bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nucleostemin Is a Marker of Proliferating Stromal Stem Cells in Adult Human Bone Marrow
Authors: Kafienah Wael , Mistry Sanjay , Williams Christopher , Hollander Anthony P. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
The identification of stem cell–specific proteins and the elucidation of their novel regulatory pathways may help in the development of protocols for control of their self-renewal and differentiation for cell-based therapies. Nucleostemin is a recently discovered nucleolar protein predominantly associated with proliferating rat neural and embryonic stem cells, and some human cancer cell lines. A comprehensive study of nucleostemin in human adult bone marrow stem cells is lacking. The aim of the study was to determine if nucleostemin is synthesized by adult bone marrow stem cells and to analyze its expression during their expansion and differentiation. Using a multipotential adherent population of stem cells, nucleostemin was localized to the nucleoli and occurred in 43.3% of the cells. There was a high level of expression of nucleostemin mRNA in bone marrow stem cells and this remained unchanged over time during cell expansion in culture. When bone marrow stem cells were stimulated to proliferate by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, nucleostemin expression increased in a dose-dependent manner. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of nucleostemin abolished the proliferative effect of FGF-2. When bone marrow stem cells were differentiated into chondrocytes, adipocytes, or osteocytes, nucleostemin expression was 70%–90% lower than in the undifferentiated cells retained in monolayer culture. We conclude that nucleostemin is a marker of undifferentiated human adult bone marrow stem cells and that it is involved in the regulation of proliferation of these cells.
The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in food webs
Authors: Thébault Elisa , Loreau Michel 
Published: November 2005

AbstractRecent theoretical and experimental work provides clear evidence that biodiversity loss can have profound impacts on functioning of natural and managed ecosystems and the ability of ecosystems to deliver ecological services to human societies. Work on simplified ecosystems in which the diversity of a single trophic level is manipulated shows that diversity can enhance ecosystem processes such as primary productivity and nutrient retention. Theory also strongly suggests that biodiversity can act as biological insurance against potential disruptions caused by environmental changes. However, these studies generally concern a single trophic level, primary producers for the most part. Changes in biodiversity also affect ecosystem functioning through trophic interactions. Here we review, through the analysis of a simple ecosystem model, several key aspects inherent in multitrophic systems that may strongly affect the relationship between diversity and ecosystem processes. Our analysis shows that trophic interactions have a strong impact on the relationships between diversity and ecosystem functioning, whether the ecosystem property considered is total biomass or temporal variability of biomass at the various trophic levels. In both cases, food‐web structure and trade‐offs that affect interaction strength have major effects on these relationships. Multitrophic interactions are expected to make biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships more complex and non‐linear, in contrast to the monotonic changes predicted for simplified systems with a single trophic level.
Review article: the history of hypnotherapy and its role in the irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: WHORWELL P. J. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryHypnosis is a technique by which an individual can gain a degree of control over physiological as well as psychological function.This paper reviews the history of the phenomenon as well as the accumulating evidence that it is effective in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and improving the quality of life of sufferers. The physiological effects of hypnosis are also discussed coupled with an outline of how a hypnotherapy service might be provided.
Comprehension and awareness of symptoms in women with dyspepsia
Authors: VAKIL N. , VAN ZANTEN S. V. , CHANG L. , TOTH G. , SHERMAN J. , FRASER M. , COHARD‐RADICE M. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryBackground : Overlapping symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia are a problem for physicians and patients.Aim : This study explored comprehension of dyspepsia symptoms and associated medical terminology among women with symptoms of dyspepsia.Methods : The US women aged ≥18 years with dyspepsia (defined by Rome II criteria) were recruited in two phases, via direct mail, the Internet, clinical investigators and/or gastroenterologists. In phase I, subjects took part in an hour‐long telephonic interview comprising open‐ended questions relating to symptom frequency/duration, triggers/patterns and severity. During phase II, subjects took part in a 45‐min telephonic interview, which explored their understanding of dyspepsia symptoms and their predominant or most bothersome symptom.Results : Subjects with ‘pure’ dyspepsia (without overlapping symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease or irritable bowel syndrome) were sought, but of 777 subjects screened, most were excluded because of gastrointestinal comorbidities (irritable bowel syndrome, gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease). Only 85 (11%) subjects had ‘pure’ dyspepsia of whom 11 withdrew. Of the 74 subjects interviewed, 70% were unfamiliar with the term ‘dyspepsia’. Subjects reported several symptoms, including bloating (65%), gas (50%), nausea (41%) and discomfort (36%). Most subjects could distinguish between symptom bothersomeness and severity, and between pain and discomfort. Terms such as ‘satisfactory relief’, ‘central upper abdominal discomfort’, ‘early satiety’ and ‘postmeal fullness’ were often misunderstood.Conclusions : Subjects with ‘pure’ dyspepsia are rare, because of comorbidities. Dyspepsia‐related terminology is often misunderstood by subjects.
Doxorubicin and dexamethasone followed by thalidomide and dexamethasone is an effective well tolerated initial therapy for multiple myeloma
Authors: Hassoun Hani , Reich Lilian , Klimek Virginia M. , Dhodapkar Madhav , Cohen Adam , Kewalramani Tarun , Zimman Rachel , Drake Lisa , Riedel Elyn R. , Hedvat Cyrus V. , Teruya‐Feldstein Julie , Filippa Daniel A. , Fleisher Martin , Nimer Stephen D. , Comenzo Raymond L. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryAmong the drug combinations designed for the initial treatment of multiple myeloma, none has been unequivocally shown to be superior. However, a regimen leading to a high response rate and a low incidence of adverse events is highly desirable. We report the results of a phase II clinical trial involving 45 patients with Durie–Salmon stage II and III multiple myeloma. Doxorubicin and dexamethasone were given for 2 or 3 months followed by thalidomide and dexamethasone for 2 months (AD–TD regimen) with prophylactic antibiotics and daily aspirin (81 mg/d). Among the 42 patients whose response could be assessed, 38 responded to therapy (90·5%). The intent‐to‐treat response rate was 84·4% with seven complete responses (CR 15·5%), nine near complete responses (nCR 20·0%), and 22 partial responses (PR 48·9%). Two patients had stable disease (4·4%), and two progression of disease (4·4%). Normalization of the free light chain ratio after one or two cycles of treatment was highly predictive of achievement of CR or nCR. Patients tolerated the treatment well although five patients developed thromboembolic complications (11%). AD–TD administered with low dose aspirin for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis was well tolerated and yielded a high response rate with minimal treatment‐related morbidity.
Dual gene defects involving δ‐aminolaevulinate dehydratase and coproporphyrinogen oxidase in a porphyria patient
Authors: Akagi Reiko , Inoue Rikako , Muranaka Shikibu , Tahara Tsuyoshi , Taketani Shigeru , Anderson Karl E. , Phillips John D. , Sassa Shigeru 
Published: November 2005

SummaryA Caucasian male had symptoms of acute porphyria, with increases in urinary δ‐aminolaevulinic acid (ALA), porphobilinogen (PBG) and coproporphyrin that were consistent with hereditary coproporphyria (HCP). However, a greater than expected increase in ALA, compared with PBG, and a substantial increase in erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin, suggested additional ALA dehydratase (ALAD) deficiency. Nucleotide sequence analysis of coproporphyrinogen oxidase (CPO) cDNA of the patient, but not of the parents, revealed a novel nucleotide transition G835→C, resulting in an amino acid change, G279R. The mutant CPO protein expressed in Escherichia coli was unstable, and produced about 5% of activity compared with the wild‐type CPO. Erythrocyte ALAD activity was 32% of normal in the proband. Nucleotide sequence analysis of cloned ALAD cDNAs from the patient revealed a C36→G base transition (F12L amino acid change). The F12L ALAD mutation, which was found in the mother and a brother, was previously described, and is known to lack any enzyme activity. This patient thus represents the first case of porphyria where both CPO and ALAD deficiencies were demonstrated at the molecular level.
Genome scale analysis of diffusible signal factor regulon in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris: identification of novel cell–cell communication‐dependent genes and functions
Authors: He Ya‐Wen , Xu Min , Lin Kui , Ng Yu‐Jin Alvin , Wen Chao‐Ming , Wang Lian‐Hui , Liu Zi‐Duo , Zhang Hai‐Bao , Dong Yi‐Hu , Dow J. Maxwell , Zhang Lian‐Hui 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) recruits a diffusible signal factor (DSF), which has recently been structurally characterized as cis‐11‐methyl‐2‐dodecenoic acid, as a cell–cell communication signal to synchronize virulence gene expression and biofilm dispersal. In this study, we showed that despite the existance of phenotype variations in different Xcc isolates, the DSF‐mediated functions were in general conserved. To investigate the genomic profiles of DSF regulation, we designed and conducted oligomicroarray analysis by comparison of the gene expression patterns of wild‐type strain XC1 and its DSF‐deficient mutant XC1dF, as well as those of XC1dF in the presence or absence of DSF signals. The analyses led to identification of 165 genes, whose expression was significantly influenced by DSF signals. These genes encode proteins and enzymes belonging to at least 12 functional groups. In addition to those previously known DSF‐dependent activities such as production of extracellular enzymes and extracellular polysaccharides, microarray analyses also revealed new functions mediated by DSF, such as flagellum synthesis, resistance to toxins and oxidative stress, and aerobic respiration. Phenotype analyses confirmed that DSF signalling contributed to resistance to toxin acriflavin and hydrogen peroxide, and to the survival of bacterial cells at different temperatures. We conclude that DSF cell–cell signalling is not only essential for co‐ordinating the expression of virulence genes but also plays a vital role in keeping up the general competence of the pathogen in ecosystems.
Chromatic and achromatic transient VEPs in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Suttle C. M. , Lloyd R. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractOculo‐visual abnormalities such as strabismus and high refractive error are common in people with Down syndrome, and account in large part for reduced visual function in this group. In the absence of such abnormalities, however, some spatial vision deficits persist, probably reflecting abnormal function of the neural visual pathway in this population. In addition, colour vision abnormalities are reportedly common in subjects with Down syndrome. We recorded transient visual evoked potentials in response to black‐white and chromatic stimuli, in seven subjects with Down syndrome and 33 controls, to investigate function of the visual pathways underpinning spatial and chromatic visual function in Down syndrome. Our findings indicate, in agreement with previous studies, that retino‐striate achromatic and chromatic processing in Down syndrome are abnormal. We find, however, that abnormal retino‐striate processing of chromatic signals in this group may not give rise to colour vision deficits detected by the Colour Vision Test Made Easy or the City University test.
In focus: the use of bifocal spectacles with children with Down's syndrome
Authors: Stewart Ruth E. , Margaret Woodhouse J. , Trojanowska Lidia D. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractPurpose:  Over 75% of children with Down's syndrome fail to accommodate accurately on near targets. This deficit must result in optically blurred images for near work. This present study set out to evaluate the controlled use of bifocal spectacles as an aid to near focusing. Although sometimes used clinically, no systematic studies of bifocals for children with Down's syndrome have been reported.Methods:  This was a comparative non‐randomised interventional study. Thirty‐four children with Down's syndrome of primary school age (5–11 years) took part, assigned in equal numbers to form two matched groups. All children received a full optometric assessment prior to entering the study. The treatment group was prescribed bifocal spectacles with a +2.50 addition, and the control group provided with single vision lenses to correct any clinically significant refractive error. Three follow‐up visits were made over a 5‐month period after spectacle provision.Results:  The treatment group showed consistently more accurate accommodation than the control group both through the bifocal segment, and, unexpectedly, through the distance part of the lens (p < 0.05). Compliance with new spectacles was high in both groups (>82% fully compliant).Conclusions:  Bifocals confer benefit to children with Down's syndrome who under‐accommodate, both directly (better focusing through the bifocal) and indirectly (by encouraging improved accommodation through the distance part of the lens). Based on the results of this study, eye examinations of children with Down's syndrome should routinely include a measure of accommodation at near, and bifocal spectacles should be considered for those who show under‐accommodation.
Impact of decentration of astigmatic intra‐ocular lenses on the residual refraction after cataract surgery*
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Reese Sven , Seitz Berthold 
Published: November 2005

AbstractPurpose:  The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of decentration of astigmatic intra‐ocular lenses on the residual refraction after cataract surgery, using a computing scheme with 5 × 5 system matrices.Methods:  Based on the definition of an optical system in the paraxial Gaussian space containing astigmatic surfaces without restrictions to coaxiality, we derived a method (using 5 × 5 refraction and translation matrices) for calculating the residual refraction and the compensating prism in the spectacle plane after decentred implantation of thin and thick astigmatic intra‐ocular lenses. The ‘optical system eye’ may contain astigmatic refractive surfaces with their axes at random.Results:  The capabilities of this computing scheme are demonstrated with two examples. In example 1 we calculate the residual refraction of a decentred ‘thin astigmatic lens’ for compensation of corneal astigmatism to achieve a spherical target refraction. In example 2 we compute the residual refraction after implantation of a ‘thick astigmatic lens’, where the spherical and cylindrical power as well as the implantation axis of the lens do not fully match the pre‐operative recommendations and the lens is decentred relative to the optical axis. For both examples, we derive the residual prismatic effect in the spectacle plane and the lateral displacement of a ray exiting the spectacle correction when starting coaxially at the retina.Conclusions:  We have presented an en bloc matrix‐based strategy for the calculation of the residual spherocylindrical refraction at the spectacle plane after implantation of a decentred thin or thick astigmatic intra‐ocular lens without restrictions to coaxiality. The resulting system matrix is written as a product of 5 × 5 refraction and translation matrices.
Recognition performance and perceived quality of video enhanced for the visually impaired
Authors: Peli Eli 
Published: November 2005

AbstractSubjects with central field loss (CFL) individually selected enhancement parameters to improve visibility of static video images. The effect of enhancement on performance and on perceived quality of motion video was assessed. Performance, e.g. recognition of visual details, was assessed by having subjects answer questions regarding visual information contained in the video motion segments that were enhanced using the individually‐selected parameters. Enhancement did not improve subject performance on questions about video content. This result might be due to a ceiling effect limitation of the performance assessment method. In a second procedure, subjects’ continuous perceptions of quality (using an adjective‐based rating scale) were made while the enhancement parameters were abruptly switched among multiple values; these included the individually‐selected enhancements, as well as unenhanced, over‐enhanced, and degraded segments. The results indicate that adaptive enhancement (individually‐tuned using a static image) adds significantly to perceived image quality when viewing motion video. Subjects who selected stronger contrast enhancement also perceived the enhancement to provide a larger benefit in image quality.
The prescription of psychotropic drugs in psychiatric residential facilities: a national survey in Italy
Authors: Tomasi R. , de Girolamo G. , Santone G. , Picardi A. , Micciolo R. , Semisa D. , Fava S. ,   the PROGRES Group
Published: November 2005

Objective:  This paper reports the prescriptions of psychotropic drugs made to 2962 patients living in 265 residential facilities (RFs) in Italy.Method:  Structured interviews were administered to RF managers and staff to obtain data on patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics; information about current drug prescriptions were obtained from clinical records.Results:  Polypharmacy was common: on average, each treated patient was taking 2.7 drugs (±1.1). The association of one atypical antipsychotic with one benzodiazepine represented the most common prescription profile. The variable most consistently associated with a higher likelihood of receiving polypharmacy was a history of admission to an acute general hospital psychiatric ward in the previous 12 months. Many prescriptions were loosely related to specific diagnoses.Conclusion:  Psychotropic drug prescription patterns for severe patients living in RFs are characterized by substantial rates of polypharmacy. Specific guidelines may be helpful for long‐stay patients living in RFs, who exhibit complex care needs.
Neuropsychological functions predict 1‐ and 3‐year outcome in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Carlsson R. , Nyman H. , Ganse G. , Cullberg J. 
Published: November 2005

Objective:  To examine neuropsychological performance as a possible predictor of course and outcome in first‐episode psychotic (FEP) patients.Method:  A group of consecutive FEP patients (n = 120) tested with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales‐Revised (WAIS‐R) at baseline was compared with a healthy group (n = 30) matched for age, education and gender. Relationship between WAIS‐R and both Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Global Assessment of Function (GAF) ratings were studied at baseline and at 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐ups.Results:  The performance of FEP patients was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than that of healthy comparison subjects on all WAIS‐R subtests except for Information and Comprehension. The WAIS‐R scores of patients with schizophrenia syndromes (DSM‐IV) were lower than those of patients with non‐schizophrenia syndromes on Block Design. Low WAIS‐R Full‐Scale IQ scores in FEP patients predicted the presence of negative symptoms at 1‐year follow‐up and of low GAF ratings at 3‐year follow‐up.Conclusion:  Neurocognitive performance at admission appears to predict various aspects of functional outcome in FEP.
Abnormal thalamic volume in treatment‐naïve boys with Tourette syndrome
Authors: Lee J.‐S. , Yoo S.‐S. , Cho S.‐Y. , Ock S.‐M. , Lim M.‐K. , Panych L. P. 
Published: November 2005

Objective:  Thalamic abnormality has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Tourette's syndrome (TS). We examined the presence of aberrant thalamic volume from the treatment‐naïve boys with TS using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Method:  Volumetric MRI was performed on 18 treatment‐naïve boys with TS, aged 7–14 years, and 16 healthy comparison subjects. The anatomical boundaries were then manually parcellated to measure the thalamic volume.Results:  Tourette's syndrome subjects had a significantly larger left thalamus in comparison with those of healthy subjects. On the contrary, no group difference was observed from the right thalamic volume. TS subjects also showed a significant reduction in rightward asymmetry in thalamic volume compared with the healthy subjects.Conclusion:  Our findings provide new evidence of abnormal thalamic volume in pediatric TS.
Evaluation of soft tissue around single‐tooth implant crowns: the pink esthetic score
Authors: Fürhauser Rudolf , Florescu Dionisie , Benesch Thomas , Haas Robert , Mailath Georg , Watzek Georg 
Published: November 2005

AbstractAim: In this study, the reproducibility of a newly developed pink esthetic score (PES) for evaluating soft tissue around single‐tooth implant crowns was assessed. The effect of observer specialization was another point of interest.Material and methods: Twenty observers (five prosthodontists, five oral surgeons, five orthodontists and five dental students) were given photographs of 30 single‐tooth implant crowns. Seven variables were evaluated vs. a natural reference tooth: mesial papilla, distal papilla, soft‐tissue level, soft‐tissue contour, alveolar process deficiency, soft‐tissue color and texture. Using a 0‐1‐2 scoring system, 0 being the lowest, 2 being the highest value, the maximum achievable PES was 14. Each observer was requested to make two assessments at an interval of 4 weeks. At the second assessment, the photographs were scored in the reverse order.Results: The mean PES of evaluations at the first assessment (n=600) was 9.46 (±3.81 SD), and 9.24 (±3.8 SD) at the second one. The difference between these two means was not significant statistically (P=0.6379). Implant‐related mean PES for single‐tooth implants varied from 2.28 to 13.8, with standard deviations between 0.46 and 3.51. Very poor and very esthetic restorations showed the smallest standard deviations. The mean total PES was 10.6 for the prosthodontists, 9.2 for the oral surgeons, 9.9 for the dental students and 7.6 for the orthodontists.Conclusions: The PES reproducibly evaluates peri‐implant soft tissue around single‐tooth implants. Thus, an objective outcome of different surgical or prosthodontic protocols can be assessed. Orthodontists were clearly more critical than the other observers.
Interactive debug requirements
Authors: Seidner Rich , Tindall Nick 
Published: November 2005

This is a market requirements statement for Interactive Debugging. It is the result of a collaboration between the GUIDE/SHARE Language Futures Task Force (LFTF) and IBM.
The LFTF was formed at meetings of SHARE and GUIDE in 1979. The objective of the task force was to provide IBM with the views of the user community on the future of the application development environment. The Task force chose to limit its discussions primarily to "enhancements to the procedural languages and the environments in which they operate."