bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One center's experience: the serology and drugs associated with drug‐induced immune hemolytic anemia—a new paradigm
Authors: Johnson Susan T. , Fueger Judith T. , Gottschall Jerome L.
Published: March 2007

BACKGROUND: Drug‐induced immune hemolytic anemia (DIIHA) is an uncommon finding characterized by a sudden decrease in hemoglobin after treatment with the putative drug. The full range of drugs causing DIIHA and the initial serologic presentation are not fully appreciated. This work identifies additional drugs associated with DIIHA and offers additional insights about diagnosis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 20‐year retrospective review of testing in one laboratory was performed. Patient sex, age, medication history, initial direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and indirect antiglobulin test, method of drug‐dependent antibody (DDA) detection, and specificity were reviewed.

RESULTS: Seventy‐one patients with 73 DDAs to 23 different drugs were identified. The following DDA specificities were identified: cephalosporins (37), penicillin and/or penicillin derivatives (12), nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (11), quinine and/or quinidine (7), and others (6). Fifty‐two percent (37) were due to cephalosporins with 27 cefotetan‐dependent antibodies detected. Four NSAIDs required urinary metabolite for detection. DAT was strongly positive, at least 2+, in 75 percent (51/68) of patients with a positive DAT. Initial eluate was negative in 52 patients, weak positive (<2+) in 14 patients, and strong positive (≥2+) in 2 patients. Serologic results showed characteristics of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) in 22 or 31 percent of all cases and cold‐reactive AIHA in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider DIIHA when a patient serologically presents as either warm‐ or cold‐type AIHA to avoid erroneous diagnosis. Based on these findings, the strength of the initial DAT is much stronger than previously reported for all types of drug‐induced immune hemolysis. This report is also unique in the number of NSAIDs reported. A new classification of categorizing DDA is proposed.
Disturbing Politics: Neo‐Paulinism and the Scrambling of Religious and Secular Identities
Authors: Blanton Ward
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  One of the most remarkable characteristics of recent cultural theory is its obsession with the early Christian apostle Paul. With this interest in Paul as contemporary cultural theory, a panoply of modern identities find themselves obsolesced, scrambled, or otherwise useless. This essay attempts to find new points of orientation within those scrambled identities that have appeared with this new Paul, and the essay does so by exploring the idea that we are now repeating a Pauline moment of kairos, that apocalyptic moment in which meaningful transformation of the world may occur.
Paul and the Revisionists: Did Luther Really Get it All Wrong?
Authors: Donfried Karl P.
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  After the advent of the “new perspective” on Paul as explicated in E. P. Sanders, Krister Stendahl, and N.T. Wright, we need to ask: did Luther get Paul right? In this essay, Donfried analyzes N.T. Wright along with David Brondos on whether Paul—and Luther—properly interpreted concepts such as “law” or “justification” in light of ancient Judaism(s). In contrast to the “new perspective,” Donfried argues that Paul got the Judaisms of his own era right and Luther got Paul right: we are justified or rightwised before God because of the presence of Jesus Christ in the faith of the one who believes.
Protestant Reflections on Pope Benedict XVI's Faith, Reason and the University
Authors: Chia Roland
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  When Pope Benedict XVI delivered his September 2006 address at the University of Regensburg, Faith, Reason, and the University, he pined at the diminishment of universal reason in church life. He blamed the Protestant Reformation for beginning a process of dehellenization that has led to the loss of reliance upon reason. Over against the pope's claim, a closer look at Reformation history and Protestant theology will show no diminishment in the role of reason. What is distinctive to the Reformers and today's heirs is reliance on sola scriptura, scripture alone. The role that reason plays for Protestants is to expand our understanding as we reflect on scripture and, not only scripture, but also tradition and expereince. No less than Roman Catholics, Protestants embrace fides quaerens intellectum or “faith seeking understanding.”
Random Effects Modeling Approaches for Estimating ROC Curves from Repeated Ordinal Tests without a Gold Standard
Authors: Albert Paul S.
Published: March 2007

Summary Estimating diagnostic accuracy without a gold standard is an important problem in medical testing. Although there is a fairly large literature on this problem for the case of repeated binary tests, there is substantially less work for the case of ordinal tests. A noted exception is the work by Zhou, Castelluccio, and Zhou (2005, Biometrics61, 600–609), which proposed a methodology for estimating receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves without a gold standard from multiple ordinal tests. A key assumption in their work was that the test results are independent conditional on the true test result. I propose random effects modeling approaches that incorporate dependence between the ordinal tests, and I show through asymptotic results and simulations the importance of correctly accounting for the dependence between tests. These modeling approaches, along with the importance of accounting for the dependence between tests, are illustrated by analyzing the uterine cancer pathology data analyzed by Zhou et al. (2005).
Sampling for Conditional Inference on Case–Control Data
Authors: Chen Yuguo , Dinwoodie Ian H. , MacGibbon Brenda
Published: March 2007

Summary The problem of exact conditional inference for discrete multivariate case–control data has two forms. The first is grouped case–control data, where Monte Carlo computations can be done using the importance sampling method of Booth and Butler (1999, Biometrika86, 321–332), or a proposed alternative sequential importance sampling method. The second form is matched case–control data. For this analysis we propose a new exact sampling method based on the conditional‐Poisson distribution for conditional testing with one binary and one integral ordered covariate. This method makes computations on data sets with large numbers of matched sets fast and accurate. We provide detailed derivation of the constraints and conditional distributions for conditional inference on grouped and matched data. The methods are illustrated on several new and old data sets.
Preparation and Properties of Ternary Ti3AlC2 and its Composites from Ti–Al–C Powder Mixtures With Ceramic Particulates
Authors: Peng L. M.
Published: March 2007

A layered ternary carbide phase, Ti3AlC2, was synthesized by hot pressing from the starting materials of Ti, aluminum, and activated carbon at 1400°C for 2 h. Its composites were also fabricated through addition of micro‐sized SiC and partially stabilized zirconia particulates to the pulverized Ti3AlC2 powders. The polycrystalline Ti3AlC2 ceramic obtained has a flexural strength of 172 MPa and a fracture toughness of 4.6 MPa·m1/2, respectively. This compound is relatively soft (Vikers hardness of 2.7 GPa) and exhibits good electrical conductivity with an electrical resistivity of 8.2 μΩ·m. Both the Ti3AlC2/SiC and Ti3AlC2/ZrO2 composites are superior to the monolithic Ti3AlC2 ceramic in strength, fracture toughness, and micro‐hardness.
Synthesis of Micron‐Scale Platelet BaTiO3
Authors: Liu Dan , Yan Yongke , Zhou Heping
Published: March 2007

Micron‐scale platelet barium titanate was synthesized using a twostep molten salt and topochemical technique. Plate‐like BaBi4Ti4O15 was first synthesized as a precursor by molten salt synthesis. Then, Bi3+ in the precursor was replaced by Ba2+ and formed perovskite‐structure BaTiO3 through a topochemical reaction. The BaTiO3 single crystals have an average size of 5–10 μm and a thickness of 0.5 μm. The purpose of this article is to control the particle shape with desired structure. High aspect ratio BaTiO3 platelets are suitable templates to obtain textured ceramics (especially Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–32.5PbTiO3) by the templated grain growth process.
Amalgam‐tattoo‐associated oral lichenoid lesion
Authors: Staines K. S. , Wray D.
Published: March 2007

We report on a lichenoid reaction that developed in association with amalgam particles within an amalgam tattoo of the oral mucosa.
Detection of perforin and granzyme B mRNA expressing cells in lichen sclerosus
Authors: Hunger Robert E. , Brönnimann Marcel , Kappeler Andreas , Mueller Christoph , Braathen Lasse R. , Yawalkar Nikhil
Published: March 2007

Abstract:  Granzyme B and perforin messenger RNA (mRNA) expression has been shown to be a specific in vivo activation marker for cytotoxic cells. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of cell‐mediated cytotoxicity in the pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed on serial tissue sections of lesional skin biopsies and normal skin as control. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the cellular infiltrate of diseased skin consisted predominantly of T cells (CD3+) and some B cells (CD20+). Among T cells CD4+ and CD8+ cells were found in about equal numbers. In normal skin samples perforin and granzyme B mRNA expressing cells were only rarely found. In contrast, in biopsies from diseased skin a high percentage of infiltrating cells expressed mRNA for perforin and granzyme B. The perforin and granzyme B expressing cells were found in the dermal infiltrate and intraepidermally in close proximity to keratinocytes suggesting in situ activation of these cells. These findings provide evidence that cell‐mediated cytotoxicity plays a significant role in tissue destruction in lichen sclerosus.
Population ecology of cave armoured catfish, Ancistrus cryptophthalmus Reis 1987, from central Brazil (Siluriformes: Loricariidae)
Authors: Trajano E. , Bichuette M. E.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  The population ecology of Ancistrus cryptophthalmus (Reis 1987) was studied by mark–recapture technique in caves from the São Domingos karst area, State of Goiás, northeastern Brazil. Total population sizes estimated for Angélica and Passa Três Caves were 20,000 and 1000 individuals, respectively. Densities around 1.0 individuals per m2 in Angélica, Bezerra and São Vicente I Streams, and 0.6 individuals per m2 in the smaller Passa Três Stream may be considered high for cavefish standards, as well as for epigean loricariids. As expected for benthic grazers, cave catfish are highly sedentary. The distribution of size classes did not differ among caves and within the same cave throughout the studied dry seasons; on the contrary, the condition factor decreased throughout this period probably because of the progressive depletion of organic matter available as food. Low proportions of mature individuals, low growth rates (average = 0.5 mm month−1) with cases of negative growth and high longevities (8–10 years) point to a precocial lifestyle, typical of troglobitic species.
Dietary shifts in the crystal darter (Crystallaria asprella) after large‐scale river fragmentation
Authors: Roberts M. E. , Schwedler C. S. , Taylor C. M.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  The crystal darter, Crystallaria asprella (Jordan), is a benthic, riverine specialist, rare throughout its range and critically imperiled in the state of Mississippi. Construction of the Tennessee–Tombigbee Waterway has fragmented a once continuous population of this species into several subpopulations in remaining, free‐flowing tributaries of the system. In spite of this fragmentation and population subdivision, we collected numerous individuals from the waterway during summer 2004 and 2005. Because of the lentic conditions in the waterway, we questioned whether a dietary shift accompanied darters occupying this new environment. We also obtained museum specimens from the Tombigbee River before waterway construction and quantified and compared diets among the historical, tributary (contemporary) and waterway specimens. We hypothesised that waterway specimens would differ significantly in diet from both historical and tributary specimens, and that the latter two groups would have similar diets. Multiresponse permutation procedures indicated that all three groups were significantly different from each other and indicator species analysis identified significant indicator taxa for waterway and tributary specimens. Using a null model approach, dietary overlap was significantly greater than expected for tributary and waterway specimens, and significantly less than expected for waterway and historical specimens. Dietary plasticity was evident for crystal darters across space and time, but it remains unknown whether waterway individuals represent a population sink or are actively dispersing from nearby population sources.
Management of gene diversity in the endemic killifish Aphanius iberus: revising Operational Conservation Units
Authors: Araguas R. M. , Roldán M. I. , García‐Marín J. L. , Pla C.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  Conservation of genetic diversity within species requires effective management techniques. To study the spatial structure of the killifish Aphanius iberus and to improve ongoing conservation practices, we used genetic approaches to assess the genetic structure of this endemic Iberian species. Twenty locations were analysed by allozyme electrophoresis and allelic variation was detected at 11 of 17 loci examined. Results of our study enabled us to redefine its conservation policy based on Operational Conservation Units (OCUs), which were proposed in 1996. The new OCUs recognise the genetic isolation of some marshland populations (FST = 0.247) and incorporate reintroductions that occurred over the last 10 years. We also propose that the status of A. iberus in the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species be changed from data deficient to endangered. Our work exemplifies how temporal genetic monitoring of populations can be a powerful tool to improve conservation programmes.
Larger body size with higher predation rate
Authors: Nakazawa T. , Ishida N. , Kato M. , Yamamura N.
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  Many studies have reported that prey fish increase in body size with an increase in piscivore abundance, and this change may be explained mainly by two processes: release from intraspecific competition because of a reduction in the prey fish population and size‐dependent selection by the piscivore. However, the evolutionary mechanism is not yet fully understood. Here, we first show the body‐size dynamics of the semelparous gobiid fish Gymnogobius isaza, which is one of the prey fishes of the introduced largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. The data show the possibility that the goby body size might have changed in parallel to the number of largemouth bass from 1975 to 2002, which may be one of the best examples of the positive relationship between body size and predation rate. Furthermore, we explored a mathematical model to consider a body‐size change of semelparous fish from an evolutionary viewpoint. The model provided the following qualitative predictions: (1) the optimal assimilation rate increases with predation pressure; (2) a rapid large‐scale increase in predation pressure may exterminate the prey fish because of delayed evolution of the assimilation rate; and (3) the optimal assimilation rate increases when the prey fish is more likely to die through predation than through natural mortality or when it is difficult to grow larger because of low resource availability or insufficient foraging efficiency. Moreover, we propose a theoretical framework to evaluate the relative effects of ecological and evolutionary processes over the long term.
Intentional replantation of a hopeless tooth with the combination of platelet rich plasma, bioactive glass graft material and non‐resorbable membrane: a case report
Authors: Demir Becen , Demiralp Burak , Güncü Güliz Nigar , Özgür Uyanık Mehmet , Çağlayan Feriha
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  Intentional replantation can be an alternative choice for periodontally involved hopeless tooth at least for a period of time. This technique may help to restore an original tooth to function in the mouth instead of replacing it with prosthesis. The combination of one or more techniques currently available for periodontal therapy may have the potential to enhance clinical results as compared to any of the techniques used alone. In this case report, intentional replantation was combined with regenerative techniques. A very popular agent, platelet rich plasma was used in combination with bioactive glass graft material and non‐resorbable PTFE membrane. The technique and one year results of treatment were discussed radiographically and clinically.
Dental injuries in inline skating – level of information and prevention
Authors: Fasciglione Daniele , Persic Robert , Pohl Yango , Filippi Andreas
Published: March 2007

Abstract –  Inline skating belongs like ice hockey, rugby, and boxing to sporting activities with high‐risk of suffering tooth accidents. Because of high velocity and loss of balance, especially on uneven ground, the injury potential in inline skating is higher. The objective of this work was to conduct a comparative study between Switzerland and Germany. The questions focussed on the frequency of tooth accidents, their prevention by mouthguard and the level of information about emergency measures after dental trauma and the resulting consequences for athletes. Using a standardized questionnaire totally 612 individuals, 324 men and 288 women, in two countries belonging to three different divisions (fun, fitness and speed) were surveyed. Fifty‐six (9.2%) of these 612 interviewees have already experienced a tooth injury while inline skating. More than half of all interviewed players (68.3%) were aware of the possibility of replanting avulsed teeth. Only 32.4% were familiar with the tooth rescue kit. Just 65.4% knew mouthguard and only 1.9% of those athletes (n = 12) wore a mouthguard while inline skating. The results show that the area of inline skating requires more information about preventing dental trauma through sports associations and dentists.
Babies, Bottles, Breasts: Is the WHO Growth Standard Relevant?
Authors: Cole Tim
Published: March 2007

Breast-fed babies put on weight more slowly than bottle-fed babies. Mothers look at the growth charts and worry. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently published its new growth standard for assessing the growth of young children worldwide. Here Time Cole discusses its likely impact.
Estimation of Sampling Effort for Catching Enough Bats
Authors: Ke Weiming , Bales Brandon T.
Published: March 2007

How many bats must you catch to find out how many species of them are flying around? South Dakota is evidently well infested with small flying mammals. Weiming Ke and Brandon T. Bales of South Dakota State University spent many happy night-time hours with their nets….
Experimental Design, Genetics and Animal Toxicity Tests
Authors: Festing Michael
Published: March 2007

Can the design of experiments in a major industry be based on unsound principles? A key principle in experimental design is to control all variables except for the ones being studied. But the pharmaceutical industry tests the toxicity of potential new drugs by using genetically heterogeneous rats and mice, even though these can vary hugely in their responses. This reduces the power of their experiments. Michael Festing asks why basic design principles are being ignored; can this be a contributing factor to the high cost of drug development?
Fast cosmological parameter estimation using neural networks
Authors: Auld T. , Bridges M. , Hobson M. P. , Gull S. F.
Published: March 2007

We present a method for accelerating the calculation of cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectra, matter power spectra and likelihood functions for use in cosmological parameter estimation. The algorithm, called CosmoNet, is based on training a multilayer perceptron neural network and shares all the advantages of the recently released Pico algorithm of Fendt & Wandelt, but has several additional benefits in terms of simplicity, computational speed, memory requirements and ease of training. We demonstrate the capabilities of CosmoNet by computing CMB power spectra over a box in the parameter space of flat Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) models containing the 3σ WMAP 1-year confidence region. We also use CosmoNet to compute the WMAP 3-year (WMAP3) likelihood for flat ΛCDM models and show that marginalized posteriors on parameters derived are very similar to those obtained using camb and the WMAP3 code. We find that the average error in the power spectra is typically 2–3 per cent of cosmic variance, and that CosmoNet is ∼7 × 104 faster than camb (for flat models) and ∼6 × 106 times faster than the official WMAP3 likelihood code. CosmoNet and an interface to CosmoMC are publically available at .
Does gum chewing help prevent impaired gastric motility in the postoperative period?
Authors: Leier Heather
Published: March 2007

Purpose: To discuss the pathophysiology of postoperative ileus (POI) and the addition of gum chewing to a multimodal treatment plan.

Data sources: Review of current literature of the pathophysiology of POI, multimodal treatment options, and current research on gum chewing and its effects on the prevention of POI.

Conclusions: Studies have documented that gum chewing decreases time to flatus and first defecation after surgery. Studies indicate that gum chewing can decrease the length of hospital stay by 1 day. There were no documented adverse effects of gum chewing. The addition of gum chewing to a multimodal treatment program assists with increasing patient comfort, satisfaction, and decreasing healthcare expenditures.

Implications for practice: POI is a common complication of abdominal surgery. Research has indicated that gum chewing has assisted with increasing gastric motility, decreasing lengths of hospital stays, and decreasing healthcare expenditures. Gum chewing is an inexpensive and safe option to add to a multimodal program for the prevention of POI.
Hyperthyroidism due to an intrathoracic tumour in a dog with test results suggesting hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Stassen Q. E. M. , Voorhout G. , Teske E. , Rijnberk A.
Published: March 2007

The elevated urinary corticoid/creatinine ratios of an 11‐year‐old Jack Russell terrier with polyuria were suppressible in a high‐dose dexamethasone suppression test, which was suggestive of pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism. The absence of physical and routine‐laboratory changes compatible with hyperadrenocorticism and the relatively high plasma thyroxine concentration were the impetus for additional studies of thyroid and adrenocortical functions. A high plasma thyroxine concentration (62 nmol/l; 5·0 μg/100 ml) suggested the presence of hyperthyroidism. Radiography,99mTcO4−scintigraphy, ultrasonography, computed tomography and cytology revealed a hyperfunctioning intrathoracic thyroid tumour. In the low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test, the plasma cortisol concentration exceeded the reference value of 40 nmol/l (1·4 μg/100 ml) at eight hours after dexamethasone administration (0·01 mg/kg intravenously), a test result compatible with hyperadrenocorticism. In conclusion, this report represents the first case of a dog with an autonomously hyperfunctioning thyroid tumour in the thorax. The elevated urinary corticoid excretion and the positive low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test may be explained by alterations in cortisol metabolism, the stress of the hyperthyroid state or both.
Community Interventions: A Brief Overview and Their Application to the Obesity Epidemic
Authors: Economos Christina D. , Irish-Hauser Sonya
Published: March 2007

Defining “community” from a research perspective is difficult. Communities consist of environmental, social, and geographic components. In addition, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status (SES), and group memberships often play roles in community identity. Barry Wellman and Scot Wortley urge that to truly understand and influence a community, and most certainly to conduct research within communities, one must take into account the varied nature of relationships and networks and how they may work together synergistically to meet the needs of community members. Using the Social Ecological Model, with its delineation of multiple spheres of influence (individual-interpersonal-organizational-community-public policy), community-based research has attempted to reach this understanding. Although dramatic shifts have not yet been realized, many studies suggest improved health behaviors and healthy environments, which indicate a promising future for community intervention work. The discussion that follows reviews the theory and rationale for community-based interventions, the socialecological approach to understanding and studying obesity, and the progress and promise of community interventions.
Trends in Childhood Obesity Research: A Brief Analysis of NIH-Supported Efforts
Authors: Huang Terry T-K , Horlick Mary N.
Published: March 2007

Childhood obesity continues to rise in the United States, with now over 17% of children and adolescents considered overweight. Childhood obesity predisposes an entire generation to increased risk of chronic diseases and disabilities and is a severe threat to the economic well-being of the nation. At first thought, the solution to the obesity epidemic may seem simple: encourage people to eat less and exercise more. However, the reality is that behavioral change is difficult to achieve without also considering the interplay of genetics, biological processes, and social and environmental mechanisms. As such, investment in obesity research has been considered an important tool to combat obesity and obesity-related diseases. Childhood obesity research, in particular, has drawn considerable attention, given the lower cost of prevention relative to treatment and the high potential for long-term benefits at a population level.
The Empirical Slippery Slope from Voluntary to Non-Voluntary Euthanasia
Authors: Lewis Penney
Published: March 2007

Slippery slope arguments appear regularly whenever morally contested social change is proposed. Such arguments assume that all or some consequences which could possibly flow from permitting a particular practice are morally unacceptable.

Typically, “slippery slope” arguments claim that endorsing some premise, doing some action or adopting some policy will lead to some definite outcome that is generally judged to be wrong or bad. The “slope” is “slippery” because there are claimed to be no plausible halting points between the initial commitment to a premise, action, or policy and the resultant bad outcome. The desire to avoid such projected future consequences provides adequate reasons for not taking the first step.

Thus the legalization of abortion in limited circumstances is asserted to lead down the slippery slope towards abortion on demand and even infanticide; and the legalization of assisted suicide to lead inexorably to the acceptance of voluntary euthanasia and subsequently to the sanctioning of the practice of nonvoluntary euthanasia – even involuntary euthanasia of “undesirable” individuals.
New Multicollinearity Indicators in Linear Regression Models
Authors: Curto José Dias , Pinto José Castro
Published: March 2007

Correlation is an important statistical issue for the Ordinary Least Squares estimates and for data‐reduction techniques, such as the Factor and the Principal Components analyses. In this paper we propose new indicators for the multicollinearity problem in the multiple linear regression model.
Depletion of membrane cholesterol eliminates the Ca2+‐activated component of outward potassium current and decreases membrane capacitance in rat uterine myocytes
Authors: Shmygol A. , Noble K. , Wray Susan
Published: March 2007

Changes in membrane cholesterol content have potent effects on cell signalling and contractility in rat myometrium and other smooth muscles. We have previously shown that depletion of cholesterol with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MCD) disrupts caveolar microdomains. The aim of this work was to determine the mechanism underlying the increase in Ca2+ signalling and contractility occurring in the myometrium with MCD. Patch clamp data obtained on freshly isolated myocytes from the uterus of day 19–21 rats showed that outward K+ current was significantly reduced by MCD. Membrane capacitance was also reduced. Cholesterol‐saturated MCD had no effect on the amplitude of outward current suggesting that the reduction in the outward current was due to cholesterol depletion induced by MCD rather than a direct inhibitory action of MCD on the K+ channels. Confocal visualization of the membrane bound indicator Calcium Green C18, revealed internalization of the surface membrane with MCD treatment. Large conductance, Ca2+‐sensitive K+ channel proteins have been shown to localize to caveolae. When these channels were blocked by iberiotoxin outward current was significantly reduced in the uterine myocytes; MCD treatment reduced the density of outward current. Following reduction of outward current by MCD pretreatment, iberiotoxin was unable to produce any additional decrease in the current, suggesting a common target. MCD treatment also increased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous rises in cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i transients) in isolated myocytes. In intact rat myometrium, MCD treatment increased Ca2+ signalling and contractility, consistent with previous findings, and this effect was also found to be reduced by BK channel inhibition. These data suggest that (1) disruption of cholesterol‐rich microdomains and caveolae by MCD leads to a decrease in the BK channel current thus increasing cell excitability, and (2) the changes in membrane excitability produced by MCD underlie the changes found in Ca2+ signalling and uterine contractility.
Hurricane Intensity and Eyewall Replacement
Authors: Houze Robert A. , Chen Shuyi S. , Smull Bradley F. , Lee Wen-Chau , Bell Michael M.
Published: March 2007

Observations made during the historic 2005 hurricane season document a case of “eyewall replacement.” Clouds outside the hurricane eyewall coalesce to form a new eyewall at a greater radius from the storm center, and the old eyewall dies. The winds in the new eyewall are initially weaker than those in the original eyewall, but as the new eyewall contracts, the storm reintensifies. Understanding this replacement mechanism is vital to forecasting variations in hurricane intensity. Processes in the “moat” region between the new and old eyewall have been particularly unclear. Aircraft data now show that the moat becomes dynamically similar to the eye and thus is converted into a region inimical to survival of the inner eyewall. We suggest that targeting aircraft to key parts of the storm to gain crucial input to high-resolution numerical models can lead to improvements in forecasting hurricane intensity.
Local Interactions Select for Lower Pathogen Infectivity
Authors: Boots Michael , Mealor Michael
Published: March 2007

Theory suggests that the current rapid increase in connectivity and consequential changes in the structure of human, agricultural, and wildlife populations may select for parasite strains with higher infectivity. We carried out a test of this spatial theory by experimentally altering individual host movement rates in a model host/pathogen system by altering the viscosity of their environment. In our microevolutionary selection experiments, the infectivity of the virus was, as predicted by the theory, reduced in the most viscous populations. We therefore provide empirical support for the theory that population structure affects the evolution of infectious organisms.
Anti-Hebbian Long-Term Potentiation in the Hippocampal Feedback Inhibitory Circuit
Authors: Lamsa Karri P. , Heeroma Joost H. , Somogyi Peter , Rusakov Dmitri A. , Kullmann Dimitri M.
Published: March 2007

Long-term potentiation (LTP), which approximates Hebb's postulate of associative learning, typically requires depolarization-dependent glutamate receptors of the NMDA (
N
-methyl-D-aspartate) subtype. However, in some neurons, LTP depends instead on calcium-permeable AMPA-type receptors. This is paradoxical because intracellular polyamines block such receptors during depolarization. We report that LTP at synapses on hippocampal interneurons mediating feedback inhibition is “anti-Hebbian”:Itis induced by presynaptic activity but prevented by postsynaptic depolarization. Anti-Hebbian LTP may occur in interneurons that are silent during periods of intense pyramidal cell firing, such as sharp waves, and lead to their altered activation during theta activity.
Reconstitution of DNA Segregation Driven by Assembly of a Prokaryotic Actin Homolog
Authors: Garner Ethan C. , Campbell Christopher S. , Weibel Douglas B. , Mullins R. Dyche
Published: March 2007

Multiple unrelated polymer systems have evolved to partition DNA molecules between daughter cells at division. To better understand polymer-driven DNA segregation, we reconstituted the three-component segregation system of the R1 plasmid from purified components. We found that the ParR/
parC
complex can construct a simple bipolar spindle by binding the ends of ParM filaments, inhibiting dynamic instability, and acting as a ratchet permitting incorporation of new monomers and riding on the elongating filament ends. Under steady-state conditions, the dynamic instability of unattached ParM filaments provides the energy required to drive DNA segregation.
Asymmetric T Lymphocyte Division in the Initiation of Adaptive Immune Responses
Authors: Chang John T. , Palanivel Vikram R. , Kinjyo Ichiko , Schambach Felix , Intlekofer Andrew M. , Banerjee Arnob , Longworth Sarah A. , Vinup Kristine E. , Mrass Paul , Oliaro Jane , Killeen Nigel , Orange Jordan S. , Russell Sarah M. , Weninger Wolfgang , Reiner Steven L.
Published: March 2007

A hallmark of mammalian immunity is the heterogeneity of cell fate that exists among pathogen-experienced lymphocytes. We show that a dividing T lymphocyte initially responding to a microbe exhibits unequal partitioning of proteins that mediate signaling, cell fate specification, and asymmetric cell division. Asymmetric segregation of determinants appears to be coordinated by prolonged interaction between the T cell and its antigen-presenting cell before division. Additionally, the first two daughter T cells displayed phenotypic and functional indicators of being differentially fated toward effector and memory lineages. These results suggest a mechanism by which a single lymphocyte can apportion diverse cell fates necessary for adaptive immunity.
Risk of hepatitis B infections in Olympic wrestling
Authors: Bereket-Yücel S
Published: March 2007

Objective:First, to investigate the prevalence of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and occult HBV infection (OC-HBV) in Turkish Olympic wrestlers. Second, to examine the relationship between HBV DNA values in sweat and blood.

Methods:A total of 70 male Olympic wrestlers were recruited as the study sample.

Results:As a result of the standard monoclonal antibody based hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) detection, none of the Olympic wrestlers carried HBsAg in this study. On the other hand, according to real time PCR for serum HBV DNA detection in this study, 9 (13%) of the wrestlers had OC-HBV infection. Eight (11%) of the participants had HBV DNA in their sweat. In addition, there was a significant relationship between HBV DNA values in the blood and sweat of the wrestlers (r = 0.52, p<0.01).

Conclusions:In addition to bleeding wounds and mucous membranes, sweating may be another way of transmitting HBV infections in contact sports. An HBV test should be done and each wrestler should be vaccinated at the start of his career.
Glycol ethers and semen quality: a cross-sectional study among male workers in the Paris Municipality
Authors: Multigner L , Ben Brik E , Arnaud I , Haguenoer J M , Jouannet P , Auger J , Eustache F
Published: March 2007

Objectives:Apparent increases in human male reproductive disorders, including low sperm production, may have occurred because of increased chemical exposure. Various glycol ether-based solvents have pronounced adverse effects on sperm production and male fertility in laboratory animals. The authors investigated the effects of past and current exposure to glycol ether-containing products on semen quality and reproductive hormones among men employed by the Paris Municipality.

Methods:Between 2000 and 2001 the authors recruited 109 men who gave semen, blood and urine samples and underwent an andrological examination. Information on lifestyle, occupation, exposure and medical history was obtained by interview. According to their job and chemical products used during the period 1990–2000, men were classified as either occupationally exposed or non-exposed. Current exposure levels to glycol ethers at the time of the study were evaluated by biological monitoring of six urinary metabolites.

Results:Previous exposure to glycol ethers was associated with an increased risk for sperm concentration, for rapid progressive motility and for morphologically normal sperm below the World Health Organization semen reference values. No effect of previous glycol ether exposure on hormones levels was observed. By contrast, current glycol ether exposure levels were low and not correlated with either seminal quality or hormone levels.

Conclusions:This study suggests that most glycol ethers currently used do not impact on human semen characteristics. Those that were more prevalent from the 1960s until recently may have long lasting negative effects on human semen quality.
The evolving definitions and increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Desroches Sophie , Lamarche Benoît
Published: March 2007

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that predisposes an individual to a greater risk of developing coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The condition is widespread among adults from developed nations, and progresses in frequency with age. In recent years, several organizations have proposed diagnostic criteria that could be used by clinical practitioners or for research purposes. While the core components of the MetS have generally been sustained among the various proposed definitions, the number of features required for the MetS to be diagnosed and the cut-off points indicating metabolic perturbations have differed quite significantly between organizations. This has led to considerable confusion among clinicians and health professionals. The present review aims to discuss the different definitions of the MetS, focusing on their application in clinical or research settings. A brief overview of the increasing prevalence of the MetS will also be presented.
Decreased MAPK- and PGE2-dependent IL-11 production in Giα2−/− colonic myofibroblasts
Authors: Hoang Brian , Trinh Alice , Edwards Robert A.
Published: March 2007

Mice deficient in the G-protein alpha subunit Giα2spontaneously develop colitis and colon cancer. IL-11 is a pleiotropic cytokine known to protect the intestinal epithelium from injury in animal models of colitis and is produced by subepithelial myofibroblasts in response to inflammatory mediators including TGF-β, IL-1β, and PGE2. Arachidonic acid release and subsequent PGE2production is significantly decreased in the colonic mucosa of Giα2−/− mice, and we hypothesized that this would affect mucosal IL-11 production. Mucosal levels of IL-11 were found to be significantly decreased in Giα2−/− mice despite the presence of mild colitis. Primary cultures of Giα2−/− intestinal and colonic myofibroblasts (IMF and CMF, respectively) produced less basal and TGF-β or IL-1β-stimulated IL-11 mRNA and protein than wild-type cells. Inhibitors of ERK or p38 MAPK activation dose dependently inhibited IMF and CMF IL-11 production in response to TGF-β stimulation, whereas 16,16 dimethyl-PGE2and prostanoid receptor subtype-selective agonists induced IL-11 production. Treatment of animals with the EP4-specific agonist ONO-AE1-329 resulted in enhanced mucosal levels of IL-11, and increased IL-11 production by ex vivo cultured CMF. Modulation of cAMP levels produced diverging results, with enhancement of TGF-β-induced IL-11 release in IMF pretreated with 8-Br-cAMP and inhibition in cells treated either with pertussis toxin or the PKA inhibitor H-89. These data suggest a physiological role for prostaglandins, MAPK signaling, and cAMP signaling for the production of myofibroblast-derived IL-11 in the mouse intestinal mucosa.
Disruption of the murine intestinal alkaline phosphatase geneAkp3impairs lipid transcytosis and induces visceral fat accumulation and hepatic steatosis
Authors: Nakano Takanari , Inoue Ikuo , Koyama Iwao , Kanazawa Kenta , Nakamura Koh-ichi , Narisawa Sonoko , Tanaka Kayoko , Akita Masumi , Masuyama Taku , Seo Makoto , Hokari Shigeru , Katayama Shigehiro , Alpers David H. , Millán José Luis , Komoda Tsugikazu
Published: March 2007

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) is involved in the process of fat absorption, a conclusion confirmed by an altered lipid transport and a faster body weight gain from 10 to 30 wk in both male and female mice with a homozygous null mutation of the IAP coding gene ( Akp3−/−mice). This study was aimed to delineate morphologically and quantitatively the accelerated lipid absorption in male Akp3−/−mice. Feeding a corn oil bolus produced an earlier peak of triacylglycerol in serum (2 vs. 4 h for Akp3−/−and wild-type mice, respectively) and an approximately twofold increase in serum triacylglycerol concentration in Akp3−/−mice injected with a lipolysis inhibitor, Triton WR-1339. A corn oil load induced the threefold enlargement of the Golgi vacuoles in male wild-type mice but not in Akp3−/−mice, indicating that absorbed lipids rarely reached the Golgi complex and that the transcytosis of lipid droplets does not follow the normal pathway in male Akp3−/−mice. Force feeding an exaggerated fat intake by a 30% fat chow for 10 wk induced obesity in both male Akp3−/−and wild-type mice, and therefore no phenotypic difference was observed between the two. On the other hand, the forced high-fat chow induced an 18% greater body weight gain, hepatic steatosis, and visceral fat accumulation in female Akp3−/−mice but not in female wild-type controls. These results provide further evidence that IAP is involved in the regulation of the lipid absorption process and that its absence leads to progressive metabolic abnormalities in certain fat-forced conditions.
Gastrin regulates the TFF2 promoter through gastrin-responsivecis-acting elements and multiple signaling pathways
Authors: Tu Shuiping , Chi Alfred L. , Lim SeonHee , Cui Guanglin , Dubeykovskaya Zina , Ai Wandong , Fleming John V. , Takaishi Shigeo , Wang Timothy C.
Published: March 2007

Trefoil family factor 2 (TFF2) is expressed in gastrointestinal epithelial cells where it serves to maintain mucosal integrity and promote epithelial repair. The peptide hormone, gastrin, stimulates acid secretion but also induces proliferation of the acid-secreting mucosa. Because the relationship between these peptides of overlapping function is not understood, we chose to investigate the regulatory effect of gastrin on TFF2 expression. The expression of mRNA and protein of TFF2 was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. A series of truncated and mutant murine TFF2 promoter constructs was generated. Promoter activity was assessed using dual luciferase reporter assays. Gastrin-responsive DNA-binding sites in the TFF2 promoter were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Gastrin significantly increased the level of endogenous mRNA of TFF2 in the gastrin receptor-expressing AGS-E gastric cancer cell line in a time- and dose-dependent manner. TFF2 protein expression in the gastric fundus was elevated in hypergastrinemic (INS-GAS) transgenic mice and reduced in gastrin-deficient mice. Gastrin treatment increased TFF2 promoter activity through cis-acting regions, containing CCAATA- and GC-rich enhancers. Pretreatment with Y-F476, a gastrin/CCKBreceptor antagonist, abolished gastrin-dependent promoter activity. Inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK1), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) reduced gastrin-dependent TFF2 promoter activity, whereas an epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor had no effect. We found that gastrin regulates TFF2 transcription through a GC-rich DNA-binding site and a PKC-, MEK1- and PI 3-kinase-dependent but EGFR-independent pathway. Regulation of TFF2 by gastrin may play a role in the maintenance and repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
β-Catenin is critical for early postnatal liver growth
Authors: Apte Udayan , Zeng Gang , Thompson Michael D. , Muller Peggy , Micsenyi Amanda , Cieply Benjamin , Kaestner Klaus H. , Monga Satdarshan P. S.
Published: March 2007

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays an important role in embryonic liver development, morphogenesis, and organogenesis. Here, we report on the activation of β-catenin during early postnatal liver growth. Modulation of β-catenin expression was studied in CD-1 mice livers over a time course of 0 to 30 postnatal days (PD) and 3 mo. Increases in total and active β-catenin were observed in developing livers from PD 5 to 20. A concomitant increase in the β-catenin-transcription factor (TCF) complex along with nuclear and cytoplasmic β-catenin was also evident, which coincided with ongoing hepatocyte proliferation by PCNA immunohistochemistry. This activation of β-catenin was multifactorial, including cyclical inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, suppression of casein kinase-IIα, and a transient increase in β-catenin gene expression. Coprecipitation experiments revealed the formation of the β-catenin-cadherin complex at PD 5, whereas adequate β-catenin-c-Met complex at the hepatocyte membrane did not form until PD 20, which might be contributing to the free β-catenin pool during early postnatal growth. Furthermore, β-catenin liver-specific knockout mice exhibited smaller livers at PD 30, secondary to diminished hepatocyte proliferation. These data indicate that the activation of β-catenin is critical for early postnatal liver growth and development.
Parasympathetic reactivation after repeated sprint exercise
Authors: Buchheit Martin , Laursen Paul B. , Ahmaidi Saïd
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of muscular power engagement, anaerobic participation, aerobic power level, and energy expenditure on postexercise parasympathetic reactivation. We compared the response of heart rate (HR) after repeated sprinting with that of exercise sessions of comparable net energy expenditure and anaerobic energy contribution. Fifteen moderately trained athletes performed 1) 18 maximal all-out 15-m sprints interspersed with 17 s of passive recovery (RS), 2) a moderate isocaloric continuous exercise session (MC) at a level of mean oxygen uptake similar to that of the RS trial, and 3) a high-intensity intermittent exercise session (HI) conducted at a level of anaerobic energy expenditure similar to that of the RS trial. Subjects were immediately seated after the exercise trials, and beat-to-beat HR was recorded for 10 min. Parasympathetic reactivation was evaluated through 1) immediate postexercise HR recovery, 2) the time course of the root mean square for the successive R-R interval difference between successive 30-s segments (RMSSD30s) and 3) HR variability vagal-related indexes calculated for the last 5-min stationary period of recovery. RMSSD30s increased during the 10-min period after the MC trial, whereas RMSSD30s remained depressed after both the RS and HI trials. Parasympathetic reactivation indexes were similar for the RS and HI trials but lower than for the MC trial ( P < 0.001). When data of the three exercise trials were considered together, only anaerobic contribution was related to HR trial-derived indexes. Parasympathetic reactivation is highly impaired after RS exercise and appears to be mainly related to anaerobic process participation.