bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A potential predictive marker for response to interferon in malignant melanoma
Authors: Wild Peter J. , Meyer Stefanie , Landthaler Michael , Hofstaedter Ferdinand , Bosserhoff Anja Katrin
Published: May 2007

The methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (mtap) gene is localized on chromosome 9p21, a chromosomal region often affected by deletion in several kinds of malignant tumors. Studies on malignant melanoma have revealed loss of MTAP expression in vitro and in vivo; however, loss of MTAP expression is mainly regulated by promoter hypermethylation. Loss of MTAP was shown to have an effect on tumor invasion and metastasis. In a recent study, MTAP not only had a role as tumor suppressor but was also implicated in lack of therapeutic response of patients with recurrent malignant melanoma. There is evidence that loss of MTAP results in an inhibition of STAT signaling pathways regulated by interferon. This in turn leads to ineffectiveness of interferon therapy. Determination of the MTAP status in the primary tumor could, therefore, potentially lead to a selection of patients who benefit from interferon treatment.
Behavioral and Psychosocial Outcomes of a 16‐Week Rebound Therapy‐Based Exercise Program for People With Profound Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Jones Martyn C. , Walley Robert M. , Leech Amanda , Paterson Marion , Common Stephanie , Metcalf Charlotte
Published: May 2007

Abstract  People with profound intellectual disabilities rarely experience a physically active lifestyle, and their long‐term physical inactivity likely contributes to poor health. The authors developed and implemented a pilot exercise program for persons with a profound intellectual disability and conducted a study to evaluate the effort. The development of mobility, independent movement, and posture profiles resulted in a 16‐week needs‐led exercise program based on “rebound therapy,” with additional exercises, including active and passive exercise, walking, swimming, hydrotherapy, and team games. Study participants undertook 3–5 additional periods of low‐impact exercise per week, providing moderate to low levels of activity judged in terms of energy costs. The program was evaluated using physiological measures (resting pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index, seizure activity, activity levels), counts of challenging behaviors, and by indices of quality of life and alertness outcomes. Participation in the exercise program was associated with decreases of frequency of challenging behaviors and increases in quality of life (freedom scores) and alertness. The authors concluded that barriers to the development and implementation of ongoing exercise programs in continuing care settings can be overcome by trained and motivated care staff.
Extent, Duration, and Content of Day Services’ Activities for Persons With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Vlaskamp Carla , Hiemstra Saskia J. , Wiersma Linda A. , Zijlstra Bonne J. H.
Published: May 2007

Abstract  In the Netherlands, the Dutch government instituted policies that enable persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) to attend day services. Over the past 15 years, surveys have indicated a progressive increase in the number of hours that such adults spend at day activities centers. However, information about how these hours are spent is lacking. This study was designed to sample 7 residential centers to determine the amount of time spent in day activities centers, the number of hours that were spent on fixed programming or individually orientated activities, and what types of activities were prominent. Results showed that persons with PIMD spent, on average, 14.2 h per week at day activities centers. Of that time, 28.9% was spent on group activities and 13.0% on individual activities. Whether these activities could be considered purposeful or productive for an individual participant is unknown. The authors question whether the policies of the Dutch government aimed at enabling persons with PIMD to enjoy purposeful, rather than just longer, activities during the day, have been productively implemented.
Rates of Predation by Scouting‐and‐Recruiting Ants on the Brood of a Swarm‐Founding Wasp in Costa Rica
Authors: Bouwma Andrew M. , Howard Kenneth J. , Jeanne Robert L.
Published: May 2007

Ant predation is widely believed to play an important role in life history and evolution of tropical social wasps. While army ants are known to cause high rates of nest loss in swarm‐founding social wasps, no studies have quantified the impact of predation by non‐army ants on colony success. In this study we recorded survivorship of colonies of the swarm‐founding wasp, Polybia occidentalis, in Costa Rica at a site where we suspected that scouting‐and‐recruiting ants cause nest abandonment. We found that scouting‐and‐recruiting ants prey upon active nests of P. occidentalis, and conclude that predation by these ants is an important brood mortality factor in the life history of P. occidentalis colonies at our field site.
POLICING, DRUGS, AND THE HOMICIDE DECLINE IN NEW YORK CITY IN THE 1990s*
Authors: MESSNER STEVEN F. , GALEA SANDRO , TARDIFF KENNETH J. , TRACY MELISSA , BUCCIARELLI ANGELA , PIPER TINKA MARKHAM , FRYE VICTORIA , VLAHOV DAVID
Published: May 2007

This research reassesses the role of policing and drugs in the sharp homicide decline in New York City in the 1990s. Drawing on theoretical arguments about “broken windows” policing and lethal violence associated with the diffusion of crack cocaine, we estimate the effects of measures of misdemeanor arrests and cocaine prevalence on homicide rates with pooled, cross‐sectional time‐series data for 74 New York City precincts over the 1990–1999 period. The results of mixed regression models reveal a significant negative effect of changes in misdemeanor arrests and a significant positive effect of changes in cocaine prevalence on changes in total homicide rates. Additional analyses of homicide disaggregated by weapon indicate that the effects of misdemeanor arrests and cocaine prevalence emerge for gun‐related but not for non‐gun‐related homicides. Overall, the research generally supports influential interpretations of the homicide decline in New York City but also raises questions about underlying mechanisms that warrant more inquiry in future research.
Physicochemical Properties of Cellulose Selectively Oxidized with the 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethyl‐1‐Piperidinyl Oxoammonium Ion
Authors: Suh D.S. , Lee K.S. , Chang P.S. , Kim K.O.
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT:  This study examined the characteristics of the oxidation reaction on the primary alcohol groups in cellulose involving the 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyl oxoammonium ion (TEMPO) and determined the optimum conditions for the preparation of oxidized cellulose (OC). The applicability of OC in polysaccharide systems was also investigated. The effects of TEMPO, sodium bromide (NaBr), and temperature on the oxidation reaction time, yield, and selectivity for primary alcohol groups were examined using response surface methodology (RSM). The reaction time decreased with increases in the temperature and the levels of TEMPO and NaBr. The yield increased with the level of NaBr and decreased as the temperature increased. Selectivity increased with the temperature and decreased as the levels of TEMPO and NaBr increased. The optimum levels of TEMPO and NaBr and the optimum temperature for the production of OC were determined as 0.3 mM/100 mM anhydroglucose unit (AGU), 50 mM/100 mM AGU, and 25 °C, respectively. The water and oil binding capacity and viscosity of cellulose increased with oxidation. Wheat starch containing OC exhibited a decreased initial pasting temperature and setback, but increased peak viscosity, gelatinization, and retrogradation enthalpy (ΔH). The hardness of the wheat starch gel decreased significantly upon the addition of OC.
Improved Procedures for Static and Dynamic Analyses of Wrinkled Membranes
Authors: Shaw Amit , Roy D
Published: May 2007

An analysis of large deformations of flexible membrane structures within the tension field theory is considered. A modification of the finite element procedure by Roddeman et al. (Roddeman, D. G., Drukker, J., Oomens, C. W. J., Janssen, J. D., 1987, ASME J. Appl. Mech. 54, pp. 884–892) is proposed to study the wrinkling behavior of a membrane element. The state of stress in the element is determined through a modified deformation gradient corresponding to a fictive nonwrinkled surface. The new model uses a continuously modified deformation gradient to capture the location orientation of wrinkles more precisely. It is argued that the fictive nonwrinkled surface may be looked upon as an everywhere-taut surface in the limit as the minor (tensile) principal stresses over the wrinkled portions go to zero. Accordingly, the modified deformation gradient is thought of as the limit of a sequence of everywhere-differentiable tensors. Under dynamic excitations, the governing equations are weakly projected to arrive at a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations that is solved using different integration schemes. It is concluded that implicit integrators work much better than explicit ones in the present context.
Seismic force modification factors for light-gauge steel-frame - wood structural panel shear walls
Authors: Boudreault F A , Blais C , Rogers C A
Published: May 2007

Design guidelines for laterally loaded light-gauge steel-frame – wood structural panel shear walls are not available in Canadian codes. A design method for the calculation of shear stiffness and strength has been developed for use with the 2005 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), however. This method was based on the analysis, using an equivalent energy elastic–plastic (EEEP) approach, of over 180 single-storey shear wall tests of various configurations. Ductility-related (Rd) and overstrength-related (Ro) force modification factors also need to be defined to calculate equivalent static seismic forces following the 2005 NBCC. This paper describes the development of these two factors based on the EEEP analysis of the shear wall test results. To verify the "test-based" Rdand Rovalues, nonlinear time-history dynamic analyses of two representative buildings were carried out using a suite of 10 earthquake records scaled to the 2% in 50 year uniform hazard spectrum (UHS) for Vancouver, British Columbia. Preliminary values have been determined for the force modification factors, namely Rd= 2.5 and Ro= 1.7.Key words: shear wall, light-gauge steel, wood structural panel, seismic, R value.
Typical uniform hazard spectra for eastern North American sites at low probability levels
Authors: Atkinson Gail M , Elgohary Medhat
Published: May 2007

Seismic design for nuclear power facilities is generally based on a prescribed earthquake response spectrum, which defines the response of a simple oscillator of a given natural frequency to the expected motions. To develop standard designs that may be suitable in a number of possible future locations, it is useful to develop standard spectra that describe typical environments. The adequacy of the standard design for a particular location may then be judged based on comparison of the standard spectrum with a site-specific "uniform hazard spectrum" (UHS). In this paper, UHS results from selected publicly available studies are used to develop a standard spectral shape that describes moderate-seismicity sites in eastern North America, on hard-rock site conditions. Compared with a standard spectrum that has been suggested for future nuclear plants on rock sites (modified Canadian Standards Association CSA/CAN-N289.3), the spectral shape proposed herein has higher amplitudes at high frequencies and lower amplitudes at low frequencies.Key words: earthquake ground motion, response spectrum, nuclear power plant, spectral shape, design ground motion.
Tests on reinforced-concrete-filled, fiber-reinforced-polymer circular tubes of different shear spans
Authors: Fam Amir , Cole Britton
Published: May 2007

This study examines the shear behavior of concrete-filled glass-fiber-reinforced-polymer (GFRP) tubes (CFFTs) reinforced with either steel or fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) longitudinal rebar. To evaluate the contribution of the GFRP tubes, control specimens with and without steel spirals, instead of the tubes, were also tested. Shear span-to-depth ratios (a/D) of 1 and 2 were considered in 14 three-point bending tests. CFFT specimens with a/D = 1 failed in shear by diagonal tension failure of the concrete core and tube, whereas those with a/D = 2 failed mostly in flexure. Control specimens failed in shear at both a/D = 1 and a/D = 2. The shear strength of CFFT beams was substantially higher than that of control specimens but was dependent on rebar type and size. Some slip occurred between the concrete core and both the GFRP tube and the rebar. It is concluded that shear failure may occur in reinforced CFFTs at a/D ≤ 2. Despite the shear failure of steel-reinforced CFFTs at a/D = 1, the measured moments at failure were only 9% lower than their respective ultimate flexural strengths. A simplified strut-and-tie model was developed, and it showed reasonable agreement with experimental results.Key words: concrete-filled glass-fiber-reinforced-polymer tube (CFFT), concrete-filled, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP), rebar, shear span, shear strength, tube, strut-and-tie model.
Design of cold-formed compression web members with periodically varying section properties
Authors: Parent Serge , Pote Joseph J , Neale Kenneth W
Published: May 2007

In this paper, a design procedure for cold-formed channels periodically closed on their open face and utilized as joist web members is detailed. The design method for periodically closed sections is based on the representation of the cross-sectional properties using Fourier series introduced in Timoshenko quotients for the determination of the buckling loads about each of the three member axes. Once those loads are computed, they are used in the current framework of the North American Specification for the design of cold-formed structures with appropriate effective length coefficients. The proposed design methodology is compared with test results obtained from 36 stub column samples and 21 full-scale joist specimens, also presented in this paper.Key words: cold-formed struts, periodically varying cross sections, steel joists, flexural–torsional buckling, effective length coefficients.
Optimization of data collection needs for manual and automated network-level pavement condition ratings based on transverse variability and neural networks
Authors: Shalaby Ahmed , Reggin Alan
Published: May 2007

The paper deals with two approaches to optimizing pavement condition surveys for the urban pavement network of the City of Winnipeg, Manitoba. First, a nonparametric statistical test was applied to assess the transverse variability of the data. The test compared the ratings for one lane with those of all lanes of each segment. The test concluded that the medians of the two groups are equal at a 92% confidence interval and that there are observed biases in the data. The bias can be eliminated if the surveyed lane is selected randomly. The second approach was to predict visual survey scores from automated (laser-based) measurement of rut depth and international roughness index (IRI). A resilient back-propagation algorithm was selected, and the Kappa coefficient was used to examine the strength of the agreement. The results showed that only moderate agreement was achieved and that additional data elements are required to improve the predictive ability of the model.Key words: international roughness index (IRI), rutting, cracking, spalling, pavement management system (PMS), Kappa coefficient, distress surveys.
Genetically-optimized origin-destination estimation (GOODE) model: application to regional commodity movements in Ontario
Authors: Al-Battaineh Omar , Kaysi Isam A
Published: May 2007

The problem of origin-destination (O-D) matrix estimation has attracted significant research attention in the past few decades. This paper proposes a novel approach to estimate a regional freight O-D matrix using different data sources. The genetically optimized origin-destination estimation (GOODE) model takes advantage of the genetic algorithm's (GA) global search procedure to find the O-D matrix that is associated with the minimum deviation between estimated and observed data values. The GOODE-commodity model, an extension of the GOODE model, estimates the freight O-D matrix by interfacing GOODE with a trip generation model based on input-output data. The GOODE model and its extension bring together national input-output data, truck survey data, a global searching method, and a GIS platform for data manipulation. This paper presents the GOODE model structure, a prototypical numerical example, a benchmarking exercise with an existing O-D estimation model, and a real-world application of the GOODE-commodity model for a case study of commodity movements in Ontario. Avenues for future research are also addressed.Key words: origin-destination (O-D) matrix estimation, truck transportation modelling, input-output, Ontario, genetic algorithm.
Development of a glass-fiber-reinforced-polymer bridge deck system
Authors: Shehata Emile , Mufti Aftab
Published: May 2007

Development of an efficient and durable bridge deck system is a priority for most highway departments worldwide. This paper summarizes the results of an experimental program designed to study the behaviour of innovative glass-fiber-reinforced-polymer (GFRP) bridge deck modules and their transverse connection. The deck consisted of a number of triangular filament-wound tubes bonded with epoxy resin. Pultruded GFRP laminates were adhered to the top and bottom of the tubes to create one modular unit. The experimental program described in this paper discusses the evolution of the last two generations of the bridge deck. The description of the first and second deck generations was presented in an earlier paper. For the third-generation GFRP deck, a full-scale prototype specimen was subjected to 2 × 106 cycles at 135% of the service load level and was tested to failure afterward. The fourth-generation bridge deck system was fabricated by optimizing the weight of the deck section and then tested to failure. The performance was evaluated on the basis of load capacity, failure mode, deflection at service load level, and stiffness degradation under cyclic loading. Another phase of the work was to establish a means of connecting adjacent deck panels. A GFRP shear key was designed, manufactured, and installed in a full-scale deck module to address this need. Assessment of the structural adequacy in both resisting repeated loading and transmitting loads between adjacent deck modules is presented. The GFRP deck system with and without the shear key was capable of resisting 2 × 106 cycles of an equivalent American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials HS30-design truck wheel load plus the dynamic load allowance of the bridge deck.Key words: bridge decks, advanced composite materials, shear key, glass fibers, fiber-reinforced polymers, filament winding, pultrusion.
Fatigue strength of fibre-reinforced-polymer-repaired beams subjected to mild corrosion
Authors: Soudki Khaled A , Rteil Ahmad A , Al-Hammoud Rania , Topper Timothy H
Published: May 2007

Infrastructure corrosion is an expensive problem worldwide. In the case of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, corrosion reduces the steel cross sectional area and thus decreases the capacity of the corroded RC members. The expansion of the corroded steel also induces tensile stresses in the concrete causing the concrete cover to crack and spall, thus reducing the bond capacity between concrete and steel. This paper reports on a research program conducted at the University of Waterloo that studied the effect of corrosion on flexural and bond fatigue strength. The effect of the addition of fibre-reinforced-polymer (FRP) sheets on the fatigue life of corroded RC beams was also assessed. Eighteen beams (152 mm × 254 mm × 2000 mm) were tested in two groups, with each group consisting of three sets of tests. Group F was designed to study the fatigue flexural behaviour; the repaired beams in this group were strengthened with a flexural FRP sheet along their tension side and confined by intermittent U-shaped FRP sheets along their length. Group B was designed to study the fatigue bond behaviour; hence, the repaired beams in this group were confined with U-shaped FRP sheets in the anchorage zone. The variables in each group were the percentage of corrosion (0% and 5% theoretical mass loss), the load range, and the use or omission of a FRP repair method. Results showed that a mild level of corrosion (5% theoretical mass loss) caused on average 10% and 20% reductions in flexural and bond fatigue strength, respectively. Strengthening the corroded beams with FRP sheets enhanced the fatigue behaviour of the beams. In both groups, the fatigue strength was on average 15% higher than that of the corroded unrepaired beams.Key words:corrosion, fibre-reinforced-polymer (FRP) sheets, fatigue strength, steel–concrete bond, flexural performance, durability.
Impact of tridem and trunnion axle groups on premature damage of pavement infrastructure
Authors: Zhang Zhanmin , Tighe Susan
Published: May 2007

To make appropriate decisions on overload limits of various axle configurations that can be endorsed for routine permitting, highway agencies need to understand the impact of these axle groups in terms of pavement infrastructure damage. This paper examines the relative damage to pavements induced by tridem and trunnion axle groups. The analysis was conducted with typical structures of both flexible and rigid pavements by first analyzing the mechanistic responses of pavements to tridem and trunnion axle groups. Then the mechanistic responses were used as the input to performance-based fatigue models to quantify the relative accumulative damage to the pavements. The use of the performance-based fatigue models ensured that all types of damage (such as rutting and cracking) induced by the axle groups were taken into consideration. Based on the analysis results, it was found that for flexible pavements, tridem axle groups are more damaging than trunnion axle groups, whereas for rigid pavements, trunnion axle groups are more damaging than tridem axle groups.Key words: trunnion, tridem, load equivalency, pavement damage.
FINITELY GENERATED INFINITE SIMPLE GROUPS OF INFINITE COMMUTATOR WIDTH
Authors: MURANOV ALEXEY
Published: May 2007

It is shown that there exists a finitely generated infinite simple group of infinite commutator width, and that the commutator width of a finitely generated infinite boundedly simple group can be arbitrarily large. Besides, such groups can be constructed with decidable word and conjugacy problems.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC: A DISCRETE KINETIC THEORY APPROACH
Authors: DELITALA MARCELLO , TOSIN ANDREA
Published: May 2007

Following some general ideas on the discrete kinetic and stochastic game theory proposed by one of the authors in a previous work, this paper develops a discrete velocity mathematical model for vehicular traffic along a one-way road. The kinetic scale is chosen because, unlike the macroscopic one, it allows to capture the probabilistic essence of the interactions among the vehicles, and offers at the same time, unlike the microscopic one, the opportunity of a profitable analytical investigation of the relevant global features of the system. The discretization of the velocity variable, rather than being a pure mathematical technicality, plays a role in including the intrinsic granular nature of the flow of vehicles in the mathematical theory of traffic. Other important characteristics of the model concern the gain and loss terms of the kinetic equations, namely the construction of a density-dependent table of games to model velocity transitions and the introduction of a visibility length to account for nonlocal interactions among the vehicles.
DETERMINISTIC QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION USING STABILIZER QUANTUM CODE
Authors: GUO YING , ZENG GUIHUA
Published: May 2007

Employing a stabilizer quantum code (SQC), a quantum deterministic communication scheme is proposed to transmit secret messages with unconditional security. The proposed scheme has great capacity to transmit the messages since the utilized SQC can encode more than one qubit of the secret message in the message transmission phase for one scheme run. By utilizing the syndromes of the destroyed qubits, the damaged states can be exactly recovered from the received travel photons, which means that the scheme can be implemented in the imperfect channel with high fidelity.
THE TELEPORTATION OF AN ARBITRARY TWO-ATOM ENTANGLED STATE IN DRIVEN CAVITY QED
Authors: SHAN CHUAN-JIA , MAN ZHONG-XIAO , XIA YUN-JIE , LIU TANG-KUN
Published: May 2007

We propose a scheme for the teleportation of an arbitrary two-atom entangled state |ϕ〉12 = a|gg〉12 + b|ge〉12 + c|eg〉12 + d|ee〉12 in driven QED. Two pairs of maximally two-atom entangled state are required as the quantum channel. This scheme does not involve apparent (or direct) Bell-state measurement and is insensitive to the cavity decay and the thermal field. Meanwhile this approach can be used to teleport the unknown multipartite GHZ state. The probability of success in our scheme can reach 1.0.
APPROXIMATE QUANTUM CLONING IN d DIMENSIONAL SPACE
Authors: ZHANG WEN-HAI , YE LIU
Published: May 2007

We present a simpler method to deduce three types of approximate 1 → 2 quantum cloning machines in d dimensions, i.e. Wootters–Zurek, the universal, and phase-covariant quantum cloning machines. The explicit different transformations of these cloners are determined by different input states. Our method shows a relatively easy way to understand approximate quantum cloning.
ENTANGLEMENT OF FORMATION FOR A CLASS OF SPECIAL QUANTUM STATES
Authors: ZHAO HUI , WANG ZHI-XI
Published: May 2007

The entanglement of formation for a class of high-dimensional quantum mixed states is investigated. A special kind of D-computable states is defined and the lower bound of entanglement of formation for a large class of density matrices whose decompositions lie in these D-computable quantum states is obtained. Moreover we present a kind of construction for this special state which is defined by a class of special matrices with two non-zero different eigenvalues and the other eigenvalues are zero. Making use of the D-computable we construct a class of bound entangled states.
A PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist blocks the hypercalcemic response to estradiol-17β
Authors: Fuentes Juan , Guerreiro Pedro M. , Modesto Teresa , Rotllant Josep , Canario Adelino V. M. , Power Deborah M.
Published: May 2007

Estradiol (E2) increases circulating calcium and phosphate levels in fish, thus acting as a hypercalcemic and hyperphosphatemic factor during periods of high calcium requirements, such as during vitellogenesis. Since parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related protein (PTHrP) has been shown to be calciotropic in fish, we hypothesized that the two hormones could be mediating the same process. Sea bream ( Sparus auratus) juveniles receiving a single intraperitoneal injection of piscine PTHrP(1-34) showed an elevation in calcium plasma levels within 24 h. In contrast, injections of the PTH/PTHrP receptor antagonist PTHrP(7-34) decreased circulating levels of calcium in the same period. Intraperitoneal implants of estradiol-17β (E2; 10 μg/g) evoked significant increases of circulating plasma levels of calcium and phosphorus and a sustained increases of circulating plasma levels of PTHrP. However, a combined treatment of E2 and PTHrP(7-34) evoked a markedly lower calcium response compared with E2 alone. We conclude that PTHrP or a related peptide that binds the PTH/PTHrP receptor mediates, at least in part, the hypercalcemic effect of E2 in calcium and phosphate balance in fish.
Rapid and Strong Induction of Apoptosis in Human Eosinophils by Anti-CD30 mAb-Coated Microspheres and Phagocytosis by Macrophages
Authors: Matsumoto Kenji , Terakawa Maki , Fukuda Shuhei , Saito Hirohisa
Published: May 2007

Background: Eosinophils represent a potential therapeutic target in allergic diseases. We previously reported that two clones of anti-CD30 mAbs (HRS-4 and Ber-H8) induced extremely rapid and intense apoptosis in human eosinophils in vitro, but only when the mAbs were immobilized on plates [Matsumoto K, J Immunol 2004;172:2186]. As the initial step towards clinical application of these anti-CD30 mAbs in the treatment of allergic diseases, we made an attempt to clarify two issues; first, whether or not anti-CD30 mAb-coated microspheres can efficiently induce apoptosis in human eosinophils, and second, whether or not these apoptotic eosinophils can be phagocytosed by macrophages without the release of granular proteins. Methods: Purified human eosinophils were treated with anti-CD30 mAb-coated polystyrene microspheres (diameter, 1.44 µm). Apoptosis was determined by annexin V-binding. For the phagocytosis assay, eosinophils were co-cultured with monocyte-derived human macrophages or PMA-pretreated U-937 cells. Phagocytosis was determined by light microscopy and by the eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) concentration in the supernatant. Results: Anti-CD30 mAb-coated, but not control IgG1-coated microspheres significantly reduced eosinophil survival in a dose-dependent manner. Marked phagocytosis of the apoptotic eosinophils by macrophages was also observed when the eosinophils were treated with anti-CD30 mAb-coated microspheres. The apoptotic eosinophils released large amounts of EDN in the absence of macrophages; however, the EDN levels were significantly decreased when the eosinophils were co-cultured with macrophages. Conclusions: Anti-CD30 mAb-coated microspheres are capable of inducing rapid and strong apoptosis in human eosinophils. Furthermore, the apoptotic eosinophils were also phagocytosed by macrophages with minimal release of the granular proteins.
IL-4 Gene Transcription in Human T Cells Is Suppressed by T-Bet
Authors: Kitamura Noriko , Kitamura Fujiko , Kaminuma Osamu , Miyatake Shoichiro , Tatsumi Hideki , Nemoto Soichi , Mori Akio
Published: May 2007

T-bet is crucially implicated in Th1 differentiation due to its strong promoting activity for IFN-γ gene transcription. However, the regulatory role of T-bet in Th2 cytokines is not fully delineated. Methods: The effect of T-bet on mRNA expression as well as the promoter activity of IL-4 in human T cells was investigated by employing quantitative RT-PCR and fluorescence-based promoter reporter assay procedures. Results: IL-4 mRNA expression as well as the transcriptional activity of 5′-flanking region in the IL-4 gene encompassing –1105 to +4 in Jurkat cells was clearly upregulated upon stimulation. The inducible mRNA expression and the promoter activity of IL-4 were significantly diminished by ectopic expression of T-bet. Conclusion: IL-4 gene transcription is inhibited by T-bet via the suppression of its promoter activity, independently of IFN-γ. T-bet facilitates Th1 differentiation through not only upregulation of IFN-γ, but also downregulation of IL-4 gene transcription.
Role of RIG-I, MDA-5, and PKR on the Expression of Inflammatory Chemokines Induced by Synthetic dsRNA in Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Matsukura Satoshi , Kokubu Fumio , Kurokawa Masatsugu , Kawaguchi Mio , Ieki Koushi , Kuga Hideki , Odaka Miho , Suzuki Shintaro , Watanabe Shin , Homma Tetsuya , Takeuchi Hiroko , Nohtomi Kyoko , Adachi Mitsuru
Published: May 2007

Background: We hypothesized that synthetic double-stranded (ds)RNA may mimic viral infection and reported that dsRNA stimulates expression of inflammatory chemokines through a receptor of dsRNA Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 in airway epithelial cells. In this study, we focused our study on the role of other receptors for dsRNA, such as retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I), melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5), and double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR). Methods: Airway epithelial cell BEAS-2B was cultured in vitro. Expression of target RNA and protein were analyzed by PCR and ELISA. To analyze the role of receptors for dsRNA, knockdown of theses genes was performed with short interfering RNA (siRNA). Results: We first investigated the effects of chloroquine, an inhibitor of lysosomal acidification, on the expression of chemokines. Preincubation with 100 µM chloroquine significantly inhibited the expression of mRNA for RANTES, IP-10, and IL-8, stimulated by poly I:C, indicating that poly I:C may react with a receptor expressed inside the cells. RIG-I, MDA-5, and PKR are supposed to be expressed inside the airway epithelial cells. However, the expression of chemokines stimulated with poly I:C was not significantly inhibited for these putative receptors in the cells which were transfected with siRNA. Conclusions: Synthetic dsRNA poly I:C stimulates the expression of inflammatory chemokines in airway epithelial cells, but the putative receptors for dsRNA such as RIG-I, MDA-5, or PKR may not play pivotal roles in this process. TLR3 may play a major role as reported previously.
Differential Regulation of Chemokine Expression by Th1 and Th2 Cytokines and Mechanisms of Eotaxin/CCL-11 Expression in Human Airway Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Odaka Miho , Matsukura Satoshi , Kuga Hideki , Kokubu Fumio , Kasama Tsuyoshi , Kurokawa Masatsugu , Kawaguchi Mio , Ieki Koushi , Suzuki Shintaro , Watanabe Shin , Homma Tetsuya , Takeuchi Hiroko , Nohtomi Kyoko , Schleimer Robert P. , Adachi Mitsuru
Published: May 2007

Background: Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma including airway inflammation and remodeling. We focused our study on the regulation of chemokine expression by cytokines and analyzed the mechanisms of eotaxin/CCL-11 expression in ASM cells. Methods: Human ASM cells were cultured in vitroand treated with IL-4, interferon-γ (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). Secretion of chemokines into the culture medium was analyzed by ELISA. Expression of eotaxin mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Binding of transcription factor signal transducer activator of transcription (STAT) 6 to the eotaxin promoter-derived DNA was analyzed by pull-down Western blot. To assess transcriptional regulation of eotaxin, cells were transfected with eotaxin promoter-luciferase reporter plasmids, and activity was determined by dual luciferase assay. Results: The Th2 cytokine IL-4 preferentially stimulated the expression of the CC chemokine receptor (CCR) 3-ligand chemokines eotaxin, eotaxin-3, and MCP-4. The Th1 cytokine IFNγ stimulated the expression of chemokines IP-10 and RANTES. IL-4 stimulated nuclear translocation of signal transducer activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and its binding to the eotaxin promoter region. IL-4 activated the eotaxin promoter and its activity was inhibited by mutation of the binding site for STAT6 in the promoter. Conclusions: The Th2 cytokine IL-4 preferentially stimulated the expression of CCR3 ligand chemokines including eotaxin in ASM cells. The transcription factor STAT6 may play a pivotal role in the activation of eotaxin transcription in response to IL-4.
Determination of Intracerebral Structures Using Osseous Reference Points for Computer-Aided Stereotactic Operations
Authors: Mundinger F. , Reinke M.-A. , Hoefer Th. , Birg W.
Published: May 2007

Computer-aided stereotactic neurosurgery can be improved and simplified by using craniocerebral parameters for the calculation of subcortical target points and avoiding an air-filling of the ventricles. This was achieved by selecting 403 pneumo-encephalographic studies at random, measuring the craniocerebral parameters according to age and sex. There is a correlation between the bony cranium and the brain axis. We established a formula and a table to determine in the plain X-ray the entrance of the foramen of Monroi with a standard deviation of ± 1.5 mm and the inclination of the intracerebral basic line we used (foramen Monroi-commissura posterior). With this information various subcortical targets can be determined by means of computer programs.
Temporal Orientation in Patients with Brain Disease
Authors: Levin Harvey S. , Benton Arthur L.
Published: May 2007

A brief schedule of questions, based on empirically derived norms, disclosed significant inaccuracy in temporal orientation in 24% of a group of non-aphasic patients with brain disease. Conventional neurological examination detected temporal disorientation in only 15%. Patients with bilateral lesions showed a higher frequency of temporal disorientation than did those with unilateral lesions. In a group of 15 aphasic patients, 5 (33%) showed evidence of temporal disorientation according to the test while only 3 (20%) were detected on clinical examination. It is suggested that a schedule of questions scored on the basis of empirically derived norms should be incorporated into the neurological examination to assess temporal orientation.
Effect of Exogenous Catecholamines in the Amygdala of a ‘Rage’ Cat
Authors: Mark V.H. , Takada I. , Tsutsumi H. , Takamatsu H. , Toth E. , Mark D.B.
Published: May 2007

Minute amounts of epinephrine or norepinephrine alter the behavior of ‘rage’ cats (prepared by ventromedial hypothalamotomy) when these substances are focally instilled into both amygdalae via chronic brain cannulae capped with a silastic membrane. Hyperactive defense reactions are replaced by lethargy and placidity. Similar injections of epinephrine or norepinephrine into the amygdalae of normally placid cats who had not been subjected to ventromedial hypothalamotomy did not appreciably alter their behavior.
Method of Determining Topometric Values of Some Structures of the Human Spinal Cord
Authors: Zlatoš J. , Čierny G.
Published: May 2007

A method of measuring the cross-section areas of some structures of the human spinal cord is described for the purpose of obtaining the coordinate values by means of simultaneously photographing the transverse section of the spinal cord, together with a microscopic objective square raster. The obtained coordinate values have been processed by means of a computer and represent the statistical model map of some structures of the human spinal cord. By means of the present method, the classic anatomical and topometrical figure of the spinal cord is converted to a coordinate system that may be defined mathematically.
Pattern of Ipsilateral Clinical Extinction in Brain-Damaged Patients
Authors: Gainotti G. , Caltagirone C. , Lemmo M.A. , Miceli G.
Published: May 2007

A test of double tactile simultaneous stimulation was given to 212 patients affected by focal (178) or diffuse (34) cerebral lesions to study the order of dominance between face, hand, and foot. Both in focal and in diffuse brain-damaged patients, a striking dominance of the face over the hand and the foot was found. No significant difference between hand and foot was seen, but a mild prevalence of the foot over the hand was suggested by a cumulative analysis of our results. These findings do not support the hypothesis of a continuous downward gradient of dominance from rostral to caudal regions of the body.
Digestive Haemorrhages Induced by Traumatic Cerebral Lesions
Authors: Arseni C. , Oprescu I.
Published: May 2007

Three cases of severe craniocerebral injuries are presented wherein haemorrhagic types of digestive lesions occurred at various intervals. Commonly, the cerebral lesions involved mainly the rhinencephalic structures, whereas the digestive disturbances consisted mainly of vasodilatation and vasoparalysis. Thus, a relationship between rhinencephalic function and digestive haemorrhages is suggested.
Firing Pattern of Cells in Human Thalamus during Dorsal Column Stimulation
Authors: Modesti Luciano M. , Waszak Michael
Published: May 2007

The effect of dorsal column stimulation (DCS) on single cell activity of the thalamus was analyzed in a patient who underwent stereotaxic thalamotomy following implantation of a dorsal column stimulator. Nine thalamic units were monitored long enough for an adequate evaluation of the effect of repeated DCS upon spontaneous thalamic activity. The units’ firing frequency decreased significantly during DCS and decreased even further following cessation of the stimulation. These data, even if obtained from a small cell population, extend to the cellular level in the human thalamus the previous observations that DCS exerts marked effects on supraspinal structures.
Stereotactic Localization
Authors: Heifetz Milton D.
Published: May 2007

A model is proposed for precisely delivering a stereotaxic probe to a target based upon the insertion of an opaque point at the dura level. This point acts as a landmark which enables rapid calculation of mathematical parameters. The principle is easily adaptable to present semistereotaxic instruments.
Anatomo-EIectrographic Aspects in Familial Periodic Paralysis
Authors: Arseni C. , Carp N. , Călcăianu G. , Constantinescu A.I. , Ghiţescu M. , Petrovici I. , Poboran C.
Published: May 2007

Two cases, mother and son, of familial periodic paralysis are reported. The clinical picture was characterized by the periodic occurrence of attacks of paresis appearing at rest and affecting various muscles, but predominantly the proximal ones. Potassium metabolism disorders were found. The electromyographic tracing revealed an incapacity of the motor units to respond during the attack, inducing a reaction of the myasthenic type with concomitant decrease of the conduction speed. Histologically, an increased amount of glycogen was found in the muscle fibers and between them. In some of the muscle fibers, thickening of the sarcolemma and proliferation of its nuclei were observed. The motor plaques likewise had a large number of nuclei some of which were very voluminous. It is assumed that in familial periodic paralysis, simple metabolic disturbances are not sufficient to explain the pathogenic mechanism and that the disease may also be attributed to functional muscular anomalies.
Familial Postero-Lateral Myelopathy and Angiomatosis Retinae
Authors: Herishanu Y. , Feldman S.
Published: May 2007

Two sisters and a brother suffering from progressive spastic paraparesis and severe deep sensitivity loss were presented. In 2 of them, angiomatosis retinae was demonstrated by ophthalmological examination. The differential diagnosis of this neurological clinical syndrome is discussed.
Decreased Basal Levels of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 after Weight Loss in Obese Subjects
Authors: de Luis D.A. , Gonzalez Sagrado M. , Conde R. , Aller R. , Izaola O.
Published: May 2007

Objective: Basal glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations seem to be attenuated in obese subjects, although statistical significance is unclear. Only a few studies have investigated the effect of weight reduction on GLP-1 concentrations and have found unclear results. The aim of the present study was to determine whether subjects who lose weight on a hypocaloric diet experience the same change in circulating GLP-1 levels as subjects who do not lose weight. Material and Methods: A population of 99 obese nondiabetic outpatients was analyzed in a prospective way. Weight and blood pressure were determined. Basal glucose, C-reactive protein, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and basal GLP-1 blood levels were measured before and after 3 months of hypocaloric diet. Bipolar impedance examination was performed in all patients to assess body composition. The lifestyle modification program consisted of a hypocaloric diet (1,520 kcal, 52% carbohydrates, 25% lipids and 23% proteins). The exercise program consisted of aerobic exercise for at least 3 times per week (60 min each). Results: Ninety-nine patients (20 male/79 female) gave informed consent and were enrolled in the study. Fourteen patients (2 male/12 female) did not lose weight (group I: weight increase of 2 ± 1.1 kg, NS) and 75 patients (18 male/67 female) lost weight (group II, weight loss of 4 ± 1.6 kg, p < 0.05). Weight, body mass index, fat mass, waist circumference, insulin, HOMA, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and systolic blood pressure improved in group II, without significant statistical changes in group I. In group I, basal GLP-1 levels remained unchanged (7.4 ± 3.1 vs. 7.15 ± 3.6 ng/ml, NS). In group II, GLP-1 levels decreased significantly (8.4%, 6.88 ± 2.5 vs. 6.3 ± 2.4 ng/ml, p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis with a dependent variable (levels of GLP-1 after hypocaloric diet adjusted by age and sex), only insulin levels remained as an independent predictor in the model (F = 5.9; p < 0.05), with an increase of 0.6 ng/ml (CI 95%: 0.1–1.1) in GLP-1 concentrations with each 1-mIU/ml increase of insulin. Conclusion: Hypocaloric diet decreased GLP-1 levels in patients with weight loss with a significant improvement in anthropometric parameters and cardiovascular risk factors. Nevertheless, patients without weight loss after dietary treatment exhibited unchanged GLP-1 levels. Basal insulin correlates with basal GLP-1.
Membrane Fatty Acids, Oxidative Burst and Phagocytosis after Enrichment of P388D1 Monocyte/Macrophages with Essential 18-Carbon Fatty Acids
Authors: Fuhrmann Herbert , Miles Elizabeth A. , West Annette L. , Calder Philip C.
Published: May 2007

The fatty acid composition of cell membranes can be modified in cell culture. The role of different fatty acid families in modulating phagocytosis and oxidative burst is not clear and therefore the influence of 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on these processes was examined. The mouse monocyte/macrophage line P388D1 was cultured in medium supplemented with 2 or 20 µmol/l 18:2n–6 (linoleic acid; LA) or 18:3n–3 (α-linolenic acid; LNA) and fatty acid enrichment of the cells was tested after 8 days. The macrophages were activated with phorbol ester in order to promote oxidative burst and intracellular dihydrorhodamine oxidation was determined. To test phagocytosis capacity uptake of fluorescence-labeled Escherichia coli was determined. Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB was also determined. Cells grown in medium with 20 µmol/l LA contained 2- to 3-fold more n–6 PUFA including 4-fold more arachidonic acid. Cells grown in medium with 20 µmol/l LNA contained 4-fold more n–3 PUFA. Both LA and LNA enhanced phagocytosis and decreased oxidative burst, with little difference between the fatty acids. NF-kappaB activation at 1 h post-stimulation was not affected by adding LA or LNA to the culture medium. We conclude that the fatty acid composition of macrophages influences their ability to phagocytose and mount oxidative burst.