bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double node neighborhoods and families of simply connected 4-manifolds with 𝑏⁺=1
Authors: Fintushel Ronald , Stern Ronald
Published: September 2005

We introduce a new technique that is used to show that the complex projective plane blown up at 6, 7, or 8 points has infinitely many distinct smooth structures. None of these smooth structures admits smoothly embedded spheres with self-intersection

−
1

-1

, i.e., they are minimal. In addition, none of these smooth structures admits an underlying symplectic structure. Shortly after the appearance of a preliminary version of this article, Park, Stipsicz, and Szabo used the techniques described herein to show that the complex projective plane blown up at 5 points has infinitely many distinct smooth structures. In the final section of this paper we give a construction of such a family of examples.
The de Rham-Witt complex and 𝑝-adic vanishing cycles
Authors: Geisser Thomas , Hesselholt Lars
Published: September 2005

We determine the structure of the reduction modulo

p
p

of the absolute de Rham-Witt complex of a smooth scheme over a discrete valuation ring of mixed characteristic

(
0
,
p
)

(0,p)

with log-poles along the special fiber and show that the sub-sheaf fixed by the Frobenius map is isomorphic to the sheaf of

p
p

-adic vanishing cycles. We use this result together with the main results of op. cit. to evaluate the algebraic

K
K

-theory with finite coefficients of the quotient field of the henselian local ring at a generic point of the special fiber. The result affirms the Lichtenbaum-Quillen conjecture for this field.
Mfge8 Is Critical for Mammary Gland Remodeling during Involution
Authors: Atabai Kamran , Fernandez Rafael , Huang Xiaozhu , Ueki Iris , Kline Ahnika , Li Yong , Sadatmansoori Sepid , Smith-Steinhart Christine , Zhu Weimin , Pytela Robert , Werb Zena , Sheppard Dean
Published: September 2005

Apoptosis is a critical process in normal mammary gland development and the rapid clearance of apoptotic cells prevents tissue injury associated with the release of intracellular antigens from dying cells. Milk fat globule-EGF-factor 8 (Mfge8) is a milk glycoprotein that is abundantly expressed in the mammary gland epithelium and has been shown to facilitate the clearance of apoptotic lymphocytes by splenic macrophages. We report that mice with disruption of Mfge8 had normal mammary gland development until involution. However, abnormal mammary gland remodeling was observed postlactation in Mfge8 mutant mice. During early involution, Mfge8 mutant mice had increased numbers of apoptotic cells within the mammary gland associated with a delay in alveolar collapse and fat cell repopulation. As involution progressed, Mfge8 mutants developed inflammation as assessed by CD45 and CD11b staining of mammary gland tissue sections. With additional pregnancies, Mfge8 mutant mice developed progressive dilatation of the mammary gland ductal network. These data demonstrate that Mfge8 regulates the clearance of apoptotic epithelial cells during mammary gland involution and that the absence of Mfge8 leads to inflammation and abnormal mammary gland remodeling.
Alternative Splicing of SNAP-25 Regulates Secretion through Nonconservative Substitutions in the SNARE Domain
Authors: Nagy Gábor , Milosevic Ira , Fasshauer Dirk , Müller E. Matthias , de Groot Bert L. , Lang Thorsten , Wilson Michael C. , Sørensen Jakob B.
Published: September 2005

The essential membrane fusion apparatus in mammalian cells, the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex, consists of four α-helices formed by three proteins: SNAP-25, syntaxin 1, and synaptobrevin 2. SNAP-25 contributes two helices to the complex and is targeted to the plasma membrane by palmitoylation of four cysteines in the linker region. It is alternatively spliced into two forms, SNAP-25a and SNAP-25b, differing by nine amino acids substitutions. When expressed in chromaffin cells from SNAP-25 null mice, the isoforms support different levels of secretion. Here, we investigated the basis of that different secretory phenotype. We found that two nonconservative substitutions in the N-terminal SNARE domain and not the different localization of one palmitoylated cysteine cause the functional difference between the isoforms. Biochemical and molecular dynamic simulation experiments revealed that the two substitutions do not regulate secretion by affecting the property of SNARE complex itself, but rather make the SNAP-25b-containing SNARE complex more available for the interaction with accessory factor(s).
Distinct Profiles of REST Interactions with Its Target Genes at Different Stages of Neuronal Development
Authors: Sun Yuh-Man , Greenway Deborah J. , Johnson Rory , Street Miyoko , Belyaev Nikolai D. , Deuchars Jim , Bee Thomas , Wilde Sandra , Buckley Noel J.
Published: September 2005

Differentiation of pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells through multipotent neural stem (NS) cells into differentiated neurons is accompanied by wholesale changes in transcriptional programs. One factor that is present at all three stages and a key to neuronal differentiation is the RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST/NRSF). Here, we have used a novel chromatin immunoprecipitation-based cloning strategy (SACHI) to identify 89 REST target genes in ES cells, embryonic hippocampal NS cells and mature hippocampus. The gene products are involved in all aspects of neuronal function, especially neuronal differentiation, axonal growth, vesicular transport and release, and ionic conductance. Most target genes are silent or expressed at low levels in ES and NS cells, but are expressed at much higher levels in hippocampus. These data indicate that the REST regulon is specific to each developmental stage and support the notion that REST plays distinct roles in regulating gene expression in pluripotent ES cells, multipotent NS cells, and mature neurons.
Histone H3 tail positioning and acetylation by the c-Myb but not the v-Myb DNA-binding SANT domain
Authors: Mo Xianming , Kowenz-Leutz Elisabeth , Laumonnier Yves , Xu Hong , Leutz Achim
Published: September 2005

The c-Myb transcription factor coordinates proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic precursor cells. Myb has three consecutive N-terminal SANT-type repeat domains (R1, R2, R3), two of which (R2, R3) form the DNA-binding domain (DBD). Three amino acid substitutions in R2 alter the way Myb regulates genes and determine the leukemogenicity of the retrovirally transduced v-Myb oncogene. The molecular mechanism of how these mutations unleash the leukemogenic potential of Myb is unknown. Here we demonstrate that the c-Myb-DBD binds to the N-terminal histone tails of H3 and H3.3. C-Myb binding facilitates histone tail acetylation, which is mandatory during activation of prevalent differentiation genes in conjunction with CCAAT enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP). Leukemogenic mutations in v-Myb eliminate the interaction with H3 and acetylation of H3 tails and abolish activation of endogenous differentiation genes. In primary v-myb-transformed myeloblasts, pharmacologic enhancement of H3 acetylation restored activation of differentiation genes and induced cell differentiation. Our data link a novel chromatin function of c-Myb with lineage-specific expression of differentiation genes and relate the loss of this function with the leukemic conversion of Myb.
Review article: endocannabinoids and their receptors in the enteric nervous system
Authors: DUNCAN M. , DAVISON J. S. , SHARKEY K. A.
Published: September 2005

The therapeutic actions of cannabinoids have been known for centuries. In the last 25 years this area of research has grown exponentially with the discovery of specific cannabinoid receptors and endogenous ligands.

In the enteric nervous system of gastrointestinal tract, cannabinoid receptors are located on enteric nerve terminals where they exert inhibitory actions on neurotransmission to reduce motility and secretion. Endogenous cannabinoids are present in the enteric nervous system, as are the degradative enzymes necessary to inhibit their action. The cellular mechanism of action of endocannabinoids has not been established in the enteric nervous system. Endocannabinoids not only act at cannabinoid receptors, but potentially also at vanilloid and 5‐HT3receptors, both of which are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. The interactions between endocannabinoids and these other important receptor systems have not been extensively investigated.

A greater understanding of the endocannabinoid system in the enteric nervous system could lead to advances with important therapeutic potential in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, secretory diarrhoea and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease.
Accuracy and precision of the continuous underway fish egg sampler (CUFES) and bongo nets: a comparison of three species of temperate fish
Authors: PEPIN P. , SNELGROVE P. V. R. , CARTER K. P.
Published: September 2005

We examine the accuracy and precision of the continuous underway fish egg sampler (CUFES) relative to bongo nets based on the catch ratio of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides), and cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus). We derived expectation of catch ratios based on the application of a one‐dimensional model of the vertical distribution of fish eggs applied to cod and on prior data on egg vertical distribution. Samples were collected in May and August 2001, two periods when the vertical structure of the water column differed substantially. Stationary CUFES collections did not yield significant differences in accuracy or precision relative to the underway CUFES. In May, when there was relatively little stratification, the CUFES‐to‐bongo catch ratio of cod and plaice eggs was well within expectations based on model predictions. In August, the CUFES‐to‐bongo catch ratios of cod and cunner were higher than expected. Generally, there was a greater proportion of early stage eggs in bongo than in CUFES samples, with the strongest differences in American plaice. The replicate variance of the CUFES was ∼25 times greater than that of the bongo nets, probably because of the large volumes sampled by bongo nets relative to the CUFES. Given that the CUFES provides greater accuracy in mapping but lower precision than bongo nets, multiple sampling gears may be the most effective method for surveying fish eggs of pelagic and demersal species.
Forecasting climate‐induced changes in the survival of Snake River spring/summer Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: SCHEUERELL MARK D. , WILLIAMS JOHN G.
Published: September 2005

Effective conservation and management of natural resources requires accurate predictions of ecosystem responses to future climate change, but environmental science has largely failed to produce these reliable forecasts. The future response of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) to a changing environment and continued anthropogenic disturbance is of particular interest to the public because of their high economic, social, and cultural value. While numerous retrospective analyses show a strong correlation between past changes in the ocean environment and salmon production within the north Pacific, these correlations rarely make good predictions. Using a Bayesian time‐series model to make successive 1‐yr‐ahead forecasts, we predicted changes in the ocean survival of Snake River spring/summer chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha) from indices of coastal ocean upwelling with a high degree of certainty (R2 = 0.71). Furthermore, another form of the dynamic times‐series model that used all of the available data indicated an even stronger coupling between smolt‐to‐adult survival and ocean upwelling in the spring and fall (R2 = 0.96). This suggests that management policies directed at conserving this threatened stock of salmon need to explicitly address the important role of the ocean in driving future salmon survival.
Gene expression in human keloids is altered from dermal to chondrocytic and osteogenic lineage
Authors: Naitoh Motoko , Kubota Hiroshi , Ikeda Mika , Tanaka Toshinori , Shirane Hirofumi , Suzuki Shigehiko , Nagata Kazuhiro
Published: September 2005

Keloids are a dermal fibrotic disease whose etiology remains totally unknown and for which there is no successful treatment. Here, we employed cDNA microarray analysis to examine gene expression in keloid lesions and control skin. We found that 32 genes among the 9000 tested were strongly up‐regulated in keloid lesions, of which 21 were confirmed by Northern blotting. These included at least seven chondrocyte/osteoblast marker genes, and RT‐PCR analysis revealed that transcription factors specific for these genes, SOX9 and CBFA1, were induced. Immunostaining and in situ hybridization further supported that these markers are expressed in keloid lesions. Intriguingly, scleraxis, a transcription factor known as a marker of tendons and ligaments, was also induced in keloid fibroblasts. We propose that reprogramming of gene expression or disordered differentiation from a dermal pattern to that of a chondrocytic/osteogenic lineage, probably closer to that of tendon/ligament lineage, may be involved in the etiology of keloids.
Oviposition by Lobesia botrana is stimulated by sugars detected by contact chemoreceptors
Authors: Maher Nevile , Thiery Denis , Städler Erich
Published: September 2005

Abstract.  The influence of glucose, fructose and sucrose on oviposition site selection by Lobesia botrana is studied by combining behavioural and electrophysiological experiments. Oviposition choice assays, using surrogate grapes treated with grape berry surface extracts of Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot at different development stages, show that L. botrana females are most stimulated by extracts of mature berries containing the highest concentrations of glucose and fructose. Choice assays reveal that the oviposition response to these sugars is dose‐dependant (with a threshold of the applied solution = 10 mm and a maximum stimulation at 1 m) and that females are more sensitive to fructose than to glucose. Tarsal contact‐chemoreceptor sensilla are unresponsive to stimulation with sugars but the ovipositor sensilla contain at least one neurone most sensitive to fructose and sucrose with a threshold of approximately 0.5 mm. Corresponding to the behavioural data, glucose is significantly less stimulatory to sensilla than fructose or sucrose. It is argued that fructose may be of special importance for herbivorous insects exploiting fruit as an oviposition site.
Rapid cold‐hardening in a Karoo beetle, Afrinus sp.
Authors: Sinclair Brent J. , Chown Steven L.
Published: September 2005

Abstract.  In the insect rapid cold‐hardening response, survival at subzero temperatures is greatly improved by a brief pre‐exposure at a milder temperature. It is predicted that insects with minimal cold tolerance capabilities living in variable environments should use rapid cold‐hardening to survive sudden cold snaps. This is tested in Afrinus sp., a beetle that lives in an exposed habitat on rock outcrops in the Karoo Desert, South Africa, where microclimate temperatures drop infrequently to below freezing. Afrinus sp. shows a significant rapid cold‐hardening response: survival of a 2‐h exposure to −6.5 °C is much improved after pre‐exposure to −2 °C, to 0 °C with a 2‐h return to the rearing temperature, and to 40 °C, but not after pre‐exposure to 0 °C. Little is known about the mechanism of the rapid cold‐hardening response, although the data suggest that rapid cold‐hardening may be mediated via several different mechanisms.
Comparing the effects of five naturally occurring monosaccharide and oligosaccharide sugars on longevity and carbohydrate nutrient levels of a parasitic phorid fly, Pseudacteon tricuspis
Authors: Chen L. , Fadamiro H. Y.
Published: September 2005

Abstract.  The longevity and nutrient levels of Pseudacteon tricuspis provided with 1 m solutions of five naturally occurring sugars, fructose, glucose, sucrose, trehalose and melezitose, are compared. All but melezitose, result in significant increases in the longevity of P. tricuspis in comparison with sugar‐starved flies (flies provided with water only). Sugar‐starved female and male P. tricuspis have an average longevity of 3.3 and 4.1 days, respectively. Provision of free water in addition to sugar solution is necessary for optimum longevity by female and male flies. Longevity is increased by 2.4–2.6‐fold by the two monosaccharides, fructose and glucose, and by 2.6–2.8‐fold by the disaccharides, sucrose and trehalose. Phorid flies provided with the trisaccharide sugar, melezitose, had a marginal increase in lifespan (approximately 1 day), but this is not significantly different from the longevity of sugar‐starved flies. Significantly greater levels of total sugars are detected in P. tricuspis fed the disaccharide sugars (sucrose, trehalose) or the monosaccharide sugars (fructose, glucose), compared with flies provided with melezitose (trisaccharide), or to sugar‐starved flies. Fructose is not detected in sugar‐starved flies, or in flies fed glucose or trehalose. However, high levels of fructose are detected in flies fed sucrose or fructose, whereas levels of fructose in melezitose‐fed flies are intermediate. In general, significantly greater glycogen levels are detected in P. tricuspis fed sucrose, glucose, trehalose or fructose, compared with melezitose‐fed or sugar‐starved flies. Levels of total sugars and glycogen in sugar‐fed flies are positively correlated with wing length, possibly indicating a higher accumulation of storage sugars by larger flies. These results are discussed in relation to the nutritional ecology of the phorid fly.
Reducing professional isolation: Support Scheme for Rural Specialists
Authors: Kurzydlo Ann‐Maree , Casson Claudia , Shumack Stephen
Published: September 2005

The Support Scheme for Rural Specialists project is a federally funded initiative aimed at reducing professional isolation among rural medical specialists. The Australasian College of Dermatologists became involved in this project in July 2003. We report the results of a survey designed to collect demographic data and establish a technology option for remote delivery of metropolitan clinical meetings. These are a major component of continuing professional development activity among metropolitan colleagues. An interactive compact disk format was developed, containing recorded footage and presentation slides from meetings, which replicated attendance as closely as possible. Following distribution to rural dermatologists, continuing professional development points were awarded for viewing and appraising the ‘virtual’ meeting on compact disk. Evaluation of the technology found a statistically significant increase in continuing professional development involvement. The success of this project has led to its expansion, refinement and continuation in 2004.
Oestrogen and progesterone receptors in primary mucinous carcinoma of skin
Authors: Kwatra Kanwardeep S , Prabhakar Baldev R , Jain Satish
Published: September 2005

A 74‐year‐old man presented with a recurrent indolent growth in the left axilla. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology and histopathological examination showed a picture of mucinous adenocarcinoma. Clinical examination and systemic investigations failed to detect any primary lesion elsewhere and hence, a diagnosis of primary mucinous carcinoma of the skin was made. This tumour shows histological resemblance to mucinous carcinoma of breast. We also demonstrated expression of oestrogen and progesterone receptors in this tumour. This observation suggests that there is a potential of using antioestrogenic therapy in patients with primary cutaneous mucinous carcinoma, especially because of its high rate of local recurrence.
Juvenile elastoma: A forme fruste of the Buschke–Ollendorff syndrome?
Authors: Foo Christopher CI , Kumarasinghe Sujith Prasad W
Published: September 2005

We describe an Asian child with juvenile elastoma who presented to us at 9 years of age with flesh‐coloured nodules on his thigh. Histologically, H&E sections were normal, but elastin stains showed collections of increased and thickened elastic fibres consistent with juvenile elastoma. Radiological examination did not demonstrate osteopoikilosis. However, we postulate that he may represent a forme fruste of the Buschke–Ollendorff syndrome or early presentation prior to the subsequent development of osteopoikilosis.
Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans and acne keloidalis nuchae
Authors: Goh Michelle SY , Magee Jill , Chong Alvin H
Published: September 2005

A 27‐year‐old man presented with a 10‐year history of scarring alopecia on the vertex of the scalp associated with follicular crusting and pustule formation, and a papular eruption on the posterior neck. Additionally, there was keratosis pilaris on the cheeks, eyebrows and thighs. Histology from the vertex showed scarring with a mixed perifollicular inflammatory infiltrate and foci of acute suppurative folliculitis. With clinical correlation, the diagnosis of keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans and concurrent acne keloidalis nuchae was made. The association of keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans with acne keloidalis nuchae has not previously been described. The patient responded to treatment with oral isotretinoin 20 mg (0.25 mg/kg) daily for 12 months.
Bupropion‐induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Cassis Tamella B , Callen Jeffrey P
Published: September 2005

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a subset of cutaneous lupus erythematosus with unique immunological and clinical features. The first series of patients found to have drug‐induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythemotosus were secondary to hydrochlorothiazide. Since that time, several other drugs have been implicated in the induction of subacute cutaneous lupus erythemotosus. A 44‐year‐old woman presented with a 9‐week history of a mildly pruritic, photosensitive rash that started on her chest. One month prior to her skin outbreak she was started on bupropion for mild depression. She was noted to have multiple annular erythematous plaques on her anterior chest, shoulders, back, arms and face. The patient was advised to stop the bupropion and to start topical tacrolimus, and was encouraged to apply a broad‐spectrum sunscreen. Her skin completely cleared within 1 month of initiating this treatment regimen. This case is a unique example of bupropion‐induced subacute cutaneous lupus erythemotosus. Our patient exemplifies the necessity of a complete medical history, including current medications, especially when subacute cutaneous lupus erythemotosus is suspected.
Simple modification to the punch biopsy technique to minimize handling and crush artefact
Authors: Chamberlain Alexander J , Lee Adriene Y , Sinclair Rodney D
Published: September 2005

A number of techniques have been described to retrieve the tissue core after punch biopsy. We describe a simple modification to the punch‐biopsy technique that minimizes instrumentation, handling and the subsequent risk of crush artefact. Our technique is simple, quick and economical and essentially involves rotation of the punch through 90° then lateral extraction with a degree of upward traction, which usually leaves the tissue core deposited beside the skin defect. At this point it can be easily grasped with a square of gauze or detached if required using scissors or a scalpel blade.
Allergic contact dermatitis to quaternium 15 in a moisturizing lotion
Authors: Cahill Jennifer , Nixon Rosemary
Published: September 2005

A 56‐year‐old nurse from a rural area presented with a 12‐month history of hand dermatitis. She had previously been patch tested by a local medical practitioner with the thin‐layer rapid‐use epicutaneous test®, which had shown allergies to quaternium 15 and formaldehyde. After testing, she was prescribed methylprednisolone aceponate 1 mg/g cream by the medical practitioner, but was not informed that quaternium 15 is contained in the Microshield™ moisturizing lotion she was using at work. When her dermatitis persisted, she saw a dermatologist, who advised her to avoid the Microshield™ moisturizing lotion, and use a waterless hand cleanser on return to work. The diagnoses were firstly allergic contact dermatitis from quaternium 15 in the moisturizing lotion, and secondly irritant contact dermatitis from nursing work. This case highlights both the presence of quaternium 15 in a product commonly used in health‐care settings in Australia, and the importance of offering informed, appropriate advice to patients following patch testing.
Feelings of burden and health‐related quality of life among family caregivers looking after the impaired elderly
Authors: MIURA HIROKO , ARAI YUMIKO , YAMASAKI KIYOKO
Published: September 2005

Abstract  The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between feelings of burden and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among family caregivers looking after the impaired elderly residing in a community located in southern Japan. Subjects were 85 pairs comprising elderly individuals requiring care and their respective family caregivers. Questionnaire items for the family caregivers related to demographic variables, caregivers’ burden, HRQOL, use of public services, hours spent caregiving, duration of caregiving, and satisfaction with verbal communication with family. Questionnaire items for the elderly recipients of care concerned demographic variables, activities of daily living, and cognitive status. According to bivariate analysis, caregivers’ burden was significantly related to cognitive status, hours spent caregiving, and each HRQOL subscore except physical function. From multiple regression analysis, subscore of HRQOL with respect to mental health and satisfaction with verbal communication were extracted as influential factors. Final regression coefficient was 0.72 (P < 0.01) and coefficient of determination was 0.53. These results suggest that satisfactory mental health status plays an important role in limiting family caregivers’ burden.
Cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: EMORI ASAKO , MATSUSHIMA EISUKE , AIHARA OKIHIKO , OHTA KATSUYA , KOIKE RYUJI , MIYASAKA NOBUYUKI , KATO MOTOICHIRO
Published: September 2005

Abstract  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune‐mediated collagen disease that results in multiorgan failure. It is the collagen disease most frequently associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, which have been hypothesized to stem from certain types of cognitive dysfunction. Subjects were 21 patients with SLE (one man, 20 women; aged 16–55 years; mean age, 35.1 ± 10.7 years) who were undergoing treatment in the rheumatology unit of a general hospital, and 17 healthy control subjects matched to the patient group with respect to age and gender (two men, 15 women; mean age, 35.9 ± 6.3 years). They were administered various tests of cognitive function including verbal reasoning, non‐verbal reasoning, verbal memory, non‐verbal memory, attention and mental flexibility, psychomotor speed and frontal lobe function. In addition, the SLE patients were tested for antiphospholipid antibodies. The SLE patients performed worse than the control group on immediate, delayed and interference of the Rey verbal test and paired associate tests of Wechsler Memory Scale, and their reaction time was slower in Trail A and Trail B tests. Moreover, these findings were more pronounced in the group with major neuropsychiatric symptoms. However, no relationship was apparent between these deficits in cognitive function and the presence or absence of antiphospholipid antibodies. The results suggest that verbal memory and psychomotor speed underlie the neuropsychiatric symptoms seen in SLE patients.
Effectiveness of herbal medicine (Rokumigan and Hachimijiogan) for fatigue or loss of energy in patients with partial remitted major depressive disorder
Authors: YAMADA KAZUO , YAGI GOHEI , KANBA SHIGENOBU
Published: September 2005

Abstract  Some patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) do not show remission of their depressive symptomatology. We investigated the efficacy of Rokumigan (TJ‐87) and Hachimijiogan (TJ‐7) in 20 patients with prolonged partial remitted MDD associated with fatigue or loss of energy. In these 20 patients, TJ‐7 or TJ‐87 was added to the previous regimen for 4 weeks. Six patients were ‘much improved’, six were ‘minimally improved’ (responders), and eight showed ‘no change’ (non‐responders), on the Clinical Global Impression Global Improvement scale. All responders had Shofuku‐fujin (tenderness or weakness of the lower abdomen). In conclusion, we experienced 12 outpatients with prolonged partial remitted MDD with fatigue or loss of energy, which was successfully treated with TJ‐87 or TJ‐7.
Management of atypical antipsychotic‐induced weight gain in schizophrenic patients with topiramate
Authors: LIN YI‐HSIUNG , LIU CHIA‐YIH , HSIAO MEI‐CHUN
Published: September 2005

Abstract  Patients treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs commonly gain excess weight. Because obesity is associated with considerable morbidity and decreased life expectancy, treatment of weight gain in these patients is critical. Topiramate, a fairly new anticonvulsant, promotes bodyweight loss in healthy obese subjects, patients with bipolar disorder, and patients with eating disorder. However, there are very few reports about the efficacy of topiramate for weight management in schizophrenic patients. We present the cases of three Taiwanese patients with schizophrenia whose bodyweight increased as a result of atypical antipsychotics treatment, then was controlled by topiramate without aggravation of their psychotic symptoms.
Serum folate and homocysteine levels in patients with obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: ATMACA MURAD , TEZCAN ERTAN , KULOGLU MURAT , KIRTAS OZLEM , USTUNDAG BILAL
Published: September 2005

Abstract  Previous studies have shown that folate deficiency, increased homocysteine, impaired metylation have been identified in depressive disorder. Recently, growing research has resulted in the biological association between obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) and affective disorders. Therefore, in the present study it was evaluated whether or not folate and homocysteine levels changed. Serum folate and homocysteine concentrations were measured in 23 patients with OCD and in same number of controls. In addition, all patients were assessed by Yale‐Brown Obsession Compulsion Scale (Y‐BOCS). Serum folate values were significantly lower in OCD patients than in controls, while homocysteine concentrations were higher in patients compared with controls. Serum folate values were significantly and negatively related to Y‐BOCS scores. Total serum homocysteine concentrations were positively correlated to Y‐BOCS scores and the duration of illness. There was a trend toward a negative correlation between the concentrations of serum folate and homocysteine. In conclusion, we identified that a group of patients with OCD might have folate deficiency, higher homocysteine levels and probable impaired metylation and monoamine metabolism.
Imaging characteristics of papillary renal cell carcinoma by computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: TSUDA KYO , KINOUCHI TOSHIAKI , TANIKAWA GO , YASUHARA YUMIKO , YANAGAWA MASAHIRO , KAKIMOTO KENICHI , ONO YUTAKA , MEGURO NORIO , MAEDA OSAMU , ARISAWA JUN , USAMI MICHIYUKI
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Aim:
To analyse the differences in the patterns between clear and papillary renal cell carcinomas using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dual‐phase helical computed tomography (CT).

Methods:

We examined seven patients with papillary renal cell carcinoma, and six with clear cell carcinoma. The highest attenuation value of tumors in the corticomedullary phase (CMP) and the excretory phase (EP) was measured using the observer‐defined region of interest (ROI). MRI consisted of T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted spin‐echo imaging.

Results:

All five tumors except for one with papillary renal cell carcinoma showed homogenous hypointensity, but all six tumors with clear cell carcinoma showed heterogeneous hyperintensity on their T2‐weighted images. In the CMP, the mean CT numbers of the papillary renal cell carcinomas were significantly lower than those of the clear cell carcinomas. The mean enhancement of the papillary renal cell carcinomas in the CMP and the EP was significantly lower than that of the clear renal cell carcinomas. The mean CT numbers of the clear cell carcinomas in the CMP were markedly increased from those on the unenhanced CT; those in the EP were decreased gradually. But the mean CT numbers of the papillary renal cell carcinomas in the EP were still slightly more increased than those in the CMP. The enhancement patterns of the papillary renal cell carcinomas in the CMP and the EP were homogenous, but those of the clear cell carcinomas were heterogeneous.

Conclusions:
We can speculate the differential diagnosis from clear to papillary renal cell carcinoma using MRI and dual‐phase helical CT.
Possible role of sildenafil in inhibiting rat vas deferens contractions by influencing the purinergic system
Authors: BILGE S SIRRI , KESIM YUKSEL , KURT MEHMET , AKSOZ ELIF , CELIK SULEYMAN
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Aim
To evaluate the effect of sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)‐selective type 5 phosphodiesterase, on isolated rat vas deferens and its connections with the purinergic system.

Methods
Epididymal and prostatic portions of isolated vas deferens were placed in organ baths containing Krebs’ solution. Contractions were induced by noradrenaline (NA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), α,β‐methylene ATP and electrical field stimulation (EFS). The effect of sildenafil on the contractions was compared with suramin and Evans blue (EB).

Results
NA, ATP, α,β‐methylene ATP and EFS caused contractions in both portions of vas deferens. NA‐induced contractions were unaffected by sildenafil and suramin but potentiated by EB. ATP‐induced contractions were non‐competitively inhibited in both portions by sildenafil and suramin but potentiated by EB. α,β‐methylene ATP‐induced contractions were unaffected by sildenafil but were inhibited in both portions by suramin and EB. EFS‐induced contractions were inhibited by sildenafil and suramin while potentiated by EB.

Conclusion
Sildenafil inhibited the contractions in both portions of vas deferens, as did suramin. We have suggested that purinergic system has a role in this antagonism and it seems to be mediated by an ATP‐dependent mechanism instead of a receptor interaction.
New hammock hypothesis‐based method for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: the first 29 urethral supports with a small fascial patch
Authors: YAMADA TAKUMI , HAYASHI TETSUO , KAMATA SHIGEYOSHI , OHNO RENA , HORIUCHI SUSUMU
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Aim
We have developed a new method requiring no manipulations of the retropubic passages, and carried out a retrospective study to assess the effectiveness, safety and early results of this new procedure in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

Methods
From January 2001 to September 2003, 29 patients underwent our new surgery for the treatment of SUI. A 3 × 2 cm vertical rectangle was harvested from the rectus fascia. A convex horizontal incision was made over the mid urethra and bladder neck. The retropubic space was entered to the urethropelvic ligament spreading toward the junctions between urethropelvic ligament and tendinous arc. One suture was made at the point lateral to the bladder neck. Another suture was made behind the pubic bone. These two sutures were sutured again and tied with the short side end of the harvested fascia. The same procedure was performed on the other side.

Results
Of 29 patients, 26 (89.7%) were cured of stress urinary incontinence and 3 were improved. None of the patients had difficulty in voiding after the operation. Maximum flow rates were almost the same before and after surgery. None of the patients had any adverse events.

Conclusion
This procedure, which requires no manipulations of the retropubic passages, is safe and effective for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
Testicular torsion: Usefulness of contrast‐enhanced power Doppler sonography
Authors: YAMAGUCHI AKIKO , HAYASHI YUTARO , KOJIMA YOSHIYUKI , MIYAGAWA HIDEO , ITO MASATO , KOHRI KENJIRO
Published: September 2005

Abstract

A 13‐year‐old‐boy with suspected left testicular torsion was referred to our institute. During preparation, a significant decrease of signals on the left testis was found, however, slight blood flow was detected by the ultrasound examination enhanced by Levovist. As a result of the examination we left the testis intact, although the color of the testicular parenchyma remained black. One year after the surgery, an ultrasound examination was done again and good vascurality was observed.
Laparoscopic ureterectomy for the management of painful calculi in a ureteral stump
Authors: WEILAND DEREK , CANALES BENJAMIN , RAMANI ANUP , MONGA MANOJ
Published: September 2005

Abstract

We present a rare case of a laparoscopic ureterectomy for the treatment of unusual chronic pain from a large retained stone in a ureteral stump. The history of long‐term co morbidities from retained ureteral stumps is reviewed, as well as a discussion on the possible etiology of the pain for this particular patient. An argument for the change of the standard of care for the management of ureters in relation to nephrectomies is also made in regard to adult patients with a history of stone disease.
Percutaneous embolization of persistent urinary fistula after partial nephrectomy using N‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate
Authors: ASLAN GÜVEN , MEN SÜLEYMAN , GÜLCÜ AYTAÇ , KEFI AYKUT , ESEN ADIL
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Percutaneous closure of a calyceal fistula following partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer was achieved with fistula embolization with n‐butyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate. Previous attempts at closure by conservative and endoscopic means were unsuccessful. Tissue adhesives are useful in the management of persistent urinary leakage after partial nephrectomy.
The development of prostate cancer despite late onset androgen deficiency
Authors: SENGUPTA SHOMIK , DUNCAN HENRY J , MACGREGOR ROBERT J , RUSSELL JOHN M
Published: September 2005

Abstract

Androgen withdrawal causes the regression of prostate cancer and is used in therapy, but the role of androgens in the development of prostate cancer is uncertain. We present a case of prostate cancer diagnosed in a man who had been clinically androgen deficient for some years. This case and reviewed literature suggest that while early androgen exposure may be important in the prostatic carcinogenesis, late onset androgen deficiency is not protective. Thus, hypogonadal men considering androgen replacement therapy need to be adequately counseled, screened for prostate cancer and followed closely during treatment.
Curved crack propagation in homogeneous and graded materials
Authors: TILBROOK M. T. , MOON R. J. , HOFFMAN M.
Published: September 2005

Deflection and deviation of cracks commonly occurs because of asymmetry in crack‐tip stresses in both homogeneous materials and functionally graded materials (FGMs); yet the analysis of curved cracks has been limited to simple crack shapes, otherwise the analysis would involve extensive levels of computation. The present study investigates the approximation of curved cracks with simplified shapes. A simple analytical model justifying the use of crack‐shape approximations, developed in an earlier study on stationary curved cracks in homogeneous materials, is outlined. Then, the approach is applied to propagating cracks in both homogeneous and graded material structures. Results are presented from finite element (FE) simulations of crack propagation using exact and simplified crack shapes. The use of an approximated crack shape can provide basic estimates for crack propagation path and critical load. However, systematic divergence can occur between predictions for exact and approximated crack shapes, particularly in inhomogeneous material configurations, and so the development of solutions for non‐straight cracks in FGMs would be expedient.
Nanoscopic fatigue and stress corrosion crack growth behaviour in a high‐strength stainless steel visualized in situ by atomic force microscopy
Authors: MINOSHIMA K. , OIE Y. , KOMAI K.
Published: September 2005

In situ atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging of the fatigue and stress corrosion (SC) crack in a high‐strength stainless steel was performed, under both static and dynamic loading. The AFM systems used were (1) a newly developed AFM‐based system for analysing the nanoscopic topographies of environmentally induced damage under dynamic loads in a controlled environment and (2) an AFM system having a large sample stage together with a static in‐plane loading device. By using these systems, in situ serial clear AFM images of an environmentally induced crack under loading could be obtained in a controlled environment, such as in dry air for the fatigue and in an aqueous solution for the stress corrosion cracking (SCC). The intergranular static SC crack at the free corrosion had a sharp crack tip when it grew straight along a grain boundary. The in situ AFM observations showed that the fatigue crack grew in a steady manner on the order of sub‐micrometre. The same result was obtained for the static SC crack under the free corrosion, growing straight along a grain boundary. In these cases, the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) remained constant. However, as the static SC crack was approaching a triple grain junction, the growth rate became smaller, the CTOD value increased and the hollow ahead of the crack tip became larger. After the crack passed through the triple grain junction, it grew faster with a lower CTOD value; the changes in the CTOD value agreed with those of the crack growth rate. At the cathodic potential, the static SC crack grew in a zigzag path and in an unsteady manner, showing crack growth acceleration and retardation. This unsteady crack growth was considered to be due to the changes in the local hydrogen content near the crack tip. The changes in the CTOD value also agreed with those of the crack growth rate. The CTOD value in the corrosive environment was influenced by the microstructure of the material and the local hydrogen content, showing a larger scatter band, whereas the CTOD value of the fatigue crack in dry air was determined by the applied stress intensity factor, with a smaller scatter band. In addition, the CTOD value in the corrosive environment under both static and dynamic loading was smaller than that of the fatigue crack; the environmentally induced crack had a sharper crack tip than the fatigue crack in dry air.
Fatigue crack growth for a surface crack in a round bar under multi‐axial loading condition
Authors: YANG F.‐P. , KUANG Z.‐B.
Published: September 2005

In this paper, the fatigue life, surface crack extension direction and crack growth rate in an elastic bar with a circular cross section are determined through experiments under cyclic torsion with axial static and cyclic tension/compression loading. The effects of the loading type, loading value and stress ratio on the crack growth behaviour are discussed. The results show that, under pure fatigue torsion loading, the crack extension direction is almost the same whatever the value of torsion loading. Under fatigue torsion with cyclic tension loading, it is found that the crack extension direction is mainly determined by the alternating parts of the stresses and is almost independent of the average parts of the stresses, whereas the fatigue life is obviously dependent on the average stress.
A simplified fretting test methodology for complex shaft couplings
Authors: HYDE T. R. , LEEN S. B. , MCCOLL I. R.
Published: September 2005

A methodology is offered for the experimental simulation of fretting conditions in complex shaft couplings, using a simple representative specimen/test rig. The geometry and loading conditions of the representative specimen are designed to simulate the contact traction and slip at arbitrary positions along the length of engagement of the spline coupling, as predicted by detailed finite element modelling of the coupling. The representative specimen/test rig design is achieved via an iterative finite element process with feedback from preliminary measurements. The cyclic behaviour of the representative specimen correlates well with the results from a reduced scale aeroengine‐type spline coupling. The representative specimen approach can facilitate investigation of damage mechanisms in spline, and other, couplings, particularly fretting fatigue and wear within the contact regions, as well as plain fatigue due to tooth bending along the tooth fillet, thus offering an economical approach to the development and testing of spline couplings.
Expert reports in Australian takeovers: fees and quality
Authors: Bugeja Martin , Da Silva Rosa Raymond , Walter Terry
Published: September 2005

Target firms in Australian takeovers are required to commission the preparation of an independent expert report in circumstances where there is a perceived conflict of interest with the bidder. As approximately half of these reports are prepared by firms with which the target has other business dealings, concern has been expressed over the quality of these reports due to the suggestion that such reports are provided at lower fees. We examine the 191 independent expert reports provided in all 649 Australian takeover bids initiated in the period 1990 to 2000 inclusive. Using an expert‐fee model, we find that the fees for reports by experts with other business dealings with the target are not lower than those of unrelated experts. In addition, the results indicate that experts with other dealings with the target provide reports with a significantly smaller valuation range, consistent with these reports being of higher, rather than lower, quality. Our findings are inconsistent with the U.S. and New Zealand experience of prohibiting audit firms from providing valuation advice in takeovers.
Comprehensive School Reform: A Longitudinal Study of School Improvement in One State
Authors: Good Thomas L. , Burross Heidi Legg , Mccaslin Mary M.
Published: September 2005

We report on comprehensive school reform (CSR) reform in 48 schools over 6 consecutive years. In 1998, a total of 24 schools received CSR awards to improve student achievement. Control schools were carefully matched on 26 demographic variables to form a comparison group. Students’ average performance, as represented in publicly available school report card data, increased across the combined sample of CSR and non-CSR schools in nontrivial ways. CSR and non-CSR schools, however, were not differentiated on the basis of a discriminant analysis function both in terms of achievement (Stanford 9) and demographic variables. To examine effects over time, a mixed-design multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) test was performed for third- through ninth-grade scores for each performance level on the Stanford 9 achievement test (reading, language, and math). In all three performance areas, the mean NCE scores for CSR and non-CSR schools had significant within-subject effects for all 6 years. However, there were no between-subjects effects in any performance areas for CSR or non-CSR schools. The combined gains for CSR and non-CSR schools across time were notable; average math performance increased 1.0 standard deviation. Mean scores in reading and language also increased (.62 and .11, respectively), with language performance the least malleable area.