bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ALPHA-INDUCED REACTIONS IN ANTIMONY
Authors: BHARDWAJ M.K. , RIZVI I.A. , CHAUBEY A.K.
Published: November 2004

The excitation function of α-induced reactions on 121Sb and 123Sb has been measured. The α-beam energy ranges from 55.0±0.5 MeV to 21.9±1.2 MeV. In these experiments, the stacked foil activation technique was used. The reaction yield was measured by counting the gamma ray activity produced by the alpha-induced reactions. Results so obtained were compared with the calculations from the geometry-dependent hybrid (GDH) model. The assumption of initial exciton number n0=4 with n=2, p=2 and h=0 best satisfies the results measured in the present work. The model calculations were done using the ALICE/LIVERMORE-82 computer code. The pre-equilibrium fraction has also been calculated.
CLUSTER RADIOACTIVITY
Authors: GUPTA RAJ K. , GREINER WALTER
Published: November 2004

This review summarizes both the experimental and theoretical status of cluster radioactivity. The contents are: a brief introduction, the experimental methods used and the results obtained, the theories of cluster radioactivity, cluster-decay as (cold) super-asymmetric spontaneous fission, and its fine structure. The theories studied are the unified fission models (UFM), the preformed cluster models (PCM), and the comparison between empirical and theoretical preformation probabilities. A brief discussion of other theories, not studied so much in detail, is also given. An overview of this research is added at the end, pointing out, in particular, its relation to other phenomena.
OPEN QUANTUM SYSTEMS
Authors: ISAR A. , SANDULESCU A. , SCUTARU H. , STEFANESCU E. , SCHEID W.
Published: November 2004

The damping of the harmonic oscillator is studied in the framework of the Lindblad theory for open quantum systems. A generalization of the fundamental constraints on quantum mechanical diffusion coefficients which appear in the master equation for the damped quantum oscillator is presented; the Schrödinger, Heisenberg and Weyl-Wigner-Moyal representations of the Lindblad equation are given explicitly. On the basis of these representations it is shown that various master equations for the damped quantum oscillator used in the literature are particular cases of the Lindblad equation and that not all of these equations are satisfying the constraints on quantum mechanical diffusion coefficients. Analytical expressions for the first two moments of coordinate and momentum are obtained by using the characteristic function of the Lindblad master equation. The master equation is transformed into Fokker-Planck equations for quasiprobability distributions and a comparative study is made for the Glauber P representation, the antinormal ordering Q representation, and the Wigner W representation. The density matrix is represented via a generating function, which is obtained by solving a timedependent linear partial differential equation derived from the master equation. Illustrative examples for specific initial conditions of the density matrix are provided. The solution of the master equation in the Weyl-Wigner-Moyal representation is of Gaussian type if the initial form of the Wigner function is taken to be a Gaussian corresponding (for example) to a coherent wavefunction. The damped harmonic oscillator is applied for the description of the charge equilibration mode observed in deep inelastic reactions. For a system consisting of two harmonic oscillators the time dependence of expectation values, Wigner function and Weyl operator, are obtained and discussed. In addition models for the damping of the angular momentum are studied. Using this theory to the quantum tunneling through the nuclear barrier, besides Gamow’s transitions with energy conservation, additional transitions with energy loss are found. The tunneling spectrum is obtained as a function of the barrier characteristics. When this theory is used to the resonant atom-field interaction, new optical equations describing the coupling through the environment of the atomic observables are obtained. With these equations, some characteristics of the laser radiation absorption spectrum and optical bistability are described.
LIFETIMES OF THE $0_2^ + $ CONFIGURATION IN 186Hg AND 188Hg
Authors: JOSHI P.K. , ZGANJAR E.F. , RUPNIK D. , ROBINSON S.J. , MANTICA P.F. , CARTER H.K. , KORMICKI J. , GILL R.L. , WALTERS W.B. , BINGHAM C.R. , RAMAYYA A.V. , MA W.C. , HAMILTON J.H.
Published: November 2004

A new picosecond lifetime measurement system developed at UNISOR was used to determine the half-life of the well-deformed [Formula: see text] levels in 188Hg and 186Hg. The half-life values were measured to be 204±45 ps in 188Hg and ≤52 ps in 186Hg. The corresponding values of ρ2(E0)×103, obtained from the partial half-lives, were [Formula: see text] and ≥32, respectively. Additionally, the half-lives of the [Formula: see text] levels were determined to be 141±31 ps in 188Hg and 48±27 ps in 186Hg.
THE LEVEL SCHEME OF 171Tm STUDIED BY MULTIPLE NEUTRON CAPTURE AND THE (3He,d) REACTION
Authors: SCHAUER W. , WEBER M. , EGIDY T. von , GEORGII R. , OTT J. , SCHRÜNDER S. , BÖRNER H.G. , HOFF R.W. , FABER S. , GRAW G. , HOFER D. , KOKOWSKI R. , MÜLLER-ZANOTTI E. , OELMAIER W. , VALNION B.
Published: November 2004

The double neutron capture reaction 169Tm(n,γ)170Tm(n,γ)171Tm and the proton transfer reaction 170Er(3He,d)171Tm were used to study nuclear levels in 171Tm. The level scheme up to 1 MeV was confirmed and very precise level energies were determined. The results are compared with the quasiparticle-phonon model. Evidence was found, that the 1/2−[541] orbit has larger deformation than the other states.
Lateral Inhibition for Center-Surround Reorganization of the Frequency Map of Bat Auditory Cortex
Authors: Ma Xiaofeng , Suga Nobuo
Published: November 2004

Repetitive acoustic stimulation, auditory fear conditioning, and focal electric stimulation of the auditory cortex (AC) each evoke the reorganization of the central auditory system. Our current study of the big brown bat indicates that focal electric stimulation of the AC evokes center-surround reorganization of the frequency map of the AC. In the center, the neuron's best frequencies (BFs), together with their frequency–tuning curves, shift toward the BFs of electrically stimulated cortical neurons (centripetal BF shifts). In the surround, BFs shift away from the stimulated cortical BF (centrifugal BF shifts). Centripetal BF shifts are much larger than centrifugal BF shifts. An antagonist (bicuculline methiodide) of inhibitory synaptic transmitter receptors changes centrifugal BF shifts into centripetal BF shifts, whereas its agonist (muscimol) changes centripetal BF shifts into centrifugal BF shifts. This reorganization of the AC thus depends on a balance between facilitation and inhibition evoked by focal cortical electric stimulation. Unlike neurons in the AC of the big brown bat, neurons in the Doppler-shifted constant-frequency (DSCF) area of the AC of the mustached bat are highly specialized for fine-frequency analysis and show almost exclusively centrifugal BF shifts for focal electric stimulation of the DSCF area. Our current data indicate that in the highly specialized area, lateral inhibition is strong compared with the less-specialized area and that the specialized and nonspecialized areas both share the same inhibitory mechanism for centrifugal BF shifts.
Using Heterogeneity to Predict Inhibitory Network Model Characteristics
Authors: Skinner F. K. , Chung J.Y.J. , Ncube I. , Murray P. A. , Campbell S. A.
Published: November 2004

From modeling studies it has been known for >10 years that purely inhibitory networks can produce synchronous output given appropriate balances of intrinsic and synaptic parameters. Several experimental studies indicate that synchronous activity produced by inhibitory networks is critical to the production of population rhythms associated with various behavioral states. Heterogeneity of inputs to inhibitory networks strongly affect their ability to synchronize. In this paper, we explore how the amount of input heterogeneity to two-cell inhibitory networks affects their dynamics. Using numerical simulations and bifurcation analyses, we find that the ability of inhibitory networks to synchronize in the face of heterogeneity depends nonmonotonically on each of the synaptic time constant, synaptic conductance and external drive parameters. Because of this, an optimal set of parameters for a given cellular model with various biophysical characteristics can be determined. We suggest that this could be a helpful approach to use in determining the importance of different, underlying biophysical details. We further find that two-cell coherence properties are maintained in larger 10-cell networks. As such, we think that a strategy of “embedding” small network dynamics in larger networks is a useful way to understand the contribution of biophysically derived parameters to population dynamics in large networks.
A partial factorization of the powersum formula
Authors: Nahay John Michael
Published: November 2004

For any univariate polynomial P whose coefficients lie in an
ordinary differential field 𝔽 of characteristic zero,
and for any constant indeterminate α, there exists a
nonunique nonzero linear ordinary differential operator
ℜ of finite order such that the
αth power of each root of P is a solution of
ℜzα = 0, and the coefficient functions of
ℜ all lie in the differential ring generated by the
coefficients of P and the integers ℤ. We call
ℜ an α‐resolvent of P. The author′s powersum
formula yields one particular α‐resolvent. However, this
formula yields extremely large polynomials in the coefficients of
P and their derivatives. We will use the A‐hypergeometric
linear partial differential equations of Mayr and Gelfand to find
a particular factor of some terms of this α‐resolvent. We
will then demonstrate this factorization on an α‐resolvent
for quadratic and cubic polynomials.
Plasmin Deficiency in Alzheimer’s Disease Brains: Causal or Casual?
Authors: Dotti Carlos G. , Galvan Cristian , Ledesma Maria Dolores
Published: November 2004

Substantial recent evidence suggests that defects in amyloid peptide degradation can be at the base of cases of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Among the discovered brain enzymes with the capacity to degrade amyloid peptide, the serine protease plasmin acquires special physiological relevance because of its low levels in areas of AD human brains with a high susceptibility to amyloid plaque accumulation. In this article we comment on a series of observations supporting the fact that plasmin paucity in the brain is not simply a secondary event in the disease but rather a primary defect in certain cases of sporadic AD. We also refer to recent data pointing to alterations in raft membrane domains and diminished membrane cholesterol as the underlying cause. Finally, we discuss the possibility that plasmin deficiency in the brain could lead to AD symptomatology because of amyloid aggregation and the triggering of cell death signaling cascades.
Problems and Solutions in the Genetic Analysis of Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hardy John , Myers Amanda , Wavrant-De Vrieze Fabienne
Published: November 2004

The identification of the apolipoprotein E gene as a risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease was a spectacularly successful application of genetic analysis to a complex trait, and it led to the hope and expectation that other risk loci for the disease would soon be forthcoming. Twelve years later, despite a huge amount of work, no other loci have been identified. In this article, we discuss the complexity of the problem and the pitfalls in the analytical methods that have been used and how we are approaching this problem.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between in Vitro and in Vivo Ultrasound Image Quality Parameters
Authors: Browne Jacinta E , Watson Amanada J , Muir Cathy , Hoskins Peter R , Elliott Alex T
Published: November 2004

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between B-mode and colour Doppler technical test methods with the clinical perception of B-mode and Doppler in vivo test parameters. It was found that technical and clinical comparisons between the B-mode test parameters — lateral resolution versus clinical resolution, anechoic target detection versus clinical noise and penetration depth versus clinically useful penetration depth — demonstrated moderate correlations ( r = –0.69, p < 0.003; r = 0.5, p = 0.14; and r = 0.56, p < 0.03, respectively). However, axial resolution versus tissue texture variation, slice thickness versus overall clinical image quality and contrast resolution versus clinically useful dynamic range demonstrated poor correlations. The majority of the colour Doppler performance parameters were found to demonstrate moderate correlations: sensitivity performance index and clinical Doppler sensitivity ( r = 0.52, p < 0.07); axial/lateral resolution and clinical colour Doppler resolution ( r = –0.64, p = 0.02/–0.55, p = 0.05); and temporal resolution and clinical temporal resolution ( r = –0.59, although not statistically significant p = 0.4). The poor correlations for axial resolution slice thickness and contrast resolution suggest that some revision of the test protocols may be required or that these quantities are not as important as previously thought in image quality. Whereas, the test protocols for anechoic target detection, penetration depth and, in particular, lateral resolution appear promising in their prediction of clinical perception of image quality. The newly developed colour Doppler test protocols and test objects also appear promising in their prediction of clinical perception and merit further investigation.
The Impact of Training on the Detection of Facial Clefts
Authors: Chudleigh Trish , Cook Katy
Published: November 2004

The incidence of facial clefting is approximately one in 750 live births, broadly similar to that of the live birth incidence of Down's syndrome. There is considerable variation within the UK in the prenatal detection of facial clefts by ultrasound, with sensitivities varying from 17.5 to 75%. Evaluation of published guidelines for sonographers aimed at improving their knowledge of facial clefting has demonstrated a positive response to their usefulness in the workplace. The preliminary results of a 2-year study assessing the longer-term impact of the guidelines show an increase in the prenatal detection of facial clefts. The face should be imaged in coronal, transverse and sagittal planes to exclude clefting of the upper lip or alveolus. The necessary views are easily learnt by sonographers already experienced in routine anomaly screening. Although clefting of the palate may be identified, the normal palate cannot normally be adequately imaged. Parents should be made aware that examining the face using these techniques will not, therefore, exclude an isolated cleft palate. Departments should be encouraged to incorporate adequate evaluation of the face into their routine anomaly protocols in order that the prenatal detection of facial clefts may be improved.
Only the CD62L+ subpopulation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells protects from lethal acute GVHD
Authors: Ermann Joerg , Hoffmann Petra , Edinger Matthias , Dutt Suparna , Blankenberg Francis G. , Higgins John P. , Negrin Robert S. , Fathman C. Garrison , Strober Samuel
Published: November 2004

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are potent modulators of alloimmune responses. In murine models of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, adoptive transfer of donor CD4+CD25+ Treg cells protects recipient mice from lethal acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) induced by donor CD4+CD25- T cells. Here we examined the differential effect of CD62L+ and CD62L- subsets of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells on aGVHD-related mortality. Both subpopulations showed the characteristic features of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in vitro and did not induce aGVHD in vivo. However, in cotransfer with donor CD4+CD25- T cells, only the CD62L+ subset of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells prevented severe tissue damage to the colon and protected recipients from lethal aGVHD. Early after transplantation, a higher number of donor-type Treg cells accumulated in host mesenteric lymph node (LN) and spleen when CD4+CD25+CD62L+ Treg cells were transferred compared with the CD62L- subset. Subsequently, CD4+CD25+CD62L+ Treg cells showed a significantly higher capacity than their CD62L- counterpart to inhibit the expansion of donor CD4+CD25- T cells. The ability of Treg cells to efficiently enter the priming sites of pathogenic allo-reactive T cells appears to be a prerequisite for their protective function in aGVHD.
Tumor antigen processing and presentation depend critically on dendritic cell type and the mode of antigen delivery
Authors: Schnurr Max , Chen Qiyuan , Shin Amanda , Chen Weisan , Toy Tracey , Jenderek Corinna , Green Simon , Miloradovic Lena , Drane Debbie , Davis Ian D. , Villadangos Jose , Shortman Ken , Maraskovsky Eugene , Cebon Jonathan
Published: November 2004

Dendritic cells (DCs) are being evaluated for cancer immunotherapy due to their unique ability to induce tumor-directed T-cell responses. Here we report that the type of human DC, the mode of activation, and the strategy for delivery of antigen are 3 critical factors for efficient stimulation of tumor-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Only CD1c+ blood DCs and monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) were capable of presenting epitopes of the full-length tumor antigen NY-ESO-1 on both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (cross-presentation) and MHC II, whereas plasmacytoid DCs were limited to MHC II presentation. Cross-presentation was inefficient for soluble protein, but highly efficient for antigen-antibody immune complexes (NY-ESO-1/IC) and for protein formulated with ISCOMATRIX adjuvant (NY-ESO-1/IMX). DC activation with CD40L further enhanced cross-presentation efficiency. The mode of antigen delivery was found to be a determining factor for cytosolic proteolysis by DCs. Immune complexes (ICs) targeted a slow, proteasome-dependent cross-presentation pathway, whereas ISCOMATRIX (IMX) targeted a fast, proteasome-independent pathway. Both cross-presentation pathways resulted in a long-lived, T-cell stimulatory capacity, which was maintained for several days longer than for DCs pulsed with peptide. This may provide DCs with ample opportunities for sensitizing tumor-specific T cells against a broad array of tumor antigen epitopes in lymph nodes.
The nitric oxide pathway modulates hemangioblast activity of adult hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Guthrie Steven M. , Curtis Lisa M. , Mames Robert N. , Simon Gregory G. , Grant Maria B. , Scott Edward W.
Published: November 2004

We have previously established a model inducing hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) production of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to revascularize ischemic injury in adult mouse retina. The unique vascular environment of the retina results in new blood vessel formation primarily from HSC-derived EPCs. Using mice deficient (–/–) in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), we show that vessel phenotype resulting from hemangioblast activity can be altered by modulation of the NO/NOS pathway. iNOS–/– or eNOS–/– animals were engrafted with wild-type (WT) HSCs expressing green fluorescence protein (gfp+) and subjected to our adult retinal ischemia model. WT hemangioblast activity in adult iNOS–/– recipients resulted in the formation of highly branched blood vessels of donor origin, which were readily perfused indicating functionality. In contrast, eNOS–/– recipients produced relatively unbranched blood vessels with significant donor contribution that were difficult to perfuse, indicating poor functionality. Furthermore, eNOS–/– chimeras had extensive gfp+ HSC contribution throughout their vasculature without additional injury. This neovascularization, via EPCs derived from the transplanted HSCs, reveals that the NO pathway can modulate EPC activity and plays a critical role in both blood vessel formation in response to injury and normal endothelial cell maintenance.
The single nucleotide polymorphism Ser128Arg in the E-selectin gene is associated with enhanced coagulation during human endotoxemia
Authors: Jilma Bernd , Marsik Claudia , Kovar Florian , Wagner Oswald F. , Jilma-Stohlawetz Petra , Endler Georg
Published: November 2004

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Ser128Arg in the E-selectin gene is overrepresented in certain patient groups with atherosclerosis or restenosis. We hypothesized and tested whether it may affect cytokine-induced levels of soluble (s) E-selectin, or be associated with proinflammatory or procoagulant properties in a well-standardized inflammation model. Healthy male volunteers (n = 157) received a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) infusion and were genotyped for the S128R SNP, and outcome parameters were measured by enzyme immunoassays and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR, Taqman). The S128R SNP had no pronounced effects on basal or inducible sE-selectin levels, or levels of tumor necrosis factor or interleukin-6. However, carriers of the S128R SNP had 20% higher monocyte counts at 24 hours after LPS infusion. Importantly, the S128R allele enhanced thrombin generation by 50% to 80%, as measured by prothrombin fragment F1+2 (P < .01), and hence fibrin formation (D-dimer) 2-fold (P = .01 to P = .002). However, tissue factor (TF) mRNA levels were not affected. The S128R E-selectin genotype is associated with procoagulant effects in a human model of endotoxin-induced, TF-triggered coagulation. This could contribute to its linkage with various thrombotic cardiovascular disorders.
Nifedipine protects against overproduction of superoxide anion by monocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Allanore Yannick , Borderie Didier , Périanin Axel , Lemaréchal Hervé , Ekindjian Ohvanesse Garabed , Kahan André
Published: November 2004

We have reported previously that dihydropyridine-type calcium-channel antagonists (DTCCA) such as nifedipine decrease plasma markers of oxidative stress damage in systemic sclerosis (SSc). To clarify the cellular basis of these beneficial effects, we investigated the effects in vivo and in vitro of nifedipine on superoxide anion (O2•-) production by peripheral blood monocytes. We compared 10 healthy controls with 12 patients with SSc, first after interruption of treatment with DTCCA and second after 2 weeks of treatment with nifedipine (60 mg/day). O2•- production by monocytes stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was quantified by the cytochrome c reduction method. We also investigated the effects in vitro of DTCCA on O2•- production and protein phosphorylation in healthy monocytes and on protein kinase C (PKC) activity using recombinant PKC. After DTCCA had been washed out, monocytes from patients with SSc produced more O2•- than those from controls. Nifedipine treatment considerably decreased O2•- production by PMA-stimulated monocytes. Treatment of healthy monocytes with nifedipine in vitro inhibited PMA-induced O2•- production and protein phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, nifedipine strongly inhibited the activity of recombinant PKC in vitro. Thus, the oxidative stress damage observed in SSc is consistent with O2•- overproduction by primed monocytes. This was decreased by nifedipine treatment both in vivo and in vitro. This beneficial property of nifedipine seems to be mediated by its cellular action and by the inhibition of PKC activity. This supports the hypothesis that this drug could be useful for the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.
Breast cancer oestrogen independence mediated by BCAR1 or BCAR3 genes is transmitted through mechanisms distinct from the oestrogen receptor signalling pathway or the epidermal growth factor receptor signalling pathway
Authors: Dorssers Lambert CJ , van Agthoven Ton , Brinkman Arend , Veldscholte Jos , Smid Marcel , Dechering Koen J
Published: November 2004

Introduction

Tamoxifen is effective for endocrine treatment of oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancers but ultimately fails due to the development of resistance. A functional screen in human breast cancer cells identified two BCAR genes causing oestrogen-independent proliferation. The BCAR1 and BCAR3 genes both encode components of intracellular signal transduction, but their direct effect on breast cancer cell proliferation is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth control mediated by these BCAR genes by gene expression profiling.

Methods

We have measured the expression changes induced by overexpression of the BCAR1 or BCAR3 gene in ZR-75-1 cells and have made direct comparisons with the expression changes after cell stimulation with oestrogen or epidermal growth factor (EGF). A comparison with published gene expression data of cell models and breast tumours is made.

Results

Relatively few changes in gene expression were detected in the BCAR-transfected cells, in comparison with the extensive and distinct differences in gene expression induced by oestrogen or EGF. Both BCAR1 and BCAR3 regulate discrete sets of genes in these ZR-75-1-derived cells, indicating that the proliferation signalling proceeds along distinct pathways. Oestrogen-regulated genes in our cell model showed general concordance with reported data of cell models and gene expression association with oestrogen receptor status of breast tumours.

Conclusions

The direct comparison of the expression profiles of BCAR transfectants and oestrogen or EGF-stimulated cells strongly suggests that anti-oestrogen-resistant cell proliferation is not caused by alternative activation of the oestrogen receptor or by the epidermal growth factor receptor signalling pathway.
Health professional student attitudes towards people with disability
Authors: Tervo Raymond C , Palmer Glen
Published: November 2004

Objective: To investigate health professional student attitudes toward people with disability. It was hypothesized that attitude and comfort would differ by discipline. Further, it was hypothesized that factors such as gender and background in disability would influence these attitudes and their ease in dealing with difficult encounters in rehabilitation.

Design: A cross-sectional survey design.

Setting: University of South Dakota (USD).

Participants: Three hundred and thirty-eight students were surveyed.

Main outcome measures: (a) Attitude Toward Disabled Persons (ATDP) scale; (b) Scale of Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons (SADP); (c) Rehabilitation Situations Inventory (RSI).

Results: There were differences among student groups on the attitude scales and factor scores. All students' attitudes were less positive than SADP norms and nursing students held the least positive opinions. There were no attitudinal differences by gender. Those with a background in disability held more positive attitudes. Years of experience and hours per week employed predicted comfort with challenging rehabilitation situations. Inconsiderate treatment by staff, inappropriate sexual overtures and aggressive behaviour by patients were stated to be most challenging.

Conclusion: Health professional students hold less positive attitudes than SADP norms. Nursing undergraduate students were at greater risk of holding negative attitudes. Work experience was important for comfort with challenging rehabilitation situations. Specific educational experiences are needed to promote more positive attitudes.
The effect of cervical traction combined with conventional therapy on grip strength on patients with cervical radiculopathy
Authors: Joghataei Mohammad Taghi , Arab Amir Massoud , Khaksar Hossein
Published: November 2004

Objective: To determine if combining intermittent cervical traction with conventional physical therapy methods is more effective than using conventional approaches alone in the improvement of the grip strength and treatment of the patients with unilateral cervical 7 (C7) radiculopathy.

Design: Randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Setting: An outpatient physical therapy clinic, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Iran.

Patients: A sample of convenience of 30 patients with unilateral C7 radiculopathy participated in this study. Patients were assigned randomly to a control (N=15, mean age=46.939 ±5.32) and an experimental group (N=15, mean age=47.53 ±5.6).

Interventions: Electrotherapyu/exercise treatment for control group and combined cervical traction and electrotherapyu/exercise for experimental group. Ten physical therapy sessions, three times a week for each group.

Main outcome measures: Grip strength as an appropriate objective parameter was measured before treatment and after 5 and 10 treatment sessions.

Results: Statistical analysis (paired t-test) revealed significant increase in grip strength after 10 treatment sessions in control (p<0.01) and experimental group (p<0.01) compared with pretreatment score. In the ANCOVA, controlling for pretest scores, no significant difference was found between the two groups in the after 10 treatment sessions grip score (p=0.65). However, the change in grip strength after five sessions was significantly greater for the experimental group than for the control group (P=0.04).

Conclusions: The application of cervical traction combined with electrotherapy and exercise produced an immediate improvement in the hand grip function in patients with cervical radiculopathy.
Effects of acupuncture and placebo TENS in addition to exercise in treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis
Authors: Razavi Mahnaz , Jansen Gunilla Brodda
Published: November 2004

Objective: To compare the effect of acupuncture with placebo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) when added to the exercise treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis with respect to pain, shoulder movements and function.

Design: Prospective alternate allocation controlled trial.

Setting: Outpatient department.

Patients: Thirty-three patients (12 women and 21 men) were included in the study. All had clinically diagnosed rotator cuff tendinitis.

Intervention: Both groups underwent a standardized training programme. Each patient received in addition either 10 treatments with acupuncture or placebo TENS, 1-2 times per week.

Main outcome measures: The parameters investigated were intensity of pain (measured with visual analogue scale), active, passive as well as functional movements in the shoulder (hand in neck (HIN) and pour out of a pot (POP)). Patients were tested before treatment, after treatment and at a six-month follow-up. Medicine intake, ability to lie on the affected side and sleep disturbances were evaluated. A subjective assessment was made after the treatment and at follow-up.

Results: Sixteen patients had acupuncture, 17 placebo TENS. Eight patients endured pain at rest in the placebo TENS group, and 10 in the acupuncture group. After treatment both groups improved, the improvement persisted at the six-month follow-up. Both groups increased range of movement. Except for the functional test HIN in the acupuncture group, there were no differences between the groups regarding other parameters investigated directly after treatment or at six-month follow-up.

Conclusion: There is no difference between the effect of additional acupuncture treatment and placebo TENS in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinitis.
The human histone gene expression regulator HBP/SLBP is required for histone and DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression and cell proliferation in mitotic cells
Authors: Zhao Xiujie , McKillop-Smith Susan , Müller Berndt
Published: November 2004

Histone proteins are essential for chromatin formation, and histone gene expression is coupled to DNA synthesis. In metazoans, the histone RNA binding protein HBP/SLBP is involved in post-transcriptional control of histone gene expression. In vitro assays have demonstrated that human HBP/SLBP is involved in histone mRNA 3′ end formation and translation. We have inhibited human HBP/SLBP expression by RNA interference to determine its function during the mitotic cell cycle. Inhibition of HBP/SLBP expression resulted in the inhibition of histone gene expression and DNA synthesis, the inhibition of cell cycle progression in S phase and the inhibition of cell proliferation. These findings indicate that human HBP/SLBP is essential for the coordinate synthesis of DNA and histone proteins and is required for progression through the cell division cycle.
Stem cell antigen-1 is necessary for cell-cycle withdrawal and myoblast differentiation in C2C12 cells
Authors: Epting Conrad L. , López Javier E. , Shen Xun , Liu Liansen , Bristow James , Bernstein Harold S.
Published: November 2004

Extracellular signaling pathways regulating myoblast differentiation and cell-cycle withdrawal are not completely understood. Stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1/Ly-6A/E) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane protein known for its role in T-cell activation, and recently described as a marker for regeneration-competent myoblasts. We previously determined that expression of Sca-1/Ly-6A is transiently upregulated during myocyte cell-cycle withdrawal; however, a specific function for Sca-1 in myogenesis has not been described. Here, we show that Sca-1 expression on the surface of a subpopulation of differentiating C2C12 myoblasts is maximal at the time of cell-cycle withdrawal, and that blocking Sca-1 with monoclonal antibodies or downregulating Sca-1 expression by antisense both promotes proliferation and inhibits myotube formation. Downregulating Sca-1 expression derepresses Fyn at the time of myoblast cell-cycle withdrawal, and dominant-negative and constitutively active Fyn mutants rescue and recapitulate the Sca-1 antisense phenotype, respectively. This suggests a Fyn-mediated mechanism for Sca-1 action. Thus, we demonstrate an unprecedented role for Sca-1 in early myogenesis in C2C12 cells, and propose a novel pathway from the myoblast cell surface to intracellular signaling networks controlling proliferation versus differentiation in mammalian muscle. These findings suggest that, beyond its role as a marker for muscle progenitors, Sca-1 may be an important therapeutic target for promoting muscle regeneration.
Assessment for Chronic Kidney Disease Service in High-Risk Patients at Community Health Clinics
Authors: Patel Harita R , Pruchnicki Maria C , Hall Laura E
Published: November 2004

BACKGROUND:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses significant public health concerns. Early identification and interventions can help prevent or slow progression to end-stage renal disease.

OBJECTIVE:

To characterize CKD in high-risk indigent patients in a primary care setting and evaluate opportunities for pharmacists to work collaboratively with physicians to improve medication use and CKD patient outcomes.

METHODS:

Medical records of 200 patients with diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension were reviewed by the clinical pharmacist. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (creatinine clearance [Clcr]) and urinalysis were used to identify and stage CKD according to published guidelines. Glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations and blood pressures were recorded. The pharmacist evaluated medications for possible drug-related problems (DRPs), made therapeutic recommendations, and evaluated the acceptance rate by physicians.

RESULTS:

One hundred nineteen patients met inclusion criteria, and a total of 68.9% met CKD criteria: stage 1, 16.0%; stage 2, 20.2%; stage 3, 25.2%; stage 4, 1.7%; stage 5, 0.8%; and not stageable, 5.0%. A total of 381 DRPs were identified, averaging 3.2 (1.7) per patient (range 0–11). The number of DRPs correlated with Clcr (r = −0.25; p = 0.007). Therapeutic recommendations included change of drug, dose and/or interval adjustment of the current drug, discontinuation of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, additional laboratory monitoring, meeting goal blood pressure and glycosylated hemoglobin, adding renoprotective drug and/or low-dose aspirin, and nephrologist referral. Fewer than half (40.9%) of the recommendations were accepted or accepted with modifications, and an approximately equal percentage were not accepted by the physicians.

CONCLUSIONS:

CKD prevalence was high among the patients evaluated here. New guidelines are available to assist in managing CKD ambulatory patients. Pharmacist collaboration with physicians may optimize CKD screening in high-risk patients and improve medication usage.
Fourier Transform Infrared Studies of Heterogeneity, Photodegradation, and Lignin/Hemicellulose Ratios within Hardwoods and Softwoods
Authors: Orton Christopher R. , Parkinson Dilworth Y. , Evans Philip D. , Owen Noel L.
Published: November 2004

There is little information available on the variation in lignin content of growth rings in hardwoods. This study examines whether infrared microscopy can detect intra-incremental differences in the chemical composition of three hardwoods ( R. pseudoacacia, P. Americana, and G. triacanthos) and the effect of such differences on the delignification of the hardwoods during weathering. Earlywood has higher lignin content than latewood in R. pseudoacacia and P. americana, but the opposite was found for G. triacanthos. The delignification of the earlywood and latewood during weathering varied for the three species. It was greater in the earlywood of R. pseuoacacia, whereas in P. americana and G. triacanthus it was more pronounced in latewood. Differences in density and lignin content of earlywood and latewood help explain these differences. In addition, a deconvoluting software package was used to determine whether it is possible to estimate the lignin/hemicellulose ratio in softwoods and hardwoods. Results from the 1760–1580 cm−1 region provided data that can be used to estimate the lignin/hemicellulose ratio of softwoods and hardwoods. This information can be obtained far more easily using infrared microscopy than with conventional wet chemical techniques, potentially allowing characterization of greater numbers of species than has hitherto been possible.
Study of a Chemically Amplified Resist for X-Ray Lithography by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Tan T. L. , Wong D. , Lee P. , Rawat R. S. , Patran A.
Published: November 2004

Future applications of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) require lithographic performance of very high aspect ratio. Chemically amplified resists (CARs) such as the negative tone commercial SU-8 provide critical advantages in sensitivity, resolution, and process efficiency in deep ultraviolet, electron-beam, and X-ray lithographies (XRLs), which result in a very high aspect ratio. In this investigation, an SU-8 resist was characterized and optimized for X-ray lithographic applications by studying the cross-linking process of the resist under different conditions of resist thickness and X-ray exposure dose. The exposure dose of soft X-ray (SXR) irradiation at the average weighted wavelength of 1.20 nm from a plasma focus device ranges from 100 to 1600 mJ/cm2 on the resist surface. Resist thickness varies from 3.5 to 15 μm. The cross-linking process of the resist during post-exposure bake (PEB) was accurately monitored using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The infrared absorption peaks at 862, 914, 972, and 1128 cm−1 in the spectrum of the SU-8 resist were found to be useful indicators for the completion of cross-linking in the resist. Results of the experiments showed that the cross-linking of SU-8 was optimized at the exposure dose of 800 mJ/cm2 for resist thicknesses of 3.5, 9.5, and 15 μm. PEB temperature was set at 95 °C and time at 3 min. The resist thickness was measured using interference patterns in the FT-IR spectra of the resist. Test structures with an aspect ratio 3:1 on 10 μm thick SU-8 resist film were obtained using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Nondestructive Multi-Elemental Analyses of Current-Size United States Federal Reserve Notes by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence
Authors: Hall G. S. , Chambliss C. R.
Published: November 2004

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used to nondestructively determine the elemental composition of current-size $10 United States Federal Reserve Notes (FRN) from series 1928 to series 2003. The X-ray spectra from all the bank notes were cataloged into a digital spectral library for searching and comparisons of questioned bank notes. Paper and different color printing inks were analyzed to determine elemental composition. One of the components of the green ink on the back of the early issues was identified as being the compound pigment Pigment Green 15, also known as chrome green (PbSO4·xPbCrO4·yFe4[Fe(CN)6]) precipitated onto a base of baryte (BaSO4) and Paris white (CaCO3). Our data show that the concentrations of Pb in the green ink have declined since the first issue of Series 1928 and ended with Series 1988. EDXRF is an excellent analytical method for rapid nondestructive elemental analysis of bank notes. This elemental characterization is useful for authenticating bank notes for the numismatist and for the forensic scientist. The method described can also be used for quality control in the manufacture of bank notes and for evaluating how circulating bank notes deteriorate.
Characterization of the Diffusion of Polyethylene Glycol in Streptococcus Mutans Biofilms by Raman Microspectroscopy
Authors: Marcotte Lucie , Barbeau Jean , Lafleur Michel
Published: November 2004

We used Raman microspectroscopy to investigate in situ the spatial distribution of the biomass in Streptococcus mutans biofilms. We used the CH stretching band to probe the organic matter and the area of the OH stretching band as an internal intensity standard, the biofilms being highly hydrated. The size of the biofilm regions that were mapped was 300 × 300 μm. We also recorded, in the confocal mode, the z profiles describing the biomass distribution as a function of depth in the biofilms. In our growth conditions, the biofilm is described as an ∼75 μm thick mat completely covering the surface and includes columnar clusters with a diameter of ∼ 100 μm surrounded by voids filled with water. Raman mapping was also used to examine the diffusion of HOD and polyethylene glycol with a molar mass of 10 000 (PEG-10k) in the biofilms. This study establishes that HOD can diffuse practically everywhere in the biofilms but that the penetration of PEG-10k is limited. There is a correlation between the restricted penetration of the macromolecule and the biomass content in the different regions of the biofilms. The method presented here provides a convenient approach to determine the diffusion of molecules, including antibacterials, in bacterial biofilms.
High-Resolution Two-Grating Spectrometer for Dual Wavelength Spectral Imaging
Authors: Gornushkin I. B. , Omenetto N. , Smith B. W. , Winefordner J. D.
Published: November 2004

A two-grating high-resolution spectrometer for dual wavelength imaging is demonstrated based on the standard Czerny–Turner mounting with an auxiliary grating and a mirror. A two-dimensional charge-coupled device (CCD) detector in the spectrometer focal plane allows simultaneous detection of two spectral intervals. Each spectrometer grating is driven by a high-precision stepper motor interfaced to a computer via home-made software. The software allows fast tuning of the gratings to a desirable spectral interval anywhere between 200 nm and 800 nm. The spectral interval widths are 2–3 nm for a “high-resolution” (2400 grooves/mm) grating and 4–5 nm for a “low-resolution” (1200 grooves/mm) grating. The resolution varies between 0.01 nm and 0.02 nm depending on the grating used. The performance of the spectrometer is demonstrated by detecting spectrally resolved images from a back-illuminated template and from a laser-induced plasma. The spectrometer can be useful for two-line spectroscopic diagnostics or can be expanded for multi-element spectral analysis.
A Spectral Identity Mapper for Chemical Image Analysis
Authors: Turner John F. , Zhang Jing , O'Connor Anne
Published: November 2004

Generating chemically relevant image contrast from spectral image data requires multivariate processing algorithms that can categorize spectra according to shape. Conventional chemometric techniques like inverse least squares, classical least squares, multiple linear regression, principle component regression, and multivariate curve resolution are effective for predicting the chemical composition of samples having known constituents, but they are less effective when a priori information about the sample is unavailable. We have developed a multivariate technique called spectral identity mapping (SIM) that reduces the dependence of spectral image analysis on training datasets. The qualitative SIM method provides enhanced spectral shape specificity and improved chemical image contrast. We present SIM results of spectral image data acquired from polymer-coated paper substrates used in the manufacture of pressure sensitive adhesive tapes. In addition, we compare the SIM results to results from spectral angle mapping (SAM) and cosine correlation analysis (CCA), two closely related techniques.
The Subcellular Organization of Cortactin in Hippocampus
Authors: Racz Bence , Weinberg Richard J.
Published: November 2004

Spines may undergo rapid, activity-dependent changes in shape and size, reflecting reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. This remodeling is implicated in development and also in the late phase of long-term potentiation. However, the cellular mechanisms that convert activity into morphological change remain poorly understood, and little is known about the anatomical distribution of the actin-regulating proteins that mediate this remodeling. Using immunocytochemistry, we demonstrate here that cortactin (a protein implicated in actin filament nucleation, branching, and stabilization) is concentrated in hippocampal spines, where it colocalizes with F-actin. Cortactin has a Shank-binding domain; recent studies report that synaptic activity may trigger actin remodeling via this interaction with Shank. However, our immunogold electron microscopic data show that cortactin concentrates within the spine core, 100-150 nm away from the postsynaptic density (PSD); only a small fraction of the cortactin in spines lies adjacent to the PSD. These data suggest that the adult dendritic spine contains two functional pools of cortactin: a large pool in the spine core that may help to mediates changes in spine shape and a small synaptic pool that may modify the PSD in response to synaptic activity.
Anosmin-1 Modulates Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 Signaling in Human Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Olfactory Neuroblasts through a Heparan Sulfate-Dependent Mechanism
Authors: González-Martínez David , Kim Soo-Hyun , Hu Youli , Guimond Scott , Schofield Jonathan , Winyard Paul , Vannelli Gabriella Barbara , Turnbull Jeremy , Bouloux Pierre-Marc
Published: November 2004

Defects of either anosmin-1 or fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) are known to underlie hereditary Kallmann's syndrome (KS), a human disorder of olfactory and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal ontogeny. Here, we report a functional interaction between anosmin-1 and the FGFR1-FGF2-heparan sulfate complex, leading to amplified responses in the FGFR1 signaling pathway. In human embryonic GnRH olfactory neuroblasts, wild-type anosmin-1, but not proteins with loss-of-function KS mutations, induces neurite outgrowth and cytoskeletal rearrangements through FGFR1-dependent mechanisms involving p42/44 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and Cdc42/Rac1 activation. Furthermore, anosmin-1 enhances FGF2 signaling specifically through FGFR1 IIIc in heterologous BaF3 lymphoid cells in a heparan sulfate-dependent manner. Our study provides compelling evidence for anosmin-1 as an isoform-specific co-ligand modulator of FGFR signaling that amplifies and specifies FGFR1 signaling responses during human nervous system development and defines a mechanism underlying the link between autosomal and X-linked KS.