bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Immunology of Leishmania Infection and the Implications for Vaccine Development
Authors: VANLOUBBEECK YANNICK , JONES DOUGLAS E.
Published: December 2004

Abstract: Leishmania parasites are vector‐borne protozoal pathogens found in tropical and subtropical regions of both the Old and New World. These parasites can cause visceral or cutaneous disease, and the pathology of the infection is determined by both host immune factors and species/strain differences of the parasite. Dogs are an important reservoir for maintaining the population of Leishmania parasites that can lead to visceral leishmaniasis in humans, and a vaccination approach may be an effective method for reducing the numbers of infected dogs. Resistance to leishmaniasis has been consistently associated with a T helper 1 immune response, characterized by the production of IFN‐gamma by the antigen‐specific lymphocyte population. The development of this Th1 response has been shown to be dependent upon both cytokines and dendritic cells during T cell activation. However, the development of a Leishmania vaccine effective in preventing these chronic diseases has proven to be a challenge. Vaccine trials have focused on whole‐killed or subunit vaccines with adjuvants. Newer experimental strategies involve the attenuation of the Leishmania parasite via gene deletion technologies or the expression of specific Leishmania peptides within attenuated organisms, such as Bacillus Calmette Guérin. DNA vaccines and dendritic cell potentiators, such as CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and Flt‐3 ligand, are also in the early stage of development. In addition, as part of blocking the transmission cycle of leishmaniasis, several laboratories are also exploring the possibility of immunomodulating the host toward the bite of the sand fly.
Expression of connexins during differentiation and regeneration of skeletal muscle: functional relevance of connexin43
Authors: Araya Roberto , Eckardt Dominik , Maxeiner Stephan , Krüger Olaf , Theis Martin , Willecke Klaus , Sáez Juan C.
Published: December 2004

The molecular mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle regeneration and differentiation are not well understood. We analyzed the expression of connexins (Cxs) 40, 43 and 45 in normal and regenerating tibialis anterior muscle and in primary cultures of differentiating myoblasts in adult and newborn mice, respectively. Cxs 45 and 43, but not 40, were strongly expressed in normal muscle and their expression was upregulated during regeneration. Furthermore, the functional role of Cx43 during differentiation and regeneration was examined after induced deletion of Cx43 in transgenic mice. In vivo, the inducible deletion of Cx43 delayed the formation of myofibers and prolonged the expression of myogenin during regeneration. In primary cultures of satellite cell-derived myoblasts, induced deletion of Cx43 led to decreased expression of myogenin and MyoD, dye coupling, creatine kinase activity and myoblast fusion. Thus, the expression of Cx45 and Cx43 is upregulated during skeletal muscle regeneration and Cx43 is required for normal myogenesis in vitro and adult muscle regeneration in vivo.
Student Perceptions of Reading Engagement: Learning From the Learners
Authors: Pflaum Susanna W. , Bishop Penny A.
Published: December 2004

This article presents the results of qualitative research into how middle school students experience school reading. Students from grades 4 through 8 from four different schools were asked individually to draw and then to talk about specific times of their choice when they were and were not engaged in learning. The combined method of drawing and talk encouraged deep reflection on the part of the students. The results indicated why students generally found silent, independent reading to be motivating and engaging and offered evidence that, for the most part, students disliked oral reading, not only because of qualms about audience but also because it hindered their comprehension. The students did not perceive that there was much instruction in reading strategies in school. The reading these students perceived as school reading differs from recommendations in the literature. In addition to considering these differences in the implications we draw for educators, we include suggestions about the usefulness of inviting students to draw and talk about the process of reading and to talk about their experiences of school reading.
A Novel Water‐Soluble m‐TPPTC Ligand: Steric and Electronic Features –Recent Developments in Pd‐ and Rh‐Catalyzed CC Bond Formations
Authors: Genin Emilie , Amengual Rémi , Michelet Véronique , Savignac Monique , Jutand Anny , Neuville Luc , Genêt Jean‐Pierre
Published: December 2004

The steric and electronic features of the novel water‐soluble phosphane m‐TPPTC have been determined using NMR, IR and UV‐VIS spectroscopic methods and compared to the well‐known sulfonated analogue TPPTS. The higher basicity of m‐TPPTC compared to TPPTS had an influence (selectivity and efficiency) either on Pd‐ or Rh‐catalyzed CC bond formations reactions. The Sonogashira copper‐free cross‐couplings of aryl iodides and ortho‐functionalized aryl iodides were efficiently performed using the carboxylated phosphane m‐TPPTC leading to the alkynes in high yields. The Pd/m‐TPPTC system was found to be efficiently recycled under mild biphasic conditions in the Sonogashira reaction.
Coarsening of immiscible co‐continuous blends during quiescent annealing
Authors: Yuan Zhenhua , Favis Basil D.
Published: December 2004

The quiescent annealing of four different co‐continuous polystyrene/high‐density polyethylene blends of widely different viscosity ratios were examined at three different temperatures. In addition, the coarsening of a co‐continuous poly(methyl‐methacrylate)/high‐density polyethylene blend was also studied. Since the morphology of co‐continuous systems is very difficult to accurately analyze using microscopic techniques, the pore dimensions of the PS and PMMA phase are characterized, after solvent extraction, using mercury porosimetry. The volume average pore diameter is used in order to track the large pores in the system. A significant coarsening effect, as evidenced by the growth of pore size, is observed. For these uncompatibilized systems a direct relationship between pore size R and annealing time t (R ∼ kt) is observed. Using a conceptual model of co‐continuity, based on thin and thick rods, it is proposed that the driving force for the coarsening process is a capillary pressure effect. The differences in capillary pressure throughout the co‐continuous structure result in the continuous merging of thin parts toward the thick ones. This process is confirmed through the presence of a large number of extremely thin threads in contact with very thick ones after annealing. In order to understand the factors influencing the coarsening rate we have adapted an approach used for phase separation. The thick rod is treated as a cylindrical thread which cannot breakup via a capillary instability due to the numerous branches which continuously feed it. In such a case it is proposed that the rate of growth of the distortion amplitude, dα/dt, taken from Tomotika's analysis for capillary instabilities, can be directly related to the coarsening rate, dR/dt. Since α0/R0 (the ratio of the initial distortion amplitude to the initial thread radius) is found to be constant for all of the co‐continuous systems studied, all of the coarsening rates for the various systems are controlled by the interfacial tension, the zero shear viscosity of the surrounding medium and Ω from Tomotika theory. An excellent correlation of this model is demonstrated for all of the systems studied. These results and the proposed mechanism also indicate that the quiescent coarsening of immiscible co‐continuous blends can continue over long time periods while still maintaining co‐continuity and, hence, can provide an important route toward morphology control in percolated systems. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51:271–280, 2005
Effect of heating rate on kinetics of high‐temperature reactions: Mo‐Si system
Authors: Kharatyan Suren L. , Chatilyan Hakob A. , Mukasyan Alexander S. , Simonetti Dante A. , Varma Arvind
Published: December 2004

By using the Computer Assisted Electrothermography (CAE) method and taking the molybdenum‐silicon system as an example, the influence of preheating rate on the kinetics of gasless reactions at high temperatures (above Si melting point, 1683 K) is studied. It is shown that an increase of heating rate Vh in the range 10–105 K/s, leads to a substantial increase in the rate of chemical reaction. At high heating rates (>103 K/s), the first stage of interaction involves rapid reaction due to the direct dissolution of Mo in the Si melt. Furthermore, the formation of MoSi2 phase, owing both to crystallization from eutectic (MoSi2‐Si) melt and reaction‐diffusion mechanism, is primarily responsible for the observed intensive heat release under these conditions. At lower Vh, a thin layer of Mo5Si3 phase formed at earlier stages (solid‐solid interaction) significantly retards reaction at higher temperatures and changes the mechanism of interaction. Some methodological aspects of using the CAE technique for kinetic studies are also discussed. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 51: 261–270, 2005
Pulsed electromagnetic fields induce peripheral nerve regeneration and endplate enzymatic changes
Authors: De Pedro J.A. , Pérez‐Caballer A.J. , Dominguez J. , Collía F. , Blanco J. , Salvado M.
Published: December 2004

An experimental study was carried out in rats with the purpose of demonstrating the capacity of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) to stimulate regeneration of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Wistar and Brown Norway (BN) rats were used. Direct sciatic nerve anastomoses were performed after section or allograft interposition. Treatment groups then received 4 weeks of PEMFs. Control groups received no stimulation. The evaluation of the results was carried out by quantitative morphometric analysis, demonstrating a statistically significant increase in regeneration indices (P < 0.05) in the stimulated groups (9000 ± 5000 and 4000 ± 6000) compared to the non‐stimulated groups (2000 ± 4000 and 700 ± 200). An increase of NAD specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) activity was found along with an increase in the activity of acetyl cholinesterase at the motor plate. The present study might lead to the search for new alternatives in the stimulation of axonal regenerative processes in the PNS and other possible clinical applications. Bioelectromagnetics 26:20–27, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the thermal noise limit of cellular membranes
Authors: Vincze Gy. , Szasz N. , Szasz A.
Published: December 2004

Comparison of thermal noise limits and the effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields (LFEMF) on the cellular membrane have important implications for the study of bioelectro‐magnetism in this regime. Over a decade ago, Weaver and Astumian developed a model to show that thermal noise can limit the efficacy of LFEMF. A recent report by Kaune [Kaune (2002) Bioelectromagnetics 23:622–628], however, contradicted their findings. Kaune assumes that the conductance noise current of cell membrane can be decomposed into two components, where one of them is identical regarding all segments (coherent), while the other is different (incoherent). Besides, this decomposition is not unequivocal and contradicts to the statistical independence of the segment noise currents, and therefore to the second law of thermodynamics as well. We suggest the procedure based on the method of symmetrical components, by the means of which we can re‐interpret the result of Kaune in a correct way. Bioelectromagnetics 26:28–35, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of 25 mT static magnetic field on blood pressure in reserpine‐induced hypotensive Wistar‐Kyoto rats
Authors: Okano Hideyuki , Masuda Hiroshi , Ohkubo Chiyoji
Published: December 2004

We investigated the interrelated antihypotensive effects of static magnetic fields (SMF) and plasma catecholamine levels in reserpine‐induced hypotensive Wistar‐Kyoto rats. Seven‐week‐old male rats were exposed to two different ranges of SMF intensities, 3.0–10 mT (Bmax) or 7.5–25 mT (Bmax) for 12 weeks. Six experimental groups of 10 animals each were examined: (1) no exposure with intraperitoneal (ip) saline injection (sham exposed control); (2) 10 mT SMF exposure with ip saline injection (10 mT); (3) 25 mT SMF exposure with ip saline injection (25 mT); (4) no exposure with ip reserpine injection (RES); (5) 10 mT SMF exposure with ip reserpine injection (10 mT + RES); (6) 25 mT SMF exposure with ip reserpine injection (25 mT + RES). Reserpine (5 mg/kg) was administered three times a week for 12 weeks, and 18 h after each injection, arterial blood pressure (BP), heart rate, skin blood flow, plasma nitric oxide metabolites, plasma catecholamine levels, and behavioral parameters of a functional observational battery (FOB) were monitored. The action of reserpine significantly decreased BP, reduced plasma norepinephrine (NE), increased the FOB hunched posture score and decreased the number of rearing events in the RES group, compared with the respective age‐matched control group. Exposure to 25 mT, but not 10 mT, for 2–12 weeks significantly prevented the reserpine‐induced decrease of BP in the 25 mT + RES group compared with the respective RES group. Moreover, exposure to 25 mT for 5 weeks partially suppressed the reserpine‐induced NE reduction, but did not bring about a complete reversal of reserpine effects. NE levels for the 25 mT + RES group for 5 weeks were significantly higher compared with the RES group, but still lower compared with the control group. In addition, the FOB hunched posture score for the 25 mT + RES group was significantly lower and the number of rearing events was higher compared with the RES group, but these behavioral parameters did not revert to control levels. There were no significant differences in any of the physiological or behavioral parameters measured between the 10 mT + RES and RES groups, nor between the two different SMF groups and the control group. These results indicate that 25 mT SMF with spatial gradients significantly suppressed the reserpine‐induced hypotension and bradykinesia. The antihypotensive effects of SMF on the reserpine‐treated group might be at least partially related to the inhibition of NE depletion. Bioelectromagnetics 26:36–48, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuronal outgrowth of PC‐12 cells after combined treatment with nerve growth factor and a magnetic field: Influence of the induced electric field strength
Authors: Schimmelpfeng J. , Weibezahn K.‐F. , Dertinger H.
Published: December 2004

In view of possible therapeutic applications of magnetic fields, the effect of an enhancement of neuronal outgrowth at higher figures of flux density and induced field strength was investigated. On the average sinusoidal magnetic field treatment at 100 μTrms/50 Hz did not change nerve growth factor (NGF) induced neurite outgrowth to a statistically significant extent. These results suggest that further increasing the induced field strength by using either higher flux densities and/or more sophisticated wave forms might be necessary to cause the neuronal response of PC‐12 cells, as seen in other experiments. Bioelectromagnetics 26:74–77, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
3D reconstruction of the vessels that enter the right atrium of the mouse heart at Theiler Stage 20
Authors: Kaufman M.H. , Richardson L.
Published: December 2004

Computer‐generated 3D reconstructions of a serially sectioned mouse embryo at Theiler Stage (TS) 20 (E 12–12.5 d.p.c.) were studied. This study investigated the vessels that enter the right atrium of the heart and the drainage of the ductus venosus. It was principally undertaken to allow a comparison to be made between the situation in the mouse and at a comparable stage of human development. Later stages of prenatal development were also studied in the mouse by the analysis of serially sectioned embryos at TS 21–26. As no left brachiocephalic vein forms in the mouse, unlike the situation in the human, the left (cranial) superior vena cava drains via the left common cardinal vein, later to become the coronary sinus, into the floor of the right atrium. It was also noted that unlike the situation in the human, at no stage during the prenatal period does the ductus venosus enter the right atrium. Even shortly before birth, it enters the intra‐hepatic part of the inferior vena cava at a considerable distance caudal to the right atrium. This study indicates that the haemodynamics of the prenatal cardiac circulation in the mouse differs significantly from that in the human. Clin. Anat. 18:27–38, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Access and technology
Authors: Watson Lemuel W.
Published: December 2004

Community colleges are well positioned to provide underserved student populations with access to computer technology. This chapter explores the issues of access and technology from multiple perspectives in the community college, and explains how community colleges can develop a foundation for their technology plan.
Oregon's seventeen‐member statewide distance learning collaborative
Authors: Andrews Cynthia R.
Published: December 2004

This chapter recounts Oregon community colleges' challenges and successes in developing a statewide distance learning consortium.
The use of cyclic symmetry in two‐dimensional elastic analysis by the element‐free Galerkin method
Authors: Yang Haitian , Liu Ling , Han Zhi
Published: December 2004

Rotationally periodic (or cyclic) symmetry is exploited in the elastic analysis by the element‐free Galerkin method for two‐dimensional systems under arbitrary load conditions. It is proved that the coefficient matrices of the global EFG equations for the rotationally periodic system are block‐circulant so long as a kind of symmetry‐adapted reference co‐ordinate system is adopted. Furthermore, the computational convenience and efficiency, which can be achieved by exploiting this property, are demonstrated, and an efficient algorithm is presented. A numerical example is given to illustrate the advantages of such exploitation of symmetry in the context. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency of boundary element methods for time‐dependent convective heat diffusion at high Peclet numbers
Authors: Grigoriev M. M. , Dargush G. F.
Published: December 2004

A higher‐order boundary element method (BEM) recently developed by the current authors (Comput Methods Appl Mech Eng 2003; 192: 4281–4298; 4299–4312; 4313–4335) for time‐dependent convective heat diffusion in two‐dimensions appears to be a very attractive tool for efficient simulations of transient linear flows. However, the previous BEM formulation is restricted to relatively small time step sizes (i.e. Δt⩽4κ/V2) owing to the convergence issues of the time series for the kernel representation within a time interval. This paper extends the boundary element formulation in a way to allow time step sizes several orders of magnitude larger than in the previous approach. We consider an example problem of thermal propagation, and investigate the accuracy and efficiency of BEM formulations for Peclet numbers in the range from 103 to 105. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
D cyclins in lymphocytes
Authors: Kaplan David , Meyerson Howard , Husel William , Lewandowska Kristine , MacLennan Grayden
Published: December 2004

Background

D cyclins are essential for the progression of cells through the G1 phase of the cell cycle. There are three distinct D cyclins. Cyclin D1 has been shown to be expressed by many different types of cells but not by lymphocytes. Cyclins D2 and D3 have been found in lymphocytes.

Methods

We used high‐resolution enzymatic amplification staining technology in conjunction with flow cytometry and confocal microscopy and with immunoblotting to reassess the expression of the D cyclins in human lymphocytes.

Results

Using high‐resolution technology for flow cytometry, we found all three D cyclins in quiescent human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cyclin D1 was expressed in quiescent and activated cells at levels commensurate with those of actively proliferating tumor cell lines. Cyclin D1 was functional inasmuch as it was complexed with CDK4. In the quiescent cells, cyclin D1 was expressed in the cytoplasm but, after activation, was found in the nucleus.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that lymphocytes express cyclin D1 and necessitate a reappraisal of the hypothesis that the D cyclins subsume redundant activities with tissue‐specific expression. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Natural, cost‐effective, and sustainable alternatives for treatment of aircraft deicing fluid waste
Authors: Castro Sigifredo , Davis Lawrence C. , Erickson Larry E.
Published: December 2004

The waste generated by aircraft deicing operations represents a threat to the environment arising from the high biological oxygen demand of propylene and ethylene glycols and the toxicity associated with some of the additives, such as the corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole. To date, there have not been any reports of wastewater treatment alternatives that completely degrade the toxic triazole components in the deicing waste. Constructed wetlands and land application can potentially take advantage of vegetation in two different ways: enhancement of biodegradation of glycols by the root‐bacteria symbiosis and transformation of benzotriazoles by plant enzymatic activities. In a plant treatment system, phytotransformation of the triazoles can follow a conventional biological wastewater treatment, which can be used for glycol degradation. This paper reviews the main aspects of aircraft deicing waste treatment, outlines the results from successful applications of constructed wetlands to treat glycol‐rich waste, and summarizes the experimental basis that demonstrates the benefits of using vegetation for decontamination of the main components of deicing waste. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2005
Dynamic Modelling and Simulation of a Fuel Cell Generator
Authors: Khan M. J. , Iqbal M. T.
Published: December 2004

In this paper the dynamics of a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell system and its associated power electronics are modelled and simulated. The fuel cell system model includes the dynamics of reactant flow, membrane resistance and charge, double layer capacitance as well as steady state equations. The DC Output of the 5 kW fuel cell stack is converted to 120 V, 60 Hz AC by a pulse width modulated inverter. The inverter output is held constant by a PID controller. Matlab‐Simulink™ and Power System Blockset (PSB) are used for the modelling and simulation of the fuel cell generator. The effects of load variation on output voltage, current, and fuel cell reactant flows are investigated. Simulation results indicate that variations in the systems electrical and physical parameters are within acceptable limits. Such a fuel cell generator could be used in grid connected and stand‐alone applications.
Experience with Non‐Linear Model Identification for Fuel Cell Plants
Authors: Jurado F.
Published: December 2004

It is likely that fuel cells will be a dominant distributed energy resource. The computational burden required for the simulation is highly dependent on the complexity and accuracy of each model. The manufacturer often needs to provide the user with a reliable low‐complexity prototype model of the fuel cell, sufficiently accurate for the above application.

In this paper the non‐linear autoregressive exogenous (NARX) approach is used to analyse the dynamics of this fuel cell.
About the Choice of the Protogenic Group in PEM Separator Materials for Intermediate Temperature, Low Humidity Operation: A Critical Comparison of Sulfonic Acid, Phosphonic Acid and Imidazole Functionalized Model Compounds
Authors: Schuster M. , Rager T. , Noda A. , Kreuer K. D. , Maier J.
Published: December 2004

Traditionally, sulfonated polymers are used as separator materials in PEM fuel cells. Based on recent experimental results on model compounds this paper critically discusses the potentials and limits of sulfonic acid and alternatively phosphonic acid and heterocycles (imidazole) as protogenic groups for PEM fuel cell electrolytes operating at intermediate temperatures (T > 100 °C) and low humidification. Apart from transport properties, the stability and reactivity of mono‐functionalized model compounds (1‐heptylsulfonic acid (S‐C7), 1‐heptylphosphonic acid (P‐C7) and 2‐heptyl‐imidazole (I‐C7)) and a few diphosphonic acids are examined under wet and dry conditions. These are characterized with respect to their proton conductivity (ac impedance spectroscopy), proton diffusion coefficient (pulsed‐field gradient NMR), thermo‐oxidative stability (TGA under air), electrochemical stability (cyclic voltammetry) and their hydration behavior (TGA under water vapor). The sulfonic acid functionalized compound shows reasonable properties only when a minimum hydration level is guaranteed, while phosphonic acid functionalized compounds combine satisfactory proton conductivity even in the water‐free state at intermediate temperatures (T < 200 °C), comparatively high thermo‐oxidative and electrochemical stability and electrochemical reactivity (hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction at platinum surfaces). The presence of water leads to moderate water uptake allowing for reasonable conductivities even at room temperature and prevents condensation reactions at higher temperature. The imidazole based system shows the largest electrochemical stability window, but its moderate proton conductivity and thermo‐oxidative stability and the very high overpotential for oxygen reduction on platinum turn out to be severe disadvantages for the envisaged application.
Towards virtual enterprises
Authors: Kierzkowski Zbigniew
Published: December 2004

Future institutions and enterprises, called virtual organizations are formed by society as entirely decentralized and distributed organizations. In virtual organizations, new forms of intellectual human cooperation smooth traditional competition. The place of traditional hierarchy is replaced by cooperation coordination. Cooperation economy in virtual organizations going out of their framework, conditioned by factors of the society organization as integrity, becomes a modification of economy of societal integrity, so‐called new entity economy. The personality of human work as well as work organization is changing. The work and people's interdependence problems and human work organization depend on virtual cooperation in real‐time and a communication environment of storing and exchanging resources and coordination of documents' circle. The organization of human cooperation is comprised of two factors: first, a computer and information factor that promotes the creation and improvement of information resources, synthesis of processing methods, and information environment helping team‐work; second, a communication and organizational factor that incorporates the problems of the synthesis of storing structures, computer information exchange, and interactive direct communication. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 49–69, 2005.
Africa in the era of socioeconomic globalization: A personal perspective
Authors: Kiezun Witold
Published: December 2004

The socioeconomic situation in Africa, the poorest continent in the world, is described. In an era of globalization, the progressing economic stratification between North and South Africa and the dictatorships present in a number of African countries cannot be tolerated. New economic solutions for stimulating industrial development in Africa are proposed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 15: 127–132, 2005.
Tape‐casting technique can prepare β‐TCP sheets with uniform thickness and flexibility
Authors: Tanimoto Yasuhiro , Hayakawa Tohru , Nemoto Kimiya
Published: December 2004

The objective of this study is to propose a new fabrication technology for bone substitutes. In this study, a tape‐casting method was used to prepare flexible β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) sheets. A β‐TCP slurry containing a binder and plasticizer was used in a doctor blade system. The β‐TCP sheet obtained by this tape‐casting method was highly flexible, enabling twisting and free‐form shaping. The β‐TCP sheet was approximately 0.21 mm thick. X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry revealed that the structure of the β‐TCP component in the sheet is the same as that of the original β‐TCP powder. Observation by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy showed that the β‐TCP sheet had a flat, microgranular surface. During the early stages, the tensile stress–strain curves of the β‐TCP sheet showed a nonlinear behavior until reaching the point of final fracture. This result was derived from the ductile property of the prepared β‐TCP sheet. In conclusion, a flexible β‐TCP sheet was easily prepared using a tape‐casting technique. Fabrication using tape casting offers the advantages of enabling the preparation of ceramic sheets with precise thickness and not requiring expensive fabrication facilities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 73B: 157–163, 2005
Molecular and epidemiological features of norovirus‐associated gastroenteritis outbreaks in Victoria, Australia in 2001
Authors: Marshall John A. , Dimitriadis Anna , Wright Peter J.
Published: December 2004

Norovirus was identified in 30 of 59 gastroenteritis outbreaks occurring in the state of Victoria, Australia in 2001 by RT‐PCR and/or electron microscopy (EM). Norovirus outbreaks occurred in hostels/nursing homes (27%), hospitals (13%), youth refuges (3%), social gatherings associated with food consumption (27%), school outings/camps (13%), and pre‐school/child‐minding centers (17%). Norovirus outbreaks tended to occur in the warmer months. Phylogenetic analysis identified six clusters, one within genogroup 1 (G1) and five within genogroup 2 (G2). Cluster 1, which incorporates the G2 Camberwell/Lordsdale strains, was the most common (39% of outbreaks). In 2 of 27 outbreaks, strains from two G2 clusters, 1 and 5, occurred. Norovirus G2 was more common in the young and very old than in those in intermediate years. Norovirus G2 detection rate was higher in females than in males for adults (>15 years) and the susceptibility of adult females to norovirus G2 infection relative to males increased with age. In one outbreak analyzed, some sequences had a single base substitution, but this did not result in an amino acid (aa) change. The two most common norovirus clusters (G2 clusters 1 and 4) occurred in the capital of Victoria, Melbourne, and regional Victoria, but the least common clusters (G2 clusters 2 and 3 and G1 cluster 8) only occurred in inner Melbourne. Norovirus was occasionally detected by EM but not by RT‐PCR. The occurrence of norovirus outbreaks is modulated by a large group of factors, which will have to be considered in any epidemiological model. J. Med. Virol. 75:321–331, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful use of intralesional and intravenous cidofovir in association with indole‐3‐carbinol in an 8‐year‐old girl with pulmonary papillomatosis
Authors: de Bilderling Georges , Bodart Eddy , Lawson Georges , Tuerlinckx David , Remacle Marc , Naesens Lieve , Clercq Erik De , Snoeck Robert
Published: December 2004

We report the history of an 8‐year‐old girl who was treated for suspected lung lesions of respiratory papillomatosis with Indole‐3‐Carbinol, local and intravenous injections of Cidofovir for 27 months. This is the first report where a complete cure of the lung lesions occurred in a child, and was sustained for at least 24 months. J. Med. Virol. 75:332–335, 2005. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased thrombin inhibition in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Beilin Orit , Karussis Dimitrios M. , Korczyn Amos D. , Gurwitz David , Aronovich Ramona , Hantai Daniel , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Mizrachi‐Kol Rachel , Chapman Joab
Published: December 2004

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), are inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Activated coagulation factors are associated with inflammation and are elevated in the plasma of animals with EAE. Thrombin is a key coagulation factor and its major endogenous inhibitors are antithrombin III (ATIII) in the plasma and protease nexin 1 (PN‐1) in the brain. We measured the capacity of brain homogenates to inhibit exogenous thrombin and the CNS levels of ATIII and PN‐1 during the course of EAE. Acute EAE was induced in SJL/J mice by immunization with mouse spinal cord homogenates. On Days 8, 13, and 22 post‐immunization, inhibition of exogenous thrombin activity was measured by a recently developed fluorimetric assay. PN‐1 and ATIII were assayed both by immunohistochemistry and by immunoblots in the brain and spinal cord. Total brain thrombin inhibitory activity increased (32%) in EAE mice at the peak of clinical disease (Day 13, P = 0.04 compared to controls). Brain ATIII also increased at the peak of disease (2.5‐fold higher than controls, P = 0.0001), and correlated significantly with clinical scores at all stages of disease (r = 0.72, P = 0.0068). In contrast, PN‐1 elevations were more pronounced at the preclinical stage on Day 8 (3‐fold higher than controls, P = 0.01) than on Day 13 (1.4‐fold higher, P = 0.005). Increased brain thrombin inhibition at the clinical peak of EAE probably reflects increased influx of plasma thrombin inhibitors. Early PN‐1 changes represent a potential target for thrombin modulating drugs in EAE and MS. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cholecystokinin inhibits evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents in the rat nucleus accumbens indirectly through γ‐aminobutyric acid and γ‐aminobutyric acid type B receptors
Authors: Kombian Samuel B. , Ananthalakshmi Kethireddy V.V. , Parvathy Subramanian S. , Matowe Wandikayi C.
Published: December 2004

We recently reported that cholecystokinin (CCK) excited nucleus accumbens (NAc) cells and depressed excitatory synaptic transmission indirectly through γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), acting on presynaptic GABAB receptors (Kombian et al. [2004] J. Physiol. 555:71–84). The present study tested the hypothesis that CCK modulates inhibitory synaptic transmission in the NAc. Using in vitro forebrain slices containing the NAc and whole‐cell patch recording, we examined the effects of CCK on evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) recorded at a holding potential of −80 mV throughout CCK‐8S caused a reversible inward current accompanied by a concentration‐dependent decrease in evoked IPSC amplitude. Maximum IPSC depression was ∼25% at 10 μM, with an estimated EC50 of 0.1 μM. At 1 μM, CCK‐8S induced an inward current of 28.3 ± 4.8 pA (n = 6) accompanied by an IPSC depression of −18.8% ± 1.6% (n = 6). This CCK‐induced IPSC depression was blocked by pretreatment with proglumide (100 μM; −3.7% ± 6.9%; n = 4) and by LY225910 (100 nM), a selective CCKB receptor antagonist (4.4% ± 2.6%; n = 4). It was not blocked by SCH23390 (10 μM; −23.5% ± 1.3%; P < 0.05; n = 7) or sulpiride (10 μM; −21.8% ± 5.1%; P < 0.05; n = 4), dopamine receptor antagonists. By contrast, it was blocked by CGP55845 (1 μM; −0.4% ± 3.4%; n = 5) a potent GABAB receptor antagonist, and by forskolin (50 μM; 9.9% ± 5.2%; n = 4), an adenylyl cyclase activator, and H‐89 (1 μM; 6.9% ± 3.9%; n = 4), a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. These results indicate that CCK acts on CCKB receptors to increase extracellular levels of GABA, which then acts on GABAB receptors to decrease IPSC amplitude. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the neuronal marker NeuN as a multiply phosphorylated antigen with discrete subcellular localization
Authors: Lind Daniela , Franken Sebastian , Kappler Joachim , Jankowski Jakob , Schilling Karl
Published: December 2004

NeuN (neuronal nuclei) is an antigen used widely in research and diagnostics to identify postmitotic neurons. The present study aims at an initial understanding of the molecular nature and functional significance of this as yet ill‐defined antigen. Using isoelectric focusing, both the 46‐ and 48‐kDa isoforms of NeuN can be separated in multiple spots spanning a pH range of 8–10.5, suggesting that they might be phosphorylated. Enzymatic dephosphorylation abolishes NeuN immunoreactivity, confirming that NeuN is indeed a phosphoprotein, and establishing that binding of the defining antibody depends on its state of phosphorylation. Combined biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis show that both the 46‐ and the 48‐kDa NeuN isoforms can be localized to the cell nucleus as well as in the neuronal cytoplasm. Their relative concentration in these compartments is distinct, however, with the 48‐kDa isoform being the predominant isoform in the cytoplasm. Within the nucleus, NeuN is found preferentially in areas of low chromatin density and virtually excluded from areas containing densely packed DNA. The present identification of multiple differentially phosphorylated isoforms of NeuN, together with recent reports on the dependence of NeuN immunoreactivity levels on a variety of physiologic or pathologic signals, suggests a previously unappreciated level of complexity in the regulation of this enigmatic, neuron‐specific antigen. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chronic endothelin exposure inhibits connexin43 expression in cultured cortical astroglia
Authors: Rozyczka Joanna , Figiel Maciej , Engele Jürgen
Published: December 2004

Severe brain lesions are accompanied by sustained increases in endothelin (ET) levels, which in turn profoundly affect brain microcirculation and neural cell function. A known response of astrocytes to acute increases in ET levels is the rapid and transient closure of gap junctions and the subsequent decrease of gap junction‐mediated intercellular communication (GJIC). Because evidence exists that the loss of GJIC alters astrocytic gene expression, we analyzed the effects of chronic ET exposure on astrocytic gap junction coupling. We found that within 24 hr, cultured cortical astrocytes respond to low nanomolar concentrations (2–10 nM) of either ET‐1 or ET‐3 with a robust inhibition of connexin (Cx)43 expression, the major junctional protein in astrocytes, and a subsequent decline of GIJC. We further observed that in the continuous presence of ETs, Cx43 expression remained inhibited for at least 7 days. In addition, a similar decrease of Cx43 expression occurred in cultured spinal cord astrocytes maintained with ET‐1 for 3 days. Applying ETs in combination with the highly selective ETA and ETB receptor antagonists, BQ123 and BQ788, respectively, revealed that the inhibitory influences on astrocytic Cx43 expression depend on activation of ETB receptors. We suggest that the observed ET‐dependent inhibition of Cx43 expression and the resulting decline of GJIC might represent a major pathway by which ETs regulate astrocytic gene expression in the injured brain. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gas‐phase reaction of Cl with dimethyl sulfide: Temperature and oxygen partial pressure dependence of the rate coefficient
Authors: Arsene C. , Barnes I. , Becker K. H. , Benter Th.
Published: December 2004

The kinetics of the reaction of Cl atoms with dimethyl sulfide has been investigated using a relative rate technique. Experiments were performed with oxygen partial pressures of 0, 200, and 500 mbar at a total pressure of 1000 mbar (N2 + O2) over the temperature range 283–308 K in a 1080 L reactor using long path in situ Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy to monitor the reactants. The 254 nm photolysis of trichloroacetyl chloride was used as the Cl atom source. Three reference hydrocarbons, cyclohexane, n‐butane, and propene were employed. Good agreement was found between the rate coefficients determined using the
different reference compounds. The rate coefficients were found to decrease with increasing temperature at constant O2 pressure and increase moderately with increasing O2 partial pressure at constant temperature. The temperature dependences of the Cl atom reaction with dimethyl sulfide for the three O2 partial pressure investigated can be expressed by the simple Arrhenius expressions: k = (4.22 ± 1.78) × 10−13 exp((1968 ± 379)/T), k = (5.42 ± 1.85) × 10−13 exp((1946 ± 381)/T), and k = (6.90 ± 2.04) × 10−13 exp((1912 ± 381)/T). The errors are a combination of the 2σ statistical errors from the kinetic data analysis plus an estimated systematic error that includes the error in the reference hydrocarbon. The mechanistic implications of the results are discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 66–73, 2005
Mass spectrometry and the search for moonlighting proteins
Authors: Jeffery Constance J.
Published: December 2004

Mass spectrometry has become one of the most important techniques in proteomics because of its use to identify the proteins found in different cell types, organelles, and multiprotein complexes. This information about protein location and binding partners can provide valuable clues to infer a protein's function. However, more and more proteins are found that “moonlight,” or have more than one function, and the presence of moonlighting proteins can make more difficult the identification of protein function in those studies. This review discusses examples of moonlighting proteins and how their presence can affect the results of mass spectrometry studies that identify the locations, levels, and changes in protein expression. Although the presence of moonlighting proteins can complicate the results of those studies, mass spectrometry‐derived protein‐expression profiles potentially provides a very powerful method to find additional moonlighting proteins because they do not require a prior hypothesis of the protein's function. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 24:772–782, 2005
Band‐notched ultra‐wideband planar‐monopole antenna
Authors: Su Saou‐Wen , Wong Kin‐Lu , Tang Chia‐Lun
Published: December 2004

An ultra‐wideband (UWB) planar metal‐plate monopole antenna with a band‐notch characteristic is presented. The proposed planar metal‐plate monopole antenna is embedded with an inverted U‐shape slot, whose length is selected to be a half‐wavelength at the desired notched frequency. By adjusting the slot length, the notched frequency band within the antenna's operating bandwidth can be easily controlled. A design example for an UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz) planar metal‐plate monopole antenna with a notched frequency band at 5 GHz is demonstrated. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 217–219, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20592
A novel propagation‐prediction model for small rooms with metallic furniture
Authors: Chen Chun‐Ming , Chiu Chien‐Ching , Chen Chien‐Hung , Chen Yueh‐Cheng
Published: December 2004

The implementation of wireless local area networks (WLANs) inside buildings is growing rapidly. It is important to predict the indoor coverage zone. The propagation‐prediction models proposed in recent years have paid attention to the effects of propagation and reflection. But in a small room with metallic furniture, diffraction is the main influence upon path loss. Propagation loss and the diffraction loss are considered in the propagation‐prediction model that we propose in this paper. The simulation and measurement results are obtained in order to verify the feasibility of this model. The mean error between the measurement and simulation results is within 2 dB. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 281–284, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20611
Remarks on “group velocity, negative and ultra‐high index of refraction in photonic band gap materials”
Authors: Gómez Alvaro , Vegas Angel , Solano Miguel A.
Published: December 2004

In the paper of Ojha et al. (Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42 (2004), 82–87), an erroneous definition of the effective refractive index neff in a photonic band gap (PBG) structure is used. The effective refractive index neff is defined as a function of the group velocity; this suffers from two main errors: firstly, the concept of group velocity is not useful in regions of anomalous dispersion, and this is just the region of interest for the calculus in Ojha et al. (Microwave Opt Technol Lett 42 (2004), 82–87) of neff of the PBG structure, and secondly, in any case the refractive index has to be defined in terms of the phase velocity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 302–303, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20617
Effect of anoxia‐glucopenia and re‐superfusion on intrinsic nerves of mammalian detrusor smooth muscle: Importance of glucose metabolism
Authors: Pessina Federica , Solito Raffaella , Maestrini Debora , Gerli Renato , Sgaragli Giampietro
Published: December 2004

Aims

To investigate the effect of anoxia/glucopenia and re‐superfusion on intrinsic nerves in the mammalian urinary bladder.

Methods

Strips of detrusor smooth muscle were dissected from monkey and human urinary bladder and mounted for tension recording in organ baths superfused with Krebs solution. Human, monkey, and guinea‐pig urinary bladders were treated to evaluate glycogen contents by a biochemical method.

Results

Detrusor strips from both monkeys and humans had to be exposed to anoxia‐glucopenia for up to 2–2.5 hr to observe a progressive decline in the response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) of the intrinsic nerves, at variance with guinea‐pig detrusor strips. In contrast, the response to direct activation of the smooth muscle with carbachol remained almost unaltered. Incubation of human and monkey detrusor strips with 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG) during 1 hr anoxia‐glucopenia, however, caused a marked damage to the intrinsic nerves. The glycogen contents of both human detrusor specimens and monkey urinary bladders were 2.0‐ and 1.4‐fold higher, respectively, than that found in guinea‐pig urinary bladder; furthermore, untreated monkey detrusor sections showed a greater number of glycogen granules as compared to those subjected to anoxia‐glucopenia and re‐superfusion. In guinea‐pig and in monkey detrusor sections glycogen granules were found in smooth muscle cells but not in neurons of intramural ganglia.

Conclusions

A higher susceptibility of guinea‐pig as compared to monkey and human nerves has been demonstrated; it is suggested that anaerobic glucose metabolism during anoxia‐glucopenia is crucial for the functional recovery of detrusor intrinsic nerves from damage caused by anoxia‐glucopenia and re‐superfusion. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.