bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domain engineering of the transverse piezoelectric coefficient in perovskite ferroelectrics
Authors: Davis Matthew , Damjanovic Dragan , Hayem Didier , Setter Nava
Published: July 2005

The transverse piezoelectric coefficient d31⋆ has been calculated for the six domain-engineered structures occurring in perovskite single crystals, using data for rhombohedral PMN-33PT [0.67Pb(Mg1∕3Nb2∕3)O3-0.33PbTiO3], orthorhombic potassium niobate (KNbO3), tetragonal barium titanate (BaTiO3), and tetragonal lead titanate (PbTiO3). Unlike the longitudinal coefficient (d33⋆), d31⋆ is found to be strongly dependent on the transverse (x1′) direction of the as-cut crystal. In general, different domains in a domain-engineered structure will contribute different values of d31⋆ to that measured. Predicting the global d31⋆ is therefore difficult since it will depend on the proportion of each domain variant in the structure. Important qualitative differences between tetragonal BaTiO3 and PbTiO3 are discussed. Whereas polarization rotation is important in BaTiO3, PbTiO3 shows a stronger collinear piezoelectric effect due the absence of a low-temperature ferroelectric-ferroelectric phase transition. This leads to low values of d33⋆ and even positive values of d31⋆ in the [111]C-poled (C: pseudocubic) domain-engineered structure. The methodology described can be usefully applied to all perovskites.
Delayed electroluminescence in small-molecule-based organic light-emitting diodes: Evidence for triplet-triplet annihilation and recombination-center-mediated light-generation mechanism
Authors: Popovic Zoran D. , Aziz Hany
Published: July 2005

We measured delayed electroluminescence in small-molecule-based organic light-emitting diodes based on N,N′-di(naphthalene-1-yl)-N,N′-diphenyl-benzidine hole-transport molecule and tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum electron-transport and emitter molecule after the excitation currents are switched off and reverse bias applied to the sample. The experiments indicate that delayed light emission is a result of two distinct processes: emissive excited singlet-state generation by either triplet-triplet annihilation or recombination of trapped positive and negative charges in the device. Under reverse device bias these two mechanisms have distinctly different signatures. We also found that upon device aging, delayed light emission decreases faster (by about a factor of 4–5) than prompt electroluminescence, which is attributed to an increase of the triplet decay rate due to the presence of aging induced spin-12 trapped charges in the device.
Spread spectrum communication system with chaotic frequency modulation
Authors: Volkovskii A. R. , Tsimring L. Sh. , Rulkov N. F. , Langmore I.
Published: July 2005

A new spread spectrum communication system utilizing chaotic frequency modulation of sinusoidal signals is discussed. A single phase lock loop (PLL) system in the receiver is used both to synchronize the local chaotic oscillator and to recover the information signal. We study the dynamics of the synchronization process, stability of the PLL system, and evaluate the bit-error-rate performance of this chaos-based communication system.
Pressure and temperature dependence of shear modulus and yield strength for aluminum, copper, and tungsten under shock compression
Authors: Peng Jianxiang , Jing Fuqian , Li Dahong , Wang Lili
Published: July 2005

Experimental data for the shear modulus and yield strength of shocked aluminum, copper, and tungsten were systematically analyzed. Comparisons between these data and calculations using the Steinberg–Cochran–Guinan (SCG) constitutive model [D. J. Steinberg, S. G. Cochran, and M. W. Guinan, J. Appl. Phys. 51, 1498 (1980)] indicate that the yield strength has the same dependence on pressure and temperature as the shear modulus for aluminum for shock pressures up to 50 GPa, for copper to 100 GPa, and for tungsten to 200 GPa. Therefore, the assumption of Yp′∕Y0=Gp′∕G0,YT′∕Y0=GT′∕G0 is basically acceptable for these materials, and the SCG model can be used to describe the shear modulus and yield strength of the shocked material at high pressure and temperature.
Degeneracy of the thermal properties of buried structures
Authors: Salazar A. , Garrido F. , Oleaga A. , Celorrio R.
Published: July 2005

In thermal wave physics the surface temperature of a material depends on the thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity of the components. Therefore these thermal properties of buried structures are expected to be retrieved from the measurement of the surface temperature using photothermal techniques. Then, from the constitutive equations, thermal conductivity and specific heat of the inclusions can be calculated. In this paper we demonstrate analytically that when the thermal properties of the inclusions are very different from those of the matrix they are degenerate. Three kinds of inclusions have been studied: layers, cylinders, and spheres. If the transport thermal properties of the inclusion are much higher (much lower) than those of the matrix; only its specific heat (thermal effusivity) can be retrieved. On the other hand, for a gas inclusion only its thermal conductivity can be determined. Photothermal measurements performed on three calibrated samples containing buried cylinders confirm the theoretical conclusions.
Local partial densities of states in CuInS2 upper valence band determined by soft-x-ray emission spectroscopy: Evidence for In 5p contribution
Authors: Zhang L. , Konovalov I. , Wett D. , Schulze D. , Szargan R. , Nagel M. , Chassé T.
Published: July 2005

The CuL2,3, InM4,5, and SL1 soft-x-ray emission spectra of single-crystalline CuInS2 were measured using synchrotron radiation as excitation source. These spectra essentially reflect the local partial densities of states (LPDOS) of Cu 3d, In 5p, and S 3p valence states, respectively. They correspond to features in the total density of states of the upper valence band as revealed by valence-band photoelectron spectrum. On common binding-energy scale the SL1 and InM5 spectra display broad peaks positioned slightly below the Cu 3d-related peak center and a shoulder above the Cu peak center, extending towards the valence-band maximum. A density-functional calculation of the LPDOS confirms two components occurring in both S 3p and In 5p partial densities of states. From the similarity of the positions and the intensity ratios of these two components, an admixture of In 5p states to the S 3p states in the upper valence band is suggested, providing an explanation of the abnormally small band gap of ternary copper sulfides.
Silver-assisted growth of NdBa2Cu3O7−δ thin films: An approach for the growth of superior quality ceramic oxide films
Authors: Kurian J. , Sato H. , Makimoto T. , Naito M.
Published: July 2005

We have grown NdBa2Cu3O7−δ films under silver atomic flux by molecular-beam epitaxy, which show a drastic improvement in microstructure and also crystallinity leading to a 30% enhancement in critical current density. The most remarkable point is that the final film is free from silver. The key to our process in achieving a silver-free film was the use of rf-activated oxygen that oxidizes silver, nonvolatile, to silver oxide, volatile at the deposition temperature. This process enables one to utilize the beneficial effects of silver in the growth of oxide films and at the same time ensures that the final film be free from silver, which is important for high-frequency applications. This method can be used in the growth of thin films of other complex oxide materials.
On soliton propagation in biomembranes and nerves
Authors: Heimburg Thomas , Jackson Andrew D.
Published: July 2005

The lipids of biological membranes and intact biomembranes display chain melting transitions close to temperatures of physiological interest. During this transition the heat capacity, volume and area compressibilities, and relaxation times all reach maxima. Compressibilities are thus nonlinear functions of temperature and pressure in the vicinity of the melting transition, and we show that this feature leads to the possibility of soliton propagation in such membranes. In particular, if the membrane state is above the melting transition solitons will involve changes in lipid state. We discuss solitons in the context of several striking properties of nerve membranes under the influence of the action potential, including mechanical dislocations and temperature changes.
Cell junction-associated proteins IQGAP1, MAGI-2, CASK, spectrins, and α-actinin are components of the nephrin multiprotein complex
Authors: Lehtonen Sanna , Ryan Jennifer J. , Kudlicka Krystyna , Iino Noriaki , Zhou Huilin , Farquhar Marilyn G.
Published: July 2005

Nephrin is a cell surface receptor of the Ig superfamily that localizes to slit diaphragms, the specialized junctions between the interdigitating foot processes of the glomerular epithelium (podocytes) in the kidney. Mutations in the NPHS1 gene encoding nephrin lead to proteinuria and congenital nephrotic syndrome, indicating that nephrin is essential for normal glomerular development and function. To identify nephrin-binding proteins, we performed mass spectrometry on proteins obtained from pull-down assays with GST-nephrin cytoplasmic domain. Nephrin specifically pulled down six proteins from glomerular lysates, MAGI-2/S-SCAM (membrane-associated guanylate kinase inverted 2/synaptic scaffolding molecule), IQGAP1 (IQ motif-containingGTPase-activatingprotein1),CASK(calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase), α-actinin, αII spectrin, and βII spectrin. All of these scaffolding proteins are often associated with cell junctions. By immunofluorescence these proteins are expressed in glomerular epithelial cells, where they colocalize with nephrin in the foot processes. During glomerular development, IQGAP1 is expressed in the junctional complexes between the earliest identifiable podocytes, MAGI-2/S-SCAM is first detected in junctional complexes in podocytes after their migration to the base of the cells. Thus, the nephrin–slit diaphragm protein complex contains a group of scaffolding proteins that function to connect junctional membrane proteins to the actin cytoskeleton and signaling cascades. Despite their special morphology and function, there is considerable compositional similarity between the podocyte slit diaphragm and typical junctional complexes of other epithelial cells.
A dynamic α‐β inter‐subunit agonist signaling complex is a novel feedback mechanism for regulating L‐type Ca2+ channel opening
Authors: Zhang Rong , Dzhura Igor , Grueter Chad E. , Thiel William , Colbran Roger J. , Anderson Mark E.
Published: July 2005

L‐type Ca2+ channels are macromolecular protein complexes in neurons and myocytes that open in response to cell membrane depolarization to supply Ca2+ for regulating gene transcription and vesicle secretion and triggering cell contraction. L‐type Ca2+ channels include a pore‐forming α and an auxiliary β subunit, and α subunit openings are regulated by cellular Ca2+ through a mechanism involving the Ca2+‐sensing protein calmodulin (CaM) and CaM binding motifs in the α subunit cytoplasmic C terminus. Here we show that these CaM binding motifs are “autoagonists” that increase α subunit openings by binding the β subunit. The CaM binding domains are necessary and sufficient for the α subunit C terminus to bind the β subunit in vitro, and excess CaM blocks this interaction. Addition of CaM binding domains to native cardiac L‐type Ca2+ channels in excised cell membrane patches increases openings, and this agonist effect is prevented by excess CaM. Recombinant LTCC openings are also increased by exogenous CaM binding domains by a mechanism requiring the β subunit, and excess CaM blocks this effect. Thus, the bifunctional ability of the α subunit CaM binding motifs to competitively associate with the β subunit or CaM provides a novel paradigm for feedback control of cellular Ca2+ entry.
A Graded Model of Dietary Zinc Deficiency: Effects on Growth, Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I, and the Glucose/Insulin Axis in Weanling Rats
Authors: Hall Andrew G , Kelleher Shannon L , Lönnerdal Bo , Philipps Anthony F
Published: July 2005

Objective:

Severe zinc (Zn) deficiency inhibits growth, insulin storage and release. Mild or moderate Zn deficiency may also have profound physiological effects that are not outwardly evident. We examined the effects of graded levels of low Zn intake on growth, insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and glucose homeostasis in weanling rats.

Methods:

Weanling rats were fed ad libitum for 3 weeks with diets containing different Zn levels: very low Zn, low Zn or mildly low Zn; there was also a control group and an additional group was pair‐fed to very low Zn rats. Growth and food intake were recorded. Serum Zn, IGF‐I, IGF binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3), serum insulin and glucose, tissue Zn and jejunal sucrase activity were measured. Relative liver IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 mRNA levels were quantified.

Results:

Serum and tissue Zn were significantly lower in rats fed very low Zn (compared with pair‐fed animals and controls) and low Zn (compared with controls). Growth was significantly lower in rats fed very low Zn and pair‐fed animals (compared with controls) and in those fed very low Zn (compared with pair‐fed animals). Liver IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 mRNA levels were higher in low Zn animals compared with controls. Serum IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 levels were not affected by diet. Serum glucose was significantly higher in rats fed very low Zn than in pair‐fed animals (191 ± 28 vs 99 ± 5 mg/dL, respectively). Sucrase activity was lower in rats fed very low Zn than in pair‐fed animals or controls and a linear relationship was observed between serum glucose and insulin (r = 0.65, P < 0.01) in pair‐fed animals and controls but not in Zn‐deficient groups.

Conclusion:

Severe Zn deficiency was associated with hyperglycemia and relative hypoinsulinemia. Mild degrees of Zn deficiency also altered glucose metabolism, suggesting that Zn intake may be a sensitive regulator of glucose homeostasis.
Frequency of ASCA Seropositivity in Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Condino Adria A , Hoffenberg Edward J , Accurso Frank , Penvari Chureeporn , Anthony Meg , Gralla Jane , O'Connor Judith A
Published: July 2005

Objective:

To determine the frequency of anti‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) seropositivity in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and correlate ASCA with clinical features.

Methods:

Prospective study of children with CF aged 2 to 21 years enrolled from The Children's Hospital Cystic Fibrosis Center. Exclusion criteria included Crohn disease, immunodeficiency or immunoglobulin A deficiency. The frequency of ASCA (ASCA immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G) was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit provided by Inova, Inc. (San Diego, CA). The CF Foundation database was queried for clinical data on ASCA seropositive patients

Results:

Seventeen (20.7%) of 82 patients were seropositive for ASCA. Of these, eight had immunoglobulin A antibodies, six had immunoglobulin G antibodies and three had both. ASCA seropositivity in CF patients was significantly greater than the general population (20.7% versus 4%, P < 0.0001), using an exact binomial test on a single proportion. The 95% confidence limits around our observed proportion were 12.6% to 31.1%. Of 17 ASCA positive patients, 1 (5.8%) had a history of meconium ileus, 14 (82.4%) had ΔF508 gene mutation, 9 (52.9%) had positive sputum cultures for fungal organisms, and 17 (100%) had an ideal body weight % ≥85%.

Conclusion:

Patients with CF have a higher frequency of ASCA seropositivity than the general population. When evaluating CF patients for Crohn disease, ASCA should be used with caution. The reasons for higher ASCA seropositivity in CF patients are unknown, but may include exposure to fungal organisms via intestinal or pulmonary sources.
HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90C Is a Bona Fide Hsp90 That Interacts with Plastidic HSP70B in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Willmund Felix , Schroda Michael
Published: July 2005

We report on the molecular and biochemical characterization of HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 90C (HSP90C), one of the three Hsp90 chaperones encoded by the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii genome. Fractionation experiments indicate that HSP90C is a plastidic protein. In the chloroplast, HSP90C was localized to the soluble stroma fraction, but also to thylakoids and low-density membranes containing inner envelopes. HSP90C is expressed under basal conditions and is strongly induced by heat shock and moderately by light. In soluble cell extracts, HSP90C was mainly found to organize into dimers, but also into complexes of high molecular mass. Also, heterologously expressed HSP90C was mainly found in dimers, but tetramers and fewer monomers were detected, as well. HSP90C exhibits a weak ATPase activity with a Km for ATP of approximately 48 μm and a kcat of approximately 0.71 min−1. This activity was inhibited by the Hsp90-specific inhibitor radicicol. In coimmunoprecipitation experiments, we found that HSP90C interacts with several proteins, among them plastidic HSP70B. The cellular concentration of HSP70B was found to be 2.9 times higher than that of HSP90C, giving a 4.8:1 stoichiometry of HSP70B monomers to HSP90C dimers. The strong inducibility of HSP90C by heat shock implies a role of the chaperone in stress management. Furthermore, its interaction with HSP70B suggests that, similar to their relatives in cytosol and the endoplasmic reticulum, both chaperones might constitute the core of a multichaperone complex involved in the maturation of specific client proteins, e.g. components of signal transduction pathways.
The Formin Homology 1 Domain Modulates the Actin Nucleation and Bundling Activity of Arabidopsis FORMIN1
Authors: Michelot Alphée , Guérin Christophe , Huang Shanjin , Ingouff Mathieu , Richard Stéphane , Rodiuc Natalia , Staiger Christopher J. , Blanchoin Laurent
Published: July 2005

The organization of actin filaments into large ordered structures is a tightly controlled feature of many cellular processes. However, the mechanisms by which actin filament polymerization is initiated from the available pool of profilin-bound actin monomers remain unknown in plants. Because the spontaneous polymerization of actin monomers bound to profilin is inhibited, the intervention of an actin promoting factor is required for efficient actin polymerization. Two such factors have been characterized from yeasts and metazoans: the Arp2/3 complex, a complex of seven highly conserved subunits including two actin-related proteins (ARP2 and ARP3), and the FORMIN family of proteins. The recent finding that Arabidopsis thaliana plants lacking a functional Arp2/3 complex exhibit rather modest morphological defects leads us to consider whether the large FORMIN family plays a central role in the regulation of actin polymerization. Here, we have characterized the mechanism of action of Arabidopsis FORMIN1 (AFH1). Overexpression of AFH1 in pollen tubes has been shown previously to induce abnormal actin cable formation. We demonstrate that AFH1 has a unique behavior when compared with nonplant formins. The activity of the formin homology domain 2 (FH2), containing the actin binding activity, is modulated by the formin homology domain 1 (FH1). Indeed, the presence of the FH1 domain switches the FH2 domain from a tight capper (K  d ∼3.7 nM) able to nucleate actin filaments that grow only in the pointed-end direction to a leaky capper that allows barbed-end elongation and efficient nucleation of actin filaments from actin monomers bound to profilin. Another exciting feature of AFH1 is its ability to bind to the side and bundle actin filaments. We have identified an actin nucleator that is able to organize actin filaments directly into unbranched actin filament bundles. We suggest that AFH1 plays a central role in the initiation and organization of actin cables from the pool of actin monomers bound to profilin.
Differential expression of chemokine receptors on human IgA+ and IgG+ B cells
Authors: Johansson C , Ahlstedt I , Furubacka S , Johnsson E , Agace W W , Quiding-Järbrink M
Published: July 2005

Organ-specific lymphocyte homing is dependent on the expression of tissue-specific homing receptors and selected chemokine receptors. During the effector phase of an immune response, IgA and IgG antibody-secreting cells (ASC) are differently distributed in the body. Still, B cell expression of L-selectin and the mucosal homing receptor integrin α4β7 is not related to the isotype produced, but only to the site of antigen encounter. In this study, we examined if differences in chemokine responsiveness between IgA+ and IgG+ B cells could explain their different tissue localization. Circulating CD19+ B cells were isolated and their expression of IgA, IgG, and selected chemokine receptors was determined by flow cytometry. Few Ig+ cells expressed CCR2, CCR3, or CCR9, and there was no difference in the expression of these receptors between IgA+ and IgG+ cells. In contrast, CCR4, CCR5, and CXCR3 was expressed on significantly more IgG+ than IgA+ cells. The function of chemokine receptors on memory B cells and ASC was then tested in the transwell system. IgG+ memory cells migrated to a higher extent than IgA+ cells towards the CXCR3 ligand CXCL11/I-TAC, while there was only a small migration towards the CCR4 ligand CCL17/TARC and the CCR9 ligand CCL25/TECK. ASC migrated poorly to all chemokines tested. In conclusion, this study shows that IgG+ and IgA+ memory B cells have a differential expression of the Th1 associated chemokine receptor CXCR3, as well as of CCR4 and CCR5. In contrast, none of the studied chemokine receptors was preferentially expressed by IgA+ cells.
Expression of Toll-like receptor 9 and response to bacterial CpG oligodeoxynucleotides in human intestinal epithelium
Authors: Pedersen G , Andresen L , Matthiessen M W , Rask-Madsen J , Brynskov J
Published: July 2005

Recognition of repeat CpG motifs, which are common in bacterial, but not in mammalian, DNA, through Toll-like receptor (TLR)9 is an integral part of the innate immune system. As the role of TLR9 in the human gut is unknown, we determined the spectrum of TLR9 expression in normal and inflamed colon and examined how epithelial cells respond to specific TLR9 ligand stimulation. TLR9 expresssion was measured in human colonic mucosal biopsies, freshly isolated human colonic epithelial cells and HT-29 cells by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction or Western blotting. Colonic epithelial cell cultures were stimulated with a synthetic CpG-oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), exhibiting strong immunostimulatory effects in B cells. Interleukin (IL)-8 secretion was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kB) activity by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and IkB phosphorylation by Western blotting. TLR9 mRNA was equally expressed in colonic mucosa from controls (n = 6) and patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease disease (n = 13). HT-29 cells expressed TLR9 mRNA and protein and responded to CpG-ODN (P < 0·01), but not to non-CpG-ODN stimulation, by secreting IL-8, apparently in the absence of NF-kB activation. Primary epithelial cells isolated from normal human colon expressed TLR9 mRNA, but were completely unresponsive to CpG-ODN stimulation in vitro. In conclusion, differentiated human colonic epithelial cells are unresponsive to TLR9 ligand stimulation in vitro despite spontaneous TLR9 gene expression. This suggests that the human epithelium is able to avoid inappropriate immune responses to luminal bacterial products through modulation of the TLR9 pathway.
Immune effects of therapy with Adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Vigna-Pérez M , Abud-Mendoza C , Portillo-Salazar H , Alvarado-Sánchez B , Cuevas-Orta E , Moreno-Valdés R , Baranda L , Paredes-Saharopulos O , González-Amaro R
Published: July 2005

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Adalimumab on different immune parameters in patients with RA. Adalimumab was administered (40 mg every other week for 26 weeks) to eight patients with RA that were refractory to conventional drug therapy. Peripheral blood samples were obtained at days 0, 15 and 180 of Adalimumab therapy, and the following immune parameters were assessed: Number, phenotype, and function of regulatory T lymphocytes. The induction of apoptosis of immune cells and the in vitro and in vivo reactivity towards M. tuberculosis were also analysed. All patients responded to Adalimumab (ACR response 50–70), and a modest but significant increase in the number and function of regulatory T cells was observed at day 15 of anti-TNF-α therapy. In addition, an increased percent of apoptotic cells was detected in the peripheral blood at day 15 of Adalimumab therapy. Unexpectedly, most of these effects were not further observed at day 180. However, two patients showed a persistent and marked reduction in the reactivity to M. tuberculosis. Although we have found that Adalimumab affects the number and function of regulatory T lymphocytes, and the apoptosis of immune cells, these effects are transient and its possible causal relationship with the therapeutic activity of this biological agent remains to be determined. Nevertheless, the down-regulatory effect of Adalimumab on the reactivity to M. tuberculosis could be related to an enhanced risk of tuberculosis reactivation.
Cardiac regeneration by progenitor cells – bedside before bench?
Authors: Bauersachs J. , Thum T. , Frantz S. , Ertl G.
Published: July 2005

Recent experimental and clinical trials give rise to the hope that progenitor cells could replace scar tissue after myocardial infarction with healthy functional myocardium. However, while a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction has been described after progenitor cell transplantation in several clinical trials, long‐term results are lacking, and the mechanisms underlying the improvement of ejection fraction are unclear. Therefore, the efficacy of progenitor cell transplantation after myocardial infarction has not been established, and potential problems may have been underestimated. In‐depth laboratory and animal studies are needed to determine the best cell type, optimal amount of cells, and time point for transplantation. Treatment of patients with progenitor cells outside well controlled prospective trials should be avoided.
Chlamydia LPS and MOMP seropositivity are associated with different cytokine profiles in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Schumacher A. , Seljeflot I. , Lerkerød A. B. , Sommervoll L. , Otterstad J. E. , Arnesen H.
Published: July 2005

Background  Persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae infection within atherosclerotic plaques are possible stimulators of inflammation in atherosclerosis. Why the microbe develops persistency in some individuals is unknown, but experimental studies in cell cultures and animals have demonstrated the levels of gamma interferon (IFNγ) and interleukin 10 (IL‐10) to be of crucial importance.

Design  We wanted to evaluate whether Chlamydia seropositivity in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) (n = 193) was associated with elevated IFNγ and IL‐10. Two methods for detection of Chlamydia antibodies were included as well as analysis of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM‐1) and soluble E‐selectin for the evaluation of vascular inflammation.

Results  We found that patients with IgA antibodies towards Chlamydia lipopolysaccharide (LPS) had elevated levels of IFNγ (P = 0·048), IL‐10 (P = 0·029), TNFα (P = 0·009) and sE‐selectin (P = 0·045), while Chlamydia LPS IgG seropositivity predicted elevated levels of IL‐10 (P = 0·013). Patients with IgA antibodies towards C. pneumoniae major outer membrane protein (MOMP) without simultaneous LPS IgA seropositivity had lower levels of IFNγ and sVCAM‐1 when compared to patients with Chlamydia LPS IgA alone (P = 0·005 for IFNγ, P = 0·016 for VCAM‐1) and patients with combined Chlamydia MOMP and LPS IgA seropositivity (P = 0·046 and P = 0·013, respectively).

Conclusions  In summary, we demonstrated an association between Chlamydia LPS IgA seropositivity and elevated levels of IFNγ, IL‐10, TNFα, sVCAM‐1 and sE‐selectin in CHD patients that might indicate persistent Chlamydia infection and a proinflammatory state. On the other hand, C. pneumoniae MOMP antibodies were not associated with elevated inflammatory markers and might merely be indicative of past infection, possibly with successful microbe clearance.
A polymorphism in the apolipoprotein A5 gene is associated with weight loss after short‐term diet
Authors: Aberle J , Evans D , Beil FU , Seedorf U
Published: July 2005

Apolipoprotein A5 is a recently discovered apolipoprotein involved primarily in triglyceride metabolism. Several single‐nucleotide polymorphisms have been investigated since the initial report. The −1131T > C polymorphism has been associated with higher triglyceride levels and a decreased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as with susceptibility to coronary heart disease. However, no study has so far emphasized on the association of a dietary intervention with apolipoprotein A5 polymorphisms. In a group of 606 hyperlipaemic and overweight men, we investigated how a short‐term fat restriction affects lipid traits and body mass index (BMI) in wildtype and carriers of the −1131T > C polymorphism. Our result was that the reduction of BMI was significantly higher in C allele carriers (p = 0.0021). Since the −1131T > C polymorphism predisposes to coronary heart disease, a restriction diet is an important therapeutic approach in −1131T > C carriers.
Dermatitis in a Dairy Herd Caused by Pelodera strongyloides (Nematoda: Rhabditidae)
Authors: Yeruham I. , Perl S.
Published: July 2005

A high rate (25%) of infestation of heifers in a dairy cattle herd caused by the saprophytic nematode Pelodera strongyloides is described. Management (crowded) and environmental conditions (moist and filthy) as well as the climate (temperature) apparently favoured the existence and continuation of the nematodes. These infested a large number of heifers by causing dermatitis in skin areas, which were in contact with the contaminated environment. The dermatitis is characterized by a marked thickening of the skin, which became wrinkled and scurfy with alopecia. Pruritus was not observed.
A study of the mechanical and fatigue properties of metallic microwires
Authors: KHATIBI G. , BETZWAR‐KOTAS A. , GRÖGER V. , WEISS B.
Published: July 2005

There is an increasing necessity to record the deformation characteristics of microelements containing freestanding bond wires. The data required are either mechanical or thermal such as Young's moduli, stress–strain values, fatigue‐ and thermal‐strain data, but the nominal strength of a structure changes by scaling its size. Due to this size effect, material data cannot be taken from macrospecimens, thus special testing procedures were introduced. Laser optical sensors based on the speckle correlation technique were applied to determine non‐contacting strain values with high strain resolution. For the mechanical properties tensile tests were used. A special ultrasonic resonance fatigue system is described for testing freestanding microwires.

In this study the stress–strain and fatigue response of microwires of Cu with a purity of 99.99+% with diameters between 10 and 125 μm with a typical bamboo structure have been investigated. A size dependence of the yield strength which increased with decreasing diameter was observed, while the fracture elongation showed contrary behaviour. Fatigue life also decreased with reduced diameters.

An explanation is presented based on formed oxide layers, strengthening effects by dislocation pile‐ups and a pronounced localization of formed slip steps acting as notches being most dominant in the very thin microwires.
Global Pseudomonas aeruginosa biodiversity as reflected in a Belgian river
Authors: Pirnay Jean‐Paul , Matthijs Sandra , Colak Huri , Chablain Patrice , Bilocq Florence , Van Eldere Johan , De Vos Daniel , Zizi Martin , Triest Ludwig , Cornelis Pierre
Published: July 2005

The biodiversity of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an aquatic environment (the Woluwe River, Brussels, Belgium) was analysed. Surface water was sampled bimonthly over a 1‐year period (2000–2001) at seven sites evenly dispersed over the river. Total bacterial counts were performed and P. aeruginosa strains were isolated on a selective medium. A weighed out sample of 100 randomly chosen presumptive P. aeruginosa isolates was further analysed. A set of data consisting of the nucleotide sequence of the oprL gene, a DNA‐based fingerprint (amplified fragment length polymorphism, AFLP), serotype, pyoverdine type and antibiogram (MICs of 21 clinically relevant antibiotics) was assembled. These data were integrated with those previously obtained for 73 P. aeruginosa clinical and environmental isolates collected across the world. The combined results were analysed and compared using biological data analysis software. Our findings indicate a positive relationship between the extent of pollution and the prevalence of P. aeruginosa. Surprisingly, the Woluwe River P. aeruginosa community was almost as diverse as the global P. aeruginosa population. Indeed, the Woluwe River harboured members of nearly all successful clonal complexes. With the exception of one multidrug‐resistant (MDR) strain, belonging to a ubiquitous and clinically relevant serotype O11 clone, antibiotic resistance levels were relatively low. These findings illustrate the significance of river water as a reservoir and source of distribution of potentially pathogenic P. aeruginosa strains and could have repercussions on antinosocomial infection strategies.
BATHS OR BAPTISTERIES? HOLCOMBE, LUFTON AND THEIR ANALOGUES
Authors: TODD MALCOLM
Published: July 2005

Summary. Prominent octagonal buildings in the fourth‐century villas at Holcombe (Devon) and Lufton (Somerset) have usually been interpreted as bath‐suites. This paper questions this view and suggests that they were linked with early Christian ritual, probably baptism. The exceptional character of these structures in the context of bathing is underlined. Their analogues are most evident in early Christian baptisteries of fourth‐ and fifth‐century date in Gaul and Italy, offering support for linkage between Christian communities in late Roman Britain and those in the adjacent western provinces. Other possible sites of baptisteries in Britain are noted.
The role of diet, exercise and smoking in dyslipidaemia in HIV‐infected patients with lipodystrophy
Authors: Shah M , Tierney K , Adams‐Huet B , Boonyavarakul A , Jacob K , Quittner C , Dinges WL , Peterson D , Garg A
Published: July 2005

Background

Lipodystrophy in HIV‐infected (LDHIV) patients receiving protease inhibitors (PIs) is associated with dyslipidaemia. Whether lifestyle factors play a role in dyslipidaemia in LDHIV subjects on PIs is not well characterized.

Methods

A total of 45 LDHIV male and six LDHIV female patients on PIs were recruited, and data were collected on smoking, exercise, diet (by 3‐day food record), and fasting levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins. The relationships between lifestyle factors and metabolic variables were analysed in male patients by Spearman's correlation test and the significant relationships were further analysed by adjusting for age, PI duration, and waist circumference by Spearman's partial correlation test.

Results

In men, mean (±standard deviation) serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), triglycerides (TG), and non‐HDL‐C were 212±70, 35±7.3, 325±230 and 169±44 mg/dL, respectively. Sixty‐seven percent of the men exercised regularly and 31.1% smoked. The reported diet was high in cholesterol (390±212 mg) and percentage energy from saturated (12.2±3.3%) and trans (2.4±1.2%) fats, and low in soluble fibre (6.9±2.3 g) compared with recent dietary guidelines. Following adjustments for the confounding variables, percentage energy intake from total protein and animal protein was positively related to TC (r=0.44, P<0.01 and r=0.37, P<0.05, respectively), TG (r=0.40, P<0.01 and r=0.46, P<0.01, respectively) and non‐HDL‐C (r=0.56, P<0.001 and r=0.49, P<0.01, respectively), that from trans fat was positively related to TG (r=0.34, P<0.05), and soluble fibre was negatively related to non‐HDL‐C (r=−0.41, P<0.01). Moderate to heavy aerobic exercise tended to be associated with higher HDL‐C (r=0.30, P=0.07) whereas smoking was not associated with any of the metabolic variables.

Conclusions

Increased intake of total protein, animal protein and trans fat, and reduced soluble fibre consumption contribute to dyslipidaemia in LDHIV subjects on PIs.
The efficiency of potassium removal during bicarbonate hemodialysis
Authors: Capdevila M. , Martinez Ruiz I. , Ferrer C. , Monllor F. , Ludjvick C. , García N. H. , Juncos L. I.
Published: July 2005

Patients on chronic hemodialysis often portray high serum [K+]. Although dietary excesses are evident in many cases, in others, the cause of hyperkalemia cannot be identified. In such cases, hyperkalemia could result from decreased potassium removal during dialysis. This situation could occur if alkalinization of body fluids during dialysis would drive potassium into the cell, thus decreasing the potassium gradient across the dialysis membrane. In 35 chronic hemodialysis patients, we compared two dialysis sessions performed 7 days apart. Bicarbonate or acetate as dialysate buffers were randomly assigned for the first dialysis. The buffer was switched for the second dialysis. Serum [K+], [HCO3–], and pH were measured in samples drawn before dialysis; 60, 120, 180, and 240 min into dialysis; and 60 and 90 min after dialysis. The potassium removed was measured in the dialysate. During the first 2 hr, serum [K+] decreased equally with both types of dialysates but declined more during the last 2 hr with bicarbonate dialysis. After dialysis, the serum [K+] rebounded higher with bicarbonate bringing the serum [K+] up to par with acetate. The lower serum [K+] through the second half of bicarbonate dialysis did not impair potassium removal (295.9 ± 9.6 mmol with bicarbonate and 299.0 ± 14.4 mmol with acetate). The measured serum K+ concentrations correlated with serum [HCO3–] and blood pH during bicarbonate dialysis but not during acetate dialysis. Alkalinization induced by bicarbonate administration may cause redistribution of K during bicarbonate dialysis but this does not impair its removal. The more marked lowering of potassium during bicarbonate dialysis occurs late in dialysis, when exchange is negligible because of a low gradient.
Permanent Transfemoral Pacemaker: A Single‐Center Series Performed with an Easier and Safer Surgical Technique
Authors: GARCÍA GUERRERO JUAN J. , DE LA CONCHA CASTAÑEDA JOAQUÍN FERNÁNDEZ , FERNÁNDEZ MORA GINÉS , LÓPEZ QUERO DOMINGO , REDONDO MÉNDEZ ÁNGEL , DÁVILA DÁVILA EUGENIO , MERCHÁN HERRERA ANTONIO
Published: July 2005

Introduction: When venous access via the upper venous tree is not possible, the usual approach is to proceed to epicardial lead placement.

Material and Methods: This report presents a consecutive series of 12 permanent pacemaker systems utilizing the right femoral vein for venous access implanted between May 2001 and October 2004.

Results: A modification of the previously reported surgical technique was used with a mean implant time of 52 minutes. Five were dual‐chamber systems and seven were VVIR. All the leads implanted were active fixation. There was a 0% dislodgment rate and a mean follow‐up of 18 months. During this time, three patients required revision or treatment of a pocket complication. All systems remained in the pacing mode as originally programmed with stable low sensing and pacing thresholds. There was no clinical evidence for acute or chronic venous thrombosis and no evidence of asymptomatic venous obstruction in eight patients who underwent echo‐duplex studies.

Conclusion: We believe that the permanent femoral implant utilizing the technical modifications described in this article, offers an alternative to epicardial lead placement when the usual upper venous tree access is not available.
Diphenhydramine Overdose and Brugada Sign
Authors: LÓPEZ‐BARBEITO BEATRIZ , LLUIS MERITXELL , DELGADO VICTORIA , JIMÉNEZ SONIA , DÍAZ‐INFANTE ERNESTO , NOGUÉ‐XARAU SANTIAGO , BRUGADA JOSEP
Published: July 2005

We report a case of electrocardiographic signature of the Brugada syndrome in a 39‐year‐old patient with an overdose of diphenhydramine. He was found unconscious and hypotensive. His serum potassium concentration was 8.3 mEq/L and the ECG revealed a coved‐type ST‐segment elevation in leads V2–V3. These repolarization abnormalities neither normalize with the correction of the hyperkalemia nor with an intravenous infusion of isoproterenol. When he regained consciousness, he was admitted the toxic ingestion of diphenhydramine and progressively the ECG normalized. A negative flecainide test confirmed that the transient ECG abnormalities were the consequence of the drug overdose and ruled out the Brugada syndrome.
A Technique of Lead Insertion for Low Atrial Septal Pacing
Authors: DE VOOGT WILLEM G. , VAN MECHELEN ROB , VAN DEN BOS ARJAN , SCHEFFER MIKE , VAN HEMEL NORBERT M. , KOISTINEN JUHANI
Published: July 2005

Background: Pacing in the low right atrial septum (LAS) appears superior to right atrial appendage or free wall stimulation for the prevention of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, insertion of active fixation lead in the low right atrial septal position is difficult and time consuming, inhibiting application of this pacing method in daily practice.

Methods: The technique of handling and positioning of a new “over the wire” lead system is presented with emphasis on electrocardiographic P wave pattern and fluoroscopic landmarks.

Results: The initial results demonstrate an acute implantation and short‐term success of LAS pacing of >90% in the first 100 patients without major complications. Pacing thresholds at 3 and 6 months were fully comparable with that of the conventional atrial pacing, whereas impedance and atrial sensing signals were significantly higher at 3 and 6 months follow‐up.

Conclusion: These favorable initial results justify recommanding chronic LAS pacing with the active fixation atrial lead and providinge guidelines and fluoroscopic landmarks for the implantation. Insertion of the atrial active fixation lead positioned with the Locator™ tool strongly supports the implantation procedure.
Anodal Right Ventricular Capture During Left Ventricular Stimulation in CRT‐Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: THIBAULT BERNARD , ROY DENIS , GUERRA PETER G. , MACLE LAURENT , DUBUC MARC , GAGNÉ PIERRE , GREISS ISABELLE , NOVAK PAUL , FURLANI ALDO , TALAJIC MARIO
Published: July 2005

Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been shown to improve symptoms of patients with moderate to severe heart failure. Optimal CRT involves biventricular or left ventricular (LV) stimulation alone, atrio‐ventricular (AV) delay optimization, and possibly interventricular timing adjustment. Recently, anodal capture of the right ventricle (RV) has been described for patients with CRT‐pacemakers. It is unknown whether the same phenomenon exists in CRT systems associated with defibrillators (CRT‐ICD). The RV leads used in these systems are different from pacemaker leads: they have a larger diameter and shocking coils, which may affect the occurrence of anodal capture.

Methods: We looked for anodal RV capture during LV stimulation in 11 consecutive patients who received a CRT‐ICD system with RV leads with a true bipolar design. Fifteen patients who had RV leads with an integrated design were used as controls. Anodal RV and LV thresholds were determined at pulse width (pw) durations of 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 ms.

Results: RV anodal capture during LV pacing was found in 11/11 patients at some output with true bipolar RV leads versus 0/15 patients with RV leads with an integrated bipolar design. Anodal RV capture threshold was more affected by changes in pw duration than LV capture threshold. In CRT‐ICD systems, RV leads with a true bipolar design with the proximal ring also used as the anode for LV pacing are associated with a high incidence of anodal RV capture during LV pacing. This may affect the clinical response to alternative resynchronization methods using single LV stimulation or interventricular delay programming.
Prognostic impact of psychoactive substances use during hospitalization for intentional drug overdose
Authors: Tournier M. , Molimard M. , Abouelfath A. , Cougnard A. , Begaud B. , Gbikpi‐Benissan G. , Verdoux H.
Published: July 2005

Objective:  To assess whether current use of psychoactive substance(s) is a prognostic factor during hospitalization for intentional drug overdose (IDO).

Method:  Current intoxication with psychoactive substance(s) [cannabis, opiate, buprenorphine, amphetamine/ecstasy, cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)] was identified using toxicological urinalysis in 671 patients with IDO. An IDO was a priori defined as serious if associated with one of the following events: death, hospitalization in intensive care unit longer than 48 h, respiratory support, use of vasopressive drugs, cardiac massage or dialysis.

Results:  Subjects positive for toxicological assays were twice as likely to present with serious IDO (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.8, P = 0.001), independently from a large range of confounding factors. The risk of serious IDO was especially marked in subjects using LSD, buprenorphine or opiates.

Conclusion:  Systematic investigation of substance use could be important to adapt medical management of subjects with IDO in general hospital, but also in primary care and psychiatric settings.
Improving lip wrinkles: lipstick‐related image analysis
Authors: Ryu Jong‐Seong , Park Sun‐Gyoo , Kwak Taek‐Jong , Chang Min‐Youl , Park Moon‐Eok , Choi Khee‐Hwan , Sung Kyung‐Hye , Shin Hyun‐Jong , Lee Cheon‐Koo , Kang Yun‐Seok , Yoon Moung‐Seok , Rang Moon‐Jeong , Kim Seong‐Jin
Published: July 2005

Background/purpose: The appearance of lip wrinkles is problematic if it is adversely influenced by lipstick make‐up causing incomplete color tone, spread phenomenon and pigment remnants. It is mandatory to develop an objective assessment method for lip wrinkle status by which the potential of wrinkle‐improving products to lips can be screened. The present study is aimed at finding out the useful parameters from the image analysis of lip wrinkles that is affected by lipstick application.

Methods: The digital photograph image of lips before and after lipstick application was assessed from 20 female volunteers. Color tone was measured by Hue, Saturation and Intensity parameters, and time‐related pigment spread was calculated by the area over vermilion border by image‐analysis software (Image‐Pro®). The efficacy of wrinkle‐improving lipstick containing asiaticoside was evaluated from 50 women by using subjective and objective methods including image analysis in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled fashion.

Results: The color tone and spread phenomenon after lipstick make‐up were remarkably affected by lip wrinkles. The level of standard deviation by saturation value of image‐analysis software was revealed as a good parameter for lip wrinkles. By using the lipstick containing asiaticoside for 8 weeks, the change of visual grading scores and replica analysis indicated the wrinkle‐improving effect. As the depth and number of wrinkles were reduced, the lipstick make‐up appearance by image analysis also improved significantly.

Conclusion: The lip wrinkle pattern together with lipstick make‐up can be evaluated by the image‐analysis system in addition to traditional assessment methods. Thus, this evaluation system is expected to test the efficacy of wrinkle‐reducing lipstick that was not described in previous dermatologic clinical studies.