bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward information sharing support by agents: An experiment to unveil effects of support on information‐providing activities
Authors: Hayashida Naoko , Yamaki Hirofumi , Kida Koji , Yamaguchi Tomoharu 
Published: August 2005

AbstractIt is not easy for anyone to obtain up‐to‐date information that meets one's needs on the street, since such information is usually fragmentary and volatile. Such environments in real cities are different from “global” network environments, like the conventional World Wide Web. Users can put information they want to share with others in any accessible location in the global networks. However, it is not possible in the environments in cities. Thus, it is necessary to provide a framework that promotes more active information sharing for the environments in cities. To realize such a framework, we propose an agent which supports information sharing by reducing risks for providing information. This study focuses on promoting the provision of information. We studied the effect of “risk elements,” which can be interpreted as negative considerations (or anxiety) of information providers. We report the results of an experiment, performed to clarify some elements that influence information‐providing acts in cities. This experiment has shown that supports which reduce the risk factor can promote information‐providing activities even if no other incentive such as money as a reward or reduction of costs is provided. It was also shown that multiple supports are not always more effective than a single support although each support is effective by itself. In this paper, we discuss an agent function to promote information‐providing activities, based on the results of the experiment and questionnaires. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 36(11): 93–101, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ scj.10658
Local computation of optical flow using a silicon retina
Authors: Akiyama Kei , Luo Zhi‐Wei , Onishi Masaki , Yagi Tetsuya , Hosoe Shigeyuki 
Published: August 2005

AbstractChiefly for applications to robots that operate in a real environment, it is desirable to construct a compact vision system with real‐time properties and adaptability to the environment. The silicon retina is an image sensor considered from such a viewpoint, in which the preprocessing mechanism in the biological retina is simulated in an analog CMOS integrated circuit. This paper proposes a computation scheme which estimates the optical flow (the moving velocity field of an object that is in relative motion with respect to the imaging system) robustly even in images of a real environment, focusing on the function and structure of the silicon retina. In the proposed method, the edge of the moving object is extracted from the response image on the silicon retina. By applying local computation to the result, the optical flow can be derived efficiently even in a real environment. An experiment is performed using the silicon retina and a computer based on the proposed method, and satisfactory results are obtained. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 36(11): 12–23, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20343
A high‐efficiency method to replace essential genes with mutant alleles in yeast
Authors: Widlund Per O. , Davis Trisha N. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractTemperature‐sensitive (TS), internally deleted and truncated alleles are important tools to facilitate the characterization of essential genes. We have developed a straightforward method to replace a wild‐type gene with a mutant allele at the endogenous locus. This method is an efficient alternative to the two‐step method for integration of alleles that are compromised in function or contain multiple mutations. A strain is constructed that has the essential gene of interest disrupted by a selectable marker. Strain viability is maintained by a plasmid carrying a copy of the essential wild‐type gene and the ADE3 gene. The mutant allele is cloned into an integratable vector carrying a selectable/counter‐selectable marker, such as URA3. The plasmid is linearized and transformed, directing integration to the 5′ or 3′ region flanking the essential open reading frame (ORF). Transformants that have integrated the mutant gene at the endogenous locus can lose the autonomous plasmid carrying the wild‐type copy of the essential gene and the ADE3 gene. These transformants are identifiable as white sectoring colonies, display the mutant phenotype and may be characterized. An optional second selection step on 5‐fluoroorotic acid (5‐FOA) selects for popouts of the integrating vector sequences, leaves the mutant allele at the endogenous locus, and recycles selectable markers. We have used this method to integrate a TS allele of SPC110 that could not be integrated by standard methods. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytosine deaminase MX cassettes as positive/negative selectable markers in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hartzog Phillip E. , Nicholson Bradly P. , McCusker John H. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe describe positive/negative selectable cytosine deaminase MX cassettes for use in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The basis of positive selection for cytosine deaminase (Fcy1) activity is that (a) fcy1 strains are unable to grow on medium containing cytosine as a sole nitrogen source and (b) fcy1 ura3 strains are unable to grow on medium containing cytosine as the sole pyrimidine source. Conversely, as 5‐fluorocytosine (5FC) is toxic to cytosine deaminase‐producing cells, fcy1 strains are resistant to 5FC. FCY1MX and FCA1MX cassettes, containing open reading frames (ORFs) of S. cerevisiae FCY1 and Candida albicans FCA1, respectively, were constructed and used to disrupt targeted genes in S. cerevisiae fcy1 strains. In addition, new direct repeat cassettes, kanPR, FCA1PR, FCY1PR and CaURA3PR, were developed to allow efficient deletion of target genes in cells containing MX3 repeats. Finally, the FCY1‐ and FCA1MX3 or PR direct repeat cassettes can be readily recycled after 5FC counter‐selection on both synthetic and rich media. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydatid Disease of the Abdomen and Other Locations
Authors: Tsaroucha Alexandra K. , Polychronidis Alexandros C. , Lyrantzopoulos Nikolaos , Pitiakoudis Michail S. , J.Karayiannakis Anastasios , Manolas Konstantinos J. , Simopoulos Constantinos E. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe present patients treated for hydatid disease in our hospital (in northeastern Greece) over the last 20 years. In the period from 1984 to 2003, a total of 135 patients (54 male, 81 female) were treated for echinococcal disease (age 15–85 years). In 111 (82.2%) patients only the liver was affected; 9 (6.7%) patients had concomitant hepatic and extrahepatic hydatid disease; and 15 (11.1%) patients had only extrahepatic disease. Clinical symptoms in patients with hepatic locations of the disease included abdominal pain localized in the epigastrium or right upper quadrant of the abdomen, tenderness, hepatomegaly with palpable abdominal mass, jaundice, fever, and anaphylactic reaction. All the patients were treated surgically. Surgical techniques included partial cystectomy and drainage, cystectomy and capitonage, cystectomy and omentoplasty, only drainage, left lateral hepatectomy, total pericystectomy, and laparoscopic pericystectomy. Rupture into the bile duct was managed by T‐tube drainage or biliodigestive anastomosis. Symptoms and surgical treatment for extrahepatic cysts varied according to the location of the cyst. The median cyst diameter of all patients was 11 cm. The postoperative complication rate was 17.0%. Two patients died (1.5%). The median hospital stay was 18 days. The recurrence rate was 6.7%. The study suggests that treatment of this benign disease should be the less radical surgical technique combined with pre‐ and postoperative anthelmintic administration. The surgical treatment should be combined with careful use of scolicidal fluids and aspiration of the cyst to avoid contamination and minimize the risk of recurrence.
Escobar Syndrome (Multiple Pterygium Syndrome) Associated with Thoracic Kyphoscoliosis, Lordoscoliosis, and Severe Restrictive Lung Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Dodson Christopher C. , Boachie-Adjei Oheneba 
Published: August 2005

Background Escobar syndrome or multiple pterygium syndrome is characterized by a web across every flexion crease in the extremities, most notably the popliteal space. In addition, this syndrome is associated with two other structural anomalies: a vertical talus and congenital lordoscoliosis. We present a case report of a patient with Escobar syndrome who was initially managed conservatively and subsequently had severe and debilitating progression and respiratory decompensation ultimately requiring surgical intervention. Study Design Case report. Methods After preoperative evaluation by a pediatrician, pulmonologist, and otolaryngologist, the patient underwent one-stage anterior and posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation as well as multiple osteotomies, rib resections, and vertebrectomies. Results The patient's postoperative course was complicated by wound necrosis requiring irrigation and debridement, a urinary tract infection, and a tracheostomy for persistent atelectasis. The patient eventually recovered from all complications. There were never any focal neurologic deficits. The patient had a 3-year follow-up with radiographically confirmed maintenance of correction. Fusion was obtained in the anterior and posterior segments. Clinically, the patient is able to stand upright, can participate in functional activities, and has not required any pain medication. The patient's functional vital capacity improved from 23% predicted preoperatively to 60% predicted postoperatively. Conclusions Patients with severe spinal deformity secondary to Escobar syndrome can be successfully treated surgically. We propose early surgical intervention in this group to prevent curve progression, restrictive lung disease, and the need for complex salvage procedures.
Effectiveness of an Acetabular Positioning Device in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Padgett Douglas E. , Hendrix Stephen L. , Mologne Timothy S. , Peterson Drew A. , Holley Keith A. 
Published: August 2005

To evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available acetabular positioning device, we performed a prospective evaluation of 40 consecutive patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty. All surgery was performed by the same surgeon, in the same operating room, and on the same operating table. The acetabular positioning device was designed to place the component in 45° of abduction. At 6 weeks, all radiographs were evaluated by 3 investigators not involved with the surgery. Each radiograph was evaluated by each reviewer on 3 separate occasions, blinded to the findings of the other reviewer to assess interobserver and intraobserver variability. The mean cup abduction angle was 42.1°, with a range from 23° to 57° (SD 8.3°). Intraobserver and interobserver variability were 0.2 and 0.3°, respectively. The findings of this study demonstrate a wide variability in acetabular cup placement in primary total hip arthroplasty. We believe this is due to movement of the pelvis, which may occur during preparation, draping, and retracting during surgery. We feel surgeons should not rely solely on positioning devices when implanting the acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty. Identification of bone landmarks and determination of superolateral implant coverage noted on preoperative templating is advocated to improve the precision of component position.
The neurochemical and behavioral effects of the novel cholinesterase–monoamine oxidase inhibitor, ladostigil, in response to L‐dopa and L‐tryptophan, in rats
Authors: Sagi Yotam , Driguès Noam , Youdim Moussa B H 
Published: August 2005

The novel drugs, ladostigil (TV3326) and TV3279, are R and S isomers, respectively, derived from a combination of the carbamate cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitor, rivastigmine, and the pharmacophore of the monoamine oxidase (MAO) B inhibitor, rasagiline. They were developed for the treatment of comorbidity of dementia with Parkinsonism. In the present study, we determined the effects of these drugs on both aminergic neurotransmitter levels and motor behavioral activity in naïve and in L‐dopa‐ or L‐tryptophan‐induced rats.
Chronic treatment of rats with ladostigil (52 mg kg−1 for 21 days) inhibited hippocampal and striatal MAO A and B activities by >90%, increased striatal levels of dopamine and serotonin, and inhibited striatal ChE activity by ∼50%.
Chronic TV3279 (26 mg kg−1 for 21 days) similarly inhibited ∼50% of striatal ChE activity, but did not affect MAO activity or amine levels.
In sharp contrast to the inductive effect of the MAO A/B inhibitor, tranylcypromine (TCP), on stereotyped hyperactivity in response to L‐dopa (50 mg kg−1) or L‐tryptophan (100 mg kg−1), ladostigil completely inhibited these behavioral hyperactivity syndromes. Accordingly, acute rivastigmine (2 mg kg−1) and chronic TV3279 abolished the ability of TCP to initiate L‐dopa‐induced hyperactivity, while scopolamine (0.5 mg kg−1) reversed the inhibitory effect of chronic ladostigil on L‐dopa‐induced hyperactivity, suggesting that ladostigil may attenuate successive locomotion by activating central cholinergic muscarinic receptors.
Finally, while chronic ladostigil administration to naïve rats resulted in preserved spontaneous motor behavior, acute treatment with ladostigil decreased motor performance, compared to control animals. In contrast, chronic as well as acute treatments with TV3279 reduced spontaneous motor activity. Thus, the aminergic potentiation by ladostigil may counteract its cholinergic inhibitory effect on spontaneous motor behavior.
Our results suggest that potentiation of both aminergic and cholinergic transmission systems by ladostigil contributes equally to motor behavior performance, which is substantially impaired in comorbidity of dementia with Parkinsonism including dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 553–560. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706355
Induction of central signalling pathways and select functional effects in human platelets by β‐boswellic acid
Authors: Poeckel Daniel , Tausch Lars , Altmann Anja , Feißt Christian , Klinkhardt Ute , Graff Jochen , Harder Sebastian , Werz Oliver 
Published: August 2005

We have recently shown that in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, 11‐keto boswellic acids (KBAs) induce Ca2+ mobilisation and activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK). Here we addressed the effects of BAs on central signalling pathways in human platelets and on various platelet functions.
We found that β‐BA (10 μM), the 11‐methylene analogue of KBA, caused a pronounced mobilisation of Ca2+ from internal stores and induced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)2, and Akt. These effects of β‐BA were concentration dependent, and the magnitude of the responses was comparable to those obtained after platelet stimulation with thrombin or collagen.
Based on inhibitor studies, β‐BA triggers Ca2+ mobilisation via the phospholipase (PL)C/inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate pathway, and involves Src family kinase signalling.
Investigation of platelet functions revealed that β‐BA (10 μM) strongly stimulates the platelet‐induced generation of thrombin in an ex‐vivo in‐vitro model, the liberation of arachidonic acid (AA), and induces platelet aggregation in a Ca2+‐dependent manner.
In contrast to β‐BA, the 11‐keto‐BAs (KBA or AKBA) evoke only moderate Ca2+ mobilisation and activate p38 MAPK, but fail to induce phosphorylation of ERK2 or Akt, and do not cause aggregation or significant generation of thrombin.
In summary, β‐BA potently induces Ca2+ mobilisation as well as the activation of pivotal protein kinases, and elicits functional platelet responses such as thrombin generation, liberation of AA, and aggregation.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 146, 514–524. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706366
A recently identified member of the glutathione transferase structural family modifies cardiac RyR2 substate activity, coupled gating and activation by Ca2+ and ATP
Authors: Dulhunty Angela F. , Pouliquin Pierre , Coggan Marjorie , Gage Peter W. , Board Philip G. 
Published: August 2005

The recently discovered CLIC-2 protein (where CLIC stands for chloride intracellular channel), which belongs to the ubiquitous glutathione transferase structural family and is expressed in the myocardium, is a regulator of native cardiac RyR2 (ryanodine receptor 2) channels. Here we show that recombinant CLIC-2 increases [3H]ryanodine binding to native and purified RyR channels, enhances substate activity in individual channels, increases the number of rare coupled gating events between associated RyRs, and reduces activation of the channels by their primary endogenous cytoplasmic ligands, ATP and Ca2+. CLIC-2 (0.2–10 μM) added to the cytoplasmic side of RyR2 channels in lipid bilayers depressed activity in a reversible, voltage-independent, manner in the presence of activating (10–100 μM) or sub-activating (100 nM) cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentrations. Although the number of channel openings to all levels was reduced, the fraction and duration of openings to substate levels were increased after exposure to CLIC-2. CLIC-2 reduced increases in activity induced by ATP or adenosine 5′-[β,γ-imido]triphosphate. Depression of channel activity by CLIC-2 was greater in the presence of 100 μM cytoplasmic Ca2+ than with 100 nM or 10 μM Ca2+. Further, CLIC-2 prevented the usual ∼50-fold increase in activity when the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration was increased from 100 nM to 100 μM. The results show that CLIC-2 interacts with the RyR protein by a mechanism that does not require oxidation, but is influenced by a conserved Cys residue at position 30. CLIC-2 is one of only a few cytosolic inhibitors of cardiac RyR2 channels, and may suppress their activity during diastole and during stress. CLIC-2 provides a unique probe for substate activity, coupled gating and ligand-induced activation of cardiac RyR channels.
Functional Remobilization Evaluation of the Paralyzed Vocal Cord by End‐to‐Side Neurorrhaphy in Rats
Authors: Liu Hong‐Jian , Dong Ming‐Min , Chi Fang‐Lu 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjective: To investigate the value of end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy to treat vocal cord paralysis.Study Design: A prospective study evaluating the effects of end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy to treat vocal cord paralysis by means of fiberoptic laryngoscopy and nerve electromyography.Methods: Thirty Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into experimental group 1, experimental group 2, and a control group randomly. Right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was incised, and the distal end of the RLN was anastomosed to the right phrenic nerve by end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy in experimental group 1 or by end‐to‐end nerve anastomosis in experimental group 2, respectively. The adductor nerve branch of the right RLN was incised and anastomosed to the proximal end of the right ansa cervicalis nerve by end‐to‐end nerve anastomosis. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy and nerve electromyography were used to examine the vocal cord movement and nerve regeneration.Results: Three months after operation, this effect of end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy created a significant difference compared with the end‐to‐end nerve anastomosis (P < .05). The end‐to‐side neurorrhaphy did not lead to vocal cord movement compared with end‐to‐end nerve anastomosis.Conclusion: Vocal cord paralysis cannot be treated by this microsurgical technique.
Prognostic Variables and Calcitonin in Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Clark Jonathan R. , Fridman Tauba R. , Odell Michael J. , Brierley James , Walfish Paul G. , Freeman Jeremy L. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a nonepithelial, neuroendocrine tumor with a more aggressive clinical behavior than differentiated thyroid cancer. The purpose of the study was to review a single institution's experience with MCT since 1969.Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.Methods: A retrospective review of 30 patients treated for MTC at a tertiary care referral center between 1969 and 2000. There were 17 female and 13 male patients, median age at presentation was 38 years, and median follow‐up for survivors was 12.4 years.Results: Seventy percent of patients had sporadic MTC, 6.7% had familial MTC, 16.7% had multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type IIA, and 6.7% had multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type IIB. The cumulative overall survival rates at 5, 10, and 20 years were 97%, 88%, and 84%, respectively; disease‐free survival rates were 97%, 74%, and 29%, respectively. Advanced tumor stage (P = .014) and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type IIB predicted decreased disease‐specific survival. Variables affecting disease‐free survival were post‐thyroidectomy calcitonin level (P = .001), vascular invasion (P = .005), perineural invasion (P = .010), extrathyroidal extension (P < .001), and the presence of nodal metastases (P = .001). Locoregional control rates were 83% at 5 years and 70% at 10 years. Vascular invasion (P = .004), extrathyroidal extension (P = .008), and post‐thyroidectomy basal calcitonin level (P = .003) predicted locoregional failure. Many patients in the series experienced prolonged survival despite elevated calcitonin levels.Conclusion: Long‐term disease‐free survival is uncommon in MTC, but the study data indicate that the majority of patients with MTC live for prolonged periods, despite biochemical evidence of persistent disease. Adverse pathological features such as extrathyroidal extension and vascular and perineural invasion were predictors of disease recurrence. The use of serum markers in the follow‐up of patients with MTC must be interpreted within the clinical context.
Endolymphatic Sac Decompression as a Treatment for Meniere's Disease
Authors: Durland William F. , Pyle G Mark , Connor Nadine P. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis: Endolymphatic sac decompression is a surgical treatment option for patients with medically intractable Meniere's disease. However, effectiveness is debated because published data show great variability. Outcome‐based research studies are useful in incorporating the patient's perspective on the success of treatment. To further assess effectiveness of endolymphatic sac decompression, we performed a prospective study to examine both symptom‐specific and general health outcomes.Study Design: Prospective, observational outcome study.Methods: Nineteen patients with endolymphatic sac decompression responded to symptom‐specific questionnaires and the Medical Outcomes Short‐Form 36 Health Survey (SF‐36) before and after surgery. Follow‐up ranged from 6 to 58 months with a mean duration of 50 months.Results: Overall measures of physical health were significantly improved following endolymphatic sac decompression (P = .04), whereas overall measures of mental health were unchanged (P = .74). Role Physical and Social Functioning scores were significantly improved following endolymphatic sac decompression (P = .04 and P = .03, respectively). Study patients scored significantly lower (P < .05) than SF‐36 normative data in 6 of 10 categories before endolymphatic sac decompression but patient scores were not significantly different from normal scores in all but one category (General Health) following endolymphatic sac decompression. The mean number of vertigo episodes was significantly reduced from an average of 8.3 times per month to an average of 2.6 times per month following endolymphatic sac decompression (P = .006). Ninety‐five percent of patients (18 of 19 patients) reported improvement in symptoms (frequency, duration, or intensity) of vertigo and 37% (7 of 19 patients) reported complete resolution of vertigo.Conclusion: Endolymphatic sac decompression significantly improved perception of physical health, as well as symptom‐specific outcomes, in patients with medically intractable Meniere's disease.