bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOME NEW STABILITY PROPERTIES OF DYNAMIC NEURAL NETWORKS WITH DIFFERENT TIME-SCALES
Authors: YU WEN , SANDOVAL ALEJANDRO CRUZ
Published: July 2006

Dynamic neural networks with different time-scales include the aspects of fast and slow phenomenons. Some applications require that the equilibrium points of these networks to be stable. The main contribution of the paper is that Lyapunov function and singularly perturbed technique are combined to access several new stable properties of different time-scales neural networks. Exponential stability and asymptotic stability are obtained by sector and bound conditions. Compared to other papers, these conditions are simpler. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
TELEPARALLEL GRAVITATIONAL ENERGY IN THE GAMMA METRIC
Authors: SALTI MUSTAFA
Published: July 2006

The Møller energy (due to matter and fields including gravity) distribution of the gamma metric is studied in teleparallel gravity. The result is the same as those obtained in general relativity by Virbhadra in the Weinberg complex and Yang–Radincshi in the Møller definition. Our result is also independent of the three teleparallel dimensionless coupling constants, which means that it is valid not only in the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity, but also in any teleparallel model.
ON THE KALUZA–KLEIN GEOMETRIZATION OF THE ELECTROWEAK MODEL WITHIN A GAUGE THEORY OF THE FIVE-DIMENSIONAL LORENTZ GROUP
Authors: LECIAN ORCHIDEA MARIA , MONTANI GIOVANNI
Published: July 2006

The geometrization of the Electroweak Model is achieved in a five-dimensional Riemann–Cartan framework. Matter spinorial fields are extended to 5 dimensions by the choice of a proper dependence on the extracoordinate and of a normalization factor. U (1) weak hypercharge gauge fields are obtained from a Kaluza–Klein scheme, while the tetradic projections of the extradimensional contortion fields are interpreted as SU (2) weak isospin gauge fields. SU (2) generators are derived by the identification of the weak isospin current to the extradimensional current term in the Lagrangian density of the local Lorentz group. The geometrized U (1) and SU (2) groups will provide the proper transformation laws for bosonic and spinorial fields. Spin connections will be found to be purely Riemannian.
Incretin effect potentiates β-cell responsivity to glucose as well as to its rate of change: OGTT and matched intravenous study
Authors: Campioni Marco , Toffolo Gianna , Shuster Lynne T. , Service F. John , Rizza Robert A. , Cobelli Claudio
Published: July 2006

The aim of this study is to gain greater insight into the mechanism whereby “incretins” (greater insulinemia after oral than intravenous glucose) enhance insulin secretion. To do so, we use a model of C-peptide secretion to reanalyze data from a previously published study in which glycemic profiles observed following glucose ingestion were matched in the same 10 subjects by means of an intravenous glucose infusion. We report that incretins increase insulin secretion by enhancing both the dynamic (to the rate of increase of glucose) and static (to given glucose concentration) response with an increase of 58% for the static (Φs = 16.4 ± 1.8 vs. 24.6 ± 2.0 10−9 min−1, P = 0.01) and 63% for the dynamic (Φd = 278 ± 32 vs. 463 ± 86 10−9, P = 0.02) indexes. Since increases in the dynamic response to glucose are believed to be due to an increase in the rate of docking, and exocytosis of insulin containing granules and increases in the static response to glucose are believed to be caused by a shift in the sensitivity of the β-cell to glucose, these results suggest that incretins may modulate more than one step in the β-cell insulin secretory cascade.
Visfatin mRNA expression in human subcutaneous adipose tissue is regulated by exercise
Authors: Frydelund-Larsen Lone , Akerstrom Thorbjorn , Nielsen Søren , Keller Pernille , Keller Charlotte , Pedersen Bente Klarlund
Published: July 2006

Visfatin [pre-β-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF)] is a novel adipokine that is produced by adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and liver and has insulin-mimetic actions. Regular exercise enhances insulin sensitivity. In the present study, we therefore examined visfatin mRNA expression in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue and skeletal muscle biopsies obtained from healthy young men at time points 0, 3, 4.5, 6, 9, and 24 h in relation to either 3 h of ergometer cycle exercise at 60% of V̇o2 max or rest. Adipose tissue visfatin mRNA expression increased threefold at the time points 3, 4.5, and 6 h in response to exercise ( n = 8) compared with preexercise samples and compared with the resting control group ( n = 7, P = 0.001). Visfatin mRNA expression in skeletal muscle was not influenced by exercise. The exercise-induced increase in adipose tissue visfatin was, however, not accompanied by elevated levels of plasma visfatin. Recombinant human IL-6 infusion to mimic the exercise-induced IL-6 response ( n = 6) had no effect on visfatin mRNA expression in adipose tissue compared with the effect of placebo infusion ( n = 6). The finding that exercise enhances subcutaneous adipose tissue visfatin mRNA expression suggests that visfatin has a local metabolic role in the recovery period following exercise.
Peripherally administered desacetyl α-MSH and α-MSH both influence postnatal rat growth and associated rat hypothalamic protein expression
Authors: Wu Chia-Shan Jenny , Greenwood David R. , Cooney Janine M. , Jensen Dwayne J. , Tatnell Michele A. , Cooper Garth J. S. , Mountjoy Kathleen G.
Published: July 2006

Desacetyl α-MSH predominates over α-MSH during development, but whether it is biologically active and has a physiological role is unclear. We compared the effects of 0.3 μg·g−1·day−1desacetyl α-MSH with that of 0.3 μg·g−1·day−1α-MSH on postnatal body growth by administering the peptides subcutaneously daily for postnatal days 0–14 and also used a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis gel-based proteomic approach to analyze protein changes in hypothalami, the relay center for body weight and growth regulation, after 14 days of treatment. We found that the growth rate between days 1 and 10 was significantly decreased by desacetyl α-MSH but not by α-MSH, but by day 14, a time reported for development of a mature pattern of hypothalamic innervation, both peptides had significantly increased neonatal growth compared with PBS-treated control rats. Desacetyl α-MSH significantly increased spleen weight, but α-MSH had no effect. α-MSH significantly decreased kidney weight, but desacetyl α-MSH had no effect. Both desacetyl α-MSH and α-MSH significantly decreased brain weight. By 14 days, both peptides significantly changed expression of a number of hypothalamic proteins, specifically metabolic enzymes, cytoskeleton, signaling, and stress response proteins. We show that peripherally administered desacetyl α-MSH is biologically active and induces responses that can differ from those for α-MSH. In conclusion, desacetyl α-MSH appears to be an important regulator of neonatal rat growth.
A Tale of Three Spilled Gall Stones: One Liver Mass and Two Abscesses
Authors: Bhati C.S. , Tamijmarane A. , Bramhall S.R.
Published: July 2006

Spilled gall stone has been one of the most common complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Spillage occurs in up to 40% of cases; complications related to spillage are rare and can present within weeks to years. We report 3 cases referred to a tertiary centre for management of such complications. The first patient presented with clinical and radiological findings of cyst 1 week after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. She was initially thought to have a hydatid cyst. At laparotomy it turned out to be a liver abscess with stones at the centre of the cavity. The second patient presented with recurrent episodes of fever and on investigation was found to have a sub-hepatic abscess. The third patient had similar clinical symptoms to the second patient but presented 7 years after surgery. We recommend that every attempt should be made to avoid gall-bladder perforation during dissection; if this happens every effort should be made to remove the spilled stones.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Panipenem/Betamipron in Patients with Various Degrees of Renal Function
Authors: Tajima Naoyuki , Ishizuka Hitoshi , Naganuma Hideo
Published: July 2006

Background: Although plasma concentrations of panipenem were elevated and the risk of adverse events would increase in patients with renal impairment, a precise dosage regimen for patients with renal impairment has not been established. Methods: Population pharmacokinetic analyses were performed with plasma concentrations from 26 healthy volunteers and 41 patients. Optimal dosage regimens for patients with renal impairment were determined based on the bacteriostatic index of C20%T>MIC, the concentration corresponding to the time above MIC of 20% of the dosing interval. Results: The clearance of panipenem and betamipron was correlated with creatinine clearance and the volume of the distribution of panipenem was correlated with body weight. C20%T>MIC for a standard dosage regimen of panipenem was 4.3 µg/ml, and the optimal dosage regimen for the patients was established based on this value. Conclusion: The dosage regimen of panipenem for patients with renal impairment should be reduced when creatinine clearance is lower than 60 ml/min.
Endoscope-Assisted Thoracoscopic Technique for Esophageal Bronchogenic Cyst Which Presented Elevated CA125
Authors: Akutsu Yasunori , Matsubara Hisahiro , Hayashi Hideki , Okazumi Shinichi , Aoki Taito , Kozu Teruo , Ochiai Takenori
Published: July 2006

A 26-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of mild dysphagia. Preoperative examinations revealed a cystic lesion at the lower esophagus, thought to be a bronchogenic cyst. The patient underwent successful thoracoscopic tumor extirpation, assisted by endoscopy, without undergoing major thoracotomy. Thoracoscopic surgery is recommended for this entity, but the muscle layer is often injured. Endoscopic ultrasonography was very useful, as it could detect damage to the proper muscle layer of the esophagus near the tumor. Thus, we could predict preoperatively that the defect in the muscle layer, which must be closed, would be caused by the surgery. Additionally, endoscopy easily facilitated the detection of the regional defect and the border of the proper muscle layer, and also could be used as a stent during wall suturing. This technique enabled us to avoid postoperative stenosis of the esophagus. Furthermore, our case presented a high level of CA125. The preoperative serum CA125 value was 93.8 U/ml and intratumoral CA125 concentration was 1,690,000 U/ml. Serum CA125 decreased to 16.5 U/ml after surgery. In this paper, we present a new strategy of the treatment for bronchogenic cyst and a review the literature.
Outcome after Emergency Surgery in Gastric Cancer Patients with Free Perforation or Severe Bleeding
Authors: Lee Hyuk-Joon , Park Do Joong , Yang Han-Kwang , Lee Kuhn Uk , Choe Kuk-Jin
Published: July 2006

Background/Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcome of perforated or bleeding gastric cancer patients. Methods: Twenty-six gastric cancer patients undergoing emergency surgery for free peroration (n = 13) or severe bleeding (n = 13) were reviewed. Results: In the perforation group, tumors were mainly located in the greater curvature and anterior wall, but in the bleeding group, they were mainly in the lesser curvature. Three (23%) patients in the perforation group and 7 (54%) in the bleeding group received potentially curative resections (p = 0.11). The postoperative morbidity rate and mortality rate were 31 (8/26) and 8% (2/26), respectively. Median survival time after operation was 5.5 months. One patient in the perforation group and 3 patients in the bleeding group who underwent curative resection survived more than 30 months without recurrence. Three factors were found to be associated with improved survival after emergency surgery: potentially curative resection; TNM stage, and the absence of postoperative complications. Conclusion: Emergency surgery for gastric cancer patients with perforation or severe bleeding is associated with a low curative resection rate and a high postoperative complication rate. However, long-term survival can be expected in those patients who underwent curative resection with earlier stage gastric cancer.
Iron(III) Chloride Hexahydrate Does Not Enhance Methotrexate Cytotoxicity on Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ruiz-Gómez M.J. , Martínez-Morillo M.
Published: July 2006

Methotrexate is a potent inhibitor of dihydropholate reductase that has been used as effective antineoplastic treatment due to its capacity to inhibit cell growth. In a previous work published in Bioelectrochemistry 2003;60:81—86, we reported a statistically significant increment of 40.1 and 29.4% in methotrexate potency when MCF-7 breast cancer cells were exposed simultaneously to iron(III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) and methotrexate. The aim of this study was to investigate whether iron(III) could produce, on a Saccharomyces cerevisiae wild-type strain, alterations on methotrexate potency by the drop test survival assay and proliferation studies measured after 24 and 96 h of exposure. The data presented in the current report indicate that FeCl3·6H2O (1, 10, 100 and 500 µg/ml) does not induce modulation of the action of methotrexate (10, 100 and 500 µg/ml) in S. cerevisiae yeast cells when they are exposed simultaneously for 24 and 96 h.
Dynamics of Synoptic Eddy and Low-Frequency Flow Interaction. Part III: Baroclinic Model Results
Authors: Pan L-L. , Jin F-F. , Watanabe M.
Published: July 2006

In this three-part study, a linear closure has been developed for the synoptic eddy and low-frequency flow (SELF) interaction and demonstrated that internal dynamics plays an important role in generating the leading low-frequency modes in the extratropical circulation anomalies during cold seasons.

In Part III, a new linearized primitive equation system is first derived for time-mean flow anomalies. The dynamical operator of the system includes a traditional part depending on the observed climatological mean state and an additional part from the SELF feedback closure utilizing the observed climatological properties of synoptic eddy activity. The latter part relates nonlocally all the anomalous eddy-forcing terms in equations of momentum, temperature, and surface pressure to the time-mean flow anomalies. Using the observational data, the closure was validated with reasonable success, and it was found that terms of the SELF feedback in the momentum and pressure equations tend to reinforce the low-frequency modes, whereas those in the thermodynamic equation tends to damp the temperature anomalies to make the leading modes equivalent barotropic. Through singular vector analysis of the linear dynamical operator, it is highlighted that the leading modes of the system resemble the observed patterns of the Arctic Oscillation, Antarctic Oscillation, and Pacific–North American pattern, in which the SELF feedback plays an essential role, consistent with the finding of the barotropic model study in Part II.
An Elicitation of the Dynamic Nature of Water Vapor Feedback in Climate Change Using a 1D Model
Authors: Hallegatte Stéphane , Lahellec Alain , Grandpeix Jean-Yves
Published: July 2006

The concept of feedback has been used by several authors in the field of climate science to describe the behavior of models and to assess the importance of the different mechanisms at stake. Here, a simple 1D model of climate has been built to analyze the water vapor feedback. Beyond a static quantification of the water feedback, a more general formal definition of feedback gain based on the tangent linear system is introduced. This definition reintroduces the dynamical aspect of the system response to perturbation from Bode's original concept.

In the model here, it is found that, even though the water vapor static gain proves consistent with results from GCMs, it turns out to be negative for time scales below 4 yr and positive only for longer time scales. These results suggest two conclusions: (i) that the water vapor feedback may be fully active only in response to long-lived perturbations; and (ii) that the water vapor feedback could reduce the natural variability due to tropospheric temperature perturbations over short time scales, while enhancing it over longer time scales. This second conclusion would be consistent with studies investigating the influence of air–sea coupling on variability on different time scales.
An Idealized Nonlinear Model of the Northern Hemisphere Winter Storm Tracks
Authors: Chang Edmund K. M.
Published: July 2006

In this paper, a nonlinear dry model, forced by fixed radiative forcing alone, has been constructed to simulate the Northern Hemisphere winter storm tracks. A procedure has been devised to iterate the radiative equilibrium temperature profile such that at the end of the iterations the model climate closely resembles the desired target climate.

This iterative approach is applied to simulate the climatological storm tracks in January. It is found that, when the three-dimensional temperature distribution in the model resembles the observed distribution, the model storm tracks are much too weak. It is hypothesized that this is due to the fact that eddy development is suppressed in a dry atmosphere, owing to the lack of latent heat release in the ascending warm air. To obtain storm tracks with realistic amplitudes, the static stability of the target climate is reduced to simulate the enhancement in baroclinic energy conversion due to latent heat release. With this modification, the storm tracks in the model simulation closely resemble those observed except that the strength of the Atlantic storm track is slightly weaker than observed. The model, when used as a forecast model, also gives high-quality forecasts of the evolution of observed eddies.

The iterative approach is applied to force the model to simulate climate anomalies associated with ENSO and the interannual variations of the winter Pacific jet stream/storm tracks. The results show that the model not only succeeds in simulating the climatology of storm tracks, but also produces realistic simulations of storm track anomalies when the model climate is forced to resemble observed climate anomalies.

An extended run of the control experiment is conducted to generate monthly mean flow and storm track statistics. These statistics are used to build a linear statistical model relating storm track anomalies to mean flow anomalies. This model performs well when used to hindcast observed storm track anomalies based on observed mean flow anomalies, showing that the storm track/mean flow covariability in the model is realistic and that storm track distribution is not sensitive to the exact form of the applied forcings.
Tales of the Venerable Honolulu Tide Gauge*
Authors: Colosi John A. , Munk Walter
Published: July 2006

Surface expressions of internal tides constitute a significant component of the total recorded tide. The internal component is strongly modulated by the time-variable density structure, and the resulting perturbation of the recorded tide gives a welcome look at twentieth-century interannual and secular variability. Time series of mean sea level hSL(t) and total recorded M2 vector aTT(t) are extracted from the Honolulu 1905–2000 and Hilo 1947–2000 (Hawaii) tide records. Internal tide parameters are derived from the intertidal continuum surrounding the M2 frequency line and from a Cartesian display of aTT(t), yielding aST = 16.6 and 22.1 cm, aIT = 1.8 and 1.0 cm for surface and internal tides at Honolulu and Hilo, respectively. The proposed model aTT(t) = aST + aIT cosθIT(t) is of a phase-modulated internal tide generated by the surface tide at some remote point and traveling to the tide gauge with velocity modulated by the underlying variable density structure. Mean sea level hSL(t) [a surrogate for the density structure and hence for θIT(t)] is coherent with aIT(t) within the decadal band 0.2–0.5 cycles per year. For both the decadal band and the century drift the recorded M2 amplitude is high when sea level is high, according to δaTT = O(0.1δhSL). The authors attribute the recorded secular increase in the Honolulu M2 amplitude from aTT = 16.1 to 16.9 cm between 1915 and 2000 to a 28° rotation of the internal tide vector in response to ocean warming.
Tidal Conversion at a Submarine Ridge
Authors: Pétrélis François , Smith Stefan Llewellyn , Young W. R.
Published: July 2006

The radiative flux of internal wave energy (the “tidal conversion”) powered by the oscillating flow of a uniformly stratified fluid over a two-dimensional submarine ridge is computed using an integral-equation method. The problem is characterized by two nondimensional parameters, A and B. The first parameter, A, is the ridge half-width scaled by μh, where h is the uniform depth of the ocean far from the ridge and μ is the inverse slope of internal tidal rays (horizontal run over vertical rise). The second parameter, B, is the ridge height scaled by h. Two topographic profiles are considered: a triangular or tent-shaped ridge and a “polynomial” ridge with continuous topographic slope. For both profiles, complete coverage of the (A, B) parameter space is obtained by reducing the problem to an integral equation, which is then discretized and solved numerically. It is shown that in the supercritical regime (ray slopes steeper than topographic slopes) the radiated power increases monotonically with B and decreases monotonically with A. In the subcritical regime the radiated power has a complicated and nonmonotonic dependence on these parameters. As A → 0 recent results are recovered for the tidal conversion produced by a knife-edge barrier. It is shown analytically that the A → 0 limit is regular: if A ≪ 1 the reduction in tidal conversion below that at A = 0 is proportional to A2. Further, the knife-edge model is shown to be indicative of both conversion rates and the structure of the radiated wave field over a broad region of the supercritical parameter space. As A increases the topographic slopes become gentler, and at a certain value of A the ridge becomes “critical”; that is, there is a single point on the flanks at which the topographic slope is equal to the slope of an internal tidal beam. The conversion decreases continuously as A increases through this transition. Visualization of the disturbed buoyancy field shows prominent singular lines (tidal beams). In the case of a triangular ridge these beams originate at the crest of the triangle. In the case of a supercritical polynomial ridge, the beams originate at the shallowest point on the flank at which the topographic slope equals the ray slope.
Spatially Broad Observations of Internal Waves in the Upper Ocean at the Hawaiian Ridge
Authors: Martin Joseph P. , Rudnick Daniel L. , Pinkel Robert
Published: July 2006

The density and current structure at the Hawaiian Ridge was observed using SeaSoar and Doppler sonar during a survey extending from Oahu to Brooks Banks. Across- and along-ridge changes in internal wave statistics in the upper ocean within 200 km of the ridge are investigated. Internal waves with trough-to-crest amplitude as large as 60 m and horizontal wavelength of about 50 km are observed repeatedly in across-ridge sections of potential density. Within 150 km of the ridge, kinetic and potential energy density exceed open-ocean values with maxima about 10 times Garrett–Munk levels. In the Kauai Channel (KC), the kinetic energy density is largest along an M2 internal tide ray. The ray originates at the northern edge of the ridge peak at a large across-ridge change in topographic slope and terminates at the ocean surface about 30–40 km south of the ridge peak. Kinetic and potential energy density are larger on the south side of the ridge at KC, the side with larger topographic slope. Energy density is also larger on the south side of the ridge at KC in numerical model results and on the side of steeper topographic slope in analytical model results. Along the ridge, the largest observed values of mean-square shear and mean-square slope of isopycnal depth are collocated with the largest energy density in numerical model results. Mean-square shear and mean-square slope increase with decreasing bottom depth and with increasing M2 barotropic tidal forcing.
How Textiles and Clothing Students Spend Their Time and the Stressors They Reportedly Experience
Authors: Kozar Joy M. , Marcketti Sara B. , Gregoire Mary B.
Published: July 2006

A sample of undergraduate students majoring in textiles and clothing was used to measure students' time spent, perceived stress, and the correlation between these variables. Students (N = 61) recorded how their time was spent during a 2‐week period. Students (N = 99) also reported the intensity of stress in their lives. Findings indicated that during a school week, students spent almost the same amount of time socializing as studying and spent more time engaged in personal activities than for class preparation. Significant causes of stress included too many things to do at once, having to make important decisions about future career, and having many responsibilities. Suggestions for improving time and stress management are included.
Correction of the disease phenotype in canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency using ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy
Authors: Bauer Thomas R. , Hai Mehreen , Tuschong Laura M. , Burkholder Tanya H. , Gu Yu-chen , Sokolic Robert A. , Ferguson Cole , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Hickstein Dennis D.
Published: July 2006

Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (CLAD) represents the canine counter-part of the human disease leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD). Defects in the leukocyte integrin CD18 adhesion molecule in both CLAD and LAD lead to recurrent, life-threatening bacterial infections. We evaluated ex vivo retroviral-mediated gene therapy in CLAD using 2 nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens—200 cGy total body irradiation (TBI) or 10 mg/kg busulfan—with or without posttransplantation immunosuppression. In 6 of 11 treated CLAD dogs, therapeutic levels of CD18+ leukocytes were achieved. Conditioning with either TBI or busulfan allowed long-term engraftment, and immunosuppression was not required for efficacy. The percentage of CD18+ leukocytes in the peripheral blood progressively increased over 6 to 8 months after infusion to levels ranging from 1.26% to 8.37% at 1-year follow-up in the 6 dogs. These levels resulted in reversal or moderation of the severe CLAD phenotype. Linear amplification–mediated polymerase chain reaction assays indicated polyclonality of insertion sites. These results describe ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene transfer in a disease-specific, large animal model using 2 clinically applicable conditioning regimens, and they provide support for the use of nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens in preclinical protocols of retroviral-mediated gene transfer for nonmalignant hematopoietic diseases such as LAD.
Emergence of antitumor cytolytic T cells is associated with maintenance of hematologic remission in children with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Montagna Daniela , Maccario Rita , Locatelli Franco , Montini Enrica , Pagani Sara , Bonetti Federico , Daudt Liane , Turin Ilaria , Lisini Daniela , Garavaglia Claudio , Dellabona Paolo , Casorati Giulia
Published: July 2006

Although the graft-versus-leukemia effect of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is of paramount importance in the maintenance of disease remission, the role played by the autologous T-cell response in antitumor immune surveillance is less defined. We evaluated the emergence of antileukemia cytotoxic T-lymphocyte precursors (CTLp's) and the correlation of this phenomenon with maintenance of hematologic remission in 16 children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), treated with either chemotherapy alone (5 patients) or with autologous BMT (A-BMT, 11 patients). Antileukemia CTLp's were detectable in 8 patients in remission after induction chemotherapy; none of them subsequently had a relapse. Of the 8 patients who did not show detectable CTLp frequency while in remission after induction chemotherapy, 7 subsequently experienced leukemia relapse. In patients undergoing A-BMT, molecular fingerprinting of the TCR-Vβ repertoire, performed on antileukemia lines, demonstrated that selected antileukemia T-cell clonotypes, detectable in bone marrow before transplantation, survived ex vivo pharmacologic purging and were found in the recipient after A-BMT. These data provide evidence for an active role of autologous T cells in the maintenance of hematologic remission and also suggest that quantification of antileukemia CTLp frequency may be a useful tool to identify patients at high risk for relapse, thus potentially benefiting from an allogeneic antitumor effect.
Apoptosis and the activity of ceramide, Bax and Bcl-2 in the lungs of neonatal rats exposed to limited and prolonged hyperoxia
Authors: Husari Ahmad W , Dbaibo Ghassan S , Bitar Hala , Khayat Aline , Panjarian Shoghag , Nasser Michel , Bitar Fadi F , El-Sabban Marwan , Zaatari Ghazi , Mroueh Salman M
Published: July 2006

Background

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of limited and prolonged hyperoxia on neonatal rat lung. This is done by examining the morphologic changes of apoptosis, the expression of ceramide, an important mediator of apoptosis, the expression of inflammatory mediators represented by IL-1β and the expression of 2 proto-oncogenes that appear to modulate apoptosis (Bax and Bcl-2).

Methods

Newborn rats were placed in chambers containing room air or oxygen above 90% for 7 days. The rats were sacrificed at 3, 7 or 14 days and their lungs removed. Sections were fixed, subjected to TUNEL, Hoechst, and E-Cadherin Staining. Sections were also incubated with anti-Bcl-2 and anti-Bax antisera. Bcl-2 and Bax were quantitated by immunohistochemistry. Lipids were extracted, and ceramide measured through a modified diacylglycerol kinase assay. RT-PCR was utilized to assess IL-1β expression.

Results

TUNEL staining showed significant apoptosis in the hyperoxia-exposed lungs at 3 days only. Co-staining of the apoptotic cells with Hoechst, and E-Cadherin indicated that apoptotic cells were mainly epithelial cells. The expression of Bax and ceramide was significantly higher in the hyperoxia-exposed lungs at 3 and 14 days of age, but not at 7 days. Bcl-2 was significantly elevated in the hyperoxia-exposed lungs at 3 and 14 days. IL-1β expression was significantly increased at 14 days.

Conclusion

Exposure of neonatal rat lung to hyperoxia results in early apoptosis documented by TUNEL assay. The early rise in Bax and ceramide appears to overcome the anti-apoptotic activity of Bcl-2. Further exposure did not result in late apoptotic changes. This suggests that apoptotic response to hyperoxia is time sensitive. Prolonged hyperoxia results in acute lung injury and the shifting balance of ceramide, Bax and Bcl-2 may be related to the evolution of the inflammatory process.
Multiresistant-MRSA tricuspid valve infective endocarditis with ancient osteomyelitis locus
Authors: Chesi Giuseppe , Colli Andrea , Mestres Carlos A , Gambarati Gianpaolo , Boni Fabrizio , Gherli Tiziano
Published: July 2006

Background

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) with low susceptibility to glycopeptides is uncommon.

Case presentation

The case of a 50-year-old non-drug addict patient presenting with tricuspid valve infective endocarditis (IE) by MRSA resistant to vancomycin and linezolid is presented. There was response only to quinupristin/dalfopristin. He had a motorcycling accident four years before undergoing right above-the-knee amputation and orthopaedic fixation of the left limb. There were multiple episodes of left MRSA-osteomyelitis controlled after surgery and vancomycin therapy. MRSA isolated from the blood at the time of IE presented with the same profile than the isolated four years earlier. Sequential treatment with teicoplanin-cotrimoxazole and Linezolid associated to vancomycin – rifampicin – cotrimoxazole had no improvement. Infection was controlled after 28 days of therapy with quinupristin/dalfopristin.

Conclusion

The literature presents only a few cases of MRSA IE not susceptible to glycopeptides in not drug addicted patients. This case shows the comparison of a highly-resistant MRSA after previous S. aureus osteomyelitis treated with glycopeptides. This is the first description of successful treatment of resistant-MRSA IE of the tricuspid valve complicated by multiple pulmonary septic infarction with quinupristin/dalfopristin
Considerations for increasing the competences and capacities of the public health workforce: assessing the training needs of public health workers in Texas
Authors: Borders Stephen , Blakely Craig , Quiram Barbara , McLeroy Kenneth
Published: July 2006

Background

Over the last two decades, concern has been expressed about the readiness of the public health workforce to adequately address the scientific, technological, social, political and economic challenges facing the field. A 1988 report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) served as a catalyst for the re-examination of the public health workforce. The IOM's call to increase the relevance of public health education and training prompted a renewed effort to identify competences needed by public health personnel and the organizations that employ them.

Methods

A recent evaluation sought to address the role of the 10 essential public health services in job services among the Texas public health workforce. Additionally, the evaluation examined the Texas public health workforce's need for training in the 10 essential public health services.

Results and conclusion

Overall, the level of perceived training needs varied dramatically by job category and health department type. When comparing aggregate training needs, public health workers with greater day-to-day contact (nurses, health educators) indicated a greater need for training than their peers who did not, such as those working in administrative positions. When prioritizing and designing future training modules regarding the 10 essential public health services, trainers should consider the effects of job function, location and contact with the public.
The Role of Mutant UDP-N-Acetyl-α-d-Galactosamine-Polypeptide N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 in Regulating Serum Intact Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Matrix Extracellular Phosphoglycoprotein in Heritable Tumoral Calcinosis
Authors: Garringer Holly J. , Fisher Corinne , Larsson Tobias E. , Davis Siobhan I. , Koller Daniel L. , Cullen Michael J. , Draman Mohamad S. , Conlon Niamh , Jain Alka , Fedarko Neal S. , Dasgupta Bhaskar , White Kenneth E.
Published: July 2006

Context: Familial tumoral calcinosis (TC) results from disruptions in phosphate metabolism and is characterized by high serum phosphate with normal or elevated 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin vitamin D concentrations and ectopic and vascular calcifications. Recessive loss-of-function mutations in UDP-N-acetyl-α-d-galactosamine-polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) result in TC.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between GALNT3 and FGF23 in familial TC.

Design, Setting, and Patients: We assessed the major biochemical defects and potential genes involved in patients with TC.

Intervention: Combination therapy consisted of the phosphate binder Sevelamer and the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide.

Results: We report a patient homozygous for a GALNT3 exon 1 deletion, which is predicted to truncate the encoded protein. This patient had high serum FGF23 concentrations when assessed with a C-terminal FGF23 ELISA but low-normal FGF23 levels when tested with an ELISA for intact FGF23 concentrations. Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein has been identified as a possible regulator of phosphate homeostasis. Serum matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein levels, however, were normal in the family with GALNT3-TC and a kindred with TC carrying the FGF23 S71G mutation. The tumoral masses of the patient with GALNT3-TC completely resolved after combination therapy.

Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that GALNT3 inactivation in patients with TC leads to inadequate production of biologically active FGF23 as the most likely cause of the hyperphosphatemic phenotype. Furthermore, combination therapy may be effective for reducing the tumoral burden associated with familial TC.
Molecular Dynamics Study on Transport Properties of Fluids
Authors: Tokiwano Kazuo , Arakawa Kiyoshi
Published: July 2006

A molecular dynamics “experiment” has been performed for a system of 216 molecules interacting through a modified Lennard-Jones-type potential. The velocity autocorrelation functions and associated self-diffusion coefficients were computed for varying degrees of the steepness of the repulsive part in the pair potential. The dependence of these quantities upon the hardness of the core, and then the applicability of a perturbation approach to the transport theory, was elucidated. The computed self-diffusion coefficients were compared with the prediction of the Rice-Allnatt theory.
Organopalladium(II) Complexes Derived from Chloro[4-[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethylamino]-3-penten-2-onato-O,N,P]palladium(II)
Authors: Hiraki Katsuma , Masumoto Toyohiko , Fuchita Yoshio , Zegi Yasushi
Published: July 2006

A new tertiary phosphine containing α,β-unsaturated β-amino ketone, 4-[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethylamino]-3-penten-2-one (Hdpeap), reacts with sodium tetrachloropalladate(II) in the absence or presence of sodium ethoxide to give [PdCl2(Hdpeap)2] or [PdCl(dpeap)] [dpeap ≡ 4-[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethylamino]-3-penten-2-onatoO,N,P], respectively. The latter complex reacts with terminal acetylenes in the presence of catalytic amounts of copper(I) iodide to produce alkynyl complexes, [Pd(C≡CR)(dpeap)]. Carbanions derived from active methylene compounds, and sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate also react with [PdCl(dpeap)] to afford [Pd(CHYY′)(dpeap)] and [Pd(S2CNMe2)2], respectively.
Photoadducts of 2-Pyridones with Chloroethylenes and Their Derivatives
Authors: Somekawa Kenichi , Imai Ryusuke , Furukido Ryuichi , Kumamoto Sanetada
Published: July 2006

Sensitized photoirradiations of 2-pyridones with tetrachloroethylene or trichloroethylene gave chlorinated 3-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-4-en-2-ones (1) and 2-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-4-en-3-ones (2 and 3), 7,7,8-trichloro-2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-en-3-one (4), and other products. The reaction with 1,1-dichloroethylene, though, gave only 7,7-dichloro-3-azabicyclo[4.2.0]oct-4-en-2-one. 1, 2, 3, and 4 were reduced by zinc to give 7,8-dichloromethyl-3-azabicyclo[4.2.0]octa-4,7-dien-2-one, 2-azabicyclo[4.2.0]octa-4,7-dien-3-ones (7) and 6-chloro-2-methyl-2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octa-5,7-dien-3-one respectively. Then, 7 thermally gave valence isomers, 7-azabicyclo[4.2.0]octa-2,4-dien-8-ones, which were β-lactams.
Adsorption of N-Dodecyl-β-alanine at the Air-Solution Interface with the Spread Monolayer of Lecithin or Dilaurin. I. Adsorption Isotherms
Authors: Tsutsui Takao , Tajima Kazuo
Published: July 2006

The applicability of the Gibbs adsorption isotherm was examined for the adsorption of N-dodecyl-β-alanine (NDA) at the air-solution interface with the spread monolayer of lecithin (DML) or dilaurin (DIL). In order to derive adsorption isotherms, the spread monolayer was treated energetically as a part of the adsorbed monolayer. The isotherms were derived for the following cases: (a) a nonideal mixing of the spread and adsorbed molecules and (b) a nonideal adsorption associated with a conformational change due to the complex formation between monolayer molecules. The isotherm derived for case (a) coincided with the observed isotherm of NDA adsorbed into the DIL monolayer, but deviated from the observed isotherm of NDA adsorbed into the DML monolayer. The DML–NDA isotherm was regarded as to be explained by the isotherm derived for case (b). Further, the applicability of the Pethica’s isotherm to the adsorption of NDA in both systems was examined.
Reactions of Perfluoro-2-methyl-2-pentene with Carboxylic Acids, Alcohols, and Some Cyclic Amides. A New Fluorinating Reagent
Authors: Yanagida Shozo , Noji Yukihiro , Okahara Mitsuo
Published: July 2006

Perfluoro-2-methyl-2-pentene (PMP) reacts with carboxylic acids, alcohols, and 2-pyridone, giving Michaeltype addition products, 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-3-acyloxypentane, 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-3-alkoxypentane, 1,1,1,3,4,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-3 (2-pyridyloxy)pentane, respectively, in good yields. In the presence of bases, carboxylic acids give acid fluorides, 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-3-pentanone, and 1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-3-acyloxy-2-pentene (4), the yields changing with base, solvent, phase-transfer catalyst, and their combination. In the presence of triethylamine, fluorination occurs exclusively, producing acid fluorides in good yields. Alcohols and 2-pyridone are converted into alkyl fluorides and 2-fluoropyridine, respectively, with use of triethylamine as a base with an aprotic solvent. The reactions of PMP with 4-pyridone and 6-chloro-2-ethyl-5-methyl-4(3H)-pyrimidone were also examined. The fluorination reactions were rationalized by preferential replacement of the vinylic fluorine of PMP and a good leaving function of the perfluoro enol group of the intermediates such as 4.
Sulfonation of 4H-Cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene and Its Carbonyl Derivative
Authors: Yoshida Masaaki , Kobayashi Makoto , Minabe Masahiro , Suzuki Kazuo
Published: July 2006

The sulfonation of 4H-cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene gave 1-sulfonic acid accompanied by formation of 2-, 3-, and 8-analogues. The reaction of 8,9-dihydro derivative with sulfuric acid in acetic anhydride yielded exclusively the 2-acid. Also, 4H-cyclopenta[def] phenanthren-4-one afforded the 8-acid as the main product, and 1- and 2-isomers as minor products. The formation of the keto 2-sulfonic acid would be controlled thermodynamically and that of the 8-isomer is controlled kinetically.
Photolysis of Organic Azides. VI. 1,4-Diacetoxy-2,3-diazidonaphthalene. Formation of Isoquinoline Structure from α,α′-Dicyano-o-xylylene
Authors: Yabe Akira
Published: July 2006

Transient absorbing in the 400–450 nm range was observed in the photolysis of 1,4-diacetoxy-2,3-diazidonaphthalene in rigid matrices at 77 K. The transient was assigned as α,α′-diacetoxv-α,α′-dicyano-o-xylylene by comparison with the low-temperature photolysis of the other precursors, 1,2-diacetoxy-1,2-dicyano-1,2-dihydrobenzocyclobutenes. The three o-xylylene stereoisomers showed differences in the longest-wavelength absorption maxima. Continued irradiation of the o-xylylenes converted them to 2-acetoxy-2-methyl[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-c]isoquinoline-5-carbonitrile as the result of the reaction of a cyano group with the o-xylylene system and the migration of an acetoxyl group. The rate of formation of the isoquinoline in rigid matrices depends on the viscosity of glassy solvents and the configuration of the intermediate o-xylylenes. The room-temperature photolysis of the diazide gave 2,3-diacetamido-1,4-naphthoquinone as the main product and compounds via the o-xylylene as minor products. A mechanism involving two competitive reactions is discussed.
The Mechanism of the Reactions of Alkoxy- and Aryloxytrimethylsilanes with Sulfinyl Chlorides. A Doubt about 4-Center Mechanism for the Bimolecular IVb–VIb Bond Cleavages
Authors: Kozuka Seizi , Higashino Tetsuji
Published: July 2006

Kinetic studies have been conducted for the reactions of ethoxytrimethylsilane with benzenesulfinyl chloride and aryloxytrimethylsilane with methanesulfinyl chloride. Both the reactions were found to obey second order rate equation. A clear negative ρ value was observed for the reaction of aryloxytrimethylsilane. The solvent effects suggested that both the two reactions were quite similar in their mechanisms. Nucleophilic addition of silyloxygen atom to sulfinyl group has been suggested for these two reactions.
Catalysis of Metal(II) Acetate–2,2′-Bipyridine Complexes in the Aldol Condensations
Authors: Irie Kazuo , Watanabe Ken-ichi
Published: July 2006

The rate of the condensation of benzaldehyde with excess acetophenone catalyzed by Co(II) acetate-2,2′-bipyridine complex was obtained by GLC analysis. The rate increased in proportion as the amount of the complex catalyst. 2,2′-Bipyridine ligand in the Co(II) complex enhanced the catalytic activity remarkably, though the ligand itself had no activity. When the molar ratio of Co(II): bpy was 1 : 1 or 1 : 2, the highest activity was observed. The activation energy of the complex (1 : 1) catalyzed reaction was calculated as 13.7 kcal/mol. The catalysis of the complex behaved like a base catalyst. Briefly, the relation of the complex catalyzed aldol condensations with the enzymatic reaction of Class II aldolase is also described.
Restricted Rotation Involving the Tetrahedral Carbon. XXXVIII. Barriers to Rotation and Population Distributions of 9-(8-Methyl-1-naphthyl)fluorene and Its 1-Methyl Derivative
Authors: Mori Teruo , Oki Michinori
Published: July 2006

The title compounds were prepared to see the effect of an 8-methyl group on the populations and the barriers to rotation of rotamers. As expected, the substituent destablized the syn conformation to a considerable extent, although the extent appeared to be a little less than that of a 2-t-butylphenyl group. Atropisomers of 1-methyl-9-(8-methyl-1-naphthyl)fluorene were isolated. The barriers to rotation were discussed with reference to related compounds.
Taft’s Plot for the Co-pyrolysis of 2-Chloroethyl Compound and Methanol on Activated Alumina
Authors: Shinoda Kiyonori
Published: July 2006

For the co-pyrolysis of 2-chloroethyl compounds with methanol on activated alumina, the ρ* value was +0.49, indicating a nucleophilic reaction mechanism.
The Crystal Structure of Di-μ-Bromo-tris(triphenylphosphine)dicopper(II)
Authors: Negita Hisao , Hiura Morio , Kushi Yoshihiko , Kuramoto Masahiro , Okuda Tsutomu
Published: July 2006

The crystal structure of the Cu2Br2(PPh3)3·1.5C6H6 complex has been determined by three dimensional X-ray analysis. The crystals are monoclinic, and the space group is P21/c, with unit-cell parameters of a=14.122 (3), b=19.573 (4), c=25.985 (7) Å, β=128.99 (1)°, and Z=4. In the Cu2Br2(PPh3)3 molecule, one copper atom is three-coordinate, and the other, four-coordinate.
The Correlation between the Relative Retention Behavior and the Number of Chlorine Substituents in the Phenol Ring
Authors: Onodera Sukeo
Published: July 2006

The gas-chromatographic behavior of chlorinated phenols, m-cresols, and 3,5-xylenols on polar and nonpolar columns connected to either FID or ECD has been studied. The relative retention times (tR) for individual homologous series were determined as a function of the number of chlorine substituents in the molecule. It was found, for the homologous series of these chlorinated compounds, that a relationship between logtR and the number of chlorine substituents is of only limited use in the identification of individual chlorinated phenols.
The Molecular Structure of Δ-cis-α-[(S)-N,N′-Bis(2-pyridylmethyl)propylenediamine]dichlorochromium(III) Chloride
Authors: Hata Yasuo , Yamamoto Yukihiro , Shimura Yoichi
Published: July 2006

The molecular structure of Δ-cis-α-[CrCl2(S-picpn)]+ (S-picpn=(S)-N,N′-bis(2-pyridylmethyl) propylenediamine) was determined by X-ray analysis, the absolute configuration being confirmed to coincide with that assigned from the circular dichroism spectrum.
Selectivity in the N- and/or C-Alkylation of Schiff Bases Catalyzed by Crown Ether
Authors: Akabori Sadatoshi , Ohtomi Michiko , Shimada Kazuhide , Takemura Ayami
Published: July 2006

The reaction of anions derived from Schiff bases (N-(α-methylbenzylidene)aniline and N-cyclohexylideneaniline) with ethyl iodide or diethyl sulfate in aprotic solvents, in the presence of 18-crown-6, is found to give a high ratio of N⁄(N+C) or C⁄(N+C) alkylation when conducted in benzene or in dioxane.