bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Evaluation for STEP-Based Electromechanical Assemblies
Authors: Zha Xuan F. , Foufou Sebti , Sudarsan Rachuri , Sriram Ram D.
Published: August 2006

In this paper, we propose an integrated approach to analysis and evaluation for STEP-based (STandard for the Exchange of Product model data, officially ISO 10303) electromechanical assemblies. First, two assembly representational models are brought up and elaborated: the EXPRESS/XML schema-based model and the NIST object-oriented UML-based open assembly model (OAM). Then, these two models are integrated, in which the OAM incorporates the EXPRESS/XML schema-based assembly model to completely capture the detailed geometric information. The proposed assembly evaluation approach uses the EXPRESS/XML schema-based model as the information source, and covers not only the geometric and physical characteristics of assembly parts but also the assembly operation data necessary to assemble the parts. The feature of this approach is the linkage of the STEP product definition to the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process for assembly evaluation. The proposed approach has the flexibility to be used in various assembly methods and different environments. A case study shows the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma risk in Japan
Authors: Takebayashi T , Akiba S , Kikuchi Y , Taki M , Wake K , Watanabe S , Yamaguchi N
Published: August 2006

Objectives:The rapid increase of mobile phone use has increased public concern about its possible health effects in Japan, where the mobile phone system is unique in the characteristics of its signal transmission. To examine the relation between mobile phone use and acoustic neuroma, a case-control study was initiated.

Methods:The study followed the common, core protocol of the international collaborative study, INTERPHONE. A prospective case recruitment was done in Japan for 2000–04. One hundred and one acoustic neuroma cases, who were 30–69 years of age and resided in the Tokyo area, and 339 age, sex, and residency matched controls were interviewed using a common computer assisted personal interview system. Education and marital status adjusted odds ratio was calculated with a conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results:Fifty one cases (52.6%) and 192 controls (58.2%) were regular mobile phone users on the reference date, which was set as one year before the diagnosis, and no significant increase of acoustic neuroma risk was observed, with the odds ratio (OR) being 0.73 (95% CI 0.43 to 1.23). No exposure related increase in the risk of acoustic neuroma was observed when the cumulative length of use (<4 years, 4–8 years, >8 years) or cumulative call time (<300 hours, 300–900 hours, >900 hours) was used as an exposure index. The OR was 1.09 (95% CI 0.58 to 2.06) when the reference date was set as five years before the diagnosis. Further, laterality of mobile phone use was not associated with tumours.

Conclusions:These results suggest that there is no significant increase in the risk of acoustic neuroma in association with mobile phone use in Japan.
COMPOSITION ON MV-ALGEBRAS
Authors: DI NOLA A. , FLONDOR P. , GERLA B.
Published: August 2006

In this paper we introduce an extension of MV-algebras obtained by adding a binary operation and a constant, with the aim of modelling composition of functions. The variety of Composition MV-algebra (CMV-algebra, for short) is defined and some results regarding ideals and congruences are stated. Further, we define modules over CMV-algebras showing that to any substitution corresponds an endomorphism of modules.
GROUPS WITH TRIALITY
Authors: GRISHKOV ALEXANDER N. , ZAVARNITSINE ANDREI V.
Published: August 2006

Groups with triality, which arose in the papers of Glauberman and Doro, are naturally connected with Moufang loops. In this paper, we describe all possible, in a sense, groups with triality associated with a given Moufang loop. We also introduce several universal groups with triality and discuss their properties.
NORMALITY OF f-UNITARY UNITS IN AN ALTERNATIVE LOOP RING
Authors: GOODAIRE EDGAR G. , MILIES CÉSAR POLCINO
Published: August 2006

Let L be an RA loop, that is, a loop whose loop ring in any characteristic is an alternative, but not associative, ring. Let f : L → {±1} be a homomorphism and for α = ∑αℓℓ in the integral loop ring Z L, define αf = ∑αℓf(ℓ)ℓ-1. A unit u ∈ Z L is said to be f-unitary if uf = ±u-1. The set [Formula: see text] of all f-unitary units is a subloop of [Formula: see text], the loop of all units in Z L. In this paper, we find necessary and sufficient conditions for [Formula: see text] to be normal in [Formula: see text].
Incorporating Molecular Evolution into Phylogenetic Analysis, and a New Compilation of Conserved Polymerase Chain Reaction Primers for Animal Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Simon Chris , Buckley Thomas R. , Frati Francesco , Stewart James B. , Beckenbach Andrew T.
Published: August 2006

DNA data has been widely used in animal phylogenetic studies over the past 15 years. Here we review how these studies have used advances in knowledge of molecular evolutionary processes to create more realistic models of evolution, evaluate the information content of data, test phylogenetic hypotheses, attach time to phylogenies, and understand the relative usefulness of mitochondrial and nuclear genes. We also provide a new compilation of conserved polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for mitochondrial genes that complements our earlier compilation.
Keys and the Crisis in Taxonomy: Extinction or Reinvention?
Authors: Walter David Evans , Winterton Shaun
Published: August 2006

Dichotomous keys that follow a single pathway of character state choices to an end point have been the primary tools for the identification of unknown organisms for more than two centuries. However, a revolution in computer diagnostics is now under way that may result in the replacement of traditional keys by matrix-based computer interactive keys that have many paths to a correct identification and make extensive use of hypertext to link to images, glossaries, and other support material. Progress is also being made on replacing keys entirely by optical matching of specimens to digital databases and DNA sequences. These new tools may go some way toward alleviating the taxonomic impediment to biodiversity studies and other ecological and evolutionary research, especially with better coordination between those who produce keys and those who use them and by integrating interactive keys into larger biological Web sites.
Preptin, another peptide product of the pancreatic β-cell, is osteogenic in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Cornish J. , Callon K. E. , Bava U. , Watson M. , Xu X. , Lin J. M. , Chan V. A. , Grey A. B. , Naot D. , Buchanan C. M. , Cooper G. J. S. , Reid I. R.
Published: August 2006

Several hormones that regulate nutritional status also impact on bone metabolism. Preptin is a recently isolated 34-amino acid peptide hormone that is cosecreted with insulin and amylin from the pancreatic β-cells. Preptin corresponds to Asp69-Leu102 of pro-IGF-II. Increased circulating levels of a pro-IGF-II peptide complexed with IGF-binding protein-2 have been implicated in the high bone mass phenotype observed in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. We have assessed preptin's activities on bone. Preptin dose-dependently stimulated the proliferation (cell number and DNA synthesis) of primary fetal rat osteoblasts and osteoblast-like cell lines at periphysiological concentrations (>10−11 M). In addition, thymidine incorporation was stimulated in murine neonatal calvarial organ culture, likely reflecting the proliferation of cells from the osteoblast lineage. Preptin did not affect bone resorption in this model. Preptin induced phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAP kinases in osteoblastic cells in a dose-dependent manner (10−8-10−10 M), and its proliferative effects on primary osteoblasts were blocked by MAP kinase kinase inhibitors. Preptin also reduced osteoblast apoptosis induced by serum deprivation, reducing the number of apoptotic cells by >20%. In vivo administration of preptin increased bone area and mineralizing surface in adult mice. These data demonstrate that preptin, which is cosecreted from the pancreatic β-cell with amylin and insulin, is anabolic to bone and may contribute to the preservation of bone mass observed in hyperinsulinemic states such as obesity.
Endothelin and calciotropic hormones share regulatory pathways in multidrug resistance protein 2-mediated transport
Authors: Wever Kim E. , Masereeuw Rosalinde , Miller David S. , Hang Xiao M. , Flik Gert
Published: August 2006

The kidney of vertebrates plays a key role in excretion of endogenous waste products and xenobiotics. Active secretion in the proximal nephron is at the basis of this excretion, mediated by carrier proteins including multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2). We previously showed that Mrp2 function is reduced by endothelin-1 (ET-1) through a basolateral B-type receptor, nitric oxide (NO), cGMP, and PKC (Notenboom S, Miller DS, Smits P, Russel FGM, Masereeuw R. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 282: F458–F464, 2002; Notenboom S, Miller DS, Smits P, Russel FG, Masereeuw R. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 287: F33–F38, 2004). This pathway was rapidly activated by several nephrotoxicants and appeared to be calcium dependent. In the present study, we studied the effect of the calciotropic hormones parathyroid hormone (PTH), PTH-related protein (PTHrP), and stanniocalcin (STC) to interfere with ET-regulated Mrp2 transport. Like ET-1, PTH reduces Mrp2-mediated transport by 40% in killifish renal proximal tubules. When given in combination, an additive effect was seen, which is partially reversed by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C. Recombinant PTHrP shows a comparable inhibitory effect, which is concentration dependent and additive to the inhibition by ET. STC fully reverses PTHrP-inhibited transport as does a guanylyl cyclase inhibitor. Finally, to confirm PTHrP bioactivity in a homologous assay, we performed immunolocalization and transport studies in sea bream kidney tubules. Mrp2 immunoreactivity was observed in ∼40% of the tubules and is associated with the brush-border and apical plasma membrane of cells. Both proximal tubules and distal (collecting) tubules express the antigen. A highly significant 40% inhibition of Mrp2-mediated transport was observed with PTHrP in sea bream tubules. In conclusion, ET-regulated Mrp2 transport is influenced by calciotropic hormones and involves PKC and cGMP signaling.
Selectivity for Multiple Stimulus Features in Retinal Ganglion Cells
Authors: Fairhall Adrienne L. , Burlingame C. Andrew , Narasimhan Ramesh , Harris Robert A. , Puchalla Jason L. , Berry Michael J.
Published: August 2006

Under normal viewing conditions, retinal ganglion cells transmit to the brain an encoded version of the visual world. The retina parcels the visual scene into an array of spatiotemporal features, and each ganglion cell conveys information about a small set of these features. We study the temporal features represented by salamander retinal ganglion cells by stimulating with dynamic spatially uniform flicker and recording responses using a multi-electrode array. While standard reverse correlation methods determine a single stimulus feature—the spike-triggered average—multiple features can be relevant to spike generation. We apply covariance analysis to determine the set of features to which each ganglion cell is sensitive. Using this approach, we found that salamander ganglion cells represent a rich vocabulary of different features of a temporally modulated visual stimulus. Individual ganglion cells were sensitive to at least two and sometimes as many as six features in the stimulus. While a fraction of the cells can be described by a filter-and-fire cascade model, many cells have feature selectivity that has not previously been reported. These reverse models were able to account for 80–100% of the information encoded by ganglion cells.
Identification of candidate mRNAs associated with gonadotropin-induced maturation of murine cumulus oocyte complexes using serial analysis of gene expression
Authors: Rodriguez K. F. , Blomberg L. A. , Zuelke K. A. , Miles J. R. , Alexander J. E. , Farin C. E.
Published: August 2006

In cultured cumulus oocyte complexes (COC), FSH induces gene transcription required for germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). Experiments were performed to determine the critical period when gene transcription is required for GVBD and to identify candidate mRNAs involved. Experiment I: murine COC were cultured 4 h in the presence of FSH with 5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) added at different intervals after the start of culture. COC cultured with FSH underwent GVBD (82 ± 7%). When DRB was added at 0, 5, or 10 min after culture initiation, oocyte maturation was blocked (17 ± 7, 14 ± 6, and 21 ± 6% GVBD, respectively). When DRB was added after 15, 20, or 30 min, progressively more COC underwent GVBD (37 ± 6, 39 ± 6, and 66 ± 6%, respectively). The critical period of transcription required for GVBD occurred between 15 and 30 min after culture initiation. Experiment II: COC were cultured for 25 min in the presence (plusDRB) or absence (minusDRB) of DRB. SAGE libraries were generated from COC RNA of each treatment group. A total of 48,431 and 45,367 tags were sequenced for the plusDRB and minusDRB libraries, respectively. Criteria used to identify transcripts of interest included a total tag count of at least 10 across both libraries and a threefold or greater difference in expression between libraries. Using these criteria, 39 and 27 transcripts were identified as differentially expressed at the P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.001 levels, respectively. Differentially expressed transcripts were classed into major categories that included cell growth, development, and regulation of gene expression. Differentially expressed transcripts represent candidates potentially involved in regulating maturation of murine COC.
In vitro and In vivo Evidence of Metallopanstimulin-1 in Gastric Cancer Progression and Tumorigenicity
Authors: Wang Yun-wei , Qu Ying , Li Jian-fang , Chen Xue-hua , Liu Bing-ya , Gu Qin-long , Zhu Zheng-gang
Published: August 2006

Purpose: The metallopanstimulin-1 (MPS-1) gene is a growth factor–inducible gene, which is highly expressed in many human cancers and may be involved in the progression towards tumor malignancy. However, it is unclear whether MPS-1 plays any role in gastric cancer development or progression. Our studies were designed to clarify the MPS-1 expression pattern and to explore its potential role in gastric cancer.

Experimental Design: The expression pattern of MPS-1 was determined in primary gastric cancer specimens and gastric cancer cell lines via immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. To investigate the functional significance of MPS-1 expression, three small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression plasmids were constructed and transfected into gastric cancer cell line SGC7901. The stable cell lines transfected with the siRNA targeting MPS-1 mRNA plasmids were selected and the biological features of these cells were examined.

Results: MPS-1 was overexpressed in 86% of the gastric cancer tissues and all gastric cancer cells. In addition, MPS-1 expression was significantly increased and corresponded with the tumor-node-metastasis clinical stage, and was significantly higher in the late stage (P < 0.01). The MPS-1 expression level was significantly decreased in the transfected cells with MPS-1-specific siRNA expression plasmid pRNAT-133. Furthermore, the stable transfected cancer cells exhibited an increase in the incidence of spontaneous apoptosis and a decrease in growth ability and tumorigenicity in nude mice.

Conclusions: These results provide strong evidence that MPS-1 plays an important role in gastric cancer cell proliferation and development, and suggests that MPS-1 is a promising target for gastric cancer treatment.
Rapid Identification of UCA1 as a Very Sensitive and Specific Unique Marker for Human Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiao-Song , Zhang Zheng , Wang Hong-Cheng , Cai Jian-Liang , Xu Qing-Wen , Li Meng-Qiang , Chen Yi-Cheng , Qian Xiao-Ping , Lu Tian-Jing , Yu Li-Zhang , Zhang Yu , Xin Dian-Qi , Na Yan-Qun , Chen Wei-Feng
Published: August 2006

Purpose: The most common genitourinary malignancy in China is bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Early diagnosis of new and recurrent bladder cancers, followed by timely treatment, will help decrease mortality. There are currently no satisfactory markers for bladder cancer available in clinics. Better diagnostic methods are highly demanded.

Experimental Design: In this research, we have used comprehensive expressed sequence tag analysis, serial analysis of gene expression, and microarray analysis and quickly discovered a candidate marker, urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1). The UCA1 gene was characterized and its performance as a urine marker was analyzed by reverse transcription-PCR with urine sediments. A total of 212 individuals were included in this study, 94 having bladder cancers, 33 ureter/pelvic cancers, and 85 normal and other urinary tract disease controls.

Results: UCA1 was identified as a novel noncoding RNA gene dramatically up-regulated in TCC and it is the most TCC-specific gene yet identified. The full-length cDNA was 1,439 bp, and sequence analysis showed that it belonged to the human endogenous retrovirus H family. Clinical tests showed that UCA1 assay was highly specific (91.8%, 78 of 85) and very sensitive (80.9%, 76 of 94) in the diagnosis of bladder cancer and was especially valuable for superficial G2-G3 patients (sensitivity 91.1%, 41 of 45). It showed excellent differential diagnostic performance in various urinary tract diseases without TCC.

Conclusions: UCA1 is a very sensitive and specific unique marker for bladder cancer. It could have important implications in postoperative noninvasive follow-up. This research also highlights a shortcut to new cancer diagnostic assays through integration of in silico isolation methods with translational clinical tests based on RNA detection protocols.
Progenitor Marker CD133 mRNA Is Elevated in Peripheral Blood of Cancer Patients with Bone Metastases
Authors: Mehra Niven , Penning Maarten , Maas Jolanda , Beerepoot Laurens V. , van Daal Nancy , van Gils Carla H. , Giles Rachel H. , Voest Emile E.
Published: August 2006

Purpose: We examined whether RNA expression of CD133, a surface molecule expressed on progenitors from hematopoietic and endothelial lineages, and CD146, a pan-endothelial marker, are increased in the blood of cancer patients and whether these factors correlate with patient characteristics and are predictive factors of survival.

Experimental Design: We developed a real-time quantification method (nuclear acid sequence-based amplification) to determine expression of CD146 and CD133 mRNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 131 progressive cancer patients, 37 healthy volunteers, and 5 patients who received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Overall survival and other clinicopathologic variables were obtained. Cox proportional hazards studies were done.

Results: We show that patients with metastatic disease have a significant increase in CD133 mRNA (P = 0.03), specifically patients with bone metastasis (P < 0.001). Cancer patients with high CD133 mRNA expression, using a defined cutoff value, show a decreased survival compared with patients with low or undetectable CD133 expression (21% versus 45% cumulative survival, respectively, after 20 months; P = 0.01). Among patients with metastasis to the bone, cumulative survival was 22%, compared with 61% for patients with high or low CD133 levels (P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that CD133 expression is an independent predictor for overall survival in patients with bone metastases. CD146 mRNA was not increased in patients with cancer, nor did it correlate with clinical variables or survival.

Conclusion: CD133, but not CD146, mRNA expression is increased in cancer patients with metastatic disease, specifically with bone metastasis. In addition, CD133 mRNA expression seems to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival.
Successful Radiotherapy of Tumor in Pretargeted Mice by 188Re-Radiolabeled Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomer, a Synthetic DNA Analogue
Authors: Liu Guozheng , Dou Shuping , Mardirossian George , He Jiang , Zhang Surong , Liu Xinrong , Rusckowski Mary , Hnatowich Donald J.
Published: August 2006

Purpose: Pretargeting has been attracting increasing attention as a drug delivery approach. We recently proposed Watson-Crick pairing of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (MORF) for the recognition system in tumor pretargeting. MORF pretargeting involves the initial i.v. injection of a MORF-conjugated antitumor antibody and the subsequent i.v. injection of the radiolabeled complement. Our laboratory has reported on MORF pretargeting for diagnosis using 99mTc as radiolabel. We now report on the use of MORF pretargeting for radiotherapy in a mouse tumor model using 188Re as the therapeutic radiolabel.

Experimental Design: An initial tracer study was done to estimate radiation dose, and was followed by the radiotherapy study at 400 μCi per mouse with three control groups (untreated, MORF antibody alone, and 188Re complementary MORF alone).

Results: Tracer study indicated rapid tumor localization of 188Re and rapid clearance from normal tissues with a tumor area under the curve (AUC) about four times that of kidney and blood (the normal organs with highest radioactivity). Tumor growth in the study group ceased 1 day after radioactivity injection, whereas tumors continued to grow at the same rate among the three control groups. At sacrifice on day 5, the average net tumor weight in the study group was significantly lower at 0.68 ± 0.29 g compared with the three control groups (1.24 ± 0.31 g, 1.25 ± 0.39 g, and 1.35 ± 0.41 g; Ps < 0.05), confirming the therapeutic benefit observed by tumor size measurement.

Conclusions: MORF pretargeting has now been shown to be a promising approach for tumor radiotherapy as well as diagnosis.
Estrogen Receptor Pathway: Resistance to Endocrine Therapy and New Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Moy Beverly , Goss Paul E.
Published: August 2006

Endocrine therapy is widely accepted as the most important treatment for all patients with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. However, despite the positive effect of endocrine therapy on clinical outcome, resistance to these drugs inevitably develops. This article reviews the problem of resistance to hormonal therapy and addresses potential approaches to overcome intrinsic or acquired mechanisms of resistance.
Characterization of a Cys329Gly Mutation Causing Hereditary Factor VII Deficiency
Authors: Wu Yushui , Tu Xiangdong , Lian Yunzong , Chen Feng , Lan Fenghua , Zhu Zhongyong
Published: August 2006

We have previously reported a homozygous Cys329Gly mutation in a Chinese patient with factor VII (FVII) deficiency. Others have found a heterozygous Cys329Gly mutation in the F7 gene from patients of three different pedigrees. However, none of the reports included the expression and characterization of the mutant FVII in vitro. To investigate the effect of Cys329Gly on FVII function, we carried out transient transfections of baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21) with a mutant FVII construct and compared the results to those obtained using a wild-type FVII construct and vector control. The results demonstrate that the level of FVII:Ag secreted into the medium by transfected BHK-21 cells with mutant construct was not affected, but the coagulation activity of the mutant FVII was undetectable. We conclude that Cys329 is critical to FVII coagulation, and the replacement of cysteine 329 by glycine leads to the loss of coagulation activity in the patients, possibly the molecular basis for FVII deficiency in the patients.
Spontaneous Tool Use by Wild Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus libidinosus) in the Cerrado
Authors: Waga I.C. , Dacier A.K. , Pinha P.S. , Tavares M.C.H.
Published: August 2006

Among primates, only chimpanzees and orang-utans are credited with customary tool use in nature. Among monkeys, capuchins stand out with respect to the number of accounts of tool use. However, the majority of capuchin tool use observations reported in nature is anecdotal or idiosyncratic. In this report, we documented the stone pounding of dry fruits(Hymenea courbarilandAcrocomia aculeata)in two wild free-ranging groups ofCebus libidinosusin the Brasilia National Park, a preserved area representative of the Cerradobiome of Central Brazil. In 2004, we noted 2 episodes at which 4 monkeys used stones to crack open nuts. In 2005, we recorded 5 pounding episodes involving 2 different monkeys. Observations of tool use over the course of 2 consecutive years by some individuals, as well as other indirect evidence, indicate that this behaviour could be habitual in the studied groups. We propose that the probability of the emergence of the use of pounding stones as tools may be dependent on the ecological variables that influence the degree of terrestriality and extractive foraging and the complex interaction of these factors.
Population Dynamics of a Group of Lion-Tailed Macaques (Macaca silenus) Inhabiting a Rainforest Fragment in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Krishna B.A. , Singh Mridula , Singh Mewa
Published: August 2006

We observed the overall population dynamics and number of births and deaths in identified individuals between January 2002 and October 2005, in a large group of lion-tailed macaques in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats in the south Indian state of Tamilnadu. The group inhabited an isolated rainforest fragment located inside a private tea/coffee garden. The group size increased from 56 in January 2002 to 84 in October 2005. All females reproduced, and the interbirth interval was 23.18 months. Of the 37 infants born between 2002 and 2005, only 1 died providing an infant survivorship rate of about 97.3%. Although births occurred in all months, most of the infants were born between February and March, and this pattern of births was consistent over the years, indicating a major birth peak in this species. The population growth rate in this unusually large group was found to be higher than even in those groups of lion-tailed macaques that inhabit large and relatively undisturbed rainforest complexes. This high growth rate could be attributed to the availability of abundant cultivated fruit plants including commercial crops such as coffee seeds. The observations provide a perspective for the management of other groups of this endangered species inhabiting rainforest fragments.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the ε-Globin Gene for Differentiating Primate Infraorders
Authors: Bosch M. , Andrés O. , Domingo-Roura X.
Published: August 2006

Molecular methods are being used to enforce wildlife conservation laws by identifying the species or the geographic origin of an unknown sample. However, the promising use of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this field is still widely unexplored. In the present work, we have developed a reliable and easy method based on single-base extension technology for the scoring of 3 SNPs in the Ε-globin gene that successfully identifies the primate infraorder a sample belongs to. Since primates are of high conservation concern and different infraorders are distributed in specific parts of the world, this method will serve for an initial potentially automated screening of the taxonomy and geographic origin of an unknown primate sample arriving at customs.
Successful in utero Treatment of Chronic and Massive Fetomaternal Hemorrhage with Fetal Hydrops
Authors: Rubod Chrystèle , Houfflin Véronique , Belot Franck , Ardiet Emmanuel , Dufour Philippe , Subtil Damien , Deruelle Philippe
Published: August 2006

Background: Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage is an uncommon cause of chronic fetal anemia. Without treatment, hydrops fetalis can occur and progress toward death. In some cases, an early diagnosis can improve the management. Case: A patient was found to have a fetus with non-immune hydrops related to massive and early fetomaternal hemorrhage successfully treated with serial fetal intravascular transfusion. After the treatment, ultrasonographic signs of hydrops disappeared and the pregnancy resulted in a good fetal outcome. There was no need for neonatal transfusion. Neurological examination at 1 month post-natal was normal. Conclusion: When massive fetomaternal hemorrhage is diagnosed early in the pregnancy, serial fetal intravascular transfusion may be an alternative to immediate delivery.
Venous-Arterial Doppler Ratios in the Prediction of Acidemia at Birth in Pregnancies with Placental Insufficiency
Authors: Carvalho F.H.C. , Moron A.F. , Mattar R. , Murta C.G.V. , Santana R.M. , Barbosa M.M. , Torloni M.R. , Vasques F.A.P.
Published: August 2006

Objectives: Investigate the prediction of birth acidemia in pregnancies with placental insufficiency using two newly created venous-arterial Doppler ratios: pulsatility index (PI) of the ductus venosus (DV) over PI of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and PI of the DV over PI of the umbilical artery and establish cut-off values for this prediction. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study involving 47 patients with placental insufficiency managed in two Brazilian hospitals. All pregnancies were singleton, over 26 weeks of age and without structural or chromosome anomalies. A ROC curve was calculated for the venous-arterial ratios (independent variable) and acidemia (dependent variable). Results: The DV/AU PI ratio was not a good predictor of acidemia at birth. The DV/MCA PI ratio was related to fetal acidemia (area under the ROC curve 0.785, p = 0.004). The cut-off value was 0.582, sensibility 66.7%, specificity 77.1% and accuracy 74.5%. Conclusions: The DV/MCA PI ratio is adequate for the diagnosis of acidemia at birth in pregnancies with placental insufficiency. The cut-off value was 0.582.
Interest of Foetal Nasal Bone Measurement at First Trimester Trisomy 21 Screening
Authors: Weingertner A.S. , Kohler M. , Firtion C. , Vayssière C. , Favre R.
Published: August 2006

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of foetal nasal bone (NB) measurement during the first trimester of pregnancy, and to examine the contribution of this measurement to the prenatal screening for Down syndrome following the definition of NB threshold using ROC curves in an unselected population. Methods: This prospective study was carried out at our centre SIHCUS-CMCO (reference centre) from January 2002 to December 2004 on a total of 2,044 pregnant outpatients at gestational weeks 11–14. Only 1260 singleton foetuses were used for statistical analysis. In the 784 other patients, we were unable to obtain a correct image allowing a reproducible measurement. NB was measured during the same session as nuchal translucency (NT) measurement. Ten trained sonographers took part in the study. Correlation index was evaluated to shed light on a link between interest variables and NB. Screening values of NB measurement in T 21 were also calculated with NB measurement according to crown-rump length, and expressed as the best threshold of multiple of the median determined by ROC curve. Screening values of genetic ultrasound were then evaluated by adding NB measurement to maternal age and NT measurement. Results: Two thousand and forty-four patients were included. We indexed 30 cases of T 21, 14 cases of Trisomy 18, 10 cases of Trisomy 13 and 25 cases of other karyotype abnormalities. Feasibility of measurement was 62% of all cases. We observed a significant relation between NB and NT (p = 0.001 ), as well as between NB and crown-rump-length (p < 0.0001 ). However, size of NB was not correlated to maternal ethnic group (p = 0.314). At 0.6 multiple of the median thresholds, screening values of NB measurement in T 21 were: sensibility 32%, false positive rate 10%, positive predictive value 13.6%, and negative predictive value 96.9%. The likelihood ratio for T 21 in case of NB ≤ 0.6 multiple of the median was 4.4 (2.0–9.4). Screening values for maternal age and NT measurement were: sensitivity 88%, false positive rate 23%,positive predictive value 9.7%, and negative predictive value 99.6%. Inclusion of NB measurement increased sensitivity to 100%, positive predictive value to 13.6%, and negative predictive value to 100%, and decreased false positive rate to 5%. Conclusion: NB measurement seemed to be a great sonographic marker for T 21. However, its low feasibility made it inadequate for routine settings in first trimester T 21 screening in an unselected population. Statistical independence with NT thickness needed to be further evaluated.
Successful Term Pregnancy after B-Lynch Compression Suture in a Previous Pregnancy on Account of Massive Primary Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Habek Dubravko , Vranješ Maja , Bobic Vukovic Mirna , Valetic Josip , Krcmar Vladimir , Simunac Jasna
Published: August 2006

A case is presented of a successful term pregnancy in a 28-year-old secundipara after previous Misgav-Ladach cesarean section and B-Lynch compression suture on account of massive postpartal hemorrhage caused by uterine atony. On account of dystocia and relative cephalopelvic disproportion, secondary repeated cesarean section was performed; she gave birth to a live child 3,900 g/52 cm, Apgar score 9/10, with a regular neonatal course. During the repeated cesarean section, thin laces of connective tissue were found along the sutures placed on the uterus during the previous B-Lynch operation. Pelvic and intrauterine adhesions were not found.
Thoraco-Omphalopagus Conjoined Twins Detected at as Early as 9 Weeks of Gestation: Transvaginal Two-Dimensional Ultrasound, Color Doppler and Fetoplacental Doppler Velocity Waveform Findings
Authors: Basgül Alin , Kavak Zehra Nese , Sezen Devrim , Basgul Ayda , Gokaslan Husnu
Published: August 2006

Here we report a case of conjoined twins that were diagnosed antenatally by routine two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound examination at as early as the 9th week of gestational age. The fetuses were of the thoraco-omphalopagus type and were sharing the liver, as confirmed by color Doppler. There was a reversed flow in the single ductus venosus of the twins. Umbilical arterial and venous blood flow waveform did not show any abnormality for this gestational age. This case demonstrated the possibility of making an accurate diagnosis of conjoined twins in the first trimester by transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound and color Doppler examination. Although conjoined twins were described at first trimester before, fetoplacental Doppler waveform findings at this gestational age have been described very rarely. This case demonstrated the possibility of making an accurate diagnosis of conjoined twins and delineating the extent of organ sharing in the first trimester, and early diagnosis can help the parents with the option for pregnancy termination. The importance of expert early vaginal sonography and color Doppler findings is emphasized.
Somatosensory Areas of Manatee Cerebral Cortex: Histochemical Characterization and Functional Implications
Authors: Sarko D.K. , Reep R.L.
Published: August 2006

A histochemical and cytoarchitectural analysis was completed for the neocortex of the Florida manatee in order to localize primary sensory areas and particularly primary somatosensory cortex (SI). Based on the location of cytochrome oxidase-dense staining in flattened cortex preparations, preliminary functional divisions were assigned for SI with the face represented laterally followed by the flipper, body and tail representations proceeding medially. The neonate exhibited four distinct patches in the frontoparietal cortex (presumptive SI), whereas juvenile and adult specimens demonstrated a distinct pattern in which cytochrome oxidase-dense staining appeared to be blended into one large patch extending dorsomedially. This differential staining between younger versus older more developed animals was also seen on coronal sections stained for cytochrome oxidase, myelin, or Nissl bodies. These were systematically analyzed in order to accurately localize the laminar and cytoarchitectural extent of cytochrome oxidase staining. Overall, SI appears to span seven cytoarchitectural areas to which we have assigned presumptive functional representations based on the relative locations of cytochrome oxidase-dense staining.
Correlation between Serum Osteoprotegerin and Biomarkers of Bone Metabolism during Anti-Thyroid Treatment in Patients with Graves’ Disease
Authors: Mochizuki Yasuhiro , Banba Nobuyuki , Hattori Yoshiyuki , Monden Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2006

Bone turnover is increased in favor of resorption in hyperthyroid patients. We aimed to examine whether osteoprotegerin (OPG), which has an inhibitory effect on osteoclasts, is correlated with any biomarkers for bone turnover in Graves’ disease. Twenty-one patients with Graves’ disease were examined in this study, before and after treatment. Briefly, OPG, calcium, phosphorus, PTH, free T3, free T4, TSH, TSH receptor antibody and TSH-stimulating antibody were measured. Elevated serum OPG levels were decreased in accordance with anti-thyroid treatment. This change of OPG level was associated with thyroid hormone free T4 (r = 0.175, p = 0.038) but not with free T3 (r = 0.164, p = 0.052) and TSH (r = 0.046, p = 0.59). Additionally, there was a negative correlation between OPG and PTH (r = –0.37, p = 0.0001). In stepwise regression analysis, the change in serum OPG levels during anti-thyroid treatment was significantly and independently associated with PTH (F ratio = 24.4, p < 0.0001). Our findings suggest that OPG may prevent excessive bone loss in the hyperthyroid state in accordance with the change of biomarkers for bone turnover.
Protective Effects of Ulinastatin on Proliferation and Cytokine Release of Splenocytes from Rats with Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Ma Tao , Kang Chunsheng , Shao Hongwei , Qi Qinghui , Hu Wenquan
Published: August 2006

Aim: To clarify the contributions of ulinastatin to cellular immune responses in vivo, we examined the functional alterations of splenocytes and quantitatively evaluated the effects of ulinastatin on the splenocyte function during experimental severe acute pancreatitis. Methods: Severe acute pancreatitis was induced in rats by retrograde injection of 3% sodium deoxycholate. Thirty minutes after induction of pancreatitis, the rats were randomly assigned to four groups, receiving either saline or 50,000 U/kg of ulinastatin, respectively. Splenocytes were obtained aseptically and stimulated with concanavalin A for 24 h. Then the proliferative activity of cultured splenocytes was measured by using an MTT cellular proliferation assay, and the cytokine concentrations in the culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results: Upon stimulation, the release of interleukin-2, interleukin-10, and interferon-γ was significantly decreased in the splenocytes from rats with pancreatitis as compared with those from sham operation and control groups. The splenocyte proliferation was also significantly suppressed in this group. In contrast, the proliferative as well as the cytokine-releasing capacities of the splenocytes from rats treated with ulinastatin were significantly increased as compared with those from rats with pancreatitis. Conclusions: The deficiencies in proliferation and cytokine release in response to antigen stimulation demonstrated an anergic state of splenocytes during severe acute pancreatitis. Treatment with ulinastatin contributed to the recovery of the immune function by improving proliferative responses and cytokine release of splenocytes. These data suggest that a protease-modulating therapy may be an effective strategy for the treatment of immunosuppression induced by severe acute pancreatitis.
Efficiency of 4% Icodextrin in Preventing Adhesions to Spiral Tacks Used to Fix Intraperitoneal Prostheses
Authors: Bellón J.M. , Rodríguez M. , García-Honduvilla N. , Pascual G. , Buján J.
Published: August 2006

Background/Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the extent of adhesion formation to prostheses fixed with spiral tacks and to establish whether the use of Ringer’s lactate or icodextrin could prevent these adhesions. Methods:24New Zealand white rabbits weighing around 3,000 g were implanted with a 7 × 5 cm patch of ePTFE (DualMesh®) through amidline laparotomy. The prosthesis was fixed to the intact peritoneum using spiral tacks. Three study groups were established according to whether the animals were: implanted with ePTFE fixed with spiral tacks or implanted with ePTFE fixed with spiral tacks and simultaneously administered Ringer’s lactate or 4% icodextrin in the peritoneal cavity. Adhesion formation and prosthetic behavior at the prosthesis/peritoneal interface were evaluated and quantified by sequential laparoscopy performed at 3, 7 and 14 days. Results: Adhesions generally formed on the tacks and were classified as the fully integrated type. No significant differences were observed in terms of the extent of adhesions or of neoperitoneal thickness between control animals and those receiving Ringer’s lactate or icodextrin. Conclusions: (a)Prosthesis-fixing tacks induced adhesions; (b) the use of substances such as icodextrin or Ringer’s lactate does not seem to diminish adhesion formation, and (c) the use of icodextrin offered no benefits over that of Ringer’s lactate solution.
Assessing the Performance of the Ensemble Kalman Filter for Land Surface Data Assimilation
Authors: Zhou Yuhua , McLaughlin Dennis , Entekhabi Dara
Published: August 2006

The ensemble Kalman filter provides an easy-to-use, flexible, and efficient option for data assimilation problems. One of its attractive features in land surface applications is its ability to provide distributional information about variables, such as soil moisture, that can be highly skewed or even bimodal. The ensemble Kalman filter relies on normality approximations that improve its efficiency but can also compromise the accuracy of its distributional estimates. The effects of these approximations can be evaluated by comparing the conditional marginal distributions and moments estimated by the ensemble Kalman filter with those obtained from a sequential importance resampling (SIR) particle filter, which gives exact solutions for large ensemble sizes. Comparisons for two land surface examples indicate that the ensemble Kalman filter is generally able to reproduce nonnormal soil moisture behavior, including the skewness that occurs when the soil is either very wet or very dry. Its conditional mean estimates are very close to those generated by the SIR filter. Its higher-order conditional moments are somewhat less accurate than the means. Overall, the ensemble Kalman filter appears to provide a good approximation for nonlinear, nonnormal land surface problems, despite its dependence on normality assumptions.
A single high-affinity binding site for von Willebrand factor in collagen III, identified using synthetic triple-helical peptides
Authors: Lisman Ton , Raynal Nicolas , Groeneveld Dafna , Maddox Ben , Peachey Anthony R. , Huizinga Eric G. , de Groot Philip G. , Farndale Richard W.
Published: August 2006

The essential event in platelet adhesion to the injured blood vessel wall is the binding to subendothelial collagen of plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF), a protein that interacts transiently with platelet glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα), slowing circulating platelets to facilitate firm adhesion through collagen receptors, including integrin α2β1 and GpVI. To locate the site in collagen that binds VWF, we synthesized 57 overlapping triple-helical peptides comprising the whole triple-helical domain of collagen III. Peptide no. 23 alone bound VWF, with similar affinity to that of native collagen III. Immobilized peptide no. 23 supported platelet adhesion under static and flow conditions, processes blocked by an antibody that prevents collagen from binding the VWF A3 domain. Truncated and alanine-substituted peptides derived from no. 23 either strongly interacted with both VWF and platelets or lacked both VWF and platelet binding. Thus, we identified the sequence RGQOGVMGF (O is hydroxyproline) as the minimal VWF-binding sequence in collagen III.
Modelling the network of cell cycle transcription factors in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Cokus Shawn , Rose Sherri , Haynor David , Grønbech-Jensen Niels , Pellegrini Matteo
Published: August 2006

Background

Reverse-engineering regulatory networks is one of the central challenges for computational biology. Many techniques have been developed to accomplish this by utilizing transcription factor binding data in conjunction with expression data. Of these approaches, several have focused on the reconstruction of the cell cycle regulatory network of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The emphasis of these studies has been to model the relationships between transcription factors and their target genes. In contrast, here we focus on reverse-engineering the network of relationships among transcription factors that regulate the cell cycle in S. cerevisiae.

Results

We have developed a technique to reverse-engineer networks of the time-dependent activities of transcription factors that regulate the cell cycle in S. cerevisiae. The model utilizes linear regression to first estimate the activities of transcription factors from expression time series and genome-wide transcription factor binding data. We then use least squares to construct a model of the time evolution of the activities. We validate our approach in two ways: by demonstrating that it accurately models expression data and by demonstrating that our reconstructed model is similar to previously-published models of transcriptional regulation of the cell cycle.

Conclusion

Our regression-based approach allows us to build a general model of transcriptional regulation of the yeast cell cycle that includes additional factors and couplings not reported in previously-published models. Our model could serve as a starting point for targeted experiments that test the predicted interactions. In the future, we plan to apply our technique to reverse-engineer other systems where both genome-wide time series expression data and transcription factor binding data are available.
β-lactam antibiotic-induced release of lipoteichoic acid from Staphylococcus aureus leads to activation of neutrophil granulocytes
Authors: Lotz Sonja , Starke Andrea , Ziemann Christian , Morath Siegfried , Hartung Thomas , Solbach Werner , Laskay Tamás
Published: August 2006

Background

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMN) are phagocytes of the first line of antimicrobial defense. Previously we demonstrated that lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) directly activates neutrophil granulocytes. Others have reported that exposure of S. aureus to β-lactam antibiotics leads to LTA release. In the present study we addressed the question whether exposure of S. aureus to β-lactam antibiotics or antibiotics of other groups results in the generation of PMN-stimulating activity and whether this activity can be attributed to LTA.

Methods

S. aureus were exposed to flucloxacillin, a β-lactam antibiotic or to the protein synthesis-inhibitors erythromycin and gentamicin, or to ciprofloxacin, a gyrase inhibitor. Supernatants of the antibiotic-treated bacteria were assayed for their LTA content and for their effect on PMN functions.

Results

We observed that exposure of S. aureus to flucloxacillin and, to a lesser degree to ciprofloxacin, but not to erythromycin or gentamicin led to LTA release. Co-incubation of neutrophil granulocytes with LTA-containing supernatants led to PMN activation as assed by morphological changes, release of IL-8, delay of spontaneous apoptosis and enhanced phagocytic activity. Depletion of LTA from the supernatants markedly reduced their PMN-activating capacity.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that, via the activation of PMN, antibiotic-induced LTA release from S. aureus leads to enhanced antimicrobial activity of the innate immune defense mechanisms.