bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embedding the literacy strategy: snapshots of change
Authors: Fisher Ros 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis paper considers the government's initiative to change the teaching of literacy in primary schools in England. It draws on evidence from a one‐year ESRC‐funded project that observed teaching in the first year of the NLS and a two‐year follow‐up study that revisited and re‐interviewed several of the teachers from the original study. It proposes that, although substantial changes have been made to the organisation and procedures of literacy teaching, deeper pedagogical change is less obvious in some classrooms. It further argues that for teachers to have the freedom to develop their pedagogy, the climate of coercion and outcome‐led education must change.
ANALYSIS AND EXPERIMENT OF MULTICHANNEL WDM + EDFA OPTICAL FIBER TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
Authors: XU ANSHI , WU DEMING , XIANG QIANGSHENG , ZHANG KAN , WANG CHU , XIE LINZHEN 
Published: October 2004

A 151 km "WDM + EDFA" optical fiber transmission system with 8 channels and 2 EDFAs has been built for the first time in China. Some formulas are given to estimate the effect of optical signal power and ASE noise on BER, the power penalty caused by the Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) and the crosstalk due to the grating demultiplexer in optical amplified WDM systems with EDFAs. The calculation results are well agreed with experimental data. In addition, an 8-channel, optically amplified WDM system with regenerated transmission distance of 1208 km, an 8-channel, 240 km optically amplified WDM system and a 12-channel, 240 km optically amplified WDM system have been developed successively.
Generation of CMV-specific T lymphocytes using protein-spanning pools of pp65-derived overlapping pentadecapeptides for adoptive immunotherapy
Authors: Trivedi Deepa , Williams Roxanne Y. , O'Reilly Richard J. , Koehne Guenther 
Published: October 2004

AbstractCell-mediated immunity is essential for control of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. We used a pool of 138 synthetic overlapping pentadecapeptides overspanning the entire pp65 protein to generate polyclonal CMV-specific T-cell lines from 12 CMV-seropositive donors inheriting different HLA genotypes. Autologous monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with this complete pool consistently induced highly specific T cells that selectively recognized 1-3 pentadecapeptides identified by secondary responses to a mapping grid of pentadecapeptide subpools with single overlaps. Responses against peptide-loaded targets sharing single HLA class I or II alleles identified the restricting HLAalleles. HLA-A*0201+ donors consistently responded to pentadecapeptides containing HLA-A*0201-binding epitopeaa495-503NLVPMVATV. T-cell lines from other donors contained high frequencies of CD4 and/or CD8 T cells selectively reactive against peptides presented by other HLA alleles, including both known epitopes such as aa341-350QYDPVAALF (HLA-A*2402) as well as unreported epitopes such as aa267-275HERNGFTVL (HLA-B*4001 and B*4002) and aa513-523FFWDANDIYRI (HLA-DRB1*1301). These T cells consistently lysed CMV-infected target cells. Thus, this approach fosters expansion and selection of HLA-restricted CMV-pp65–reactive T-cell lines of high specificity that also lyse CMV-infected targets, and from a functional and regulatory perspective, may have advantages for generating virus-specific T cells for adoptive immunotherapy.
ZAP-70 directly enhances IgM signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Chen Liguang , Apgar John , Huynh Lang , Dicker Frank , Giago-McGahan Teresa , Rassenti Laura , Weiss Arthur , Kipps Thomas J. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells that express unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region genes (IgVH) generally express ZAP-70, in contrast to normal B cells or most CLL cases with mutated IgVH. Following IgM ligation, ZAP-70+ CLL cells had significantly higher levels of phosphorylated p72Syk, BLNK, and phospholipase-Cγ (PLCγ) and had greater[Ca2+]i flux than did ZAP-70–negative CLL cases, including unusual ZAP-70–negative cases with unmutated IgVH. IgM ligation of ZAP-70–negative CLL B cells infected with an adenovirus vector encoding ZAP-70 induced significantly greater levels of phosphorylated p72Syk, BLNK, and PLCγ and had greater[Ca2+]i flux than did similarly stimulated, noninfected CLL cells or CLL cells infected with a control adenovirus vector. We conclude that expression of ZAP-70 in CLL allows for more effective IgM signaling in CLL B cells, a feature that could contribute to the relatively aggressive clinical behavior generally associated with CLL cells that express unmutated IgVH.
A touchdown nucleic acid amplification protocol as an alternative to culture backup for immunofluorescence in the routine diagnosis of acute viral respiratory tract infections
Authors: Coyle Peter V , Ong Grace M , O'Neill Hugh J , McCaughey Conall , De Ornellas Dennis , Mitchell Frederick , Mitchell Suzanne J , Feeney Susan A , Wyatt Dorothy E , Forde Marian , Stockton Joanne 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Immunofluorescence and virus culture are the main methods used to diagnose acute respiratory virus infections. Diagnosing these infections using nucleic acid amplification presents technical challenges, one of which is facilitating the different optimal annealing temperatures needed for each virus. To overcome this problem we developed a diagnostic molecular strip which combined a generic nested touchdown protocol with in-house primer master-mixes that could recognise 12 common respiratory viruses.

Results
Over an 18 month period a total of 222 specimens were tested by both immunofluorescence and the molecular strip. The specimens came from 103 males (median age 3.5 y), 80 females (median age 9 y) and 5 quality assurance scheme specimens. Viruses were recovered from a number of specimen types including broncho-alveolar lavage, nasopharyngeal secretions, sputa, post-mortem lung tissue and combined throat and nasal swabs. Viral detection by IF was poor in sputa and respiratory swabs. A total of 99 viruses were detected in the study from 79 patients and 4 quality control specimens: 31 by immunofluorescence and 99 using the molecular strip. The strip consistently out-performed immunofluorescence with no loss of diagnostic specificity.

Conclusions
The touchdown protocol with pre-dispensed primer master-mixes was suitable for replacing virus culture for the diagnosis of respiratory viruses which were negative by immunofluorescence. Results by immunofluorescence were available after an average of 4–12 hours while molecular strip results were available within 24 hours, considerably faster than viral culture. The combined strip and touchdown protocol proved to be a convenient and reliable method of testing for multiple viruses in a routine setting.
Screening for known mutations in EIF2Bgenes in a large panel of patients with premature ovarian failure
Authors: Fogli Anne , Gauthier-Barichard Fernande , Schiffmann Raphael , Vanderhoof Vien H , Bakalov Vladimir K , Nelson Lawrence M , Boespflug-Tanguy Odile 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), defined as the development of hypergonadotropic amenorrhea before the age of 40 years, occurs in about 1% of all women. Other than karyotype abnormalities, very few genes are known to be associated with this ovarian dysfunction. Recently, in seven patients who presented with POF and white matter abnormalities on MRI (ovarioleukodystrophy) eight mutationswere found in EIF2B2, 4 and 5.

Methods
To further test the involvement of known mutations of EIF2B genes in POF, we screened 93 patients with POF who did not have identified leukodystrophy or neurological symptoms. We evaluated these eight mutations and two additional mutations that had been found in patients with milder forms of eIF2B-related disorders. We used restriction enzymes and direct sequencing.

Results
None of the known mutations in EIF2B genes, either homozygous or heterozygous, were identified in our 93 patients with pure 46,XX POF. The upper 95 % confidence limit of the proportion 0/93 is 3.2%.

Conclusions
We conclude that eIF2B mutations, already described in cases of POF associated with white matter abnormalities, are an uncommon cause of pure spontaneous premature ovarian failure.
Genomic imprinting and assisted reproduction
Authors: Paoloni-Giacobino Ariane , Chaillet J Richard 
Published: October 2004

AbstractImprinted genes exhibit a parent-of-origin specific pattern of expression. Such genes have been shown to be targets of molecular defects in particular genetic syndromes such as Beckwith-Wiedemann and Angelman syndromes. Recent reports have raised concern about the possibility that assisted reproduction techniques, such as in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, might cause genomic imprinting disorders. The number of reported cases of those disorders is still too small to draw firm conclusions and the safety of these widely used assisted reproduction techniques needs to be further evaluated.
Thumb force deficit after lower median nerve block
Authors: Li Zong-Ming , Harkness Daniel A , Goitz Robert J 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to characterize thumb motor dysfunction resulting from simulated lower median nerve lesions at the wrist.

Methods
Bupivacaine hydrochloride was injected into the carpal tunnel of six healthy subjects to locally anesthetize the median nerve. Motor function was subsequently evaluated by measuring maximal force production in all directions within the transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the thumb. Force envelopes were constructed using these measured multidirectional forces.

Results
Blockage of the median nerve resulted in decreased force magnitudes and thus smaller force envelopes. The average force decrease around the force envelope was 27.9%. A maximum decrease of 42.4% occurred in a direction combining abduction and slight flexion, while a minimum decrease of 10.5% occurred in a direction combining adduction and slight flexion. Relative decreases in adduction, extension, abduction, and flexion were 17.3%, 21.2%, 41.2% and 33.5%, respectively. Areas enclosed by pre- and post-block force envelopes were 20628 ± 7747 N.N, and 10700 ± 4474 N.N, respectively, representing an average decrease of 48.1%. Relative decreases in the adduction, extension, abduction, and flexion quadrant areas were 31.5%, 42.3%, 60.9%, and 52.3%, respectively.

Conclusion
Lower median nerve lesion, simulated by a nerve block at the wrist, compromise normal motor function of the thumb. A median nerve block results in force deficits in all directions, with the most severe impairment in abduction and flexion. From our results, such a means of motor function assessment can potentially be applied to functionally evaluate peripheral neuropathies.
Rehabilitation robotics: pilot trial of a spatial extension for MIT-Manus
Authors: Krebs Hermano I , Ferraro Mark , Buerger Stephen P , Newbery Miranda J , Makiyama Antonio , Sandmann Michael , Lynch Daniel , Volpe Bruce T , Hogan Neville 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
Previous results with the planar robot MIT-MANUS demonstrated positive benefits in trials with over 250 stroke patients. Consistent with motor learning, the positive effects did not generalize to other muscle groups or limb segments. Therefore we are designing a new class of robots to exercise other muscle groups or limb segments. This paper presents basic engineering aspects of a novel robotic module that extends our approach to anti-gravity movements out of the horizontal plane and a pilot study with 10 outpatients. Patients were trained during the initial six-weeks with the planar module (i.e., performance-based training limited to horizontal movements with gravity compensation). This training was followed by six-weeks of robotic therapy that focused on performing vertical arm movements against gravity. The 12-week protocol includes three one-hour robot therapy sessions per week (total 36 robot treatment sessions).

Results
Pilot study demonstrated that the protocol was safe and well tolerated with no patient presenting any adverse effect. Consistent with our past experience with persons with chronic strokes, there was a statistically significant reduction in tone measurement from admission to discharge of performance-based planar robot therapy and we have not observed increases in muscle tone or spasticity during the anti-gravity training protocol. Pilot results showed also a reduction in shoulder-elbow impairment following planar horizontal training. Furthermore, it suggested an additional reduction in shoulder-elbow impairment following the anti-gravity training.

Conclusion
Our clinical experiments have focused on a fundamental question of whether task specific robotic training influences brain recovery. To date several studies demonstrate that in mature and damaged nervous systems, nurture indeed has an effect on nature. The improved recovery is most pronounced in the trained limb segments. We have now embarked on experiments that test whether we can continue to influence recovery, long after the acute insult, with a novel class of spatial robotic devices. This pilot results support the pursuit of further clinical trials to test efficacy and the pursuit of optimal therapy following brain injury.
Management of multifactorial idiopathic epilepsy in EL mice with caloric restriction and the ketogenic diet: role of glucose and ketone bodies
Authors: Mantis John G , Centeno Nicole A , Todorova Mariana T , McGowan Richard , Seyfried Thomas N 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Background
The high fat, low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD) was developed as an alternative to fasting for seizure management. While the mechanisms by which fasting and the KD inhibit seizures remain speculative, alterations in brain energy metabolism are likely involved. We previously showed that caloric restriction (CR) inhibits seizure susceptibility by reducing blood glucose in the epileptic EL mouse, a natural model for human multifactorial idiopathic epilepsy. In this study, we compared the antiepileptic and anticonvulsant efficacy of the KD with that of CR in adult EL mice with active epilepsy. EL mice that experienced at least 15 recurrent complex partial seizures were fed either a standard diet unrestricted (SD-UR) or restricted (SD-R), and either a KD unrestricted (KD-UR) or restricted (KD-R). All mice were fasted for 14 hrs prior to diet initiation. A new experimental design was used where each mouse in the diet-restricted groups served as its own control to achieve a 20–23% body weight reduction. Seizure susceptibility, body weights, and the levels of plasma glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate were measured once/week over a nine-week treatment period.

Results
Body weights and blood glucose levels remained high over the testing period in the SD-UR and the KD-UR groups, but were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in the SD-R and KD-R groups. Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate levels were significantly (p < 0.001) increased in the SD-R and KD-R groups compared to their respective UR groups. Seizure susceptibility remained high in both UR-fed groups throughout the study, but was significantly reduced after three weeks in both R-fed groups.

Conclusions
The results indicate that seizure susceptibility in EL mice is dependent on plasma glucose levels and that seizure control is more associated with the amount than with the origin of dietary calories. Also, CR underlies the antiepileptic and anticonvulsant action of the KD in EL mice. A transition from glucose to ketone bodies for energy is predicted to manage EL epileptic seizures through multiple integrated changes of inhibitory and excitatory neural systems.
Central Infusion of Agouti-Related Peptide Suppresses Pulsatile Luteinizing Hormone Release in the Ovariectomized Rhesus Monkey
Authors: Vulliémoz Nicolas R. , Xiao Ennian , Xia-Zhang Linna , Wardlaw Sharon L. , Ferin Michel 
Published: October 2004

Abstract
Agouti-related peptide (AGRP), an endogenous melanocortin receptor antagonist, is a powerful orexigenic peptide when infused centrally. AGRP and neuropeptide Y (NPY), another orexigenic peptide, are colocated within the same neurons in the arcuate nucleus. Both NPY and AGRP mRNA expression increases during food restriction, a condition that is known to suppress the GnRH pulse generator and reproductive function. Although NPY has been shown previously to suppress LH secretion in the ovariectomized monkey, data on AGRP are lacking. In this study, we examined the effect of AGRP infusion into the third ventricle on pulsatile LH release in five adult monkeys. The 8-h protocol included a 3-h intraventricular saline infusion to establish baseline pulsatile LH release, followed by a 5-h infusion of AGRP (83–132) [5 μg/h (n = 1) or 10 μg/h (n = 4)]. In separate experiments, each animal received an 8-h saline treatment as a control. Blood samples were collected every 15 min for LH measurements. Cortisol levels were measured every 45 min. AGRP infusion significantly decreased LH pulse frequency (from a baseline of 0.74 ± 0.07 pulse/h to 0.36 ± 0.12 during AGRP infusion; P &lt; 0.01) and mean LH concentrations (to 41.1 ± 7.5% of baseline by h 5 of AGRP infusion; P &lt; 0.001). LH pulse amplitude was not modified by AGRP treatment. AGRP infusion also significantly increased cortisol release, as previously reported. The data demonstrate that central administration of AGRP inhibits pulsatile LH release in the monkey and suggest that AGRP, like NPY, may mediate the effect of a negative energy balance on the reproductive system by suppressing the GnRH pulse generator.
Global Gene Expression Analysis of Estrogen Receptor Transcription Factor Cross Talk in Breast Cancer: Identification of Estrogen-Induced/Activator Protein-1-Dependent Genes
Authors: DeNardo David G. , Kim Hee-Tae , Hilsenbeck Susan , Cuba Valerie , Tsimelzon Anna , Brown Powel H. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThere is a growing body of literature supporting estrogen’s ability to affect gene expression through a nonclassical pathway, in which estrogen receptor (ER) modulates the activity of other transcription factors such as activator protein (AP)-1, specificity protein (Sp-1), or nuclear factor-κB (NFκB). We hypothesized that many estrogen-induced genes are dependent on AP-1 for their expression and that these genes can be identified using genomic strategies. Using cells expressing an inducible cJun dominant negative, we studied the estrogen induction of genes under conditions in which AP-1 was normal or blocked. We show that the expression of AP-1-dependent genes was inhibited by the cJun dominant negative and that AP-1 blockade does not affect mRNA ERα expression or estrogen induction of estrogen-responsive element activity. Using a microarray approach, we then identified 20 new estrogen-induced/AP-1-dependent genes. These estrogen-induced/AP-1-dependent genes contain a higher frequency of consensus AP-1 sites in their promoters and have increased sensitivity to the AP-1 stimulant tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate when compared with estrogen-induced genes whose expression was not affected by AP-1 blockade. We also show estrogen and AP-1-dependent recruitment of ER, steroid receptor coactivator-1, and p300 to the promoter of these genes by chromatin immunoprecipitation. These studies demonstrate that microarrays can be used in a reverse genetics approach to predict the functional promoter structure of large numbers of genes that are regulated by multiple transcription factors.
Bypass Grafting and Revascularization in the Management of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms
Authors: Evans James J. , Sekhar Laligam N. , Rak Ramin , Stimac Dinko 
Published: October 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
To describe the bypass techniques, cranial base approaches, results of treatment, causes of failure, and lessons that are learned in patients with posterior circulation aneurysms requiring revascularization.

METHODS:
Retrospectively, 19 patients with posterior fossa aneurysms requiring revascularization procedures operated on between 1991 and 2002 were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative clinical information, neurological examinations, imaging data, and updated follow-ups were reviewed. Patient outcome is reported as the most current Karnofsky Performance Scale score.

RESULTS:
A total of 22 arterial bypasses were performed in 19 patients for posterior fossa circulation aneurysms between 1991 and 2002. The mean follow-up was 41 months. Total graft patency rate (including patients requiring reoperation) was 86.4% (before) and 100% (after) salvage procedures. Patient outcome was 84.2% with Karnofsky Performance Scale score 80 to 90, and three deaths occurred perioperatively. Only one death could be attributed to the failure of the radial artery graft because of spasm and subsequent rupture during angioplasty.

CONCLUSION:
Certain graft selection criteria and technical considerations contribute to the success or failure of bypass grafts in the management of posterior circulation aneurysms. Bypass procedures remain an important method of management of complex posterior circulation aneurysms, in addition to endovascular procedures.
Pretreatment with the Free Radical Scavenger Edaravone Prevents Cerebral Hyperperfusion after Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Ogasawara Kuniaki , Inoue Takashi , Kobayashi Masakazu , Endo Hidehiko , Fukuda Takeshi , Ogawa Akira 
Published: October 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a rare but potentially devastating complication. The purpose of the present study, which was not a randomized controlled trial but a case cohort study with historical control, was to determine whether pretreatment with a novel free radical scavenger, edaravone, could prevent occurrence of cerebral hyperperfusion after CEA.

METHODS:
Fifty patients with ipsilateral internal carotid artery stenosis (≥70%) underwent CEA with administration of edaravone before internal carotid artery clamping. Preoperative cerebral blood flow and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to acetazolamide were assessed with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Cerebral blood flow also was measured immediately after CEA and on the 3rd postoperative day.

RESULTS:
Cerebral hyperperfusion (cerebral blood flow increase ≥100% compared with preoperative values) was revealed by SPECT performed immediately after CEA in only one patient (2%), who also exhibited reduced preoperative CVR. The incidence of post-CEA hyperperfusion as revealed by SPECT in the control group (51 CEA patients without administration of edaravone) was significantly higher (16%) (P= 0.0310, control versus treatment group). In addition, in a subgroup of patients with reduced preoperative CVR, the incidence of post-CEA hyperperfusion as revealed by SPECT in the edaravone group (7%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (67%) (P= 0.0029). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that reduced preoperative CVR and absence of pretreatment with edaravone were significant independent predictors of post-CEA hyperperfusion as revealed by SPECT.

CONCLUSION:
Pretreatment with edaravone can prevent occurrence of cerebral hyperperfusion after CEA.