bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and in vitro deployment of a laser-activated shape memory polymer vascular stent
Authors: Baer Géraldine M , Small Ward , Wilson Thomas S , Benett William J , Matthews Dennis L , Hartman Jonathan , Maitland Duncan J
Published: November 2007

Background

Vascular stents are small tubular scaffolds used in the treatment of arterial stenosis (narrowing of the vessel). Most vascular stents are metallic and are deployed either by balloon expansion or by self-expansion. A shape memory polymer (SMP) stent may enhance flexibility, compliance, and drug elution compared to its current metallic counterparts. The purpose of this study was to describe the fabrication of a laser-activated SMP stent and demonstrate photothermal expansion of the stent in an in vitro artery model.

Methods

A novel SMP stent was fabricated from thermoplastic polyurethane. A solid SMP tube formed by dip coating a stainless steel pin was laser-etched to create the mesh pattern of the finished stent. The stent was crimped over a fiber-optic cylindrical light diffuser coupled to an infrared diode laser. Photothermal actuation of the stent was performed in a water-filled mock artery.

Results

At a physiological flow rate, the stent did not fully expand at the maximum laser power (8.6 W) due to convective cooling. However, under zero flow, simulating the technique of endovascular flow occlusion, complete laser actuation was achieved in the mock artery at a laser power of ~8 W.

Conclusion

We have shown the design and fabrication of an SMP stent and a means of light delivery for photothermal actuation. Though further studies are required to optimize the device and assess thermal tissue damage, photothermal actuation of the SMP stent was demonstrated.
An outbreak of cardiovascular syndromes requiring urgent medical treatment and its association with environmental factors: an ecological study
Authors: Turner Robin M , Muscatello David J , Zheng Wei , Willmore Alan , Arendts Glenn
Published: November 2007

Background

In April 2005, syndromic surveillance based on statistical control chart methods in Sydney, Australia, signalled increasing incidence of urgent emergency department visits for cardiovascular and chest pain syndromes compared to the preceding twelve months. This paper aimed to determine whether environmental factors could have been responsible for this 'outbreak'.

Methods

The outcome studied was daily counts of emergency department visits for cardiovascular or chest pain syndromes that were considered immediately or imminently life threatening on arrival at hospital. The outbreak had a mean daily count of 5.7 visits sustained for eight weeks, compared with 4.0 in the same months in previous years. Poisson regression was used to systematically assess the emergency department visits in relation to available daily weather and pollution variables by first finding the best model that explained short-term variation in the outcome over the period 25 January 2002 to 31 May 2005, and then assessing interactions of all available variables with the 'outbreak' period, April-May 2005. Rate ratios were estimated for an interquartile increase in each variable meaning that the ratio measures the relative increase (or decrease) in the emergency department visits for an interquartile increase in the weather or pollution variable. The rate ratios for the outbreak period measure the relative increase (or decrease) in the emergency department visits for an interquartile increase in the weather or pollution variable during the outbreak period only.

Results

The best fitting model over the whole study period included minimum temperature with a rate ratio (RR) of 0.86 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.77–0.96), maximum relative humidity of 1.09 (95% CI 1.05–1.14) and minimum daily particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10) of 1.05 (95% CI, 1.01–1.09). During the outbreak period, maximum temperature (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03–1.57), solar radiation (RR 1.44, 95% CI, 1.00–2.07) and ozone (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01–1.26) were associated with the outcome.

Conclusion

The increase may have been associated with photochemical pollution. Syndromic surveillance can identify outbreaks of non-communicable diseases associated with environmental factors.
Reactive oxygen species and p47phox activation are essential for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced pro-inflammatory response in murine microglia
Authors: Yang Chul-Su , Lee Hye-Mi , Lee Ji-Yeon , Kim Jeong-Ah , Lee Sung Joong , Shin Dong-Min , Lee Young-Ho , Lee Dong-Seok , El-Benna Jamel , Jo Eun-Kyeong
Published: November 2007

Background

Activated microglia elicits a robust amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis in the central nervous system (CNS). However, little is known about the intracellular signaling mechanisms governing these inflammatory responses in microglia in response toMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb).

Methods

Murine microglial BV-2 cells and primary mixed glial cells were stimulated with sonicated Mtb (s-Mtb). Intracellular ROS levels were measured by staining with oxidative fluorescent dyes [2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) and dihydroethidium (DHE)]. NADPH oxidase activities were measured by lucigenin chemiluminescence assay. S-Mtb-induced MAPK activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release in microglial cells were measured using by Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.

Results

We demonstrate that s-Mtb promotes the up-regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the rapid activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, as well as the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-12p40 in murine microglial BV-2 cells and primary mixed glial cells. Both NADPH oxidase and mitochondrial electron transfer chain subunit I play an indispensable role in s-Mtb-induced MAPK activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in BV-2 cells and mixed glial cells. Furthermore, the activation of cytosolic NADPH oxidase p47phox and MAPKs (p38 and ERK1/2) is mutually dependent on s-Mtb-induced inflammatory signaling in murine microglia. Neither TLR2 nor dectin-1 was involved in s-Mtb-induced inflammatory responses in murine microglia.

Conclusion

These data collectively demonstrate that s-Mtb actively induces the pro-inflammatory response in microglia through NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS generation, although the specific pattern-recognition receptors involved in these responses remain to be identified.
Identification of BRCA1 missense substitutions that confer partial functional activity: potential moderate risk variants?
Authors: Lovelock Paul K , Spurdle Amanda B , Mok Myth TS , Farrugia Daniel J , Lakhani Sunil R , Healey Sue , Arnold Stephen , Buchanan Daniel , Investigators kConFab , Couch Fergus J , Henderson Beric R , Goldgar David E , Tavtigian Sean V , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Brown Melissa A
Published: November 2007

Introduction

Many of the DNA sequence variants identified in the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 remain unclassified in terms of their potential pathogenicity. Both multifactorial likelihood analysis and functional approaches have been proposed as a means to elucidate likely clinical significance of such variants, but analysis of the comparative value of these methods for classifying all sequence variants has been limited.

Methods

We have compared the results from multifactorial likelihood analysis with those from several functional analyses for the four BRCA1 sequence variants A1708E, G1738R, R1699Q, and A1708V.

Results

Our results show that multifactorial likelihood analysis, which incorporates sequence conservation, co-inheritance, segregation, and tumour immunohistochemical analysis, may improve classification of variants. For A1708E, previously shown to be functionally compromised, analysis of oestrogen receptor, cytokeratin 5/6, and cytokeratin 14 tumour expression data significantly strengthened the prediction of pathogenicity, giving a posterior probability of pathogenicity of 99%. For G1738R, shown to be functionally defective in this study, immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed previous findings of inconsistent 'BRCA1-like' phenotypes for the two tumours studied, and the posterior probability for this variant was 96%. The posterior probabilities of R1699Q and A1708V were 54% and 69%, respectively, only moderately suggestive of increased risk. Interestingly, results from functional analyses suggest that both of these variants have only partial functional activity. R1699Q was defective in foci formation in response to DNA damage and displayed intermediate transcriptional transactivation activity but showed no evidence for centrosome amplification. In contrast, A1708V displayed an intermediate transcriptional transactivation activity and a normal foci formation response in response to DNA damage but induced centrosome amplification.

Conclusion

These data highlight the need for a range of functional studies to be performed in order to identify variants with partially compromised function. The results also raise the possibility that A1708V and R1699Q may be associated with a low or moderate risk of cancer. While data pooling strategies may provide more information for multifactorial analysis to improve the interpretation of the clinical significance of these variants, it is likely that the development of current multifactorial likelihood approaches and the consideration of alternative statistical approaches will be needed to determine whether these individually rare variants do confer a low or moderate risk of breast cancer.
Inhibition of the RAGE products increases survival in experimental models of severe sepsis and systemic infection
Authors: Lutterloh Emily C , Opal Steven M , Pittman Debra D , Keith James C , Tan Xiang-Yang , Clancy Brian M , Palmer Helen , Milarski Kim , Sun Ying , Palardy John E , Parejo Nicholas A , Kessimian Noubar
Published: November 2007

Introduction

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a multi-ligand member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, contributes to acute and chronic disease processes, including sepsis.

Methods

We studied the possible therapeutic role of RAGE inhibition in the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of polymicrobial sepsis and a model of systemic listeriosis using mice genetically deficient in RAGE expression or mice injected with a rat anti-murine RAGE monoclonal antibody.

Results

The 7-day survival rates after CLP were 80% for RAGE-/- mice (n = 15) (P < 0.01 versus wild-type), 69% for RAGE+/- mice (n = 23), and 37% for wild-type mice (n = 27). Survival benefits were evident in BALB/c mice given anti-RAGE antibody (n = 15 per group) over serum-treated control animals (P < 0.05). Moreover, delayed treatment with anti-RAGE antibody up to 24 hours after CLP resulted in a significant survival benefit compared with control mice. There was no significant increase in tissue colony counts from enteric Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria in animals treated with anti-RAGE antibody. RAGE-/-, RAGE+/-, and anti-RAGE antibody-treated animals were resistant to lethality from Listeria monocytogenes by almost two orders of magnitude compared with wild-type mice.

Conclusion

Further studies are warranted to determine the clinical utility of anti-RAGE antibody as a novel treatment for sepsis.
PHOSIDA (phosphorylation site database): management, structural and evolutionary investigation, and prediction of phosphosites
Authors: Gnad Florian , Ren Shubin , Cox Juergen , Olsen Jesper V , Macek Boris , Oroshi Mario , Mann Matthias
Published: November 2007

PHOSIDA http://www.phosida.com, a phosphorylation site database, integrates thousands of high-confidence in vivo phosphosites identified by mass spectrometry-based proteomics in various species. For each phosphosite, PHOSIDA lists matching kinase motifs, predicted secondary structures, conservation patterns, and its dynamic regulation upon stimulus. Using support vector machines, PHOSIDA also predicts phosphosites.
The Anteroventral Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Differentially Regulates Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis Responses to Acute and Chronic Stress
Authors: Choi Dennis C. , Evanson Nathan K. , Furay Amy R. , Ulrich-Lai Yvonne M. , Ostrander Michelle M. , Herman James P.
Published: November 2007

The anteroventral region of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) stimulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis responses to acute stress. However, the role of the anterior BST nuclei in chronic drive of the HPA axis has yet to be established. Therefore, this study tests the role of the anteroventral BST in physiological responses to chronic drive, using a chronic variable stress (CVS) model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either bilateral ibotenate lesions, targeting the anteroventral BST, or vehicle injection into the same region. Half of the lesion and control rats were exposed to a 14-d CVS paradigm consisting of twice-daily exposure to unpredictable, alternating stressors. The remaining rats were nonhandled control animals that remained in home cages. On the morning after the end of CVS exposure, all rats were exposed to a novel restraint stress challenge. CVS induced attenuated body weight gain, adrenal hypertrophy, thymic involution, and enhanced CRH mRNA in hypophysiotrophic neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, none of which were affected by anteroventral BST lesions. In the absence of CVS, lesions attenuated the plasma corticosterone and paraventricular nucleus c-fos mRNA responses to the acute restraint stress. In contrast, lesions of the anteroventral BST elevated plasma ACTH and corticosterone responses to novel restraint in the rats previously exposed to CVS. These data suggest that the anterior BST plays very different roles in integrating acute stimulation and chronic drive of the HPA axis, perhaps mediated by chronic stress-induced recruitment of distinct BST cell groups or functional reorganization of stress-integrative circuits.
Oxytocin Facilitates Female Sexual Maturation through a Glia-to-Neuron Signaling Pathway
Authors: Parent Anne-Simone , Rasier Grégory , Matagne Valérie , Lomniczi Alejandro , Lebrethon Marie-Christine , Gérard Arlette , Ojeda Sergio R. , Bourguignon Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2007

It has been earlier proposed that oxytocin could play a facilitatory role in the preovulatory LH surge in both rats and humans. We here provide evidence that oxytocin also facilitates sexual maturation in female rats. The administration of an oxytocin antagonist for 6 d to immature female rats decreased GnRH pulse frequency ex vivo and delayed the age at vaginal opening and first estrus. The in vitro reduction in GnRH pulse frequency required chronic blockade of oxytocin receptors, because it was not acutely observed after a single injection of the antagonist. Hypothalamic explants exposed to the antagonist in vitro showed a reduced GnRH pulse frequency and failed to respond to oxytocin with GnRH release. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) mimicked the stimulatory effect of oxytocin on GnRH pulse frequency, and inhibition of PG synthesis blocked the effect of oxytocin, suggesting that oxytocin accelerates pulsatile GnRH release via PGE2. The source of PGE2 appears to be astrocytes, because oxytocin stimulates PGE2 release from cultured hypothalamic astrocytes. Moreover, astrocytes express oxytocin receptors, whereas GnRH neurons do not. These results suggest that oxytocin facilitates female sexual development and that this effect is mediated by a mechanism involving glial production of PGE2.
An Algorithm for Computing Minimal% Coxian Representations
Authors: He Qi-Ming , Zhang Hanqin
Published: November 2007

This paper presents an algorithm for computing minimal ordered Coxian representations of phase-type distributions whose Laplace-Stieltjes transform has only real poles. We first identify a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for an ordered Coxian representation to be minimal with respect to the number of phases involved. The conditions establish a relationship between the Coxian representations of a Coxian distribution and the derivatives of its distribution function at zero. Based on the conditions, the algorithm is developed. Three numerical examples show the effectiveness of the algorithm and some geometric properties associated with ordered Coxian representations.
Special Programmes in Scotland: the first year of YOP
Authors: Raffe David
Published: November 2007

In 1977 the Manpower Services Commission published the Holland Report on Young People at Work which proposed a new programme to give unemployed young people the chance to gain work experience or to attend courses that would help prepare them for work. The Youth Opportunities Programme (YOP) was accordingly set into operation from 1 April 1978, and it provided schemes of work experience or work preparation for some 162,200 young persons in 1978/9 and for 216,400 in 1979/80. The programme has continued to expand and in its fourth year of operation (1981/2) it is planned to cater for 440,000 entrants. YOP did not start from scratch; one of the main proposals of the Holland Report was to rationalise and coordinate the wide variety of special programmes that already catered for young people. However the Report proposed that these schemes should be extended, and it suggested additional objectives for the new programmes.

One set of objectives concerned the kinds of young people for whom the schemes should be provided.
Retrenchment and Rationality in the Personal Social Services
Authors: Ferlie Ewan , Judge Ken
Published: November 2007

One of the most important aspects of the development of public policy during the 1970s was the extent to which instruments of public sector planning and resource allocation both proliferated and became more sophisticated. The history of this period is littered with the emergence of acronyms (such as HIPs, JASP and RAWP) reflecting the progress that was made, particularly in the field of social planning. The successful implementation of many of these developments, though, required a degree of ‘incremental space’ in public budgets provided by regular expenditure increases. Consequently, when the downturn in economic fortunes gathered pace in the second half of the 1970s many of the initiatives were crowded-out or put into abeyance. Moreover, as the fiscal constraints of the 1970s have been carried forward with new intensity into the 1980s, much of the optimism about meeting social needs more effectively which accompanied them has vanished. Certain commentators, however, have argued that some of the pessimism is unjustified and that the reversal of expenditure trends offers opportunities to public agencies to improve the efficiency of their operations.
The British Welfare State: Thatcherism’s enduring legacy
Authors: Wilding Paul
Published: November 2007

The 1980s were the decade of Thatcherism. They were years when major changes were made, and attempted, in public and social policies. They were also years dominated by the ideology to which Mrs Thatcher gave her name. This paper is an exercise in analysis and prophecy. It attempts to anticipate the probable enduring impact of Thatcherism on the British welfare state and foresees ten enduring legacies.
The Social Charter and the Europeanisation of Employment and Social Policy
Authors: Doogan Kevin
Published: November 2007

In discussing the ‘social dimension’ of European integration there has been a noticeable preoccupation with the legal implications of supra-national policy making. In a country like Britain, where labour market regulation relies less on the direct involvement of the state, such debate can only offer partial insights into the European dimensions of domestic employment and social policy. This paper argues that the principle of subsidiarity refers not only to the competence of different levels of government, but also attributes a critical role to employers and unions in employment and social policy. It is suggested that the institutional framework within which policy is formulated will remain essentially national in character although it will be increasingly informed by practice in other Member States.
The Wrong Side of the Tracks: a case study of local economic regeneration in Britain
Authors: Imrie Rob , Thomas Huw
Published: November 2007

This paper examines some of the key interrelationships between policies of urban renewal and processes of local economic development in Britain. The paper considers a crucial, yet curiously neglected, area of study, the direct distributive costs of urban regeneration strategies. We develop the argument that contemporary urban policy not only fails to address many of the strategic issues connected to the distributive consequences of policy, but is implicated in creating and extending socio-economic divisions in British cities. We illustrate, and develop, these themes by presenting a case study of urban regeneration in Cardiff, South Wales. In particular, we focus on how the regeneration plans of Cardiff Bay Development Corporation are altering the operational environment and conditions of small businesses in Cardiff's most important manufacturing area. The research supports an emerging literature which suggests that the development and delivery of urban policy is partial, divisive, and often insensitive to the needs of a range of local community groups.
Description and Validation of a Novel Real-Time RT-PCR Enterovirus Assay
Authors: Hymas Weston C , Aldous Wade K , Taggart Edward W , Stevenson Jeffery B , Hillyard David R
Published: November 2007

Background: Enteroviruses are a leading cause of aseptic meningitis in adult and pediatric populations. We describe the development of a real-time RT-PCR assay that amplifies a small target in the 5′ nontranslated region upstream of the classical Rotbart enterovirus amplicon. The assay includes an RNA internal control and incorporates modified nucleotide chemistry.

Methods: We evaluated the performance characteristics of this design and performed blinded parallel testing on clinical samples, comparing the results with a commercially available RT-PCR assay (Pan-Enterovirus OligoDetect kit) that uses an enzyme immunoassay–like plate end detection.

Results: We tested 778 samples and found 14 discrepant samples between the 2 assays. Of these, the real-time assay detected 6 samples that were negative by the OligoDetect kit, 5 of which were confirmed as positive by sequence analysis using an alternative primer set. Eight discrepant samples were positive by the OligoDetect kit and real-time negative, with 6 confirmed by sequencing. Overall, detection rates of 97% and 96% were obtained for the OligoDetect kit and real-time assays, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of a number of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the targeted region. The comparative sensitivities of the 2 assays were equivalent, with the limit of detection for the real-time assay determined to be approximately 430 copies per milliliter in cerebrospinal fluid.

Conclusions: This novel real-time enterovirus assay is a sensitive and suitable assay for routine clinical testing. The presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms can affect real-time PCR assays.
Stem cell factor affects fate determination of human gonocytes in vitro
Authors: Tu Jiongjiong , Fan Liqing , Tao Ke , Zhu Wenbing , Li Jianjun , Lu Guangxiu
Published: November 2007

The stem cell factor (SCF), binding its tyrosine kinase receptor c-Kit, has been shown to play essential roles in the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of germline cells. However, few reports are available about the effect of SCF on the development of human gonocytes within the fetal testis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether SCF affects the biological behaviors of human gonocytes before or after they enter the mitotic arrest stage. Employing an organ culture system, we observed that addition of exogenous SCF could influence the morphology of human gonocytes in vitro. Moreover, SCF was able to trigger the colony formation of round gonocytes, which were characterized positive for alkaline phosphatase activity, Oct-4, SSEA-4, and c-Kit as well. We found that SCF exerted actions in a dose- and age-dependent manner, although the stimulatory effect lasted no more than 14 days. We also showed that SCF played a role in suppressing the apoptosis of human gonocytes. Blocking of SCF signaling with either phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase or mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor resulted in similar apoptotic features as well as the SCF-withdrawal cultures. Taken together, we report that SCF acts as a potent regulator in the fate determination of human gonocytes. Our studies should form the basis for in vitro studies and facilitate investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying this unique stage.
Decontamination of leukemic cells and enrichment of germ cells from testicular samples from rats with Roser’s T-cell leukemia by flow cytometric sorting
Authors: Hou Mi , Andersson Margareta , Zheng Chengyun , Sundblad Anne , Söder Olle , Jahnukainen Kirsi
Published: November 2007

Testicular germ cell transplantation is a novel strategy for preservation of fertility in prepubertal cancer patients, but the risk of reseeding tumor cells into cured patients presently limits clinical application of this approach. To date, no systematic evaluation of the limitations of surface marker-based decontamination of testicular samples with acute lymphoblastic leukemia has been performed. Here, surface markers for leukemic (CD4 and major histocompatibility complex class I) and germ cells (epithelia cell adhesion molecule) in testicular samples infiltrated with Roser’s T-cell leukemia were identified. These markers were then used to delete leukemic cells and/or select for germ cells by flow cytometry (FACS). The resulting cell populations were analyzed by FACS, immunocytochemistry, or evaluation of leukemia transmission in syngeneic piebald variegated rats. Simple positive selection of germ cells or deletion of leukemic cells using specific surface markers was unable to effectively decontaminate testicular samples. The poor specificity of spermatogonial surface markers and aggregation of germ and leukemic cells limited the positive selection of germ cells, while immunophenotypic variation among lymphoblastic leukemia cells prevented adequate deletion of leukemic cells. Enzymatic treatment to disperse the testicular cells and feature of the intratesticular environment contributed to this immunophenotypic variation. Only germ cell selection in combination with leukemic cell deletion prevented leukemia transmission in association with intratesticular injection of the sorted cells. However, with such combined sorting, only 0.23% of the original testicular cells were recovered. With presently available techniques, flow cytometric purification of germ cells from a leukemic donor is not sufficiently effective or safe for clinical use.
Identification of interleukin-1β regulated genes in uterine smooth muscle cells
Authors: Chevillard Grégory , Derjuga Anna , Devost Dominic , Zingg Hans H , Blank Volker
Published: November 2007

We analyzed the response of uterine smooth muscle cells to interleukin-1β (IL-1β). We first showed that PHM1-31 myometrial cells, our cellular model, are contractile. To determine the molecular mechanisms of uterine smooth muscle cell activation by proinflammatory cytokines, we performed genechip expression array profiling studies of PHM1-31 cells in the absence and the presence of IL-1β. In total, we identified 198 known genes whose mRNA levels are significantly modulated (> 2.0-fold change) following IL-1β exposure. We confirmed the expression changes for selected genes by independent mRNA and protein analysis. The group of genes induced by IL-1β includes transcription factors and inflammatory response genes such as nuclear factor of κ light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells (NFκB), pentraxin-related gene (PTX3), and tumor necrosis factor α-induced protein 3/A20 (TNFAIP3/A20). We also found up-regulation of chemokines like C-X-C motif ligand 3 (CXCL3) and extracellular matrix remodeling signaling molecules like tenascin C (TNC). Our data suggest that IL-1β elicits the rapid activation of a cellular network of genes particularly implicated in inflammatory response that may create a cellular environment favorable for myometrial cell contraction. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms of uterine smooth muscle cell regulation and possibly infection-induced preterm labor.
Germ cell-less like-2 protein is a new component of outer dense fibers in rat sperm flagella
Authors: Murayama Emi , Katoh Michiko , Kanebayashi Akina , Kaneko Takane , Shibata Yosaburo , Inai Tetsuichiro , Iida Hiroshi
Published: November 2007

We have analyzed the expression profiles of ten genes in terms of testis development and organ specificity in rat, which were selected from 215 round spermatid-specific transcripts listed in a database. Out of the ten genes, we directed our attention to one gene, a germ cell-less like-2 gene (gcl-2), a homolog of Drosophila gcl gene (gcl), which is a component of the germ plasma and required for primordial germ cell formation. Rat genome contains duplicate rat gcl-2 (rgcl-2) genes, rgcl-2A and rgcl-2B, both of which are located at Xq13. RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of the two genes was up-regulated during testis development and that they were predominantly expressed in the testis. Both rgcl-2A and rgcl-2B encode a protein of 498 amino acid residues, showing 90.56% identity at the amino acid level. Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that rgcl-2 protein was synthesized in the cytoplasm of elongating spermatids and at least a part of it was integrated into the middle piece of spermatozoa during spermiogenesis. Immunogold electron microscopy uncovered that rgcl-2 was localized at the abaxial (convex) surface of outer dense fibers (ODF) of rat sperm flagella. Therefore, we concluded that rgcl-2 is a new component of ODF in sperm flagella.
Caspofungin as Primary Antifungal Prophylaxis in Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Chou Lillian S. , Lewis Russell E. , Ippoliti Cindy , Champlin Richard E. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P.
Published: November 2007

Study Objectives. To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of caspofungin as primary prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections in stem cell transplant recipients who are poor candidates for triazole or lipid amphotericin B prophylaxis due to renal or hepatic dysfunction, and to determine whether any patient characteristics are independently associated with an increased risk of breakthrough invasive fungal infection during caspofungin prophylaxis.

Design. Retrospective medical record review.

Setting. Tertiary care comprehensive cancer center.

Patients. One hundred twenty‐three adult stem cell transplant recipients who received caspofungin 35–50 mg/day for up to 100 days after transplantation as primary antifungal prophylaxis between January 1, 2002, and June 30, 2005.

Measurements and Main Results. Data were collected on host and transplant characteristics such as transplant type, neutropenia, graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and corticosteroid use, as well as evidence of break‐through invasive fungal infections. Of the 123 patients, 117 (95.1%) were allogeneic recipients, and the median time to engraftment was 12 days (range 6–26 days). Fifty (40.7%) of the patients developed GVHD of grade 2 or greater and received corticosteroids for more than 21 days. Median duration of caspofungin prophylaxis was 73 days (range 10–100 days). Nine patients (7.3%) developed breakthrough invasive fungal infections (two cases of mixed Aspergillus species and one each of Aspergillus terreus, Rhizopus, Exserohilum, an unspecified mold, Cryptococcus, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis). Median time to invasive fungal infection development was 65 days (range 12–88 days). Only one case occurred during the neutropenic period before engraftment. Multivariate analysis showed that Pseudomonas coinfection (p=0.04) and infliximab therapy (p=0.02) were associated with breakthrough invasive fungal infections in patients receiving caspofungin. By day 100, there were five (4.1%) deaths, two of which were directly attributable to invasive fungal infections. No caspofungin‐related adverse events were reported.

Conclusion. Caspofungin seems to be an effective and well‐tolerated option for primary antifungal prophylaxis in the highly immunosuppressed stem cell transplant patient population.
Abatacept: A Novel Treatment for Moderate‐to‐Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Reynolds Jennifer , Shojania Kam , Marra Carlo A.
Published: November 2007

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that often leads to functional disability and reduced quality of life. The pathogenesis of synovial inflammation that is associated with this disease is thought to result from T‐cell activation. To become fully activated, T cells require an antigen‐specific signal through the T‐cell receptor and a second signal through a costimulatory receptor. Abatacept is the first drug in a new class of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) known as selective costimulation modulators. Costimulation modulators block the second signal and decrease T‐cell activation. Abatacept has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, slowing the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adults with moderate‐to‐severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to at least one other DMARD, such as methotrexate or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α inhibitors. Randomized controlled trials have shown that abatacept improves both clinical outcomes and health‐related quality of life in patients who have had an inadequate response to other DMARDs. Abatacept has been shown to be well tolerated. In clinical trials, however, abatacept treatment was associated with a higher rate of infections compared with placebo. This finding was compounded when abatacept was used with TNF‐α inhibitors; thus, this combination should be avoided. Abatacept appears to be a useful treatment option for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have previously failed other DMARDs. However, additional clinical trials evaluating its long‐term effect on patient safety and disease outcomes are needed.
Solutions to a partial differential equation appeared in mechanics
Authors: Stankovic Bogoljub
Published: November 2007

The solutions, classical and generalized have been constructed and analyzed for a partial differential equation which appears as a mathematical model of many different phenomena.
Convoluted c-cosine functions and convoluted C-semigroups
Authors: Kostic M.
Published: November 2007

Convoluted C-cosine functions and convoluted C-semigroups are introduced and investigated. Then their relations to the well-posedness of second order abstract Cauchy problem and the ?-convoluted C-regularized Cauchy problem are studied. Generation results for convoluted C-semigroups are given.
Generalized inverse of the Laplacian matrix and some applications
Authors: Gutman Ivan , Xiao W.
Published: November 2007

The generalized inverse L? of the Laplacian matrix of a connected graph is examined and some of its properties are established. In some physical and chemical considerations the quantity rij = {L?)ii + (L?)jj ? (L?)ij - (L?)ji is encountered; it is called resistance distance. Based on the results obtained for L? we prove some previously known and deduce some new properties of the resistance distance. .
Sets of cospectral graphs with least eigenvalue at least -2 and some related results
Authors: Cvetkovic Dragos , Lepovic Mirko
Published: November 2007

In this paper we study the phenomenon of cospectrality in generalized line graphs and in exceptional graphs. The paper contains a table of sets of Co spectral graphs with least eigenvalue at least ?2 and at most 8 vertices together with some comments and theoretical explanations of the phenomena suggested by the table. In particular, we prove that the multiplicity of the number 0 in the spectrum of a generalized line graph L(G) is at least the number of petals of the corresponding root graph G. .
Graphs with least eigenvalue -2 attaining a convex quadratic upper bound for the stability number
Authors: Cardoso D.M. , Cvetkovic D.
Published: November 2007

In this paper we study the conditions under which the stability number of line graphs, generalized line graphs and exceptional graphs attains a convex quadratic programming upper bound. In regular graphs this bound is reduced to the well known Hoffman bound. Some vertex subsets inducing sub graphs with regularity properties are analyzed. Based on an observation concerning the Hoffman bound a new construction of regular exceptional graphs is provided. AMS Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 05C50.
A small country versus the global power
Authors: Stojanovic Svetozar
Published: November 2007

In the first, general part the author starts from the assumption that a small country like FR Yugoslavia cannot realistically expect equality and equal rights in its relations with the USA. Therefore it should be very pragmatic in approaching U.S. However, it does not follow from that that it has no chance whatsoever to stand openly and decisively for its own national-state interests and rights while at the same time it is trying to harmonize them with the interests and rights of the most powerful country. The author also claims that domestic extreme pragmatists underestimate the danger of a principles reaction of a great part of their own people when they are ready to give in to every and any caprice of U.S His conclusion is that Greece vs. U.S. should be the best example for FRY.vs.U.S. Between FRY and the USA there are often serious misunderstandings, one of the reasons being essential differences in their respective conceptions and practices of the relationships between nation(ality), religion, and state. The last two portions of the text are devoted to the analysis of those misunderstandings and differences.
National identity and institutional (re)construction in Serbia: Ideology, education, media
Authors: Cvetkovic Vladimir
Published: November 2007

In a new attempt to give a definition of Serbia national identity, it is of a decisive significance to make a connection between critically valued tradition from one side, and globalization requests from the other side. The fruitful connection between the old and the new is possible only if Serbia succeed in the construction of democratic and no corrupted state institutions that will create a rational consciousness of Serbia distinctness, as well as that of the values of exterior world. In this delicate affair of self-definition, the major responsibility lies on political elites and ideological projects openly or stealthily favored by them, that are reflected best in media (public opinion) and educational institutions.
Problemi obicajnosti o Hegelovoj filozofiji
Authors: Lolic Marinko
Published: November 2007

(nemacki) Das Thema dieser Untersuchungen ist eine Betrachtung des Problems der Sittlichkeit in einem Kontext im ersten Teil der Arbeit analysiert der einer Restituirung eines aristotelischen Begreifen der Sittlichkeit im Licht einer des neuzeitlichen Subjektivit?t. Im zweiten Teil der Arbeit betrachtet der Autor der Hauptmotive und der Gr?nden einer stufenweisen Ver?nderung des Akzents im Verstehen des Problems der Sittlichkeit. Diese Ver?nderung des Akzents ist durch verschiedenen geistigen und politischen Kontext bedingt. Das Ziel des Verfaser ist einen Versuch einer der wichtigen Kategorie der modernen praktischen Philosophie in einem Zeit der gr?ndlichen Kreise des politischen Denkens.
Synthesis as a strategy
Authors: Cvjeticanin Neven
Published: November 2007

It is evident that there is a great number of philosophical-political paradigms existing in contemporary political theory and practice. Each of the paradigms (liberal, radical, conservative, socialist) has certain advantages but also certain dangers. The author argues that their synthesis is necessary if they are to be applied to the present social moment in Serbia. The process of social transformation is specific for every country and each of them ought to find its own model in approaching it. It is the intention of this article to explore a possible synthesis of political paradigms and to propose a way of their merger. Liberal paradigm will, first of all, be taken into consideration, as well as the conservative and contemporary socialist (socialdemocratic) philosophical-political paradigms. The possibility of joining them together will also be taken into account.
Roma between discrimination and integration: Social change and the status of Roma
Authors: Jaksic Bozidar
Published: November 2007

Roma are a highly dispersed ethnic communicate. After international protectorate was established in Kosovo. Roma have become the most numerous ethnic minority in Yugoslavia. When discrimination against and integration of Roma people are concerned, it has to be kept in mind that thus far Roma have been exposed most often to negative discrimination, while integration for them has often meant de facto assimilation. As positive discrimination of minority groups in a society is also a viable option, the approach to the 'Roma issue' basically implies a strategic shift in the conduct of all state institutions and other social factors - from negative to positive discrimination, and from assimilation towards genuine integration of Roma. The basic approach suggested by this author is the one that enables Roma to be equal citizens of this country. The circles of poverty hi which Roma population finds itself are increasingly deeper. However, the realm of poverty is spreading across the entire space of Yugoslavia. Pauperization prevails. The devastation of living conditions for all citizens of Yugoslavia, i.e. of Serbia and Montenegro, except for the narrow circle of war profiteers and people involved with power centers, has been underway for over a decade. Middle classes have disappeared from the social scene, while many families have dropped to the sub-proletarian zone of poverty.
Citizens in the maelstrom of change: Individual and collective experience in Serbia in times of transformation
Authors: Spasic Ivana
Published: November 2007

In analyzing any society, particularly those which, like Serbia, have undergone deep ruptures and turmoil in a short period of time, the perspective of everyday life and ordinary people's experiences is indispensable. In addition, the application of current sociological and anthropological theories of everyday life on today's Serbia, seeking to capture personalized interpretations whereby ordinary citizens make sense of all that has happened to them during the past fifteen years, can yield broader theoretical implications. For, from this perspective it is easier to identify the limited and partial nature of various theories articulated in other, stable societies. In this overview some of these theories are marked along with starting premises of the research, and key events and symbolically charged concepts of the most recent Serbian history that will be the focus of the analysis of ordinary people's narratives collected through targeted fieldwork.
Can philosophy contribute to a change of ethos? (The road from the law of the ethos toward European law
Authors: Arandjelovic Jovan
Published: November 2007

The author examines the character of the changes taking place in contemporary Serbian society. He emphasizes at the same time that contemporary Serbian philosophy is facing these crucial questions as well, which without it cannot be even addressed, let alone solved. The key difference between modern West European and contemporary Serbian societies, seen from the perspective of philosophy, is demonstrated most clearly in the manner of constituting institutions and transforming the modern Serbian society. In the process of building modern institutions philosophy, not just in our country but throughout the Slavic East, has not had the role it played in Europe. Here lies the explanation why natural consciousness and an original ethos, though considerably modified, still remain unadapted and today represent a major obstacle to the establishment of the rule of European law. Without a change in the sense of justice and respect for the law it is impossible to accomplish the transformation of the society in which the law recognized by a democratic state could not be super ordinate to any reason. The crucial role of philosophy in this process is seen by the author not only in establishing modern European institutions and acceptance of the principle of European legislation, but above all in its influence on the transformation of the original ethos and establishment of new criteria on which the reflection, decision making and action of any individual would be based. .
Towards an adequate ethical theory
Authors: Dobrijevic Aleksandar
Published: November 2007

The author re-examines Hare?s claim about universal prescriptivism as the most adequate ethical theory in the narrow sense. Validity of that standpoint is being verified in relation to some rival conceptions, and through the requirements which have to be satisfied in order that an ethical theory can be called adequate.
On immorality of terrorism and war
Authors: Cicovacki Predrag
Published: November 2007

The author first analyzes differences and similarities between war and terrorism and then argues that both are deeply immoral. Their differences are far less significant that their similarities, the main one of which consists in the denial of the view that every human life is equally worthy. This denial opens a way for an inhuman and violent treatment of those (enemies, others) who are not as valuable as we are, which characterizes both terrorism and war. Besides having such unacceptable moral implications with regards to the treatment of other human beings, a further common and troubling implication of terrorism and war consists in the fact that dehumanization of others leads also to a dehumanization of ourselves. .
The enemy, his gestalt of animal (Schmitt’s and Hegel’s animal functions)
Authors: Bojanic Petar
Published: November 2007

The main cause of Schmitt?s and Koj?ve?s friendship, and consequently, their correspondence, lies in their common affinity for philosophy of Hegel. When they began corresponding in 1955, Schmitt was something of an academic pariah; in 1933, the legal scholar had joined the Nazi Party, publicly declared his anti-Semitism, was later interrogated (but not charged) at Nuremberg, and retired from his post at the University of Berlin in 1946. After his famous lectures on Hegel?s Phenomenology ended in 1939, Koj?ve joined the Resistance. At the end of the World II War, he wound up in the French ministry of economic affairs, where he worked until his death in 1968. This text is written on the margins of two letters, one written on 14.XII.1955. by Schmitt and the other, Koj?ve?s answer, dated on 4.I.1956. The subject of those two letters is the interpretation of the enemy in philosophy of Hegel. .