bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue Analysis of Plates Used for Fracture Stabilization in Small Dogs and Cats
Authors: HAMMEL SCOTT P. , ELIZABETH PLUHAR G. , NOVO ROBERTO E. , BOURGEAULT CRAIG A. , WALLACE LARRY J.
Published: August 2006

Objective— To evaluate the fatigue life of stacked and single, veterinary cuttable plates (VCP) and small, limited contact, dynamic compression plates (LC‐DCP).

Study Design— In vitro biomechanical study.

Methods— Fracture models (constructs; n=8) were assembled for each of 6 groups all with 8‐hole plates: 2.0 mm LC‐DCP; 2.4 mm LC‐DCP; single 1.5/2.0 mm VCP; stacked 1.5/2.0 mm VCP; single 2.0/2.7 mm VCP; and stacked 2.0/2.7 mm VCP. Plate(s) were secured to 2 polyvinylchloride pipe lengths, mounted in a testing system with a custom jig, and subjected to axial loading (10–100 N) for 1,000,000 cycles at 10 Hz or until failure. Differences in number of cycles to failure among groups were compared. Failure mode was determined.

Results— All LC‐DCP and single VCP constructs failed before 1,000,000 cycles. Stacked 2.0/2.7 mm VCP constructs withstood 1,000,000 cycles without failure. ANOVA and Fisher's least significant difference tests demonstrated significantly more cycles to failure for the stacked 1.5/2.0 mm VCP and stacked 2.0/2.7 mm VCP compared with the single 1.5/2.0 mm VCP, single 2.0/2.7 mm VCP, 2.0 mm LC‐DCP, or 2.4 mm LC‐DCP. Constructs that failed did so through a screw hole adjacent to the gap.

Conclusion— Stacked VCP constructs have greater fatigue lives than comparably sized LC‐DCP or single VCP constructs. Plates with 2.4 mm screws were not significantly different from the comparable construct with 2.0 mm screws.

Clinical Relevance— Although these data reveal that stacked VCP create a superior construct with respect to cyclic fatigue, surgeons must decide whether this is a clinical advantage on a case‐by‐case basis.
Computer Model Study of Electrocardiologic Manifestations in Asymmetric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: SZATHMÁRY VAVRINEC , RUTTKAY‐NEDECKÝ IVAN
Published: August 2006

Electrocardiologic criteria of left ventricular enlargement do not take into consideration the eventuality of asymmetric hypertrophy. Since experimental techniques for production of this condition are not available, computer modeling was utilized to study its electrocardiologic manifestations. A computer model of human ventricles with analytically defined geometry, consisting of 142 000 elements (1.2 mm spatial resolution), was used to produce models of circumscribed hypertrophies by increasing the wall thickness to 150% in various regions of the free left ventricular wall, the septum and the apex. Gradients of simulated transmembrane action potentials were utilized to compute resultant heart vectors at any instant of ventricular activation and recovery, as well as time courses of their characteristics and planar projections of vectorgraphic loops. Involvement of the septum and/or the anterior wall decreased the maximum QRS vector magnitude, an opposite effect resulted from involvement of the lateral and posterior wall segments. Directional vector changes predicted the diagnostic value of S waves in precordial leads. Asymmetric hypertrophy did not produce abnormal Q waves. The maximum T vector increased in hypertrophy of any part of the free wall along with an increase of the spatial angle between maximum QRS and T vectors. The results of this study may be useful for refinement of electrocardiographic and vectorcardiographic diagnostic criteria of asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy.
Characterization of Kudoa monodactyli n. sp. (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) from the Muscle of Monodactylus argenteus (Teleostei: Monodactylidae) from Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia
Authors: GUNTER NICOLE L. , CRIBB THOMAS H. , WHIPPS CHRISTOPHER M. , ADLARD ROBERT D.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT. Kudoa monodactyli n. sp. is described from the somatic musculature of Monodactylus argenteus from several localities in southern Queensland, Australia. This is the first record of a myxozoan parasite from the family Monodactylidae. The spores typically have five polar capsules, making this species similar to the four other five‐valved Kudoa species (K. neurophila, K. muscularis, K. shulmani, K. cutanea) that have been described to date. However, morphometric measurements particularly of spore length and width make the species from M. argenteus distinct from the other species. Comparison of the small subunit ribosomal DNA sequence of this species with its congeners for which sequence data are available, provides further evidence of novelty. Kudoa monodactyli n. sp. displays 38 (of 1,554) nucleotide differences compared with rDNA sequence of Kudoa neurophila, which on phylogenetic analysis places these species in clades exclusive of each other. Phylogenetic analyses also provide evidence that the number of valves per spore in this genus is an imperfect indicator of relatedness.
Morphogenesis of the Marine Ciliate, Pseudoamphisiella alveolata (Kahl, 1932) Song & Warren, 2000 (Ciliophora, Stichotrichia, Urostylida) During Binary Fission
Authors: SHAO CHEN , SONG WEIBO , WARREN ALAN , AL‐RASHEID KHALED A. S. , YI ZHENZHEN , GONG JUN
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT. Morphogenesis during the binary fission of the stichotrich ciliate Pseudoamphisiella alveolata, isolated from Jiaozhou Bay near Qingdao, China, was investigated using protargol silver impregnation. The process is characterized as follows: (1) in the proter, only the posterior part of the parental adoral zone of membranelles is renewed, where the membranelles dedifferentiate and then rebuild the UM‐anlage and the missing membranelles, (2) the oral primordium in the opisthe and the FVT‐anlagen in both dividers are formed de novo on the cell surface, (3) an “extra” anlage, which is generated on the right of the right marginal anlage, develops into three or four “extra” marginal cirri that connect the caudal cirri with the marginal rows, (4) the right marginal anlage is formed within the old structure, (5) the FVT‐cirri develop in a primary mode, and (6) unlike most stichotrichs, the right marginal anlagen in both dividers generate closely together. As an additional contribution, the diversity of morphogenetic patterns within the genus Pseudoamphisiella is discussed. Based on both morphogenetic and SS rRNA gene sequencing data, the systematic position of the genus Pseudoamphisiella as well as the family Pseudoamphisiellidae Song et al. 1997 is briefly analyzed. The results indicate that they should very possibly represent a higher evolved group in the order Urostylida.
Insights into the Evolutionary Origin and Genome Architecture of the Unicellular Opisthokonts Capsaspora owczarzaki and Sphaeroforma arctica
Authors: RUIZ‐TRILLO IŇAKI , LANE CHRISTOPHER E. , ARCHIBALD JOHN M. , ROGER ANDREW J.
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT. Molecular phylogenetic analyses have recently shown that the unicellular amoeboid protist Capsaspora owczarzaki is unlikely to be a nucleariid or an ichthyosporean as previously described, but is more closely related to Metazoa, Choanoflagellata, and Ichthyosporea. However, the specific phylogenetic relationship of Capsaspora to other protist opisthokont lineages was poorly resolved. To test these earlier results we have expanded both the taxonomic sampling and the number of genes from opisthokont unicellular lineages. We have sequenced the protein‐coding genes elongation factor 1‐α (EF1‐α) and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) from C. owczarzaki and the ichthyosporean Sphaeroforma arctica. Our maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses of a concatenated alignment of EF1‐α, Hsp70, and actin protein sequences with a better sampling of opisthokont‐related protist lineages indicate that C. owczarzaki is not clearly allied with any of the unicellular opisthokonts, but represents an independent unicellular lineage closely related to animals and choanoflagellates. Moreover, we have found that the ichthyosporean S. arctica possesses an EF‐like (EFL) gene copy instead of the canonical EF1‐α, the first so far described in an ichthyosporean. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis shows that the EF‐like gene of S. arctica strongly groups with the EF‐like genes from choanoflagellates. Finally, to begin characterizing the Capsaspora genome, we have performed pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analyses, which indicate that its genome has at least 12 chromosomes with a total genome size in the range of 22–25 Mb.
Isoametropic amblyopia in highly hyperopic children
Authors: Ziylan Sule , Yabas Ozge , Zorlutuna Nilufer , Serin Didem
Published: August 2006

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visual outcome and associated findings in isoametropic amblyopia due to high hyperopia.

Methods:  Children with ≥ 5 D spherical equivalent hyperopia and ≤ 1.5 D anisometropia and ≤ 1.5 D cylinder in both eyes were selected. Data were collected on the magnitude of spherical equivalent hyperopia, corrected visual acuity (VA) with the Snellen or Tumbling E charts, age at correction, duration of correction, ocular motility and strabismus. Children who had VA of ≤ 0.4 in both eyes were defined as having isoametropic amblyopia. Associations between isoametropic amblyopia and factors affecting VA were analysed.

Results:  A total of 160 children met the criteria. The mean follow‐up was 55.8 months. In all, 31 of the children had isoametropic amblyopia. The mean age at presentation was significantly higher (5.5 years versus 4.1 years; p < 0.05) and strabismus was significantly less prevalent (p = 0.001) in the isoametropic amblyopes than in the high hyperopia group as a whole. A total of 83.9% of the isoametropic amblyopes had best corrected VA > 0.5 at the last visit. The duration of optical correction was positively correlated with the last recorded VA measurement.

Conclusion:  Isoametropic amblyopia is not rare among highly hyperopic children. Visual acuity improves satisfactorily with spectacle correction. The duration of optical correction seems to be an important factor in visual prognosis.
Monitoring neuropeptide‐specific proteases: processing of the proopiomelanocortin peptides adrenocorticotropin and α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone in the skin
Authors: König Simone , Luger Thomas A. , Scholzen Thomas E.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  The neuroendocrine precursor protein proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and its derived neuropeptides are involved in a number of important regulatory processes in the central nervous system as well as in peripheral tissues. Despite its important role in controlling the local activation of melanocortin (MC) receptors, the extracellular proteolytic processing of POMC peptides has received little attention. The mechanisms relevant for controlling the bioavailability of adrenocorticotropin and melanocyte‐stimulating hormones for the corresponding MC receptors in the skin by specific peptidases such as neprilysin (neutral endopeptidase; NEP) or angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) have been addressed in a number of recent investigations. This review summarizes the current body of knowledge concerning the qualitative and quantitative POMC peptide processing with respect to the action and specificity of NEP and ACE and discusses relevant recent analytical methodologies.
Dioxin‐induced chloracne – reconstructing the cellular and molecular mechanisms of a classic environmental disease
Authors: Panteleyev Andrey A. , Bickers David R.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  2,3,7,8‐Tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) is among the most toxic pollutants known to date that serves as a prototype for a group of halogenated hydrocarbon compounds characterized by extraordinary environmental persistence and unique ability to concentrate in animal and human tissues. TCDD can elicit a complex array of pleiotropic adverse effects in humans, although chloracne, a specific type of acne‐like skin disease, is the only consistent manifestation of dioxin intoxication, thus representing a ‘hallmark’ of TCDD exposure. Chloracne is considered to be one of the most specific and sensitive biomarkers of TCDD intoxication that allows clinical and epidemiological evaluation of exposure level at threshold doses. The specific cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of chloracne are still unknown. In this review, we summarize the available clinical data on chloracne and recent progress in understanding the role of the dioxin‐dependent pathway in the control of gene transcription and discuss molecular and cellular events potentially involved in chloracne pathogenesis. We propose that the dioxin‐induced activation of skin stem cells and a shift in differentiation commitment of their progeny may represent a major mechanism of chloracne development.
Therapeutic immunization with Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara (MVA) vaccines in SIV‐infected rhesus monkeys undergoing antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Überla Klaus , Rosenwirth Brigitte , Ten Haaft Peter , Heeney Jonathan , Sutter Gerd , Erfle Volker
Published: August 2006

Background  The long‐term benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV‐infected patients are limited by emergence of drug‐resistant variants and side effects. Therefore, we studied the concept of therapeutic immunization in 18 rhesus monkeys infected with a highly pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) swarm.

Methods  Monkeys were treated with the reverse transcriptase inhibitor (R)‐9‐(2‐phosphonylmethoxypropyl)adenine (PMPA) for 19 weeks starting 10 days after infection. After suppression of viremia, one group of monkeys was immunized with recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vectors expressing gag‐pol and env. A second group received MVA vectors expressing the regulatory genes tat, rev and nef, while a third group was not immunized.

Results  Immunization with gag‐pol and env expressing MVA enhanced SIV antibody titers. Following discontinuation of PMPA treatment, a rebound in viral load was observed. However, in three of six monkeys immunized with MVA gag‐pol and MVA env, and two of six monkeys immunized MVA expressing regulatory genes set point RNA levels were below or close to a threshold level of 104 RNA copies/ml, while only one of six unvaccinated monkeys maintained such low RNA levels.

Conclusions  Although a subset of animals seem to benefit from therapeutic immunization with MVA vectors, the difference in set point RNA levels between the groups did not reach statistical significance.
Directed evolution of formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii for improved stability during entrapment in polyacrylamide
Authors: Ansorge‐Schumacher Marion B. , Slusarczyk Heike , Schümers Julia , Hirtz Dennis
Published: August 2006

In two cycles of an error‐prone PCR process, variants of formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii were created which revealed an up to 4.4‐fold (440%) higher residual activity after entrapment in polyacrylamide gels than the wild‐type enzyme. These were identified in an assay using single precursor molecules of polyacrylamide instead of the complete gel for selection. The stabilization resulted from an exchange of distinct lysine, glutamic acid, and cysteine residues remote from the active site, which did not affect the kinetics of the catalyzed reaction. Thermal stability increased at the exchange of lysine and glutamic acid, but decreased due the exchange of cysteine. Overall, the variants reveal very suitable properties for application in a technical synthetic process, enabling use of entrapment in polyacrylamide as an economic and versatile immobilization method.
The HS:19 serostrain ofCampylobacter jejunihas a hyaluronic acid‐type capsular polysaccharide with a nonstoichiometric sorbose branch andO‐methyl phosphoramidate group
Authors: McNally David J. , Jarrell Harold C. , Khieu Nam H. , Li Jianjun , Vinogradov Evgeny , Whitfield Dennis M. , Szymanski Christine M. , Brisson Jean‐Robert
Published: August 2006

A recent study that examined multiple strains ofCampylobacter jejunireported that HS:19, a serostrain that has been associated with the onset of Guillain–Barré syndrome, had unidentified labile, capsular polysaccharide (CPS) structures. In this study, we expand on this observation by using current glyco‐analytical technologies to characterize these unknown groups. Capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization MS and NMR analysis with a cryogenically cooled probe (cold probe) of CPS purified using a gentle enzymatic method revealed a hyaluronic acid‐type [‐4)‐β‐d‐GlcA6NGro‐(1–3)‐β‐d‐GlcNAc‐(1‐]nrepeating unit, where NGro is 2‐aminoglycerol. A labile α‐sorbofuranose branch located at C2 of GlcA was determined to have thelconfiguration using a novel pyranose oxidase assay and is the first report of this sugar in a bacterial glycan. A labileO‐methyl phosphoramidate group, CH3OP(O)(NH2)(OR) (MeOPN), was found at C4 of GlcNAc. Structural heterogeneity of the CPS was due to nonstoichiometric glycosylation with sorbose at C2 of GlcA and the nonstoichiometric, variably methylated phosphoramidate group. Examination of whole bacterial cells using high‐resolution magic angle spinning NMR revealed that the MeOPN group is a prominent feature on the cell surface for this serostrain. These results are reminiscent of those in the 11168 and HS:1 strains and suggest that decoration of CPS with nonstoichiometric elements such as keto sugars and the phosphoramidate is a common mechanism used by this bacterium to produce a structurally complex surface glycan from a limited number of genes. The findings of this work with the HS:19 serostrain now present a means to explore the role of CPS as a virulence factor inC. jejuni.
MICROGLIAL RESPONSE TO UNILATERAL SPINAL CORD COMPRESSION IN RABBITS
Authors: Zhao Jianwu , Ozawa Hiroshi , Kokubun Shoichi
Published: August 2006

There have been several pathologic descriptions of the spinal cord compressed chronically. Microglial changes, however, have been described scarcely. In the present study, microglial responses to the anterior unilateral compression were investigated by immunohistochemistry in the rabbit model. The cervical spinal cord was unilaterally compressed with a small screw at C5. The microglial response in the compressed and the contralateral halves of the spinal cord were investigated after 48 hours with the lectin RCA-1 immunostaining. Microglia were classified morphologically into resting and reactive microglia. Under mild compression, the mild proliferation of reactive microglia was observed in the anterior horn of the compressed half. A few reactive microglia were observed in the anterior horn of the contralateral half. The total number of resting and reactive microglia in each area of the gray and white matters did not differ between the sham and mild compression groups. Under severe compression, marked proliferation of reactive microglia was observed around the cavity in the gray matter of the compressed half. Moderate proliferation of reactive microglia was observed in gray matter of the contralateral half. These findings suggested that the resting microglia transformed into the reactive microglia, but not proliferated in the early stage of compression myelopathy.
STEROID-INDUCED VERSUS CRYOINSULT-INDUCED FEMORAL HEAD OSTEONECROSIS: STATISTICAL MEASUREMENT OF HISTOLOGIC ABNORMALITY FOCALIZATION
Authors: Goetz Jessica E. , Chung Young-Yool , Zimmerman Dale L. , Pedersen Douglas R. , Robinson Duane A. , Conzemius Michael G. , Brown Thomas D.
Published: August 2006

Systematic studies of treatment options for femoral head osteonecrosis have been hindered by the lack of an animal model that mimics the human event of femoral head collapse. The (bipedal) emu model of osteonecrosis has proven to progress to collapse following an external insult. Since osteonecrosis clinically has multiple etiologies, various alternatives are seemingly appropriate to initiate lesions for research purposes. This study compared osteonecrosis initiated by a local cryoinsult, to that initiated by a large systemic dose of steroid (methylprednisolone acetate), and by a combination of steroid and cryoinsult. One year post-insult, the animals were sacrificed and their femoral heads harvested. A custom-written computer program was used to expedite analysis of the global distribution of histologically apparent osteonecrosis, as determined by the Ficat scale. Following whole-head analysis, grade distributions were calculated, and a measure of spatial clustering of histologic abnormality was calculated using Moran's I statistic. Normal femoral heads showed very small amounts of histological abnormality, and no significant spatial clustering. Femoral heads receiving isolated cryoinsult had a greater incidence of high-grade abnormality, as well as statistically significant spatial clustering of that abnormality. Steroid-only animals had a higher percentage of diffuse, low-grade abnormality. The group receiving both steroid and cryoinsult showed the highest overall abnormality, with statistically significant clustering of that high-grade abnormality. Cryoinsult, both in isolation and in combination with a steroid regimen, appeared necessary to mimic the clinically typical focal lesions of osteonecrosis.
PLASMA LEVELS OF THE COAGULATION FACTOR XIII IN PATIENTS WITH BONE TUMORS
Authors: Sakayama Kenshi , Kidani Teruki , Miyawaki Joji , Tanji Nozomu , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Haruyasu
Published: August 2006

It is well known that the coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) is deeply involved in wound healing and tissue regeneration. We measured the plasma levels of FXIII (FXIII levels) before and after surgery in 80 patients with bone tumors [benign tumors in 30 patients (BT group), malignant tumors in 30 patients (MT group), and carcinoma metastasis in 20 patients (CM group)] and in the control group which consisted of 30 patients with osteoarthritis of the hip joint who had underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). The numbers of patients whose preoperative FXIII level was below the lower limit of normal were as follows: 0 (0%) among 30 patients in the control group; 7 (23%) among 30 patients in the BT group; 12 (40%) among 30 patients in the MT group; and 9 (45%) among 20 patients in the CM group. Among patients with bone tumors examined in this study, patients with osteosarcoma who underwent chemotherapy showed a significant decrease in FXIII levels (p < 0.01). We indicated not only FXIII levels in patients with bone tumors, but also the natural time-course of FXIII levels in patients who underwent orthpaedic surgery of THA at the first time.
REGION-BASED SEMANTIC IMAGE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: AL AGHBARI ZAHER
Published: August 2006

In the field of content-based image retrieval, there exist a gap between low-level descriptions of image content and the semantic needs of users to query image databases. This paper demonstrates an approach to image retrieval founded on classifying image regions hierarchically based on their semantics (e.g. sky, snow, rocks, etc.) that resemble peoples' perception rather than on low-level features (e.g. color, texture, shape, etc.). Particularly, we consider outdoor images and automatically classify their regions based on their semantics using a support vector machines (SVMs). The SVMs learns the semantics of specified classes from specific low-level feature of the test image regions. Image regions are, first, segmented using a hill-climbing approach. Then, those regions are classified by the SVMs. Such semantic classification allows the implementation of intuitive query interface. As we show in our experiments, the high precision of semantic classification justifies the feasibility of our approach.
REAL-TIME SEAMLESS TEXTURE SYNTHESIS BASED ON PATCH QUANTIZATION CLUSTERING
Authors: BAO PAUL , MA XIAOHU , SIU WAN-CHI
Published: August 2006

In this paper, we present a novel method for the optimal texture sampling and texture synthesis using vector quantization clustering. The synthesizing process selects an initial texture block from the input sample texture and then iteratively searches all the texture patches from the sampled texture space for a patch whose boundary best matches the current boundary of the synthesized texture. To control the number of the searching patches while preserving the seamless visual quality, we present two effective patch sampling techniques, namely uniformly distributed patch sampling and patch quantization clustering. The sampled texture patches will then be further optimized using principle component analysis. In this scheme, the complexity of the patch search in each step can be significantly reduced and thus the seamless texture synthesis can be performed in real-time. Experimental results show that the proposed schemes are of excellent efficiency for the visually seamless texture synthesis of a wide variety of textures ranging from regular to stochastic can be achieved.
A NEW METHOD OF FEATURE BASED IMAGE MOSAIC
Authors: FANG XIANYONG , PAN ZHIGENG , HE GAOQI , LI LI
Published: August 2006

A new feature based image mosaic method is presented in this paper. Our main contribution is an improved RANSAC algorithm based on the modified median flow filter to find the inliers and the homography between the images. This algorithm overcomes the limit of local feature detection and thus improves the stability of homography calculation. Except for the RANSAC algorithm, PCA-SIFT is used to detect features because it is more compact, more robust and faster than the standard SIFT. The priority search is also used to match the feature points in a faster way than BBF search. Experiments show that our method is robust for image mosaic.
A Store-Operated Ca2+Influx Pathway in the Bag Cell Neurons ofAplysia
Authors: Kachoei Babak A. , Knox Ronald J. , Uthuza Didier , Levy Simon , Kaczmarek Leonard K. , Magoski Neil S.
Published: August 2006

Although store-operated Ca2+influx has been well-studied in nonneuronal cells, an understanding of its nature in neurons remains poor. In the bag cell neurons of Aplysia californica, prior work has suggested that a Ca2+entry pathway can be activated by Ca2+store depletion. Using fura-based imaging of intracellular Ca2+in cultured bag cell neurons, we now characterize this pathway as store-operated Ca2+influx. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase inhibitors, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) or thapsigargin, depleted intracellular stores and elevated intracellular free Ca2+. With the subsequent addition of extracellular Ca2+, a prominent Ca2+influx was observed. The ryanodine receptor agonist, chloroethylphenol (CEP), also increased intracellular Ca2+but did not initiate store-operated Ca2+influx, despite overlap between CEP- and CPA-sensitive stores. Bafilomycin A, a vesicular H+-ATPase inhibitor, liberated intracellular Ca2+from acidic stores and attenuated subsequent Ca2+influx, presumably by replenishing CPA-depleted stores. Store-operated Ca2+influx was partially blocked by low concentrations of La3+or BTP2, and strongly inhibited by either 1-[b-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl)propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl]-1H-imidazole (SKF-96365) or a high concentration of Ni2+. Regarding IP3receptor blockers, 2-aminoethyldiphenyl borate, but not xestospongin C, prevented store-operated Ca2+influx. However, jasplakinolide, an actin stabilizer reported to inhibit this pathway in smooth muscle cell lines, was ineffective. The bag cell neurons initiate reproductive behavior through a prolonged afterdischarge associated with intracellular Ca2+release and neuropeptide secretion. Store-operated Ca2+influx may serve to replenish stores depleted during the afterdischarge or participate in the release of peptide that triggers behavior.
Microstructure and mechanical performance of brazed joints of Cf/SiC composite and Ti alloy using Ag–Cu–Ti–W
Authors: Lin G. B. , Huang J. H. , Zhang H. , Liu H. Y.
Published: August 2006

Cf/SiC composite was brazed to Ti alloy using interlayer of Ag–Cu–Ti–W mixed powder. The effects of W content and brazing parameters on the microstructure and properties of the brazed joints were investigated. The results show that W grains mainly distribute in Ag phase in the brazing layer and provide the effects of reinforcement and lowering residual thermal stress on the joint. The room temperature and 500°C shear strengths of the joints performed at 500°C for 30 min with Ag–Cu–Ti–50W (vol.-%) are remarkably higher than the optimal strengths of the joints brazed with Ag–Cu–Ti.
Fracture mechanical investigation of steel grade S890 used in Cleuson–Dixence hydropower plant shaft
Authors: Enzinger N. , Cerjak H. , Roos E. , Eisele U.
Published: August 2006

As a consequence of the accident at the Cleuson–Dixence hydropower plant in December 2000, several investigations were started. In a material qualification programme for the steel S890, as applied in the Cleuson–Dixence plant, strength investigations and small scale fracture mechanic tests in weld metal, heat affected zone and base metal have been performed. Additionally, wide plate tests were performed to verify the results. With the obtained material properties, a fracture mechanics assessment of the critical crack size of the shaft in the area of the pipe rupture was performed using the R6 procedure. This procedure was verified for the given conditions, i.e. material strength and toughness including the welding quality, by the comparison of the calculational and experimental results of the tested wide plates with cracks in base metal and weld metal.
Conceptual model for stress and strain development during welding with trailing heat sink
Authors: van der Aa E. M. , Hermans M. J. M. , Richardson I. M.
Published: August 2006

It has been proven by several research groups that welding with a trailing heat sink can reduce the buckling distortion of welded thin sheet. However, the transient mechanical behaviour during welding with a trailing heat sink was never fully understood. This paper presents a conceptual model that is capable of explaining both the longitudinal plastic strain and the longitudinal stress development during welding with an active cooling source. The model is based on an existing three bar model for stress and strain development during conventional welding. Comparison with three-dimensional finite element calculations shows that the model gives qualitatively realistic results. The model provides insight into the relevant mechanisms involved in stress development during welding with a trailing heat sink, which is essential for determining the optimum cooling source parameters.
Influence of current pulsing on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V TIG weldments
Authors: Babu N. Kishore , Raman S. Ganesh Sundara
Published: August 2006

The present study has investigated the influence of current pulsing on the structure and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4V tungsten inert gas (TIG) weldments. Autogenous full penetration bead on plate TIG welds were made with and without direct current pulsing. Microstructural observations and evaluation of hardness, tensile and fatigue properties of the weldments were made in different conditions: as welded and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) conditions (PWHT was done at 700 and 900°C). Current pulsing resulted in slight refinement of prior β grains, leading to better tensile strength, ductility and fatigue lives of weldments in the as welded condition. In the case of weldments subjected to PWHTs, the pulsed weldments exhibited inferior fatigue lives compared with the unpulsed weldments. The PWHT done at 900°C resulted in inferior fatigue lives of weldments compared with that done at 700°C.
Effect of cadmium chloride flux in GTA welding of magnesium alloys
Authors: Liu L.-M. , Shen Y. , Zhang Z.-D.
Published: August 2006

In the present paper, the effect of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) flux on gas tungsten welding of magnesium alloys was investigated by high speed camera, Infrared and electron probe microanalysis. The results indicated that the weld penetration with flux could be increased up to 200% of the weld penetration without flux. Infrared temperature measurement demonstrated that CdCl2 increased the arc temperature. Furthermore, high speed camera recording showed that the electric arc profile with CdCl2 was broader than that without CdCl2. The results indicated that the flux increased weld penetration mainly owing to the effects of the flux on the arc. The deionisation energy of the cation Cd2+ was higher than the ionisation energies of the dominant emitting elements in arc plasma, which could be considered as the main contribution to the weld penetration increasing with CdCl2.
Microcracking in multipass weld metal of alloy 690 Part 1 – Microcracking susceptibility in reheated weld metal
Authors: Nishimoto K. , Saida K. , Okauchi H.
Published: August 2006

Microcracking behaviour in the gas tungsten arc multipass weld metal of alloy 690 was investigated. The majority of microcracks occurred within about 300 μm from the fusion line of the subsequent weld bead and propagated along the solidification boundaries in the multipass weld metal. The morphology of the crack surface indicated the characteristic texture of ductility dip cracking. The microcracking susceptibility of the reheated weld metal was evaluated via the spot Varestraint test using three different filler metals having varying contents of impurity elements such as P and S. Microcracking occurring in the spot Varestraint tests consisted predominantly of ductility dip cracking, with a small amount of liquation cracking. The ductility dip cracking temperature range was about 1350–1600 K in the weld metal FF1, and narrowed in the order of weld metals FF1>FF3>FF5. The ductility dip cracking susceptibility was reduced with decreasing contents of impurity elements in the filler metal. It was concluded that the amount of (P + S) in the filler metal should be reduced as much as possible (to about 30 ppm in total) to suppress microcracking in the multipass weldment.
Microcracking in multipass weld metal of alloy 690 Part 3 – Prevention of microcracking in reheated weld metal by addition of La to filler metal
Authors: Nishimoto K. , Saida K. , Okauchi H. , Ohta K.
Published: August 2006

The effect of addition of La to a filler metal on microcracking (ductility dip cracking) in the multipass weld metal of alloy 690 was investigated with the aim of improving its microcracking susceptibility. The susceptibility to ductility dip cracking in the reheated weld metal could be greatly improved by adding 0·01–0·02 wt-%La to the weld metal. Conversely, excessive La addition to the weld metal led to liquation and solidification cracking in the weld metal. Hot ductility of the weld metal at the cracking temperature was greatly improved by adding 0·01–0·02 wt-%La to the weld metal, implying that the ductility dip cracking susceptibility was decreased as a result of the desegregation of impurity elements of P and S to grain boundaries due to the scavenging effect of La. The liquation and solidification cracking resulting from excessive addition of La to the weld metal is attributed to the formation of liquefiable Ni–La intermetallic compound. A multipass welding test confirmed that microcracks in the multipass weldment were completely prevented by using a filler metal containing an addition of 0·01 wt-%La.
Whole brain radiation therapy in management of brain metastasis: results and prognostic factors
Authors: Saito Elisa Y , Viani Gustavo A , Ferrigno Robson , Nakamura Ricardo A , Novaes Paulo E , Pellizzon Cassio A , Fogaroli Ricardo C , Conte Maria A , Salvajoli Joao V
Published: August 2006

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic factors associated with overall survival in patients with brain metastasis treated with whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and estimate the potential improvement in survival for patients with brain metastases, stratified by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) class.

Patients and methods

From January 1996 to December 2000, 270 medical records of patients with diagnosis of brain metastasis, who received WBRT in the Hospital do Cancer Sao Paulo A.C. Camargo in the period, were analyzed. The surgery followed by WBRT was used in 15% of patients and 85 % of others patients were submitted at WBRT alone; in this cohort 134 patients (50%) received the fractionation schedule of 30 Gy in 10 fractions. The most common primary tumor type was breast (33%) followed by lung (29%), and solitary brain metastasis was present in 38.1% of patients. The prognostic factors evaluated for overall survival were: gender, age, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), number of lesions, localization of lesions, primary tumor site, surgery, chemotherapy, absence extracranial disease, RPA class and radiation doses and fractionation.

Results

The OS in 1, 2 and 3 years was 25, 1%, 10, 4% e 4, 3% respectively, and the median survival time was 4.6 months. The median survival time in months according to RPA class after WBRT was: 6.2 class I, 4.2 class II and 3.0 class III (p < 0.0001). In univariate analysis, the significant prognostic factors associated with better survival were: KPS higher than 70 (p < 0.0001), neurosurgery (p < 0.0001) and solitary brain metastasis (p = 0.009). In multivariate analysis, KPS higher than 70 (p < 0.001) and neurosurgery (p = 0.001) maintained positively associated with the survival.

Conclusion

In this series, the patients with higher perform status, RPA class I, and treated with surgery followed by whole brain radiotherapy had better survival.

This data suggest that patients with cancer and a single metastasis to the brain may be treated effectively with surgical resection plus radiotherapy. The different radiotherapy doses and fractionation schedules did not altered survival.
Molecular Approximation between Residue 10 of Secretin and Its Receptor Demonstrated by Photoaffinity Labeling
Authors: DONG MAOQING , MILLER LAURENCE J.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Using photoaffinity labeling, we have previously explored the molecular approximations between multiple positions of secretin and its receptor. Interestingly, the amino‐terminal secretin probe incorporating a photolabile residue in position 1 labels the top of the sixth transmembrane domain of the receptor, whereas other probes with photolabile residue in positions 6, 12, 13, 14, 18, 22, and 26 all label the long amino‐terminal domain of the secretin receptor. Recently, we have developed a secretin probe that incorporated a radioiodinatable photolabile p‐(4‐hydroxybenzoyl)phenylalanine in position 10 and demonstrated that it efficiently labeled the secretin receptor in a saturable and specific manner. In this work, we attempted to further map its domain of labeling by cyanogen bromide (CNBr) cleavage of the wild‐type and mutant receptors. Surprisingly, this position 10 probe labeled the top of the sixth transmembrane domain of the receptor, a domain labeled by the position 1 probe. These data provide an important constraint for modeling the agonist‐bound G protein–coupled secretin receptor and should add substantially to our current understanding of the molecular basis of ligand binding of this important receptor.
Calcium Influx through Channels Other than Voltage‐Dependent Calcium Channels Is Critical to the Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase‐Activating Polypeptide‐Induced Increase in Excitability in Guinea Pig Cardiac Neurons
Authors: HARDWICK JEAN C. , TOMPKINS JOHN D. , LOCKNAR SARAH A. , MERRIAM LAURA A. , YOUNG BETH A. , PARSONS RODNEY L.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) effects on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and excitability have been studied in adult guinea pig intracardiac neurons. PACAP increased excitability, but did not elicit Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Exposure to a Ca2+‐deficient solution did not deplete [Ca2+]i stores but did eliminate the PACAP‐induced increase in excitability. We postulate that Ca2+ influx is required for the PACAP‐induced increase in excitability.
Effects of Systemic PACAP Treatment in Monosodium Glutamate‐Induced Behavioral Changes and Retinal Degeneration
Authors: KISS P. , TAMÁS A. , LUBICS A. , LENGVÁRI I. , SZALAI M. , HAUSER D. , HORVATH Z.S. , RACZ B. , GABRIEL R. , BABAI N. , TOTH G. , REGLÓDI D.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  The present article investigated effects of systemic pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) treatment in monosodium glutamate (MSG)‐induced retinal degeneration and neurobehavioral alterations in neonatal rats. It was found that the dose of PACAP that effectively enhances neurobehavioral development in normal rats was able to counteract the retarding effect of MSG on righting, forelimb placing, and grasp reflexes and caused a significant amelioration of the righting and gait reflex performance and motor coordination at 2 weeks of age. In the retina, significant amelioration of neuronal loss in the inner retinal layers was achieved, but it was much less than that observed by local administration.
Glucose Activation of the Glucagon Receptor Gene
Authors: PORTOIS LAURENCE , VIRREIRA MYRNA , TASTENOY MICHÈLE , SVOBODA MICHAL
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  The glucagon receptor (GLR) expression is positively regulated by glucose. This regulation is allowed by the presence, in the promotor of the rat GLR gene, of a sequence feature similar to the two E‐boxes motifs constituting the carbohydrate response elements (ChoRE) described for several glycolytic and lipogenic enzyme genes. Using reporter gene assays, we demonstrated here that, despite structural homologies with these ChoREs, the GLR gene glucose response element presents various functional dissimilarities.Testing glucose analogs, we demonstrated that, as for other genes, the glucose must be first phosphorylated. However, at variance with others homologue genes, our data showed the implication of the nonoxidative branch of the pentose phosphate pathway in the transmission of the glucose signal and lack of inhibition by adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐kinase
.
Furthermore, the activity of our reporter gene was strongly stimulated by butyrate, propionate, and acetate. This observation contrasts with fatty‐acid‐induced inhibition of the glucose activation, observed for all other genes containing homolog ChoREs. We also showed that glucose and butyrate influence the reporter gene expression via different features.
Involvement of ERK and CREB Signaling Pathways in the Protective Effect of PACAP in Monosodium Glutamate‐Induced Retinal Lesion
Authors: RÁCZ BOGLARKA , TAMÁS ANDREA , KISS PETER , TÓTH GABOR , GASZ BALAZS , BORSICZKY BALAZS , FERENCZ ANDREA , GALLYAS FERENC , R?TH ERZSEBET , REGL?DI DORA
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activiting polypeptide (PACAP) has well‐documented neuroprotective actions, which have also been shown in retinal degeneration induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) in neonatal rats. The aim of this article was to investigate the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and cyclic adenosine 3',5'‐phosphate (cAMP)‐responsive element binding protein (CREB) signaling pathways by Western blot analysis in retinal degeneration induced by MSG. We found that intravitreal administration of PACAP preceding the MSG treatments induced significant increases in the phosphorylation, that is, the activation of ERK1/2 and its downstream target, CREB, 12 h after the treatment compared to the contralateral untreated eye during the first two treatments, with no further elevations 24 h after treatments. These results demonstrate that the degenerative effect of MSG and the protective effect of PACAP involve complex kinase signaling pathways and are related to cAMP/ERK/CREB activation.
Treatment of Renal Failure Associated with Multiple Myeloma and Other Diseases by PACAP‐38
Authors: ARIMURA AKIRA , LI MIN , BATUMAN VECIHI
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Myeloma kidney injury is caused by the large amount of light chain (LC) of immunoglobulins produced by cancerous plasma cells through stimulation of proinflamatory cytokines like TNF‐α and IL‐6. PACAP‐38 suppressed LC‐stimulated cytokine production by tubular epithelial cells in vitro and in vivo, and prevented injury of these epithelial cells
. The suppressive effect is comparable or greater than dexamethasone (dex). Although dex produces adverse side effects when it is given for a long time period, PACAP‐38 is a natural and safe neuropeptide and no adverse effect has been reported when administered to produce significant biological effects. Furthermore, PACAP‐38 suppressed growth of myeloma cells in culture and also suppressed production of their growth factor, IL‐6, production from the bone marrow stromal cells that was stimulated by adhesion of myeloma cells. These findings render PACAP‐38 worth evaluation as a safe and potent renoprotectant in myeloma kidney as well as a new antitumor agent for myeloma cells.
Xanthene Dye-Sensitized Electron Transfer to Methylviologen in Aqueous Organic Solution. Effects of Organic Solvents and Heavy Atoms in the Dyes
Authors: Nishimura Yoshinobu , Sakuragi Hirochika , Tokumaru Katsumi
Published: August 2006

Electron transfer from the triplet state of xanthene dyes (F1In2− and F1Brn2−, n = 2, 3, and 4) to methylviologen (MV2+) was investigated with a laser flash photolysis technique. Efficiency for the charge separation in aqueous organic solution to give free radical ions, F1In−• or F1Brn−• and MV+•, increased almost linearly with increasing mole fraction of added organic solvents such as acetonitrile, acetone, dioxane, ethanol, methanol, and DMSO in the decreasing order of efficiency. The effect of organic solvents on dissociation of radical ion pairs tends to increase with decrease of their hydrogen-accepting property expressed by Taft’s β value. Halogen-atom substitution in F1In2− and F1Brn2− reduced the MV+ yield, and this heavy-atom effect is associated with increase in the rate of recombination of triplet radical ion pairs accompanying spin inversion.
Synthesis of 2-Amino-2,5,6-trideoxy-5-phenylphosphinyl-l-galactopyranose. The P-in-the-Ring Analogue of l-Fucosamine
Authors: Hanaya Tadashi , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Kawamoto Heizan , Armour Margaret-Ann , Hogg Alan M , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: August 2006

3-O-Benzyl-1,2-O-isopropylidene-6-O-tosyl-α-d-allofuranose was led to methyl (5R and 5S)-3-O-benzyl-5,6-dideoxy-5-[(methoxy)phenylphosphinyl]-d-ribo-hexofuranoside (9) in a 4 step sequence (55% overall yield). Methyl (5R and 5S)-2-acetamido-2,5,6-trideoxy-5-[(methoxy)phenylphosphinyl]-d-arabino-hexofuranoside (12) was prepared from 9 in 4 steps involving a C-2 inversion (62% overall yield). Compound 12 was then converted, in 2 steps, into the title compound, which was characterized as the peracetyl derivatives.
Knoevenagel Reaction of Malononitrile with Acetone Followed by Double Cyclization Catalyzed by KF-Coated Alumina in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Nakano Yoshiharu , Niki Seiji , Kinouchi Shigetoshi , Miyamae Hiroshi , Igarashi Minoru
Published: August 2006

The condensation reaction of malononitrile with acetone was catalyzed by variously pretreated alumina (1/4 equiv based on the amount of KF) to give a 2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivative in water (in more than 90% yield). With more catalyst (1 equiv), a potassium salt of the product was formed unexpectedly. Both products released isobutylene to give the corresponding pyridine derivatives.