bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A STE12 homologue of the homothallic ascomycete Sordaria macrospora interacts with the MADS box protein MCM1 and is required for ascosporogenesis
Authors: Nolting Nicole , Pöggeler Stefanie
Published: September 2006

The MADS box protein MCM1 controls diverse developmental processes and is essential for fruiting body formation in the homothallic ascomycete Sordaria macrospora. MADS box proteins derive their regulatory specificity from a wide range of different protein interactions. We have recently shown that the S. macrospora MCM1 is able to interact with the alpha‐domain mating‐type protein SMTA‐1. To further evaluate the functional roles of MCM1, we used the yeast two‐hybrid approach to identify MCM1‐interacting proteins. From this screen, we isolated a protein with a putative N‐terminal homeodomain and C‐terminal C2/H2‐Zn2+ finger domains. The protein is a member of the highly conserved fungal STE12 transcription factor family of proteins and was therefore termed STE12. Furthermore, we demonstrate by means of two‐hybrid and far western analysis that in addition to MCM1, the S. macrospora STE12 protein is able to interact with the mating‐type protein SMTA‐1. Unlike the situation in the closely related heterothallic ascomycete Neurospora crassa, deletion (Δ) of the ste12 gene in S. macrospora neither affects vegetative growth nor fruiting body formation. However, ascus and ascospore development are highly impaired by the Δste12 mutation. Our data provide another example of the functional divergence within the fungal STE12 transcription factor family.
Hemiclonal reproduction slows down the speed of Muller's ratchet in the hybridogenetic frog Rana esculenta
Authors: SOM C. , REYER H.‐U.
Published: September 2006

Rare recombination in otherwise asexually reproducing organisms is known to beneficially influence the fitness in small populations. In most of the investigated organisms, asexual and rare sexual generations with recombination follow each other sequentially. Here we present a case where clonal reproduction and rare recombination occur simultaneously in the same population. The hybridogenetic water frog Rana esculenta (E), a hybrid between R. lessonae (L) and R. ridibunda (R) produces gametes that only contain the unaltered maternal R part of their genome. New generations of R. esculenta usually arise from E × L matings. Intraspecific E × E matings produce mostly inviable offspring, but in rare cases, female R. ridibunda arise from such matings which are capable of recombination. In the absence of conspecific males, these R females have to mate with E males, which results in further R females, or with L males, which produces new E lineages. This indirect mechanism reintroduces recombination into the otherwise clonally transmitted R genomes in R. esculenta populations. In this study, we show through Monte Carlo simulations that, in most cases, it is sufficient that only between 1 % and 10 % of mixed water frog populations consist of R females to prevent or significantly reduce the fixation and accumulation of deleterious mutations.
Mast Cells in the Salivary Glands and Tongue of the Ferret: Demonstration and Some Histochemical Observations
Authors: Fletcher D. , Triantafyllou A.
Published: September 2006

Previous investigations failed to demonstrate mast cells in the alimentary tract and extraparietal glands of the ferret. It was decided therefore to test this and assess factors that may be of influence. Major salivary glands and tongues of mature ferrets, which had been fixed in formalin‐calcium, were examined by means of light microscopical histochemistry. Staining of paraffin sections with techniques depending on basic dyes or esterolytic activity was carried out for conventional times with and without previous oxidation, hot acid hydrolysis, and trypsin and β‐glucuronidase digestion. Aldehyde fuchsin and high iron diamine consistently revealed the presence of few mast cells in interstitial stroma of salivary glands and lingual musculature, and in the lamina propria of lingual mucosa. Alcian blue at 0.5 m MgCl2 and safranin produced less consistent results, and even fewer metachromatic mast cells were detected. No staining of mast cells was obtained with the technique for napthol AS‐D chloroacetate esterase. Pretreatment did not increase the numbers and/or staining reactions of mast cells. The results refute the previous misconception and suggest that ferret is a species with a low incidence of mast cells largely expressing a connective‐tissue phenotype.
Teratogenic Effects of the Interaction Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) and Ethanol: Morphologic and Morphometric Evaluation of the Lingual Epithelium in Rat Fetuses
Authors: Marinho S. A. , Sala M. A. , Lopes R. A. , De Moraes Grisi M. F. , Novaes A. B. , De Souza S. L. S. , Taba M.
Published: September 2006

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the teratogenic effects of the interaction between acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and ethanol on the epithelium of the lingual mucosa in rat fetuses. On the 10th pregnancy day, a single intraperitoneal ethanol dose (2.96 g/kg body weight) (Group I), ASA (200 mg/kg body weight) (Group II) and ASA plus ethanol, in the same doses (Group III), or saline (Group IV – control), were administrated. The epithelial alterations were assessed by means of histological and morphometric methods, on posterior dorsal, anterior dorsal and ventral regions of the tongue. ASA reduced, in rat fetuses, the ethanol deleterious effects on nuclear size in the epithelial prickle cell of the lingual mucosa. On the other hand, ASA did not influence the effects of ethanol in both epithelial layers of the lingual mucosa, when the nuclear shape, cell volume or epithelial layers thickness were evaluated.
Nerve Fibre Tracing of Branches to the Coracobrachialis Muscle in a Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus)
Authors: Kawashima T. , Yoshitomi S. , Sasaki H.
Published: September 2006

A detailed anatomical analysis of the left brachial plexus, composed of the fourth cervical to first thoracic spinal nerve roots, was performed in an adult male orangutan obtained from the Osaka Museum of Natural History. Although the medial and posterior cords fused into a common trunk, a nerve fibre analysis revealed that the cords were not actually connected. A superficial branch (Rs) running ventral to the musculocutaneous nerve (MC) and a deep branch (Rp) running dorsal to the MC innervated the coracobrachialis muscle, which was also innervated by coracobrachialis branches (Rmc) from the MC. Koizumi (1989: Acta Anat. Nippon, 64, 18) reported that the Rmc and Rs innervated the superficial region of the coracobrachialis muscle corresponding to superficial coracobrachialis muscle in prosimians, whereas the Rp innervated the deep region. However, the detailed innervation of the coracobrachialis muscle in orangutans was not included in Koizumi and Sakai's (1995: J. Anat. 186, 395) report. Our observations in an orangutan did not seem to support generalisation, because the common trunk of the Rp and Rmc appeared to innervate both the superficial and deep regions of the coracobrachialis muscle. Therefore, a nerve fibre analysis of the common trunk was performed as a detailed examination. The analysis confirmed that the Rp in the orangutan only innervated the deep region of the coracobrachialis muscle, similar to the innervation pattern seen in other apes and humans.
Efficacy of antiviral therapy with lamivudine after initial treatment for hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kuzuya Teiji , Katano Yoshiaki , Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Nakano Isao , Hirooka Yoshiki , Itoh Akihiro , Ishigami Masatoshi , Hayashi Kazuhiko , Honda Takashi , Goto Hidemi
Published: September 2006

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine whether antiviral therapy with lamivudine is beneficial in patients after initial treatment for hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:  Forty‐nine consecutive patients with HBV‐related HCC completely treated by hepatic resection or radiofrequency ablation were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Comparison was made between 16 patients who received lamivudine therapy at a dose of 100 mg/day after treatment for HCC (lamivudine group) and 33 patients who did not (control group) in terms of changes in remnant liver function, HCC recurrence and survival.

Results:  Cumulative recurrence rates of HCC did not significantly differ between the two groups (P = 0.622). However, median Child–Pugh score at the time of HCC recurrence was significantly different; 5 (range 5–6) in the lamivudine group versus 7 (range 5–12) in the control group (P = 0.005). All patients in the lamivudine group were able to receive curative treatment for recurrent HCC. In contrast, 10 of 15 patients in the control group were unable to receive curative optimal therapy for recurrent HCC due to deterioration of remnant liver function. The cumulative survival rates of patients in the lamivudine group tended to be higher than those of patients in the control group (P = 0.063).

Conclusion:  It is suggested that lamivudine therapy is beneficial for patients after initial treatment for HBV‐related HCC because it contributes to improving remnant liver function, thus decreasing the risk of liver failure and increasing the chances of receiving available treatment modalities for recurrent HCC.
Differentiation of gastric surface mucous cells (GSM06) induced by air–liquid interface is regulated partly through mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway
Authors: Yokoyama Fumie , Sakata Yasuhisa , Ootani Akifumi , Fujise Takahiro , Kakimoto Takashi , Amemori Sadahiro , Shiraishi Ryosuke , Kuroki Tsukasa , Tsunada Seiji , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: September 2006

Background and Aim:  The aim of the present study was to examine the role of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway on gastric surface epithelium using an established cell culture model in which differentiation is promoted in GSM06 cells by air–liquid interface.

Methods:  A double‐dish culture system of mouse gastric surface mucous cell line GSM06 in Ham's F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum and 50 μg/mL gentamicin at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air was used for an air–liquid interface. Culture cells were examined on histology, cell proliferation was evaluated by bromodeoxy‐uridine (BrdU) uptake, and western blot analysis of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and phosphate ERK1/2. On day 3, U0126, an inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase (MEK), was added to medium of incubated cells.

Results:  GSM06 cells were differentiated with an air–liquid interface for 3 weeks. Compared to immersion control culture, phosphorylated ERK 1/2 expression increased significantly. This increase was completely suppressed with U0126, and tall columnar cells developed by air–liquid interface in GSM06 were not observed in U0126‐treated cells. Increase in BrdU uptake with air–liquid interface was suppressed by U0126.

Conclusion:  These results suggested that MAP kinase signaling, activated by air–liquid interface, was, at least in part, related to cell differentiation in GSM06 cells induced by air–liquid interface.
ACUTE SURGICAL ADMISSIONS FOR ABDOMINAL PAIN IN ADULTS IN KUMASI, GHANA
Authors: Ohene‐Yeboah Michael
Published: September 2006

Background:  Abdominal pain of less than a weeks’ duration is the presenting complaint in one of every five patients admitted to the surgical Accidents and Emergency Ward of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. This study is a prospective one, to determine the cause of abdominal pain in a large number of patients.

Methods:  A monthly audit of discharge summaries for all patients admitted with acute abdominal pain was prepared and transferred to a special study pro forma to provide data over the 84‐month period from January 1998 to December 2004.

Results:  There were 3114 patients, 2070 men and 1044 women. The ages ranged from 15 to 95 years. The seven most common causes of the admissions were acute appendicitis 698 (22.4%), typhoid ileal perforation (506) 16.2%, acute intestinal obstruction 391 (12.6%), gastroduodenal perforations 342 (11.0%), non‐specific abdominal pain 306 (9.8%), abdominal injures 260 (8.3%) and acute cholecystitis 102 (3.2%). There were 1976 (63.4%) emergency operations. Appendicectomy was a common operation that was carried out (638 cases or 32.3%). Two hundred and thirty patients (7.4%) died. Thirty‐five patients died before and 195 after operation. Of these 230 deaths, 110 (47.8%) reported to the hospital after three or more days of illness. Twenty‐six per cent and 23.7% of postoperative deaths occurred after emergency colonic resections and closure of gastroduodenal perforations, respectively.

Conclusion:  Acute appendicitis, typhoid ileal perforation, acute intestinal obstruction and gastroduodenal perforations were the leading causes of acute admissions for abdominal pain to our hospital. Late presentation was associated with increased mortality.
Leaf flushing during the dry season: the paradox of Asian monsoon forests
Authors: Elliott Stephen , Baker Patrick J. , Borchert Rolf
Published: September 2006

Aim  Most deciduous species of dry monsoon forests in Thailand and India form new leaves 1–2 months before the first monsoon rains, during the hottest and driest part of the year around the spring equinox. Here we identify the proximate causes of this characteristic and counterintuitive ‘spring‐flushing’ of monsoon forest trees.

Location  Trees of 20 species were observed in semi‐deciduous dry monsoon forests of northern Thailand with a 5–6‐month‐long severe dry season and annual rainfall of 800–1500 mm. They were growing on dry ridges (dipterocarp–oak forest) or in moist gullies (mixed deciduous–evergreen forest) at 680–750 m altitude near Chiang Mai and in a dry lowland stand of Shorea siamensis in Uthai Thani province.

Methods  Two novel methods were developed to analyse temporal and spatial variation in vegetative dry‐season phenology indicative of differences in root access to subsoil water reserves.

Results  Evergreen and leaf exchanging species at cool, moist sites leafed soon after partial leaf shedding in January–February. Drought‐resistant dipterocarp species were evergreen at moist sites, deciduous at dry sites, and trees leafed soon after leaf shedding whenever subsoil water was available. Synchronous spring flushing of deciduous species around the spring equinox, as induced by increasing daylength, was common in Thailand's dipterocarp–oak forest and appears to be prevalent in Indian dry monsoon forests of the Deccan peninsula with its deep, water‐storing soils.

Main conclusions  In all observed species leafing during the dry season relied on subsoil water reserves, which buffer trees against prolonged climatic drought. Implicitly, rainfall periodicity, i.e. climate, is not the principal determinant of vegetative tree phenology. The establishment of new foliage before the summer rains is likely to optimize photosynthetic gain in dry monsoon forests with a relatively short, wet growing season.
Energy availability, abundance, energy‐use and species richness in forest bird communities: a test of the species–energy theory
Authors: Mönkkönen Mikko , Forsman Jukka T. , Bokma Folmer
Published: September 2006

Aim  To test the ‘more individuals hypothesis’ as a mechanism for the positive association between energy availability and species richness. This hypothesis predicts that total density and energy use in communities is linearly related to energy availability, and that species richness is a positive function of increased density. We also evaluate whether similar energy–density patterns apply to different migratory groups (residents, short‐distance migrants and tropical migrants) separately.

Location  European and North American forest bird communities.

Methods  We collected published breeding bird census data from Europe and North America (n = 187). From each census data we calculated bird density (pairs 10 ha−1), energy use by the community (the sum of metabolic needs of individuals, Watts 10 ha−1) and geographical location with an accuracy of 0.5°. For each bird census data coordinate we extracted the corresponding monthly values of actual evapotranspiration (AET). From these values we calculated corresponding AET values that we expected to explain the density energy use of forest birds: total annual, breeding season (June) and winter AET. We used general linear modelling to analyse these data controlling for the area of census plots, forest type and census method.

Results  Total density and energy use in European and North American forest bird communities were linear functions of annual productivity, and increased density and energy use then translated into more species. Also resident bird density and energy consumption were positive functions of annual productivity, but the relationship between productivity and density as well as between productivity and energy use was weaker for migrants.

Main conclusions  Our results are consistent with the more individuals hypothesis that density and energy use in breeding forest bird communities is coupled tightly with the productivity of the environment, and that increased density and energy consumption results in more species. However, not all community members (migratory groups) are limited by productivity on the breeding grounds.
Perceived Discrimination and the Adjustment of African American Youths: A Five‐Year Longitudinal Analysis With Contextual Moderation Effects
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Chen Yi‐Fu , Murry Velma McBride , Ge Xiaojia , Simons Ronald L. , Gibbons Frederick X. , Gerrard Meg , Cutrona Carolyn E.
Published: September 2006

Longitudinal links between perceived racial discrimination and later conduct problems and depressive symptoms were examined among 714 African American adolescents who were 10–12 years old at recruitment. Data were gathered 3 times over a 5‐year period. Hypotheses were tested via latent curve modeling and multiple‐group latent growth modeling. Increases in perceived discrimination were associated with increased conduct problems and depressive symptoms. This association was weaker when youths received nurturant‐involved parenting, affiliated with prosocial friends, and performed well academically. For conduct problems, the association was stronger for boys than for girls; for depressive symptoms, no gender differences emerged. The findings thus identify contextual variables that moderate the contribution of perceived discrimination to African American youths' adjustment.
Relations Between Parent–Child Acculturation Differences and Adjustment Within Immigrant Chinese Families
Authors: Costigan Catherine L. , Dokis Daphné P.
Published: September 2006

The relations between parent and child acculturation and family and child adjustment were examined among 91 immigrant Chinese families in Canada with early adolescents (average age of 12). Acculturation was assessed in public (e.g., language use) and private (e.g., values) domains separately in Chinese and Canadian cultures. With one exception, interactions between parent and child acculturation in Canadian domains were unrelated to adjustment (conflict intensity, depressive feelings, and achievement motivation). Interactions in Chinese domains were more clearly associated with adjustment. Specifically, mother–child interactions in Chinese public domains and father–child interactions in the Chinese private domain predicted adjustment. In all interactions, when parents were strongly orientated toward Chinese culture, lower levels of Chinese orientation among children were associated with lower adjustment.
Ethnic Identity and the Daily Psychological Well‐Being of Adolescents From Mexican and Chinese Backgrounds
Authors: Kiang Lisa , Yip Tiffany , Gonzales‐Backen Melinda , Witkow Melissa , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: September 2006

Protective effects of ethnic identity on daily psychological well‐being were examined in a sample of 415 ninth graders from Mexican and Chinese backgrounds. Utilizing daily diary assessments and multilevel modeling, adolescents with a greater regard for their ethnic group exhibited greater levels of daily happiness and less daily anxiety averaged over the 2‐week study period. Ethnic regard moderated the daily association between normative stressful demands and happiness, and between stressful demands and happiness experienced 1 day after stressors occurred. Moderating effects were significant even after controlling for self‐esteem. Although no buffering effects of ethnic centrality were found, the results point to the positive influence of ethnic regard in the daily lives of adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Intergroup Attitudes of European American Children Attending Ethnically Homogeneous Schools
Authors: McGlothlin Heidi , Killen Melanie
Published: September 2006

Intergroup attitudes were assessed in European American 1st‐grade (M=6.99 years, SD=0.32) and 4th‐grade (M=10.01 years, SD=0.36) children (N=138) attending ethnically homogeneous schools to test hypotheses about racial biases and interracial friendships. An Ambiguous Situations Task and an Intergroup Contact Assessment were administered to all participants. Unlike previous findings with European American children attending heterogeneous schools, children rated minority perpetrators more negatively than majority perpetrators, and friendship as less likely when a minority than a majority perpetrator was portrayed. These findings suggest that intergroup contact contributes to racial bias in children's interpretations of peer dyadic encounters and to judgments about interracial friendships.
Developmental Trajectories of Personal and Collective Self‐Concept Among American Indian Adolescents
Authors: Whitesell Nancy Rumbaugh , Mitchell Christina M. , Kaufman Carol E. , Spicer Paul ,   the Voices of Indian Teens Project Team
Published: September 2006

Developmental trajectories of personal and collective self‐concept were examined among American Indian adolescents. Personal self‐concept (self‐esteem) and collective self‐concept (American Indian identity, Euro‐American identity, community‐mindedness) were assessed 6 times over 3 years in 4 cohorts of adolescents from 3 American Indian cultural groups (N=1,252). An accelerated longitudinal design was used to estimate developmental trajectories from 14 to 19 years; parallel‐process and covariate models were used to examine variation in trajectories. Both personal and collective self‐concepts were generally positive and showed small gains; they were moderately related to one another and differentially related to cultural group, gender, and perceived social support. The findings highlight the complexity of self‐concept for American Indian youth and the significance of both personal and collective identity.
Problems measuring the underground economy in transition1
Authors: Hanousek Jan , Palda Filip
Published: September 2006

An easy and popular method for measuring the size of the underground economy is to use macro data such as money demand or electricity demand to infer what the legitimate economy needs, and then to attribute the remaining consumption to the underground economy. Such inferences rely on the stability of parameters of the money demand and electricity demand equations, or at very least on knowledge of how these parameters are changing. We argue that the pace of change of these parameters is too variable in transition economies for the above methods of estimating the size of the underground economy to be applicable. We make our point by using Czech Republic and other transition country data from the financial and electricity sectors.
Market entry, privatization and bank performance in transition1
Authors: Fries Steven , Neven Damien , Seabright Paul , Taci Anita
Published: September 2006

This paper examines how market entry and privatization have affected the margins and marginal costs of banks in the post‐communist transition. We estimate bank revenue and cost functions, allowing the estimated parameters to change over time. In the first sub‐period (1995–98), we find that privatized banks earned higher margins than other banks, while foreign start‐ups had lower marginal costs. In the third sub‐period (2002–2004), foreign banks remained low marginal cost service providers, while privatized domestic banks had the widest margins. Subtracting marginal costs from margins to calculate mark‐ups, an indication of demand for services, shows that initially privatized banks had the largest mark‐ups. However, by the third sub‐period, differences among private banks diminished. In comparison to private banks, state banks persistently under‐performed in controlling costs and attracting demand. Our evidence therefore indicates that foreign bank entry promoted lower costs and that privatization and market entry encouraged more demand for services.
Schedule‐induced electrodermal responding in children
Authors: Latzman Robert D. , Knutson John F. , Fowles Don C.
Published: September 2006

The current studies were designed to determine whether different intermittent schedules of reinforcement would have a differential effect on the skin conductance responses (SCRs) of children in the 8–12‐year‐old age range. Results of two experiments indicated that the amplitude of children's SCRs immediately following the occurrence of reinforcement were a function of the schedule of reinforcement, with larger SCRs associated with longer inter‐reinforcement intervals. The findings are consistent with the research literature suggesting that long inter‐reinforcement intervals can be evocative of aversively motivated emotions, as well as with research on the effects of interstimulus intervals on SCRs. Possible implications for these findings are discussed.
An electrophysiological investigation of indirect semantic priming
Authors: Kreher Donna A. , Holcomb Phillip J. , Kuperberg Gina R.
Published: September 2006

In two experiments, direct and indirect semantic priming were measured using event‐related potentials. In Experiment 1, participants rated the relatedness between prime and target on a seven‐point scale. In Experiment 2, participants simply read the primes and targets as they monitored for a semantic category in probe filler items. Significant direct and indirect N400 priming effects were observed in both experiments. In Experiment 1, the indirect N400 priming effect remained significant when indirectly related and unrelated word pairs were matched for participants' explicit relatedness judgments. In both experiments, the indirect N400 priming effects were preserved when indirectly related and unrelated word pairs were matched on more global and objective measures of semantic similarity. These findings are discussed in the context of current theoretical models of semantic memory and semantic priming.
Offspring sex ratios in relation to mutual ornamentation and extra‐pair paternity in the Black Swan Cygnus atratus
Authors: KRAAIJEVELD KEN , MING MA , KOMDEUR JAN , MULDER RAOUL A.
Published: September 2006

In sexually dichromatic birds, females may adaptively adjust the sex ratio of their offspring prior to hatching in relation to male ornamentation, for example, by producing more sons when paired to a highly attractive partner. However, to our knowledge no studies have investigated offspring sex ratio modification in species in which both sexes are ornamented, and it is unknown whether such a process would be adaptive. Here we examine variation in offspring sex ratio in the mutually ornamented Black Swan Cygnus atratus. Brood sex ratio was not related to the degree of ornament elaboration in either parent, or to extra‐pair paternity. We suggest that parental attractiveness may not be inherited in a sex‐linked manner, or may be largely non‐heritable. Thus, females may not benefit from biasing the sex ratio of their offspring in relation to parental attractiveness.
Veterans Affairs Health System and Mental Health Treatment Retention among Patients with Serious Mental Illness: Evaluating Accessibility and Availability Barriers
Authors: McCarthy John F. , Blow Frederic C. , Valenstein Marcia , Fischer Ellen P. , Owen Richard R. , Barry Kristen L. , Hudson Teresa J. , Ignacio Rosalinda V.
Published: September 2006

Objective. We examine the impact of two dimensions of access—geographic accessibility and availability—on VA health system and mental health treatment retention among patients with serious mental illness (SMI).

Methods. Among 156,631 patients in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in fiscal year 1998 (FY98), we used Cox proportional hazards regression to model time to first 12‐month gap in health system utilization, and in mental health services utilization, by the end of FY02. Geographic accessibility was operationalized as straight‐line distance to nearest VA service site or VA psychiatric service site, respectively. Service availability was assessed using county‐level VA hospital beds and non‐VA beds per 1,000 county residents. Patients who died without a prior gap in care were censored.

Results. There were 32, 943 patients (21 percent) with a 12‐month gap in health system utilization; 65,386 (42 percent) had a 12‐month gap in mental health services utilization. Gaps in VA health system utilization were more likely if patients were younger, nonwhite, unmarried, homeless, nonservice‐connected, if they had bipolar disorder, less medical morbidity, an inpatient stay in FY98, or if they lived farther from care or in a county with fewer VA inpatient beds. Similar relationships were observed for mental health, however being older, female, and having greater morbidity were associated with increased risks of gaps, and number of VA beds was not significant.

Conclusions. Geographic accessibility and resource availability measures were associated with long‐term continuity of care among patients with SMI. Increased distance from providers was associated with greater risks of 12‐month gaps in health system and mental health services utilization. Lower VA inpatient bed availability was associated with increased risks of gaps in health system utilization. Study findings may inform efforts to improve treatment retention.
Laws Requiring Health Plans to Provide Direct Access to Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and Use of Cancer Screening by Women
Authors: Baker Laurence C. , Chan Jia
Published: September 2006

Background. Many states have passed legislation mandating that health plans provide direct access to obstetricians/gynecologists (hereinafter “ob/gyns”) for women, limiting the ability of plans to require referrals or otherwise restrict access. One benefit of these laws may be improved preventive screening rates, but no literature has examined the relationship between ob/gyn direct access laws and use of breast cancer and cervical cancer screening.

Data and Methods. We use repeated cross‐sections of privately insured women age 18–64 (Pap test) and 40–64 (mammography) from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for 1996–2000, linked to data on the presence of ob/gyn direct access laws by state. Outcome measures are receipt of mammography and receipt of a Pap test within the past 2 years. Regression analyses are used to assess the relationship between the presence of ob/gyn direct access laws and screening, adjusting for a range of individual characteristics, fixed state characteristics, and time trends.

Results. We find no statistically significant relationships between the presence of an ob/gyn direct access law and receipt of either mammography or Pap test screening. We explore a range of alternate specifications and find none that yield clear evidence of a relationship.

Conclusions. Laws requiring direct access to ob/gyns are not associated with large or consistent measurable impacts on use of cancer screening.
Fabrication of Functionally Graded SiAlON Ceramics by Tape Casting
Authors: Acikbas Nurcan Calis , Suvaci Ender , Mandal Hasan
Published: September 2006

Functionally graded SiAlON ceramics (FG‐SiAlONs) were successfully prepared by the tape casting and lamination approach. Non‐aqueous SiAlON slurries with five different α to β‐SiAlON ratios (85α:15β, 70α:30β, 55α:45β, 40α:60β, and 25α:75β) were prepared by a 66 methyl ethyl ketone/34 ethanol (vol%) mixture. Phase and microstructure analyses incorporation with hardness measurements clearly show that the FG‐SiAlONs, prepared by tape casting, exhibit a continuous and gradual change in composition and hardness. Thus, the tape casting approach is a viable method to produce FG‐SiAlONs with a precisely controlled composition, and subsequently properties, as a function of position.
Phase Transition and Lattice Thermal Expansion of Cs‐Deficient Pollucite, Cs1−xAl1−xSi2+xO6 (x≤0.25), Compounds
Authors: Kobayashi Hidehiko , Sumino Saiko , Tamai Sachiko , Yanase Ikuo
Published: September 2006

Cs‐deficient pollucite compounds with the general composition Cs1−xAl1−xSi2+xO6 and a cubic pollucite structure at room temperature (RT) were prepared by a multistep solid‐state reaction. The single phase of the products was confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis at RT. Structural phase transition was influenced by the Cs content of compounds of the Cs1−xAl1−xSi2+xO6 series. Cs0.8Al0.8Si2.2O6 and Cs0.75Al0.75Si2.25O6 were cubic at 123 K from the XRD patterns and did not undergo structural phase transition. The lattice thermal expansion behavior of the Cs‐deficient pollucite compounds was investigated by low‐temperature and high‐temperature XRD analyses in the temperature range of 123–1173 K and was found to show a gradual decrease with decreasing Cs content of Cs1−xAl1−xSi2+xO6 series. The variation in unit cell volume with temperature for each composition showed that Cs0.8Al0.8Si2.2O6 and Cs0.75Al0.75Si2.25O6 had significantly smaller degrees of lattice thermal expansion than CsAlSi2O6 and Cs0.9Al0.9Si2.1O6. CsAlSi2O6, Cs0.9Al0.9Si2.1O6, Cs0.8Al0.8Si2.2O6, and Cs0.75Al0.75Si2.25O6 showed linear coefficients of thermal expansion of 2.7 × 10−6, 2.2 × 10−6, 1.5 × 10−6, and 1.1 × 10−6 K−1, respectively, which are attributed to not only an increase in space ratio but also a decrease in Al/Si ratio in the framework in the unit cell.
Monodisperse and Corrosion‐Resistant Metallic Nanoparticles Embedded into Sepiolite Particles for Optical and Magnetic Applications
Authors: Pecharromán Carlos , Esteban‐Cubillo Antonio , Montero Isabel , Moya José S. , Aguilar Eduardo , Santarén Julio , Alvarez Antonio
Published: September 2006

The preparation of large quantities of heterogeneous materials containing non‐agglomerated and monodispersed nanoparticles is becoming one of the bottlenecks that hinders the development of commercial devices. Here we describe a method to prepare monodispersed metallic (Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Co, and Fe) nanoparticles in a silicate matrix (sepiolite) by means of a reduction process of metallic cations associated with a dehydration process of the matrix. This process is characterized by the huge amount of monodispersed metallic nanoparticles that it produces. Additionally, these nanoparticles have been revealed to be remarkably stable against oxidation because the transformed sepiolite matrix becomes a diffusion barrier for oxygen. Furthermore, the nanoparticles present suitable properties to be used for optical and magnetic applications.
Processing of Cellular Glasses Using Glass Microspheres
Authors: Jang Doo‐Hee , Kim Young‐Wook , Song In‐Hyuck , Kim Hai‐Doo
Published: September 2006

A new processing route for the manufacture of cellular glasses has been developed. The strategy adopted for making the cellular glasses entails the following steps: (i) fabricating a formed body by combining glass powder and glass microspheres, and (ii) sintering the formed body. By controlling the sintering temperature and the microsphere content, it was possible to adjust the porosity so that it ranged from ∼42% to ∼62%. The compressive strengths of the cellular glasses with ∼42% and ∼60% porosities were ∼150 and ∼60 MPa, respectively. The superior compressive strengths were attributed to the homogeneous distribution of small (≤35 μm), spherical cells with dense struts in the cellular glasses.
SiO2/Fe2O3 Mesoporous Composite Prepared With an Activated Carbon Template in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Fan Haijuan , Xu Qun , Li Jinge , Cao Yanxia
Published: September 2006

SiO2/Fe2O3 mesoporous composites have been prepared with a nanoscale casting process using an activated carbon (AC) template in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2). The composite precursor and acetone solvent (for Fe2O3 precursor) were dissolved in SC CO2, and then coated on the AC in the desired supercritical condition. After removal of the AC template by calcinations in air at 600°C, SiO2/Fe2O3 mesoporous composite were obtained. Temperature, pressure, and composite precursor ratio effects were studied. Scanning electron microscopy result shows that the porous structure of AC template had been well replicated by the composite product. Transmission electron micrograph indicates that nano iron oxides were well dispersed in the composite product.
Synthesis of Ultrafine and Spherical Barium Titanate Powders Using a Titania Nano‐Sol
Authors: Lee Jai Joon , Park Kum Jin , Hur Kang Heon , Yi Sung Chul , Koo Sang Man
Published: September 2006

A novel synthetic method for the preparation of spherical, homogeneous, and ultrafine barium titanate (BaTiO3) powders is described. An aqueous titania nano‐sol was prepared by peptizing coarse aggregate of hydrous titania with nitric acid. BaTiO3powders could be synthesized through a simple reflux method using the titania nano‐sol and barium hydroxide. As decreasing the titanium concentration, the particle size of the resulting spherical BaTiO3powder was increased from 40 to 130 nm and the porosity also increased. It was revealed that the smaller as‐prepared BaTiO3powder was less porous and became more tetragonal with less intragranular pores after annealing. With this method, a highly tetragonal BaTiO3powder (c/a∼1.008) with a particle size of 120.0 nm was successfully prepared and would be very suitable for the thinner dielectrics in higher capacitance multilayer ceramic capacitors.
Influences of optic edge design on posterior capsule opacification and anterior capsule contraction
Authors: Miyata Kazunori , Kato Satoshi , Nejima Ryohei , Miyai Takashi , Honbo Masato , Ohtani Shinichiro
Published: September 2006

Purpose:  To investigate the influence of optic edge design on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and anterior capsule contraction (ACC).

Methods:  A total of 43 eyes of 43 patients scheduled to undergo cataract surgery were included in this study. Patients received either a Sensor® AR40 intraocular lens (IOL) or a Sensor® AR40e IOL. The area of the anterior capsule opening (ACO) was determined by diaphanoscopy using the anterior eye segment analysis system EAS‐1000 at 1 day, 1 week and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Posterior capsule opacification was evaluated objectively in two ways, using either the EAS‐1000 or POCOman.

Results:  There was no significant difference between the two groups in either ACO area or percentage reduction of ACO area at any time‐point after surgery. The difference in the degree of PCO 1 year after surgery was not significant when measured by either the EAS‐1000 or POCOman.

Conclusions:  A sharp IOL edge is required to prevent PCO. Sharp‐edged IOLs do not appear to be a risk factor for ACC.
Metastatic chordoma of the breast: an extremely rare lesion mimicking mucinous cancer
Authors: TOT TIBOR
Published: September 2006

Metastases in the breast are rare, with metastatic chordoma being one of the rarest. To our knowledge, only one such case has previously been published in the literature. We report a case of a 74‐year‐old woman who presented with a palpable lump in her right breast. The lump was mammographically suggestive of mucinous breast cancer because it was a solitary, small, circular, and moderately dense lesion yielding abundant mucoid aspirate. The tumor resembled mucinous carcinoma upon histologic and immunohistochemical examination: it had a mucinous stroma, and the tumor cells strongly expressed epithelial markers. However, the patient had previously undergone surgery for a recurrent sacral chordoma. In addition to the clinical history, the presence of typical physaliferous cells expressing neither estrogen receptors nor cytokeratin 7, but staining positively for S‐100 protein, allowed the proper diagnosis. Although extremely rare, metastatic chordoma may represent a challenge in the differential diagnosis of breast lesions. Discriminating metastases of mucin‐producing tumors in the breast from primary mucinous carcinomas is important with regard to the striking difference in prognosis of these lesions.
Pulmonary cryptosporidiosis: role of COX2 and NF‐kB
Authors: ASAAD NANCY Y. , SADEK GEHAN S.
Published: September 2006

In the present study we investigated whether the pathological changes induced by Cryptosporidium in the lungs are mediated through the activation of COX‐2, and whether the pathway employed for this activation involves NF‐kB. 70 albino rats were submitted for this work. They were categorized into 3 groups: 30 immunocompetent (IC) rats infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts, 30 immunosuppressed (IS) rats infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts, and 10 IC, non‐infected rats. Immunohistochemical expression of COX2 and NF‐kB in lung tissues of the rats was examined. 43.3% of IC rats showed chronic pneumonia and fibrosis, 40% COX2 positivity, and 36.67% NF‐kB positivity. 96.7% of IS rats showed chronic pneumonia and fibrosis, 56.7% non‐caseating granuloma with Cryptosporidium oocysts, and 66.7% positivity for both COX2 and NF‐kB. Density of inflammatory infiltration was statistically correlated with quickscore of both COX2 and NF‐kB in both IC and IS groups. An association between quickscores of COX2 and NF‐kB was found in our studied material. These data could demonstrate that Cryptosporidium infection induces upregulation of COX2 possibly through the NF‐kB pathway, which suggests the events that contribute to the pathogenesis of Cryptosporidium. These findings could indicate potential therapeutic pharmacological target‐mediating treatment of lesions caused by Cryptosporidium.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with renal failure after autologous transplantation for multiple myeloma successfully treated with rituximab
Authors: Gallerani Elisa , Lerch Erika , Romagnani Elena , Stathis Anastasios , Giardelli Greta , Zwhalen Hugo , Marone Claudio , Cavalli Franco
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a haematological syndrome characterised by a dramatic onset requiring an urgent treatment with plasma exchange (PE). However, the prognosis is still dismal for PE related complications, a rate of failure and remarkable frequencies of relapse. TTP post transplantation is largely described as an outstanding, unusual complication of allogenic transplantation, but it is rarely mentioned after autologous transplantation. We describe a 62‐year‐old Caucasian patient who presented with TTP, accompanied by renal failure, after an autologous transplantation for multiple myeloma. PE together with hemodialysis was rapidly initiated but without any benefit. Since empirical administration of Rituximab, anti CD20 monoclonal antibody,was reported to be effective, we administered four courses of Rituximab inducing a complete remission of TTP and subsequently of the renal failure.This response to Rituximab in TTP post transplantation is suggestive of a possible implication of B‐lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of TTP and it paves the way for an investigational approach in this settings.
Multidisciplinary treatment approach for crown fracture and crown‐root fracture – a case report
Authors: Poi Wilson Roberto , Cardoso Leandro de Carvalho , De Castro José Carlos Monteiro , Cintra Luciano Tavares Ângelo , Gulinelli Jéssica Lemos , De Lazari Jaile Aparecida Brito
Published: September 2006

Abstract –  The increased incidence of traumatic injuries to anterior teeth is a consequence of leisure activities, where the most common injuries are crown fractures. Treatment of the dental trauma is complex and requires a comprehensive and accurate diagnostic and treatment plan. It is also important to consider the biological, functional, esthetic and economic aspects, as well as the patient's desire. The purpose of this article is to report a case that shows the multidisciplinary approach required to successfully manage the rehabilitation of a maxillary central incisor with a complex crown fracture and a maxillary lateral incisor, that at first presented an oblique crown‐root fracture, and after the orthodontic extrusion, suffered a more apical new crown‐root fracture.
Interaction of HIV‐1 with dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing nonintegrin‐expressing cells is influenced by gp120 envelope modifications associated with disease progression
Authors: Nabatov Alexey A. , van Montfort Thijs , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H. , Pollakis Georgios , Paxton William A.
Published: September 2006

Dendritic cells can enhance the replication of HIV‐1 in CD4+ lymphocytes through the interaction of the gp120 envelope protein with such molecules as dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing nonintegrin. The variable loops of gp120 have previously been shown to modulate the interaction of HIV‐1 with its principal receptor CD4 and its various coreceptors, namely CCR5 and CXCR4. Here, we utilized a panel of molecular cloned viruses to identify whether gp120 modifications can influence the virus interaction with immature dendritic cells or a cell line expressing dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing nonintegrin (Raji‐DC‐SIGN). The viruses encompass the R5, R5X4 and X4 phenotypes, and are based upon V1V2 and V3 sequences from a patient with disease progression. We found that dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing nonintegrin enhancement of virus replication can be modulated by the V1V2 length, the overall V3 charge and N‐linked glycosylation patterns; similar results were observed with immature dendritic cells. Viruses with higher V3 charges are more readily transferred to CD4+ lymphocytes when the V1V2 region is longer and contains an additional N‐linked glycosylation site, whereas transfer of viruses with lower V3 charges is greater when the V1V2 region is shorter. Viruses differing in the V1V2 and V3 regions also demonstrated differential capture by Raji‐DC‐SIGN cells in the presence of mannan. These results indicate that the interaction between HIV‐1 and immature dendritic cells via such molecules as dendritic cell‐specific intercellular adhesion molecule‐3‐grabbing nonintegrin may have a role in selecting viruses undergoing transmission and evolution during disease progression.