. In Experiment 1, anterograde and retrograde amnesic effects were observed for the emotional, but not the neutral scenes when a test sequence of scenes was used that did not match the original presentation order. In contrast, in Experiment 2 the test sequence matched the order seen during the original presentation, and both the anterograde and retrograde amnesic effects were not found. These results indicate that the reinstatement of the original event context is an important factor for the recognition of negative emotional memories.
Proven Startle‐provoked Epileptic Seizures in Childhood: Semiologic and Electrophysiologic Variability
Authors: Tibussek Daniel , Wohlrab Gabriele , Boltshauser Eugen , Schmitt Bernhard
Published: June 2006

Summary: Purpose:To delineate further the clinical and electrophysiologic features of proven startle‐provoked epileptic seizures (SPESs) in children.

Methods:Clinical, neuroradiologic, and neurophysiologic data of 22 consecutive patients with SPESs were analyzed. Eighty‐nine SPESs were documented by video‐EEG and evaluated with respect to semiology and ictal and interictal EEG findings.

Results:Mean age was 68 months (10–178 months). Most children had severe mental retardation (86%). Neuroimaging demonstrated diffuse cerebral abnormalities in 15 of 19. Somatosensory evoked potentials revealed cortical abnormalities in 10 of 13 children. The underlying causes were heterogeneous. Only two patients were normally developed. Seizure frequency was usually high (>10/day). Two children had less frequent SPESs (two per month; two per week). Seizures were easily precipitated by sudden sound (n = 15), unexpected touch (n = 3), or both (n = 4). The most common semiologic findings (50%) were generalized tonic seizures or those characterized by a predominant tonic phase, followed in frequency by myoclonic seizures (36%), which were generalized in seven, and unilateral in one. Generalized clonic seizures were observed in one. A complex seizure spread was documented in two children. The most common ictal EEG finding (60%) was a diffuse electrodecremental pattern (DEP). Generalized spike/polyspike waves were found in five and focal discharges in four.

Conclusions:Our results imply that startle epilepsy is not a uniform epileptic entity. We were able to demonstrate a number of distinct patterns of SPESs, characterized by clinical, semiologic, and electrophysiologic features. Considering the high diversity of SPES patients, a common underlying pathophysiologic mechanism seems unlikely.
Levetiracetam Pharmacokinetics in Neonates at Birth
Authors: Allegaert Karel , Lewi Liesbeth , Naulaers Gunnar , Lagae Lieven
Published: June 2006

Summary:  Based on blood sampling in a formula‐fed pair of twins, the estimated serum half‐life of levetiracetam (LEV) at birth is 16–18 h.
Reductions in Costly Healthcare Service Utilization: Findings from the Care Advocate Program
Authors: Shannon George R. , Wilber Kathleen H. , Allen Douglas
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a telephone care‐management intervention for high‐risk Medicare health maintenance organization (HMO) health plan enrollees can reduce costly medical service utilization.

DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial measuring healthcare services utilization over three 12‐month periods (pre‐, during, and postintervention).

SETTING: Two social service organizations partnered with a Medicare HMO and four contracted medical groups in southern California.

PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred twenty‐three patients aged 65 and older; eligibility was determined using an algorithm to target older adults with high use of insured healthcare services.

INTERVENTION: After assessment, members in the intervention group were offered mutually agreed upon referrals to home‐ and community‐based services (HCBS), medical groups, or Medicare HMO health plan and followed monthly for 1 year.

MEASUREMENTS: Insured medical service utilization was measured across three 12‐month periods. Acceptance and utilization of Care Advocate (CA) referrals were measured during the 12‐month intervention period.

RESULTS: CA intervention members were significantly more likely than controls to use primary care physician services (odds ratio (OR)=2.05, P<.001), and number of hospital admissions (OR=0.43, P<.01) and hospital days (OR=0.39, P<.05) were significantly more stable for CA group members than for controls.

CONCLUSION: Results suggest that a modest intervention linking older adults to HCBS may have important cost‐saving implications for HMOs serving community‐dwelling older adults with high healthcare service utilization. Future studies, using a national sample, should verify the role of telephone care management in reducing the use of costly medical services.
Sialolipoma of the hard palate
Authors: Sakai Takayoshi , Iida Seiji , Kishino Mitsunobu , Okura Masaya , Kogo Mikihiko
Published: June 2006

Sialolipoma is a new variant of salivary gland lipoma, which was first proposed by Nagao et al. (Histopathology 2001; 38: 30) in 2001. We report this rare case of sialolipoma in the hard palate. A 60‐year‐old Japanese woman was referred to our department complaining of a painless swelling on the right side of the hard palate. Intra‐oral examination revealed a soft, elastic, dome‐shaped mass with 1 cm in diameter located in the posterior part of the hard palate. Magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed high intensity on T1‐weighted image and isointensity on T2‐weighted image. Incisional biopsy revealed that the tumor was encapsulated by fibrous tissue, consisted of adipose tissue, and also contained normal salivary gland tissue peripherally. First diagnosed as an ordinary lipoma of the hard palate, the tumor was excised. According to the recent criteria of histologic findings of sialolipoma, we rediagnosed the tumor as sialolipoma of the hard palate.
Cloning of a Potato Proteinase Inhibitor Gene PINII‐2x from Diploid Potato (Solanum phurejia L.) and Transgenic Investigation of Its Potential to Confer Insect Resistance in Rice
Authors: Bu Qing‐Yun , Wu Liang , Yang Shi‐Hu , Wan Jian‐Min
Published: June 2006

Both cDNA and a genomic DNA fragment encoding a new potato proteinase inhibitor II were isolated from a diploid potato IVP101 (Solanum phurejia L.) and named PINII‐2x. Nucleotide sequencing confirmed that the DNA fragment of PINII‐2xwas 580 bp, including a 115‐bp intron and two exons. The deduced PINII‐2x protein contained an intact signal peptide and two active sites. The PINII‐2x gene and its deduced PINII‐2x protein had 88% and 93% homology with another tetraploid potato proteinase inhibitor II, respectively. Northern blotting analysis indicated that the mRNA of PINII‐2x gene was wound induced in potato leaves. Binary vector pNAR301 and pNAR302 were constructed for rice transformation, in which the PINII‐2x cDNA was driven, respectively, by rice actin I promoter (ActI) and maize ubiquitin promoter (UbiI). Via an Agrobacterium‐mediated method, these two constructs were transferred into japonica rice cv. Xiushui 63. PCR and Southern blotting analysis for transgenic rice revealed the integration of the PINII‐2x gene. Northern blotting analysis also confirmed transcripts of the PINII‐2x gene in transgenic rice plants. Insect bioassays using stripe stem borer (Chilo suppressalis Walker) demonstrated that the average weight and body length of larvae in transgenic plants were only nearly 50% and 61% of those of larvae in control plants, respectively. These results indicate that the PINII‐2x gene should be an effective insect‐resistance gene and could be valuable for application in crop breeding for insect resistance.

(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
Effects of Different Levels of Water Stress on Leaf Water Potential, Stomatal Resistance, Protein and Chlorophyll Content and Certain Anti‐oxidative Enzymes in Tomato Plants
Authors: Zgallaï Hatem , Steppe Kathy , Lemeur Raoul
Published: June 2006

A greenhouse experiment was performed in order to investigate the effects of different levels of water stress on leaf water potential (Ψw), stomatal resistance (rs), protein content and chlorophyll (Chl) content of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Nikita). Water stress was induced by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG 6 000) to the nutrient solution to reduce the osmotic potential (Ψs). We investigated the behavior of anti‐oxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), during the development of water stress. Moderate and severe water stress (i.e. Ψs= ‐0.51 and ‐1.22 MPa, respectively) caused a decrease in Ψw for all treated (water‐stressed) plants compared with control plants, with the reduction being more pronounced for severely stressed plants. In addition, rs was significantly affected by the induced water stress and a decrease in leaf soluble proteins and Chl content was observed. Whereas CAT activity remained constant, SOD activity was increased in water‐stressed plants compared with unstressed plants. These results indicate the possible role of SOD as an anti‐oxidant protector system for plants under water stress conditions. Moreover, it suggests the possibility of using this enzyme as an additional screening criterion for detecting water stress in plants.

(Managing editor: Ping He)
Screening for High‐Temperature Tolerant Cotton Cultivars by Testing In Vitro Pollen Germination, Pollen Tube Growth and Boll Retention
Authors: Liu Zhi , Yuan You‐Lu , Liu Shao‐Qing , Yu Xiao‐Nan , Rao Li‐Qun
Published: June 2006

With radical global climate change and global warming, high temperature stress has become one of major factors exerting a major influence on crop production. In the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)‐growing areas of China, especially in the Yangtze River valley, unexpected periodic episodes of extreme heat stress usually occur in July and August, the peak time of cotton flowering and boll loading, resulting in lower boll set and lint yield. Breeding programs for screening high temperature‐tolerant cotton germplasm and cultivars are urgent in order to stabilize yield in the current and future warmer weather conditions. In the present study, 14 cotton cultivars were quantified for in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth in response to temperatures ranging from 10 to 50 °C at 5 °C intervals. Different cotton genotypes varied in their in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube length responses to the different temperatures. Maximum pollen germination and pollen tube length ranged from 25.2% to 56.2% and from 414 to 682 μm, respectively. The average cardinal temperatures (Tmin, Topt, and Tmax) also varied among the 14 cultivars and were 11.8, 27.3, and 42.7 °C for pollen germination and 11.8, 27.8, and 44.1 °C for maximum pollen tube length. Variations in boll retention and boll numbers per plant in field experiments were found for the 14 cotton cultivars and the boll retention and boll retained per plant on 20 August varied considerably in different years according to weather conditions. Boll retention on 20 August was highly correlated with maximum pollen germination (R2= 0.84) and pollen tube length (R2=0.64). A screening method based on principle component analysis of the combination of pollen characteristics in an in vitro experiment and boll retention testing in the field environment was used in the present study and, as a result, the 14 cotton cultivars could be classified as tolerant, moderately tolerant, moderately susceptible and susceptible to high temperature.

(Managing editor: Li‐Hui Zhao)
Research Progresses on Auxin Response Factors
Authors: Wei Hai‐Bin , Cui Bai‐Ming , Ren Yan‐Li , Li Juan‐Hua , Liao Wei‐Bin , Xu Nan‐Fei , Peng Ming
Published: June 2006

Auxin response factors (ARFs), a family of transcription factors, have been discovered recently. The ARFs bind specifically to the auxin response elements (AuxREs) within promoters of primary auxin responsive genes and function as activators or repressors. The ARFs contain three domains, namely a conserved N‐terminal DNA‐binding domain, a non‐conserved middle region, and a conserved C‐terminal dimerization domain. The ARFs can form a protein complex with auxin/indoleacetic acid through homodimerization or heterodimerization. The particular protein‐protein interaction may play a key role in modulating the expression of early auxin responsive genes. The identification of ARF mutations in Arabidopsis helps to demonstrate/dissect the function of ARFs in the normal growth and development of plants. Phylogenetic analysis also reveals some interesting protein evolution points in the ARF family.

(Managing editor: Ping He)
Office Systems and Their Influence on Mammography Use in Rural and Urban Primary Care
Authors: Engelman Kimberly K. , Ellerbeck Edward F. , Perpich Denise , Nazir Niaman , McCarter Kevin , Ahluwalia Jasjit S.
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: Context: Breast cancer screening rates are lower in rural communities. Although studies have addressed barriers to mammography for rural residents, physician practice barriers have received less attention. Purpose: Controlled clinical trials have shown that the use of office reminder systems in primary care practices is related to increased clinical care rates. Therefore, we compared office systems use in primary care practices located in rural and urban communities and assessed the impact of these systems on rural‐urban differences in mammography utilization. Methods: We identified female Kansas Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 to 79 from Medicare claims data (N = 24,030) and determined which beneficiaries received a mammogram between April 1, 1999, and March 31, 2001. We linked beneficiaries to their primary care providers and obtained surveys from 180 primary care practices on their use of office reminder systems. Findings: Mammography rates ranged from 20% to 92% (mean = 65%) among the 180 practices. Flowsheets with a mammography prompt were used by 33% of the practices, 38% utilized nonphysician staff to identify women due for mammograms, and 15% used computerized reminder systems. Urban practices used flowsheets more often than rural practices (44% versus 16%, P<0.001). A multivariable regression model demonstrated higher mammography rates in urban practices, group practices, and practices using mammography flowsheets. Conclusions: Despite success in randomized controlled trials, reminder systems are not used often by primary care providers and are used even less often in rural compared to urban practices. Consistent implementation may be a major barrier to the successful adaptation of flowsheets by primary care offices.
Rural‐Urban Comparisons of Nursing Home Residents With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Buchanan Robert J. , Wang Suojin , Zhu Li , Kim Myung Suk
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: Context: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurologic disease that disables younger adults, affecting as many as 350,000 Americans. Purpose: The objectives of this study are to develop profiles of nursing home residents with MS from rural areas and compare them to residents with MS who lived in urban areas, suburban areas, and large towns. Methods: We analyzed all admission assessments for residents with MS (13,357 assessments) in the Minimum Data Set between June 23, 1998, and December 31, 2000, that also had the resident's ZIP code of primary residence before admission. Findings: Urban and rural comparisons of residents with MS demonstrate a range of significant demographic differences. Significantly greater proportions of MS residents from rural areas exhibited a sense of initiative or involvement in activities of the nursing facility compared with residents with MS from urban and suburban areas. The differences in the utilization of physical and occupational therapies were striking, with MS residents from rural areas averaging significantly fewer minutes of these therapies. We also found that MS residents from rural areas averaged fewer minutes of psychological therapy in the nursing facility and also were less likely to have seen a licensed mental health specialist than MS residents from urban areas. Conclusions: Nursing home residents with MS from rural areas receive fewer therapies and less mental health care than residents with MS from other areas.
Rural Policy Development: An NRHA and PACE Association Collaborative Model
Authors: Fitzgerald Peter , Morgan Alan , Morris Tom
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: The Program of All‐Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers a unique model of comprehensive care for frail, elderly people. To date, all of the PACE programs have been located in urban areas. Rural advocates and policymakers, however, believe the program may hold great promise for use in rural areas, which have higher percentages of elderly residents than urban areas. In 2002, the National Rural Health Association and the National PACE Association convened a meeting that brought together PACE experts, policymakers, and rural health care providers to examine PACE and its applicability for rural communities. The meeting participants concluded that there were many rural communities where the PACE model might not only be appropriate but also highly successful in caring for rural, frail, elderly people. This article examines the notion of expanding the PACE model to rural communities, including some of the barriers and some of the possible solutions that might make PACE a viable part of the rural health care delivery system.
Nonmetro Residence and Impaired Vision Among Elderly Americans
Authors: Johnson Nan E.
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Nonmetro and metro elderly people are contrasted in their risk of having (relative to lacking) an impairment in distance vision and in near vision. Methods: Using the 1995–1996 panel (Wave 2) of the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) Survey, the prevalence of 5 eye‐threatening conditions (cardiovascular disease, cataract, diabetes, glaucoma, and hypertension), a variety of medical treatments for these conditions, the number of talks/visits with doctors in the 2 years before Wave 2, and several relevant demographic characteristics of the 6,817 respondents were controlled. Findings: Nonmetro and metro elders have the same risk of impairment in distance vision. After controlling for other factors, nonmetro elders have a higher risk than their metro peers of an uncorrected impairment in near vision (probably presbyopia). Conclusions: Nonmetro elders may confront more impediments to updating their corrective lenses for presbyopia. Implications for public health policy are discussed.
Moderate Physical Activity and Its Relationship to Select Measures of a Healthy Diet
Authors: Blakely Frank , Dunnagan Tim , Haynes George , Moore Sylvia , Pelican Suzanne
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT: Context: In rural communities, physical activity may influence and predict nutritional behaviors. Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if an individual's stage of participation in moderate physical activity was related to select measures of a healthy diet. Methods: Data were collected using a mail‐in survey from a random sample conducted in the rural/frontier communities of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. A total of 6 communities, 2 from each state, were surveyed with approximately 575 surveys sent to each community. The response rate was 51.5%. Findings: Regression analysis revealed that there was a significant difference (P<.05) in select measures of a healthy diet between those in the maintenance stage of moderate levels of physical activity (physically active for 6 months or more) and those in precontemplation (not currently active and with no intention of starting), contemplation (not currently active but considering starting within the next 6 months), and preparation (not currently active but taking steps to become active within the next 30 days). Those in maintenance had a healthier diet. Additionally, women, older people, those with at least some college education, and those who were employed had healthier diets. Conclusions: These results lend preliminary support to the idea that moderate physical activity could act as a gateway behavior, a behavior that, if adopted, could lead to the adoption of other healthy behaviors. However, additional research is needed to confirm the nature, if any, of this relationship.