bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two cases of dizygotic triplet pregnancy following conventional in vitro fertilization
Authors: Furugori Kazunori , Ando Hisao , Ito Tomomi , Mizutani Shigehiko 
Published: December 2004

The mechanism of monozygotic multifetal pregnancy and its association with assisted reproductive technology are uncertain. This report presents two cases of dizygotic triplet pregnancy after the transfer of three embryos in utero. The incidence of monozygotic twinning following assisted conception procedures is higher than in the general population. Zonal manipulation may be a major factor in the increased incidence of monozygotic twinning. As both cases followed the conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), the reason for these monozygotic twinnings might be because of the changes in the zona pellucida in in vitro conditions. In one case, fetuses developed into severe twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), resulting in one intrauterine fetal death at 26 weeks gestation. (Reprod Med Biol 2003; 2: 41–44)
Observation of pronuclei may not be an absolute indicator for fertilization in rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection oocytes
Authors: Chian Ri‐Cheng , Lapensée Louise , Phillips Simon , Tan Seang‐Lin 
Published: December 2004

This case report describes a successful full‐term pregnancy and birth after the transfer of rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryos derived from 1‐day‐old oocytes. A total of eight oocytes were retrieved and inseminated 3 h after collection. No oocytes were fertilized 16–18 h after insemination. A rescue ICSI was performed on the four metaphase II stage oocytes. At the regular time (16 h after ICSI) of examination for fertilization, there were no distinct two pronuclei (2PN) in the cytoplasm of any oocytes, but the culture of these oocytes led to the development of four two‐cell stage embryos 26 h after ICSI. Further culture of these four embryos showed development to a four‐cell stage the following day. The transfer of three embryos resulted in a full‐term pregnancy with the delivery of a pair of healthy twins. This result suggests that the observation of 2PN at the normal time of fertilization assessment may not appear to be an absolute indicator of fertilization in the case of rescue ICSI. (Reprod Med Biol 2003; 2: 83–85)
Target concentration of propofol required to insert the laryngeal mask airway in children
Authors: Viviand X. , Berdugo L. , De La Noé C. Aubry , Lando A. , Martin C. 
Published: December 2004

Summary Background: The aim of this prospective study was to determine the target concentration (CPRED) curves for laryngeal mask airway (LMA™) insertion in children. Methods: The CPRED of propofol required for insertion of the LMA was determined in 72 unpremedicated children, aged 3–10 years, ASA physical status I. CPRED was reached in 2 min according to a sequential allocation. LMA insertion was then performed by an experienced anaesthetist who was unaware of the concentration. Insertion conditions were noted as satisfactory (jaw relaxed, no coughing, gagging, swallowing or laryngeal spasm, minimal limb movement), excellent (no movement at all) or unacceptable if otherwise. Results: The CPRED50 and CPRED90 were 7.86 µg·ml–l[95% confidence interval (CI) 6.46–9.26] and 10.71 µg·ml–l (95% CI 9.31–12.12), respectively, in the satisfactory group and 10.86 µg·ml–l (95% CI 10.14–11.57) and 13.71 µg·ml–l (95% CI 12.99–14.42) in the excellent group when calculations were based on Kataria's pharmacokinetics. These figures were increased 1.5‐fold when calculations were based on Marsh's pharmacokinetics. With Schüttler's pharmacokinetics, CPRED50 were 4.62 µg·ml–l and 13.66 µg·ml–l for satisfactory and excellent groups, respectively. Conclusions: The target‐controlled infusion technique for anaesthesia induction and insertion of the LMA was a safe and effective technique in our study.
Managing sedation withdrawal in children who undergo prolonged PICU admission after discharge to the ward
Authors: Cunliffe M. , McArthur L. , Dooley F. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryChildren who undergo a prolonged stay within the intensive care unit require adequate sedation and analgesia. During the recovery phase there will need to be a period of sedation withdrawal to prevent occurrence of an abstinence syndrome. We present a strategy developed within our hospital for managing this process which uses the resource of the Pain Service, along with guidelines to help prevent the development of withdrawal, and a plan for managing any signs of abstinence which occur.
Site‐independently integrated transgenes in the elite restorer rice line Minghui 63 allow removal of a selectable marker from the gene of interest by self‐segregation
Authors: Tu Jumin , Datta Karabi , Oliva Norman , Zhang Guoan , Xu Caiguo , Khush Gurdev Singh , Zhang Qifa , Datta Swapan Kumar 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIn this study, we have demonstrated that two independent loci are involved in the integration of the insecticidal protein gene cryIAb/cryIAc and selectable marker gene hph in the recipient genome of the elite Chinese CMS restorer line Minghui 63. We have also documented the structural organization of these transgenes in each locus by restriction enzyme digestion and Southern blot analysis. The independent locus integration of different transgenes allowed us to remove the selectable marker gene hph from the gene of interest simply by self‐segregation. Not having the selectable marker gene will enhance the commercial value of our transgenic line TT51‐1, which showed a consistently high level of resistance against repeated infestations of yellow stem borers and natural outbreaks of leaf‐folders, without a reduction in yield potential.
Pathogenicity of Swedish isolates of Phytophthora quercina to Quercus robur in two different soils
Authors: Jönsson Ulrika , Jung Thomas , Rosengren Ulrika , Nihlgård Bengt , Sonesson Kerstin 
Published: December 2004

Summary

Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of soil‐borne Phytophthora species, especially Phytophthora quercina, in European oak decline. However, knowledge about the pathogenicity of P. quercina in natural forest soils is limited.
The short‐term effects of two south‐Swedish isolates of P. quercina on root vitality of Quercus robur seedlings grown in two different soils, one high pH, nutrient‐rich peat–sand mixture and one acid, nitrogen‐rich but otherwise nutrient‐poor forest soil are described. Pathogenicity of P. quercina was tested using a soil infestation method under a restricted mesic water regime without prolonged flooding of the seedlings.
There was a significant difference in dead fine‐root length between control seedlings and seedlings grown in soil infested with P. quercina. Trends were similar for both soil types and isolates, but there was a higher percentage of fine‐root die‐back and more severe damage on coarse roots in the acid forest soil. No effects on above‐ground growth or leaf nutrient concentration between control seedlings and infected seedlings were found.
The results confirm the pathogenicity of south‐Swedish isolates of P. quercina in acid forest soils under restricted water availability. Stress‐induced susceptibility of the seedlings and/or increased aggressiveness of the pathogen in the forest soil are discussed as key factors to explain the difference in root die‐back between soil types.
Chromosomal evolution and speciation: a recombination‐based approach
Authors: Livingstone Kevin , Rieseberg Loren 
Published: December 2004

SummaryAlthough karyotypic differences between species have long been recognized, the question of whether these mutations play a causal role in speciation remains unanswered. This is because most models of chromosomal speciation focus on underdominance, which presents a theoretical paradox in that the strength of an underdominant barrier is inversely proportional to its fixation probability. To counter this problem, a new model has been proposed that focuses on the modification of effective recombination rates, whereby rearrangements facilitate the build up of linkage disequilibrium in the presence of gene flow. This model is discussed, along with new supporting data from the Solanaceae.
Verne Grant and evolutionary studies of Aquilegia
Authors: Hodges Scott A. , Fulton Michelle , Yang Ji Y. , Whittall Justen B. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryOne of Verne Grant's lasting contributions to plant evolutionary biology has been the recognition that differences between plants in floral characters can have a dramatic impact on both pollinator visitation and pollen transfer and thus affect reproductive isolation between nascent plant species (collectively, floral isolation). Here we review some of the concepts and findings from Grant's work on floral isolation, particularly with respect to the genus Aquilegia (Ranunculaceae). It has now been over 50 yr since Grant first published on the role of floral isolation on reproductive isolation and speciation in Aquilegia and we compare and contrast his findings with our own work on this genus. We find that the data largely support Grant's findings and that Aquilegia will continue to offer great opportunities to learn about the processes of adaptation and speciation.
Ganzfeld changes in short wavelength automated perimetry
Authors: Sukumar S. , Balekuduru S. 
Published: December 2004

Purpose:  The change in perception of background illumination known as Ganzfeld changes occurs while performing perimetry test. It occurs under higher background illumination and whilst covering the non‐tested eye with a black patch. We investigated the occurrence of Ganzfeld changes in Short Wavelength Automated Perimetry (SWAP) and assessed the performance while covering the non‐tested eye with a standard black patch and with a translucent occluder.Methods:  Twenty‐eight volunteers of age 22 ± 3 years participated in the study. A custom made 16‐point test was used to analyse the sensitivity with a standard black patch and with the translucent occluder. The number and duration of Ganzfeld changes in each condition were detected by subjective responses. The visual comfort of the subjects under each patching condition was assessed using a comfort scale (0–5) and subject's preference.Results:  Ganzfeld changes occurred when a standard black patch was used and appears to influence the ability to see the test targets. With a standard black patch 5 Ganzfeld changes were observed per minute and it varied between 2 and 8 s. The duration and occurrence increased towards the end of the test. Using a translucent occluder almost eliminates the occurrence of Ganzfeld changes and improved the sensitivity (p = 0.001). Of the 28 subjects, 22 preferred translucent occluder to black patch.Conclusion:  Use of a translucent spectacle occluder over the non‐tested eye significantly reduces the Ganzfeld changes and improves the performance in SWAP.
The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Habitat Protection as a Restoration Strategy
Authors: Weiner Art , Berg Catherine , Gerlach Tom , Grunblatt Jesse , Holbrook Ken , Kuwada Mark 
Published: December 2004

AbstractHabitat protection is a major component of the Exxon Valdez oil spill restoration process. The acquisition of private lands, or partial interests in private lands, is intended to promote natural recovery of spill‐injured resources and services by removing the threat of additional development impacts. The Comprehensive Habitat Protection Process is the method that was designed to achieve this objective. Over one million acres within the oil spill affected area were evaluated, scored, and ranked by a multi‐criteria evaluation process. Initially, lands were divided into large parcels encompassing entire bays and watersheds. Criteria were then used to assess the habitat and human‐use values associated with each parcel and the protection benefit that acquisition would provide for 19 injured resources and services. This process has been the basis for the acquisition of 41,549 acres of land on Afognak Island and 23,800 acres on the Kenai Peninsula and for agreements that, if consummated, will result in the acquisition of fee or lesser rights on over a half million acres of land in the Kodiak Archipelago, on the Kenai Peninsula, and in Prince William Sound. All of these lands or rights, if acquired, will be incorporated into parks or refuges or otherwise managed in a manner that will facilitate the recovery of the resources and services injured by the oil spill.
Ideas, bargaining and flexible policy communities: policy change and the case of the Oxford Transport Strategy
Authors: Dudley Geoffrey 
Published: December 2004

Critiques of policy networks have highlighted particularly the inability of concepts such as policy communities to explain policy change. The established construction of policy community places it chiefly as a metaphor for a relatively stable network within the policy process, which emphasizes the resource dependencies between key stakeholders. Typically, a process of bargaining brings about accommodation and a state of negotiated order.However, a key problem arises in explaining major policy change where an established policy community persists. One solution here is to appreciate that, over time, dominant ideas and associated policy meanings may shift appreciably within an otherwise durable policy community. Thus, even a seemingly insulated policy community, under certain conditions, may not be immune to idea mutation and new policy meanings. Given the central importance of policy communities, these shifts may induce significant policy change.A case study of this type is provided by the Oxford Transport Strategy (OTS), where a dual process of change took place. On one level of analysis, a challenge to the policy community produced a typical bargaining strategy, with an emphasis on negotiated order. On another level of analysis, however, the terms of the policy debate shifted markedly, and produced a new meaning for the key concept of integrated transport within the policy community. In turn, this process induced significant policy change. The article concludes that, ironically, the survival of a policy community depends on its ability to re‐create itself by visualizing a new future.
Strawson's Anti‐Scepticism: A Critical Reconstruction
Authors: Wong Wai‐hung 
Published: December 2004

AbstractStrawson suggests an anti‐sceptical strategy which consists in offering good reason for ignoring scepticism rather than trying to refute it, and the reason he offers is that beliefs about the external world are indispensable to us. I give an exposition of Strawson's arguments for the indispensability thesis and explain why they are not strong enough. I then propose an argument based on some of Davidson's ideas in his theory of radical interpretation, which I think can establish the indispensability thesis. Finally, I spell out the force of Strawson's anti‐sceptical strategy by arguing that we have good reason for ignoring scepticism not only because beliefs about the world are indispensable, but also because it is irrational to have both beliefs about the world and sceptical doubts.
Surveillance and Security: A Dodgy Relationship1
Authors: Peissl Walter 
Published: December 2004

Modern societies are vulnerable. We have known this long before the attacks of 11 September 2001, but they made it clear to everyone. The second lesson learned from the attacks was that it is impossible to foresee such events. Although these attacks to the real world were “low‐tech”, now there are attempts around the globe to control especially the electronic or virtual world. However, does more surveillance really lead to more security? If so, what will be the price we have to pay?National states try to provide their citizens with a high level of security, but the effort for better security often gets mixed up with the claim for more surveillance. This is one reason why, over the past few months, governmental activities seemed to jeopardise the internationally acknowledged fundamental right of privacy. Societal security versus personal freedom is an old and well‐known area of conflict. In the light of the incidents of 11 September 2001 some old ideas for surveillance and for measures restricting privacy got on the agenda again – and new ones keep emerging.This article will give an overview of what happened on a governmental level after 11 September 2001 in the EU, in some EU‐member states and in the USA. Apart from political actions, we already face even direct socio‐economic implications as some anonymiser services were shut down. They empowered Internet users to protect their right of privacy, and they were the first targets of investigation and suspicion. Shutting down these services reduces the potential room for users to protect their privacy by using Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs). This is an indicator for a serious societal problem: democracy has already changed.In the second part I will analyse the relationship between surveillance and security and I will argue that, and give reasons why, these international over‐reactions will not lead to the intended effects. Rather, they will have long‐term implications for the respective societies. So in the end this has to be acknowledged in a necessary appreciation of values.
The enigmatic eminence of Cardinal Sigismondo Gonzaga
Authors: Chambers D. S. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe paper stresses the ambiguity of much of the available information about Sigismondo Gonzaga (1469–1525), his personality, cultural interests, and political importance. It concentrates upon his role as a cardinal under Julius II (d. 1513) in Rome, where he faced financial problems, and then as cardinal legate in the Marche, though he was repeatedly recalled to Mantua to assist his brother marquis Francesco and his consort Isabella d'Este. Stress is placed on Sigismondo's role in Julius II's military campaigns, on his building activity in Macerata, on his geniality, and on the ill‐health (for which there are no proven links with depravity) that caused his retirement to Mantua in 1513.
Corruption, Reform, and Virtue Ethics
Authors: Lynch Thomas D. , Lynch Cynthia E. 
Published: December 2004

Books reviewed in this article:Gerald E. Caiden, O.P. Dwivedi, and Joseph Jabbra (eds.), Where Corruption LiesSusan Rose‐Ackerman, Corruption and Government: Causes, Consequences, and ReformPeter Kobrak, Cozy Politics: Political Parties, Campaign Finance, and Compromised GovernanceRaymond J. Devettere, Introduction to Virtue Ethics: Insights of the Ancient Greeks
The Spectrum of Cutaneous Lymphomas in Patients Less than 20 Years of Age
Authors: Fink‐Puches Regina , Chott Andreas , Ardigó Marco , Simonitsch Ingrid , Ferrara Gerardo , Kerl Helmut , Cerroni Lorenzo 
Published: December 2004

Abstract:  Cutaneous lymphomas are rare in young patients and are mostly represented by mycosis fungoides and its variants and CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders (lymphomatoid papulosis [LYP] and anaplastic large T‐cell lymphoma). We report our observations in a series of 69 patients less than 20 years of age who presented either with primary cutaneous lymphoma (n = 62) or with secondary manifestations of extracutaneous disease (n = 7). Clinicopathologic features permitted classification of the cases into the following diagnostic categories: mycosis fungoides (n = 24, all primary cutaneous), anaplastic large T‐cell lymphoma (n = 13, all primary cutaneous), LYP (n = 11, all primary cutaneous), subcutaneous “panniculitis‐like” T‐cell lymphoma (n = 1, primary cutaneous), small‐medium pleomorphic T‐cell lymphoma (n = 2, all primary cutaneous), natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal‐type (n = 1, secondary cutaneous), follicle center cell lymphoma (n = 1, primary cutaneous), marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (n = 7, all primary cutaneous), B‐lymphoblastic lymphomas (n = 6, 3 primary and 3 secondary cutaneous), specific cutaneous manifestations of Hodgkin disease (n = 1, secondary cutaneous), and acute myeloid leukemia (n = 2, both secondary cutaneous). Cutaneous lymphoma in children should be differentiated from benign skin disorders that may simulate them. In particular, mycosis fungoides and LYP in this age group may present with clinicopathologic features reminiscent of inflammatory disorders such as pityriasis alba, vitiligo, pityriasis rosea, and pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta. Even in secondary cutaneous lymphomas, skin manifestations may be the first sign of the systemic disease, and a diagnosis may be achieved on examination of histopathologic specimens of a cutaneous lesion. Our study illustrates the wide spectrum of cutaneous lymphomas and leukemias in patients less than 20 years of age and underlines the need for proper interpretation of these lesions by dermatologists and dermatopathologists.
Bacterial challenge stimulates innate immune responses in extra‐embryonic tissues of tobacco hornworm eggs
Authors: Gorman M. J. , Kankanala P. , Kanost M. R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractInnate immunity protects juvenile and adult vertebrates and invertebrates against potential pathogens; however, it is unknown when developing embryos become immune competent and just how they are guarded from infection. To address these questions, we studied the effect of immune challenge on early stage eggs of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. We detected many immune‐related proteins and mRNAs in naive eggs. Upon immune challenge, antimicrobial protein genes were up‐regulated, and antibacterial activity increased. Antimicrobial protein mRNAs and lysozyme were present in the extra‐embryonic tissues of immune‐challenged eggs; in addition, melanization in response to bacteria occurred in the yolk but not embryonic tissues. We conclude that the extra‐embryonic tissues of early stage M. sexta eggs are immune competent and likely protect the developing embryo from infection. We suggest that innate immune responses of extra‐embryonic tissues may be a common mechanism for protecting early embryos.
Cycloheximide inhibits root water flow and stomatal conductance in aspen (Populus tremuloides) seedlings
Authors: VOICU M. C. , ZWIAZEK J. J. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTAspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) roots were treated with cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, to examine the role of protein synthesis in root water transport and plant water relations. Within less than 30 min following root application, cycloheximide inhibited steady‐state root water flow rates and 1 h after the application of 1 mm cycloheximide, root hydraulic conductivity had decreased by 85% compared with control roots. However, stomatal conductance showed a significant inhibition only after 2 h following cycloheximide treatment. The reduction in root hydraulic conductivity was accompanied by an almost three‐fold increase in the apoplastic water flow ratio as determined by the trisodium 3‐hydroxy‐5,8,10‐pyrenesulphonate tracer dye. Cycloheximide‐treated roots showed a decrease in the immunostaining intensity of a 32 kDa microsomal protein band that immunoreacted with the AnthPIP1; 1 antibody suggesting a decrease in the membrane aquaporin expression. These changes occurred without severe metabolic disruptions as measured by root respiration. The results point to the importance of protein‐mediated transport in roots and the rapidity of response suggests that protein synthesis may be used as a principal regulatory mechanism in root water transport in aspen.