bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sacral neuromodulation decreases narcotic requirements in refractory interstitial cystitis
Authors: Peters K.M. , Konstandt D. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo assess the efficacy of long‐term sacral neuromodulation (InterStim®, Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN) in treating chronic pelvic pain associated with interstitial cystitis (IC, a symptom complex of urinary urgency, frequency and pelvic pain, often necessitating narcotics) refractory to standard therapy.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwenty‐one patients (17 female, four male, mean age 45.5 years, range 17–68) with refractory IC with chronic pelvic pain were reviewed retrospectively. In these patients a mean of six previous treatments for IC had failed. All patients had had cystoscopy and hydrodistension to confirm their diagnoses. All had a permanent InterStim device implanted by one surgeon (K.M.P.) between 2000 and 2002, after responding to a temporary test. Data were collected from chart reviews and patient questionnaires. Intramuscular morphine dose equivalents (MDEs) were calculated before and after implantation.RESULTSAll 21 patients responded to the questionnaire; the mean (range) follow‐up after implantation was 15.4 (7.4–23.1) months. Eighteen patients used chronic narcotics before the InterStim and 20 reported moderate or marked improvement in pain afterward. The mean MDE decreased from 81.6 to 52.0 mg/day (36%) after implantation (P = 0.015). Four of 18 patients stopped all narcotics after InterStim implantation.CONCLUSIONSSacral neuromodulation decreases narcotic requirements and subjective pelvic pain in patients with refractory IC. Further decreases in MDE are anticipated as dose reductions continue in patients who improved.
Transdermal testosterone gel: pharmacokinetics, efficacy of dosing and application site in hypogonadal men
Authors: Meikle A.W. , Matthias D. , Hoffman A.R. 
Published: March 2004

Testosterone gels are being increasingly used throughout the world. There is still some controversy associated with their use, but many of the uncertainties are gradually being overcome and explained. The authors from the USA evaluated the pharmacokinetics and the efficacy of dosing and application sites of another such transdermal gel.The arrival of oral agents for treating male erectile dysfunction has made it easier for GPs to treat this condition. The authors from Southampton have examined the safety of sildenafil used in general medical practice in England, finding that it was used safely at this level, with no unexpected events.OBJECTIVETo determine the regimen that would most effectively maintain serum testosterone concentrations in treated hypogonadal men within the normal reference range of 3–11.4 µg/L.PATIENTS AND METHODSEighteen men aged 24–69 years with either primary or secondary hypogonadism participated in and 16 completed a randomized, six‐treatment regimen, three‐period (phase), three‐way matrix‐type crossover study. A 1% and 2% testosterone gel (CP601, Cellegy Pharmaceuticals, Inc., San Francisco, USA) was administered either once or twice daily transdermally at different body sites to determine optimal dosing, application sites, and its pharmacokinetics and tolerability in hypogonadal men. Treatments A–F included 1 g of 1% and 2% gel that was equivalent to 10 or 20 mg of testosterone, applied once or twice daily to the skin of either the thigh or the upper arm. Six men also participated in a study of 3 g of 2% gel that was equivalent to 60 mg of testosterone applied once daily, half on each thigh. Pharmacokinetic variables were calculated for testosterone for each man in each treatment period and the results analysed by anova.RESULTSIn general the higher dose regimens produced higher serum concentrations of testosterone; the 3 g/2% dose was most successful in maintaining serum testosterone within the normal reference range. The average testosterone concentration (Cavg) was 6.52 µg/L and all men had a Cavg of > 3.0 µg/L. The prediction of all men achieving a Cavg of > 3.0 µg/L was 96%. The mean minimum concentration (Cmin) was 3.83 µg/L and half the patients had a Cmin of > 3.0 µg/L. Most men had serum testosterone levels within the normal reference range throughout the 24 h, and the treatment was well tolerated.CONCLUSIONSThe 3 g/2% dose applied to the skin daily resulted in serum testosterone in the normal reference range in most hypogonadal men. Dose adjustments to either a lower or higher dose should shift serum testosterone concentration to the desired range in those who do not achieve this range with this dose.
Early structural effects of oestrogen on pudendal nerve regeneration in the rat
Authors: Kane D.D. , Kerns J.M. , Lin D.L. , Damaser M.S. 
Published: March 2004

OBJECTIVETo determine the early effects of oestrogen on the ultrastructure of the pudendal nerve and distal nerve fascicles near the external urethra sphincter (EUS) after a pudendal nerve crush injury. The pudendal nerve is one of the pelvic floor tissues injured during vaginal delivery, possibly contributing to the development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women, the symptoms of which often do not appear until menopause, implicating hormonal factors.MATERIALS AND METHODSTwenty‐seven virgin female Sprague‐Dawley rats were anaesthetized and underwent ovariectomy. Three days later, they had one of four procedures: bilateral pudendal nerve crush plus implant of a subcutaneous oestrogen‐containing capsule (NC+E); nerve crush plus implant of a sham saline‐containing capsule (NC+S); no nerve crush with an oestrogen capsule; or no nerve crush with a sham capsule. After 2 weeks the pudendal nerves and urethral tissues were prepared for light and electron microscopy. The number of axons, myelin figures and endoneurial nuclei in the pudendal nerve segment distal to the lesion were counted. Nerve fascicles near the EUS were also counted and categorized as normal or showing signs of degeneration and/or regeneration. The location of each nerve fascicle was specified as either ventral or dorsal.RESULTSAs there were no significant differences between the two control groups they were combined to form a single control group. In the distal pudendal nerve there were significantly fewer myelinated axons and large myelinated axons in the NC+E and NC+S groups than in the control group. There were three times as many large unmyelinated axons in the NC+E group than in either the NC+S or control groups (P < 0.05). There were only half as many nerve fascicles near the ventral side of the EUS in the NC+S group than in both the control and NC+E groups (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONOestrogen appears to affect large unmyelinated axons in both the injured pudendal nerve and at the denervated EUS target. After pudendal nerve crush, nerve fascicles with evidence of degeneration or regeneration near the EUS appear to be spared with oestrogen treatment, particularly in the ventral region. These observations may reflect the early stages of a neuroregenerative effect of oestrogen. Additional studies are needed to confirm these results at later periods and with functional methods.
Activity and energetics of free‐swimming fish: insights from electromyogram telemetry
Authors: Cooke Steven J , Thorstad Eva B , Hinch Scott G 
Published: March 2004

AbstractElectromyogram (EMG) telemetry studies that involve remotely monitoring the locomotory activity and energetics of fish are contributing important information to the conservation and management of fisheries resources. Here, we outline the development of this rapidly evolving field and formulate the studies conducted that utilize this technology. To date, more than 60 studies have been conducted using EMG telemetry that spans 18 species. Several general trends were observed in the methodology of the studies that we have highlighted as standards that should be adopted associated with transmitter customization, electrode placement and surgical technique. Although numerous studies have been methodological, there are still some deficiencies in our basic understanding of issues such as the need for individual calibration and the method of reporting or transforming data. Increasingly, this technology is being applied to address issues in conservation, management and aquaculture production. At present, the technology has been most frequently applied to the study of animal activity or energetics and to migration. Several recent studies have also focused on addressing more basic questions in ecological and evolutionary biology (e.g. parental care dynamics) similar to the large body of literature that has been collected for other taxa (e.g. marine mammals, birds), using activity telemetry. Collectively, studies conducted using EMG telemetry have contributed important information on free‐swimming fish that was previously difficult to obtain. EMG telemetry is particularly effective for examining behaviour at temporal and spatial scales that are difficult using other techniques. The development of an ultrasonic transmitter based on the same proven principles as those used in the current radio transmitter technology will permit studies in other environments (i.e. marine, brackish, deep water) and on different species of fish. We encourage the continued development and refinement of devices for monitoring the activity and energetics of free‐swimming fish, and also encourage researchers to consider EMG telemetry as a tool for addressing questions that are not effectively answered with other techniques.
Computerized digital dermoscopy
Authors: Gewirtzman A J , Braun R P 
Published: March 2004

SummaryWithin the past 15 years, dermoscopy has become a widely used non‐invasive technique for physicians to better visualize pigmented lesions. Dermoscopy has helped trained physicians to better diagnose pigmented lesions. Now, the digital revolution is beginning to enhance standard dermoscopic procedures. Using digital dermoscopy, physicians are better able to document pigmented lesions for patient follow‐up and to get second opinions, either through teledermoscopy with an expert colleague or by using computer‐assisted diagnosis. As the market for digital dermoscopy products begins to grow, so do the number of decisions physicians need to make when choosing a system to fit their needs. The current market for digital dermoscopy includes two varieties of relatively simple and cheap attachments which can convert a consumer digital camera into a digital dermoscope. A coupling adapter acts as a fastener between the camera and an ordinary dermoscope, whereas a dermoscopy attachment includes the dermoscope optics and light source and can be attached directly to the camera. Other options for digital dermoscopy include complete dermoscopy systems that use a hand‐held video camera linked directly to a computer. These systems differ from each other in whether or not they are calibrated as well as the quality of the camera and software interface. Another option in digital skin imaging involves spectral analysis rather than dermoscopy. This article serves as a guide to the current systems available and their capabilities.
Offspring production and development in the parasitoid wasp Melittobia clavicornis (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) from Japan
Authors: GONZÁLEZ Jorge M. , ABE Jun , MATTHEWS Robert W. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe development time, sex ratio and offspring production of Melittobia clavicornis reared with wild, facultative and factitious hosts are presented. Known hosts and different biological aspects presented in previously published reports are summarized and clarified. Immature development time was equivalent or slightly longer than that of other Melittobia species, and the sex ratio was approximately 97% female. Total offspring numbers were considerably lower than that of other Melittobia species using the same hosts. We report female dimorphism in this species for the first time. The number and relative proportion of brachypterous morph females produced was higher than that in other species of the genus.
Revision of the genus Stichillus Enderlein of Japan (Diptera: Phoridae)
Authors: NAKAYAMA Hiroto , SHIMA Hiroshi 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe genus Stichillus in Japan is revised. Three species are recognized: S. japonicus (Matsumura), S. spinosus Liu and Chou and S. cylindratus sp. nov. Stichillus brunneicornis Beyer is excluded from the Japanese fauna. These Japanese species are described and keyed. The male genitalia and the female terminalia are illustrated. Some unique characters of the male genitalia in the genus are reported, and morphology of the male genitalia and the female terminalia is discussed.
Discovery of the previously unrecorded family Copromorphidae Meyrick (Lepidoptera) in Japan, with description of a new species and autapomorphies for the family
Authors: NASU Yoshitsugu , SAITO Tosihisa , KOMAI Furumi 
Published: March 2004

Abstract Copromorpha kijimuna sp. nov., which is closely related to C. pleurophanes Meyrick (Copromorphidae), is described from the Ryukyus, Japan, with illustrations of the adult stage, including its genitalia, and of the immature stage. The larva bores into the fruit of Ficus virgata (Moraceae). Descriptions of the immature stages of the genus are given for the first time. The lectotype of C. pleurophanes, including its genitalia, is illustrated. Both the family and the genus are newly added to the Japanese moth fauna. Autapomorphies for the Copromorphidae are proposed on the basis of larval and pupal characters.
Social wasps of the subfamily Vespinae (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) of the Kyrghyz Republic
Authors: DUBATOLOV Vladimir V. , MILKO Dmitry A. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBased on newly collected and museum material, the distribution of species of the Vespinae in the Kyrghyz Republic is discussed. Vespula austriaca is recorded for the first time from Kyrghyzstan. Dolichovespula norwegica is first reported in the Pamir‐Alai Mountains, providing the southernmost record for the species.
Effect of metanotal secretion ingestion on oviposition in a tree cricket, Truljalia hibinonis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: ONO Tomohiro , ANDO Chie , KONDO Yuki 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe female Truljalia hibinonis ingests metanotal secretions of the male during copulation. The effect of ingestion on oviposition behavior was compared between three female groups: females that copulated once with an intact male (a male that had not been manipulated; M group); females that copulated once with a male from which most of the metanotal secretion had been removed (NO group); and females that copulated once with an intact male followed by being artificially supplied with metanotal secretion three times (MS group). There were no obvious differences in female fecundity across the three groups. However, within the MS group, intake of an optimal amount of metanotal secretion increased the number of eggs laid. This effect appeared quickly after ingestion and was most effective on the first bout (eggs laid during the first few days after copulation) after ingestion of the metanotal secretion. In contrast, the number of eggs laid had a negative correlation with the amount of metanotal secretion ingested when the amount exceeded the optimal in this experimental arrangement.
Private Benefits of Control: An International Comparison
Authors: Dyck Alexander , Zingales Luigi 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTWe estimate private benefits of control in 39 countries using 393 controlling blocks sales. On average the value of control is 14 percent, but in some countries can be as low as −4 percent, in others as high a +65 percent. As predicted by theory, higher private benefits of control are associated with less developed capital markets, more concentrated ownership, and more privately negotiated privatizations. We also analyze what institutions are most important in curbing private benefits. We find evidence for both legal and extra‐legal mechanisms. In a multivariate analysis, however, media pressure and tax enforcement seem to be the dominating factors.
The Information Content of Share Repurchase Programs
Authors: Grullon Gustavo , Michaely Roni 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTContrary to the implications of many payout theories, we find that announcements of open‐market share repurchase programs are not followed by an increase in operating performance. However, we find that repurchasing firms experience a significant reduction in systematic risk and cost of capital relative to non‐repurchasing firms. Further, consistent with the free cash‐flow hypothesis, we find that the market reaction to share repurchase announcements is more positive among those firms that are more likely to overinvest. Finally, we find evidence to indicate that investors underreact to repurchase announcements because they initially underestimate the decline in cost of capital.
Liquidity Externalities and Adverse Selection: Evidence from Trading after Hours
Authors: Barclay Michael J. , Hendershott Terrence 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTThis paper examines liquidity externalities by analyzing trading costs after hours. There is less than 1/20 as many trades per unit time after hours as during the trading day. The reduced trading activity results in substantially higher trading costs: quoted and effective spreads are three to four times larger than during the trading day. The higher spreads reflect greater adverse selection and order persistence, but not higher dealer profits. Because liquidity provision remains competitive after hours, the greater adverse selection and higher trading costs provide a direct measure of the magnitude of the liquidity externalities generated during the trading day.
Does Net Buying Pressure Affect the Shape of Implied Volatility Functions?
Authors: Bollen Nicolas P. B. , Whaley Robert E. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the relation between net buying pressure and the shape of the implied volatility function (IVF) for index and individual stock options. We find that changes in implied volatility are directly related to net buying pressure from public order flow. We also find that changes in implied volatility of S&P 500 options are most strongly affected by buying pressure for index puts, while changes in implied volatility of stock options are dominated by call option demand. Simulated delta‐neutral option‐writing trading strategies generate abnormal returns that match the deviations of the IVFs above realized historical return volatilities.
LE 2-RANG DU GROUPE DE CLASSES DE CERTAINS CORPS BIQUADRATIQUES ET APPLICATIONS
Authors: AZIZI ABDELMALEK , MOUHIB ALI 
Published: March 2004

Let K be a real biquadratic field and let k be a quadratic field with odd class number contained in K. The aim of this article is to determine the rank of the 2-class group of K and we give applications to the structure of the 2-class group of some biquadratic fields and to the 2-class field tower of some real quadratic fields. Résumé: Soient K un corps biquadratique réel et k un sous-corps quadratique de K dont le nombre de classes est impair. Dans ce papier on détermine le rang du 2-groupe de classes de K et on donne des applications à la structure du 2-groupe de classes de certains corps biquadratiques et aussi à la tour des 2-corps de classes de Hilbert de certains corps quadratiques réels.
Strong robustness in multi‐phase adaptive control: the basic scheme
Authors: Cadic Maria , Willem Polderman Jan 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe general structure of adaptive control systems based on strong robustness is introduced. This approach splits into two phases. In the first phase, emphasis is put on identification until enough information is obtained in order to design a controller that stabilizes the actual system, and even under adaptation. This is achieved if the input sequence is computed in such a way that the uncertainty on the parameters of the system to be controlled becomes sufficiently small. Then, in the second phase, effort is shifted to control via a traditional certainty equivalence type of strategy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activities of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor and interleukin‐3 on monocytes
Authors: Suzuki Hirohito , Katayama Naoyuki , Ikuta Yasushi , Mukai Katsumi , Fujieda Atsushi , Mitani Hidetsugu , Araki Hiroto , Miyashita Hiroyuki , Hoshino Natsuki , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Nishii Kazuhiro , Minami Nobuyuki , Shiku Hiroshi 
Published: March 2004

AbstractWe examined the actions of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin‐3 (IL‐3) on human monocytes, using a serum‐free culture system. GM‐CSF and IL‐3 did not promote the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages but rather into cells with a phenotype compatible with that of immature dendritic cells (DCs). The addition of fetal bovine serum to serum‐free cultures with GM‐CSF or IL‐3 restored the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages. Cells generated with GM‐CSF or IL‐3 elicited phagocytic activity. Cells generated in the presence of GM‐CSF or IL‐3, followed by the addition of tumor necrosis factor‐α, displayed a phenotype of mature DCs, and primed and stimulated immunogenic peptide‐specific T lymphocytes. Surprisingly, GM‐CSF and IL‐3 inhibited macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF)‐dependent differentiation of monocytes into macrophages and induced differentiation into immature DCs. We asked if the inhibition of M‐CSF‐dependent differentiation into macrophages by GM‐CSF or IL‐3 was associated with the expression of M‐CSF receptors (M‐CSFR). GM‐CSF or IL‐3 down‐regulated the expression of M‐CSFR. These data demonstrate that GM‐CSF and IL‐3 primarily support the differentiation of monocytes into DCs and inhibit M‐CSF‐dependent differentiation into macrophages by suppressing the expression of M‐CSFR, thereby promoting differentiation into DCs. Am. J. Hematol. 75:179–189, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rheological determinants in patients with Gaucher disease and internal inflammation
Authors: Zimran Ari , Bashkin Amir , Elstein Deborah , Rudensky Bernard , Rotstein Rivka , Rozenblat Meirav , Mardi Tamar , Zeltser David , Deutsch Varda , Shapira Itzhak , Berliner Shlomo 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine whether the inflammatory response in patients with Gaucher disease (GD) is accompanied by enhanced adhesiveness/aggregation of both red and white blood cells. Sixty patients with GD and matched controls were included. The degree of erythrocyte and leukocyte adhesiveness/aggregation was determined by using a simple slide test and image analysis. Patients with GD had significantly elevated concentrations of fibrinogen (328 vs. 262 mg/dl, P < 0.0001) and accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rates (27 vs. 13 mm/H, P < 0.005). This was accompanied by a significantly enhanced degree of erythrocyte (75 vs. 85, P < 0.0001) and leukocyte (3.5 vs. 1.3, P < 0.002) adhesiveness/aggregation. The low‐grade, smoldering, and subclinical internal inflammation in individuals with GD is accompanied by an increased degree of erythrocyte and leukocyte adhesiveness/aggregation. These findings might have rheological consequences in terms of microcirculatory slow flow and tissue hypoxemia. Am. J. Hematol. 75:190–194, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.