bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermogenic flowering of the giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhizos, Araceae)
Authors: Ivancic Anton , Roupsard Olivier , Garcia José Quero , Lebot Vincent , Pochyla Vesna , Okpul Tom
Published: July 2005

The investigations of thermogenesis of Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G. Don inflorescences took place from December 2002 to February 2003, and from February 2004 to March 2004, in one of the wild populations on Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu (South Pacific). Temperatures were measured with six Copper-Constantan (type T) infra-millimetric thermocouples wired to a Campbell Scientific 10X data logger. The thermogenic period lasted 3642 h, and heating was documented on the male part and the sterile appendix. The highest temperatures were recorded on the sterile appendix. They started to rise slightly before midnight and peaked between 0545 and 0600, when the inflorescence odour became the most intense. The average maximum temperature of 59 investigated inflorescences was 43.9 ± 0.6 °C. The absolute maximum was 47.4 °C. The maximum deviation from the ambient air temperature was 25.6 °C. The heating of the male part began 1015 h before the inflorescence odour became the most intense and ended 23 h after the release of pollen. Its temperatures had two peaks: the first one appeared 15 min after the temperature peak of the sterile appendix, whereas the second one appeared at the time of the release of pollen. The dominating visitors of the flowering inflorescences were earwigs (Labidura truncata Kirby, Labiduridae, Dermaptera). Seed set was extremely rare.Key words: giant taro, Alocasia macrorrhizos, thermogenesis, inflorescence development, pollination.
Carbohydrate reserves inAcer saccharumtrees damaged during the January 1998 ice storm in northern New York
Authors: Wong B L , Staats L J , Burfeind A S , Baggett K L , Rye A H
Published: July 2005

To assess the effect of the ice storm of January 1998 on sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) tree health, starch, and soluble sugars in twigs from two damaged sugarbushes (younger: trees 50100 years old, and older: trees approximately 200 years old) in northern New York were measured throughout the leafless phase (September 1998  May 1999). Trees severely damaged by the ice storm exhibited signs of recovery during the first growth season (1998), that is, greater numbers of lateral (epicormic) shoots and increased wood production in the current year growth ring of branches at mid-crown, and high concentrations of starch in the twigs at the time of leaf drop. Differences in reserve and soluble sugar profiles between damaged and slightly damaged or undamaged sugar maple trees and between trees of the older sugarbush and those of the younger sugarbush indicate changes in cold season physiology of damaged trees in adapting to or tolerating cold temperature. In damaged trees of the younger and older sugarbushes, the profiles of sucrose, stachyose, raffinose, and xylose were similar to those of corresponding slightly damaged or undamaged trees throughout the cold season, except for late winter sucrose, glucose, and fructose profiles, which exhibited differences in concentration and profile configurations compared with respective slightly damaged or undamaged trees. A lower concentration of sucrose in damaged older tree wood tissue after dehardening in late winter and a lower concentration of "resynthesized" starch just prior to vernal growth were observed. The data indicate that the profiles of individual sugars can provide information on changes in physiological and biochemical processes in damaged trees during the cold season.Key words: starch, sucrose, glucose, fructose, raffinose, stachyose.
Patterns of willow seed dispersal, seed entrapment, and seedling establishment in a heavily browsed montane riparian ecosystem
Authors: Gage Edward A , Cooper David J
Published: July 2005

Declines in riparian willow (Salix spp.) communities in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA , coincident with a large increase in elk (Cervus elaphus L.) populations, has raised concerns about the future of willow communities. To identify possible constraints on willow establishment in two heavily browsed riparian areas, in 2000 and 2001, we examined seed dispersal phenology, germinability, and the spatial patterns of aerial seed rain, quantified the effects of soil surface relief, texture, and moisture on seed entrapment, and examined natural patterns of seedling emergence in relation to seed source proximity. All species dispersed seeds following peak streamflow and exhibited high germination rates (85%99%). Total seed rain differed between years, although broad spatial patterns were similar. Seed rain density as high as 7650 seeds/m2occurred in reference areas but declined by over two orders of magnitude in heavily disturbed areas and by >90% within 200 m of seed sources. Seed entrapment rates varied significantly with soil moisture and surface relief, but not with texture, and were low (<30%) regardless of treatment. Seedling density declined with distance from seed sources, suggesting that propagule availability may limit initial seedling establishment. Without a change in elk population or behavior, or intervention by park managers, degradation of willow communities will likely continue.Key words: Salix, riparian, dispersal, ungulates, elk.
Histidine kinase activity and the regulation of ethylene signal transduction
Authors: Mason Michael G , Schaller G Eric
Published: July 2005

Ethylene is a gaseous hormone that regulates many aspects of plant growth and development. Although the effect of ethylene on plant growth was discovered a century ago, the key players in the ethylene response pathway were only identified over the last 15 years. In Arabidopsis, ethylene is perceived by a family of five receptors (ETR1, ETR2, ERS1, ERS2, and EIN4) that resemble two-component histidine kinases. Of these, only ETR1 and ERS1 contain all the conserved residues required for histidine kinase activity. The ethylene receptors appear to function primarily through CTR1, a serine/threonine kinase that actively suppresses ethylene responses in air (absence of ethylene). Despite recent progress toward understanding ethylene signal transduction, the role of the ethylene-receptor histidine-kinase activity remains unclear. This review considers the significance of histidine kinase activity in ethylene signaling and possible mechanisms by which it may modulate ethylene responses.Key words: ethylene receptor, ETR1, histidine kinase, two-component, phosphorylation, Arabidopsis.
Ultraviolet photooxidation for the biodegradability enhancement of airborne o-xylene
Authors: Mohseni Madjid , Koh Loo-Hwa , Kuhn David CS , Allen D Grant
Published: July 2005

Ultraviolet (UV) photolysis was evaluated as a technique to convert recalcitrant aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into more biodegradable compounds. o-Xylene was investigated as the model compound due to its low biodegradability and low water solubility. o-Xylene contaminated gaseous streams with inlet loadings of up to 2700 g·m3·h1 were passed through an annular photoreactor equipped with a UV source emitting light at 254 nm and 185 nm wavelengths. Ultraviolet photolysis effectively degraded o-xylene at a maximum removal rate of about 700 g·m3·h1, with the principle oxidizing species being hydroxyl radical. Of the total o-xylene removed, measured as total organic carbon (TOC) or chemical oxygen demand (COD), between 30% and 50% was converted to water-soluble and more biodegradable intermediates. The biodegradability of the photolysis intermediates was comparable to that of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), which is 210 times more biodegradable than o-xylene. These results show that the use of UV photolysis is a promising and effective pretreatment technique for enhancing the biodegradability of recalcitrant organic compounds such as aromatics. Key words: VOC, o-xylene, photolysis, biodegradation, air treatment, biofiltration, ozone, hydrogen peroxide.
Response of a landfill drainage pipe buried in a trench
Authors: Brachman R WI , Krushelnitzky R P
Published: July 2005

The structural response of drainage pipes used in landfill leachate collection systems depends on the properties of both the pipe and the backfill soil, as well as the type of backfill configuration. The implications of using different backfill configurations for the structural performance of the pipe are discussed for laterally extensive blankets, mounds, and trenches. The objective of this paper is to quantify the structural performance of a landfill pipe when buried in a trench. Unlike in the trenches for many gravity-flow pipes, where only a proportion of the vertical overburden stresses may reach the pipe because of conventional trench arching, it is shown the stresses in a landfill trench may be larger than the overburden stresses. This occurs when the backfill in the trench is stiffer than the surrounding material, denoted as negative trench arching. Results from a large-scale laboratory test and numerical analysis of a pipe placed in a gravel trench cut into soft clay are presented. The configuration tested resulted in (a) negative trench arching that produced an increase in loads acting on the pipe; (b) softening of the gravel backfill surrounding the pipe, resulting in a decrease in pipe support; and (c) intrusion of clay into the voids between the gravel particles along the trench sidewall, causing a decrease in support to the pipe. All three of these factors resulted in increased pipe deflections.Key words: leachate collection pipe, landfill, polymer pipe, trench, arching.
Constitutive modeling of gassy sand behaviour
Authors: Grozic J LH , Imam S MR , Robertson P K , Morgenstern N R
Published: July 2005

The behaviour of loose gassy sand was investigated with the use of a constitutive model. The constitutive model was modified from an existing model that focused on assessing the liquefaction of loose sands over a wide range of states and loading conditions. The modifications involved taking into account the compressibility and solubility of the pore gas and liquids. Hilf's equation, which calculates the pore-pressure change in a gassy or unsaturated soil subjected to an applied total stress, was incorporated into the model formulation. The initial degree of saturation is needed for model prediction, and the coefficient of volumetric solubility (Henry's constant) was introduced as a new model parameter. The modified model was used to predict the effect of gas on the undrained static behaviour of loose sand. The laboratory results of saturated specimens were modeled, and the predicted and observed behaviours were found to agree well. Results from gassy specimens were also predicted, and again the model predictions matched the test results. The model was used to confirm that gas has the effect of decreasing, but not eliminating, the susceptibility of loose sand to flow liquefaction. The major shortcoming of the modified model was its inability to predict the slight increase in effective normal stress that was observed in the initial stages of all the undrained triaxial tests. This shortcoming resulted in differences between the predicted and observed behaviour especially of strain-hardening specimens.Key words: gassy soil, liquefaction, constitutive modeling, triaxial testing.
Importance of time step discretisation for nonlinear dynamic finite element analysis
Authors: Haigh S K , Ghosh B , Madabhushi S PG
Published: July 2005

The behaviour of saturated soils subjected to earthquake loading has been investigated using the finite element method in the time domain. Such analyses are able to capture the excess pore pressure generation and subsequent nonlinear behaviour of the soil. It is important, however, when carrying out such analyses to use adequately small time steps. It has been recognized by previous researchers that small time steps are needed for the numerical solution of wave propagation problems, whereas in this technical note, the importance of using very small time steps for the analysis of nonlinear liquefying soil is demonstrated. It is shown that satisfactory results can only be obtained from finite element analyses when the time steps used are shorter than one twentieth of the time taken for a shear wave to travel across the smallest element in the finite element mesh.Key words: dynamic finite element analysis, liquefaction, time discretisation.
Determination of ground reaction curve for hyperbolic soil model using the hodograph method
Authors: Mitaim Sanchai , Detournay Emmanuel
Published: July 2005

This paper reintroduces an efficient method for analyzing the problem of a deep circular tunnel and for determining the ground reaction curve (GRC). It is assumed that the tunnel is excavated in soilrock mass subjected to a hydrostatic in situ stress field under a plane strain condition. The constitutive law for the surrounding material is assumed to follow DuncanChang's hyperbolic stressstrain relation. The technique for analysis is known as Biot's hodograph method, which relies on expressing principal strains as functions of principal stresses. The problem is reduced to solving a first order differential equation for the hoop stress σθas a function of the radial stress σr. The GRCs are graphically presented in dimensionless form. It is shown that the hodograph method is straightforward and can be easily applied in engineering practice.Key words: circular tunnel, ground reaction curve, hyperbolic soil model, hodograph method.
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) recovery under a building with an in situ technology using micellar solutions
Authors: Martel Richard , Foy Stéfan , Saumure Laurent , Roy Annie , Lefebvre René , Therrien René , Gabriel Uta , Gélinas Pierre J
Published: July 2005

This paper presents laboratory studies, numerical modelling, and a soil washing field test as a remedial technology for mass reduction in a source zone of soil contaminated with the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Aroclor 1248 beneath an industrial building. Due to its high viscosity, the Aroclor 1248 is almost immobile in soils at this site. The objective was therefore to select products capable of dissolving the Aroclor in situ. In the laboratory phase, two surfactants and three alcohols were selected using 52 distinct phase diagrams. Alcohols and surfactants used either alone or in combination were tested in sand columns with contaminated soil from the site. The washing solution used in the field test was composed of an anionic surfactant (Nansa HS 85 S, a dodecylbenzene sulfonate) and an alcohol (n-butanol). In laboratory trials, this solution recovered 99% of initial PCBs by dissolution after the injection of 10 pore volumes of solution. During the field test, however, recovery rates reached only 25%. Low recovery can be explained by the presence of a surfactant in the soil prior to the experiment. This surfactant spilled accidentally within the ongoing production activity of the factory was similar to that injected in the experimental cell. It modified the ratio of alcohol to surfactant of the injected washing solution in the soil and caused the formation of a viscous gel, which partially plugged the porous media. Phase diagrams and sand column tests performed with the recovered viscous gel led to the selection of an alcohol (ethanol) that is able to dissolve the gel and recover 99% of the initial PCBs contained in the contaminated soil by dissolution, following the injection of three pore volumes of solution. These laboratory tests showed that in situ flushing technology using micellar and (or) alcohol solutions can potentially be used to reduce the mass of PCB in the source zone, but the application of in situ technologies at industrial facilities is difficult to control because of the risk of presence of other chemicals that might interfere and concrete and other buried structures that might alter the flow behavior.Key words: soil washing, surfactant, alcohol, PCB, in situ technology, porous media clogging.
ENERGY SPECTRUM OF MOTT–WANNIER EXCITON STUDIED BY VIRTUE OF THE EXCITON ENTANGLED STATE REPRESENTATION INSTEAD OF K·P PERTURBATION THEORY
Authors: FAN HONG-YI , ZOU HUI , FAN YUE , LIU QIU-YU
Published: July 2005

We introduce the exciton entangled state. We show that the energy spectrum of Mott–Wannier exciton can be exactly derived by virtue of the entangled state representation. In contrast to the K · P perturbation theory this new approach seems non-perturbative, direct and exact.
CAN GRAVITATIONAL WAVES BE MARKERS FOR AN EXTRA-DIMENSION?
Authors: ALESCI EMANUELE , MONTANI GIOVANNI
Published: July 2005

The main issue of the present paper is to fix specific features (which turn out being independent of extradimension size) of gravitational waves generated before a dimensional compactification process. Valuable is the possibility to detect our prediction from gravitational wave experiment without high energy laboratory investigation. In particular we show how gravitational waves can bring information on the number of Universe dimensions. Within the framework of Kaluza–Klein hypotheses, a different morphology arises between waves generated before than the compactification process settled down and ordinary 4-dimensional waves. In the former case the scalar and tensor degrees of freedom cannot be resolved. As a consequence if gravitational waves having the feature predicted here were detected (anomalous polarization amplitudes), then they would be reliable markers for the existence of an extra dimension.
MATTER COLLINEATIONS OF BIANCHI V SPACETIME
Authors: CAMCI UGUR
Published: July 2005

Matter collineations of the Bianchi V spacetime are studied according to degenerate or non-degenerate energy–momentum tensor. We have found that in degenerate case there are infinitely many matter collineations, whereas two cases give finite number of matter collineations which are five and six. When the energy–momentum tensor is non-degenerate, we obtain either four, five, six or seven independent matter collineations, out of which three are minimal Killing vectors and the rest are proper matter collineations.
ON THE VARIABLE-CHARGED BLACK HOLES EMBEDDED INTO DE SITTER SPACE: HAWKING'S RADIATION
Authors: IBOHAL NG.
Published: July 2005

In this paper we discuss the Hawking's evaporation of the masses of variable-charged Reissner–Nordstrom and Kerr–Newman black holes embedded into the de Sitter cosmological universe by considering the charge to be function of radial coordinate. It has been shown that every electrical radiation of variable-charged rotating or non-rotating cosmological black holes will produce a change in the mass of the body without effecting the Maxwell scalar and the cosmological constant. It is also shown that during the Hawking's radiation process, after the complete evaporation of masses of both variable-charged Reissner–Nordstrom–de Sitter and Kerr–Newman–de Sitter black holes, the electrical radiation will continue creating negative mass naked singularities embedded into de Sitter cosmological spaces.
RELATIVISTIC SUPERDENSE STAR MODELS OF PSEUDO SPHEROIDAL SPACE–TIME
Authors: TIKEKAR RAMESH , JOTANIA KANTI
Published: July 2005

The physically viable models of compact stars like SAX (J1808.4-3658) can be obtained using Vaidya–Tikekar ansatz prescribing spheroidal geometry for their interior space–time. We discuss here the suitability of an alternative ansatz in this context. The models of superdense star are proposed using a general three parameter family of solutions of relativistic field equations obtained adopting the alternative ansatz. The setup is shown to admit physically viable models of superdense stars and strange matter stars such as Her. X-1.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE $\tilde{X}\,^2 \Pi$ AND Ã2Σ+ELECTRONIC STATES OF THE PHOSPHAETHYNE CATION (HCP+)
Authors: TEMELSO BERHANE , RICHARDSON NANCY A. , SARI LEVENT , YAMAGUCHI YUKIO , SCHAEFER HENRY F.
Published: July 2005

The electronic ground state [Formula: see text] and first excited state (Ã2Σ+) of phosphaethyne cation (HCP+) have been systematically investigated using ab initio electronic structure theory. The total energies, geometries, rotational constants, dipole moments, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and parameters for Renner–Teller splittings were determined using self-consistent-field (SCF), configuration interaction with single and double excitations (CISD), coupled cluster (CC) with single and double excitations (CCSD), CCSD with perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)], CC with single, double, and iterative partial triple excitations (CCSDT-3), and CC with single, double, and full triple excitations (CCSDT) methods and eight different basis sets. Some of the largest full triples coupled cluster computations to date are reported. Degenerate bending frequencies for the Ã2Σ+state were determined using the equation-of-motion (EOM)-CCSD technique. The two states have been confirmed to have linear equilibrium structures. At the full CCSDT level of theory with the correlation-consistent polarized valence quadruple zeta (cc-pVQZ) basis set, the classical [Formula: see text] splitting ( Tevalue) is predicted to be 47.7 kcal/mol (2.07 eV, 16,700 cm-1) and the quantum mechanical splitting (T0value) to be 48.1 kcal/mol (2.08 eV, 16,800 cm-1), which are in excellent agreement with the experimental values of Te= 47.77 kcal/mol (2.072 eV , 16,708 cm-1) and T0= 47.94 kcal/mol (2.079 eV, 16,766 cm-1). The excitation energies predicted by the CCSDT-3 and CCSD(T) methods differ from the full triples CCSDT result by 0.38 and 0.45 kcal/mol, respectively. With the aug-cc-pVQZ CCSDT-3 method the Renner parameter and the averaged harmonic bending vibrational frequency are determined to be ∊= -0.0390 and [Formula: see text] for the ground state of HCP+, which are reasonably consistent with the experimental values of ∊=-0.0415 and [Formula: see text]. The predicted dipole moments are 1.30 Debye ([Formula: see text] state, polarity-hydrogen atom positive) and 0.06 Debye (Ã2Σ+state, polarity-phosphorus atom positive).
Migration of gas injected into a fault in low-permeability ground
Authors: Ciotoli G. , Etiope G. , Guerra M. , Lombardi S. , Duddridge G.A. , Grainger P.
Published: July 2005

Two shallow gas-injection tests were carried out in a minor fault within the Siena Graben, Italy. Helium and carbon dioxide were injected 20 m below the ground surface through an inclined borehole intercepting the fault plane, into a sandy aquifer overlain by a clay formation. The gas-injection pressure was above hydrostatic plus capillary pressure, but below lithostatic pressure. Soil-gas, soil-exhalation flux and groundwater analyses were carried out to monitor gas breakthrough and behaviour. The experiment simulated gas rising naturally up a fault, where most of the geological boundary conditions were known. Despite its very low permeability to groundwater flow, the clay formation did not act as a complete barrier to gas rising via the fault. The gas velocity and migration pattern (namely gas channelling along the fault) were consistent with theoretical models of the migration of gas columns and gas slugs. Gas–water partitioning and the evolution of soil-gas and groundwater anomalies clearly reflected the conservative behaviour of He and the partial dissolution of CO
2
into the aquifer. A general model of gas migration and behaviour is suggested which may have implications in natural resource exploration, geological storage of toxic or nuclear waste, and tectonic studies.
Airborne remote sensing for landslide hazard assessment: a case study on the Jurassic escarpment slopes of Worcestershire, UK
Authors: Whitworth M.C.Z. , Giles D.P. , Murphy W.
Published: July 2005

This paper describes the application of airborne remote sensing to the study of landslides on the clay-dominated slopes of the Cotswolds Hills between the towns of Broadway, Worcestershire, and Snowshill, Gloucestershire, in the UK. The project involved an initial desk study, airphoto interpretation and field survey in order to provide detailed information about the nature and extent of the landsliding in the area. High-resolution Airborne Thematic Mapper (ATM) imagery was acquired by the NERC Airborne Remote Sensing Facility, which was subsequently processed in order to develop a remote sensing method for landslide identification using airborne multispectral data. A range of image processing methods are described including colour composite enhancement and thermal imaging, while the focus of the paper will be on the development of a semi-automated method of landslide identification using image classification and texture analysis.

Results from the first stage of the study have shown that the use of image processing techniques such as colour composites and thermal imaging can provide information on the ground surface not visible in conventional aerial photography. In this case study, this has included more detailed geomorphological information on landsides in the area and the nature of the cambering and gulls at the top of the escarpment. The second part of the study has investigated the use of image texture enhancement as a method of landslide identification, applied in isolation and incorporated into an image classification scheme as a semi-automated method of landslide identification. Results from this investigation indicate that landslides can be identified automatically with a high degree of accuracy (83%) and that by using image texture, the image classification technique is able to successfully differentiate between areas of landslide activity and stable slopes in the airborne imagery.

Its is clear from the results of this study that in order to identify landslides in these types of clay-dominated terrains, image texture must be used. Inland landslides, like those on the Cotswolds escarpment, do not have a spectral signature but they do exhibit a distinct spatial signature that allows them to be identified in airborne imagery using textural analysis. The semi-automated method of landslide identification described in this paper represents a rapid method of terrain evaluation and landslide hazard assessment, which can be undertaken prior to more detailed field mapping.
Extracellular matrix stimulates reactive oxygen species production and increases pancreatic cancer cell survival through 5-lipoxygenase and NADPH oxidase
Authors: Edderkaoui Mouad , Hong Peggy , Vaquero Eva C. , Lee Jong K. , Fischer Lars , Friess Helmut , Buchler Markus W. , Lerch Markus M. , Pandol Stephen J. , Gukovskaya Anna S.
Published: July 2005

The extracellular matrix (ECM) facilitates pancreatic cancer cells survival, which is of central importance for pancreatic adenocarcinoma that is highly fibrotic. Here, we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediate the prosurvival effect of ECM in human pancreatic cancer cells. Fibronectin and laminin stimulated ROS production and NADPH oxidase activation in pancreatic cancer cells. Both pharmacological and molecular approaches show that fibronectin stimulated ROS production through activation of NADPH oxidase and NADPH oxidase-independent pathways and that 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) mediates both these pathways. Analyses of the mechanisms of ROS production by ECM proteins and growth factors indicate that activation of NADPH oxidase (Nox4) is a common mechanism employed both by ECM proteins and growth factors to increase ROS in pancreatic cancer cells. We also found that Nox4 is present in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues and that these tissues display membrane NADPH oxidase activity. ECM proteins and growth factors activate NADPH oxidase through different mechanisms; in contrast to ECM proteins, growth factors activate NADPH oxidase through 5-LO-independent mechanisms. Inhibition of 5-LO or NADPH oxidase with pharmacological inhibitors of these enzymes and with Nox4 or 5-LO antisense oligonucleotides markedly stimulated apoptosis in cancer cells cultured on fibronectin. Our results indicate that ROS generation via 5-LO and downstream NADPH oxidase mediates the prosurvival effect of ECM in pancreatic cancer cells. These mechanisms may play an important role in pancreatic cancer resistance to treatments and thus represent novel therapeutic targets.
Endothelin-mediated increases in lung VEGF content promote vascular leak in young rats exposed to viral infection and hypoxia
Authors: Carpenter Todd C. , Schomberg Stacey , Stenmark Kurt R.
Published: July 2005

Viral respiratory infections increase the susceptibility of young animals to hypoxia-induced pulmonary edema formation. Previous work has shown that increased lung levels of endothelin (ET) contribute to this effect, though the mechanisms by which ET promotes vascular leak remain uncertain. Both in vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that ET can upregulate the production of VEGF, which is known to increase vascular permeability. We hypothesized that increases in lung ET promote increases in lung VEGF, which in turn increases vascular leak in the lung. Weanling rats were exposed to moderate hypoxia for 24 h while recovering from a mild viral respiratory infection, to hypoxia alone, or to viral infection alone. Lung VEGF mRNA and protein content were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Animals exposed to hypoxia + virus demonstrated significant increases in lung VEGF mRNA and protein content. Immunohistochemical studies showed increased VEGF expression in alveolar septa and small pulmonary vessels in those animals. ET receptor blockade with bosentan prevented this increase in lung VEGF content, suggesting that ET promotes VEGF accumulation in the lung in this setting. Animals exposed to hypoxia + virus also demonstrated substantial increases in lung albumin extravasation, and those increases were blocked by both ET receptor blockade and VEGF antagonism. These findings suggest that ET-driven increases in lung VEGF content can contribute to the formation of pulmonary edema.
Kinetics of O2uptake, leg blood flow, and muscle deoxygenation are slowed in the upper compared with lower region of the moderate-intensity exercise domain
Authors: MacPhee Shelley L. , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Paterson Donald H. , Kowalchuk John M.
Published: July 2005

Six male subjects [23 yr (SD 4)] performed repetitions (6–8) of two-legged, moderate-intensity, knee-extension exercise during two separate protocols that included step transitions from 3 W to 90% estimated lactate threshold (θL) performed as a single step (S3) and in two equal steps (S1, 3 W to ∼45% θL; S2, ∼45% θLto ∼90% θL). The time constants (τ) of pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇o2), leg blood flow (LBF), heart rate (HR), and muscle deoxygenation (HHb) were greater ( P < 0.05) in S2 (τV̇o2, ∼52 s; τLBF, ∼ 39 s; τHR, ∼42 s; τHHb, ∼33 s) compared with S1 (τV̇o2, ∼24 s; τLBF, ∼21 s; τHR, ∼21 s; τHHb, ∼16 s), while the delay before an increase in HHb was reduced ( P < 0.05) in S2 (∼14 s) compared with S1 (∼20 s). The V̇o2and HHb amplitudes were greater ( P < 0.05) in S2 compared with S1, whereas the LBF amplitude was similar in S2 and S1. Thus the slowed V̇o2response in S2 compared with S1 is consistent with a mechanism whereby V̇o2kinetics is limited, in part, by a slowed adaptation of blood flow and/or O2transport when exercise was initiated from a baseline of moderate-intensity exercise.
Repeat exercise normalizes the gas-exchange impairment induced by a previous exercise bout in asthmatic subjects
Authors: Haverkamp H. C. , Dempsey J. A. , Miller J. D. , Romer L. M. , Pegelow D. F. , Lovering A. T. , Eldridge M. W.
Published: July 2005

Twenty-one subjects with asthma underwent treadmill exercise to exhaustion at a workload that elicited ∼90% of each subject's maximal O2uptake (EX1). After EX1, 12 subjects experienced significant exercise-induced bronchospasm [(EIB+), %decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1.0 s = −24.0 ± 11.5%; pulmonary resistance at rest vs. postexercise = 3.2 ± 1.5 vs. 8.1 ± 4.5 cmH2O·l−1·s−1] and nine did not (EIB−). The alveolar-to-arterial Po2difference (A-aDo2) was widened from rest (9.1 ± 6.7 Torr) to 23.1 ± 10.4 and 18.1 ± 9.1 Torr at 35 min after EX1 in subjects with and without EIB, respectively ( P < 0.05). Arterial Po2(PaO2) was reduced in both groups during recovery (EIB+, −16.0 ± −13.0 Torr vs. baseline; EIB−, −11.0 ± 9.4 Torr vs. baseline, P ≤ 0.05). Forty minutes after EX1, a second exercise bout was completed at maximal O2uptake. During the second exercise bout, pulmonary resistance decreased to baseline levels in the EIB+group and the A-aDo2and PaO2returned to match the values seen during EX1 in both groups. Sputum histamine (34.6 ± 25.9 vs. 61.2 ± 42.0 ng/ml, pre- vs. postexercise) and urinary 9α,11β-prostaglandin F2(74.5 ± 38.6 vs. 164.6 ± 84.2 ng/mmol creatinine, pre- vs. postexercise) were increased after exercise only in the EIB+group ( P < 0.05), and postexercise sputum histamine was significantly correlated with the exercise PaO2and A-aDo2in the EIB+subjects. Thus exercise causes gas-exchange impairment during the postexercise period in asthmatic subjects independent of decreases in forced expiratory flow rates after the exercise; however, a subsequent exercise bout normalizes this impairment secondary in part to a fast acting, robust exercise-induced bronchodilatory response.
Prognostic Factors in a Recent Series of Patients Treated with Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: Novara Giacomo , Ficarra Vincenzo , Alrabi Najati , Dalpiaz Orietta , Martignoni Guido , Galfano Antonio , Cavalleri Stefano , Artibani Walter
Published: July 2005

Objective: To identify the clinical and pathological prognostic factors in a homogeneous series of patients with bladder cancer who had undergone radical cystectomy in the late 1990s. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 156 patients who had undergone radical cystectomy and iliac-obturator lymphadenectomy for bladder carcinoma at our department between 1995 and 2001. Results: The mean follow-up was 39.71 ± 26.2 months. The 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival rates were 47.2 and 54.7%, respectively. Upper urinary tract obstruction (p = 0.03), clinical stage of both the primary tumor (p = 0.0001) and loco-regional lymph nodes (p = 0.04), pathological stage (2002 TNM) of the primary tumor (p < 0.0001), pathological loco-regional lymph node involvement (p < 0.0001), and vascular embolization (p = 0.005) were significant on univariate analysis. Pathological lymph node involvement (p = 0.001) and both pathological (p = 0.022) and clinical stages of the primary tumor (p = 0.002) turned out to be independent predictors of cancer-specific survival. Conclusion: Pathological lymph node involvement, clinical and pathological stage of the primary tumor were the cancer-specific, survival-independent, predictors in our series. Our multivariate analysis data identified pT3–4 and pN+ patients as those with the worst prognosis.
Penile Sensitivity and Sexual Satisfaction after Circumcision: Are We Informing Men Correctly?
Authors: Masood S. , Patel H.R.H. , Himpson R.C. , Palmer J.H. , Mufti G.R. , Sheriff M.K.M.
Published: July 2005

Objectives: Currently no consensus exists about the role of the foreskin or the effect circumcision has on penile sensitivity and overall sexual satisfaction. Our study assesses the effect of circumcision on sexually active men and the relative impact this may have on informed consent prior to surgery. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty men between the ages of 18 and 60 years were identified as being circumcised for benign disease between 1999 and 2002. Patients with erectile dysfunction were excluded from the study. The data was assessed using the abridged, 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Questions were also asked about libido, penile sensitivity, premature ejaculation, pain during intercourse and appearance before and after circumcision. IIEF-5 data was analysed using two-tailed paired t test to compare pre-operative and post-operative score changes across the study group. For the rest of the questions, data was analysed using ‘Sign Test’, calculating two-sided p values and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Fifty-nine percent of patients (88/150) responded. The total mean IIEF-5 score was 22.41 ± 0.94 and 21.13 ± 3.17 before and after circumcision, respectively (p = 0.4). Seventy-four percent of patients had no change in their libido levels, 69% noticed less pain during intercourse (p < 0.05), and 44% of the patients (p = 0.04) and 38% of the partners (p = 0.02) thought the penis appearance improved after circumcision. Penile sensation improved after circumcision in 38% (p = 0.01) but got worse in 18%, with the remainder having no change. Overall satisfaction was 61%. Conclusions: Penile sensitivity had variable outcomes after circumcision. The poor outcome of circumcision considered by overall satisfaction rates suggests that when we circumcise men, these outcome data should be discussed during the informed consent process.
Fas Ligand and TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Induction on Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Bladder Carcinoma by Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Treatment
Authors: Mehmut Murat , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Abe Masaaki , Ogata Hideko , Hirose Sachiko , Okumura Ko , Fujime Makoto
Published: July 2005

Aim: To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the efficacy of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy against superficial carcinoma of the urinary bladder, we evaluated the expression of cytotoxic molecules on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes before and after therapy. Methods: Immunofluorescence staining allowed the specific detection of Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) expression on tumor cells and the respective leukocyte populations in biopsy samples from 6 patients. Results: Significant increases in the infiltration of FasL- and TRAIL-expressing CD4+ T cells and macrophages and FasL-expressing CD8+ T and NK cells were observed after BCG instillation in bladder carcinoma. Moreover, Fas expression was upregulated on tumor cells after BCG instillation. Conclusion: The data suggested that the enhanced infiltration of FasL- and/or TRAIL-expressing leukocytes (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells and macrophages) and the induction of Fas expression on tumor cells may play an important role in the therapeutic effect of BCG instillation.
Biological Compatibility of Polymethyl Methacrylate, Hydrophilic Acrylic and Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Barbour Walid , Saika Shizuya , Miyamoto Takeshi , Ohnishi Yoshitaka
Published: July 2005

Purpose: Extensive clinical investigations of the biocompatibility of different intraocular lenses (IOLs) have been made in an effort to optimize the outcome of modern cataract surgery. The aim of this study was to add animal eye experimental implantation data regarding cellular reaction on the anterior surface of IOLs. Methods: Thirteen adult albino rabbits had phacoemulsification/aspiration of the crystalline lens followed by implantation of a posterior chamber IOL in each eye. Three types of IOLs were studied: Hydroview® (Bausch & Lomb; n = 7), Acrysof® (Alcon, USA; n = 7), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA; HOYA, Japan; n = 7). The animals were killed by intravenous pentobarbital 1, 4, or 8 weeks later. The IOLs were explanted and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and observed under a light microscope. The shape of mouse ascites-induced macrophages on the anterior surface of the three different IOL types (Hydroview, PMMA, and Acrysof) was studied after 24 h of oven culture. Results: Hydrophilic acrylic IOLs showed the highest affinity for lens epithelial cell (LEC) outgrowth, and the lowest and slowest maturation rate reaction of macrophages. PMMA IOLs showed the lowest affinity for LEC outgrowth, and the highest reaction of macrophages. Hydrophobic acrylic IOLs showed intermediate results both regarding LECs and macrophages. Conclusions: Results suggest that IOL biomaterial properties are the key factor that influences the quantity of monocytes/macrophages as well as the process of their maturation/senescence. LEC outgrowth is influenced both by the biomaterial of IOLs and by the monocyte/macrophage reaction.
Primary Carcinoma of the Appendix – Hull Series
Authors: Iwuagwu O.C. , Jameel J.K.A. , Drew P.J. , Hartley J.E. , Monson J.R.T.
Published: July 2005

Background: Appendiceal carcinoma (AC) is a rare entity that does not have a well-defined treatment strategy. At presentation, most patients are clinically thought to have appendicitis and the diagnosis is made only by formal histology. Once the diagnosis of AC is made, patients are treated by various strategies including surgery, chemotherapy depending on nodal status of the disease. Aim: To review the Hull hospitals’ experience with AC. Methods: Between 1982 and 2002, 10 patients with primary AC were seen. The histopathology reports of all appendiceal specimens removed were traced. Follow-up was by chart review or patient follow-up as appropriate. We did not include patients with primary carcinoid tumours or secondary adenocarcinoma. Results: There was an equal sex distribution. All patients underwent surgery, 3 had post-operative chemotherapy. Complete follow-up information was available with a median follow-up time of 56 months, with a range of 12–168 months. Five patients survived at least 4 years from the time of diagnosis. Conclusion: Long-term survival in patients with AC is possible.
The Effects of Leukocyte-Type 12/15-Lipoxygenase on Id3-Mediated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Growth
Authors: Taylor Angela M. , Hanchett Ross , Natarajan Rama , Hedrick Catherine C. , Forrest Scott , Nadler Jerry L. , McNamara Coleen A.
Published: July 2005

Objective—

12/15-Lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is a key component of the response to injury in vascular disease. The role of 12/15-LO in regulating VSMC proliferation is poorly understood. Id3 has been shown to regulate growth in various cell types and is expressed in VSMCs within atherosclerotic and restenotic lesions. This study examines the role of Id3 in 12/15-LO–mediated VSMC proliferation.

Methods and Results—

Primary aortic VSMCs from leukocyte-type 12/15-LO transgenic, leukocyte-type 12/15-LO knockout (KO), and control mice were plated in equal densities and assayed for growth, Id3 protein expression, and Id3 transcription. Results demonstrated that 12/15-LO transgenic VSMCs grew faster, whereas 12/15-LO KO VSMCs grew slower relative to control VSMCs. Further, pharmacological and molecular inhibition of 12/15-LO resulted in decreased VSMC growth. Western blots demonstrated increased Id3 protein in 12/15-LO transgenic VSMCs, whereas luciferase promoter reporter assays revealed increased Id3 transcription. In addition, overexpression of 12/15-LO increased growth in control cells but not in Id3 KO cells. 12/15-LO transgenic VSMCs demonstrated increased protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Consistent with these data, PKC inhibition decreased Id3 promoter activation.

Conclusions—

12/15-LO is an important mediator of VSMC growth. The growth-promoting effects of 12/15-LO are at least partially mediated through induction of Id3 transcription.
The Farnesoid X Receptor
Authors: Claudel Thierry , Staels Bart , Kuipers Folkert
Published: July 2005

Bile acids are the end products of cholesterol metabolism. They are synthesized in the liver and secreted via bile into the intestine, where they aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and dietary fat. Subsequently, bile acids return to the liver to complete their enterohepatic circulation. The Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and has emerged as a key player in the control of multiple metabolic pathways. On its activation by bile acids, FXR regulates bile acid synthesis, conjugation, and transport, as well as various aspects of lipid and glucose metabolism. This review summarizes recent advances in deciphering the role of FXR in the context of hepatic lipid and glucose homeostasis and discusses the potential of FXR as a pharmacological target for therapeutic applications.
Interleukin-10 Suppresses Tissue Factor Expression in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages via Inhibition of Egr-1 and a Serum Response Element/MEK-ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Kamimura Motohiro , Viedt Christiane , Dalpke Alexander , Rosenfeld Michael E. , Mackman Nigel , Cohen David M. , Blessing Erwin , Preusch Michael , Weber Christian M. , Kreuzer Jörg , Katus Hugo A. , Bea Florian
Published: July 2005

Atherosclerosis is considered to be an inflammatory disease. Tissue factor (TF), a prothrombotic molecule expressed by various cell types within atherosclerotic plaques, is thought to play an essential role in thrombus formation after atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Recent studies suggest that the antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) has many antiatherosclerotic properties. Therefore, the effects of IL-10 on TF expression in response to inflammation were investigated. Mouse macrophages were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of IL-10. Pretreatment with IL-10 resulted in a 50% decrease in TF mRNA expression and TF promoter activity. Binding of early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1) to the consensus DNA sequence, a key transcriptional activator of TF expression in response to inflammation, and the expression of Egr-1 mRNA were also inhibited by IL-10. This inhibition was independent of the induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling protein-3 by IL-10. Macrophages that had been transfected with luciferase reporter constructs containing the murine Egr-1 5′-flanking sequence exhibited reduced reporter gene activity in response to LPS stimulation with IL-10 pretreatment. Studies with deletion constructs of the Egr-1 promoter identified the proximal serum response element SRE3 as a potential regulatory site for the IL-10 mediated suppression of Egr-1 expression. Furthermore, activation of the upstream signal-transduction elements, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) 1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and Elk-1 were also inhibited by IL-10 pretreatment. Taken together, these results demonstrate a pathway for the IL-10 mediated inhibition of TF expression during inflammation and may explain the antiatherosclerotic effects of IL-10.
Rapid Endothelial Cell–Selective Loading of Connexin 40 Antibody Blocks Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor Dilation in Rat Small Mesenteric Arteries
Authors: Mather Simon , Dora Kim A. , Sandow Shaun L. , Winter Polly , Garland Christopher J.
Published: July 2005

In resistance arteries, spread of hyperpolarization from the endothelium to the adjacent smooth muscle is suggested to be a crucial component of dilation resulting from endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). To probe the role of endothelial gap junctions in EDHF-mediated dilation, we developed a method, which was originally used to load membrane impermeant molecules into cells in culture, to load connexin (Cx)-specific inhibitory molecules rapidly (≈15 minutes) into endothelial cells within isolated, pressurized mesenteric arteries of the rat. Validation was achieved by luminally loading cell-impermeant fluorescent dyes selectively into virtually all the arterial endothelial cells, without affecting either tissue morphology or function. The endothelial monolayer served as an effective barrier, preventing macromolecules from entering the underlying smooth muscle cells. Using this technique, endothelial cell loading either with antibodies to the intracellular carboxyl-terminal region of Cx40 (residues 340 to 358) or mimetic peptide for the cytoplasmic loop (Cx40; residues 130 to 140) each markedly depressed EDHF-mediated dilation. In contrast, multiple antibodies directed against different intracellular regions of Cx37 and Cx43, and mimetic peptide for the intracellular loop region of Cx37, were each without effect. Furthermore, simultaneous intra- and extraluminal incubation of pressurized arteries with inhibitory peptides targeted against extracellular regions of endothelial cell Cxs (
43
Gap 26,
40
Gap 27, and
37,43
Gap 27; 300 μmol/L each) for 2 hours also failed to modify the EDHF response. High-resolution immunohistochemistry localized Cx40 to the end of endothelial cell projections at myoendothelial gap junctions. These data directly demonstrate a critical role for Cx40 in EDHF-mediated dilation of rat mesenteric arteries.