bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RADIATIVE VECTOR MESON DECAY
Authors: PALOMAR J. E. , ROCA L. , OSET E. , VICENTE-VACAS M. J.
Published: June 2005

We study the radiative ρ, ω and ϕ decay into π0π0γ and π0ηγ taking into account mechanisms in which there are two sequential vector-vector-pseudoscalar or axial-vector–vector–pseudoscalar steps followed by the coupling of a vector meson to the photon, considering the final state interaction of the two mesons. Other mechanisms in which two kaons are produced through the same sequential mechanisms or from vector meson decay into two kaons which undergo final state interaction leading to the final pair of pions or π0η, are also considered. The results of the parameter free theory, together with the theoretical uncertainties, are compared with the latest experimental results at Frascati and Novosibirsk.
COUPLED CHANNEL EFFECTS IN ππ S-WAVE INTERACTION
Authors: WU F. Q. , ZOU B. S.
Published: June 2005

We study coupled channel effects upon isospin I=2 and I=0 ππ S-wave interaction. With introduction of the ππ→ρρ→ππ coupled channel box diagram contribution into ππ amplitude in addition to ρ and f2(1270) exchange, we reproduce the ππ I =2 S-wave and D-wave scattering phase shifts and inelasticities up to 2 GeV quite well in a K-matrix formalism. For I=0 case, the same ππ→ρρ→ππ box diagram is found to give the largest contribution for the inelasticity among all possible coupled channels including ππ→ωω→ππ, [Formula: see text]. We also show why the broad σ appears narrower in production processes than in ππ scattering process.
RESTRICTED LOCALITY OF QUARK-HADRON DUALITY IN EXCLUSIVE MESON PHOTOPRODUCTION REACTIONS ABOVE THE RESONANCE REGION
Authors: ZHAO QIANG , CLOSE FRANK E.
Published: June 2005

We show how deviations from the dimensional scaling laws for exclusive processes may be related to a breakdown in the locality of quark-hadron duality, i.e. the "restricted locality". For exclusive reactions like meson photo- and electroproduction above the resonance region, we explore the effects arising from such a local duality breaking and propose that it can be a possible source for oscillations about the smooth quark counting rule predicted by pQCD in the 90-degree differential cross sections.
SOME REMARKS ON EXOTIC RESONANCES
Authors: ZHENG HANQING
Published: June 2005

Using large Nc counting rule, it is argued that tetra-quark resonances do not exist. Also it is pointed out that there exists the violation of exchange degeneracy in the exotic KN scattering channel. It implies either the failure of resonance saturation assumption or it suggests the existence of exotic baryon resonances in such a channel.
SPIN STRUCTURE OF NUCLEON AND SPIN TRANSFER IN HIGH ENERGY FRAGMENTATION PROCESS
Authors: LIANG ZUO-TANG
Published: June 2005

Spin transfer in high energy fragmentation process is determined by the hadronization mechanism and spin structure of hadrons. It can be studied by measuring the polarizations of hyperons and/or vector mesons in e+e- annihilation, in the current fragmentation region of polarized deeply inelastic lN-scatterings, and high pT-jets in polarized pp-collisions. Theoretical calculations have been made using different models. In this talk, I will briefly summarize the main features of the models, the results obtained and the comparison with available data. They can be used for future tests by experiments.
MULTIJET PRODUCTION IN NEUTRAL CURRENT DEEP INELASTIC SCATTERING AT HERA AND DETERMINATION OF αs
Authors: LI LIANG
Published: June 2005

Multijet production rates in neutral current deep inelastic scattering (DIS) have been measured in the range of exchanged boson virtualities 10<Q2<5000 GeV2. The data were taken at the ep collider HERA with centre-of-mass energy [Formula: see text] using the ZEUS detector and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 82.2 pb-1. Jets were identified in the Breit frame using the kTcluster algorithm in the longitudinally invariant inclusive mode. Measurements of differential multijet cross sections are presented as functions of jet transverse energy [Formula: see text], pseudorapidity [Formula: see text] and Q2with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Next-to-leading-order QCD calculations describe the data well. The value of the strong coupling constant αs(MZ), determined from the ratio of the trijet to dijet cross sections, is [Formula: see text].
ENERGY SPECTRA OF ANTI-NUCLEONS IN FINITE NUCLEI
Authors: MAO G. , GONG J. , STÖCKER H. , GREINER W.
Published: June 2005

The quantum vacuum in a many-body system of finite nuclei has been investigated within the relativistic Hartree approach which describes the bound states of nucleons and anti-nucleons consistently. The contributions of the Dirac sea to the source terms of the meson-field equations are taken into account up to the one-nucleon loop and one-meson loop. The tensor couplings for the ω- and ρ-meson are included in the model. The overall nucleon spectra of shell-model states are in agreement with the data. The calculated anti-nucleon spectra in the vacuum differ about 20 – 30 MeV with and without the tensor-coupling effects.
EVOLUTION EQUATIONS FOR SLOWLY ROTATING STARS
Authors: STAVRIDIS ADAMANTIOS , KOKKOTAS KOSTAS D.
Published: June 2005

We present a hyperbolic formulation of the evolution equations describing nonradial perturbations of slowly rotating relativistic stars in the Regge–Wheeler gauge. We demonstrate the stability properties of the new evolution set of equations and compute the polar w-modes for slowly rotating stars.
BIRTH RATES OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF NEUTRON STARS AND POSSIBLE EVOLUTIONS OF THESE OBJECTS
Authors: GUSEINOV OKTAY H. , ANKAY AŞKIN , TAGIEVA SEVINÇ O.
Published: June 2005

It is shown that anomalous X-ray pulsars and soft gamma repeaters are neutron stars with mass less than 1 solar mass and with magnetic field about 3×1013–1014 G . Their ages (t≤105 yr ) are considerably larger than their characteristic times. The angle between the rotation axis and the axis of the magnetic field must be large for these objects. From time to time as a result of activities their value of Ṗ considerably increases because of the propeller mechanism. Using such an approach Guseinov et al.1 have predicted the transient characteristic of these sources which has been confirmed recently.2 We estimate the spatial densities and lifetimes of different types of isolated neutron star. Some of these sources must have relations with anomalous X-ray pulsars and soft gamma repeaters. In order to understand the locations of different types of isolated neutron star on the P–Ṗ diagram it is also necessary to take into account the differences in the mass and the magnetic field of neutron stars. We have also estimated the birth rates of different types of isolated neutron stars.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition attenuates myonuclear addition in overloaded slow-twitch skeletal muscle
Authors: Westerkamp Christopher M. , Gordon Scott E.
Published: June 2005

Because optimal overload-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy requires ANG II, we aimed to determine the effects of blocking ANG II production [via angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition] on potential mediators of hypertrophy in overloaded skeletal muscle, namely, myonuclear addition and fibroblast content. In a 2 × 2 design, adult (200–225 g) female Sprague-Dawley rats were placed into one of four groups ( n = 8/group): 7-day skeletal muscle overload, sham operation, 7-day skeletal muscle overload with ACE inhibition, or sham operation with ACE inhibition. Functional overloads of the plantaris and soleus muscles were produced via bilateral surgical ablation of the synergistic gastrocnemius muscle, and ACE inhibition was accomplished by the addition of the ACE inhibitor enalapril maleate to the animals' daily drinking water (0.3 mg/ml). Myonuclear addition and extrasarcolemmal nuclear proliferation, as measured by in vivo 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine labeling, were significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) increased by overload in both the slow-twitch soleus and fast-twitch plantaris muscles. Furthermore, ACE inhibition attenuated these overload-induced increases in the soleus muscle but not in the plantaris muscle. However, the effect of ACE inhibition on soleus extrasarcolemmal nuclei was not likely due to differences in fibroblast content because overload elicited significant increases in vimentin-positive areas in soleus and plantaris muscles, and these areas were unaffected by ACE inhibition in either muscle. There was no effect of ACE inhibition on any measure in sham-operated muscles. Collectively, these data indicate that ANG II may mediate the satellite cell response to overload in slow-twitch soleus but not in fast-twitch plantaris muscles and that this effect may occur independently of changes in fibroblast content.
Lack of response to all-transretinoic acid supplementation in adult dogs following left pneumonectomy
Authors: Yan Xiao , Bellotto Dennis J. , Dane D. Merrill , Elmore R. Geoffrey , Johnson Robert L. , Estrera Aaron S. , Hsia Connie C. W.
Published: June 2005

We showed previously that removing 55–58% of the lung by right pneumonectomy (R-PNX) in adult dogs triggers compensatory growth of the remaining lung, but removing 42–45% of the lung by left PNX (L-PNX) does not. We also showed that, following R-PNX, supplemental all- trans retinoic acid (RA) selectively enhances alveolar capillary endothelial cell volume (Yan X, Bellotto DJ, Foster DJ, Johnson RL, Jr., Hagler HH, Estrera AS, and Hsia CC. J Appl Physiol 96: 1080–1089, 2004). We hypothesized that RA supplementation might enhance compensation following L-PNX and tested this hypothesis by administering RA (2 mg·kg−1·day−1, 4 days/wk) or placebo orally to litter-matched adult foxhounds for 4 mo following L-PNX. Resting lung function was measured under anesthesia. Air and tissue volumes of the remaining lung were assessed by high-resolution computed tomography scan and by detailed postmortem morphometric analysis of the fixed lung. There was no significant difference in resting lung function, lung volume, alveolar structure, or septal ultrastructure between RA and placebo treatment groups. We conclude that RA supplementation does not induce post-PNX compensatory lung growth in the absence of existing cellular growth activities initiated by other primary signals.
Laminar Organization of the Marginal Zone in the Human Fetal Cortex
Authors: Kostović Ivica , Jovanov-Milošević Nataša , Krsnik Željka , Petanjek Zdravko , Judaš Miloš
Published: June 2005

Background: Recent studies have shown remarkable complexity of neuronal differentiation and cellular composition of the marginal zone in the fetal cortex. New immunocytochemical parameters are needed for analysis of dynamic neurogenetic events at the interface between the afferent fibers of the marginal zone and the superficial cortical plate. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze transient cytoarchitectonic and immunocytochemical patterns of organization of the marginal zone of the human fetal cortex. Results: Fine cytoarchitectural parameters revealed a very complex six-layered organization of the marginal zone of the human fetal cortex between 18 and 28 weeks of gestation (w.g.). Starting from the pia to the cortical plate, the following layers can be distinguished: (1) cell-poor marginal stripe (Randstreifen); (2) subpial granular layer; (3) marginal zone proper; (4) stratum lucidum (SL); (5) deep granular layer (DGL), and (6) stratum radiatum (SR). The subpial granular layer develops around 13 w.g. and is not visible at 34 w.g. The SL, characterized by immunostaining with SNAP-25, MAP1b and SMI 312 antibodies and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, appears on Nissl sections at around 20 w.g. and disappears after 28 w.g. The DGL contains NeuN and some MAP2-positive cells, presumably neurons, appears at 15 w.g. and disappears by 34 w.g. The SR shows profound transformation in parallel to the changes in the most superficial part of the cortical plate. Conclusions: The marginal zone displays a very complex organization in the human fetal cortex due to the complexity of cortical inputs from both increased population of Cajal-Retzius neurons and abundant afferents to the apical dendrites of cortical plate neurons. Deep transitional sublayers, namely SL, DGL and SR, serve as a compartment for ingrowth of afferents and migratory routes to the superficial part of the cortical plate. A similar developmental role is played by the subplate zone at the deep border of the cortical plate.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis due to Bunashimeji Mushrooms in the Mushroom Industry
Authors: Tsushima Kenji , Fujimoto Keisaku , Yoshikawa Sumiko , Kawakami Satoshi , Koizumi Tomonobu , Kubo Keishi
Published: June 2005

Background: Detection of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) in employees involved in the Bunashimeji mushroom industry is difficult. The level of precipitating antibody is not related with the prediction of progression and resolution of HP. The aims of this study were to examine the actual prevalence of HP in the Bunashimeji industry and the clinical differences among selected employees. Methods: One hundred and fourteen employees worked in Bunashimeji enterprises. These subjects were divided into the following subgroups: office workers, pickers/packers with mask and pickers/packers without mask. We measured serum Krebs von der Lungen-6 (KL-6), surfactant protein (SP)-A and SP-D, and examined the stimulation index (SI) due to Bunashimeji spores. Chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function tests and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed for select employees who showed positive SI values (>200%) to examine the clinical differences. Results: The proportion of respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in the pickers/packers than that in the office workers. The picker/packer group had high serum KL-6 concentrations and SI compared with the office worker group. Thirty select employees were divided into the following three subgroups: HP, select employees without HP, and SI <400% and KL-6 <500 U/ml , using high SI levels (>400%) and positive serum KL-6 concentration (>500 U/ml). Four exhibited ground glass opacities with centrilobular fine nodules on HRCT, and 8 had high numbers of lymphocytes in the BAL fluid. The BAL findings and serum KL-6 concentrations showed significant differences among the three groups. Conclusions: Four employees were evaluated as having HP. Serum KL-6 and SP-D may be related to the resolution of HP in addition to SI and chest HRCT.
Down syndrome, paternal age and education: comparison of California and the Czech Republic
Authors: Dzurova Dagmara , Pikhart Hynek
Published: June 2005

Background

The association between maternal age and risk of Down syndrome has been repeatedly shown in various populations. However, the effect of paternal age and education of parents has not been frequently studied. Comparative studies on Down syndrome are also rare. This study evaluates the epidemiological characteristics of Down syndrome in two culturally and socially contrasting population settings, in California and the Czech Republic.

Methods

The observed live birth prevalence of Down syndrome was studied among all newborns in the California counties monitored by California Birth Defects Monitoring Program from 1996 to 1997, and in the whole Czech Republic from 1994 to 1998. Logistic regression was used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 516,745 (California) and 475,834 (the Czech Republic) infants were included in the analysis. Among them, 593 and 251, respectively, had Down syndrome. The mean maternal age of children with Down syndrome was 32.1 years in California and 26.9 years in the Czech Republic. Children born to older mothers were at greater risk of Down syndrome in both populations. The association with paternal age was mostly explained by adjusting for maternal age, but remained significant in the Czech Republic. The association between maternal education and Down syndrome was much stronger in California than in the Czech Republic but parental age influences higher occurrence of Down syndrome both in California and in the Czech Republic.

Conclusion

The educational gradient in California might reflect selective impact of prenatal diagnosis, elective termination, and acceptance of prenatal diagnostic measures in Californian population.
A 63 element 1.75 dimensional ultrasound phased array for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Saleh Khaldon Y , Smith Nadine Barrie
Published: June 2005

Background

Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia are very common diseases in older American men, thus having a reliable treatment modality for both diseases is of great importance. The currently used treating options, mainly surgical ones, have numerous complications, which include the many side effects that accompany such procedures, besides the invasive nature of such techniques. Focused ultrasound is a relatively new treating modality that is showing promising results in treating prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Thus this technique is gaining more attention in the past decade as a non-invasive method to treat both diseases.

Methods

In this paper, the design, construction and evaluation of a 1.75 dimensional ultrasound phased array to be used for treating prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia is presented. With this array, the position of the focus can be controlled by changing the electrical power and phase to the individual elements for electronically focusing and steering in a three dimensional volume. The array was designed with a maximum steering angle of ± 13.5° in the transverse direction and a maximum depth of penetration of 11 cm, which allows the treatment of large prostates. The transducer piezoelectric ceramic, matching layers and cable impedance have been designed for maximum power transfer to tissue.

Results

To verify the capability of the transducer for focusing and steering, exposimetry was performed and the results correlated well with the calculated field. Ex vivo experiments using bovine tissue were performed with various lesion sizes and indicated the capability of the transducer to ablate tissue using short sonications.

Conclusion

A 1.75 dimensional array, that overcame the drawbacks associated with one-dimensional arrays, has been designed, built and successfully tested. Design issues, such as cable and ceramic capacitances, were taken into account when designing this array. The final prototype overcame also the problem of generating grating lobes at unwanted locations by tapering the array elements.
Case mix, outcome and activity for obstetric admissions to adult, general critical care units: a secondary analysis of the ICNARC Case Mix Programme Database
Authors: Harrison David A , Penny James A , Yentis Steve M , Fayek Samia , Brady Anthony R
Published: June 2005

Introduction

Risk prediction scores usually overestimate mortality in obstetric populations because mortality rates in this group are considerably lower than in others. Studies examining this effect were generally small and did not distinguish between obstetric and nonobstetric pathologies. We evaluated the performance of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II model in obstetric admissions to critical care units contributing to the ICNARC Case Mix Programme.

Methods

All obstetric admissions were extracted from the ICNARC Case Mix Programme Database of 219,468 admissions to UK critical care units from 1995 to 2003 inclusive. Cases were divided into direct obstetric pathologies and indirect or coincidental pathologies, and compared with a control cohort of all women aged 16–50 years not included in the obstetric categories. The predictive ability of APACHE II was evaluated in the three groups. A prognostic model was developed for direct obstetric admissions to predict the risk for hospital mortality. A log-linear model was developed to predict the length of stay in the critical care unit.

Results

A total of 1452 direct obstetric admissions were identified, the most common pathologies being haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. There were 278 admissions identified as indirect or coincidental and 22,938 in the nonpregnant control cohort. Hospital mortality rates were 2.2%, 6.0% and 19.6% for the direct obstetric group, the indirect or coincidental group, and the control cohort, respectively. Cox regression calibration analysis showed a reasonable fit of the APACHE II model for the nonpregnant control cohort (slope = 1.1, intercept = -0.1). However, the APACHE II model vastly overestimated mortality for obstetric admissions (mortality ratio = 0.25). Risk prediction modelling demonstrated that the Glasgow Coma Scale score was the best discriminator between survival and death in obstetric admissions.

Conclusion

This study confirms that APACHE II overestimates mortality in obstetric admissions to critical care units. This may be because of the physiological changes in pregnancy or the unique scoring profile of obstetric pathologies such as HELLP syndrome. It may be possible to recalibrate the APACHE II score for obstetric admissions or to devise an alternative score specifically for obstetric admissions.
G Protein‐Coupled Receptor Roles in Cell Migration and Cell Death Decisions
Authors: KAMPS ANGELA R. , COFFMAN CLARK R.
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Recognition of external conditions and the elicitation of appropriate responses are critical to a cell's ability to adjust to various developmental and environmental cues. G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large class of receptors that act to relay external information into the cell by initiating signaling pathways that allow the cell to adapt to its present conditions. There are numerous ligands that activate GPCRs to initiate a multitude of intracellular signaling cascades involved in critical decisions including cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, migration, survival, and death. This article focuses on the signaling pathways involved in cell migration, survival, and death decisions with an emphasis on germ cells from various organisms.
Mitochondria‐Based Model for Fetal Origin of Adult Disease and Insulin Resistance
Authors: LEE HONG KYU , PARK KYONG SOO , CHO YOUNG MIN , LEE YUN YONG , PAK YOUNGMI KIM
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Insulin resistance has been recognized as the fundamental underlying metabolic defect in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, a clustering of cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Recent studies established that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in insulin resistance in general and fetal origin of this state in particular. Because genes are the fundamental molecular basis of inheritance—and thus the cornerstones of evolution—a model explaining insulin resistance is based at the gene level at best. Since a certain mtDNA polymorphism, 16189T>C, is associated with insulin resistance, mtDNA has to be a basic component of the gene‐based model. We developed a mitochondria‐based model that explains insulin resistance in terms of quantitative and qualitative change of the mitochondrion and its DNA. This model can accommodate several important hypotheses, such as thrifty genotype hypothesis, thrifty phenotype hypothesis, fetal insulin hypothesis, contribution of metabolic imprinting by epigenetic changes, and many other features associated with insulin resistance. We will discuss mechanisms that indicate why the perturbed initial condition of mitochondrial function should lead to the reduced insulin sensitivity.
Brain Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Patients with A3243G Mutation in Mitochondrial DNA tRNA
Authors: THAJEB PETERUS , WU MING‐CHE , SHIH BING‐FU , TZEN CHIN‐YUAN , CHIANG MING‐FU , YUAN REY‐YUE
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies were conducted in three patients with A3243G mutation of the mitochondrial (mt) DNA tRNA. All were born to mothers suffering from chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) with the same A3243G point mutation of the mtDNA tRNA. The first case manifested clinically with MELAS, the second case manifested with CPEO, and third case was characterized by recurrent migraine‐like headache, tremor, and epilepsy. Brain SPECT of all patients, regardless of whether they had or had not suffered from stroke‐like episodes, showed multiple areas of asymmetrical decreased perfusion, particularly in the posterior and lateral head regions, especially the temporal lobes. Crossed‐cerebellar diaschisis may occur. Conventional brain magnetic resonance images failed to show some of the lesions. Decreased regional cerebral blood flow, rather than previously proposed hyperemia, is likely to be the cause. We conclude that mitochondrial vasculopathy with regional cerebral hypoperfusion may be seen on brain SPECT in patients with mitochondrial disorders and A3243G mutations, regardless of whether they have or have not suffered from stroke‐like episodes.
S‐Nitrosoglutathione and Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐1 Confer Chemoresistance against Carbamoylating Cytotoxicity of BCNU in Rat C6 Glioma Cells
Authors: YANG DING‐I , CHEN SHANG‐DER , YIN JIU‐HAW , HSU CHUNG Y.
Published: June 2005

Abstract: BCNU (1,3‐bis[2‐chloroethyl]‐1‐nitrosourea) is the mainstay in glioblastoma multiform chemotherapy with only minimal effects. BCNU may kill tumor cells via carbamoylating cytotoxicity, which irreversibly inhibits glutathione reductase with resultant accumulation of oxidized form of glutathione causing oxidative stress. S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) is a product of glutathione and nitric oxide interaction. We report that GSNO formation may underlie carbamoylating chemoresistance mediated by activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Transactivation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1)‐responsive genes reduces oxidative stress caused by glutathione depletion. We also noted that preconditioning of C6 glioma cells to induce HIF‐1 and its downstream genes confers chemoresistance against carbamoylating cytotoxicity of BCNU.
Celecoxib Induces Heme‐Oxygenase Expression in Glomerular Mesangial Cells
Authors: HOU CHUN‐CHENG , HUNG SU‐LI , KAO SHU‐HUEI , CHEN TSO HSIAO , LEE HORNG‐MO
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used as analgesics. They inhibit cyclooxygenases (COX), preventing the formation of prostaglandins, including prostacyclin and thromboxane. A serious side effect of COX‐1 and COX‐2 inhibitors is renal damage. To investigate the molecular basis of the renal injury, we evaluated the expression of the stress marker, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), in celecoxib‐stimulated mesangial cells. We report here that a COX‐2 selective NSAID, celecoxib, induced a concentration‐ and time‐dependent increase of HO‐1 expression in glomerular mesangial cells. Celecoxib‐induced HO‐1 protein expression was inhibited by actinomycin D and cycloheximide, suggesting that de novo transcription and translation are required in this process. N‐acetylcysteine, a free radical scavenger, strongly decreased HO‐1 expression, suggesting the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Celecoxib‐induced HO‐1 expression was attenuated by pretreatment of the cells with SP 600125 (a specific JNK inhibitor), but not SB 203580 (a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor), or PD 98059 (a specific MEK inhibitor). Consistently, celecoxib activated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) as demonstrated by kinase assays and by increasing phosphorylation of this kinase. N‐acetylcysteine reduced the stimulatory effect of celecoxib on stress kinase activities, suggesting an involvement of JNK in HO‐1 expression. On the other hand, LY 294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI‐3K)‐specific inhibitor, prevented the enhancement of HO‐1 expression. This effect was correlated with inhibition of the phosphorylation of the PDK‐1 downstream substrate Akt/protein kinase B (PKB). In conclusion, our data suggest that celecoxib‐induced HO‐1 expression in glomerular mesangial cells may be mediated by ROS via the JNK‐PI‐3K cascade.
Effect of Enhanced Prostacyclin Synthesis by Adenovirus‐Mediated Transfer on Lipopolysaccharide Stimulation in Neuron‐Glia Cultures
Authors: TSAI MAY‐JYWAN , SHYUE SONG‐KUN , WENG CHING‐FENG , CHUNG YING , LIOU DANN‐YING , HUANG CHI‐TING , KUO HUAI‐SHENG , LEE MENG‐JEN , CHANG PEI‐TEH , HUANG MING‐CHAO , HUANG WEN‐CHENG , LIOU K D , CHENG HENRICH
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Prostacyclin (PGI2) is known as a short‐lived, potent vasodilator and platelet anti‐aggregatory eicosanoid. This work attempts to selectively augment PGI2 synthesis in neuron‐glia cultures by adenoviral (Ad) gene transfer of PGI synthase (PGIS) or bicistronic cyclooxygenase 1 (COX‐1)/PGIS and examines whether PGI2 confers protection against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Cultures released low levels of eicosanoids. Upon Ad‐PGIS or Ad‐COX‐1/PGIS infection, cultures selectively increased prostacyclin release. Both PGIS‐ and COX‐1/PGIS‐overexpressed cultures contained fewer microglial numbers. Further, they significantly attenuated LPS‐induced iNOS expression and lactate, nitric oxide, and TNF‐α production. Taken together, enhanced prostacyclin synthesis in neuron‐glial cultures reduced microglia number and suppressed LPS stimulation.
IL‐5 Inhibits Apoptosis by Upregulation of c‐myc Expression in Human Hematopoietic Cells
Authors: JUAN SHU‐HUI , YEN JEFFREY JONG‐YOUNG , LEE HORNG‐MO , HUANG HUEI‐MEI
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Interleukin 5 (IL‐5) inhibition of apoptosis is required throughout many hematopoietic lineages to regulate proliferation and differentiation. It is not clear how IL‐5 mediates the intracellular molecular events regulating the anti‐apoptotic effect. The cell lines TF‐1 and JYTF‐1 expressed different amounts of the IL‐5 receptor α (IL‐5Rα) subunit, which caused contrasting effects in response to IL‐5. IL‐5 supported the survival but not the anti‐apoptotic activities of TF‐1 cells, which have a low expression of IL‐5Rα. In contrast, IL‐5 supported both the survival and the anti‐apoptotic activities of JYTF‐1 cells, which overexpressed IL‐5Rα compared to TF‐1 cells. In this study, IL‐5 stimulation increased Annexin V binding (indicative of apoptosis) in TF‐1 cells and decreased apoptosis in JYTF‐1 cells. The proto‐oncogenes c‐fos, fosB, and c‐jun were not detected, whereas junB was induced by IL‐5 stimulation in both types of cells. Most importantly, IL‐5 significantly induced c‐myc expression in JYTF‐1 cells, but did not in TF‐1 cells. These results are consistent with the possibility that IL‐5 inhibits apoptosis in JYTF‐1 cells via the upregulation of c‐myc expression.
Neuroprotective Role of Coenzyme Q10 against Dysfunction of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain at Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla during Fatal Mevinphos Intoxication in the Rat
Authors: LI F C.H. , TSENG H P , CHANG A Y.W.
Published: June 2005

Abstract: We evaluated the functional changes in the mitochondrial respiratory chain at the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), the medullary origin of sympathetic vasomotor tone, in an experimental model of fatal organophosphate poisoning using the insecticide mevinphos (Mev). We also investigated the neuroprotective role of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in this process. Intravenous administration of Mev (1 mg/kg) in Sprague‐Dawley rats maintained with propofol elicited an initial hypertension followed by hypotension, accompanied by bradycardia, with death ensuing within 10 min. Enzyme assay revealed a significant depression of the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide cytochrome c reductase, succinate cytochrome c reductase, and cytochrome c oxidase in the RVLM during this fatal Mev intoxication. ATP production also underwent a significant decrease. Pretreatment by microinjection bilaterally of CoQ10 (4 μg) into the RVLM significantly prevented mortality, antagonized the cardiovascular suppression, and reversed the depressed mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activities, or reduced ATP production in the RVLM induced during Mev intoxication. Our results indicated that dysfunction of mitochondrial respiratory chain and energy production at the RVLM takes place during fatal Mev intoxication. We further demonstrated thdat CoQ10 provides neuroprotection against Mev‐induced cardiovascular depression and fatality through maintenance of activity of the key mitochondrial respiratory enzymes in the RVLM.
Effects of Glucose and α‐Tocopherol on Low‐Density Lipoprotein Oxidation and Glycation
Authors: CHANG CHUN‐JEN , HSIEH RONG‐HONG , WANG HUI‐FANG , CHIN MEI‐YUN , HUANG SHIH‐YI
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Glycation of blood proteins is considered to be a major contributor to hyperglycemic complications in diabetes mellitus patients. In this study, we demonstrate the efficacy of α‐tocopherol in reducing low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and glycation in vitro. Native LDL isolated from healthy subjects was exposed to various concentrations of glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA) with or without α‐tocopherol enrichment for 7 days in sealed vacuum ampoules. The degree of glycation, copper‐induced lag time, content of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), and α‐tocopherol levels in LDL were then assessed. LDL lag time was significantly reduced with high levels of glucose and MDA. α‐Tocopherol enrichment dramatically inhibited the oxidation of LDL in the lag‐time assay. However, the length of incubation time was inversely related to the LDL lag time. Longer incubation time resulted in shorter LDL lag time, with or without α‐tocopherol enrichment. The level of TBARS associated with LDL oxidation was highest in native, MDA‐supplemented, and high‐glucose samples. The α‐tocopherol levels were inversely related to glucose levels and incubation times. In conclusion, high‐glucose concentrations heightened the oxidative susceptibility of LDL. α‐Tocopherol enrichment reduced this trend and prevented LDL from undergoing architectural modification.
Achieving Optimal Outcomes After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Saranchuk Jeffery W. , Kattan Michael W. , Elkin Elena , Touijer A. Karim , Scardino Peter T. , Eastham James A.
Published: June 2005

Purpose

The most favorable outcome that can be achieved after radical prostatectomy is complete tumor resection without recurrence and full recovery of continence and potency. Risks of erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and disease recurrence are well described, but in isolation, do not adequately inform patients of the possibility of becoming cancer-free while at the same time returning to their preoperative functional state. We sought to determine the frequency of optimal outcomes after radical prostatectomy and the time to such outcomes.

Patients and Methods

Patients who underwent radical prostatectomy performed at a tertiary referral center between July 1998 and July 2003 for clinical stage T1 to T3 prostate cancer were identified. Patients were excluded if they were incontinent or impotent preoperatively, or if they had received radiotherapy or neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy previously. Six hundred forty-seven patients were analyzed for time to recovery of full continence and potency without cancer recurrence after surgery. Optimal outcome probability was calculated with a Markov state transition model to simulate clinical outcomes in the first 4 years following radical prostatectomy.

Results

Mean patient age was 58 years, and mean pretreatment prostate-specific antigen was 6.9 ng/mL. Cancer-free status with full continence and potency was achieved in 30% of men at 12 months, 42% at 24 months, 47% at 36 months, and 53% at 48 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Optimal outcomes after radical prostatectomy can be achieved in a small majority of cases. Time to full recovery is primarily dictated by recovery of erectile function. This information is helpful for patients interested in their chances of returning to their preoperative functional state.
Melanocortinergic Modulation of Cholecystokinin-Induced Suppression of Feeding through Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Signaling in Rat Solitary Nucleus
Authors: Sutton Gregory M. , Duos Bronwyn , Patterson Laurel M. , Berthoud Hans-Rudolf
Published: June 2005

Signals from the gut and hypothalamus converge in the caudal brainstem to control ingestive behavior. We have previously shown that phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the solitary nucleus (NTS) is necessary for food intake suppression by exogenous cholecystokinin (CCK). Here we test whether this intracellular signaling cascade is also involved in the integration of melanocortin-receptor (MCR) mediated inputs to the caudal brainstem. Using fourth ventricular-cannulated rats and Western blotting of NTS tissue, we show that the MC4R agonist melanotan II (MTII) rapidly and dose-dependently increases phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Sequential administration of fourth ventricular MTII and peripheral CCK at doses that alone produced submaximal stimulation of pERK1/2 produced an additive increase. Prior fourth ventricular administration of the MC4R antagonist SHU9119 completely abolished the CCK-induced increases in pERK and pCREB and, in freely feeding rats, SHU9119 significantly increased meal size and satiety ratio. Prior administration of the MAPK kinase inhibitor U0126 abolished the capacity of MTII to suppress 2-h food intake and significantly decreased MTII-induced ERK phosphorylation in the NTS. Furthermore, pretreatment with the cAMP inhibitor, cAMP receptor protein-Rp isomer, significantly attenuated stimulation of pERK induced by either CCK or MTII. The results demonstrate that activation of the ERK pathway is necessary for peripheral CCK and central MTII to suppress food intake. The cAMP→ERK→CREB cascade may thus constitute a molecular integrator for converging satiety signals from the gut and adiposity signals from the hypothalamus in the control of meal size and food intake.
Spermatogenesis in testis primary cell cultures of the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Tokalov S.V. , Gutzeit H.O.
Published: June 2005

Spermatogenesis in vertebrates is controlled by endocrine and paracrine factors and involves the communication between somatic and germ line cells. To elucidate some of the relevant factors in the complicated molecular control processes, we established an in vitro test system using primary cultures of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) testis cells. The cultures were enriched for germ line cells and Sertoli cells and largely depleted of spermatozoa. By staining the cells with propidium iodide and carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE), different cell populations could be identified cytologically and, in addition, quantified by flow cytometry. Cells that had gone through one or more divisions could be identified unequivocally based on their CFSE staining intensity. In parallel cultures maintained for up to 16 days in the presence of 11‐ketotestosterone (KT), insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF), and/or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) the initiation of meiotic and mitotic divisions was monitored. Although KT was important for the initiation of meiosis, spermatogonial mitotic divisions between 10 days and 16 days of culture were promoted by IGF and/or hCG in the presence of KT. These results illustrate the potential of the established in vitro test system for the analysis of the molecular control mechanisms of spermatogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 233:1238–1247, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SOFC System Operating Strategies for Mobile Applications
Authors: Holtappels P. , Mehling H. , Roehlich S. , Liebermann S. S. , Stimming U.
Published: June 2005

SOFC systems, working at high temperatures of about 800 °C, have recently attracted significant interest for application as automotive and stationary power supply systems, based on gasoline or diesel heating. For periodically changing operation, the thermal management of the system, including start‐up and load following capability, is considered a crucial point. In this work, the thermal behaviour during start‐up, operation, shut down, and restart of a simple SOFC system for mobile applications is studied. Different operating strategies, such as keeping the system at operating temperature and thermal cycling, are investigated and compared with respect to heat management, energy consumption, and start‐up performance. The characteristics depend on the system size and weight. For a 50 kWel system, with suitable insulation, immediate restart of the vehicle should be achievable for up to three days, hence no external heat is needed within that period of time. Smaller systems, e.g., Auxiliary Power supply Units (APU), replacing the conventional alternator in vehicles, cool down more rapidly. If an immediate restart is desirable ‘keeping the system at temperature’ would be the more favourable strategy.
Old wine in new bottles
Authors: Stricker George
Published: June 2005

The matrix model as described by C.R. Snyder and T.R. Elliott (this issue) is presented as an alternative to the Boulder model of training. In fact, it appears to be a reconceptualization of clinical psychology, and this newer vision of the field might best be implemented within a Boulder model format. The extensive requirements that are developed would best be approached through changes in postdoctoral rather than doctoral education. Interestingly, professional schools, despite being disparaged, may be the most likely place for this model to take root. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Novel expression of liver FBPase in Langerhans islets of human and rat pancreas
Authors: Yáñez Alejandro J. , Bertinat Romina , Spichiger Carlos , Carcamo Juan G. , de los Angeles García María , Concha Ilona I. , Nualart Francisco , Slebe Juan C.
Published: June 2005

Several reports have indicated the absence of gluconeogenic enzymes in pancreatic islet cells. In contrast, here we demonstrate that liver fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPase) is highly expressed both in human and rat pancreas. Interestingly, pancreatic FBPase is active and functional, and is inhibited by AMP and fructose‐2,6‐bisphosphate (Fru‐2,6‐P2). These results suggest that FBPase may participate as a component of a metabolic sensing mechanism present in the pancreas. Immunolocalization analysis showed that FBPase is expressed both in human and rat Langerhans islets, specifically in β cells. In humans, FBPase was also located in the canaliculus and acinar cells. These results indicate that FBPase coupled with phosphofructokinase (PFK) plays a crucial role in the metabolism of pancreatic islet cells. The demonstration of gluconeogenic recycling of trioses as a new metabolic signaling pathway may contribute to our understanding of the differences between the insulin secretagogues trioses, fructose, and glucose in pancreas. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of cell‐cycle regulators in lung cancer
Authors: Caputi Mario , Russo Giuseppe , Esposito Vincenzo , Mancini Alessandro , Giordano Antonio
Published: June 2005

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Histologically, 80% of lung cancers are classified as non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the remaining 20% as small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC). Lung carcinoma is the result of molecular changes in the cell, resulting in the deregulation of pathways controlling normal cellular growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. This review summarizes some of the most recent findings about the role of cell‐cycle proteins in lung cancer pathogenesis and progression. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
T‐antigen of the human polyomavirus JC attenuates faithful DNA repair by forcing nuclear interaction between IRS‐1 and Rad51
Authors: Trojanek Joanna , Croul Sidney , Ho Thu , Wang Jin Ying , Darbinyan Armine , Nowicki Michal , Valle Luis Del , Skorski Tomasz , Khalili Kamel , Reiss Krzysztof
Published: June 2005

JC polyomavirus (JCV), which infects 90% of the human population, is detectable in human tumors. Its early protein, JCV T‐antigen, transforms cells in vitro and is tumorigenic in experimental animals. Although T‐antigen‐mediated transformation involves genetic alterations of the affected cells, the mechanism underlying this genomic instability is not known. We show that JCV T‐antigen inhibits homologous recombination DNA repair (HRR), which results in an accumulation of mutations. T‐antigen does not operate directly but utilizes a cytosolic molecule, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS‐1). Following T‐antigen‐mediated nuclear translocation, IRS‐1 binds Rad51 at the site of damaged DNA. This T‐antigen‐mediated inhibition of HRR does not function in cells lacking IRS‐1, and can be reproduced in the absence of T‐antigen by IRS‐1 with artificial nuclear localization signal. Our observations define a new mechanism by which viral protein utilizes cytosolic molecule to inhibit faithful DNA repair, and suggest how polyomaviruses could compromise stability of the genome. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of liver function in transdifferentiated hepatocytes
Authors: Burke Zoë D. , Shen Chia‐Ning , Ralphs Kate L. , Tosh David
Published: June 2005

We previously demonstrated that dexamethasone (Dex) induces the transdifferentiation (or conversion) of the pancreatic progenitor cell line AR42J‐B13 (B13) to hepatocytes based on the expression of liver proteins. We have extended our original observations to determine: (1) the effects of Dex on pancreatic gene expression; (2) the time course of expression of liver enriched transcription factors during conversion from pancreatic to hepatic phenotype; (3) the functional potential of transdifferentiated hepatocytes; (4) the proliferative capacity of transdifferentiated hepatocytes; and (5) whether ectopic expression of transcription factors can induce the hepatic phenotype in pancreatic B13 cells. The results were as follows. The B13 cell markers amylase, synaptophysin, and neurofilament were lost in transdifferentiated hepatocytes compared to control cells and the liver enriched transcription factors C/EBPβ and C/EBPα were induced first, followed by HNF4α and then RXRα. Using RT‐PCR analysis and immunolocalisation studies, we detected hepatic markers (e.g., apolipoprotein B) in Dex‐treated cells. In transdifferentiated hepatocytes albumin was secreted, insulin stimulated lipid deposition and ciprofibrate enhanced the expression of catalase. Proliferation of transdifferentiated hepatocytes is promoted in the presence of HGF and NEAA as indicated by the co‐expression of the cell cycle markers cyclin D and phosphohistone H3 with liver proteins. Lastly, ectopic expression of C/EBPα or C/EBPβ in AR42J‐B13 cells was sufficient to induce transdifferentiation, based on nuclear localization of HNF4α and induction of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase expression. These results indicate that the B13 progenitor cell model is suitable for studying liver function and for understanding the molecular and cellular events that occur during transdifferentiation. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A critical overview of ESEM applications in the biological field
Authors: Muscariello Livio , Rosso Francesco , Marino Gerardo , Giordano Antonio , Barbarisi Manlio , Cafiero Gennaro , Barbarisi Alfonso
Published: June 2005

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a powerful research tool, but since it requires high vacuum conditions, the wet materials and biological samples must undergo a complex preparation that limits the application of SEM on this kind of specimen and often causes the introduction of artifacts. The introduction of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM), working in gaseous atmosphere, represented a new perspective in biological research. Despite the fact that many biological applications have demonstrated the convenience of ESEM, the full potentialities of this technology are still under investigation. In this review, the exploration of the recent literature data confronted with the first results obtained in our experimental work suggest that ESEM represents an important extension of conventional scanning microscopy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.