bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular cloning, functional expression and chromosomal localization of a human homolog of the cyclic nucleotide‐gated ion channel of retinal cone photoreceptors
Authors: Yu Wei-Ping , Grunwald Maria E. , Yau King-Wai
Published: April 2003

We have cloned from human retina a cyclic nucleotide‐gated (CNG) ion channel that is distinct from the one found in rod photoreceptors. This channel protein is highly homologous to the CNG channel that recently has been cloned from bovine testis and kidney and has been shown to be present i retinal cone photoreceptors. When expressed in human embryonic kidney cells, the protein forms functional ion channels with properties broadly similar to those described for the cloned bovine channel. The gene for this channel resides on chromosome 2.
Gcm1, a mammalian homolog of Drosophila Glial Cells Missing
Authors: Altshuller Yelena , Copeland Neal G. , Gilbert Debra J. , Jenkins Nancy A. , Frohman Michael A.
Published: April 2003

Differentiation of glia (astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) in Drosophila requires the gene glial cells missing (gcm), which controls lineage determination. In the absence of gcm, neuroglia progenitors exclusively differentiate into neurons, instead of into both neurons and glia. In contrast, ectopic overexpression of gcm causes uniform differentiation of the neuroglia progenitors into glia. Glial and neuronal cells in vertebrates similarly derive from neuroblast progenitors. To investigate vertebrate glial formation, we have identified, cloned, and chromosomally mapped a mammalian gcm homolog. Mouse Gcm1 demonstrates extensive similarity to Drosophila gcm but is expressed at very low levels during neuro‐ and gliogenesis.
Isolation and measurement of the endogenous cannabinoid receptor agonist, anandamide, in brain and peripheral tissues of human and rat
Authors: Felder Christian C. , Nielsen Amie , Briley Eileen M. , Palkovits Miklós , Priller Joseph , Axelrod Julius , Nguyen Duy N. , Richardson John M. , Riggin Ralph M. , Koppel Gary A. , Paul Steven M. , Becker Gerald W.
Published: April 2003

Anandamide (arachidonylethanolamide) is a novel lipid neurotransmitter first isolated from porcine brain which has been shown to be a functional agonist for the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors. Anandamide has never been isolated from human brain or peripheral tissues and its role in human physiology has not been examined. Anandamide was measured by LC/MS/MS and was found in human and rat hippocampus (and human parahippocampal cortex), striatum, and cerebellum, brain areas known to express high levels of CB1 cannabinoid receptors. Significant levels of anandamide were also found in the thalamus which expresses low levels of CB1 receptors. Anandamide was also found in human and rat spleen which expresses high levels of the CB2 cannabinoid receptor. Small amounts of anandamide were also detected in human heart and rat skin. Only trace quantities were detected in pooled human serum, plasma, and CSF. The distribution of anandamide in human brain and spleen supports its potential role as an endogenous agonist in central and peripheral tissues. The low levels found in serum, plasma, and CSF suggest that it is metabolized in tissues where it is synthesized, and that its action is probably not hormonal in nature.
Identification of a novel, Ca2+‐dependent phospholipase D with preference for phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Mayr Johannes A. , Kohlwein Sepp D. , Paltauf Fritz
Published: April 2003

A membrane‐bound phospholipase D (PLD) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was solubilized from mitochondrial and plasma membranes and partially purified. The enzyme has an apparent molecular weight of approximately 60 kDa, is strictly Ca2+‐dependent and preferentially hydrolyses phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Enzyme activity is significantly increased in membranes from cells grown on a non‐fermentable carbon source. The Ca2+‐dependent PLD is distinct from PLD encoded by the SPO14/PLD1 gene. The 195 kDa SPO14/PLD1 gene product is specific for PtdCho, Ca2+‐independent and is activated by PIP2. Furthermore, Pld1p has transphosphatidylation activity in the presence of ethanol and thus resembles the prototypic PLD activity found in mammalian cells and plants. In contrast, the Ca2+‐dependent PLD described here is not affected by PIP2 and does not catalyze transphosphatidylation. Thus, the Ca2+‐dependent PLD characterized in this study appears to be a member of a novel family of phospholipases D.
Insulin modulation of newly synthesized apolipoproteins B‐100 and B‐48 in human fetal intestine: Gene expression and mRNA editing are not involved
Authors: Levy Emile , Sinnett Daniel , Thibault Louise , Nguyen Thanh Dung , Delvin Edgard , Ménard Daniel
Published: April 2003

We investigated insulin's effect on intestinal lipid transport and, particularly, the biogenesis of apolipoproteins crucial to lipoprotein secretion. Adding insulin (3 mU) to the serum‐free medium of cultured jejunal explants from human fetuses (17–20 weeks) reduced triglyceride and chylomicron production and inhibited apo B‐48 and apo B‐100 secretion. When apo B mRNA was assayed by RT‐PCR and its editing by primer extension, no change was detectable following the addition of insulin. HDL lipid content, apo A‐1 synthesis and RNA level were unaffected by insulin. Collectively, these results suggest that the insulin‐stimulated decline in intestinal chylomicron output may involve apo B co‐ or post‐translational modifications.
No alteration in gene expression of components of the ubiquitin proteasome proteolytic pathway in dystrophin‐deficient muscles
Authors: Combaret Lydie , Taillandier Daniel , Voisin Laure , Samuels Susan E. , Boespflug-Tanguy Odile , Attaix Didier
Published: April 2003

Increased expression of critical components of the ubiquitin‐dependent proteolytic pathway occurs in any muscle wasting condition so far studied in rodents where proteolysis rises. We have recently reported similar adaptations in head trauma patients [Mansoor et al. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93, 2714–2718]. We demonstrate here that the increased muscle protein breakdown seen in mdx mice only correlated with enhanced expression of m‐calpain, a Ca2+‐activated proteinase. By contrast, no change in mRNA levels for components of the ubiquitin‐proteasome proteolytic process was seen in muscles from both mdx mice and Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. Thus, gene expression of components of this pathway is not regulated in the chronic wasting that characterizes muscular dystrophy.
The membrane‐bound rat serotonin transporter, SERT1, is an oligomeric protein
Authors: Jess Urda , Betz Heinrich , Schloss Patrick
Published: April 2003

The synaptic actions of the neurotransmitter serotonin are terminated by a selective re‐uptake system located in the axonal membrane. To gain information about the quaternary structure of this membrane protein, we transiently expressed the recombinant rat serotonin transporter, SERT1, in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Treatment with sulfhydryl oxidizing agents and the homobifunctional cross‐linker dimethyl suberimidate (DMS) generated adducts of 130–180 kDa and 220–270 kDa, respectively. These data indicate an oligomeric structure of SERT1.
Activation‐independent nuclear translocation of mitogen activated protein kinase ERK1 mediated by thiol‐modifying chemicals
Authors: Meili Ruedi , Ballmer-Hofer Kurt
Published: April 2003

The extracellular signal‐regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2 are key mediators of mitogenic signals in most cell types. In fibroblasts, sustained activation and nuclear translocation are mandatory for S‐phase induction. The events leading to activation of these kinases are well understood, whereas little is known about the mechanism of their translocation. Using indirect immunofluorescence and biochemical analysis we show that ERK1 can translocate to the nucleus in the absence of activation and phosphorylation by upstream kinases when cells are treated with thiol‐modifying chemicals. We propose that these chemicals inactivate a protein contributing to the cytoplasmic localization of ERK1.
Exclusive expression of the Gs‐linked prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype 4 mRNA in human mononuclear Jurkat and KM‐3 cells and coexpression of subtype 4 and 2 mRNA in U‐937 cells
Authors: Blaschke Volker , Jungermann Kurt , Püschel Gerhard P.
Published: April 2003

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is regarded as a potent regulator of the immune system. It can regulate apoptosis in monunuclear cells and modulate the cytokine secretion pattern from T‐helper cell subpopulations via an increase in cyclic AMP (cAMP). Of the 4 PGE2 receptor subtypes (EP1–EP4) that are defined pharmacologically by their affinity to subtype‐specific ligands and their coupling to G proteins, EP2 and EP4 receptors couple to Gs. It is as yet unknown which of these two receptor subtypes mediates the immunomodulatory effects. By quantitative RT‐PCR, the mRNA for EP4 receptors was demonstrated and quantified in the human mononuclear cell lines Jurkat, KM‐3 and U‐937. However, EP2 receptor mRNA was only present in U‐937 cells and was 100‐fold less abundant than EP4 receptor mRNA. PGE2 increased cAMP formation with an ED50 of 50–100 nM in all cell lines. cAMP formation was inhibited by the EP4R‐specific antagonist AH23848. Since AH23848 inhibited PGE2‐induced cAMP formation in U‐937 cells to a similar extent as in Jurkat and KM‐3, EP2 receptors seem to play, if any, only a secondary role for the PGE2‐mediated cAMP formation in U‐937 cells.
Reduction of phosphodiesterase 3B gene expression in peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (+/−) mice independent of adipocyte size
Authors: Ogura Takahiro , Osawa Haruhiko , Tang Yan , Onuma Hiroshi , Ochi Masaaki , Nishimiya Tatsuya , Kubota Naoto , Terauchi Yasuo , Kadowaki Takashi , Makino Hideichi
Published: April 2003

Phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B) gene expression is generally reduced in large adipocytes of obese, insulin‐resistant mice. This reduced gene expression is restored by peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) γ ligands accompanied by a reduced fat cell size. To determine whether PDE3B gene expression is regulated by PPARγ itself, we analyzed lean PPARγ (+/−) mice with adipocyte size comparable to control PPARγ (+/+) mice. In adipocytes of PPARγ (+/−) mice, PDE3B mRNA and protein were both reduced to 63% of wild‐type levels. Basal PDE activity tended to be decreased to 70% of wild‐type levels, and, similarly, insulin‐induced PDE activity was significantly decreased to 70%. Thus, PPARγ is required for PDE3B gene expression independent of adipocyte size.
Proteasome inhibitors induce intracellular protein aggregation and cell death by an oxygen‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Demasi Marilene , Davies Kelvin J.A
Published: April 2003

Clone 9 liver cells incubated under aerobic conditions with the proteasome inhibitors lactacystin, clastro lactacystin β‐lactone, and tri‐leucine vinyl sulfone, in the absence of an obvious oxidative challenge, underwent oxidative protein modifications, such as loss of solubility, formation of aggregates (predominantly by disulfide bridges), and increased carbonyl formation, similar to those seen with hydrogen peroxide treatment. These alterations were accompanied by modification of cell morphology and loss of cell viability. Remarkably, almost all of these modifications were prevented when cell incubation with proteasome inhibitors was performed under a 3% oxygen atmosphere instead of the 21% oxygen routinely used in cell culture experiments. Our results suggest an oxygen‐dependent mechanism for the protein oxidation, protein aggregation, cellular dysfunction, and apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibitors.
MAP kinase‐dependent induction of clock gene expression by α1‐adrenergic receptor activation
Authors: Akiyama Masashi , Minami Yoichi , Kuriyama Kouji , Shibata Shigenobu
Published: April 2003

While peripheral oscillators can be reset by humoral factors such as glucocorticoid hormones, indirect neural communications involving sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons from the suprachiasmatic nucleus to various peripheral tissues suggest that autonomic nerve innervations also function in the resetting and synchronization of peripheral tissues. To study the role of sympathetic adrenergic signaling on clock gene expression, we constructed NIH3T3 cells that stably expressed each of three α1‐adrenergic receptor subtypes (α1A, α1B and α1D). We found that noradrenaline transiently induced the expression of mPer1, mPer2, and mE4bp4 1–2 h after α1‐receptor activation. The extent and time course of clock gene mRNA induction by noradrenaline or the α1‐receptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) was similar to that seen by 50% horse serum shock. Clock gene mRNA induction by PE was inhibited by U0126, a MEK inhibitor, suggesting involvement of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway. We also found that both mPer1 and mPer2 mRNAs were induced in the mouse liver 60 min after PE injection. These results suggest that although humoral factors are important for entrainment of the peripheral clock, the autonomic nervous system may also be involved in the process.
Mining gene expression data using a novel approach based on hidden Markov models
Authors: Ji Xinglai , Li-Ling Jesse , Sun Zhirong
Published: April 2003

In this work we have developed a new framework for microarray gene expression data analysis. This framework is based on hidden Markov models. We have benchmarked the performance of this probability model‐based clustering algorithm on several gene expression datasets for which external evaluation criteria were available. The results showed that this approach could produce clusters of quality comparable to two prevalent clustering algorithms, but with the major advantage of determining the number of clusters. We have also applied this algorithm to analyze published data of yeast cell cycle gene expression and found it able to successfully dig out biologically meaningful gene groups. In addition, this algorithm can also find correlation between different functional groups and distinguish between function genes and regulation genes, which is helpful to construct a network describing particular biological associations. Currently, this method is limited to time series data. Supplementary materials are available at http://www.bioinfo.tsinghua.edu.cn/∼rich/hmmgep_supp/.
VAMP/synaptobrevin cleavage by tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins is strongly enhanced by acidic liposomes
Authors: Caccin Paola , Rossetto Ornella , Rigoni Michela , Johnson Eric , Schiavo Giampietro , Montecucco Cesare
Published: April 2003

Tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins (TeNT and BoNTs) block neuroexocytosis via specific cleavage and inactivation of SNARE proteins. Such activity is exerted by the N‐terminal 50 kDa light chain (L) domain, which is a zinc‐dependent endopeptidase. TeNT, BoNT/B, /D, /F and /G cleave vesicle associated membrane protein (VAMP), a protein of the neurotransmitter‐containing small synaptic vesicles, at different single peptide bonds. Since the proteolytic activity of these metalloproteases is higher on native VAMP inserted in synaptic vesicles than on recombinant VAMP, we have investigated the influence of liposomes of different lipid composition on this activity. We found that the rate of VAMP cleavage with all neurotoxins tested here is strongly enhanced by negatively charged lipid mixtures. This effect is at least partially due to the binding of the metalloprotease to the lipid membranes, with electrostatic interactions playing an important role.
Nitration inhibits fibrillation of human α‐synuclein in vitro by formation of soluble oligomers
Authors: Yamin Ghiam , Uversky Vladimir N , Fink Anthony L
Published: April 2003

The aggregation of α‐synuclein in dopaminergic neurons is a critical factor in the etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Oxidative and nitrative stress is also implicated in PD. We examined the effect of nitration on the propensity of α‐synuclein to fibrillate in vitro. Fibril formation of α‐synuclein was completely inhibited by nitration, due to the formation of stable soluble oligomers (apparently octamers). More importantly the presence of sub‐stoichiometric concentrations of nitrated α‐synuclein led to inhibition of fibrillation of non‐modified α‐synuclein. These observations suggest that nitration of soluble α‐synuclein may be a protective factor in PD, rather than a causative one.
A metallothionein and CPx‐ATPase handle heavy‐metal tolerance in the filamentous cyanobacterium Oscillatoria brevis1
Authors: Liu Tong , Nakashima Susumu , Hirose Kazunobu , Uemura Yoshiko , Shibasaka Mineo , Katsuhara Maki , Kasamo Kunihiro
Published: April 2003

A metallothionein (BmtA) and a CPx‐ATPase (Bxa1) have been identified and characterized from the cyanobacterium Oscillatoria brevis. Both bmtA and bxa1 expression can be markedly induced in vivo by Zn2+ or Cd2+. Over‐expression of bmtA or bxa1 in Escherichia coli enhances Zn2+ and Cd2+ tolerance in the transformant. Dynamic studies on the expression of two genes showed that the maximum expression of bxa1 induced by Zn2+ and Cd2+ was much quicker than that of bmtA, suggesting distinct physiological roles of metallothionein and CPx‐ATPase in the handling of surplus metal.
Control of Ras cycling by Ca2+
Authors: Walker Simon A. , Cullen Peter J. , Taylor James A. , Lockyer Peter J.
Published: April 2003

Ras GTPases are binary switches, cycling between an inactive GDP‐bound form and an active GTP‐bound form at the membrane. They transduce signals into the cytoplasm via effector pathways that regulate cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Ras activation is enhanced by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs); deactivation is accelerated by GTPase‐activating proteins (GAPs). Recently, new roles for Ca2+ and diacylglycerol (DAG) in the control of Ras cycling have emerged with the discovery of a series of novel GEFs and GAPs. These regulators of Ras cycling are likely to play a key role in the information processing of Ca2+ and DAG signals.
Paleovegetation of marine isotope stages 4 and 3 in Northern New Zealand and the age of the widespread Rotoehu tephra
Authors: Shane Phil , Sandiford Anna
Published: April 2003

Paleolake sediment, constrained by tephrochronology, from Onepoto basin volcanic crater in Auckland, Northern New Zealand (36° 48′S), provides one of the few uninterrupted records of paleovegetation for marine oxygen isotope stages (MIS) 4 and 3 (76,000–26,000 yr B.P.) in the region. This period was characterized by cool temperate conifer-hardwood forest that lacked some of the warmer taxa typical of the Holocene. The period 64,400–60,500 yr B.P. was marked by opening of forest canopy and expansion of small trees and shrubs, and correlates to the thermal minima of MIS 4. However, the landscape was never as open as the forest-shrubland mosaic of the MIS 2. The beginning of MIS 3 (60,500–50,500 yr B.P.) was marked by the dramatic expansion and then decline of conifer-hardwood forest dominated by Dacrydium cupressinum, a species that prefers wetter conditions. This forest was succeeded by the typically montane Nothofagus at 50,500 yr B.P., corresponding to a thermal decline. Thus, MIS 3 began with an abrupt change to moist cool conditions that lasted about 5000 yr, followed by gradual cooling and dryer conditions. This supports some interpretations from other parts of the southwest Pacific region, that MIS 3 was a period of increased precipitation. The widespread and stratigraphically important Rotoehu tephra, erupted from Okataina Volcanic Centre, has been variously dated at 45,000–65,000 yr B.P. At Onepoto, sedimentation rate and paleovegetation reconstruction imply an age of c. 44,300 yr B.P. The tephra provides a correlation horizon in the marine and terrestrial realms during a period (MIS 3) difficult to date by radiometric methods.
A functional deadenylation assay identifies human CUG‐BP as a deadenylation factor
Authors: Paillard Luc , Legagneux Vincent , Osborne H. Beverley
Published: April 2003

Abstract CUG‐BP is a human nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA‐binding protein. A role in the control of alternative splicing has been reported, but to date no cytoplasmic function for this protein has been demonstrated. A close sequence homolog of CUG‐BP is EDEN‐BP that is required for the specific cytoplasmic poly(A) tail shortening of certain mRNAs after fertilization of Xenopus eggs. Here, we show that human CUG‐BP and Xenopus EDEN‐BP have very similar RNA‐binding specificities. In addition, we use a deadenylation assay to show that CUG‐BP is able to act as a deadenylation factor. In contrast, a mutant form of CUG‐BP, though still able to bind to RNA with a specificity similar to that of wild‐type CUG‐BP, does not act as a deadenylation factor. It is suggested that the CUG expansion associated with Type 1 myotonic dystrophy can affect the function or the activity of CUG‐BP, leading to a trans‐dominant effect on normal RNA processing. The results presented here identify CUG‐BP‐dependent deadenylation as a potential cytoplasmic target for this trans‐dominant effect.
Correlation of healing capacity with vascular response in the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments of the rabbit
Authors: Bray Robert C. , Leonard Catherine A. , Salo Paul T.
Published: April 2003

In clinical terms, functional recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is generally poorer than after medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury. In experimental studies of injury, the early phases of ligament healing require an augmented blood supply. We hypothesized that the differences in healing properties of the ACL and MCL would be reflected in the magnitude of their vascular responses to partial injury. This study is the first to quantify and define the time course of changes in blood flow and vascular volume following hemisection of the rabbit ACL and MCL.

Adult female rabbits were assigned to control, sham operation, ACL hemisection or MCL hemisection groups. Standardized ACL or MCL injuries were surgically induced. About 2, 6 or 16 weeks later, blood flow and vascular volume of the ACL and MCL were measured.

The MCL of the rabbit responded to hemisection with a large significant increase in blood flow and a substantial angiogenic response associated with inflammation and scar formation. During subsequent matrix remodelling, blood flow and vascular volume returned towards control values. In contrast, the ACL showed only a 2‐fold increase in vascular volume, no increase in blood flow and atrophied after hemisection. The superior capacity of the MCL to increase its blood supply through angiogenesis and increased flow is essential for ligament healing to occur, and may be the major difference in healing potential between the ACL and MCL. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Ethnocultural Considerations in Family Therapy
Authors: Heater Mary Lou
Published: April 2003

Concepts of culture occur in multiple aspects of American life, particularly in family relationships. Family therapists must view troubled families through a cultural lens to best assess, diagnose, and treat them. This includes understanding basic tenets of a culture, demonstrating respect, and developing an awareness of one’s own culture. The purpose of this paper is to examine ethnicity, acculturation, and culturally competent family therapy interventions for five major “ethnocultures” prevalent in communities in the United States. Acknowledging the influence of ethnocultural factors helps the family therapist to understand how families view their problems and how they can be successfully treated.
Process of Suicide: Perspective of the Suicide Attempter
Authors: Chesley Karen , Loring-McNulty Nancy E.
Published: April 2003

BACKGROUND: Little has been studied regarding the concept of suicide as a process and how it is perceived by the suicide attempter in the wake of suicidal behavior.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of the study were to increase understanding of the subjective experience of the suicidal individual and to identify factors that contribute to survival following a suicide attempt.

Study Design: An investigator-designed survey was used in this retrospective descriptive study.

RESULTS: Feelings of sadness, depression, disappointment, and emptiness were the emotions most often experienced by participants in the period immediately following their suicide attempts. By contrast, respondents later felt glad or grateful they had survived. Treatment with a health care professional was mentioned most often as preventing current suicidal behavior and also identified as the most frequent coping strategy.

CONCLUSIONS: Participants were able to develop effective coping strategies and find meaning in life following suicide attempts.
Interobserver reliability of diagnosis in patients with complex regional pain syndrome
Authors: van de Vusse Anton C , den Berg Suzanne G.M Stomp‐van , de Vet Henrica C.W , Weber Wilhelm E.J
Published: April 2003

Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS‐I), formerly reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic pain syndrome of unknown aetiology. Its diagnosis is a clinical one, for which several criteria systems have been defined. Despite their widespread use, the reliability of these criteria has never been studied. In this interobserver study 25 chronic CRPS patients were interviewed and examined by six physicians. Through structured questionnaires signs, symptoms, and diagnosis were recorded, after which observer agreement for these was calculated with κ statistics. Physicians’ agreement in assessment of signs and symptoms in CRPS patients varied greatly. More importantly, final diagnosis of CRPS showed poor observer agreement (κ: 0.20). The κ values were higher, had physicians applied IASP criteria, but still insufficient. The application of Bruehl's criteria results in a fair κ of 0.38, but then frequency of CRPS diagnosis in our study population decreased from 73% to 43% in comparison with physicians’ own diagnosis. We conclude that, using current criteria systems, the diagnosis of CRPS is not reliable.
Segmental and plurisegmental modulation of pressure pain thresholds during static muscle contractions in healthy individuals
Authors: Kosek Eva , Lundberg Lena
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess possible segmental (uni‐ and/or bilateral) and plurisegmental changes in pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) during static muscle contractions. Twenty‐four healthy subjects (12 female, 12 male) performed a standardised isometric contraction with the dominant m. quadriceps femoris (MQF) and m. infraspinatus (MI), respectively. PPTs were assessed using pressure algometry at the contracting muscle, at the contralateral (resting) muscle and at a distant resting muscle (MI during contraction of MQF and vice versa). The PPT assessments were performed before, during and 30 min. following each contraction. The contractions were held until exhaustion or for a maximum of 10 PPT assessments/muscle. During contraction of MQF PPTs increased compared to baseline at the middle (p<0.001) and the end (p<0.001) of the contraction period at all assessed sites alike. During contraction of MI PPTs increased compared to baseline at the middle (p<0.001) and the end (p<0.007) of the contraction period at all sites. The increase was more pronounced at the contracting muscle compared to the contralateral (p<0.002;p<0.01) and the distant (p<0.002;p<0.002) site. No statistically significant difference was seen in PPTs between the latter two. Following the contractions PPTs returned to baseline. Submaximal isometric contraction of MQF and MI gave rise to a statistically significant increase in PPTs at the contracting muscle, the resting homologous contralateral muscle and at the distant resting muscle indicating that generalised pain inhibitory mechanisms were activated. Contraction of MI, but not of MQF, gave rise to an additional activation of unilateral segmental antinociceptive effects.
Somatosensory perception in patients suffering from long‐term trapezius myalgia at the site overlying the most painful part of the muscle and in an area of pain referral
Authors: Leffler Ann‐Sofie , Hansson Per , Kosek Eva
Published: April 2003

In subgroups of patients with localised musculoskeletal pain spread of pain and signs of altered somatosensory processing at painful sites, both focal and referred areas have been reported. The purpose of the study was to examine somatosensory processing in patients with mainly unilateral long‐term (≥1 year) trapezius myalgia with ongoing pain for the last 3 months in the trapezius muscle in conjunction with ongoing or recurrent referral of pain to the ipsilateral arm. Ten patients with trapezius myalgia and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls participated. Pressure pain sensitivity, low threshold mechanoreceptive function and thermal sensitivity, including thermal pain, were assessed at the site overlying the most painful part of the trapezius muscle and in an area of pain referral in the ipsilateral upper arm/forearm as well as in the corresponding contralateral areas. No significant difference in sensibility was found in the most affected trapezius muscle and contralaterally compared to the corresponding areas in controls. In the area of pain referral there was a significantly increased sensitivity to pressure pain compared to the homologous contralateral area (p<0.01) as well as to the corresponding area in controls (p<0.009). Compared to controls a bilaterally decreased sensitivity to light touch was found in patients in the area of referred pain (p<0.01). No differences were found in the outcome of thermal testing. These findings suggest altered central processing of somatosensory input from the area of referred pain in patients with trapezius myalgia.
Reconstructing the temporal ordering of biological samples
using microarray data
Authors: Magwene Paul M. , Lizardi Paul , Kim Junhyong
Published: April 2003

Motivation: Accurate time series for biological processes are difficult to estimate due to problems of synchronization, temporal sampling and rate heterogeneity. Methods are needed that can utilize multi-dimensional data, such as those resulting from DNA microarray experiments, in order to reconstruct time series from unordered or poorly ordered sets of observations.

Results: We present a set of algorithms for estimating temporal orderings from unordered sets of sample elements. The techniques we describe are based on modifications of a minimum-spanning tree calculated from a weighted, undirected graph. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach by applying these techniques to an artificial data set as well as several gene expression data sets derived from DNA microarray experiments. In addition to estimating orderings, the techniques we describe also provide useful heuristics for assessing relevant properties of sample datasets such as noise and sampling intensity, and we show how a data structure called a PQ-tree can be used to represent uncertainty in a reconstructed ordering.

Availability: Academic implementations of the ordering algorithms are available as source code (in the programming language Python) on our web site, along with documentation on their use. The artificial ‘jelly roll’ data set upon which the algorithm was tested is also available from this web site. The publicly available gene expression data may be found at http://genome-www.stanford.edu/cellcycle/ and http://caulobacter.stanford.edu/CellCycle/

Contact: junhyong@sas.upenn.edu

* To whom correspondence should be addressed at present address. Department of Biology, Uhiversity of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Selection of oligonucleotide probes for protein coding sequences
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Seed Brian
Published: April 2003

Motivation: Large arrays of oligonucleotide probes have become popular tools for analyzing RNA expression. However to date most oligo collections contain poorly validated sequences or are biased toward untranslated regions (UTRs). Here we present a strategy for picking oligos for microarrays that focus on a design universe consisting exclusively of protein coding regions. We describe the constraints in oligo design that are imposed by this strategy, as well as a software tool that allows the strategy to be applied broadly.

Results: In this work we sequentially apply a variety of simple filters to candidate sequences for oligo probes. The primary filter is a rejection of probes that contain contiguous identity with any other sequence in the sample universe that exceeds a pre-established threshold length. We find that rejection of oligos that contain 15 bases of perfect match with other sequences in the design universe is a feasible strategy for oligo selection for probe arrays designed to interrogate mammalian RNA populations. Filters to remove sequences with low complexity and predicted poor probe accessibility narrow the candidate probe space only slightly. Rejection based on global sequence alignment is performed as a secondary, rather than primary, test, leading to an algorithm that is computationally efficient. Splice isoforms pose unique challenges and we find that isoform prevalence will for the most part have to be determined by analysis of the patterns of hybridization of partially redundant oligonucleotides.

Availability: The oligo design program OligoPicker and its source code are freely available at our website.

Contact: seed@molbio.mgh.harvard.edu

Supplementary information: http://pga.mgh.harvard.edu/oligopicker/index.html

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Strength and deformation characteristics of shredded rubber tire  sand mixtures
Authors: Youwai Sompote , Bergado Dennes T
Published: April 2003

The volume of scrap tires, an undesired urban waste, is increasing every year. One of the possible alternatives for this waste is to use shredded tires alone or mixed with soil as a lightweight backfill. This paper presents the results of triaxial tests on compacted shredded rubber tire  sand mixtures. The tests were carried out with different mixing ratios of shredded rubber tires and sand. With an increasing proportion of sand in the mixture, the density, unit weight, and shear strength of the mixture increased, but the compressibility decreased. The dilatancy characteristics of shredded rubber tires mixed sand were relatively similar to a cohesionless material and can be explained within a critical state framework. A proposed constitutive model broadly captures the strength and deformation characteristics of a shredded rubber tire  sand mixture at different mixing ratios.Key words: shredded rubber tires, triaxial testing, constitutive model.
Interaction mechanism between deep mixing column and surrounding clay during installation
Authors: Shen Shui-Long , Miura Norihiko , Koga Hirofumi
Published: April 2003

Laboratory and field investigation has shown that the shear strength of the surrounding clay increased in the vicinity of a deep mixed (DM) column in the short period following installation. Field observations indicated that significant excess pore pressure, which may be higher than the hydraulic fracture pressure, was generated during installation.The behaviour between a DM column interacting with the surrounding clay during installation can be simulated as the shearing-expanding process of a cylindrical cavity. A simple approach is proposed to calculate the excess pore pressure around a DM column during installation. The proposed method of calculation considers the effect of a shearing force caused by rotating blades during mixing. In the proposed approach, the excess pore pressure is expressed in terms of undrained strength of clay, shearing force, injection pressure, and a pore pressure parameter. An approach is developed to analyze clay fracturing using a tensile failure mechanism. Analytical results indicate that the rotation of the mixing blades has a significant effect on the generation of excess pore pressure and clay fracturing in a close region around the column. The proposed approach has been verified against laboratory model tests and in situ DM column installation in clay ground at two construction sites. Clay fracturing around a DM column was observed in the laboratory and is analyzed based on field data. This paper reveals that clay fracturing is the major factor behind the strength increase and property changes of the surrounding clay in a short period.Key words: soft clay, deep mixing column, shearing-expanding process, excess pore pressure, clay fracturing, laboratory test, field tests.
New equations for swelling characteristics of bentonite-based buffer materials
Authors: Komine Hideo , Ogata Nobuhide
Published: April 2003

Compacted bentonite and sandbentonite mixtures are attracting greater attention as buffer material for repositories of high-level nuclear waste. This buffer material is expected to fill up the space between the canisters containing the waste and the surrounding ground by swelling. To produce the specifications, such as dry density, sandbentonite mass ratio, and dimensions, of the buffer material, the swelling characteristics of compacted bentonite and sandbentonite mixtures must be evaluated quantitatively. New equations for evaluating the swelling behavior of compacted bentonite and sandbentonite mixtures are presented that can accommodate the influences of the sandbentonite mass ratio and the exchangeable-cation composition of bentonite. The new method for predicting swelling characteristics is presented by combining the new equations with the theoretical equations of the GouyChapman diffuse double layer theory and of the van der Waals force, which can evaluate the repulsive and attractive forces of montmorillonite mineral (i.e., the swelling clay mineral in bentonite). Furthermore, the applicability of the new prediction method has been confirmed by comparing the predicted results with laboratory test results on the swelling deformation and swelling pressure of compacted bentonites and sandbentonite mixtures.Key words: bentonite, diffuse double layer theory, van der Waals force, nuclear waste disposal, swelling deformation, swelling pressure.
Soilatmosphere modelling of an engineered soil cover for acid generating mine waste in a humid, alpine climate
Authors: Swanson D A , Barbour S L , Wilson G W , O'Kane M
Published: April 2003

A research program studying the performance of soil covers at the Equity Silver Mine was initiated in 1992. This site is situated in the humid, alpine climate of north central British Columbia. A one-dimensional, fully coupled heat and water transport, soilatmosphere flux model was developed as part of this research program to simulate the movement of liquid water and water vapour within a soil cover in response to rainfall and evapotranspiration. Predicted and measured conditions in the cover showed good agreement for a five-month period from June to November 1993. The modelling exercise showed that vapour flow was the dominant flow mechanism near the surface of the cover within a few days after the start of drying. This points out the necessity of being able to couple heat and water transport in soil cover analyses and design. The numerical modelling demonstrated that input parameters are readily attainable through field and laboratory measurement. Model predictions of extreme and mean climate conditions indicated that percolation through the cover system would be limited to approximately 2% of the annual precipitation and that oxygen flux through the cover would be reduced by approximately 98% from uncovered conditions.Key words: acid rock drainage, soil covers, unsaturated soils, infiltration, evapotranspiration, matric suction.
Assessment of self-boring pressuremeter tests in sensitive clay
Authors: Silvestri Vincenzo
Published: April 2003

The present paper analyzes field test results obtained by means of the Cambridge self-boring pressuremeter (SBPM) in a sensitive Champlain clay of Quebec. It is shown that, although the undrained shear strengths deduced from the SBPM tests are higher than the values obtained with the field vane, the observed discrepancy is reduced by taking into account progressive failure effects. It is not the SBPM test that overestimates the undrained shear strength, but rather the vane test that underestimates it in this sensitive clay. Total and effective field stress paths are inferred from the SBPM tests, and it is shown that the effective stress paths approach the tension zone of the MohrCoulomb failure diagram before heading towards the large-strain failure envelope of the clay. The pressuremeter interpretation has been thoroughly worked through for various uncertainties like undrained test conditions, plane-strain conditions, and disturbance, basing the final judgment on a comparison of the effective stress adjacent to the probe with that inferred from laboratory testing. It is also shown that the pore-water pressure, which is generated at the wall of the cavity during the plastic phase of the expansion, is practically equivalent to the increase in total radial pressure. The iterative forward modelling (IFM) technique is used to obtain linearly elastic  perfectly plastic soil parameters by constraining the fit to match the initial horizontal pressure.Key words: self-boring pressuremeter, sensitive clay, stress paths, strain rate, progressive failure, pore pressures, vane tests.
KNOWLEDGE SUPERVISED PERCEPTUAL GROUPING BASED QUALITATIVE BUILDING DETECTION FROM MONOCULAR AERIAL IMAGES
Authors: ZHANG ZHONGFEI (MARK) , SRIHARI ROHINI K.
Published: April 2003

This paper addresses an important and practical problem in computer vision and pattern recognition — qualitative target detection from aerial images. In particular, it discusses the problem of qualitative building detection based on a monocular aerial image. The approach proposed, due to its independence of site models or camera calibration information, complements the model based approaches developed in the rest of the research community of building detection from aerial images. Specifically, a knowledge supervised perceptual grouping (KSPG) system based on reinvestigation, and hypothesis generation and verification, is presented, and is shown to be reasonably robust in experiments using real data.
IGDA. 6: Supplementary assessment procedures – functioning, social context, cultural framework and quality of life
Authors:   IGDA Workgroup, WPA
Published: April 2003

Supplementary procedures (Fig. 6.1) can be used to obtain a comprehensive assessment of social, cultural and other contextual factors influencing the occurrence, presentation, course or treatment of clinical disorders. They may also be useful for measuring social and occupational functioning and participation, social support, family adjustment, life events and quality of life. In these, as in all clinical assessments, the cultural framework should be systematically considered.
Controlled trial of the short- and long-term effect of psychological treatment of post-partum depression
Authors: Cooper Peter J. , Murray Lynne , Wilson Anji , Romaniuk Helena
Published: April 2003

Background

Psychological interventions for postnatal depression can be beneficial in the short term but their longer-term impact is unknown.

Aims

To evaluate the long-term effect on maternal mood of three psychological treatments in relation to routine primary care.

Method

Women with post-partum depression (n=193) were assigned randomly to one of four conditions: routine primary care, non-directive counselling, cognitive–behavioural therapy or psychodynamic therapy. They were assessed immediately after the treatment phase (at 4.5 months) and at 9, 18 and 60 months post-partum.

Results

Compared with the control, all three treatments had a significant impact at 4.5 months on maternal mood (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS). Only psychodynamic therapy produced a rate of reduction in depression (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM–III–R) significantly superior to that of the control. The benefit of treatment was no longer apparent by 9 months post-partum. Treatment did not reduce subsequent episodes of post-partum depression.

Conclusions

Psychological intervention for post-partum depression improves maternal mood (EPDS) in the short term. However, this benefit is not superior to spontaneous remission in the long term.
Controlled trial of the short- and long-term effect of psychological treatment of post-partum depression
Authors: Murray Lynne , Cooper Peter J. , Wilson Anji , Romaniuk Helena
Published: April 2003

Background

Postnatal depression is associated with adverse child cognitive and socio-emotional outcome. It is not known whether psychological treatment affects the quality of the mother–child relationship and child outcome.

Aims

To evaluate the effect of three psychological treatments on the mother–child relationship and child outcome.

Method

Women with post-partum depression (n=193) were assigned randomly to routine primary care, non-directive counselling, cognitive–behavioural therapy or psychodynamic therapy. The women and their children were assessed at 4.5, 18 and 60 months post-partum.

Results

Indications of a positive benefit were limited. All three treatments had a significant benefit on maternal reports of early difficulties in relationships with the infants; counselling gave better infant emotional and behaviour ratings at 18 months and more sensitive early mother–infant interactions. The treatments had no significant impact on maternal management of early infant behaviour problems, security of infant–mother attachment, infant cognitive development or any child outcome at 5 years.

Conclusions

Early intervention was of short-term benefit to the mother–child relationship and infant behaviour problems. More-prolonged intervention may be needed. Health visitors could deliver this.
Combination ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers for Hypertension
Authors: Finnegan Patrick M , Gleason Brenda L
Published: April 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To review data concerning combined angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) therapy for hypertension.

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE (1966–April 2003), IPA (1970–April 2003), and EMBASE (1974–April 2003) with search terms of ACE inhibitor, angiotensin receptor blocker, essential hypertension, and combination therapy.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

ACE inhibitors provide incomplete blockade of the renin–angiotensin system, sometimes leading to loss of blood pressure control. Addition of ARBs may in theory further reduce blood pressure. Studies of combined ACE inhibitor and ARB therapy for managing hypertension were evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS:

While studies have shown statistically significant blood pressure reductions with ACE/ARB combination therapy, clinical significance is lacking. Further trials are needed before routine use of the combination can be recommended.