bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF DUPLEX ULTRASOUND WITH DIGITAL SUBTRACTION ANGIOGRAPHY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF INFRA‐INGUINAL AUTOLOGOUS VEIN BYPASS GRAFTS
Authors: Griffin Nick M. R. , Wright Isabel A. , Buckenham Tim M. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Postoperative surveillance of infra‐inguinal vein grafts has arisen because of the high incidence of vein graft stenoses, which frequently progress to vein graft occlusion. The use of duplex ultrasound as the primary imaging method for graft surveillance is well established. This study aims to compare the accuracy of duplex ultrasound with the reference standard of digital subtraction angiography in the assessment of infra‐inguinal vein grafts.Methods:  Sixty patients underwent routine postoperative duplex ultrasound as part of the local graft surveillance programme. Angiography was subsequently carried out on 18 grafts. Each lower limb arterial tree was divided into three segments (native arteries proximal to the graft, the graft itself and native arteries distal to the graft) resulting in a total of 42 comparisons. Degree of diameter stenosis on ultrasound was compared with angiography findings to determine concordance. Agreement was also expressed as a kappa value.Results:  Overall accuracy of duplex ultrasound was 88% (37/42). A kappa value of 0.80 indicates good agreement. In three of the five discordant cases, ultrasound correctly identified a stenosis, but overestimated the degree of stenosis compared with angiography. In each of the remaining two discordant cases, ultrasound identified a focal stenosis that was not apparent on angiography. In both cases, the area of duplex described abnormality responded to balloon angioplasty.Conclusion:  Duplex ultrasound as part of the local vein graft surveillance programme is a reliable and accurate method in the detection of failing grafts and in some instances may be more sensitive.
Enhanced food intake after stimulation of hypothalamic P2Y1receptors in rats: modulation of feeding behaviour by extracellular nucleotides
Authors: Kittner Holger , Franke Heike , Harsch Julia I. , El‐Ashmawy Ibrahim M. , Seidel Bertholt , Krügel Ute , Illes Peter 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe present study was aimed to clarify the role of purinergic signalling in the regulation of ingestion behaviour. The ATP/ADP analogues 2‐methylthioATP (2‐MeSATP) and adenosine 5′‐O‐(2‐thiodiphosphate) (ADPβS) increased the food intake after intracerebroventricular infusion in 18‐h food‐deprived rats. This effect was abolished by pretreatment with the non‐selective P2X/P2Y receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADS) or the selective P2Y1receptor antagonist MRS 2179, respectively. The stimulation of food intake mediated by ADPβS was also blocked by pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor Nw‐nitro‐l‐arginine methylester (L‐NAME), as well as with the inhibitor of the soluble guanylyl cyclase 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ), suggesting that the orexigenic effect seems to be closely related with the ensuing formation of nitric oxide. The immunohistochemical staining indicating a co‐localization of P2Y1receptor‐ and nNOS‐immunoreactivities in a population of neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) agrees with this assumption. Further experiments with the direct local application of these compounds into the VMH and lateral hypothalamic nucleus (LH) show that the stimulation of P2Y1receptors in these functionally antagonistic brain regions exerts an increased food intake. Hence, different signal transduction mechanisms may operate in the VMH and LH. Our assumption is supported by distinct effects of the NOS inhibitor L‐NAME in these two hypothalamic nuclei. The present data suggest that ATP/ADP, acting as extracellular signal molecules in the rat brain, are involved in the regulation of food intake, possibly depending on P2Y1‐receptor‐mediated nitric oxide production.
Effects of nicotinic therapies on attention and executive functions in chronic low‐dose MPTP‐treated monkeys
Authors: Decamp E. , Schneider J. S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractChronic administration of low doses of the neurotoxin MPTP to nonhuman primates induces cognitive deficits similar to those seen in early Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, without the confounding effect of significant motor impairment. The present study assessed the extent to which specific attentional and central executive deficits in chronic low dose (CLD) MPTP‐treated monkeys could be modified by nicotinic therapies. Four adult male rhesus monkeys were trained to perform attention and executive function tasks and were then administered low doses of MPTP (dose range: 0.025–0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) over 98–158 days until stable cognitive deficits appeared. Results showed that both nicotine and the α4β4 subtype‐selective nAChR agonist SIB‐1553A could improve certain aspects of attentional and central executive functioning in this model of early Parkinsonism. Nicotine failed to improve performance of CLD‐MPTP‐treated animals on an attention set‐shifting task while SIB‐1553A significantly improved at least some aspects of performance, suggesting that the compound increased the animals' ability to maintain a previously formed response set and restored cognitive flexibility. Both nicotine and SIB‐1553A caused a dose‐dependent enhancement of performance on the focused attention (cued reaction time) task, decreasing reaction times on both cued and noncued trials. Nicotine caused a significant reduction in reaction times but did not alter the error profile on an impulse (motor readiness) task. SIB‐1553A reduced reaction times but caused an increase in bar release (i.e. impulsivity) errors. These data suggest that nicotinic drugs may have therapeutic potential for treating cognitive dysfunction in PD.
Roles of octopaminergic and dopaminergic neurons in mediating reward and punishment signals in insect visual learning
Authors: Unoki Sae , Matsumoto Yukihisa , Mizunami Makoto 
Published: October 2006

AbstractInsects, like vertebrates, have considerable ability to associate visual, olfactory or other sensory signals with reward or punishment. Previous studies in crickets, honey bees and fruit‐flies have suggested that octopamine (OA, invertebrate counterpart of noradrenaline) and dopamine (DA) mediate various kinds of reward and punishment signals in olfactory learning. However, whether the roles of OA and DA in mediating positive and negative reinforcing signals can be generalized to learning of sensory signals other than odors remained unknown. Here we first established a visual learning paradigm in which to associate a visual pattern with water reward or saline punishment for crickets and found that memory after aversive conditioning decayed much faster than that after appetitive conditioning. Then, we pharmacologically studied the roles of OA and DA in appetitive and aversive forms of visual learning. Crickets injected with epinastine or mianserin, OA receptor antagonists, into the hemolymph exhibited a complete impairment of appetitive learning to associate a visual pattern with water reward, but aversive learning with saline punishment was unaffected. By contrast, fluphenazine, chlorpromazine or spiperone, DA receptor antagonists, completely impaired aversive learning without affecting appetitive learning. The results demonstrate that OA and DA participate in reward and punishment conditioning in visual learning. This finding, together with results of previous studies on the roles of OA and DA in olfactory learning, suggests ubiquitous roles of the octopaminergic reward system and dopaminergic punishment system in insect learning.
Asian MODY: are we missing an important diagnosis?
Authors: Porter J. R. , Rangasami J. J. , Ellard S. , Gloyn A. L. , Shields B. M. , Edwards J. , Anderson J. M. , Shaw N. J. , Hattersley A. T. , Frayling T. M. , Plunkett M. , Barrett T. G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAims  Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes where correct diagnosis alters treatment, prognosis and genetic counselling. The first UK survey of childhood MODY identified 20 White, but no Asian children with MODY. We hypothesized that MODY causes diabetes in UK Asians, but is underdiagnosed.Methods  Children with dominant family histories of diabetes were recruited. Direct sequencing for mutations in the two most common MODY genes; HNF1A (TCF1) and GCK was performed in autoantibody‐negative probands. We also compared MODY testing data for Asian and White cases from the Exeter MODY database, to 2001 UK census data.Results  We recruited 30 families and identified three Asian families with MODY gene mutations (two HNF1A, one GCK) and three White UK families (two HNF1A, one GCK). Heterozygous MODY phenotypes were similar in Asians and Whites. Only eight (0.5%) of 1369 UK referrals for MODY testing were known to be Asian, but in 2001 Asians represented 4% of the English/Welsh population and have a higher prevalence of diabetes.Conclusions  We identified three cases of childhood MODY in UK Asians and demonstrated reduced rates of MODY testing in Asians, which has negative implications for treatment. It is unclear why this is. MODY should be considered in autoantibody‐negative Asian diabetes patients lacking evidence of insulin resistance.
From ‘As Good as Gold’ to ‘Gold Diggers’: Farming Women and the Survival of British Family Farming
Authors: Price Linda , Evans Nick 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe survival of family farming in British agriculture has long been a topic of interest for rural researchers and is undergoing something of a current renewal of interest. However, insights from feminist approaches remain underutilised despite the crucial role farming women continue to play in family farming. This article addresses the unity of farm, family and business by interpreting it as a patriarchal way of life. An ethnographically informed repeated life history methodology is employed to study in detail the family members of seven farms in rural mid‐Wales. Findings show that the recent survival of the family farms investigated has been heavily dependent upon compliance with a patriarchal ideology that demands that women be ‘as good as gold’. However, it is discovered that a new view of women is emerging in the world of British family farming, that of ‘gold digger’. Women entering relationships with farming men are increasingly being considered a threat to farm survival by virtue of their entitlements if the relationship breaks down. The necessity to study the intricacies of personal relationships in family farming has important implications for most future research into this form of agricultural business arrangement.
Marketing its Colonial Heritage: A New Lease of Life for Cape Coast, Ghana?
Authors: AGYEI‐MENSAH SAMUEL 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMost of the published works on place promotion and urban change have been undertaken within the western world. This essay goes beyond previous studies by examining the phenomenon within the African context. Specifically, it examines the utility of heritage tourism as an avenue for place promotion of Cape Coast, Ghana. The essay demonstrates how urban development in Ghana has become more centralized on towns such as Accra and Kumasi, so that once important towns like Cape Coast have lost their importance. The fact that such towns have attempted to improve their position via innovative urban development strategies, and the experience of Cape Coast, is a testimony of how heritage tourism is helping to fill this gap. However, there are significant structural constraints on the effective use of tourism in salvaging Cape Coast’s declining image, and these have to be addressed before too much faith is put in tourism as a tool for place promotion.
Deliberative Democracy and Local Governance: Towards a New Agenda
Authors: MELO MARCUS ANDRE , BAIOCCHI GIANPAOLO 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOver the last decade scholars of urban governance and deliberative democracy have produced large literatures. Theorists of deliberative democracy have conceptualized the normative implications of ‘deliberation’ and explored real‐world decision‐making arrangements that approximate those ideals. Scholars of urban governance have theorized and explored the outcomes of different institutional arrangements for the governance of cities and regions. Whereas empirical democratic theory has increasingly been interested in local contexts, researchers of urban governance have been progressively more concerned about the implications of emerging patterns of urban governance for democratic accountability. However, despite the recent mutual interest among researchers in both fields, debates within these literatures frequently ignore each other and are not systematic. This introductory article reviews recent contributions that have fruitfully investigated the tension between deliberation and governance in a more systematic fashion, and concludes that our understanding of those issues is significantly improved by a research agenda that pursues an integrated approach.
Still Off‐Limits? Staff Views on Supporting Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual People with Intellectual Disabilities to Develop Sexual and Intimate Relationships?
Authors: Abbott David , Howarth Joyce 
Published: October 2006

Background  In the UK and elsewhere, there is a growing policy and legislative imperative to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are supported to develop relationships, including sexual ones. However, gay, lesbian and bisexual people with intellectual disabilities may have additional needs or face particular barriers in this area of their lives. They may require particular kinds of support from the staff who work with them. But how able, or willing, are staff in services to address these issues?Method  As part of empirical, qualitative research, the authors carried out interviews with 71 staff in 20 intellectual disability services across the UK about their views and experiences of working with people with intellectual disabilities who were, or may have been, gay, lesbian or bisexual.Results  The majority of staff interviewed said that they did not feel confident working in this area. A number of barriers to doing the work were identified including a lack of policy and training as well as the prejudice of staff and parents/carers.Conclusions  The reticence of staff to engage with these issues needs addressing especially in the light of the emerging human rights of people with intellectual disabilities to develop sexual and intimate relationships.
Cutaneous clear‐cell granular cell tumors: the histologic description of an unusual variant
Authors: Zedek Daniel C. , Murphy Bettina A. , Shea Christopher R. , Hitchcock Michael G. , Reutter Jason C. , White Wain L. 
Published: October 2006

Background:  Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are neoplasms showing nerve sheath differentiation that can arise in the skin but, to our knowledge, have not been associated with significant clear‐cell morphology.Methods:  Two patients developed four separate GCTs with distinctive, diffuse clear‐cell change, which completely camouflaged the primary differentiation. The morphology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry of the lesions are described and are compared with the presence and extent of clear‐cell change in 14 other cases of GCTs.Results:  The index cases were relatively broad proliferations with uniform diffuse clear‐cell change and only minimal overlying epidermal hyperplasia. Prominent lymphoid nodules were present at the periphery. These clear‐cell granular tumors were positive for S‐100 protein, p75, CD68, NKI/C3 and neuron‐specific enolase and were negative for epithelial mucin, periodic acid‐Schiff, carcinoembryonic antigen, HMB‐45, Melan‐A, smooth muscle actin, Leu7, synaptophysin, CD34, factor XIIIa, epithelial membrane antigen and cytokeratin. Three of the fourteen comparison cases were found to have no clear‐cell change, eight showed focal clear‐cell change and three showed moderate clear‐cell change.Conclusions:  The distinctive morphology and the immunohistochemical results are discussed in the context of the differential diagnosis of clear‐cell cutaneous tumors.
An antecedent diagnosis of refractory anemia with excess blasts has no influence on mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells and hematopoietic recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Viola Assunta , Falco Claudio , D'Elia Rossella , D'Amico Maria R. , Vicari Laura , Tambaro Francesco P. , Correale Pasqualino , Laudati Daniela , Palmieri Salvatore , Ferrara Felicetto 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSeveral studies have reported data on factors influencing mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in non‐myeloid malignancies. On the contrary, data from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are very limited, in particular, as the impact of an antecedent diagnosis of refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) on mobilization of PBSCs as well as hematopoietic recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is concerned. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 150 consecutive AML patients in first complete remission in order to make a comparison between patients with de novo AML and secondary AML (s‐AML) in terms of CD34 positive (CD34+) cells mobilization and number of leukapheresis needed to collect at least one single stem cell graft. Data concerning hematopoietic recovery after ASCT were also compared. The successful mobilization rate (>2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg) was comparable between de novo AML patients (87%) and those with s‐AML (76%), P:0.21. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of either median number of CD34+ cells collected (P:0.44) or CD34+ cells peak in peripheral blood (P:0.28). Both groups of patients needed a median of two apheresis (P:0.45) and no difference was found on the median number of CD34+ cells collected per single apheresis (P:0.59). Finally, neutrophil and platelet recovery after ASCT were comparable between the two groups. An antecedent diagnosis of RAEB has no impact on mobilization and collection of PBSCs in AML as well as on hematopoietic recovery after ASCT.
Craters Produced by Explosions on the Soil Surface
Authors: Ambrosini Ricardo Daniel , Luccioni Bibiana María 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Explosives are commonly used in terrorist attacks and the craters formed by blast waves can be used as a diagnostic tool. For example, the focus of the explosion and the mass of the explosive used in the attack can be deduced by examining the location, geometry, and dimensions of the crater. However, studies about craters produced by explosions on or above ground level, which would be the case when the explosive charge is situated in a vehicle, are rarely found in the open technical literature. In this paper, a numerical study on craters formed by explosive loads located on the soil surface is presented. The soil parameters used in the numerical model, as well as the analysis procedure, were validated against experimental observations of the crater diameters. Results of numerical tests performed with different amounts of explosive on the soil surface are presented. Moreover, the effect of elevation of the center of energy release of explosive loads located on the soil surface is analyzed and discussed. Simple predictive equations for the crater diameter are presented.
Stabilized Mixed Finite Elements With Embedded Strong Discontinuities for Shear Band Modeling
Authors: Sánchez P. J. , Sonzogni V. , Huespe A. E. , Oliver J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA stabilized mixed finite element with elemental embedded strong discontinuities for shear band modeling is presented. The discrete constitutive model, representing the cohesive forces acting across the shear band, is derived from a rate-independent J2 plastic continuum material model with strain softening, by using a projection-type procedure determined by the Continuum-Strong Discontinuity Approach. The numerical examples emphasize the increase of the numerical solution accuracy obtained with the present strategy as compared with alternative procedures using linear triangles.
Hot Spot Stress S-N Curve for Fatigue Analysis of Plated
Structures
Authors: Lotsberg Inge , Sigurdsson Gudfinnur 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Finite element analysis is being used by designers for fatigue assessment of structures. It is therefore important that a proper link between calculated hot spot stress and fatigue capacity is established. The fatigue capacity is expressed as a hot spot stress S-N curve. This paper presents a derivation of a hot spot stress S-N curve to be used when the hot spot stress is derived from finite element analysis of plated structures. The hot spot S-N curve is linked to the methodology used for finite element analysis of plated structures that is being included in design recommendations for fatigue assessment of welded structures.
Controlled Expression and Functional Analysis of Iron-Sulfur Cluster Biosynthetic Components within
Azotobacter vinelandii
Authors: Johnson Deborah C. , Unciuleac Mihaela-Carmen , Dean Dennis R. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT

A system for the controlled expression of genes in
Azotobacter vinelandii
by using genomic fusions to the sucrose catabolic regulon was developed. This system was used for the functional analysis of the
A. vinelandii isc
genes, whose products are involved in the maturation of [Fe-S] proteins. For this analysis, the
scrX
gene, contained within the sucrose catabolic regulon, was replaced by the contiguous
A. vinelandii iscS
,
iscU
,
iscA
,
hscB
,
hscA
,
fdx
, and
iscX
genes, resulting in duplicate genomic copies of these genes: one whose expression is directed by the normal
isc
regulatory elements (P
isc
) and the other whose expression is directed by the
scrX
promoter (P
scrX
). Functional analysis of [Fe-S] protein maturation components was achieved by placing a mutation within a particular P
isc
-controlled gene with subsequent repression of the corresponding P
scrX
-controlled component by growth on glucose as the carbon source. This experimental strategy was used to show that IscS, IscU, HscBA, and Fdx are essential in
A. vinelandii
and that their depletion results in a deficiency in the maturation of aconitase, an enzyme that requires a [4Fe-4S] cluster for its catalytic activity. Depletion of IscA results in a null growth phenotype only when cells are cultured under conditions of elevated oxygen, marking the first null phenotype associated with the loss of a bacterial IscA-type protein. Furthermore, the null growth phenotype of cells depleted of HscBA could be partially reversed by culturing cells under conditions of low oxygen. Conserved amino acid residues within IscS, IscU, and IscA that are essential for their respective functions and/or whose replacement results in a partial or complete dominant-negative growth phenotype were also identified using this system.