bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Furosemide‐induced renal medullary hypoperfusion in the rat: role of tissue tonicity, prostaglandins and angiotensin II
Authors: Dobrowolski Leszek , Sadowski Janusz
Published: June 2005

Furosemide (frusemide)‐induced renal medullary hypoperfusion provides a model for studies of the dependence of local circulation on tissue tonicity. We examined the role of medullary prostaglandins (PG) and adenosine (Ado) as possible mediators of the response to furosemide. Furosemide was infused i.v. at 0.25 mg kg−1 h−1 in anaesthetized rats, untreated or treated with intramedullary indomethacin (Indo) or Ado. An integrated set‐up was used to measure renal medullary laser‐Doppler flux (MBF) and medullary ionic tonicity (electrical admittance, Y), and to infuse Indo and Ado directly into the medulla. The cortical flux was measured on kidney surface. The excretion of water, sodium and total solute was also determined. Intramedullary Indo (1 mg kg−1 h−1) decreased MBF 18 ± 5% and increased tissue Y 14 ± 3% (both significant); the treatment abolished the post‐furosemide decrease in MBF (−22% in untreated group) and enhanced slightly the increase in renal excretion. Intramedullary Ado (5 mg kg−1 h−1) did not change baseline MBF or Y; the post‐furosemide decreases in MBF (−22%) and Y, and the increase in renal excretion were preserved. We conclude that a decrease in intramedullary PG activity secondary to decreased medullary hypertonicity mediates the fall in medullary perfusion in response to furosemide; the hypoperfusion may help restore the initial tonicity. Together with the earlier evidence on the dependence of post‐furosemide medullary hypoperfusion on angiotensin II, the study exposes its interaction with PG in the control of medullary circulation. Adenosine is not involved in medullary vascular responses to decreased tissue hypertonicity.
THE BIG BANG AS A PHASE TRANSITION
Authors: LIKO TOMÁŠ , WESSON PAUL S.
Published: June 2005

We study a five-dimensional cosmological model, which suggests that the universe began as a discontinuity in a scalar (Higgs-type) field, or alternatively as a conventional four-dimensional phase transition.
NUCLEON ELECTROMAGNETIC FORM FACTORS
Authors: GAO HAIYAN
Published: June 2005

The nucleon electromagnetic form factors have been studied in the past extensively from unpolarized electron scattering experiments. With the development in polarized beam, recoil polarimetry, and polarized target technologies, polarization experiments have provided more precise data on these quantities. In this talk, I review recent experimental progress on this subject.
DYNAMICAL MODEL OF ELECTROWEAK PION PRODUCTION REACTION
Authors: SATO T. , LEE T.-S. H.
Published: June 2005

The dynamical model of pion electroproduction developed by the authors has been extended to study the pion weak production reaction. The axial vector N-Δ transition form factor [Formula: see text] obtained from the analysis of existing neutrino reaction data and the role of dynamical pion cloud on [Formula: see text] are discussed.
STUDYING γ*N→Δ→πN WITH CROSS SECTIONS AND POLARIZATION OBSERVABLES
Authors: GILAD SHALEV
Published: June 2005

Preliminary results are presented of the reaction γ*N→Δ→πN that was studied at the Jefferson Laboratory for transferred four momentum of 1.0 (GeV/c)2. Angular distributions of the cross sections and polarizations were measured over much of the available phase space. Out of the eighteen response functions involved in this reaction, fourteen separate responses and two additional response combinations were extracted. All resonant and background multipole amplitudes were decomposed for s- and p-waves as well as several of the d-wave multipole amplitudes. The responses and multipoles were compared to model calculations. Significant differences were observed between the experimental values and those of the models for several of the responses and multipoles. The ratios of the electric and longitudinal quadrupole amplitudes to the magnetic dipole amplitude were extracted. These values are different from previously reported values.
THE GENERALIZED PARTON DISTRIBUTIONS OF THE NUCLEON
Authors: GUIDAL M.
Published: June 2005

The subject of Generalized Parton Distributions is briefly reviewed. The general theoretical framework and the recently published data are discussed.
CHIRAL SU(3) QUARK MODEL AND MULTIQUARK STATES
Authors: ZHANG Z. Y.
Published: June 2005

In this report, the theoretical framework of the chiral SU (3) quark model is introduced briefly. By using this model the NN, YN and KN scattering processes, the structures of dibaryon states and pentaquark states are studied. A new interesting dibaryon candidate (ΩΩ)0+ is predicted.
HADRON PHYSICS WITH ANTIPROTONS AT FAIR
Authors: WIEDNER ULRICH
Published: June 2005

This paper gives an introduction to the hadron physics program and the planned PANDA experiment at the future FAIR facility located at GSI in Germany.
PWA OF πN SCATTERING WITH FIXED-t DISPERSION RELATIONS
Authors: PIIROLA PEKKO , SAINIO M. E.
Published: June 2005

The πN scattering measurements from last couple of decades are not in very good agreement with each other. In fact, using the different data sets one finds different values for the pion-nucleon coupling constant. An analysis with theoretical constraints is the only way to produce accurate partial waves. In this analysis, the fixed-t dispersion relations are used to ensure analyticity in the invariant amplitudes and to decrease the effects of inaccuracies in the data base. Pietarinen's expansion is the method used to enforce the dispersion constraints. The strength of the analyticity constraints is illustrated with C± amplitudes in the forward direction.
THE PION-NUCLEON SIGMA TERM FROM UPDATED T-CHANNEL INPUT
Authors: HADZIMEHMEDOVIC M. , OSMANOVIC H. , STAHOV J.
Published: June 2005

Dispersion relations along interior hyperbolas and a set of hyperbolas passing through the Cheng-Dashen point are used to calculate the pion-nucleon sigma term. The t-channel input is updated using the recent GWU partial wave solution and ππ phase shifts from calculations based on Roy equations. Obtained values for the sigma term are still within the error bars of the previous Karlsruhe result.
STUDY OF QUARK-HADRON DUALITY BASED ON A CONSTITUENT QUARK MODEL
Authors: DONG Y. B.
Published: June 2005

The recent measurement of quark-hadron duality is shortly discussed by using a simple constituent quark model. Comparing with the moments of the structure functions in the resonance region and in the deep inelastic scattering region, we study the occurances of Bloom-Gilman quark-hadron duality for the nucleon structure function F2 and g1. Local duality is also analyzed.
PREPARATION OF MAGNETIC COMPOSITE OF NiFe2O4@SiO2 AND THE ASSEMBLY OF THE COLLOID PARTICLES BY MAGNETIC FIELDS
Authors: WANG JUN , ZHU YUEJIN , CHEN QIANWANG
Published: June 2005

Nearly monodisperse silica spheres with a diameter of ~90 nm containing NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles were successfully prepared by hydrolysis of TEOS in the presence of NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles, synthesized through a hydrothermal method. The colloid particles were characterized by XRD, TEM and VSM. The results indicate that the particles possess better magnetic properties at room temperature, compared with paramagnetic colloids with magnetic core by co-precipitation method. The colloid particles assembled under additional magnetic fields could have potential application in biomedical systems.
Early and Late Development of Notch3 in Human Brains
Authors: Ichinohe Akiko , Takahashi Keikichi , Tabira Takeshi , Takashima Sachio
Published: June 2005

Notch1, 2, and 3, cell surface proteins, exhibit distinct spatial and temporal expression in a variety of regions in the developing brain, and the mutation of Notch3 is the cause of a hereditary disease, CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy). Notch system has been thought to have important functions during early neural development, but its function and significance in the developing central nervous system remain elusive. We demonstrated early and temporal Notch3 expression in progenitors of neurons and glial cells at an early fetal stage, and late and increasing Notch3 expression until adulthood in the vessels of human brains. This persistent Notch3 expression might influence the pathogenesis of CADASIL. Notch3 expression at a temporally early stage of neurons and glial cells, and in a period of permanent vessel development suggests the different and important roles of this protein during human brain development. Additionally, abnormal expression of Notch3 was detected in cortical neurons of type 2 lissencephaly and tuberous sclerosis brains. These data suggest that Notch3 might be a marker of delayed or abnormal maturation of neurons associated with migration and maturation disorders.
Post-Test Probability for Pulmonary Embolism after Ventilation-Perfusion Scan Assessed by Nuclear Medicine Physicians
Authors: Elgazzar Abdelhamid H. , Loutfi Issa , Baqer Mona , Farghali M. , Khadada Mousa , Heiba Sherif , Uza Omash , Mahussein Suad , Al-Tailji Samira
Published: June 2005

Objective: The objective of this prospective study was to compare assessments of pre- and post-ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan probabilities for pulmonary embolism (PE) by the nuclear medicine physician and the referring physician. Materials and Methods: Seventy-nine patients (41 females, 38 males, mean age 49 years) referred for V/Q scans over a period of 6 months and suspected of PE were included in the study. The pre-test likelihood was determined independently by a consultant nuclear physician and a referring physician prior to the V/Q scan. The scan was performed according to a standard protocol using 8 view technetium-99m diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid aerosol ventilation study followed by a technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin perfusion study. The scan was interpreted according to prospective investigation of pulmonary embolism diagnosis criteria. The post-scan probability was calculated. The probability of PE was quoted as low, intermediate and high. Agreement or disagreement in assessing the pre- and post-scan probability was classified according to the degree of difference (no difference: 0; minor difference: 1, and major difference: 2 grades). Results: The agreement between the nuclear medicine and referring physicians on clinical probability of PE was moderate (63%) before the scan and good (90%) after the scan. The disagreement in assessing the clinical probability between the referring physician and the nuclear medicine physician was predominantly minor. Only 5 and 1% of the disagreement was major in pre-scan and post-scan probabilities, respectively. Conclusion: The data show that nuclear medicine physicians can use the assessment of pre-scan clinical likelihood to determine the post-scan probability of PE.
Cementless Zweymüller Hip Replacement: A Short-Term Follow-Up in Al Razi Hospital, Kuwait
Authors: Pospula Wieslaw , Noor Tarek Abu , Al Rowaih Ahmad
Published: June 2005

Objective: To present initial experience of the first 71 cases of cementless total hip replacement in Al Razi Hospital. Subject and Methods: Between 1996 and 2004, total hip replacement was performed in 71 patients (40 male, 31 female, average age 40.7 years, range 17–74) using Zweymüller cementless prosthesis. The patients were followed clinically and radiologically over an average period of 36 months (range 6–84). The results were assessed according to Merle d’Aubigne clinical score. Radiological assessment included position of the implant, behavior of the prosthesis/bone interface and signs of osteointegration. Results: Average clinical score during the 3 years’ follow-up period was 17.8 points. Most of the implants were in optimal positions. No significant radiological modifications of the implant-bone interface were observed. Conclusion: Zweymüller total hip prosthesis gives excellent clinical and radiological results in short-term follow-up.
Late Development of Diabetes mellitus after Interferon-Alfa and Ribavirin Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C: A Case Report
Authors: Radhakrishnan Sivasankara , Upadhyay Amal , Mohan Nihar , Dhar Anjan , Walia Harbhajan Kaur , Zubaidi Ghazi
Published: June 2005

Objective: To report the late development of immune-mediated diabetes mellitus after completion of alfa-interferon therapy for hepatitis C in an Asian patient. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 50-year-old male with chronic hepatitis C received treatment with alfa-interferon and ribavirin for 52 weeks. He developed immune-mediated diabetes mellitus with low C-peptide and positive antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody after completion of therapy. The hepatitis C infection was eradicated, but he continued to be diabetic requiring insulin therapy during the follow-up. Conclusion: This report shows thatimmune-mediateddiabetes mellitus can occur as a late complication of alfa-interferon therapy.
Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 in Japan
Authors: Takayama Tatsuya , Nagata Masao , Ichiyama Arata , Ozono Seiichiro
Published: June 2005

Background/Aims: Current status of primary hyperoxaluria (PH) has not been surveyed in Japan. Methods: Japanese patients with PH were reviewed in the published literature. Results: Fifty-nine patients were diagnosed as PH from 1962 to 2003. The median ages both at diagnosis and at the onset of initial symptoms were 17 (range: 0.02–63) and 13 (range: 0–58) years, respectively. Twenty-nine (49%) patients were older than 20 years at diagnosis, among whom 26 (90%) already presented end-stage renal failure (ESRF) or soon evolved into ESRF. Among 30 (51%) diagnosed as PH under 20 years old, only 13 (43%) were already in a terminal stage of renal insufficiency. Ten patients were diagnosed as PH1 by liver biopsy. We identified two types of enzymatic phenotypes in 3 of those patients examined. In 1 case, immunoreactive SPT/AGT protein level was very low due to accelerated proteolysis, while in other 2 cases, the immunoreactivity was detected on mitochondria due to mistargeting. Of 9 cases having been subjected to kidney transplantation at a median age of 20 years (range 7.3–40.0), it was only 2 cases that were reported to be successful, while the median survival time of the kidney grafts being 1.4 years (range 0–7). Of 4 patients having undergone combined liver/kidney transplantations (at the ages of 1.3, 1.4, 9 and 41 years, respectively), the surgery was successful in 3 cases; in the remaining one case, however, rejection required removal of the transplanted kidney was observed. The overall survival ratio of all the 59 PH cases accounted for 77, 71 and 55% at 5, 10 and 20 years, respectively. Conclusion: Assuming that the majority of the 59 patients with PH reported was classified as PH1, it is postulated that morbidity of violent infantile PH1 in Japan might be less than those in the USA and Europe, and symptoms of elderly Japanese PH1 patients seem to be milder than those of Western patients. Establishment of an early detection system of PH1 and more popular application of combined liver/kidney transplantation deserve further study.
Heterocellular Contact at the Myoendothelial Junction Influences Gap Junction Organization
Authors: Isakson Brant E. , Duling Brian R.
Published: June 2005

Heterocellular communication between vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) at the myoendothelial junction (MEJ) is a critical part of control of the arteriolar wall. We have developed an in vitro model of the MEJ composed of primary cultures of murine EC and VSMC. Immunoctytochemistry and immunoblots demonstrated Cx37 and Cx43 in both cell types, whereas Cx40 was found only in EC. Cx37 was excluded from the MEJ in both EC and VSMC. Connexin composition as well as functionality of the gap junctions at the MEJ was assessed by measuring diffusional transfer of biocytin and Cy3. Using connexin-specific blockers and manipulations of expression of individual connexin proteins, we confirmed that Cx37 is not a part of EC–VSMC coupling, and we demonstrated that heterotypic gap junctions are functional at the MEJ. We speculate that specific gap junction organization may be a vital component of EC–VSMC contact at the MEJ.
Long-Term and Sustained COMP-Ang1 Induces Long-Lasting Vascular Enlargement and Enhanced Blood Flow
Authors: Cho Chung-Hyun , Kim Kyung Eun , Byun Jonghoe , Jang Hyung-Suk , Kim Duk-Kyung , Baluk Peter , Baffert Fabienne , Lee Gyun Min , Mochizuki Naoki , Kim Jin , Jeon Byeong Hwa , McDonald Donald M. , Koh Gou Young
Published: June 2005

Vascular enlargement is a characteristic feature of angiopoietin-1 (Ang1)-induced changes in adult blood vessels. However, it is unknown whether tissues having Ang1-mediated vascular enlargement have more blood flow or whether the enlargement is reversible. We have recently created a soluble, stable and potent Ang1 variant, COMP-Ang1. In the present study, we investigated the effects of varied dose and duration of COMP-Ang1 on vascular enlargement and blood flow in the tracheal microvasculature of adult mice and explored a possible mechanism of long-lasting vascular enlargement. We found that COMP-Ang1 administered by adenoviral vector induced long-lasting vascular enlargement and increased tracheal blood flow. In contrast, short-term administration of COMP-Ang1 recombinant protein induced transient vascular enlargement that spontaneously reversed within a month. In both cases, the vascular enlargement resulted from endothelial proliferation. The COMP-Ang1–induced vascular remodeling is mediated mainly through Tie2 activation. Sustained overexpression of Tie2 could participate in the maintenance of vascular changes. Together, our findings indicate that sustained treatment with COMP-Ang1 can produce long-lasting vascular enlargement and increased blood flow.
An underestimated combination of opposites resulting in enhanced thrombotic tendency
Authors: Simioni Paolo , Castoldi Elisabetta , Lunghi Barbara , Tormene Daniela , Rosing Jan , Bernardi Francesco
Published: June 2005

Heterozygous carriers of factor V (FV) Leiden who also carry FV deficiency often develop venous thromboembolism, but the thrombosis risk associated with this rare condition (pseudohomozygous activated protein C resistance) is still unclear. The thrombosis risk of genetically characterized pseudohomozygotes (n = 6) was compared with that of FV Leiden heterozygotes (n = 683) and homozygotes (n = 50) recruited within a large cohort study on familial thrombophilia. Both thrombin generation and Kaplan-Meier thrombosis-free survival analyses were performed in different FV genotype groups. FV Leiden pseudohomozygotes showed significantly higher thrombosis risk than heterozygotes. The thrombin generation test in pseudohomozygotes showed a pattern similar to homozygotes. Accordingly, early thrombotic manifestations occurred in pseudohomozygotes at a similar rate as in homozygotes. Thus, failure to recognize FV deficiency in FV Leiden heterozygotes may result in an underestimate of the thrombosis risk and inadequate management of affected patients.
The effect of illustrations on patient comprehension of medication instruction labels
Authors: Hwang Stephen W , Tram Carolyn QN , Knarr Nadia
Published: June 2005

Background

Labels with special instructions regarding how a prescription medication should be taken or its possible side effects are often applied to pill bottles. The goal of this study was to determine whether the addition of illustrations to these labels affects patient comprehension.

Methods

Study participants (N = 130) were enrolled by approaching patients at three family practice clinics in Toronto, Canada. Participants were asked to interpret two sets of medication instruction labels, the first with text only and the second with the same text accompanied by illustrations. Two investigators coded participants' responses as incorrect, partially correct, or completely correct. Health literacy levels of participants were measured using a validated instrument, the REALM test.

Results

All participants gave a completely correct interpretation for three out of five instruction labels, regardless of whether illustrations were present or not. For the two most complex labels, only 34–55% of interpretations of the text-only version were completely correct. The addition of illustrations was associated with improved performance in 5–7% of subjects and worsened performance in 7–9% of subjects.

Conclusion

The commonly-used illustrations on the medication labels used in this study were of little or no use in improving patients' comprehension of the accompanying written instructions.
Case mix and outcomes for admissions to UK adult, general critical care units with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a secondary analysis of the ICNARC Case Mix Programme Database
Authors: Wildman Martin J , Harrison David A , Brady Anthony R , Rowan Kathy
Published: June 2005

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common cause of admission to intensive care units (ICUs) in the UK. This report describes the case mix and outcomes of these patients and explores associations of measures of case mix available in the first 24 hours with outcome.

Method

We conducted a secondary analysis of a high quality clinical database, the ICNARC Case Mix Programme Database, of 129,647 admissions to 128 adult, general critical care units across England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the period from 1995 to 2001.

Results

Nonsurgical admissions with COPD accounted for 3752 admissions (2.9% of all admissions). Patients were acidotic (median pH 7.26, interquartile range [IQR] 7.18–7.33), hypercapnic (median arterial CO2 tension 8.7, IQR 6.9–10.7) and hypoxic (median arterial O2 tension/fractional inspired oxygen gradient 22.9, IQR 17.2–29.6). Overall, 2775 (73.9%) were definitely intubated and 278 (7.4%) were probably intubated in the first 24 hours in the ICU. The median (IQR) ICU length of stay was 4.0 (1.6–9.4) days and the hospital length of stay was 16 (9–29) days. a total of 827 patients (23.1%) died in the admitting ICU and 1322 (38.3%) died during hospital admission. Age, presence of severe respiratory disease, length of stay in hospital before critical care admission, cardiopulmonary resuscitation within 24 hours before admission, intubation status in first 24 hours in critical care, pH, arterial oxygen tension/fractional inspired oxygen gradient, albumin, cardiovascular organ failure, neurological organ failure and renal organ failure all had independent associations with hospital mortality. Respiratory organ failure had a significant independent association with decreased hospital mortality.

Conclusion

Nonsurgical patients with COPD represent an important group of patients admitted to UK ICUs. The presence of single organ respiratory failure in the first 24 hours in critical care identifies patients with a 70% chance of surviving to leave hospital.
Grafted Neural Stem Cells Shield the Host Environment from Oxidative Stress
Authors: MADHAVAN LALITHA , OUREDNIK VÁCLAV , OUREDNIK JITKA
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Here, we present our preliminary data showing that neural stem cells (NSCs) can prevent the degeneration of striatal neurons when transplanted into the CNS prior to intoxication with 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP). In the adult CNS, the number of NSCs, a major source of neural cell populations and plasticity‐modulating factors, is relatively low if compared to that of the developing brain. This, together with the adult growth‐inhibitory environment, limits its regenerative capacity. Our recent observation has shown that grafted NSCs may rescue/protect neurons in the chronically impaired mesostriatal system. On the basis of this study and because we were also intrigued by our recent observations regarding the rescue/protective role of NSCs in vitro, we decided to test the hypothesis that grafted NSCs can also be deposited preventively in the CNS (and perhaps join the pool of endogenous NSCs of the intact host brain) for later buffering and maintenance of homeostasis when the host is exposed to oxidative stress.
Administration of Allogenic Stem Cells Dosed to Secure Cardiogenesis and Sustained Infarct Repair
Authors: BEHFAR ATTA , HODGSON DENICE M. , ZINGMAN LEONID V. , PEREZ‐TERZIC CARMEN , YAMADA SATSUKI , KANE GARVAN C. , ALEKSEEV ALEXEY E. , PUCÉAT MICHEL , TERZIC ANDRE
Published: June 2005

Abstract: The mitotic capacity of heart muscle is too limited to fully substitute for cells lost following myocardial infarction. Emerging stem cell‐based strategies have been proposed to overcome the self‐renewal shortfall of native cardiomyocytes, yet there is limited evidence for their capability to achieve safe de novo cardiogenesis and repair. We present our recent experience in treating long‐term, infarcted hearts with embryonic stem cells, a prototype source for allogenic cell therapy. The cardiogenic potential of the engrafted murine embryonic stem cell colony was pre‐tested by in vitro differentiation, with derived cells positive for nuclear cardiac transcription factors, sarcomeric proteins and functional excitation‐contraction coupling. Eight weeks after infarct, rats were randomized into sham‐ or embryonic stem cell‐treated groups. Acellular sham controls or embryonic stem cells, engineered to express enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP) under control of the cardiac actin promoter, were injected through a 28‐gauge needle at three sites into the peri‐infarct zone for serial assessment of functional and structural impact. In contrast to results with sham‐treated animals, stem cell therapy yielded, over the 5‐month follow‐up period, new ECFP‐positive cardiomyocytes that integrated with the infarcted myocardium. The stem cell‐treated group showed a stable contractile performance benefit with normalization of myocardial architecture post infarction. Transition of embryonic stem cells into cardiomyocytes required host signaling to support cardiac‐specific differentiation and could result in tumorigenesis if the stem cell dose exceeded the heart's cardioinductive capacity. Supported by the host environment, proper dosing and administration of embryonic stem cells is thus here shown useful in the chronic management of cardiac injury promoting sustained repair.
Alteration of the Copy Number of Mitochondrial DNA in Leukocytes of Patients with Hyperlipidemia
Authors: LIU CHIN‐SAN , KUO CHING‐LING , CHENG WEN‐LING , HUANG CHING‐SHAN , LEE CHENG‐FENG , WEI YAU‐HUEI
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Lipid metabolism in leukocytes may be disturbed by mitochondrial dysfunction caused by depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in response to an increase of oxidative stress in blood circulation. It is possible that alteration in mtDNA copy number of the leukocyte is involved in the impairment of the scavenging of oxidatively modified plasma proteins such as oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL). To test this hypothesis, we recruited 91 healthy subjects and 63 patients with hyperlipidemia (LDL >130 mg/dL) for this study. The copy number of mtDNA in the leukocyte and the titer of oxLDL IgG autoantibody (oLAB) were determined as indices of the oxidative stress response of immune cells. The results revealed a significant higher level of plasma oxLDL, lower titer of oLAB, and decreased copy number of mtDNA in patients with hyperlipidemia (P <0.05). In the analysis of partial correlations under age control, we found that an increase in the copy number of mtDNA was positively correlated with an increase in the level of oLAB (P <0.005, r= 0.3002) and a decrease in the oxLDL level (P <0.05, r=−0.2654) in healthy subjects but not in patients. Based on the results obtained from this case‐control study, we conclude that the increase of mtDNA copy number might provide the leukocyte an increased capability of scavenging oxLDL, possibly by enhanced generation of oLAB in healthy subjects, but not in hyperlipidemic patients who had lower mtDNA copy numbers in their leukocytes. Taken together, these findings suggest that an alteration of mtDNA copy number in the leukocyte may be one of the risk factors for hyperlipidemia.
Identification of Human‐Specific Adaptation Sites of ATP6
Authors: MAU BEY‐LIING , LEE HORNG‐MO , TZEN CHIN‐YUAN
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Mitochondria play an essential role in forming ATP and generating heat. The proportion of these two depends on the coupling efficiency of electrochemical gradient to synthesize ATP. Therefore, an increased basal metabolic rate caused by partial uncoupling of the mitochondria can be balanced by a high caloric intake provided by a high‐fat diet. The recent study by Mishmar et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2003; 100: 171‐176) suggested that ATP6 was the most variable gene among human mitochondrial DNAs and probably resulted from the adaptation of Homo sapiens to the colder climate during the migration out of Africa. According to this adaptation theory, the ATP6 of Homo sapiens (omnivorous animals consuming fat‐containing diet) should be significantly different from that of other primates for permitting human adaptation to the dietary conditions. On the basis of this rationale, we analyzed ATP6 sequences of 136 unrelated Taiwanese subjects, which then were compared with 1,130 reported sequences. The obtained human consensus from 1,266 individuals was compared with that derived from 42 species of primates other than human. The alignment showed that human ATP6 harbored 80 variable residues, among which 25 amino acids were conserved in other primates, suggesting that adaptation constraints operating at the amino acid level results in the species‐specific difference of ATP6. Therefore, these 25 amino acids are probably the human‐specific adaptation residues of ATP6.
Calcium Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: YEH TIEN‐SHUN , HO JAU‐DER , YANG VIVIAN WEI‐CHUNG , TZENG CHII‐RUEY , HSIEH RONG‐HONG
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Ovarian granulosa cells are known to play a key role in regulating ovarian physiology. Age increases apoptosis in follicular granulosa cells and subsequently decreases ovarian fecundity. The aging ovary also contains fewer follicles that possess fewer granulosa cells. The viability of follicular granulosa cells may be essential for development of the oocyte. Calcium ion plays an important role in a variety of biological processes, including gene expression, cell cycle regulation, and cell death. To study the ability of mitochondrial biogenesis in human granulosa cells, we determined the mitochondrial marker proteins, including the nuclear‐encoded NADH‐ubiquinone oxidoreductase alpha subunit 9 (NDUFA9) and mitochondrial‐encoded COX I, after treatment of the cells with the calcium ionophore A23187. We showed that the expression of these mitochondrial marker proteins in human granulosa cells increased with changes in cytosolic Ca2+ using the ionophore A23187. Treatment of granulosa cells with 0.5 μM of A23187 for 120 h increased the levels of NDUFA 9 and COX I subunit by up to 2.6‐ and 2.4‐fold, respectively. Raising Ca2+ by exposing granulosa cells to 1 μM of A23187 for 48 h significantly increased mitochondrial transcription factor (mtTFA) gene expression by up to 2.9‐fold. Our results indicate that the adaptive responses of granulosa cells to increased Ca2+ may include upregulation of mitochondrial proteins and that mtTFA may be involved in such a mitochondrial biogenesis pathway.
Pectinesterase Inhibitor from Jelly Fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) Achene Induces Apoptosis of Human Leukemic U937 Cells
Authors: CHANG JIA‐HUEI , WANG YUH‐TAI , CHANG HUNG‐MIN
Published: June 2005

Abstract: The antitumor activity of pectinesterase inhibitor (PEI), a group of cationic polypeptides, from jelly fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) achene was first examined as a treatment for leukemia in this study. PEI displayed strong growth inhibition against human leukemic U937 cells via induction of apoptosis in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. At a level of 50 μg/mL, PEI inhibited 90% of cell growth, and the concentration of PEI required to induce 50% of cell viability (LC50) was about 180 μg/mL. Meanwhile, cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase was observed when cells were incubated with 100 μg PEI/mL for 24 h. PEI displayed a dose‐dependent influence on mitochondria transmembrane potential (MTP, ΔΨm) of cells when detected by a flow cytometry. MTP of more than 50% cells was reduced when cells were incubated with PEI at levels higher than 50 μg PEI/mL for 24 h. In addition, PEI upregulated caspase‐3 activity. Taken together, PEI potently inhibited the proliferation of human leukemic U937 cells via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in association with MTP reduction and caspase‐3 activation, respectively, and showed therapy potential for U937 cells.
A New Noninvasive Test to Detect Mitochondrial Dysfunction of Skeletal Muscles in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: CHANG YUNG‐YEE , LEE CHIANG‐HSUAN , LAN MIN‐YU , WU HSIU‐SHAN , CHANG CHIUNG‐CHIH , LIU JIA‐SHOU
Published: June 2005

Abstract: We present usage of technetium‐99m methoxyisobutyl isonitrile (99mTc‐sestamibi) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) as a novel noninvasive method to evaluate muscular mitochondrial function in patients with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). 99mTc‐sestamibi SPECT revealed a statistically significant decrease in radionucleotide uptake in the quadriceps in PSP patients as compared with other neurodegenerative parkinsonism (P < 0.05) or control group (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates a remarkable deficit of skeletal muscle bioenergetics in patients with PSP. Our findings suggest a distinctive role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of PSP. Furthermore, 99mTc‐sestamibi SPECT provides a relatively simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive modality in further assessment of mitochondrial function and bioenergetic features in various muscular disorders.
Thallium Acetate Induces C6 Glioma Cell Apoptosis
Authors: CHIA CHEE‐FAH , CHEN SOUL‐CHIN , CHEN CHIN‐SHYANG , SHIH CHUEN‐MING , LEE HORNG‐MO , WU CHIH‐HSIUNG
Published: June 2005

Abstract: Thallium acetate is a known neurotoxic agent. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which thallium acetate induces cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in cultured LC6 glioma cells. Exposure of C6 glioma cells to thallium acetate decreased cell viability as demonstrated by the MTT assay. Incubation of thallium acetate arrested cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase and caused cellular apoptosis at 300 μM as determined by trypan blue exclusion and flow cytometric analysis. The G2/M arrest was associated with a decrease in expression of CDK2 protein and an upregulation of p53 and the CDK inhibitor p21Cip1, but not p27Kip1. Thallium acetate did not alter the protein levels of cyclin A and B; cyclin D1, D2, and D3; and CDK4 expression in C6 glioma cells. Incubation of C6 glioma cells with thallium acetate upregulated the expression of proapoptotic proteins Bad and Apaf and downregulated the expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐xL and Bcl‐2. In conclusion, these data suggest that thallium acetate inhibits cell cycle progression at G2/M phase by suppressing CDK activity through the p53‐mediated induction of the CDK inhibitor p21Cip1. Impairment of cell cycle progression may trigger the activation of a mitochondrial pathway and shifts the balance in the Bcl‐2 family toward the proapoptotic members, promoting the formation of the apoptosome and, consequently, apoptosis.
New Trade Fair in Milan — Grid Topology and Structural Behaviour of a Free-Formed Glass-Covered Surface
Authors: Schlaich Jörg , Schober Hans , Kürschner Kai
Published: June 2005

The connecting links between the exhibition pavilions of the new trade fair in Milan are mostly covered by innovative steel-glass-structures which are very attractive from an architectural point of view. At the main entrance the ‘Logo’ arises: A doubly-curved free-formed surface, which ascends to the sky like a volcano. With a height of 37 m, this structure will be identified from afar as the new fair's landmark. Further, a 1,300 m long and 30 m wide free-formed glass roof, the so-called ‘Vela’, links the individual exhibition halls along the main axis of the trade fair and reflects the nearby Alps in its architectural appearance. Emphasizing the ‘Logo’, besides the overall architectural concept, this paper mainly deals with the basic principles for the development of the grid topology and the characteristics of the structural system of the arbitrary curved free-formed surfaces.
Investigating the Statical Stability of Pin-jointed Structures Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: El-Lishani Sana , Nooshin H. , Disney P.
Published: June 2005

In this paper, the method of genetic algorithm is used as a search technique to find the stability characteristics of simultaneously statically and kinematically indeterminate structures The genetic algorithm is used to find out if there is a solution for a specific quadratic form which has to be satisfied in order to guarantee the statical stability. The genetic algorithm is a search technique that imitates nature in selecting and optimising towards an aim. The use of the genetic algorithm in the search for the stability of pin-jointed structures is found to be simple and powerful. A computer program called STAPS (Stability of Pin-jointed Structures) has been developed using the genetic algorithm. This program firstly identifies the independent mechanisms and states of self-stress, if any, in a structure. Then, the program searches for any state of self-stress that can stabilise all the mechanisms of the structure. STAPS program is a powerful tool for finding the stability of 2D and 3D pin-jointed structures. The program can be used for investigating the stability of space trusses and cable structures like cable nets, cable-strut and tensegrity structures1,2. Section 1 of this paper contains a brief introduction. Section 2 discusses the background of what is called ‘product forces’. Also, in Section 3 the stabilisation of mechanisms of pin-jointed structures is discussed. Section 4 introduces the method of genetic algorithm and how it is used in the search for stability of pin-jointed structures. Section 5 introduces the STAPS program together with illustrative examples of its application. Finally, Section 6 gives a conclusion of the work presented in this paper.
Generation of a New Type of Architectural Umbrella
Authors: Korkmaz Koray
Published: June 2005

The essence of this paper is the proposal of an innovative type of architectural umbrella. The new umbrella consists of a new type of symmetric spatial one-degree of freedom platform mechanism, a flexible covering with ribs and a hollow cylindrical mast with rotational movement. The most distinctive features of the umbrella are the expansion process and the way input is applied. As for the conventional foldable umbrellas, the joints should permit certain controlled movements, which in their turn would cause the process of the open and closed configurations of the umbrella. Graphical synthesis method is used to design and develop the mechanism.
Aerial archaeology: a full digital workflow for aerial photography
Authors: Leckebusch Jürg
Published: June 2005

Aerial archaeology is an established prospection method, but its systems and techniques have changed very little since its first applications. The advent of modern high‐resolution digital cameras, with better image resolution and image depth than comparable analogue photography, offers the possibility of a full digital workflow. A new system is being developed to fulfil all the requirements of aerial archaeology. The images are stored on a PC, together with associated geographical data, including the location and orientation of the camera stations. A GIS displays the camera stations together with the flight path. Once the photographic record of a site is finished, the geographical co‐ordinates of the target are calculated automatically, and combined with other data from a simple user interface to provide a complete primary data set during the flight. This allows the investigator to spend more time searching for sites during the flight, and simplifies the interpretation and analysis of the images in the office. This paper presents several new approaches to full integration of the systems involved. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teratogenic effects of bis‐diamine on the developing cardiac conduction system
Authors: Kise Kazuyoshi , Nakagawa Masao , Okamoto Nobuhiko , Hanato Takashi , Watanabe Noriko , Nishijima Setsuko , Fujino Hidetoshi , Takeuchi Yoshihiro , Shiraishi Isao
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart defects, including conotruncal anomalies, are often associated with arrhythmias. Bis‐diamine induces conotruncal anomalies in embryos when administered to pregnant female rats. To investigate the mechanism of arrhythmia in conotruncal anomalies, we histologically examined the development of the cardiac conduction system in this animal model.

METHODS

A single dose of 200 mg of bis‐diamine was administered to pregnant Wistar rats on ED 10.5 of pregnancy. The embryos were removed on each day from ED 11.5 to 15.5. Immunoexpression of HNK‐1, connexin40, and connexin43 were examined in serial sections. The distribution pattern of TUNEL‐positive cells around the conduction system was also examined.

RESULTS

HNK‐1 immunoreactivity was evident in interventricular septum, in both the control and the bis‐diamine–treated embryos from ED 12.5. Although a chain of connexin40‐immunoreactive cells from interventricular septum to trabeculae, corresponding to the His bundle and its branches, was demonstrated at ED 13.5 in the control embryos, this chain was first detected at ED 14.5 in the bis‐diamine–treated embryos. Immunoexpression of connexin43 in the working myocardium was also less in the bis‐diamine–treated embryos than in the control at ED 13.5. The number of TUNEL‐positive cells in the interventricular septum was highest at ED 12.5 in the control and at ED 13.5 in the bis‐diamine–treated embryos. Furthermore, these TUNEL‐positive cells were HNK‐1 negative, vimentin‐positive, and alpha smooth muscle actin–positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Bis‐diamine disturbed the normal development of gap junctions and apoptosis of myofibroblasts around the HNK‐1–positive conduction tissue through overall poor myocardial proliferation and growth. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
One Dimensional Volume‐Phase Transition of N‐Isopropylacrylamide Gels on the Surface of Gold Electrodes
Authors: Karbarz Marcin , Gniadek Marianna , Stojek Zbigniew
Published: June 2005

Numerous 500‐μm layers of the cross‐linked poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) gel were anchored on the surface of gold electrodes. It has been found that at circa 34 °C, as it occurs in bulk gels, the gel layers undergo the volume phase transition (effective shrinking). Since the adhesion of the gel layers to gold appeared to be sufficiently strong, the phase transition was in fact one‐dimensional. The shrinking process has been examined optically and voltammetrically using 1,1′‐ferrocenedimethanol as a model electroactive analyte. Good adhesion of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) gel to gold electrodes makes the gel layers potential hosts for enzymes and other catalysts. On the other hand the shrinking process may offer a convenient way to replace analytes and catalysts in the gel layers.
Effect of Deposition Conditions on Pt‐YSZ Cermet Anodes Made by PEVD
Authors: Haldane M. A. , Etsell T. H.
Published: June 2005

Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was deposited onto porous platinum networks by polarized electrochemical vapor deposition (PEVD) to make composite SOFC anodes. Although performance was poor, both before and after deposition, it was found to be better when high deposition temperatures were used, despite significant loss of electrode porosity during high temperature deposition. When the deposition temperature was lowered, from 1,050 °C to 900 °C, the level of porosity was maintained, but the power output was generally lower. Performance was partially recoverable by increasing the magnitude of the polarizing voltage during deposition. Typically, this led to an increase in deposition current, which in all cases exceeded the required amount for YSZ formation. By increasing the delivery rates of the source materials for yttria and zirconia, the amount of deposit formed could be increased, but excess oxygen at the anode prevented the formation of a continuous layer, in most cases.
Multistate active spaces from local CAS‐SCF molecular orbitals: The photodissociation of HFCO as an example
Authors: Junquera‐Hernández J. M. , Pitarch‐Ruiz J. , Sánchez‐Marín J. , Evangelisti S. , Maynau D.
Published: June 2005

A recently developed algorithm to generate localized molecular orbitals (LMO) is applied to the study of excited states along a photodissociation process. The LMOs allow for the selection of a consistent complete active space (CAS) for the simultaneous description of all the electronic states involved in a multistate process on the basis of simple chemical criteria. The local nature of the orbitals is used to label them in a unique way that does not depend on the molecular geometry. The selection of the electronic configurations of interest for the set of target states on only the basis of the dominant excitations required by the simplest configuration interaction (CI) descriptions for both ground and excited states is fairly simplified. The following of the changes in the nature of the states along cuts in the set of potential energy surfaces (PES) is also simpler. The CF bond breaking and the states involved in the photodissociation of the HFCO system, together with another geometrical path along the PES of the same previous states, are studied by way of examples in this work. The local nature of the MOs warrants that this small system is representative enough to show the advantages of the procedure and that its application to larger systems (R‐FCO systems) would be straightforward. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 1254–1262, 2005
Delivering the nuts without the bolts: The plight of clinical psychology practice
Authors: Cummings Nicholas A.
Published: June 2005

A vision as bold as that expressed by C.R. Snyder and Timothy R. Elliott in their target article, “Twenty‐First Century Graduate Education in Clinical Psychology: A Four Level Matrix Model” (this issue), should make the long‐awaited breakthrough in training that would include development, implementation, and evaluation of large‐scale health delivery systems. The realization that clinical psychology is part of the health care industry, and not just psychotherapy or mental health, would enable psychologists to go beyond the laboratory and become important decision makers in the health care arena and thus command a greater share of health care funding. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Reconciling the rift: Improving clinical psychology graduate training in the twenty‐first century
Authors: Ritschel Lorie A.
Published: June 2005

Most graduate programs in clinical psychology adhere to and reportedly are satisfied with the scientist–practitioner model of training. In the present commentary, I take the position that this model must be updated to reconcile the rift that currently exists between the scientists and the practitioners within the field. A return to scientific rigor within the field is espoused, and suggestions of ways to improve both undergraduate and graduate curricula are made. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
The matrix model for clinical psychology: A contextual approach
Authors: Sue Stanley , Terry Alison
Published: June 2005

The four level matrix model proposed by C.R. Snyder and T.R. Elliott (this issue) is a bold attempt to provide a coherent philosophy and model to guide the training of clinical psychologists. Shortcomings of current training practices, such as a focus on individuals rather than community dynamics and on pathology rather than strengths, are addressed in the proposed model. Difficulties in the implementation of the model are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.