bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The IGF2-intron3-G3072A substitution explains a major imprinted QTL effect on backfat thickness in a Meishan×European white pig intercross
Authors: JUNGERIUS BART J. , VAN LAERE ANNE-SOPHIE , TE PAS MARINUS F. W. , VAN OOST BERNARD A. , ANDERSSON LEIF , GROENEN MARTIEN A. M.
Published: November 2004

A paternally expressed QTL for muscle growth and backfat thickness (BFT) has previously been identified near the IGF2 locus on the distal tip of pig chromosome 2 (SSC2p) in three experimental F2 populations. Recently, a mutation in a regulatory element of the IGF2 gene was identified as the quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) underlying the major QTL effect on muscle growth and BFT in crosses between Large White and Wild Boar or Pietrain. This study demonstrates that the IGF2 mutation also controls the paternally expressed QTL for backfat thickness in a cross between Meishan and European Whites. In addition, a comparison of QTL of backfat thickness measured by Hennessy grading probe (HGP) and by ultrasound measurement (USM) was made. In the USM analyses, the IFG2 mutation explains the entire QTL effect on SSC2p, whereas in the HGP analysis the presence of a second minor QTL can not be excluded. Finally, this study shows that this particular IGF2 mutation does not cause the paternally expressed QTL for teat number mapping to the same region of SSC2p as the BFT QTL.
Average nighttime F region disturbance neutral winds measured by UARS WINDII: Initial results
Authors: Emmert J. T. , Fejer B. G. , Shepherd G. G. , Solheim B. H.
Published: November 2004

We use low‐ and mid‐latitude wind data from the Wind Imaging Interferometer (WINDII) on board the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) to study the average response of nighttime upper thermospheric winds to geomagnetic activity. We calculate perturbation winds in magnetic coordinates and analyze them as a function of magnetic local time, latitude, geomagnetic activity, and solar EUV flux. The nighttime zonal disturbance winds are predominately westward, with the strongest effects extending from dusk at 70° to midnight at 45°. Westward disturbance winds are also observed throughout most of the night at low latitudes, where they change to eastward at dawn. Eastward perturbations occur in the post‐midnight sector above 50°. The meridional disturbance winds are primarily equatorward above 40° and after 0300 MLT. In the midnight sector during low and moderate solar flux conditions, poleward winds are observed below 40°; during solar maximum, the perturbations are largely equatorward throughout the night.
Inferring of flux rope orientation with the minimum variance analysis technique
Authors: Xiao C. J. , Pu Z. Y. , Ma Z. W. , Fu S. Y. , Huang Z. Y. , Zong Q. G.
Published: November 2004

The accuracy in flux rope orientation inference from both the traditional magnetic‐field‐based minimum variance analysis (BMVA) technique and the current‐based MVA (CMVA) approach is examined. Four different flux rope models are used in the MVA test. It is found that the directions of eigenvectors of MVA are critically dependent on the spacecraft path relative to the flux rope axis and structure of the flux rope encountered. For force‐free flux ropes, the M direction of BMVA best fits the axial orientation, while for non‐force‐free flux ropes the BMVA may fail as the orientation inference tool. Magnetic field data from a single satellite path through non‐force‐free flux ropes are often insufficient to determine the rope orientation. Uncertainty may appear, as neither the N nor the M eigenvector is close to the axial direction. On the other hand, the CMVA based on multiple spacecraft measurements may help to eliminate such an uncertainty and shows great effectiveness for study of structures and geometries of the observed flux ropes.
Catchment hydrologic response with a fully distributed triangulated irregular network model
Authors: Ivanov Valeriy Y. , Vivoni Enrique R. , Bras Rafael L. , Entekhabi Dara
Published: November 2004

This study explores various aspects of catchment hydrology based on a mechanistic modeling of distributed watershed processes. A new physics‐based, distributed‐parameter hydrological model that uses an irregular spatial discretization is introduced. The model accounts, on a continuous basis, for the processes of rainfall interception, evapotranspiration, moisture dynamics in the unsaturated and saturated zones, and runoff routing. Simulations of several mid‐ to large‐sized watersheds (∼103 km2) highlight various dynamic relationships between the vadose zone–groundwater processes and their dependence on the land surface characteristics. It is argued that the model inferences can be used for interpretation of distributed relationships in a catchment. By exploiting a multiple‐resolution representation, the hydrologic features of the watershed terrain are captured with only 5–10% of the original grid nodes. This computational efficiency suggests the feasibility of the operational use of fully distributed, physics‐based models for large watersheds.
Hsp90 restrains ErbB‐2/HER2 signalling by limiting heterodimer formation
Authors: Citri Ami , Gan Judith , Mosesson Yaron , Vereb Gyorgi , Szollosi Janos , Yarden Yosef
Published: November 2004

ErbB‐2/HER2 is an oncogenic tyrosine kinase that regulates a signalling network by forming ligand‐induced heterodimers with several growth factor receptors of the ErbB family. Hsp90 and co‐chaperones regulate degradation of ErbB‐2 but not other ErbB members. Here, we report that the role of Hsp90 in modulating the ErbB network extends beyond regulation of protein stability. The capacity of ErbB‐2 to recruit ligand‐bound receptors into active heterodimers is limited by Hsp90, which is dissociated from ErbB‐2 following ligand‐induced heterodimerization. We show that Hsp90 binds a specific loop within the kinase domain of ErbB‐2, thereby restraining heterodimer formation and catalytic function. These results define a role for Hsp90 as a molecular switch regulating the ErbB signalling network by limiting formation of ErbB‐2‐centred receptor complexes.
Validation of alternative methods of data normalization in gene co-expression studies
Authors: Reverter Antonio , Barris Wes , McWilliam Sean , Byrne Keren A. , Wang Yong H. , Tan Siok H. , Hudson Nick , Dalrymple Brian P.
Published: November 2004

Motivation: Clusters of genes encoding proteins with related functions, or in the same regulatory network, often exhibit expression patterns that are correlated over a large number of conditions. Protein associations and gene regulatory networks can be modelled from expression data. We address the question of which of several normalization methods is optimal prior to computing the correlation of the expression profiles between every pair of genes.

Results: We use gene expression data from five experiments with a total of 78 hybridizations and 23 diverse conditions. Nine methods of data normalization are explored based on all possible combinations of normalization techniques according to between and within gene and experiment variation. We compare the resulting empirical distribution of gene × gene correlations with the expectations and apply cross-validation to test the performance of each method in predicting accurate functional annotation. We conclude that normalization methods based on mixed-model equations are optimal.

Contact:  tony.reverter-gomez@csiro.au
Aphid suppression by natural enemies in mulched cereals
Authors: Schmidt Martin H. , Thewes Ulrich , Thies Carsten , Tscharntke Teja
Published: November 2004

Large populations of natural enemies are the basis for natural pest control. Effects of mulch on predator–prey interactions in arable fields are poorly known, despite its potential to enhance ground‐dwelling predators and thereby reduce pest infestations. We studied the densities of predators and parasitoids, and their impact on cereal aphids in the presence and absence of mulch. Released populations of the bird cherry aphid,Rhopalosiphum padi(L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae), and two naturally occurring aphid species, were monitored under experimentally reduced densities of: (i) ground‐dwelling predators, (ii) flying predators and parasitoids, and (iii) with straw mulch. The three treatments were applied in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design in a field of spring wheat (Triticum aestivumL.). The exclusion of ground‐dwelling predators increased aphid populations by 55% in June and 40% in July, respectively. Mulched plots had 25% lower aphid densities in June. This was presumably due to enhanced densities of spiders (Araneida) in mulched plots. The exclusion of flying predators and parasitoids led to 94% higher aphid populations in late July (109 vs. 56 individuals per 100 shoots), irrespective of mulch or ground predator manipulation. This was attributed to the larvae of gall midgesAphidoletescf.aphidimyza(Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae). The results indicate that a scarcity of predators and a bare soil surface renders crops more susceptible to arthropod pests. Farming schemes should aim at enhancing both ground‐dwelling and flying predators for elevated levels of natural pest control.
Selection responses and quantitative‐genetic analysis of preadult performance on two host plants in the bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus
Authors: Milanović Dragana , Gliksman Ivana
Published: November 2004

The most popular hypothesis that explains host specialization in herbivorous insects assumes the presence of a genetic trade‐off in larval performance across host plant species. We examined whether there is a genetic trade‐off in preadult performance traits on two hosts in the bean weevil, Acanthoscelides obtectus Say (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). Well‐established laboratory populations of A. obtectus were maintained on two plant species, one being the native host (bean) and the other a novel, unsuitable host (chickpea). After 50 generations of laboratory rearing, preadult survival and development time on each host plant were compared between the two populations. A split‐brood design was used to estimate cross‐host genetic correlations in the two traits and to compare the populations in their patterns of genetic variation over the two plants. We detected a survival cost paid by A. obtectus on its native host for the increasing adaptation to the novel one, and a significant population × host interaction for survival. The host effect on survival was significant in the bean‐adapted population. The additive genetic variances for survival and female development time were only expressed on the novel host, and the half‐sib family mean correlations across hosts were zero for both traits in both populations. However, the sire × host interaction for survival was not recorded in either population, whereas the sire × host interaction and non‐additive genetic variance for development time evolved during the selection on the novel host.
Reproductive strategies and parasitization behavior of Ageniaspis citricola, a parasitoid of the citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella
Authors: Zappalà Lucia , Hoy Marjorie A.
Published: November 2004

We investigated the ability of the encyrtid Ageniaspis citricola Logvinovskaya (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a polyembryonic endoparasitoid of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), to distinguish unparasitized hosts from those previously parasitized by the same female or by a conspecific. The oviposition behavior of A. citricola was observed, and the sequence and duration of each component recorded. Oviposition behavior by experienced and inexperienced A. citricola females was studied using 2, 10, or 20 P. citrella eggs laid on citrus leaves. Dissections of parasitized hosts were done to confirm that an apparent oviposition resulted in egg deposition and to determine the number of eggs laid per event. Females of A. citricola are able to discriminate between unparasitized hosts, those previously parasitized by themselves, and those parasitized by a conspecific at all host densities. Females that had never oviposited in unparasitized hosts (inexperienced) showed the same ability. The number of eggs laid per oviposition event, the number of pupae produced, and the sex ratio of the adult progeny suggest that, under these experimental conditions, fertilized eggs develop by twinning to produce two females, and unfertilized eggs produce a single male. Mated females allowed a single ovipositional event deposited two eggs, yet nearly always produced two females and one male. Unmated females allowed a single ovipositional event also deposited two eggs, but the adult progeny were always males.
Lichen nitidus after hepatitis B vaccine
Authors: Fetil Emel , Özkan Şebnem , Gürler Nalan , Polat Emel , Yurtsever Şenel , Dorak Fahrinur , Küpelioğlu Ali
Published: November 2004

A 27‐year‐old man presented to our clinic with an asymptomatic papular eruption all over his body. The eruption first began after hepatitis B vaccination (Engerix B) and increased with the second vaccination which was given 1 month after the first.

His medical history and systemic examination were normal. Physical examination revealed numerous, flesh‐colored or pink, 1–2 mm papules, with a flat, shiny surface, predominantly on the trunk and arms, and grouped in some areas. The face, nails, and oral mucosa were spared. Laboratory investigation revealed normal values of the routine hematologic and biochemical tests. Antistreptolysin O (ASO), C‐reactive protein (CRP), venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test, anti‐human immunodeficiency virus (anti‐HIV), chest X‐ray, and ultrasonography were normal. Anti‐hepatitis A virus immunoglobulin M (anti‐HAV IgM), anti‐hepatitis B core total (anti‐HBc total), and anti‐hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) were negative. Anti‐hepatitis A virus immunoglobulin G (anti‐HAV IgG) was positive; 10 mm erythema and induration were detected in the purified protein derivative (PPD) test.

During the following period, spontaneous resolution of the lesions was observed. When the hepatitis B vaccine was given to the patient again after several months, however, the same types of lesion re‐occurred and spread rapidly all over his body. Again, physical examination revealed numerous, flesh‐colored or pink, 1–2 mm papules, with a flat, shiny surface, on the trunk, arms, and penis (Fig. 1). Laboratory investigations revealed normal hematologic and biochemical values. Anti‐hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBsAg) was > 150 IU/mL. Histopathologic examination of skin biopsy material taken from the regio antebrachii revealed, in the dermis, a granuloma formation of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and plasma cells which was surrounded by rete ridges and covered with focal parakeratotic epidermis (Fig. 2).

Numerous, flesh‐colored to pink papules with a flat, shiny surface

image

Granuloma formation with histiocytes, lymphocytes, and plasma cells in the dermis (hematoxylin and eosin, × 40)

image

During the following period, spontaneous resolution of the lesions began and, with the addition of topical corticosteroid, the improvement increased. During the 1‐year follow‐up period after complete resolution of the lesions, no further exacerbation was detected.
Alopecia totalis incognito
Authors: Green Jack , Sinclair Rodney
Published: November 2004

We report an 11‐year‐old boy with a strong family history of alopecia areata who initially developed alopecia areata with a single circular patch of hair loss on the scalp with exclamation mark hairs at the periphery, which evolved over time into alopecia totalis and then into a novel pattern of hair growth with fine depigmented hair, uniformly 5 mm in length. The hair has not grown any longer over a 48‐month follow‐up period. Scalp biopsies from the occipital scalp demonstrate dense peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrate and uniform miniaturized secondary vellus hairs. This previously undescribed pattern of alopecia areata is remarkable for total lack of alopecia.
Thermosensitive lichen amyloidosis
Authors: Parsi Kurosh , Kossard Steven
Published: November 2004

Background  A 26‐year‐old male presented with a 3‐year history of lichen amyloidosis. On examination, there was a pigmented papular eruption with a ripple pattern affecting the limbs and trunk but sparing the axillae, antecubital and popliteal fossae, central chest, neck and face. There was also prominent sparing of the skin overlying the superficial veins of the limbs. The sparing of the superficial veins of the limbs by lichen amyloidosis raised the possible role of cutaneous temperature in governing the distribution of amyloid deposits in our patient.

Observations  Total body infrared thermography demonstrated consistent sparing of the amyloid deposits in areas with higher cutaneous temperatures such as the neck and axillae as well as the course of the superficial veins. The cooler areas such as the extensor surfaces of the arms and legs corresponded to areas of amyloid deposition. Narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy over a 5‐month period resulted in a marked improvement of pruritus and clearing of the amyloid deposits.

Conclusions  Our patient clearly demonstrated lichen amyloidosis in a thermosensitive distribution. This may be a gross manifestation of previous reports of in vitro thermosensitivity of amyloid fibril formation and may have potential implications in treatment at least in a subset of patients demonstrating this clinical feature.
Evidence that thalidomide modifies the immune response of patients suffering from actinic prurigo
Authors: Estrada‐G Iris , Garibay‐Escobar Adriana , Núñez‐Vázquez Angela , Hojyo‐Tomoka Teresa , Vega‐Memije Elisa , Cortés‐Franco Roberto , Pérez‐Uribe Adriana , Flores‐Romo Leopoldo , Santos‐Argumedo Leopoldo , Estrada‐Parra Sergio , Domínguez‐Soto Luciano
Published: November 2004

Background  Actinic prurigo (AP) is a photodermatosis with a restricted ethnic distribution, mainly affecting Mestizo women (mixed Indian and European). The lesions are polymorphic and include macules, papules, crusts, hyperpigmentation and lichenification. Thalidomide, an effective immunomodulatory drug, was first used successfully to treat AP in 1973. In this work we describe the effect that thalidomide had on TNF‐α sera levels and on IL‐4‐ and IFN gamma (IFNγ)‐producing lymphocytes of actinic prurigo (AP) patients.

Methods  Actinic prurigo patients were analyzed before and after thalidomide treatment. The percentage of IL‐4+ or IFNγ+ CD3+ lymphocytes was analyzed in eight of them by flow cytometry. TNFα in sera was measured by ELISA in 11 patients.

Results  A direct correlation was observed between resolution of AP lesions and an increase in IFNγ+ CD3+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (P ≤ 0.001) and a decrease in TNFα serum levels (no statistical difference). No IL‐4+ CD3+ cells were detected.

Conclusions  Our findings confirm that AP is a disease that has an immunological component and that thalidomide clinical efficacy is exerted not only through inhibition of TNFα synthesis, but also through modulation of INFγ‐producing CD3+ cells. These cells could be used as clinical markers for recovery.
Treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A
Authors: Vadoud‐Seyedi Javid
Published: November 2004

Background  Hyperhidrosis (excessive, uncontrollable sweating) can be embarrassing and disabling, significantly impacting social and professional performance and quality of life. Treatments aim to reduce sweating, but few are effective, often carrying the risk of significant side‐effects. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) for plantar hyperhidrosis and to investigate the role of the Dermojet as a potential injection technique.

Methods  Ten adult patients (five men, five women), aged 19–51 years, with severe, previously unresponsive, plantar hyperhidrosis, were recruited to this single‐center, open‐label, noncomparative study. The hyperhidrotic area of each foot was injected over 15–20 sites without analgesia with 50 U BTX‐A + 5 mL sterile saline using a Dermojet. Patients were followed up for 8 months with monthly sweat reduction assessments using Minor's iodine–starch test. Patients provided a treatment self‐assessment after completion of follow‐up.

Results  Within 7 days post‐treatment, eight patients reported significantly decreased sweating, and seven patients were symptom free for up to 5 months. Patient self‐assessment showed that seven of the 10 patients were satisfied with their treatment. One minor adverse event was reported comprising a temporary localized hematoma (one patient).

Conclusions  Intracutaneous BTX‐A injection using the Dermojet offers a simple, safe, and effective alternative for treatment of plantar hyperhidrosis.
Hypertrophy of medial globus pallidus and substantia nigra reticulata in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats treated with L‐DOPA: Implication for L‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Tomiyama Masahiko , Mori Fumiaki , Kimura Tamaki , Ichinohe Noritaka , Wakabayashi Koichi , Matsunaga Muneo , Baba Masayuki
Published: November 2004

The medial globus pallidus plays a crucial role in generation of L‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rat exhibiting behavioral sensitization to L‐DOPA is one useful animal model for examining L‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia. To determine neuropathological abnormality responsible  for  behavioral  sensitization,  the  medial  globus pallidus and the substantia nigra reticulata in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats treated with L‐DOPA were examined. Intermittent L‐DOPA treatment induced hypertrophy of the lesioned‐side of medial globus pallidus and substantia nigra reticulata of 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats with behavioral sensitization to L‐DOPA. Additionally, coadministration of a 5‐HT1A receptor agonist, 8‐hydroxy‐2(di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin with L‐DOPA, alleviated the hypertrophy with improvement of the behavioral sensitization. These results suggest that hypertrophy of the medial globus pallidus and substantia nigra reticulata is associated with induction of behavioral sensitization to L‐DOPA in 6‐hydroxydopamine‐lesioned rats. Therefore, neuropathological changes corresponding to hypertrophy might underlie L‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Clear cell ependymoma of the fourth ventricle
Authors: Katoh Masahito , Satoh Tsukasa , Nishiya Mikio , Murata Junichi , Ishii Nobuaki , Saitoh Hisatoshi , Iwasaki Yoshinobu , Ohnishi Akiko , Nagashima Kazuo
Published: November 2004

Two cases of clear cell ependymoma (CCE) of the fourth ventricle are reported in a 49‐year‐old woman with dysphagia and a 59‐year‐old woman with dizziness and gait disturbance. CCE is a relatively new variant of ependymoma added to the WHO classification of tumors in 1993. Tumor cells display an oligodendroglioma‐like appearance with a clear perinuclear halo. Most infratentorial CCE tumors are located in the cerebellum. There are only three cases, including the present two cases, that have been reported to affect the fourth ventricle.
Meningioma–primary brain lymphoma association
Authors: Buccoliero Anna Maria , Taddei Gian Luigi , Caldarella Adele , Mennonna Pasquale , Ammannati Franco , Taddei Antonio , Mariotti Furio
Published: November 2004

The authors report a rare meningioma–primary cerebral B cell lymphoma association that occurred in an insulin‐dependent type‐I diabetic woman. The woman was initially operated  on  because  of  meningothelial  meningioma  of the fronto‐basal region, and 2 months later showed a primitive‐non‐Hodgkin B cell lymphoma, localized in the same area as the meningioma. The published literature on the meningioma–primary cerebral lymphoma association is revised.
Prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) and spurge (Euphorbia hyssopifolia L.) response to wide row and ultra narrow row cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) management systems
Authors: MOLIN WILLIAM T. , HUGIE JOSIE A. , HIRASE KANGETSU
Published: November 2004

A 4 year field study was conducted from 1998 to 2001 to evaluate the response of prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) and hyssop spurge (Euphorbia hyssopifolia L.) growing in either ultra narrow row (UNR) or wide row (WR) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) management systems. Weeds surviving pre‐ and postemergence herbicide treatments were harvested just prior to defoliation and the morphological characteristics were compared. Prickly sida growth was significantly reduced with regard to the number of main stem nodes, primary, secondary and tertiary branching, number of seed capsules produced and dry weight under UNR compared with WR. However, plant height was not affected by the management system. Spurge growth was significantly reduced with regard to branching and fresh weight but not height. These results show that UNR might suppress weed development by reducing vegetative and reproductive growth of prickly sida and vegetative growth of spurge. The reduction in seed and seed capsule production of prickly sida is likely to reduce its reproductive potential and also diminish the subsequent seed rain and soil seed bank reserves. Thus, a potential benefit of UNR cotton management systems might be to reduce the competitive ability of weeds and decrease seed production.
Quantitative assessment of fibrosis in liver biopsies from patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hui Alex Yui , Liew Choong‐Tsek , Go Minnie Yin‐Yin , Chim Angel Mei‐Ling , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Leung Nancy Wai‐Yee , Sung Joseph Jao‐Yiu
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Background/aim: Accurate histological assessment of liver fibrosis is essential in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Although semi‐quantitative scoring systems describe well the pathological patterns of hepatic structure, they produce fibrosis evaluation that is not very precise. Image analysis or morphometry has the theoretical advantage of providing truly quantitative data.

Patients and methods: The present study aimed at validating a new image analysis system, Bioquant Nova Prime, in estimating collagen content in liver biopsy samples from patients with CHB. The biopsies were stained with picrosirius red and the areas of collagen were measured. The results were correlated with laboratory parameters and Ishak modified histological scores. Discriminative reliability of morphometry was determined using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis.

Results: There was excellent interobserver agreement (r=0.84–0.94, P<0.01) in the morphometric analysis. Significant correlations between the quantitative morphometric data and the semi‐quantitative score (Spearman's r=0.68–0.78, P<0.001) were also demonstrated. Excellent discriminative power of morphometry in differentiating mild from advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis from absence of cirrhosis was shown by the ROC analysis.

Conclusions: Our results validated the use of Bioquant Nova Prime in estimating collagen content in liver biopsies. We showed that morphometry is a sensitive method of liver fibrosis quantification in CHB and complements semi‐quantitative histological scoring system. This tool, with its reliable intraassay variability, could be of special value in assessing histological response to treatment after anti‐viral or anti‐fibrotic therapy.
Circulating concentrations of interleukin‐18, interleukin‐18 binding protein, and γ interferon in patients with alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Spahr Laurent , Garcia Irène , Bresson‐Hadni Solange , Rubbia‐Brandt Laura , Guler Reto , Olleros Maria , Chvatchko Yolande , Hadengue Antoine
Published: November 2004

Abstract: Background: Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is associated with dysregulated inflammatory and immune responses. interleukin‐18 (IL‐18), described as γ interferon (γIFN)‐inducible factor, and its natural antagonist, IL‐18 binding protein (IL‐18 BP), has not been fully studied in patients with AH. Thus, our aim was: (i) to determine plasma values of IL‐18, IL‐18 BP, γIFN, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF)‐α in patients hospitalized for biopsy‐proven AH; (ii) to correlate these cytokines with the severity of AH, as assessed by Maddrey's discriminant function (DF), the degree of liver failure using the Child–Pugh score and blood neutrophils; (iii) to compare cytokines values in survivors and non‐survivors.

Methods: Cytokines were measured using specific immunoassays within 7 days of admission. The diagnosis of AH was based on histology in all cases. We studied 43 cirrhotic patients with a Maddrey's DF≥32 (severe AH), 29 patients with a score <32 (non‐severe AH), 12 patients with abstinent alcoholic cirrhosis, and 10 healthy subjects.

Results: IL‐18 and TNFα were increased in severe AH as compared with healthy subjects. Plasma IL‐18 BP was elevated in patients with severe and non‐severe AH as compared with healthy subjects. γIFN did not differ between groups. In patients with severe and non‐severe AH, IL‐18, IL‐18 BP, TNFα, but not γIFN, were positively correlated to DF and Child–Pugh score. Neither IL‐18 nor IL‐18 BP correlated to TNFα. Patients who died (n=10) during the hospitalization had higher IL‐18 BP and TNFα at admission as compared with survivors (322 [172–504] vs 222 [109–441] ng/ml; 7.5 [2.2–17.3] vs 3 [0.6–20] pg/ml, P<0.01, respectively).

Conclusion: In cirrhotic patients with AH, IL‐18, IL‐18 BP, and TNFα correlate to the hepatitis severity and to the degree of liver failure. High IL‐18 BP and TNFα at hospital admission in non‐survivors suggest it may be of prognostic value.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease – a common and benign finding in octogenarian patients
Authors: Kagansky Nadya , Levy Shmuel , Keter Daniel , Rimon Ephraim , Taiba Zhomicky , Fridman Zvi , Berger David , Knobler Hilla , Malnick Stephen
Published: November 2004

Kagansky N, Levy S, Keter D, Rimon E, Taiba Z, Fridman Z, Berger D, Knobler H, Malnick S. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease – a common and benign finding in octogenarian patients.  Liver International 2004: 24: 588–594. © Blackwell Munksgaard 2004

Abstract: Background:Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common entity in the general population, has been shown to be linked with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Several of the components of the metabolic syndrome are more common in the aged population. The aims of the current study were to determine in the aged, the prevalence and the clinical presentation of NAFLD, as well as the relation to the underlying metabolic abnormalities.

Method:In this prospective study, we evaluated 91 octogenarians with a mean age of 85.56±3.76 years, who were admitted to the rehabilitation departments of a geriatric hospital. Clinical evaluation included: abdominal ultrasound (US), fasting glucose and lipid levels, serum liver enzymes, ferritin, iron and transferrin saturation. Elderly patients with NAFLD were compared with 46 young patients with NAFLD.

Results:NAFLD diagnosed by US was a common finding in this aged population, is present in 42/91 patients (46.2%). No significant differences were observed between the patients with or without NAFLD in the following: age, gender, chronic illnesses, anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, fasting glucose levels, metabolic syndrome prevalence, serum levels of transaminases, ferritin and iron. Young patients with NAFLD had significantly higher serum levels of triglycerides and a significantly higher prevalence of glucose intolerance, obesity and the metabolic syndrome compared with the elderly patients with NAFLD.

Conclusions:NAFLD was a common finding in our group of elderly patients and the prevalence was higher than reported in the general population. In contrast to the well‐described association between the metabolic syndrome and NAFLD in the general population, we did not find this association in the aged group. In addition, none of the patients had stigmata of advanced liver disease. These data suggest that NAFLD is a common and benign finding in the elderly population, but is not associated with the metabolic syndrome.
‘Fast’ and ‘slow’ muscle fibres in hindlimb muscles of adult rats regenerate from intrinsically different satellite cells
Authors: Kalhovde J. M. , Jerkovic R. , Sefland I. , Cordonnier C. , Calabria E. , Schiaffino S. , Lømo T.
Published: November 2004

Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression was examined in regenerating fast extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and slow soleus (SOL) muscles of adult rats. Myotoxic bupivacaine was injected into SOL and EDL and the muscles were either denervated or neuromuscularly blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX) on the sciatic nerve. Three to 10 or 30 days later, denervated SOL or EDL, or innervated but neuromuscularly blocked EDL received a slow 20 Hz stimulus pattern through electrodes implanted on the muscles or along the fibular nerve to EDL below the TTX block. In addition, denervated SOL and EDL received a fast 100 Hz stimulus pattern. Denervated EDL and SOL stimulated with the same slow stimulus pattern expressed different amounts of type 1 MyHC protein (8%versus 35% at 10 days, 13%versus 87% at 30 days). Stimulated denervated and stimulated innervated (TTX blocked) EDL expressed the same amounts of type 1, 2A, 2X and 2B MyHC proteins. Cross‐sections treated for in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry showed expression of type 1 MyHC in all SOL fibres but only in some scattered single or smaller groups of fibres in EDL. The results suggest that muscle fibres regenerate from intrinsically different satellite cells in EDL and SOL and within EDL. However, induction by different extrinsic factors arising in extracellular matrix or from muscle position and usage in the limb has not been excluded. No evidence for nerve‐derived trophic influences was obtained.
A Probabilistic Functional Network of Yeast Genes
Authors: Lee Insuk , Date Shailesh V. , Adai Alex T. , Marcotte Edward M.
Published: November 2004

A conceptual framework for integrating diverse functional genomics data was developed by reinterpreting experiments to provide numerical likelihoods that genes are functionally linked. This allows direct comparison and integration of different classes of data. The resulting probabilistic gene network estimates the functional coupling between genes. Within this framework, we reconstructed an extensive, high-quality functional gene network for
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, consisting of 4681 (∼81%) of the known yeast genes linked by ∼34,000 probabilistic linkages comparable in accuracy to small-scale interaction assays. The integrated linkages distinguish true from false-positive interactions in earlier data sets; new interactions emerge from genes' network contexts, as shown for genes in chromatin modification and ribosome biogenesis.
Chromatin Compaction by a Polycomb Group Protein Complex
Authors: Francis Nicole J. , Kingston Robert E. , Woodcock Christopher L.
Published: November 2004

Polycomb group proteins preserve body patterning through development by maintaining transcriptional silencing of homeotic genes. A long-standing hypothesis is that silencing involves creating chromatin structure that is repressive to gene transcription. We demonstrate by electron microscopy that core components of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 induce compaction of defined nucleosomal arrays. Compaction by Polycomb proteins requires nucleosomes but not histone tails. Each Polycomb complex can compact about three nucleosomes. A region of Posterior Sex Combs that is important for gene silencing in vivo is also important for chromatin compaction, linking the two activities. This mechanism of chromatin compaction might be central to stable gene silencing by the Polycomb group.
A Reversible Synthetic Rotary Molecular Motor
Authors: Hernández José V. , Kay Euan R. , Leigh David A.
Published: November 2004

The circumrotation of a submolecular fragment in either direction in a synthetic molecular structure is described. The movement of a small ring around a larger one occurs through positional displacements arising from biased Brownian motion that are kinetically captured and then directionally released. The sense of rotation is governed solely by the order in which a series of orthogonal chemical transformations is performed. The minimalist nature of the [2]catenane flashing ratchet design permits certain mechanistic comparisons with the Smoluchowski-Feynman ratchet and pawl. Even when no work has to be done against an opposing force and no net energy is used to power the motion, a finite conversion of energy is intrinsically required for the molecular motor to undergo directional rotation. Nondirectional rotation has no such requirement.
Periodic Mesoporous Dendrisilicas
Authors: Landskron Kai , Ozin Geoffrey A.
Published: November 2004

We report the synthesis of a new class of materials called periodic mesoporous dendrisilicas. They are prepared from dendrimers with trialkoxysilyl groups at the outmost shell. Dendrimers of various cores and numbers of shells are used. The dendrisilica synthesis is based on acid- or base-catalyzed hydrolysis of the trialkoxysilyl groups and subsequent template-directed condensation of the dendrimers into an ordered template-dendrisilica nanocomposite. The template can be removed with organic solvents, producing a periodic mesoporous dendrisilica whose pore walls consist of interconnected dendrimer building blocks.
What's Been Going On in the Woods
Authors: Williams Michael
Published: November 2004

Forests in Time
The Environmental Consequences of 1,000 Years of Change in New England. David R. Foster and John D. Aber, Eds. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, 2004. 491 pp. $45, £35. ISBN 0-300-09235-0.

Building on research at Harvard Forest, the contributors examine the consequences of environmental change--in particular human disturbance--in New England forests over the past 1000 years.
ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF TEETH FROM CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS BY PIXE-PIGE
Authors: CUA FLORENCE T.
Published: November 2004

The objective of this research is to determine whether there is a difference in the Ca, P, Fe, F, Mg, and Sr concentrations in teeth from children with and without cystic fibrosis (CF) as a function of age, sex of the child, maternal smoking habit, maternal drinking habit, and fluoridation of water supply. The nuclear analytical methods used were Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) and Proton-Induced Gamma Emission (PIGE). The findings are: (1) the concentration of Mg is higher in the teeth of children with cystic fibrosis who took antibiotics other than tetracycline (CF+NT) than in non-cystic fibrosis (NCF) teeth for the “female” category; (2) P concentration is less in (CF+NT) teeth for the “age greater than ten” group; (3) Fe concentration is greater for females in the NCF group; (4) Ca and Fe concentrations are lower for CF than for NCF in the “mother smokes” group; (5) F and Sr concentrations for CF+NT are higher for the “mother drinks” group than for the “mother does not drink” group; (6) “mother smokes” shows a depletion of Ca and Fe compared to “mother does not smoke” for CF+NT. (7) “fluoridation of water supply” shows an increase in F, except for NCF teeth.
INNER-SHELL IONIZATION BY LIGHT-ION IMPACT
Authors: MUKOYAMA TAKESHI
Published: November 2004

The ECPSSR theory to calculate the inner-shell ionization cross sections by light-ion impact is studied. Starting from the general formulation of the plane-wave Born approximation, the corrections for the energy-loss effect (E) and the Coulomb-deflection effect (C) of the projectile, and for the binding-polarization effect in the perturbed-stationary-state approach (PSS) and the electronic relativistic effect (R) of the target electron are described. The calculated values in the ECPSSR theory are compared with the experimental data. In general, agreement is good, but there are systematic deviations for low-energy projectiles. The comparison with other theoretical treatments for the inner-shell ionization is discussed.
COVARIANT MODEL OF CHIRAL SYMMETRY BREAKING IN QCD
Authors: KREIN G. , WILLIAMS A.G.
Published: November 2004

With the aim of developing covariant QCD-based models of hadrons we study dynamical chiral symmetry breaking in an ansatz approach to QCD. The quark self-energy is calculated from the Schwinger-Dyson equation using an ansatz for the proper quark-gluon vertex consistent with QCD symmetries. Both asymptotic freedom and behavior consistent with confinement are included in the dressed gluon propagator. With essentially one free parameter we find that we can obtain good results for physically relevant quantities including the pion decay constant fπ, the quark condensate [Formula: see text], the scale parameter ΛQCD, and the constituent quark mass.
A NOTE ON THE ANTIBRACKET FORMALISM
Authors: WITTEN EDWARD
Published: November 2004

Certain aspects of the antifield-antibracket formalism for quantization of gauge theories are clarified. In particular, we discuss the geometrical meaning of the antifields, the geometric meaning of the antibracket, and the geometric meaning of the operator Δ that appears in the quantum correction to the master equation. Finally, we point out that the antibracket formalism contains most of the ingredients that would be needed to formulate an abstract Chern-Simons Lagrangian, as in open string field theory.
SPONTANEOUS FACT VIOLATION
Authors: GIDDINGS STEVEN B. , WILCZEK FRANK
Published: November 2004

The classic Nambu-Goldstone mechanism associates massless modes to spontaneously broken symmetry. Here it is shown that spontaneous violation of a fact, such as the fact that translation generators in different directions commute, more generally implies the existence of a massless excitation. The mechanism is discussed in the context of anyon superconductivity, where it originated, and in more general contexts.
THE ISING MODEL ON THE DYNAMICAL TRIANGULATED RANDOM SURFACE
Authors: ALEINOV I. D. , MIGDAL A. A. , ZMUSHKO V. V.
Published: November 2004

The critical properties of Ising model on the dynamical triangulated random surface embedded in D-dimensional Euclidean space are investigated. The strong coupling expansion method is used. The transition to thermodynamical limit is performed by means of continuous fractions.
SPINNING VORTICES IN TYPE II SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: DAVIS R. L.
Published: November 2004

A field-theoretical model displaying macroscopic type II superconductivity involves electromagnetic and antisymmetric tensor gauge fields interacting in a special background. Vortex lines are represented by Kalb-Ramond strings, and the force law for a vortex in a supercurrent follows naturally. It is shown by a duality transformation that this theory is equivalent to the low-energy sector of a spontaneously broken abelian Higgs model, but the existence of a charged background changes the nature of the symmetry breaking. As a result, it is not Neilsen-Olesen solutions but rather the spinning vortices which describe the macroscopic properties of flux tubes in a superconductor. The relationship with Ginzburg-Landau theory is briefly discussed.
GROUP THEORETIC IDENTITIES FOR COSET CONSTRUCTION IN N = 2 SUPERCONFORMAL FIELD THEORY
Authors: CORDES STEFAN F. , KIKUCHI Y.
Published: November 2004

We show that the N = 2 superconformal coset (G/H) models, based on the hermitean symmetric spaces, are characterized by two group theoretic identities. These identities may be used as the defining relations for this class of theory.
TRACE ANOMALY IN A THEORY WITH BOSONS AND FERMIONS
Authors: ALVES M.S. , BARCELOS-NETO J.
Published: November 2004

We study the trace anomaly in a theory involving bosons and fermions which has supersymmetry as a particular case. We use the path integral formalism and the zeta function as the regularization method.
REMARKS ON PROBLEMS OF COVARIANT QUANTIZATION OF SUPERPARTICLE AND SUPERSTRING
Authors: MAJUMDAR PARTHASARATHI
Published: November 2004

Inadequacies of the covariant quantization of the superparticle proposed sometime ago are re-examined. It is shown that there exists a nonsingular subset of the set of Nakanishi-Lautrup field redefinitions proposed earlier which renders the (partially) gauge fixed action free of nonlinear interactions. Implications for the free heterotic superstring and the σmodel describing string propagation in curved superspace are discussed.
A TOPOLOGICAL SPIN-STATISTICS THEOREM OR A USE OF THE ANTIPARTICLE
Authors: BALACHANDRAN A.P. , DAUGHTON A. , GU Z.-C. , MARMO G. , SORKIN R.D. , SRIVASTAVA A.M.
Published: November 2004

A spin-statistics theorem for spinning particles in ℝd is proved without using relativity or field theory, but assuming the existence of antiparticles. The theorem excludes non-abelian statistics such as parastatistics of order 2 and more for d≥3 and statistics based on nonabelian representations of the braid groups for d=2.
STRING FIELD THEORY AND PHYSICAL INTERPRETATION OF D=1 STRINGS
Authors: DAS SUMIT R. , JEVICKI ANTAL
Published: November 2004

We describe a field theoretic formulation for one-dimensional string theory. It is given by the collective field representation of the matrix model and leads to a physical interpretation of the theory as that of a massless scalar field in two dimensions. The additional dimension, coming from the large-N color of the matrix model, has an extent which goes to infinity in the continuum limit. The interactions of the field theory are non-zero only at the boundaries of this additional dimension.
W∞ GRAVITY AND SUPER-W∞ GRAVITY
Authors: BERGSHOEFF E. , POPE C. N. , ROMANS L. J. , SEZGIN E. , SHEN X.
Published: November 2004

We construct gauge theories of the W∞ algebra and its super-extension, and discuss their relation to earlier results for the gauging of the "classical" contraction to the [Formula: see text] algebra.
NON-PERTURBATIVE CALCULATION OF EFFECTIVE POTENTIAL IN SUPERSYMMETRIC LIOUVILLE MODEL
Authors: IGNATIUS ROSE P. , SATHEESH K. P. , KURIAKOSE V. C. , JOSEPH K. BABU
Published: November 2004

The Gaussian effective potential for the supersymmetric Liouville model is computed both at zero temperature and at a finite temperature. It is noted that the supersymmetric Liouville theory, just like the ordinary Liouville model, does not possess a translationally invariant ground state. The broken translational symmetry is not restored by temperature effects. The supersymmetric Liouville theory is also non-trivial.
SUPERDISCRETE SERIES COUPLED TO 2D SUPERGRAVITY
Authors: DI FRANCESCO P. , DISTLER J. , KUTASOV D.
Published: November 2004

We present arguments relating certain super-KP systems to minimal superdiscrete series models coupled to supergravity. The even members of the series are closely related to bosonic minimal models coupled to ordinary gravity, and are described by generalized KdV flows (with no free non-perturbative parameters). In particular, the [Formula: see text] theory is seen to be a topological field theory closely related to the bosonic one at c = −2. There are indications that supersymmetry is broken for the odd members of the series.
CLASSICAL PERTURBATIONS FROM DECOHERENCE OF QUANTUM FLUCTUATIONS IN THE INFLATIONARY UNIVERSE
Authors: BRANDENBERGER ROBERT , LAFLAMME RAYMOND , MIJIĆ MILAN
Published: November 2004

The evolution of a scalar field interacting with an environment in the de Sitter phase of an inflationary Universe is studied. The environment is taken to be a second scalar field. It is shown that the coherence length of the quantum fluctuations rapidly decreases after the wavelength of the perturbation crosses the Hubble radius. Hence, the fluctuations can be interpreted as classical. This lends support to the usual derivation of the spectrum of density perturbations in inflationary Universe models.
APPLICATION OF THE VARIABLE MOMENT OF INERTIA MODEL TO BANDS IN ODD-ODD NUCLEI
Authors: GOEL ALPANA , JAIN A. K.
Published: November 2004

The variable moment of inertia model is extended to rotational bands in odd-odd rare-earth nuclei. Results are presented for the K> = (Ωp + Ωn) bands which remain reasonably free from Coriolis mixing effects. The moment of inertia parameter exhibits significant variation with angular momentum which is strikingly similar to one of the odd-A rotational bands based on either the neutron or the proton configuration also involved in the odd-odd rotational band.