bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of a Thin Film on a Screw Dislocation in a Substrate with Viscoelastic Interface
Authors: Wang G. F. , Schiavone P.
Published: September 2005

We consider the influence of a thin elastic film on a screw dislocation in an elastic semi-infinite substrate. In contrast to the usual assumption of a perfectly bonded interface across which both tractions and displacements are assumed to be continuous, we assume that the material interface is imperfect and represented by a viscoelastic model. Using integral transforms, we obtain the analytic solution corresponding to the deformation field and the interacting force between the dislocation and the interface.
Total-Lagrangian Formulation and Finite-Element Analysis of Highly Flexible Plates and Shells
Authors: Pai P. Frank
Published: September 2005

Presented here is a new total-Lagrangian displacement-based finite-element formulation for plates and shells undergoing large displacements and rotations. The theory fully accounts for geometric nonlinearities, general initial curvatures, and extensionality by using Jaumann stress and strain measures, an exact coordinate transformation, and orthogonal virtual rotations. Moreover, transverse shear deformations are accounted for by using a first-order shear deformation theory with shear correction factors obtained by matching the shear strain energy and stress resultants with those of a general layerwise higher-order shear deformation theory. Large static deformations of several different plates and shells under different loading and boundary conditions are obtained. Comparison with available results in the literature reveals that the finite-element model is accurate in predicting large deformations of highly flexible two-dimensional structures.
Uncoordinated production of Laminin-5 chains in airways epithelium of allergic asthmatics
Authors: Amin Kawa , Janson Christer , Sevéus Lahja , Miyazaki Kaoru , Virtanen Ismo , Venge Per
Published: September 2005

Background

Laminins are a group of proteins largely responsible for the anchorage of cells to basement membranes. We hypothesized that altered Laminin chain production in the bronchial mucosa might explain the phenomenon of epithelial cell shedding in asthma. The aim was to characterize the presence of Laminin chains in the SEBM and epithelium in allergic and non-allergic asthmatics.

Patients and methods

Biopsies were taken from the bronchi of 11 patients with allergic and 9 patients with non-allergic asthma and from 7 controls and stained with antibodies against the Laminin (ln) chains alpha1-alpha5, beta1-beta2 and gamma1-gamma2.

Results

Lns-2,-5 and -10 were the main Laminins of SEBM. The layer of ln-10 was thicker in the two asthmatic groups while an increased thickness of lns-2 and -5 was only seen in allergic asthmatics. The ln gamma2-chain, which is only found in ln 5, was exclusively expressed in epithelial cells in association with epithelial injury and in the columnar epithelium of allergic asthmatics.

Conclusion

The uncoordinated production of chains of ln-5 in allergic asthma could have a bearing on the poor epithelial cell anchorage in these patients.
GeneRank: Using search engine technology for the analysis of microarray experiments
Authors: Morrison Julie L , Breitling Rainer , Higham Desmond J , Gilbert David R
Published: September 2005

Background

Interpretation of simple microarray experiments is usually based on the fold-change of gene expression between a reference and a "treated" sample where the treatment can be of many types from drug exposure to genetic variation. Interpretation of the results usually combines lists of differentially expressed genes with previous knowledge about their biological function. Here we evaluate a method – based on the PageRank algorithm employed by the popular search engine Google – that tries to automate some of this procedure to generate prioritized gene lists by exploiting biological background information.

Results

GeneRank is an intuitive modification of PageRank that maintains many of its mathematical properties. It combines gene expression information with a network structure derived from gene annotations (gene ontologies) or expression profile correlations. Using both simulated and real data we find that the algorithm offers an improved ranking of genes compared to pure expression change rankings.

Conclusion

Our modification of the PageRank algorithm provides an alternative method of evaluating microarray experimental results which combines prior knowledge about the underlying network. GeneRank offers an improvement compared to assessing the importance of a gene based on its experimentally observed fold-change alone and may be used as a basis for further analytical developments.
Reciprocal role of cyclins and cyclin kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 on lymphocyte proliferation, allo-immune activation and inflammation
Authors: Khanna Ashwani K
Published: September 2005

Background

Immune activation that results due to the aberrant proliferation of lymphocytes leads to inflammation and graft rejection in organ transplant recipients. We hypothesize that the cell cycle control and inflammation are parallel events, inhibition of cellular proliferation by cyclin kinase inhibitor specifically p21 will limit inflammation and prevent allograft rejection.

Methods

We performed in vitro and in vivo studies using lymphocytes, and rat heart transplant model to understand the role of cyclins and p21 on mitogen and allo-induced lymphocyte activation and inflammation. Lymphocyte proliferation was studied by 3H-thymidine uptake assay and mRNA expression was studied RT-PCR.

Results

Activation of allo- and mitogen stimulated lymphocytes resulted in increased expression of cyclins, IL-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which was inhibited by cyclosporine. The over-expression of p21 prolonged graft survival in a completely mismatched rat heart transplant model resulted by inhibiting circulating and intra-graft expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

Cyclins play a significant role in transplant-induced immune activation and p21 over-expression has potential to inhibit T cell activation and inflammation. The results from this study will permit the design of alternate strategies by controlling cell cycle progression to achieve immunosuppression in transplantation.
Leprosy & gangrene: A rare association; role of anti phospholipid antibodies
Authors: Akerkar Shashank M , Bichile Lata S
Published: September 2005

Background

Leprosy still remains an important public health problem for many parts of the world. An association of gangrene with leprosy is a rare one & can have a number of causative mechanisms. We present a case with Leprosy & gangrene with positive anti phopholipid antibody titers.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old non-diabetic, non-hypertensive lady presented with 2 months history of progressive gangrene of bilateral toes. She was found to have madarosis & hypopigmented, hypoaesthetic macular lesions on the upper limb & thighs. Bilateral ulnar & popliteal nerves were thickened. A skin biopsy of the lesions revealed borderline tuberculoid leprosy, slit skin smears revealed a bacteriological index of 1+. She did not have any evidence of thromboembolic episode or atherosclerosis. ACLA was positive at presentation & also on another occasion 6 weeks later. ACLAs were of the IgM type on both occasions. Lupus Anticoagulant & β2 GPI antibody were negative. DOPPLER of the lower limb arteries did not reveal any abnormality. Patient was successfully treated with multi-drug antileprotics & anticoagulants.

Conclusion

Infectious APLAs should be recognized as a cause of thrombosis in Leprosy. Appropriate anticoagulation can salvage limb function.
Degranulating mast cells in fibrotic regions of human tumors and evidence that mast cell heparin interferes with the growth of tumor cells through a mechanism involving fibroblasts
Authors: Samoszuk Michael , Kanakubo Emi , Chan John K
Published: September 2005

Background

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that mast cells that are present in fibrotic regions of cancer can suppress the growth of tumor cells through an indirect mechanism involving peri-tumoral fibroblasts.

Methods

We first immunostained a wide variety of human cancers for the presence of degranulated mast cells. In a subsequent series of controlled in vitro experiments, we then co-cultured UACC-812 human breast cancer cells with normal fibroblasts in the presence or absence of different combinations and doses of mast cell tryptase, mast cell heparin, a lysate of the human mast cell line HMC-1, and fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7), a powerful, heparin-binding growth factor for breast epithelial cells.

Results

Degranulating mast cells were localized predominantly in the fibrous tissue of every case of breast cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's disease that we examined. Mast cell tryptase and HMC-1 lysate had no significant effect on the clonogenic growth of cancer cells co-cultured with fibroblasts. By contrast, mast cell heparin at multiple doses significantly reduced the size and number of colonies of tumor cells co-cultured with fibroblasts, especially in the presence of FGF-7. Neither heparin nor FGF-7, individually or in combination, produced any significant effect on the clonogenic growth of breast cancer cells cultured without fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Degranulating mast cells are restricted to peri-tumoral fibrous tissue, and mast cell heparin is a powerful inhibitor of clonogenic growth of tumor cells co-cultured with fibroblasts. These results may help to explain the well-known ability of heparin to inhibit the growth of primary and metastatic tumors.
A randomized trial of artemether-lumefantrine versus mefloquine-artesunate for the treatment of uncomplicated multi-drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum on the western border of Thailand
Authors: Hutagalung Robert , Paiphun Lucy , Ashley Elizabeth A , McGready Rose , Brockman Alan , Thwai Kaw L , Singhasivanon Pratap , Jelinek Thomas , White Nicholas J , Nosten François H
Published: September 2005

Background

The use of antimalarial drug combinations with artemisinin derivatives is recommended to overcome drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum. The fixed combination of oral artemether-lumefantrine, an artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is highly effective and well tolerated. It is the only registered fixed combination containing an artemisinin. The trial presented here was conducted to monitor the efficacy of the six-dose regimen of artemether-lumefantrine (ALN) in an area of multi-drug resistance, along the Thai-Myanmar border.

Methods

The trial was an open-label, two-arm, randomized study comparing artemether-lumefantrine and mefloquine-artesunate for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria with 42 days of follow up. Parasite genotyping by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to distinguish recrudescent from newly acquired P. falciparum infections. The PCR adjusted cure rates were evaluated by survival analysis.

Results

In 2001–2002 a total of 490 patients with slide confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were randomly assigned to receive artemether-lumefantrine (n = 245) or artesunate and mefloquine (n = 245) and were followed for 42 days. All patients had rapid initial clinical and parasitological responses. In both groups, the PCR adjusted cure rates by day 42 were high: 98.8% (95% CI 96.4, 99.6%) for artemether-lumefantrine and 96.3% (95% CI 93.1, 98.0%) for artesunate-mefloquine. Both regimens were very well tolerated with no serious adverse events observed attributable to either combination.

Conclusion

Overall, this study confirms that these two artemisinin-based combinations remain highly effective and result in equivalent therapeutic responses in the treatment of highly drug-resistant falciparum malaria.
Neonatal androgenization of hypogonadal (hpg) male mice does not abolish estradiol-induced FSH production and spermatogenesis
Authors: Nwagwu Margaret O , Baines Helen , Kerr Jeffrey B , Ebling Francis JP
Published: September 2005

Background

Testicular development is arrested in the hypogonadal (hpg) mouse due to a congenital deficiency in hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) synthesis. Chronic treatment of male hpg mice with estradiol induces FSH synthesis and secretion, and causes testicular maturation and qualitatively normal spermatogenesis. As estradiol negative feedback normally inhibits FSH production in the male, this study tested whether this paradoxical response to estradiol in the male hpg mouse might be due to inadequate masculinisation or incomplete defeminization in the neonatal period. Previous studies have demonstrated that treatment of hpg mice with testosterone propionate in the immediate neonatal period is necessary to allow full reproductive behaviors to be expressed following suitable endocrine stimulation at adult ages.

Methods

Hpg mice were treated with 100 μg testosterone propionate or vehicle on postnatal day 2. At 35 days of age, subgroups of these mice were treated with silastic implants containing estradiol or cholesterol. Reproductive behavior was scored in tests with steroid-primed female mice, then testicular development was assessed histologically, and measures of pituitary FSH content made at 85 days of age.

Results

The neonatal testosterone propionate treatment successfully defeminized female litter mates, as revealed by impaired vaginal opening and deficiencies in lordosis behavior, and it allowed appropriate male reproductive behavior to be expressed in a proportion of the hpg males when tested at an adult age. However, neonatal androgen supplementation did not block or even reduce the subsequent actions of estradiol in increasing pituitary FSH content, nor did it affect the ability of estradiol to induce qualitatively normal spermatogenesis.

Conclusion

The ability of the hpg male to show a "female" neuroendocrine response to estradiol is not a result of inadequate androgenization during neonatal development, and thus the actions of estradiol revealed in this rodent model are not an artefact of incomplete sexual differentiation, but reflect a physiological role of estradiol occurring during a specific early temporal window of male reproductive development.
Natural history of the ERVWE1 endogenous retroviral locus
Authors: Bonnaud Bertrand , Beliaeff Jean , Bouton Olivier , Oriol Guy , Duret Laurent , Mallet François
Published: September 2005

Background

The human HERV-W multicopy family includes a unique proviral locus, termed ERVWE1, whose full-length envelope ORF was preserved through evolution by the action of a selective pressure. The encoded Env protein (Syncytin) is involved in hominoid placental physiology.

Results

In order to infer the natural history of this domestication process, a comparative genomic analysis of the human 7q21.2 syntenic regions in eutherians was performed. In primates, this region was progressively colonized by LTR-elements, leading to two different evolutionary pathways in Cercopithecidae and Hominidae, a genetic drift versus a domestication, respectively.

Conclusion

The preservation in Hominoids of a genomic structure consisting in the juxtaposition of a retrotransposon-derived MaLR LTR and the ERVWE1 provirus suggests a functional link between both elements.
Top-down precooled natural ventilation
Authors: Chenvidyakarn T , Woods A
Published: September 2005

This paper studies the summertime regime of precooled natural ventilation of an auditorium or other occupied open-plan space equipped with a high-level vent and a low-level vent. A chiller unit is connected to the high-level vent to provide precooling. Fresh air from the exterior comes into the room through the high-level vent passing through the precooling system. Precooled air then produces negative (downward) buoyancy, which overcomes positive (upward) buoyancy produced by the occupants, and displaces original air in the room downwards and out through the low-level vent. This leads to an equilibrium in which a steady downflow is maintained, and in which the room becomes thermally uniform at a temperature below that of the exterior. A quantitative model is developed to describe these conditions and successfully tested with analogue laboratory experiments. The model shows that for a given room geometry and chiller, there is a maximum heat load which can be accommodated while maintaining ventilation and thermal comfort through downward ventilation. We show how effective and energy-efficient ventilation may be achieved through coordinated adjustment of the vent area and the amount of cooling.

Practical application: Top-down precooled natural ventilation can be an effective and energy efficient technique for providing thermal and ventilation comfort in a wide range of modern buildings during high summer or in warm climates. The present work describes how the system works, and how it may be controlled to achieve satisfactory results in terms of comfort and energy efficiency.
Multiglazed windows: potential for savings in energy, emissions and cost
Authors: Menzies GF , Wherrett JR
Published: September 2005

This paper details case studies undertaken in four office buildings in Edinburgh, Scotland. Analyses were undertaken of the energy requirements to maintain room temperature in each building. Alternative high performance window specifications were analysed and compared to results for existing specifications. Comparisons were made between the additional embodied energy and associated emissions, and financial cost required to install higher performance windows at the initial build stage, and the potential savings in life-cycle energy and running costs. Results showed substantial savings can be made over the lifespan of windows by optimizing specification. Payback periods for energy and financial cost for some window systems were within acceptable limits, when specified in the initial build. The financial payback periods for replacement windows were higher, emphasizing the need for sustainable and energy efficient choices at the initial design stage.

Practical application: This paper contains recent case study findings and practical issues relating to the embodied energy of materials and components used in multiglazed windows; and life cycle costing issues which prevail in all current building sectors. Many construction professionals are calling for more detailed and widely available information relating to the sustainability of building components. Pressure is rising for manufacturers and suppliers to meet this demand effectively. 1 Introduction
Evaluation of oxidative stress and genotoxicity in organophosphorus insecticide formulators
Authors: Shadnia Shahin , Azizi Ebrahim , Hosseini Rohollah , Khoei Samideh , Fouladdel Shamileh , Pajoumand Abdolkarim , Jalali Nasser , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: September 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate genotoxicity and oxidative stress in workers who formulate organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. In this survey, blood leukocytes and erythrocytes of a group of 21 pesticide formulating workers and an equal number of control subjects were examined for genotoxicity and oxidative stress parameters. The mean comet tail length and mean comet length were used to measure DNA damage. Lipid peroxidation level, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes were analysed as biomarkers of oxidative stress. In addition, the acetylcholinesterase activity was measured as a biomarker of toxicity. The average duration of employment of workers in the factory was 97 months. Results indicated that chronic exposure (multiple5dose, greater than or equal to 6 months duration) to OP pesticides was associated with increased activities of catalase, SOD and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes. The level of lipid peroxidation and acetylcholinesterase activity did not show any significant differences between the two groups. The results also indicated that chronic exposure to OP pesticides was associated with increased DNA damage. It is concluded that human chronic exposure to OP pesticides may result in stimulated antioxidant enzymes and increased DNA damage in the absence of depressed acetylcholinesterase levels. Routine genotoxicity monitoring concomitant to acetylcholinesterase activity in workers occupationally exposed to OP insecticides is suggested.
Amitraz: an unusual aetiology of Ogilvie's syndrome
Authors: Aslan Sahin , Bilge Fatih , Aydinli Bulent , Ocak Tarik , Uzkeser Mustafa , Erdem Ali Fuat , Katirci Yavuz
Published: September 2005

Amitraz is an insecticide/acaricide of formamidine pesticides used worldwide for ectoparasites in animals. Because of its widespread use, amitraz poisoning is frequently encountered in Turkey. Case report: A 36-year-old, comatose female was admitted to the hospital. Although it was stated that she had taken a glass of water containing amitraz, the exact volume of the substance was unknown. On admission, her Glasgow Coma Scale score was 10/15. Clinical findings were vomiting, miosis, bradycardia and hypotension. The patient's vital signs were body temperature 37.28C, pulse 54 bpm, blood pressure 80/50 mmHg and pulse-oximetry 84%. Supportive treatment consisting of oxygen, fluid replacement and gastric lavage, activated charcoal and atropine was administered. On the second day, signs of Ogilvie's syndrome characterized by severe tenderness, distension and pain in the abdomen were seen. On the third day, the patient's condition improved except for abdominal distension and pain, inability to pass faeces or flatus through the anus. Although continuous nasogastric tube decompression was performed, her complaints were not resolved completely. Neostigmine was administered on the fourth day. On the fifth day, abdominal pain and distension were decreased, and stool passage began. She had a complete clinical and laboratory improvement, which warranted her discharge on the seventh day of admission.
Alterations induced in vitro by ochratoxin a in rat lymphoid cells
Authors: Alvarez-Erviti L , Leache C , González-Peñas E , de Cerain A López
Published: September 2005

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a nephrotoxic mycotoxin produced by species of the genus Penicillium and Aspergillus that is present in food and feed as a natural contaminant. It modifies the immune function in animals and inhibits the proliferative response of lymphocytes in vitro. The toxic effect of OTA (0.5, 2, 20 mM) in lymphoproliferative response, natural killer (NK) cell activity, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) activity and macrophages' bacteriolytic capability was studied in vitro after 1 hour of treatment. The proliferative response of lymphocytes to concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide was not affected by OTA; the cytotoxic activity of NK cells was dose-dependent decreased; the CTL activity was significantly decreased at the lowest concentration; the bacteriolytic activity of macrophages varied only slightly. These in vitro results reproduced, at least in part, some effects detected previously in vivo. The protein synthesis inhibition and the oxidative metabolism of OTA coupled to the prostaglandin synthesis are probably implicated in NK cells' toxicity, because the effects were reverted by the addition of phenylalanine or piroxicam to the culture medium. The induction of apoptosis seems to be the principal mechanism of action in the CTL effect. The intracellular concentration of OTA after 1 hour was analysed by HPLC and was found to be proportional to the quantity of OTA added to the culture medium for the three cell types; the presence of phenylalanine and piroxicam on the culture medium did not change the intracellular OTA concentration.
Nonorgan specific autoantibodies and heart damage
Authors: Tincani A , Biasini-Rebaioli C , Cattaneo R , Riboldi P
Published: September 2005

Heart damage, mediated by different autoantibodies can involve several anatomical heart structures: valves, arteries, conduction tissue. Verrucous endocarditis is frequently reported in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with or without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly if they suffer from central nervous system involvement. Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were shown deposited at subendothelial level of the affected valves. According to several in vitro and in vivo experimental models, aPL, anti-oxidized LDL (oxLDL), anti-heat shock protein 65 (HSP65) and anti-endothelial cells antibodies (AECA) seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of the atherosclerosis phenomena described in systemic autoimmune disease and vasculitis. However, the observation of the association of the same antibodies with clinical and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients is still controversial. The children of anti-Ro/SSA positive mothers can be affected by the congenital heart block. Anti Ro/SS-A antibodies play a major pathogenic role in affecting the heart conduction tissue in this rare condition.
Anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibody-mediated congenital heart block
Authors: Costedoat-Chalumeau N , Georgin-Lavialle S , Amoura Z , Piette J-C
Published: September 2005

When anti-SSA/Ro antibodies are present in sera of mothers with connective tissue diseases, the incidence of congenital heart block (CHB) has been reported to be 1-2% in live births. The risk of recurrence of CHB in a subsequent child remains limited to 10-16%. CHBs are usually complete but CHB of the first or second degree can also be observed. In some cases, CHB is associated with endocardial fibroelastosis. Late-onset cardiomyopathy may occur later in life in these children. The mortality of CHB, which is predominant in utero and in the first months of life, is an estimated 16-19%. A pacemaker is required in about 66% of cases. Curative treatment of CHB is based on fluorinated steroids (dexamethasone or betamethasone) that do cross the placenta in an active form. Guidelines are available but further studies are needed to optimize treatment.
Predictive and protective autoimmunity in cardiovascular diseases: is vaccination therapy a reality?
Authors: Toubi E , Shoenfeld Y
Published: September 2005

The role of the immune system in modulating atherosclerosis has recently been well documented. Studies have revealed that cellular and humoral immunity plays crucial roles in atherogenic plaque formation. This includes macrophages, CD4+ T cells and dendritic cells as well as autoantigens such as oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL), heat shock proteins and b2-glycoprotein I. Given these recent advances, various modifications of the immune system in experimental models have been proposed as therapeutic strategies, with the potential of inhibiting atherosclerosis progression. These modifications are switching the immune system (CD4+ T cells) from Th1 towards a Th2 anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and the induction of protective antibodies both of which may be induced by specific vaccination. Recent identification of specific immunoreactive antigenic epitopes on modified LDL, their successful implementation for immunization and the induction of atheroprotection, supports the idea that active vaccination may emerge as a novel immuno-modulating atheroprotective strategy.
Idiopathic recurrent acute pericarditis: familial Mediterranean fever mutations and disease evolution in a large cohort of Caucasian patients
Authors: Brucato A , Shinar Y , Brambilla G , Robbiolo L , Ferrioli G , Patrosso M C , Zanni D , Penco S , Boiani E , Ghirardello A , Caforio A LP , Bergantin A , Tombini V , Moreo A , Ashtamkar L , Doria A , Shoenfeld Y , Livneh A
Published: September 2005

Idiopathic recurrent acute pericarditis (IRAP) is suspected to be an autoimmune phenomenon. We studied 46 consecutive patients. We looked for: 1) the occurrence of new diagnoses of autoimmune diseases during our follow up; 2) HLA typing; and 3) the presence of the most frequent mutations linked to familial Mediterranean fever (FMF gene or MEFV). HLA typing was done in 21 patients at loci B, DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1. MEFV gene was looked in 23 patients using specific primers. During the follow-up we made a new diagnosis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome in four patients (8.7%) and of rheumatoid arthritis in one patient (2.2%). HLA B14, DRB1*01 and DQB1*0202 were significantly more prevalent, but we did not find a typical HLA typing. MEFV gene was searched: exon 10 was checked by sequence and the E148Q mutation by restriction site analysis. No mutations were found. In conclusion, the prevalence of definite immunorheumatological diseases and the absence of the mutations linked to FMF reinforce the notion that idiopathic acute recurrent pericarditis is an autoimmune condition.
Cardiovascular involvement in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gerli R , Goodson N J
Published: September 2005

Cardiovascular (CV) disease morbidity and mortality are increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and much of the excess CV disease morbidity appears to be due to atherosclerosis. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (ATS) in RA is complex and there is increasing evidence that many factors including novel and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, RA treatments and the RA inflammatory disease process are involved in the development of CV disease in these patients. Of particular interest are the effects of chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation associated with RA. These have been shown to be associated with endothelial dysfunction, which is an early, potentially reversible, functional abnormality of the arterial wall. However, as several CV disease risk factors and drug prescribing are also influenced by RA disease severity it is very difficult to separate out the effects of the inflammatory disease burden on the cardiovascular system in RA.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated to connective tissue diseases
Authors: Galiè N , Manes A , Farahani K V , Pelino F , Palazzini M , Negro L , Romanazzi S , Branzi A
Published: September 2005

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a well-known complication of connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue diseases, and to a lesser extent, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatopolymyositis and primary Sjögren’s syndrome. In these patients, pulmonary hypertension may occur in association with left heart disease, interstitial fibrosis or as a result of a isolated pulmonary arteriopathy. The incidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the limited form of systemic sclerosis is about 10%. The pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension remain unknown. Symptoms and clinical presentation are very similar to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension but mortality was confirmed to be higher. Echocardiography is the reference investigation for the detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension but the results should be confirmed by right heart catheterization. Treatment appears more complex as compared to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Intravenous epoprostenol therapy has been shown to be effective in a special trail. Also, the endothelin receptor antagonists bosentan and sitaxentan, the phosphodyesterase-type-5 sildenafil and subcutaneous treprostinil have shown favourable results.
Cardiac imaging techniques in systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Turiel M , Peretti R , Sarzi-Puttini P , Atzeni F , Doria A
Published: September 2005

Systemic autoimmune disorders are frequently associated to cardiac involvement and to a high prevalence of ischemic coronary events, often occurring at ayounger age than in the normal population. Large increase in mortality is related to premature atherosclerosis with coronary artery disease and stroke in patients with connective tissue diseases. Coronary heart disease is responsible for 40-50% of the deaths of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Transesophageal or transthoracic echocardiography are the most useful and noninvasive techniques able to detect not only valvular abnormalities, embolic sources or pulmonary hypertension, but also left ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction. Furthermore, the introduction of new indexes, contrast agents and software increased the accuracy of this technique. It is possible now to evaluate coronary flow reserve by transthoracic echocardiography in patients with systemic autoimmune disease in order to detect microvasculature disorder. However, an ischemic response in a symptomatic patient requires, in most cases, further evaluation with cardiac catheterization. Coronary artery imaging allows confirmation of the presence, extent and position of atheromatous lesions. More recently, other imaging modalities including magnetic resonance and computerized tomography angiography have been developed to allow imaging of the coronary arteries.
Oxidized LDL/β2-glycoprotein I complexes: new aspects in atherosclerosis
Authors: Matsuura E , Kobayashi K , Inoue K , Lopez L R , Shoenfeld Y
Published: September 2005

β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is a major antigenic target for antiphospholipid antibodies. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) is the principal lipoprotein found in atherosclerotic lesions, and it colocalizes with β2GPI and immunoreactive lymphocytes. oxLDL/β2GPI complexes appeared in the blood circulation of patients with diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), systemic sclerosis, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal diseases. Thus, the complexes may be associated with systemic and chronic inflammation of the vasculature. IgG anti-oxLDL/β2GPI complexes autoantibodies and their immune complexes were detected only in SLE/APS patients and in its animal model and were strongly associated with arterial thrombosis. The oxLDL/β2GPI complexes were internalized by macrophages via IgG anti-β2GPI antibody-mediated phagocytosis. In contrast, IgM anti-oxLDL antibodies derived from hyperlipidemic mice reduced the incidence of atherosclerosis. The distribution patterns of IgG and IgM anti-oxLDL antibodies in patients suggest the different roles of these antibodies.
Role of antiheat shock protein 60 autoantibodies in atherosclerosis
Authors: Mandal K , Foteinos G , Jahangiri M , Xu Q
Published: September 2005

Immuno-inflammatory processes are implicated, as one of the prime pathogenic processes involved, in the development and progression of early atherosclerosis. High levels of circulating antiheat shock protein 60 (HSP60) autoantibodies have been associated with increasing severity of atherosclerosis in patients. We have recently presented evidence, extending this statistical association to that of causality, by showing that anti-HSP60 antibodies purified from sera of patients with documented atherosclerosis when injected into tail vein of apoE deficient mice resulted in accelerated atherosclerosis in them. High degree of sequence homology between microbial and mammalian HSP60, due to evolutionary conservation, carries a risk of misdirected autoimmunity against HSPs expressed on the stressed cells of vascular endothelium. HSPs and anti-HSP antibodies have been shown to elicit production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These autoimmune reactions to HSPs expressed in the vascular tissue can contribute to both initiation and perpetuation of atherosclerosis.
New trends in anticoagulant treatments
Authors: Pengo V
Published: September 2005

Classic anticoagulant drugs are very effective, save lives and have been used for more than 50 years. Nevertheless, some drawbacks are encountered in their routine clinical use. Recently, pharmaceutical research has developed new drugs, some of which are already on the market. This is the case of fondaparinux, a pentasaccharide which can interact with antithrombin, thus inhibiting factor Xa. Modification of its structure (idraparinux) has led to more stable binding with antithrombin and to an increase in its half-life allowing for once-a-week administration. Another important oral compound is ximelagatran which directly binds thrombin and blocks its catalytic site. There is no need for laboratory control, and phase II and phase III studies are encouraging. Thus, in the next few years, we may witness great changes in the treatment of patients with thromboembolic disorders.
Thiazolidinediones and inflammation
Authors: Consoli A , Devangelio E
Published: September 2005

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are selective ligands of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor g increasingly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Both in vitro and in vivo studies provide evidence that TZDs have anti-inflammatory properties. TZDs inhibit macrophage activation and decrease inflammatory cytokine expression and release in macrophage and monocyte. In vivo, treatment with TZDs decreases circulating mononuclear cells nuclear NF-kB content while increasing, in the same cells, expression of IkB, an NK-kB inhibitor. Furthermore, TZD treatment results in decreased plasma levels of inflammation and cardiovascular risk markers such as CRP, MMP9, PAI-1 and sCD40 in both obese and type 2 diabetic patients. Finally, TZDs induce synoviocyte apoptosis and reduce secretion of TNFa, IL-6 and IL-8 in synoviocyte from rheumatoid arthritis patients. TZDs might thus be considered for use in clinical trials targeting prevention of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases and in pilot trials exploring the possibility that TZDs might help in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
A Terror Management Perspective on the Persuasiveness of Fear Appeals
Authors: Shehryar Omar , Hunt David M.
Published: September 2005

We use terror management theory (TMT) to show that the nature of the threatening consequences included in fear‐appeal communications influences the responses to the messages promoted in such communications. On the basis of differences between death‐related consequences and non‐death‐related consequences, they provide an explanation for maladaptive responses to fear appeals. Results from 2 experiments indicate that participants who were highly committed to a worldview of drinking alcohol rejected socially acceptable attitudes toward drinking and driving when the message containing such attitudes was accompanied by a fear appeal that contained death as a consequence, but not when fear appeals contained the fear of arrest or serious injury. Participants perceived their level of experienced fear to be the same across the experimental conditions. The results have implications for considering the qualitative nature of the threatening consequence in fear‐appeal research and for using TMT to understand maladaptive responses to fear‐appeal communications.
How Does Shopping With Others Influence Impulsive Purchasing?
Authors: Luo Xueming
Published: September 2005

Most research in consumer psychology assumes that impulsive purchasing can be best explained by factors at the individual level. In contrast, this research examines how the presence of others influences this behavior. Results of 2 experiments suggest that the presence of peers increases the urge to purchase, and the presence of family members decreases it. However, this difference is greater when the group (peers or family) is cohesive and when participants are susceptible to social influence.
No One Wants to Look Cheap: Trade‐Offs Between Social Disincentives and the Economic and Psychological Incentives to Redeem Coupons
Authors: Ashworth Laurence , Darke Peter R. , Schaller Mark
Published: September 2005

Existing research on price deals has largely demonstrated positive financial and nonfinancial consequences of obtaining a deal. In contrast, the research reported here suggests that certain price deals—in this case, coupons—can also produce negative social consequences, such as creating an impression of cheapness or stinginess. Decisions to redeem coupons are shown to involve a trade‐off between the social incentives to avoid coupons and competing economic and psychological incentives to redeem coupons. Consumers strategically adjusted their decision in response to factors that changed the relative strength of these incentives; specifically, they avoided coupons when they were concerned that coupon use would lead to negative social consequences but redeemed coupons when the circumstances reduced these concerns. Although decisions to refuse a coupon might violate principles of economic rationality, it is argued that such decisions are nevertheless functional as they serve important social goals. In this sense, it can be smarter for consumers to forgo a deal rather than obtain one.
Brand Personality Structures in the United States and Korea: Common and Culture‐Specific Factors
Authors: Sung Yongjun , Tinkham Spencer F.
Published: September 2005

The symbolic meaning of commercial brands (often called brand personality) can represent the values and beliefs of a culture. When a set of global brands were rated on the same personality attributes in the United States and Korea, 6 common dimensions of brand personality and 2 factors unique to each culture were observed. The 2 culture‐specific factors in Korea (Passive Likeableness and Ascendancy) support our general hypothesis that Korean brand personality structure carries cultural meaning, reflecting the importance of Confucian values in Korea's social and economic systems. Although their cultural meaning is less clear, the 2 unique factors (White Collar and Androgyny) that emerged in the U.S. sample suggest changing cultural values associated with occupational status and gender roles.
Content Differences for Abstract and Concrete Concepts
Authors: Katja Wiemer‐Hastings Katja , Xu Xu
Published: September 2005

Concept properties are an integral part of theories of conceptual representation and processing. To date, little is known about conceptual properties of abstract concepts, such as idea. This experiment systematically compared the content of 18 abstract and 18 concrete concepts, using a feature generation task. Thirty‐one participants listed characteristics of the concepts (i.e., item properties) or their relevant context (i.e., context properties). Abstract concepts had significantly fewer intrinsic item properties and more properties expressing subjective experiences than concrete concepts. Situation components generated for abstract and concrete concepts differed in kind, but not in number. Abstract concepts were predominantly related to social aspects of situations. Properties were significantly less specific for abstract than for concrete concepts. Thus, abstractness emerged as a function of several, both qualitative and quantitative, factors.
Deontic Reasoning With Emotional Content: Evolutionary Psychology or Decision Theory?
Authors: Perham Nick , Oaksford Mike
Published: September 2005

Three experiments investigated the contrasting predictions of the evolutionary and decision‐theoretic approaches to deontic reasoning. Two experiments embedded a hazard management (HM) rule in a social contract scenario that should lead to competition between innate modules. A 3rd experiment used a pure HM task. Threatening material was also introduced into the antecedent, p, of a deontic rule, if p then must q. According to the evolutionary approach, more HM responses (Cosmides & Tooby, 2000) are predicted when p is threatening, whereas decision theory predicts fewer. All 3 experiments were consistent with decision theory. Other theories are discussed, and it is concluded that they cannot account for the behavior observed in these experiments.
Recursive filters for partially observable finite Markov chains
Authors: Ledoux James
Published: September 2005

In this note, we consider discrete-time finite Markov chains and assume that they are only partly observed. We obtain finite-dimensional normalized filters for basic statistics associated with such processes. Recursive equations for these filters are derived by means of simple computations involving conditional expectations. An application to the estimation of parameters of the so-called discrete-time batch Markovian arrival process is outlined.
On the existence of uni-instantaneous Q-processes with a given finite μ-invariant measure
Authors: Gray Brenton , Pollett Phil , Zhang Hanjun
Published: September 2005

Let S be a countable set and let Q = (qij, i, j ∈ S) be a conservative q-matrix over S with a single instantaneous state b. Suppose that we are given a real number μ ≥ 0 and a strictly positive probability measure m = (mj, j ∈ S) such that ∑i∈Smiqij = −μmj, j ≠ b. We prove that there exists a Q-process P(t) = (pij(t), i, j ∈ S) for which m is a μ-invariant measure, that is ∑i∈Smipij(t) = e−μtmj, j∈S. We illustrate our results with reference to the Kolmogorov ‘K1’ chain and a birth-death process with catastrophes and instantaneous resurrection.
A stochastic SIS infection model incorporating indirect transmission
Authors: Clancy Damian
Published: September 2005

We describe a stochastic susceptible–infective–susceptible (SIS) model for transmission of infectious disease through a population, incorporating both direct host–host transmission and indirect transmission via free-living infectious stages (e.g. environmental bacteria). Existence of a quasi-stationary distribution conditional upon nonextinction of infection is established. A bivariate Ornstein–Uhlenbeck approximation is used to investigate the long-term behaviour of the process conditional upon nonextinction of infection. We show that indirect transmission leads to lower variability in the number of infected hosts present in quasi-stationarity and, consequently, to a greater tendency of infection to persist, compared with a model with direct transmission only and the same average individual infectivity. Some numerical work illustrating these results is presented.
A complete solution for the optimal stochastic scheduling of a two-stage tandem queue with two flexible servers
Authors: Schiefermayr Klaus , Weichbold Josef
Published: September 2005

We consider a two-stage tandem queue with two parallel servers and two queues. We assume that initially all jobs are present and that no further arrivals take place at any time. The two servers are identical and can serve both types of job. The processing times are exponentially distributed. After being served, a job of queue 1 joins queue 2, whereas a job of queue 2 leaves the system. Holding costs per job and per unit time are incurred if there are jobs holding in the system. Our goal is to find the optimal strategy that minimizes the expected total holding costs until the system is cleared. We give a complete solution for the optimal control of all possible parameters (costs and service times), especially for those parameter regions in which the optimal control depends on how many jobs are present in the two queues.
What is the time value of a stream of investments?
Authors: Norberg Ragnar , Steffensen Mogens
Published: September 2005

The titular question is investigated for fairly general semimartingale investment and asset price processes. A discrete-time consideration suggests a stochastic differential equation and an integral expression for the time value in the continuous-time framework. It is shown that the two are equivalent if the jump part of the price process converges. The integral expression, which is the answer to the titular question, is the sum of all investments accumulated with returns on the asset (a stochastic integral) plus a term that accounts for the possible covariation between the two processes. The arbitrage-free price of the time value is the expected value of the sum (i.e. integral) of all investments discounted with the locally risk-free asset.
Optimal doubling strategy against a suboptimal opponent
Authors: Katsikopoulos Konstantinos V. , Şimşek Özgür
Published: September 2005

For two-person zero-sum games, where the probability of each player winning is a continuous function of time and is known to both players, the mutually optimal strategy for proposing and accepting a doubling of the game value is known. We present an algorithm for deriving the optimal doubling strategy of a player who is aware of the suboptimal strategy followed by the opponent. We also present numerical results about the magnitude of the benefits; the results support the claim that repeated application of the algorithm by both players leads to the mutually optimal strategy.