bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Cold Fronts with Prefrontal Troughs and Wind Shifts
Authors: Schultz David M.
Published: August 2005

The conceptual model of a classical surface-based cold front consists of a sharp temperature decrease coincident with a pressure trough and a distinct wind shift at the surface. Many cold fronts, however, do not conform to this model—time series at a single surface station may possess a pressure trough and wind shift in the warm air preceding the cold front (hereafter called a prefrontal trough and prefrontal wind shift, respectively). Although many authors have recognized these prefrontal features previously, a review of the responsible mechanisms has not been performed to date. This paper presents such a review. Ten disparate mechanisms with different frontal structures have been identified from the previous literature. These mechanisms include those external to the front (i.e., those not directly associated with the cold front itself): synoptic-scale forcing, interaction with lee troughs/drylines, interaction with fronts in the mid- and upper troposphere, and frontogenesis associated with inhomogeneities in the prefrontal air. Mechanisms internal to the front (i.e., those directly associated with the structure and dynamics of the front) include the following: surface friction, frontogenesis acting on alongfront temperature gradients, moist processes, descent of air, ascent of air at the front, and generation of prefrontal bores/gravity waves. Given the gaps in our knowledge of the structure, evolution, and dynamics of surface cold fronts, this paper closes with an admonition for improving the links between theory, observations, and modeling to advance understanding and develop better conceptual models of cold fronts, with the goal of improving both scientific understanding and operational forecasting.
Improving Breastfeeding Practices on a Broad Scale at the Community Level: Success Stories From Africa and Latin America
Authors: Quinn Victoria J. , Guyon Agnès B. , Schubert Joan W. , Stone-Jiménez Maryanne , Hainsworth Michael D. , Martin Luann H.
Published: August 2005

Large-scale community-level behavior change programs designed to improve breastfeeding practices were implemented in Bolivia, Ghana, and Madagascar. These programs reached sizable populations: Bolivia, 1 million; Ghana, 3.5 million; and Madagascar, 6 million. Over 3 to 4 years, timely initiation of breastfeeding (within 1 hour of birth) increased from 56% to 74% ( P < .001) in Bolivia, 32% to 40% ( P < .05) in Ghana, and 34% to 78% ( P < .001) in Madagascar. Marked increases in exclusive breastfeeding of infants 0 to 6 months of age were also documented: from 54% to 65% ( P < .001) in Bolivia, 68% to 79% ( P < .001) in Ghana, and 46% to 68% ( P < .001) in Madagascar. In Ghana and Madagascar, significant results were seen within 1 year of community interventions. The authors conclude that large-scale programs designed to improve breastfeeding practices are feasible and should be a central component of any child survival strategy.
Who Shall Lead them out? An Exploration of God’s Openness in Exodus 32.7-14
Authors: Ellington Scott
Published: August 2005

Open theism focuses on our relationship with God and points out the ways that traditional theism’s emphasis on divine omniscience and immutability is in conflict with a close, mutual relationship. Open theists argue that many biblical texts portray God as open to a future that is not fully known by him and that is shaped in cooperation with God’s covenant partners. Exodus 32.7-14 is frequently cited as supporting the openness position, and in this article I will examine the main points of the openness argument and then exegete this passage in the context of the book of Exodus. A careful study will show that Exodus 32 demonstrates not a lack of foreknowledge on God’s part, but a process of experiential learning as Yahweh and Moses together make decisions about the future of God’s chosen people.
Pentecostal Visions of The End: Eschatology, Ecclesiology and the Fascination of the Left Behind Series
Authors: Coulter Dale
Published: August 2005

This article examines the Pentecostal reception of dispensational eschatology from the perspective of its connection to other Pentecostal theological concerns. Through an investigation of representatives from the Church of God and the Assemblies of God, it is argued (1) that early Pentecostals tended to use eschatology to articulate their own ecclesiology, and (2) that it is their ecclesiological concerns that separate Pentecostals from dispensational thought while simultaneously attracting them to it. Drawing on the Eastern Orthodox idea of sobornicity, a final section of the article is devoted to teasing out the theological concerns implicit to Pentecostal ecclesiology in order to promote further dialogue with Roman Catholicism.
Awe-Full Encounters: A Pentecostal Conversation with C.S. Lewis Concerning Spiritual Experience
Authors: Richie Tony
Published: August 2005

Perhaps best known by us as an exceptionally astute and incisive apologist, C.S. Lewis also has much to say to serious Pentecostals about religious experience—a foundational value in Pentecostalism. Aware of and interacting with Freudian and Jungian religious psychology, Lewis agreed with Rudolf Otto that religious experience is essentially mysterious encounter with the Numinous, arguing that numinous encounter constitutes the seed of all real religious experience. At its core authentic religious experience is divine encounter characterized by ineffable awe in God’s presence. Lewis’ articulation of experience informs and enhances Pentecostal theology and spirituality appreciably in key areas of ontology, epistemology, and anthropology. Personal testimony affirms the reality and centrality for Pentecostals of encountering God’s presence in Spirit baptism, speaking in tongues, and other spiritual gifts or experiences, as well as in private prayer and public worship.
See You in Geneva? Legal (Mis)Representations of the Trading System
Authors: Wolfe Robert
Published: August 2005

When officials from different countries disagree about trade policy, some say ‘see you in Geneva!’ meaning ‘see you in court!’ In offering a pluralist alternative to this centralism of analysts and practitioners, I represent the World Trade Organization (WTO) not as a coercive court used for enforcement but as a site for the elaboration of a system of ‘law’ that arises from and provides a framework for self-directed human interaction. Trade law is shaped in the shadow of bargaining. I contrast this legal representation with ‘legalization’ to show the contribution it makes to constructivist international theory. An empirical probe in the contentious domain of the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) asks about the relative importance of the few formal SPS ‘disputes’ compared with other ways that WTO law affects global food safety. A discussion of how the trading system responded to ‘mad cow disease’ (BSE) provides empirical confirmation of pluralist insights. Far from being only in Geneva, trade law is everywhere.
Variegation of the phenotype induced by the Gata1low mutation in mice of different genetic backgrounds
Authors: Martelli Fabrizio , Ghinassi Barbara , Panetta Barbara , Alfani Elena , Gatta Valentina , Pancrazzi Alessandro , Bogani Costanza , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria , Paoletti Francesco , Migliaccio Giovanni , Migliaccio Anna Rita
Published: August 2005

All mice harboring the X-linked Gata1low mutation in a predominantly CD1 background are born anemic and thrombocytopenic. They recover from anemia at 1 month of age but remain thrombocytopenic all their life and develop myelofibrosis, a syndrome similar to human idiopathic myelofibrosis, at 12 months. The effects of the genetic background on the myelofibrosis developed by Gata1low mice was assessed by introducing the mutation, by standard genetic approaches, in the C57BL/6 and DBA/2 backgrounds and by analyzing the phenotype of the different mutants at 12 to 13 (by histology) and 16 to 20 (by cytofluorimetry) months of age. Although all the Gata1low mice developed fibrosis at 12 to 13 months, variegations were observed in the severity of the phenotype expressed by mutants of different backgrounds. In C57BL/6 mice, the mutation was no longer inherited in a Mendelian fashion, and fibrosis was associated with massive osteosclerosis. Instead, DBA/2 mutants, although severely anemic, expressed limited fibrosis and osteosclerosis and did not present tear-drop poikilocytes in blood or extramedullary hemopoiesis in liver up to 20 months of age. We propose that the variegation in myelofibrosis expressed by Gata1low mutants of different strains might represent a model to study the variability of the clinical picture of the human disease.
Local tumor invasiveness is more predictive of survival than International Prognostic Index in stage IE/IIE extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type
Authors: Kim Tae Min , Park Yeon Hee , Lee Sang-Yoon , Kim Ji-Hoon , Kim Dong-Wan , Im Seock-Ah , Kim Tae-You , Kim Chul Woo , Heo Dae Seog , Bang Yung-Jue , Chang Kee-Hyun , Kim Noe Kyeong
Published: August 2005

This study was launched to determine the prognostic significance of local tumor invasiveness (LTI) in 114 patients diagnosed with stage IE/IIE extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (NTCL). LTI was defined as bony invasion or destruction or tumor invasion of the skin. Complete remission (CR), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between each group according to LTI, Ann Arbor stage, and International Prognostic Index (IPI). LTI was observed in 23 patients. Using multivariate analysis, factors associated with low probability of CR were the presence of LTI (P < .001), the presence of B symptoms (P = .003), and single-modality chemotherapy (P = .045). The presence of LTI (relative risk [RR] = 8.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9-17.9; P < .001) and high IPI score (RR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.8; P = .019) were also predictive of OS. The presence of LTI (RR = 7.3, 95% CI 3.2-16.5; P < .001) was an independently significant factor for reduced DFS. Ann Arbor staging system did not predict CR, OS, or DFS but IPI did have predictive power with regard to survival outcome. LTI is the most important prognostic factor in predicting low probability of CR and reduced OS and DFS in nasal stage IE/IIE NTCL.
Regulation of human fetal hemoglobin: new players, new complexities
Authors: Bank Arthur
Published: August 2005

The human globin genes are among the most extensively characterized in the human genome, yet the details of the molecular events regulating normal human hemoglobin switching and the potential reactivation of fetal hemoglobin in adult hematopoietic cells remain elusive. Recent discoveries demonstrate physical interactions between the β locus control region and the downstream structural γ- and β-globin genes, and with transcription factors and chromatin remodeling complexes. These interactions all play roles in globin gene expression and globin switching at the human β-globin locus. If the molecular events in hemoglobin switching were better understood and fetal hemoglobin could be more fully reactivated in adult cells, the insights obtained might lead to new approaches to the therapy of sickle cell disease and β thalassemia by identifying specific new targets for molecular therapies.
Optical dating of a scroll-bar sequence on the Klip River, South Africa, to derive the lateral migration rate of a meander bend
Authors: Rodnight H. , Duller G. A.T. , Tooth S. , Wintle A. G.
Published: August 2005

Problems are often encountered in accurately establishing the rates of processes associated with river channel change. In this study, optical dating was used to obtain the lateral migration rate of an abandoned meander bend on the Klip River, eastern Free State, South Africa. Five samples were collected by augering along a transect across an approximately 200-m-wide scroll-bar sequence on the inner meander bend, and an additional sample was collected from the channel fill of the related oxbow lake. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages were derived for each sample using the single-aliquot regenerative-dose protocol on small aliquots of quartz. Incomplete bleaching was evident in some of the samples and thus the appropriate statistical analysis was performed using the ‘finite mixture model’ for the scroll-bar samples and the ‘minimum age model’ for the channel-fill sample. The ages calculated were in the correct chronological order for the depositional sequence, which was formed over the last ∼1000 years. The average rate of lateral migration across the scroll-bar sequence was found to be ∼0.16 m/yr but with an apparent increase in the rate occurring during the early sixteenth century. Where quartz-rich alluvium exists, the methods used in this study can potentially be applied to other river systems, enabling rates of channel change processes to be determined.
Lateglacial and Holocene vegetation history at Nisi Fen and the Boras mountains, northern Greece
Authors: Lawson I. T. , Al-Omari S. , Tzedakis P. C. , Bryant C. L. , Christaniss K.
Published: August 2005

New pollen data from three contrasting sites in northern Greece allow an analysis of spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation change during the Holocene and Lateglacial in northern Greece. At the principal site, Nisi Fen, six cores from the thickest surficial peat deposits have yielded a detailed, composite, AMS 14C-dated pollen record covering the period from 20000 cal. BP almost to the present-day. Cores Kp-4 and Bor-3 were taken from small mires at high elevations in the Boras mountains, a few kilometres to the north of Nisi, in which peat has been accumulating since the mid-Holocene. Our results show that only Pinus expanded significantly during the Lateglacial Interstadial, although small thermophilous tree populations were present in the region. The Younger Dryas chronozone is at best marked by subtle vegetational change in favour of steppe taxa. Tree cover increased rapidly at the beginning of the Holocene, with deciduous woodland probably expanding above its present-day altitudinal limits. There is evidence for drier and/or warmer summers, and mild winters, between c. 10500 and 7500 cal. BP, although the vegetation was not as markedly sclerophyllous as at many sites elsewhere in Greece. The mid-Holocene saw a reorganization of the woodland, with first Abies and then Fagus becoming important at high altitudes, and an increase in the diversity of deciduous woodland at medium elevations. The suggestion of human impact in the form of a decline in woodland and the appearance of crops in the pollen record can be found at all altitudes in the later Holocene.
The Antiarrhythmic Peptide Analog Rotigaptide (ZP123) Stimulates Gap Junction Intercellular Communication in Human Osteoblasts and Prevents Decrease in Femoral Trabecular Bone Strength in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Teilmann Stefan Cuoni , Henriksen Zanne , Meier Eddi , Hansen Susanne Syberg , Jensen Jens-Erik Beck , Sørensen Ole Helmer , Petersen Jørgen Søberg
Published: August 2005

Gap junctions play an important role in bone development and function, but the lack of pharmacological tools has hampered the gap junction research. The antiarrhythmic peptides stimulate gap junction communication between cardiomyocytes, but effects in noncardiac tissue are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine whether antiarrhythmic peptides, which are small peptides increasing gap junctional conductivity, show specific binding to osteoblasts and investigate the effect of the stable analog rotigaptide (ZP123) on gap junctional intercellular communication in vitro and on bone mass and strength in vivo. Cell coupling and calcium signaling were assessed in vitro on human, primary, osteoblastic cells. In vivo effects of rotigaptide on bone strength and density were determined 4 wk after ovariectomy in rats treated with either vehicle, sc injection twice daily (300 nmol per kilogram body weight) or by continuous ip infusion (158 nmol per kilogram body weight per day). During metabolic stress, a high affinity-binding site (KD = 0.1 nm) with low density (15 fmol/mg protein) for [125I]di-I-AAP10 was demonstrated. During physiological conditions, specific binding sites for [125I]AAP10 could not be shown. Studies of the effects of rotigaptide on propagation of intercellular calcium waves and cell-to-cell coupling demonstrated that 10 nm rotigaptide produced a small increase in intercellular communication during physiological conditions (+4.5 ± 1.6% vs. vehicle; P < 0.05). During conditions with metabolic stress, 10 nm rotigaptide produced an increase in coupling measured by both methods. Four weeks after ovariectomy, bone strength of the femoral head was reduced by 20% in vehicle-treated ovariectomized rats, which was completely prevented in both rotigaptide-treated groups. Rotigaptide also prevented decreases in bone mineral. We conclude that the stable analog rotigaptide increases gap junctional communication in osteoblasts in vitro and preferably during conditions with metabolic stress. Rotigaptide further prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss in vivo. Thus, gap junction modulation may be a promising new target for osteoporosis therapy.
Electrophysiological Characterization of Pancreatic Islet Cells in the Mouse Insulin Promoter-Green Fluorescent Protein Mouse
Authors: Leung Yuk M. , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Sheu Laura , Tsushima Robert G. , Diamant Nicholas E. , Hara Manami , Gaisano Herbert Y.
Published: August 2005

We recently reported a transgenic [mouse insulin promoter (MIP)-green fluorescent protein (GFP)] mouse in which GFP expression is targeted to the pancreatic islet β-cells to enable convenient identification of β-cells as green cells. The GFP-expressing β-cells of the MIP-GFP mouse were functionally indistinguishable from β-cells of normal mice. Here we characterized the ionic channel properties and exocytosis of MIP-GFP mouse islet β- and α-cells. β-Cells displayed delayed rectifying K+ and high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels and exhibited Na+ currents only at hyperpolarized holding potential. α-Cells were nongreen and had both A-type and delayed rectifier K+ channels, both low-voltage-activated and high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels, and displayed Na+ currents readily at −70 mV holding potential. α-Cells had ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP) channel density as high as that in β-cells, and, surprisingly, α-cell KATP channels were more sensitive to ATP inhibition (IC50 = 0.16 ± 0.03 mm) than β-cell KATP channels (IC50 = 0.86 ± 0.10 mm). Whereas α-cells were rather uniform in size [2–4.5 picofarad (pF)], β-cells varied vastly in size (2–12 pF). Of note, small β-cells (<4.5 pF) showed little exocytosis, whereas medium β-cells (5–8 pF) exhibited vigorous exocytosis, but large β-cells (>8 pF) had weaker exocytosis. We found no correlation between β-cell size and their Ca2+ channel density, suggesting that Ca2+ influx may not be the cause of the heterogeneity in exocytotic responses. The MIP-GFP mouse therefore offers potential to further explore the functional heterogeneity in β-cells of different sizes. The MIP-GFP mouse islet is therefore a reliable model to efficiently examine α-cell and β-cell physiology and should greatly facilitate examination of their pathophysiology when the MIP-GFP mice are crossed with diabetic models.
Familial hypercholesterolemia and response to statin therapy according to LDLR genetic background
Authors: Choumerianou Despoina M. , Dedoussis George V. Z.
Published: August 2005

Familial hypercholesterolemia is an autosomal dominant disease defined at the molecular level mainly by the presence of mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene and is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, tendon xanthomas and increased risk of early cardiovascular disease. The type of mutation in the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene has been associated with different phenotype expression and response to statins. Several studies have been undertaken to assess the efficacy of statins and evaluate the influence of mutations on the response to treatment with statins. Not all patients respond to statin therapy with a reduction in cardiovascular disease. In this review paper, we will discuss the results available to date that correlate the low-density lipoprotein receptor genotype to the response to statins, and the interest in developing diagnostic systems which will allow identification of patients at increased risk of adverse drug reactions or patients in which a therapeutic effect is lacking.
Thyroglobulin assay 4 weeks after thyroidectomy predicts outcome in low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Ceriani Luca , Ghelfo Antonella , Keller Franco
Published: August 2005

Background: Thyroidectomy followed by administration of large activities of
The efficacy of cystatin C assay in the prediction of glomerular filtration rate. Is it a more reliable marker for renal failure?
Authors: Bicik Zerrin , Bahcebasi Talat , Kulaksızoglu Sevsen , Yavuz Ozlem
Published: August 2005

We determined the sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristics and correlation between cystatin C (cysC) and two widely used markers of renal function, creatinine clearance and serum creatinine, in 244 patients (84 diabetics, 84 hypertensive and 76 healthy subjects). Renal failure was defined as creatinine clearance of less than either 80 or 60mL/min. Variables were evaluated for two definitions of renal failure and compared between patient groups. Correlation coefficients with cysC were −0.87 for creatinine clearance and 0.92 for creatinine in patients with hypertension; −0.90 for creatinine clearance and 0.97 for creatinine in diabetics; and −0.61 for creatinine clearance and 0.94 for creatinine in the control group. The receiver operating characteristic curves with a cut-off value of 60mL/min were similar for creatinine and cysC, while at 80mL/min they were 0.626 for creatinine and 0.813 for cysC levels. We classified the patients into three groups with respect to creatinine clearance (1, >80mL/min; 2, 60–80mL/min; 3, <60mL/min). Mean creatinine (p<0.0001) and cysC (p<0.0001) levels were significantly different between all the groups. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were higher for cysC levels, particularly in diabetics and hypertensive patients. The current study suggests that cysC is preferable for detecting temporal changes in renal function in the early stages of renal insufficiency.
Educational intervention together with an on-line quality control program achieve recommended analytical goals for bedside blood glucose monitoring in a 1200-bed university hospital
Authors: Sánchez-Margalet Víctor , Rodriguez-Oliva Manuel , Sánchez-Pozo Cristina , Fernández-Gallardo María Francisca , Goberna Raimundo
Published: August 2005

Portable meters for blood glucose concentrations are used at the patients bedside, as well as by patients for self-monitoring of blood glucose. Even though most devices have important technological advances that decrease operator error, the analytical goals proposed for the performance of glucose meters have been recently changed by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to reach <5% analytical error and <7.9% total error. We studied 80meters throughout the Virgen Macarena Hospital and we found most devices with performance error higher than 10%. The aim of the present study was to establish a new system to control portable glucose meters together with an educational program for nurses in a 1200-bed University Hospital to achieve recommended analytical goals, so that we could improve the quality of diabetes care. We used portable glucose meters connected on-line to the laboratory after an educational program for nurses with responsibilities in point-of-care testing. We evaluated the system by assessing total error of the glucometers using high- and low-level glucose control solutions. In a period of 6months, we collected data from 5642 control samples obtained by 14 devices (Precision PCx) directly from the control program (QC manager). The average total error for the low-level glucose control (2.77mmol/l) was 6.3% (range 5.5–7.6%), and even lower for the high-level glucose control (16.66mmol/l), at 4.8% (range 4.1–6.5%). In conclusion, the performance of glucose meters used in our University Hospital with more than 1000 beds not only improved after the intervention, but the meters achieved the analytical goals of the suggested ADA/National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry criteria for total error (<7.9% in the range 2.77–16.66mmol/l glucose) and optimal total error for high glucose concentrations of <5%, which will improve the quality of care of our patients.
The reliability of calculated laboratory results
Authors: Coskun Abdurrahman
Published: August 2005

In clinical laboratories, patient results can be obtained in two ways: (i) by direct determination of requested tests using various chemical methods, (ii) by calculation of unknown test results, based on relationships between measured tests. The reliability of measured tests can be checked by various quality control rules. However, no test is performed to check the reliability of calculated data. In this study we develop a method using Taylor series expansion and an alternative equation to obtain the standard deviation of calculated laboratory tests and discuss the reliability of calculated data. To obtain reliable test results by calculation instead of being measured by chemical methods, the standard deviation of each measured component of the equation must be thoroughly analyzed and then the standard deviation of the equation must be determined. We conclude that the analytical coefficient of variation of any measured component must be lower so as to obtain an acceptable analytical coefficient of variation for calculated tests. Otherwise we should measure the concentration of requested tests by chemical methods instead of calculation by equation using specified components.
Treatment of Senile Osteoporosis in SAMP6 Mice by Intra–Bone Marrow Injection of Allogeneic Bone Marrow Cells
Authors: Takada Keizo , Inaba Muneo , Ichioka Naoya , Ueda Yusuke , Taira Mitsuru , Baba Susumu , Mizokami Tomomi , Wang Xiaoli , Hisha Hiroko , Iida Hirokazu , Ikehara Susumu
Published: August 2005

A substrain of the senescence-accelerated mouse, SAMP6 (senescence-accelerated mouse prone 6), spontaneously develops osteoporosis early in life. Therefore, this strain is a useful animal model for developing new strategies for the treatment of osteoporosis in humans. We succeeded in treating osteoporosis in SAMP6 mice after the onset of this disease, using a newly developed method of bone marrow transplantation (BMT): Allogeneic bone marrow cells obtained from normal mouse strains were directly injected into the bone marrow cavity of irradiated SAMP6 mice (intra–bone marrow BMT [IBM-BMT]). After the treatment with IBM-BMT, hematolymphoid cells were completely reconstituted by donor-derived cells, and bone marrow stromal cells were also found to be of donor origin. The treated SAMP6 mice showed histologically-normal trabecular bone. In addition, bone mineral density and urinary deoxypiridinoline, a hallmark of bone destruction, were normalized. When the message levels of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-11, and receptor activator of nuclear factor–κ B ligand [RANKL]) were examined, IL-11, RANKL (from bone marrow stromal cells), and IL-6 (from osteoclasts), which regulate bone remodeling, were restored to levels similar to those in normal B6 mice. These findings indicate that not only the hemopoietic system but also the bone marrow microenvironment were normalized after IBM-BMT, resulting in an amelioration of the imbalance between bone absorption and formation.
Cytokine-Dependent Proliferation of Human CD34+ Progenitor Cells in the Absence of Serum Is Suppressed by Their Progeny's Production of Serine Proteinases
Authors: Goselink Henriette M. , Hiemstra Pieter S. , van Noort Peter , Barge Renée M.Y. , Willemze Roel , Falkenburg J.H. Frederik
Published: August 2005

In this study, we demonstrate that the synthesis and release of serine proteinases by hematopoietic cells affects the in vitro proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in response to proteins, including hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs), transferrin, insulin, and albumin in serum-free cultures. In serum-free cultures, bone marrow mononuclear cells or the CD34− progeny of the CD34+ cells were shown to release the serine proteinases human neutrophil elastase (HNE), cathepsin G (Cath G), and proteinase 3 (Pr3). In the absence of serum, we showed that HNE, Cath G, and Pr3 rapidly and dose-dependently degraded HGF and other proteins present in the medium, resulting in decreased proliferation of HPCs. Addition of the serine proteinase inhibitors α1–proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI) or the secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI), but not leupeptin, aprotinin, or AEBSF (4-[2-aminoethyl]-benzenesulfonylfluoride hydrochloride), could completely prevent the degradation of proteins relevant to the growth of hematopoietic cells. Thus, the addition of serine proteinase inhibitors like α1-PI or SLPI may be critical for the expansion of CD34+ cells or gene transfer into CD34+ cells or other hematopoietic cells in vitro using serum-free media under good manufacturing practice conditions.
Testicular Cell Conditioned Medium Supports Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Ovarian Structures Containing Oocytes
Authors: Lacham-Kaplan Orly , Chy Hun , Trounson Alan
Published: August 2005

Previous reports and the current study have found that germ cell precursor cells appear in embryoid bodies (EBs) formed from mouse embryonic stem cells as identified by positive expression of specific germ cell markers such as Oct-3/4, Mvh, c-kit, Stella, and DAZL. We hypothesized that if exposed to appropriate growth factors, the germ cell precursor cells within the EBs would differentiate into gametes. The source for growth factors used in the present study is conditioned medium collected from testicular cell cultures prepared from the testes of newborn males. Testes at this stage of development contain most growth factors required for the transformation of germ stem cells into differentiated gametes. When EBs were cultured in the conditioned medium, they developed into ovarian structures, which contained putative oocytes. The oocytes were surrounded by one to two layers of flattened cells and did not have a visible zona pellucida. However, oocyte-specific markers such as Fig-α and ZP3 were found expressed by the ovarian structures. The production of oocytes using this method is repeatable and reliable and may be applicable to other mammalian species, including the human.
Growth factor signalling and resistance to selective oestrogen receptor modulators and pure anti-oestrogens: the use of anti-growth factor therapies to treat or delay endocrine resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Nicholson R I , Hutcheson I R , Hiscox S E , Knowlden J M , Giles M , Barrow D , Gee J M W
Published: August 2005

De novo insensitivity and acquired resistance to the selective oestrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen and the pure anti-oestrogen fulvestrant (faslodex) severely limit their effectiveness in breast cancer patients. This is a major clinical problem, since each year upward of 1 million women are dispensed anti-oestrogenic drugs. In order to investigate the phenomenon of anti-oestrogen resistance and to rapidly screen drugs that target the resistance mechanism(s), we have previously established several in vitro breast cancer models that have acquired resistance to anti-hormones. Such cells commonly develop an ability to proliferate after approximately 3 months of exposure to 4-hydroxytamoxifen or fulvestrant, despite an initial endocrine-responsive (i.e. growth-suppressive) phase. The current paper explores the role that growth factor signalling plays in the transition of oestrogen receptor-positive endocrine-responsive breast cancer cells to anti-oestrogen resistance or insensitivity and how we might, in the future, most effectively use anti-growth factor therapies to treat or delay endocrine-resistant states.
Downstream targets of growth factor and oestrogen signalling and endocrine resistance: the potential roles of c-Myc, cyclin D1 and cyclin E
Authors: Butt Alison J , McNeil Catriona M , Musgrove Elizabeth A , Sutherland Robert L
Published: August 2005

Antioestrogen therapy is a highly effective treatment for patients with oestrogen-receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, emphasising the central role of oestrogen action in the development and progression of this disease. However, effective antioestrogen treatment is often compromised by acquired endocrine resistance, prompting the need for a greater understanding of the down-stream mediators of oestrogen action that may contribute to this effect. Recent studies have demonstrated a critical link between oestrogen’s mitogenic effects and cell cycle progression, particularly at the G1 to S transition where key effectors of oestrogen action are c-Myc and cyclin D1, which converge on the activation of cyclin E-cdk2. These components are rapidly upregulated in response to oestrogen, and can mimic its actions on cell cycle progression, including re-initiating cell proliferation in antioestrogen-arrested cells. Here we review the roles of c-Myc, cyclin D1 and cyclin E in oestrogen action and endocrine resistance, and identify their potential as markers of disease progression and endocrine responsiveness, and as novel therapeutic targets in endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
Genotoxicity of industrial solid waste leachates in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Siddique Hifzur R. , Gupta Subash C. , Dhawan Alok , Murthy R.C. , Saxena D.K. , Chowdhuri D. Kar
Published: August 2005

The potential toxicity of industrial solid wastes is a major environmental concern. The present study evaluated the genotoxicity of industrial waste leachates on the gut cells of Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon R+), using a modified alkaline comet assay. Leachates were prepared from control soil and solid wastes generated by a flashlight battery factory, a pigment plant, and a tannery, using different pHs (7.0, 4.93, and 2.88). Newly emerged first instar Drosophila larvae (22 ± 2 hr) were transferred to standard Drosophila diet containing 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% of the leachates, and allowed to grow. At 96 ± 2 hr, the anterior midgut of control and treated larvae was dissected out; single cell suspensions were prepared; and the comet assay was performed on the cells. All the leachates produced significant (P < 0.05), dose‐dependent increases in DNA damage, in the gut cells. Leachates prepared at pH 7.0 were significantly less genotoxic than leachates prepared at pH 4.93 or 2.88. A comparison of the comet parameters among the exposed groups indicated that leachates of the pigment plant solid waste produced the least DNA damage, while leachates prepared from the flashlight battery factory solid waste were the most genotoxic. The present study indicates that leachates of solid wastes from flashlight battery factories, pigment plants, and tanneries possess genotoxic activity and that D. melanogaster is a useful in vivo model for assessing the genotoxicity of these potential environmental contaminants. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative Study of Factor Xa Inhibitors Using Molecular Docking/SVM/HQSAR/3D‐QSAR Methods
Authors: Sun Jing , Chen Hai Feng , Xia Hai Rong , Yao Jian Hua , Fan Bo Tao
Published: August 2005

The binding modes of a group of Factor Xa (fXa) inhibitors were studied using FlexX. CoMFA, CoMSIA, HQSAR and SVM models for inhibition potency were constructed with the conformers obtained from the molecular docking. 3D‐QSAR models for oral biovailability were also constructed with the subset inhibitors. The results show that these models possess good prediction ability. The influence of substituents for the activity and oral bioavailability were explored by comparing the constructed 3D‐QSAR models. We found that some substituents have consistent effects on inhibition potency and oral bioavailablity, but some have inconsistent effects. We observed equally that the different methods involved in this study, such as molecular docking, SVM, HQSAR and 3D‐QSAR models, could be used not only for the prediction, but they are also complementary each to other. They are helpful for better understanding the interaction mechanism between inhibitors and fXa receptor.
Simulation analyses of weighted fair bandwidth‐on‐demand (WFBoD) process for broadband multimedia geostationary satellite systems
Authors: Açar Güray , Rosenberg Catherine
Published: August 2005

Advanced resource management schemes are required for broadband multimedia satellite networks to provide efficient and fair resource allocation while delivering guaranteed quality of service (QoS) to a potentially very large number of users. Such resource management schemes must provide well‐defined service segregation to the different traffic flows of the satellite network, and they must be integrated with some connection admission control (CAC) process at least for the flows requiring QoS guarantees. Weighted fair bandwidth‐on‐demand (WFBoD) is a resource management process for broadband multimedia geostationary (GEO) satellite systems that provides fair and efficient resource allocation coupled with a well‐defined MAC‐level QoS framework (compatible with ATM and IP QoS frameworks) and a multi‐level service segregation to a large number of users with diverse characteristics. WFBoD is also integrated with the CAC process. In this paper, we analyse via extensive simulations the WFBoD process in a bent‐pipe satellite network. Our results show that WFBoD can be used to provide guaranteed QoS for both non‐real‐time and real‐time variable bit rate (VBR) flows. Our results also show how to choose the main parameters of the WFBoD process depending on the system parameters and on the traffic characteristics of the flows. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A derivation of the isothermal quantum hydrodynamic equations using entropy minimization
Authors: Jüngel A. , Matthes D.
Published: August 2005

Dedicated to Prof. Herbert Gajewski in occasion of his 65th birthday

Isothermal quantum hydrodynamic equations of order 𝒪($\hbar$2) using the quantum entropy minimization method recently developed by Degond and Ringhofer are derived. The equations have the form of the usual quantum hydrodynamic model including a correction term of order 𝒪($\hbar$2 which involves the vorticity. If the initial vorticity is of order 𝒪($\hbar$4, the standard model is obtained up to order . The derivation is based on a careful expansion of the quantum equilibrium obtained from the entropy minimization in powers of $\hbar$2.
Simulation of longitudinal instabilities in filamentary current flow during low‐temperature impurity breakdown in semiconductors
Authors: Murawski J. , Schwarz G. , Novák V. , Prettl W. , Schöll E.
Published: August 2005

Nonlinear semiconductor transport simulations based on the WIAS‐TeSCA code are presented. Various regimes of low‐temperature breakdown and current filamentation in n‐GaAs are investigated using a drift‐diffusion model with nonlinear generation‐recombination kinetics. Nonlinear charge density waves are found in two‐dimensional simulations of a point contact geometry with and without an additional perpendicular magnetic field. The numerical simulations of the nonlinear spatio‐temporal dynamics are complemented by a linear stability analysis which reveals the possibility of undamped longitudinal fluctuations in the filamentary regime.
Identification and characterization of small RNAs involved in RNA silencing
Authors: Aravin Alexei , Tuschl Thomas
Published: August 2005

Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) is a potent trigger of sequence‐specific gene silencing mechanisms known as RNA silencing or RNA interference. The recognition of the target sequences is mediated by ribonucleoprotein complexes that contain 21‐ to 28‐nucleotide (nt) guide RNAs derived from processing of the trigger dsRNA. Here, we review the experimental and bioinformatic approaches that were used to identify and characterize these small RNAs isolated from cells and tissues. The identification and characterization of small RNAs and their expression patterns is important for elucidating gene regulatory networks.
Workers and the socialist state: North Vietnam’s state—labor relations, 1945—1970
Authors: Vu Tuong
Published: August 2005

Based on archival sources, this paper examines North Vietnam’s labor regimes during 1945—1970. Soviet and Chinese models are found to be influential there up to the late 1950s. An early emphasis on labor mobilization was gradually replaced by a concern for control to increase economic efficiency and to cope with pressures from workers. As in the Soviet Union and China, a hierarchy based on political criteria was created in the workplace but the state failed to motivate workers to work hard despite intense political campaigns and propaganda. Productivity and labor discipline declined in the 1960s while collusion between state enterprises and the informal sector to steal state resources was widespread. Similar to their counterparts in other socialist states, Vietnamese workers were assertive and able to evade state demands and control. They depended on the state for their food and clothes but the state was not able to count on them for quality labor. The failure of the Vietnamese state seemed to speak not only to workers’ ingenious strategies for survival but also to the inherent limit of Stalinist regimes in creating compliance.
Numb and α‐Adaptin regulate Sanpodo endocytosis to specify cell fate in Drosophila external sensory organs
Authors: Hutterer Andrea , Knoblich Juergen A
Published: August 2005

During asymmetric cell division in Drosophila sensory organ precursors (SOPs), the Numb protein segregates into one of the two daughter cells, in which it inhibits Notch signalling to specify pIIb cell fate. We show here that Numb acts in SOP cells by inducing the endocytosis of Sanpodo, a four‐pass transmembrane protein that has previously been shown to regulate Notch signalling in the central nervous system. In sanpodo mutants, SOP cells divide symmetrically into two pIIb cells. We show that Sanpodo is cortical in pIIa, but colocalizes with Notch and Delta in Rab5‐ and Rab7‐positive endocytic vesicles in pIIb. Sanpodo endocytosis requires α‐Adaptin, a Numb‐binding partner involved in clathrin‐mediated endocytosis. In numb or α‐adaptin mutants, Sanpodo is not endocytosed. Surprisingly, this defect is observed already before and during mitosis, which suggests that Numb not only acts in pIIb, but also regulates endocytosis throughout the cell cycle. Numb binds to Sanpodo by means of its phosphotyrosine‐binding domain, a region that is essential for Numb function. Our results establish numb‐ and α‐adaptin‐dependent endocytosis of Sanpodo as the mechanism by which Notch is regulated during external sensory organ development.
Effect of high-voltage sheath electric field and ion-enhanced etching on growth of carbon nanofibers in high-density plasma chemical-vapor deposition
Authors: Wei H. W. , Leou K. C. , Wei M. T. , Lin Y. Y. , Tsai C. H.
Published: August 2005

The results of a parametric study on the growth of vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by high-density inductively coupled plasma (ICP) chemical-vapor deposition are reported. We investigated the mechanisms that cause the detachment of CNFs during the growth process by high-density plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposition with high substrate bias voltage and atomic hydrogen concentration. A simplified model, combining the Child law for sheath field, floating sphere model for field enhancement at the fiber tip and electric-field screening effect, was employed to estimate the detachment electrostatic force on individual CNFs induced by plasma sheath electric field. The force was found to increase with substrate bias voltage, bias current, and lengths of CNFs, consistent with the experimental observations that CNFs density decreases with ICP power, bias power, and growth time. However, the magnitude of the electrostatic force per se cannot explain the detachment phenomena. The other factor is believed to be the ion-assisted etch of CNFs by atomic hydrogen during the growth process since it was observed that the lower end of CNFs formed earlier in the synthesis process became thinner than the tip end.
Critical polymer-polymer phase separation in ternary solutions
Authors: Guo Lei , Luijten Erik
Published: August 2005

We study polymer-polymer phase separation in a common good solvent by means of Monte Carlo simulations of the bond-fluctuation model. Below a critical, chain-length-dependent concentration, no phase separation occurs. For higher concentrations, the critical demixing temperature scales nonlinearly with the total monomer concentration, with a power law relatively close to a renormalization-group prediction based on “blob” scaling arguments. We point out that earlier simulations and experiments have tested this power-law dependence at concentrations outside the validity regime of the scaling arguments. The critical amplitudes of the order parameter and the zero-angle scattering intensity also exhibit chain-length dependences that differ from the conventional predictions but are in excellent agreement with the renormalization-group results. In addition, we characterize the variation of the average coil shape upon phase separation.
The recollapse problem of closed Friedmann–Robertson–Walker models in higher-order gravity theories
Authors: Miritzis John
Published: August 2005

We study the closed universe recollapse conjecture for positively curved Friedmann–Robertson–Walker models with a perfect fluid matter source and a scalar field which arises in the conformal frame of the R+αR2 theory. By including ordinary matter, we extend the analysis of a previous work. We analyze the structure of the resulted four-dimensional dynamical system with the methods of the center manifold theory and the normal form theory. It is shown that an initially expanding closed FRW universe, starting close to the Minkowski space-time, cannot avoid recollapse. We discuss the posibility that potentials with a positive minimum may prevent the recollapse of closed universes.
Nondestructive damage evaluation for γ′-Ni3(Al,Ti) single crystals containing disordered γ precipitates
Authors: Yasuda Hiroyuki Y. , Yanai Toshifumi , Umakoshi Yukichi
Published: August 2005

Variation in magnetic properties of γ′-Ni3(Al,Ti) single crystals containing disordered ferromagnetic γ (fcc) precipitates with plastic deformation was examined. The shape and size of γ precipitates depended on annealing time at 1073K; fine spherical and coarse platelike precipitates formed at an early and late stages of annealing, respectively. In the course of deformation, especially cyclic deformation, γ precipitates were sheared by dislocations and subdivided into small parts showing an equiaxial shape. After the cyclic deformation, the subdivided γ precipitates showed a superparamagnetism. The average size and the size distribution of the precipitates could be evaluated by analyzing the superparamagnetic behavior. In addition, the coercive force reflected the shape of γ precipitates; the shape change from platelike to equiaxed in the over-aged samples resulted in a decrease in coercive force. In contrast, fine spherical precipitates in the peak-aged samples were elongated along the slip direction by shear with an appropriate amount of plastic deformation, resulting in a slight increase in coercive force. By analyzing the anisotropy of the coercive force, the accurate shape of these precipitates could be evaluated. The shape and size distribution of γ precipitates deduced from magnetic technique were consistent with those observed by a transmission electron microscopy.