bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection and characterization of bacteria from the potato rhizosphere degradingN-acyl-homoserine lactone
Authors: Jafra S , Przysowa J , Czajkowski R , Michta A , Garbeva P , Van der Wolf J M
Published: November 2006

Quorum sensing plays a role in the regulation of soft rot diseases caused by the plant pathogenic bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. The signal molecules involved in quorum sensing in P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum belong to the group of N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs). In our study, we screened bacteria isolated from the potato rhizosphere for the ability to degrade AHLs produced by P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. Six isolates able to degrade AHLs were selected for further studies. According to 16S rDNA sequence analysis and fatty acid methyl ester profiling, the isolates belonged to the genera Ochrobactrum, Rhodococcus, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Delftia. For the genera Ochrobactrum and Delftia, for the first time AHL-degrading isolates were found. Data presented in this study revealed for the first time that Ochrobactrum sp. strain A44 showed the capacity to inactivate various synthetic AHL molecules; the substituted AHLs were inactivated with a lower efficiency than the unsubstituted AHLs. Compared with the other isolates, A44 was very effective in the degradation of AHLs produced by P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. It was verified by polymerase chain reaction, DNA–DNA hybridization, and a lactone ring reconstruction assay that Ochrobactrum sp. strain A44 did not possess AHL lactonase activity. AHL degradation in Ochrobactrum sp. strain A44 occurred intracellularly; it was not found in the culture supernatant. AHL-degrading activity of A44 was thermo sensitive. Experiments in planta revealed that Ochrobactrum sp. strain A44 significantly inhibited the maceration of potato tuber tissue. Since A44 did not produce antibiotics, the attenuation of the decay might be due to the quenching of quorum- sensing-regulated production of pectinolytic enzymes. The strain can potentially serve to control P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum in potato.Key words: AHL degradation, Ochrobactrum sp., Pectobacterium carotovorum.
The effect of nicotine on in vitro placental perfusion pressure
Authors: Bainbridge Shannon A. , Smith Graeme N.
Published: November 2006

Cigarette smoking throughout pregnancy is associated with several negative outcomes, of which an increased incidence of intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is most pronounced. Gestationally age-matched infants born to smoking mothers are, on average, 200 g lighter at birth, per pack smoked per day. The mechanisms and specific tobacco compounds responsible for the increased risk of IUGR among smokers have yet to be identified; however, it is widely accepted that smoking women have compromised placental perfusion throughout gestation due to the vasoconstricting effect of nicotine on uterine and placental blood vessels. Despite the universal acceptance of this theory, very little work has been completed to date examining the vasoactive properties of nicotine within the human placenta. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nicotine on placental vascular function. Normal-term human placentae were obtained after elective cesarean sections. An in vitro placental perfusion system was used; increasing doses of nicotine (20–240 ng/mL) were added to either the maternal (n = 5) or fetal (n = 3) circulation. The basal feto-placental perfusion pressure was 39.87 ± 4.3 mmHg and was not affected by nicotine. This finding supports the hypotheses that nicotine does not directly affect placental microvascular function and that any contribution to fetal growth restriction is likely at the level of placental function (i.e., amino acid transport) and (or) uterine vascular function.
Whole-body heat shock protects the ischemic rat heart by stimulating mitochondria respiration
Authors: Broderick Tom L.
Published: November 2006

Whole-body heat shock (HS) leads to an enhancement of postischemic mechanical function and an improvement in glucose use by the rat heart. Here, we examine the effect of HS on isolated mitochondrial metabolism during reperfusion in the working rat heart. Rats were anesthetized, and their body temperature was raised to 41–42 °C for 15 min. Control rats were treated the same way but were not exposed to hyperthermia. Twenty-fours after HS or sham treatment, rats were reanesthetized and the hearts were removed for perfusion with Krebs–Henseleit buffer, containing 11 mmol glucose/L and 1.2 mmol palmitate/L prebound to 3% albumin. Hearts were subjected to 25 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. At the end of reperfusion, heart mitochondria were isolated using differential centrifugation and respiration measured in the presence of pyruvate, glutamate, or palmitoylcarnitine. Hearts subjected to HS showed an enhanced recovery of function, expressed as aortic flow, during the reperfusion period, compared with sham hearts. This improved functional status was associated with a significant increase in state 3 respiration in the presence of pyruvate, glutamate, or palmitoylcarnitine. These results show that HS offers protection against ischemic damage, and that a possible mechanism might be the enhanced myocardial metabolism of fuels.
LEVEL CROSSING ANALYSIS OF THE MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC EQUATION IN (1+1)-DIMENSION
Authors: MASOUDI A. A. , VASHEGHANI FARAHANI S. , SOLTANI M. R.
Published: November 2006

In this paper we investigate the average frequency [Formula: see text] of a certain positive slope which is produced when the velocity and magnetic fields Vy and Bx are crossed by the level [Formula: see text] in the magnetohydrodynamic equation. This level crossing analysis is in the inviscid limit where υ→0 and of course before the appearance of the shocks. The main goal of this paper is to show that this quantity, [Formula: see text], is a good measure for the fluctuations of the velocity and magnetic fields in the magnetohydrodynamic turbulence.
HIGH PRESSURE-HIGH TEMPERATURE ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY STUDIES ON Nd0.9Ca0.1Ba2Cu3O7-δ
Authors: SELVA VENNILA R. , REZA GHORBANI S. , VICTOR JAYA N.
Published: November 2006

High pressure-high temperature electrical resistivity study on composition-controlled Nd 0.9 Ca 0.1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7-δ high T c superconductor (HTSC) is carried out by a four-probe technique using Bridgman anvils. A simple heating coil arrangement is used for heating the samples. Electrical resistivity behavior under pressure (up to a maximum of 8 GPa) at various temperatures (up to a maximum of 523 K) were studied and reported in this paper. Simulation of energy dispersive X-ray diffraction confirms substitution of calcium at the Nd site of Nd -123. Variation of the electrical resistivity under pressure is compared with that of the structural changes and the bulk modulus was determined.
MODELING AND DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF RECONFIGURABLE ROBOTIC GRIPPER SYSTEM FOR HANDLING FABRIC MATERIALS IN GARMENT INDUSTRIES
Authors: RAGUNATHAN S. , KARUNAMOORTHY L.
Published: November 2006

A reconfigurable robotic gripper based on pneumatic technology has been designed and developed for grasping fabric materials in garment industries automation. The design is based on reconfigurable multidegree of freedom, which can manipulate single and multiple panels of limp materials. The design consist of four arms initially in a cross bar configuration, hosting four suction cups mounted on each of the arms. The design assures low inertia, high modularity and full flexibility adapting to the picking of limp materials in garment and shoe industries. The simulation referring to a worst-case operative cycle has been performed in the environment of a current industrial layout. The kinematic and dynamic performance of the gripper system is analyzed in ADAMS simulation software and the results are presented. The architecture of the gripper is simple and the choice of pneumatic actuators improves the reliability of the system.
It's difficult to change the way we teach: lessons from the Integrative Themes in Physiology curriculum module project
Authors: Silverthorn Dee U. , Thorn Patti M. , Svinicki Marilla D.
Published: November 2006

The Integrative Themes in Physiology (ITIP) project was a National Science Foundation-funded collaboration between the American Physiological Society (APS) and the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS). The project goal was to create instructional resources that emphasized active learning in undergraduate anatomy and physiology classrooms. The resources (activity modules and professional development) addressed two factors thought to be limiting science education reform: instructors' knowledge of how to implement active learning instruction and time to design innovative curricula. Volunteer instructors with a strong interest in using active learning in their classrooms were recruited to use the ITIP modules and provide ease-of-use feedback and student assessment data. As the study unfolded, instructor attrition was higher than had been anticipated, with 17 of 36 instructors withdrawing. More surprisingly, instructors remaining with the project failed to use the modules and reported specific obstacles that precluded module use, including lack of support from academic leadership, unplanned class size increases and heavy teaching loads, a union strike, insufficient time to develop a mindset for change, inadequate technology/funding, an adverse human subjects ruling, incompatibility of modules with instructors' established content and expectations, and personal factors. Despite the lack of module use and obstacles, 8 of 19 site testers began independently to introduce new active learning instruction into their classrooms. In the larger picture, however, it is important to note that only 8 of the initial 36 volunteers (22%) actually ended up changing their instruction to include opportunities for student active learning. These findings underscore the difficulty of implementing instructional change in college classrooms.
Visual-Vestibular Interaction Hypothesis for the Control of Orienting Gaze Shifts by Brain Stem Omnipause Neurons
Authors: Prsa Mario , Galiana Henrietta L.
Published: November 2006

Models of combined eye-head gaze shifts all aim to realistically simulate behaviorally observed movement dynamics. One of the most problematic features of such models is their inability to determine when a saccadic gaze shift should be initiated and when it should be ended. This is commonly referred to as the switching mechanism mediated by omni-directional pause neurons (OPNs) in the brain stem. Proposed switching strategies implemented in existing gaze control models all rely on a sensory error between instantaneous gaze position and the spatial target. Accordingly, gaze saccades are initiated after presentation of an eccentric visual target and subsequently terminated when an internal estimate of gaze position becomes nearly equal to that of the target. Based on behavioral observations, we demonstrate that such a switching mechanism is insufficient and is unable to explain certain types of movements. We propose an improved hypothesis for how the OPNs control gaze shifts based on a visual-vestibular interaction of signals known to be carried on anatomical projections to the OPN area. The approach is justified by the analysis of recorded gaze shifts interrupted by a head brake in animal subjects and is demonstrated by implementing the switching mechanism in an anatomically based gaze control model. Simulated performance reveals that a weighted sum of three signals: gaze motor error, head velocity, and eye velocity, hypothesized as inputs to OPNs, successfully reproduces diverse behaviorally observed eye-head movements that no other existing model can account for.
Differential Slow Inactivation and Use-Dependent Inhibition of Nav1.8 Channels Contribute to Distinct Firing Properties in IB4+and IB4−DRG Neurons
Authors: Choi Jin-Sung , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D. , Waxman Stephen G.
Published: November 2006

Nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons can be classified into nonpeptidergic IB4+and peptidergic IB4−subtypes, which terminate in different layers in dorsal horn and transmit pain along different ascending pathways, and display different firing properties. Voltage-gated, tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) Nav1.8 channels are expressed in both IB4+and IB4−cells and produce most of the current underlying the depolarizing phase of action potential (AP). Slow inactivation of TTX-R channels has been shown to regulate repetitive DRG neuron firing behavior. We show in this study that use-dependent reduction of Nav1.8 current in IB4+neurons is significantly stronger than that in IB4−neurons, although voltage dependency of activation and steady-state inactivation are not different. The time constant for entry of Nav1.8 into slow inactivation in IB4+neurons is significantly faster and more Nav1.8 enter the slow inactivation state than in IB4−neurons. In addition, recovery from slow inactivation of Nav1.8 in IB4+neurons is slower than that in IB4−neurons. Using current-clamp recording, we demonstrate a significantly higher current threshold for generation of APs and a longer latency to onset of firing in IB4+, compared with those of IB4−neurons. In response to a ramp stimulus, IB4+neurons produce fewer APs and display stronger adaptation, with a faster decline of AP peak than IB4−neurons. Our data suggest that differential use-dependent reduction of Nav1.8 current in these two DRG subpopulations, which results from their different rate of entry into and recovery from the slow inactivation state, contributes to functional differences between these two neuronal populations.
Fourier expansions of complex‐valued Eisenstein series on finiteupper half planes
Authors: Shaheen Anthony , Terras Audrey
Published: November 2006

We consider complex‐valued modular forms on finite upper half planes Hq and obtain Fourier expansions of Eisenstein series invariant under the groups

and . The expansions are analogous to those of Maass wave forms on the ordinary Poincaré upper half plane —the K‐Bessel functions being replaced by Kloosterman sums.
On n‐flat modules and n‐Von Neumann regular rings
Authors: Mahdou Najib
Published: November 2006

We show that each R‐module is n‐flat (resp., weakly n‐flat) if and only if R is an (n, n − 1)‐ring (resp., a weakly (n, n − 1)‐ring). We also give a new characterization of n‐Von Neumann regular rings and a characterization of weak n‐Von Neumann regular rings for (CH)‐rings and for local rings. Finally, we show that in a class of principal rings and a class of local Gaussian rings, a weak n‐Von Neumann regular ring is a (CH)‐ring.
6A3‐5/Osa2 is an Early Activated Gene Implicated in the Control of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Functions
Authors: Garin Gwenaele , Zibara Kazem , Aguilar Frederick , Lo Ming , Hurlstone Adam , Poston Robin , Mcgregor John L.
Published: November 2006

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) growth plays a key role in the pathophysiology of
vascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling gene transcription in VSMC
remain poorly understood. We previously identified, by differential display, a new gene (6A3‐5)
overexpressed in proliferating rat VSMC. In this study, we have cloned the full‐length cDNA by
screening a rat foetal brain cDNA library and investigated its functions. The 6A3‐5 protein shows
4 putative conserved functional motifs: a DNA binding domain called ARID
(AT‐rich interaction domain), two recently described motifs (Osa Homology Domain),
and a nuclear localization signal. The deduced protein sequence was observed to be 85%
identical to the recently described human Osa2 gene. Immunolabelling, using an anti‐6A3‐5/Osa2
monoclonal antibody, showed a nuclear localization of the 6A3‐5/Osa2 protein. In addition, PDGF
upregulated 6A3‐5/Osa2 expression at both the transcript and protein levels in a dose and
time‐dependent fashion. The pattern of upregulation by PDGF was reminiscent of the
early responsive gene c‐fos. The PDGF‐induced upregulation of 6A3‐5/Osa2 and proliferation of
VSMC were significantly inhibited in a dose and sequence‐dependent fashion by an antisense,
but not by sense, scrambled or mismatched oligonucleotides directed against 6A3‐5/Osa2.
In VSMC of aortas derived from hypertensive (LH) rats, 6A3‐5/Osa2 is overexpressed as compared
to that in normotensive (LL) rats. The 6A3‐5/Osa2‐gene expression is downregulated by an ACE
inhibitor and upregulated by exogenous AngiotensinII in LH rats. In summary, these results
indicate that 6A3‐5/Osa2 is an early activated gene that belongs to a new family of proteins
involved in the control of VSMC growth.
Adjusting Effects of Baicalin for Nuclear Factor‐κB and Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α on Rats With Caerulein‐Induced Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Xue Dongbo , Zhang Weihui , Zhang Yingmei , Wang Haiyang , Zheng Biao , Shi Xingye
Published: November 2006

Forty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups, including the control group, the acute pancreatitis group (AP group, induced by intraperitoneal injections of caerulein), and the AP group treated with baicalin, the AP group treated with LPS, and the AP group treated with LPS and baicalin. Pathological damage of pancreatic tissue was scored with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The mRNA expression of TNF‐α was measured with semiquantitative RT‐PCR, and activation of NF‐κB was detected with flow cytometry assay. It was shown in the results that the expression of TNF‐α mRNA, activation of NF‐κB, and pathological score of AP group were all obviously higher than those of control group (P < .01). In AP group treated with LPS, further rise of these values were observed (P < .01). In the AP group treated with baicalin, activation of NF‐κB decreased (P < .05), and expression of TNF‐α mRNA also obviously decreased (P < .01), while pancreatic pathological damage was alleviated at the same time (P < .01); similar results were observed in AP group treated with LPS and baicalin (P < .01), which indicated that baicalin might be applied to inhibit NF‐κB activating and TNF‐α expressing so as to treat AP.
The Quantitative Analysis of bFGF and VEGF by ELISA in Human Meningiomas
Authors: Denizot Yves , De Armas Rafael , Caire François , Moreau Jean Jacques , Pommepuy Isabelle , Truffinet Véronique , Labrousse François
Published: November 2006

The quantitative analysis of VEGF using ELISA in various subtypes of grade I meningiomas reported higher VEGF contents in meningothelial (2.38 ± 0.62 pg/μg protein, n = 7), transitional (1.08 ± 0.21 pg/μg protein, n = 13), and microcystic meningiomas (1.98 ± 0.87 pg/μg protein, n = 5) as compared with fibrous ones (0.36 ± 0.09 pg/μg protein, n = 5). In contrast to VEGF, no difference in the concentrations of bFGF was detected. VEGF levels did not correlate with meningioma grade (1.47 ± 0.23 pg/μg versus 2.29 ± 0.58 pg/μg for 32 and 16 grade I and II, resp), vascularisation (1.53 ± 0.41 pg/μg versus 1.96 ± 0.28 pg/μg for 24 low and 24 high vascularisated tumours, resp), and brain invasion (2.32 ± 0.59 pg/μg versus 1.46 ± 0.27 pg/μg for 7 and 41 patients with and without invasion, resp). The ELISA procedure is, thus, an interesting tool to ensure VEGF and bFGF levels in meningiomas and to test putative correlations with clinical parameters. It is, thus, tempting to speculate that ELISA would also be valuable for the quantitative analysis of other angiogenic growth factors and cytokines in intracranial tumours.
Phase II Trial of Doxorubicin Plus Escalated High‐Dose Ifosfamide in Patients With Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcomas of the Adult: A Study of the Spanish Group for Research on Sarcomas (GEIS)
Authors: López-Pousa A. , Martín J. , Montalar J. , de las Peñas R. , del Muro J. García , Cruz J. , Maurel J. , Escudero P. , Casado A. , Buesa J. M. , the Spanish Group for Research on Sarcomas (GEIS)
Published: November 2006

Background. To explore the tolerance and the activity of high‐dose ifosfamide (IFOS) combined with doxorubicin (DXR) at 50 mg/m2 every 4 weeks in patients with soft tissue sarcomas. Methods. DXR was given IV bolus and IFOS by continuous infusion at 2 g/m2/day. Initial IFOS dose (12
g/m2) was adjusted to 10, 13, or 14 g/m2 according to toxicity. Results. Seventy patients received 277 cycles (median 3 cycles, range 1–10), 34% with IFOS dose increased, 30% decreased, and 48% delivered at 12 g/m2. Toxicity grade 4 occurred on granulocytes (67% of patients) or platelets (19%), 54% had febrile neutropenia, 31% grade 3/4 asthenia, and 26% abandoned the study due to toxicity. Three toxic deaths occurred. In 57 non‐GIST patients objective activity was 45.6% (95% CI, 32 to 58%). Conclusion. At least 4 cycles were tolerated by 71% of patients, most receiving DXR 50 mg/m2 plus IFOS 10–12 g/m2, with substantial toxicity.
Contralateral Total Hip Arthroplasty After Hindquarter Amputation
Authors: Sommerville Scott M. M. , Patton James T. , Luscombe Jonathan C. , Grimer Robert J.
Published: November 2006

We describe the management and outcome of a 62‐year old lady who developed severe osteoarthritis of the hip, nine years after a hindquarter amputation for radiation‐induced sarcoma of the contralateral pelvis. The difficulties of stabilising the pelvis intraoperatively and the problems of postoperative rehabilitation are outlined. The operation successfully relieved her pain and restored limited mobility.
CD28 Costimulation Provided through a CD19-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor EnhancesIn vivoPersistence and Antitumor Efficacy of Adoptively Transferred T Cells
Authors: Kowolik Claudia M. , Topp Max S. , Gonzalez Sergio , Pfeiffer Timothy , Olivares Simon , Gonzalez Nancy , Smith David D. , Forman Stephen J. , Jensen Michael C. , Cooper Laurence J.N.
Published: November 2006

Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) combine an antigen-binding domain with a CD3-ζ signaling motif to redirect T-cell specificity to clinically important targets. First-generation CAR, such as the CD19-specific CAR (designated CD19R), may fail to fully engage genetically modified T cells because activation is initiated by antigen-dependent signaling through chimeric CD3-ζ, independent of costimulation through accessory molecules. We show that enforced expression of the full-length costimulatory molecule CD28 in CD8+CD19R+CD28− T cells can restore fully competent antigen-dependent T-cell activation upon binding CD19+ targets expressing CD80/CD86. Thus, to provide costimulation to T cells through a CD19-specific CAR, independent of binding to CD80/CD86, we developed a second-generation CAR (designated CD19RCD28), which includes a modified chimeric CD28 signaling domain fused to chimeric CD3-ζ. CD19R+ and CD19RCD28+ CD8+ T cells specifically lyse CD19+ tumor cells. However, the CD19RCD28+ CD8+ T cells proliferate in absence of exogenous recombinant human interleukin-2, produce interleukin-2, propagate, and up-regulate antiapoptotic Bcl-XL after stimulation by CD19+ tumor cells. For the first time, we show in vivo that adoptively transferred CD19RCD28+ T cells show an improved persistence and antitumor effect compared with CD19R+ T cells. These data imply that modifications to the CAR can result in improved therapeutic potential of CD19-specific T cells expressing this second-generation CAR. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10995-1004)
p53 Attenuates Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion through Repression of SDF-1/CXCL12 Expression in Stromal Fibroblasts
Authors: Moskovits Neta , Kalinkovich Alexander , Bar Jair , Lapidot Tsvee , Oren Moshe
Published: November 2006

The p53 tumor suppressor acts as a major barrier against cancer. To a large extent, this is due to its ability to maintain genome stability and to eliminate cancer cells from the replicative pool through cell-autonomous mechanisms. However, in addition to its well-documented functions within the malignant cancer cell, p53 can also exert non-cell-autonomous effects that contribute to tumor suppression. We now report that p53 can suppress the production of the chemokine SDF-1 in cultured fibroblasts of both human and mouse origin. This is due to a p53-mediated down-regulation of SDF-1 mRNA, which can be exacerbated on activation of p53 by the drug Nutlin-3. SDF-1 promotes the migration and invasiveness of cells that express its cognate receptor CXCR4. Indeed, medium conditioned by p53-deficient fibroblasts induces cancer cells towards increased directional migration and invasiveness, which are largely reversed by CXCR4 antagonist peptides. Because SDF-1 produced by stromal fibroblasts plays an important role in cancer progression and metastasis, our findings suggest that the ability of p53 to suppress stromal SDF-1 production may be an important mechanism whereby it does its non-cell-autonomous tumor suppressor function. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 10671-6)
How Does Neuroscience Inform the Study of Cognitive Development?
Authors: Nelson Charles A. , Moulson Margaret C. , Richmond Jenny
Published: November 2006

The fields of developmental psychology and developmental neuroscience have existed independently of one another for many years. This is unfortunate, as knowledge of how the brain develops can inform the study of behavioral development. In this paper, we provide two examples of how knowledge about brain development has improved our understanding of two key behavioral domains: the development of face processing and memory development. We conclude with a plea for other domains of development to integrate information from both the brain and behavioral sciences.
The Discipline of Neurobehavioral Development: The Emerging Interface of Processes That Build Circuits and Skills
Authors: Hammock Elizabeth A.D. , Levitt Pat
Published: November 2006

The study of neurobehavioral development focuses on the mechanisms through which the experiences of an individual influence the ontogeny of brain circuits that ultimately control complex functions, such as social engagement, mood and emotional regulation and cognition. Advances in experimental approaches and technologies provide opportunities to gather more detailed information about developing behavioral systems. This information is more comprehensive and readily applied in studies utilizing strategies that link the disciplines of developmental neurobiology and psychology. Here, examples are provided to illustrate the hierarchical assembly of neural systems, which incorporate information from the genome and the environment to define the ultimate developmental trajectory of an individual.
Social Factors but Not Stress-Coping Styles Predict Relapse in Detoxified Alcoholics
Authors: Walter Marc , Gerhard Urs , Duersteler-MacFarland Kenneth M. , Weijers Heinz-Gerd , Boening Jobst , Wiesbeck Gerhard A.
Published: November 2006

Alcohol-dependent patients face a substantial risk of relapse after detoxification. Though psychosocial stress and coping strategies are regarded as major contributing factors in returning to drinking, the direct effects of coping styles on relapse are not clear. In this treatment outcome study, a mixed gender sample of 130 detoxified and well-characterized alcohol-dependent patients (37 women) was followed up over a period of 12 months after 6 weeks of inpatient treatment. Patients had completed a comprehensive baseline assessment, including a stress coping questionnaire (SVF120). We hypothesized that these individual stress coping styles would contribute to treatment outcome. A logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of stress coping styles, as well as the effect of pretreatment drinking and social characteristics on relapse. Approximately half the patients (49%) relapsed within 1 year after treatment. In contrast to our hypothesis, stress coping styles did not predict relapse. However, significant predictors of relapse were social factors related to living situation (living alone), marital status (being separated from the spouse) and pretreatment frequency of alcohol intake. These findings suggest that a partnership is more relevant for the risk of relapse than stress coping styles.
Executive Performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Kim Chul-Ho , Lee Sang-Ahm , Yoo Hee-Jung , Kang Joong-Koo , Lee Jung-Kyo
Published: November 2006

Executive dysfunction assessed by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test has been observed in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE); however, the mechanism of executive impairment is unclear. We therefore investigated the potential contribution of the hippocampus toward executive dysfunction in 85 mesial TLE patients, and in a control group of 34 patients with neocortical TLE. Standardized regression-based methodology was used for correcting test-retest bias. We found that 56% of mesial TLE patients had impaired sorting performance, with 30% showing severe impairment. A lower full-scale intelligence quotient, older age, longer duration, and preoperative use of topiramate were significantly correlated with poorer preoperative sorting abilities. However, neither these variables nor postoperative discontinuation/reduction of topiramate were related to postoperative changes in sorting abilities. Only preoperative sorting abilities were negatively correlated with postoperative changes in executive performance. That is, patients with better preoperative executive ability showed greater postoperative deterioration in executive function, whereas those with poorer preoperative sorting ability had greater improvement in executive function after mesial temporal resection. There were no differences in card sorting ability between the mesial and neocortical TLE groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that impairment of card sorting performance in the mesial TLE group cannot be explained only by hippocampal dysfunction, but that other processes (possibly epileptic discharges propagated to the extratemporal area) must play a predominant role.
Apolipoprotein E ε4 Allele Frequency and Age at Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Davidson Yvonne , Gibbons Linda , Pritchard Antonia , Hardicre Jayne , Wren Joanne , Stopford Cheryl , Julien Camille , Thompson Jennifer , Payton Antony , Pickering-Brown Stuart M. , Pendleton Neil , Horan Michael A. , Burns Alistair , Purandare Nitin , Lendon Corinne L. , Neary David , Snowden Julie S. , Mann David M.A.
Published: November 2006

The age distribution of the Ε4 allelic form of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE) was investigated in 630 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with onset age ranging from 35 to 90 years. Overall, mean age at onset in APOE Ε4 allele bearers was significantly later than that in nonbearers. However, when stratified into early onset AD (EOAD) and late onset (LOAD) groups, mean age at onset in EOAD cases bearing APOE Ε4 allele was later than that in those EOAD cases without Ε4 allele, whereas in LOAD mean age at onset in cases bearing APOE Ε4 allele was earlier than in those without Ε4 allele. When analysed by decade, it was observed that 37% of the total number of APOE Ε4 allele bearers, and 43% of total number of cases with APOE Ε4/Ε4 genotype fell into the 60–69 years age class. Hence, APOE Ε4 allele frequency, at 0.44, was highest in the 60–69 years age class, progressively decreasing either side of this age group. APOE Ε4 allele therefore has its maximum impact between onset ages of between 60 and 70 years.
Depression in Vascular Dementia Is Quantitatively and Qualitatively Different from Depression in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Park J.H. , Lee S.B. , Lee T.J. , Lee D.Y. , Jhoo J.H. , Youn J.C. , Choo I.H. , Choi E.A. , Jeong J.W. , Choe J.Y. , Woo J.I. , Kim K.W.
Published: November 2006

Background/Aims: To compare the prevalence and characteristics of depression in vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) after adjusting for dementia severity and gender. Methods: One hundred and eight pairs of VaD and AD patients matched for dementia severity and gender were assessed. Results: Major depressive disorder (MDD) was more prevalent in the VaD group than in the AD group (20.4% in VaD, 10.2% in AD, p = 0.04, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel, CMH, test) regardless of the dementia severity and gender. The odds ratio for developing MDD in the VaD group versus the AD group was estimated to be 2.20 (95% confidence interval = 1.02–4.74). Neurovegetative symptoms such as ‘felt tired and weak all the time’ (30.6% in VaD, 13.9% in AD, p = 0.003, CMH test) and ‘changed weight without trying’ (16.7% in VaD, 6.5% in AD, p = 0.02, CMH test) were more prevalent in the VaD group than in the AD group. Conclusion: Depression in VaD was quantitatively and qualitatively different from that in AD regardless of the severity of dementia and gender; depression was more prevalent, severer and more retarded and vegetative in VaD than in AD.
Powerful or Pointless? Faculty Versus Student Perceptions of PowerPoint Use in Business Education
Authors: James Karen E. , Burke Lisa A. , Hutchins Holly M.
Published: November 2006

The use of PowerPoint (PPT)–based lectures in business classes across universities is ubiquitous yet understudied in empirical pedagogical research. The purpose of this empirical study was to ascertain whether significant differences exist between faculty and student perceptions with regard to PPT's impact on perceived learning, classroom interactions, and student behaviors. The results indicated that (a) students have a significantly less favorable overall view of PPT's influence on cognitive learning and classroom interaction than faculty members; (b) unlike faculty members, students do not believe that posting notes on the Web will decrease their motivation to attend class; and (c) both faculty members and students perceive that PPT has a favorable impact on notetaking quality, content recall during exams, emphasis on key lecture points, and holding student attention during class. The authors offer implications for instructors and future research.
Energie de liaison des feuillets de talc, pyrophyllite, muscovite et phlogopite
Authors: Alcover J. F. , Giese R. F.
Published: November 2006

Resume

Nous présentons une méthode de calcul de l'énergie totale d'une structure cristallińe (énergie électrostatique, énergie de van der Waals, et énergie de répulsion). Nous utilisons ensuite cette méthode pour étudier une série de phyllosilicates (talc, pyrophyllite, muscovite et phlogopite), pour comparer et discuter leurs propriétés physico-chimiques en particulier l'énergi de liaison interfoliaire et la distance interlamellaire. Nous constatons que des méthodes de calcul, basées sur des expressions empiriques différentes de l'énergie de répulsion, conduisent à des résultats relatifs analogues. Nous vérifions que la distance interlamellaire calculée approche la distance mesurée à 0·1 Å près. Nous calculons des énergies de liaison interfoliaire du talc et de la pyrophyllite (de l'ordre de 30 Kcal/mol) plus faibles que celles de la muscovite et de la phlogopite (de l'ordre de 60 Kcal/mol).
Soil-lime reaction and microstructural development at elevated temperatures
Authors: Wild S. , Arabi M. , Leng-Ward G.
Published: November 2006

Mineralogical analysis of Devonian Red Marl using XRD, TEM, SEM and EDAX showed that it consisted of illite, quartz, and feldspar with minor amounts of chlorite and hematite. Physico-chemical changes in the soil minerals on reaction with lime (calcium hydroxide) from one day up to two years were investigated by these techniques to gain information on the soil-lime reaction mechanism. Significant reaction of the soil minerals and lime was found to occur only at elevated temperatures (50–75°C) in a moist environment. At these temperatures, formation, growth and development of fibrous and foil-like cementitious material was observed. XRD analysis provided no strong evidence for the formation of new phases. TEM analysis and EDAX, however, showed that the newly-formed fibrous and foil-like material consisted of an amorphous calcium silicate aluminate hydrate gel, similar to the gels formed during hydrothermal treatment of lime-silica, but with lower calcium to silicon ratios than previously reported for such gels. The morphological development of the gel suggested that it formed as a result of the progressive breakdown of the clay component in the soil by reaction with the calcium ions from the lime.
Application of a thermodynamic model to predict the mineral stability of titaniferous smectites from soils on volcanic rocks
Authors: Martin de Vidales J. L. , Casas J. , Sanz J.
Published: November 2006

Weathering processes in the Piedrabuena volcano, Ciudad Real province, Central Spain, have produced a smectitic phyllosilicate in four profiles on porphyritic-holocrystalline basalts consisting mainly of titaniferous augites, olivine and pigeonite. Chemical analysis of the purified smectites gave TiO2 contents of 1·89–3·77%. Apart from one profile, the smectites showed high tetrahedral Al-for-Si substitution, with the lattice charge arising from this source exceeding that from octahedral substitution, and thus could be termed beidellites. Octahedral Ti contents ranged from 0·21 to 0·41 per 24 O. A thermodynamic model was used to estimate the ΔG° of formation of these titaniferous smectites. Values ranged between −2503·30 and −2543·26 Kcal/mol. Suitable equilibria were established by calculating their ΔG° of reaction and log Ksp and, from these, the stability diagrams pH - 1/2pMg2+ against log H4SiO4 were derived. Correlations found were: (i) strong and positive between AlVI-X+ (0·91), AlIV-FeVI (0·85), AlVI-FeVI (0·85) and AlVI-MgVI (0·76); (ii) strong and negative between AlIV-octahedral charge; (iii) solubility product (log Ksp) positively correlated with X+ (0·73), AlIV (0·89), FeVI (0·67) and MgVI (0·84). Smectites showing higher tetrahedral charges were the least stable. Conversely, the stabilities of titaniferous smectites were favoured by high values of pH - 1/2pMg2+ and/or activities in soil-matrix solution. When the activities of H4SiO4 decreased, the montmorillonitic smectites became less stable than those showing beidellitic characteristics. Variations in composition and stability of the titaniferous smectites were not correlated with soil depth.
Hexagonal platy halloysite in an altered tuff bed, Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Central Japan
Authors: Noro H.
Published: November 2006

XRD analysis and electron microscopy show that hexagonal platy halloysite is the main component of an altered tuff (Ueno tuff bed) in the Pliocene Seto group, Aichi Prefecture, Central Japan. In the natural state it shows a single basal peak at 10·1 Å, which collapses to 7·2 Å, by dehydration through a segregate-type interstratification. The (02,11) non-basal band consists of slightly separated peaks which indicates moderate ordering of the crystal structure. The b-dimension is 8·936–8·939 Å. The stability of the interlayer water is intermediate with respect to halloysites of different morphologies. Between 3·5 and 4% Fe2O3 is present in the deferrated sample and the calculated chemical formula can not explain the anomalously high CEC of 21·9 mEq/100 g. Because the curvature radius and b-dimension of halloysite increase with increase in Fe2O3 content, the platy morphology is ascribed to replacement of Al3+ by Fe3+ in the octahedral sheet. Based on the geological and chemical data, the hexagonal platy halloysite is considered to have been formed from volcanic glass after deposition in a freshwater lake, where conditions were oxidizing and weakly acidic.
Mechanisms of particle movement in porous media
Authors: Gronow J. R.
Published: November 2006

Activation products of neutron-irradiated chrysotile and crocidolite which have suitable half-lives have been used as tracers to investigate the attenuation of fibres in media likely to be encountered in groundwater systems. The saturated and unsaturated filtration of chrysotile and crocidolite through columns of beads, gravel and sands is compared. The migration pattern of crocidolite through columns of disturbed and relatively undisturbed Greensand is then compared with the filtration through washed and sieved sand of the same porosity. The main factors affecting the filtration of particles are outlined, and the experimental results obtained are correlated with models used to describe general filtration theory. This is shown to provide a basis from which pollution control models may be derived and indicates that the principles underlying particle filtration will apply to particle migration in any fluid-filled system.
Inflammatory changes, recovery and recurrence at COPD exacerbation
Authors: Perera W. R. , Hurst J. R. , Wilkinson T. M. A. , Sapsford R. J. , Müllerova H. , Donaldson G. C. , Wedzicha J. A.
Published: November 2006

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are associated with increased airway and systemic inflammation, though relationships between exacerbation recovery, recurrent exacerbation and inflammation have not been previously reported. In the present study, inflammatory changes at COPD exacerbations were related to clinical nonrecovery and recurrent exacerbations within 50 days.

Serum interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), sputum IL-6 and IL-8 were measured in 73 COPD patients when stable, at exacerbation and at 7, 14 and 35 days post-exacerbation.

In 23% of patients, symptoms did not recover to baseline by day 35. These patients had persistently higher levels of serum CRP during the recovery period. A total of 22% of the patients who had recurrent exacerbations within 50 days had significantly higher levels of serum CRP at day 14, compared with those without recurrences: 8.8 mg·L−1versus3.4 mg·L−1. Frequent exacerbators had a smaller reduction in systemic inflammation between exacerbation onset and day 35 compared with infrequent exacerbators.

Nonrecovery of symptoms at chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation is associated with persistently heightened systemic inflammation. The time course of systemic inflammation following exacerbation is different between frequent and infrequent exacerbators. A high serum C-reactive protein concentration 14 days after an index exacerbation may be used as a predictor of recurrent exacerbations within 50 days.
Variability of doublecortin-associated dendrite maturation in adult hippocampal neurogenesis is independent of the regulation of precursor cell proliferation
Authors: Plümpe Tobias , Ehninger Dan , Steiner Barbara , Klempin Friederike , Jessberger Sebastian , Brandt Moritz , Römer Benedikt , Rodriguez Gerardo Ramirez , Kronenberg Golo , Kempermann Gerd
Published: November 2006

Background

In the course of adult hippocampal neurogenesis most regulation takes place during the phase of doublecortin (DCX) expression, either as pro-proliferative effect on precursor cells or as survival-promoting effect on postmitotic cells. We here obtained quantitative data about the proliferative population and the dynamics of postmitotic dendrite development during the period of DCX expression. The question was, whether any indication could be obtained that the initiation of dendrite development is timely bound to the exit from the cell cycle. Alternatively, the temporal course of morphological maturation might be subject to additional regulatory events.

Results

We found that (1) 20% of the DCX population were precursor cells in cell cycle, whereas more than 70% were postmitotic, (2) the time span until newborn cells had reached the most mature stage associated with DCX expression varied between 3 days and several weeks, (3) positive or negative regulation of precursor cell proliferation did not alter the pattern and dynamics of dendrite development. Dendrite maturation was largely independent of close contacts to astrocytes.

Conclusion

These data imply that dendrite maturation of immature neurons is initiated at varying times after cell cycle exit, is variable in duration, and is controlled independently of the regulation of precursor cell proliferation. We conclude that in addition to the major regulatory events in cell proliferation and selective survival, additional micro-regulatory events influence the course of adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Household out-of-pocket payments for illness: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Thuan Nguyen Thi Bich , Lofgren Curt , Chuc Nguyen Thi Kim , Janlert Urban , Lindholm Lars
Published: November 2006

Background

In Vietnam, illnesses create high out-of-pocket health care expenditures for households. In this study, the burden of illness in the Bavi district, Vietnam is measured based upon individual household health expenditures for communicable and non-communicable illnesses. The focus of the paper is on the relative effect of different illnesses on the total economic burden of health care on households in general and on households that have catastrophic health care spending in particular.

Methods

The study was performed by twelve monthly follow-up interviews of 621 randomly selected households. The households are part of the FilaBavi project sample – Health System Research Project. The heads of household were interviewed at monthly intervals from July 2001 to June 2002.

Results

For the population in the Bavi district, communicable illnesses predominate among the episodes of illness and are the reason for most household health care expenditure. This is the case for almost all groups within the study and for the study population as a whole. However, communicable illnesses are more dominant in the poor population compared to the rich population, and are more dominant in households that have very large, or catastrophic, health care expenditure, compared to those without such expenditures.

Conclusion

The main findings indicate that catastrophic health care spending for a household is not usually the result of one single disastrous event, but rather a series of events and is related more to "every-day illnesses" in a developing country context than to more spectacular events such as injuries or heart illnesses.
Prediction Equations for Significant Duration of Earthquake Ground Motions considering Site and Near-Source Effects
Authors: Kempton Justin J. , Stewart Jonathan P.
Published: November 2006

For engineering systems having a potential for degradation under cyclic loading (e.g., landslides, soil profiles subject to liquefaction, some structural systems), the characterization of seismic demand should include the amplitude and duration of strong shaking within the system. This article is concerned with significant-duration parameters, which are defined as the time interval across which a specified amount of energy is dissipated (as measured by the integral of the square of the ground acceleration or velocity). We develop ground-motion prediction equations for significant-duration parameters as a function of magnitude, closest site-source distance, site parameters that reflect shallow geologic conditions as well as deep basin structure, and near-source parameters. The relations are developed using a modern database and a random-effects regression procedure. We find significant duration to increase with magnitude and site-source distance (effects that had been identified previously), but also to decrease with increasing shear-wave velocity of near-surface sediments and to increase with increasing basin depth. Parameters that principally measure the duration of body waves were also found to decrease in near-fault areas subject to forward rupture directivity, although such effects were not apparent for other duration parameters that tend to reflect the combined duration of body and surface waves.
Investigation of the Origin of Extracellular RNA in Human Cell Culture
Authors: BÖTTCHER KATRIN , WENZEL ALEXANDER , WARNECKE JENS M.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  We have used the human ECV 304 cell line to study the origin and fate of extracellular RNA (exRNA) in cell culture. Quantification of different extracellular RNA species using reverse transcription followed by quantitative PCR revealed a prevalent fraction of ribosomal RNAs. Comparison of intracellular and extracellular ribosomal RNA copy numbers allowed the calculation of the number of destroyed cells that would result in the corresponding number of extracellular rRNAs. Interestingly, this number was comparable to the amount of destroyed cells as determined by the measurement of extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity.