bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two faces of calcium activation after optic nerve trauma: life or death of retinal ganglion cells in vivo depends on calcium dynamics
Authors: Prilloff S. , Noblejas M. I. , Chedhomme V. , Sabel B. A.
Published: June 2007

Calcium elevations after neurotrauma are not only implicated in cell death but may contribute to adaptive plasticity. We now wished to resolve this contradiction by following calcium dynamics after optic nerve crush in vivo. Adult rats received no injury (n = 5), unilateral mild (n = 10) or moderate optic nerve crush (n = 10) (ONC), or axotomy (n = 5). Before surgery, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were retrogradely labelled with Oregon Green BAPTA‐dextran, a fluorescent calcium marker. Calcium‐related fluorescence intensity (FI) was repeatedly measured in individual RGCs in vivo using the in vivo confocal neuroimaging (ICON) method. Four different RGC types were found. Normal RGCs without FI change were found in sham rats and also in both ONC groups. RGCs with mild damage were seen only after mild ONC, showing an initial calcium depression of 26% at day 4 followed by a 169% increase 15 days after ONC. RGCs with moderate damage were found only after moderate ONC and showed calcium hypoactivation followed by a slower return toward baseline and a delayed calcium increase of 72% above baseline. Sixty to sixty‐five per cent of the RGCs in both ONC groups and all RGCs in the axotomy group died within 6 days following a fast and massive calcium increase of 316% with a concomitant 156% soma size increase. In conclusion rapid calcium elevation leads to cell death, while an initial calcium depression followed by a delayed and moderate calcium hyperactivation is associated with cell survival. We propose that immediate, massive calcium activation is maladaptive whereas delayed and moderate hyperactivation of surviving cells is adaptive. Implications for pharmacotherapy are discussed.
Cellular localization and function of DARPP‐32 in the rodent retina
Authors: Witkovsky Paul , Svenningsson Per , Yan Lily , Bateup Helen , Silver Rae
Published: June 2007

The goal of the present study was to elucidate the role of DARPP‐32 (dopamine‐ and cyclic adenosine 3′‐5′‐monophosphate‐regulated phosphoprotein, 32 kDa) in retinal function. We examined mouse and rat retinas for the presence of DARPP‐32 by immunocytochemistry. In both rodent retinas DARPP‐32 immunoreactivity was localized to horizontal and AII amacrine neurons and to the Mueller glial cells, using immuno‐double labelling. Additional unidentified neurons in the amacrine cell layer also showed DARPP‐32 immunoreactivity. Using mice entrained to a 12–12 h light–dark cycle, we found that exposure to light presented during the dark phase significantly enhanced phosphorylation of DARPP‐32 at threonine (Thr) 34 and phosphorylation of the ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit GluR1 at serine (Ser) 845, as measured by immunoblots. However, light also increased Ser 845‐GluR1 phosphorylation in DARPP‐32‐knockout mice. When a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist was injected into the eye prior to light exposure, phosphorylation of both Thr 34‐DARPP‐32 and Ser 845‐GluR1 was significantly reduced. These data indicate that DARPP‐32 participates in dopamine‐mediated modifications of retinal function. We also tested for a possible circadian rhythm of Thr 34‐ and Thr 75‐DARPP‐32 and Ser 845‐GluR1 expression. No significant circadian rhythm of either DARPP‐32 or GluR1 phosphorylation was found.
Challenging the omnipotence of the suprachiasmatic timekeeper: are circadian oscillators present throughout the mammalian brain?
Authors: Guilding Clare , Piggins Hugh D.
Published: June 2007

The suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN) is the master circadian pacemaker or clock in the mammalian brain. Canonical theory holds that the output from this single, dominant clock is responsible for driving most daily rhythms in physiology and behaviour. However, important recent findings challenge this uniclock model and reveal clock‐like activities in many neural and non‐neural tissues. Thus, in addition to the SCN, a number of areas of the mammalian brain including the olfactory bulb, amygdala, lateral habenula and a variety of nuclei in the hypothalamus, express circadian rhythms in core clock gene expression, hormone output and electrical activity. This review examines the evidence for extra‐SCN circadian oscillators in the mammalian brain and highlights some of the essential properties and key differences between brain oscillators. The demonstration of neural pacemakers outside the SCN has wide‐ranging implications for models of the circadian system at a whole‐organism level.
Human limb‐specific and non‐limb‐specific brain representations during kinesthetic illusory movements of the upper and lower extremities
Authors: Naito Eiichi , Nakashima Tokuro , Kito Tomonori , Aramaki Yu , Okada Tomohisa , Sadato Norihiro
Published: June 2007

Sensing movements of the upper and lower extremities is important in controlling whole‐body movements. We have shown that kinesthetic illusory hand movements activate motor areas and right‐sided fronto‐parietal cortices. We investigated whether illusions for the upper and lower extremities, i.e. right or left hand or foot, activate the somatotopical sections of motor areas, and if an illusion for each limb engages the right‐sided cortices.

We scanned the brain activity of 19 blindfolded right‐handed participants using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while they experienced an illusion for each limb elicited by vibrating its tendon at 110 Hz (ILLUSION). As a control, we applied identical stimuli to the skin over a nearby bone, which does not elicit illusions (VIBRATION). The illusory movement (ILLUSION vs. VIBRATION) of each immobile limb activated limb‐specific sections of the contralateral motor cortex (along with somatosensory area 3a), dorsal premotor cortex (PMD), supplementary motor area (SMA), cingulate motor area (CMA), and the ipsilateral cerebellum, which normally participate in execution of movements of the corresponding limb. We found complex non‐limb‐specific representations in rostral parts of the bilateral SMA and CMA, and illusions for all limbs consistently engaged concentrated regions in right‐sided fronto‐parietal cortices and basal ganglia. This study demonstrated complete sets of brain representations related to kinesthetic processing of single‐joint movements of the four human extremities. The kinesthetic function of motor areas suggests their importance in somatic perception of limb movement, and the non‐limb‐specific representations indicate high‐order kinesthetic processing related to human somatic perception of one's own body.
Differential activation of CRF receptor subtypes removes stress‐induced memory deficit and anxiety
Authors: Todorovic Cedomir , Radulovic Jelena , Jahn Olaf , Radulovic Marko , Sherrin Tessi , Hippel Cathrin , Spiess Joachim
Published: June 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of corticotropin‐releasing factor receptors 1 (CRF1) and 2 (CRF2) in anxiety‐like behavior and learning of C57BL/6J mice after exposure to a stressful stimulus. When C57BL/6J mice were exposed to immobilization (1 h) serving as stressful stimulus, context‐ and tone‐dependent fear conditioning were impaired if the training followed immediately after immobilization. The stress‐induced impairment of context‐dependent fear conditioning was prevented by specific blockade of CRF2 of the lateral septum (LS) with anti‐sauvagine‐30. Immobilization did not only affect conditioned fear, but also enhanced, through CRF2 of the LS, anxiety‐like behavior determined with the elevated plus maze. Recovery from stress‐induced anxiety and impairment of context‐dependent fear conditioning was observed after 1 h delay of training and required hippocampal CRF1, as indicated by the finding that this recovery was prevented by blockade of intrahippocampal CRF1. It was concluded that exposure to a stressor initially affected both anxiety‐like behavior and contextual conditioned fear through septal CRF2, while the later activation of hippocampal CRF1 resulted in the return to baseline levels of both processes. Intraventricular injection of mouse urocortin 2, a CRF2‐selective agonist, removed the stress‐induced anxiety and learning impairment, but did not reduce the activation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis indicative of the hormonal stress response. We propose that the enhanced anxiety is the component of the stress response responsible for the memory deficit.
Mechanism of spontaneous and self‐sustained oscillations in networks connected through axo‐axonal gap junctions
Authors: Maex Reinoud , De Schutter Erik
Published: June 2007

Electrical coupling of clusters of neurons via axo‐axonal gap junctions is a candidate mechanism underlying the ultra‐fast (> 100 Hz) oscillations recorded in various in vitro and in vivo normal and pathological conditions [Traub et al. (1999)Neuroscience, 92, 407–426]. The poor characterization of axo‐axonal gap junctions, however, limits experimental verification of this mechanism. We simulated networks of prototype multi‐compartmental neurons in order to identify the parameters constraining the production and frequency of ultra‐fast oscillations. Weak axo‐axonal coupling was found to synchronize networks preferentially at the gamma‐range frequency (30–100 Hz). Networks with strong axo‐axonal coupling were able to produce 200 Hz oscillations, a finding we extended with several new observations. Ultra‐fast oscillations arose spontaneously during dendritic excitation, i.e. in the absence of extrinsic axonal background spikes, as the spike trigger zone concomitantly shifted from soma to axon. The all‐or‐none oscillations could be transitory or self‐sustained, and lasted longer in larger networks. They occurred more likely during low to modest soma firing rates, as strong afterhyperpolarizing currents tended to impair them. The rate of the rhythm was independent of network size and of the level of excitation, but inversely proportional to the distance of the junctions from the soma. As a matter of fact, the resulting axonal firing rate was the highest one at which antidromic spikes would not collide with spikes reflected from the soma. Taken together, the observed model dynamics lends further credibility to axo‐axonal coupling as a mechanism of ultra‐fast oscillations.
Glutamatergic input is coded by spike frequency at the soma and proximal dendrite of AII amacrine cells in the mouse retina
Authors: Tamalu Fuminobu , Watanabe Shu‐Ichi
Published: June 2007

In the mammalian retina, AII amacrine cells play a crucial role in scotopic vision. They transfer rod signals from rod bipolar cells to the cone circuit, and divide these signals into the ON and OFF pathways at the discrete synaptic layers. AII amacrine cells have been reported to generate tetrodotoxin (TTX)‐sensitive repetitive spikes of small amplitude. To investigate the properties of the spikes, we performed whole‐cell patch‐clamping of AII amacrine cells in mouse retinal slices. The spike frequency increased in proportion to the concentration of glutamate puffer‐applied to the arboreal dendrite and to the intensity of the depolarizing current injection. The spike activity was suppressed by L‐2‐amino‐4‐phosphonobutyric acid, a glutamate analogue that hyperpolarizes rod bipolar cells, puffer‐applied to the outer plexiform layer. Therefore, it is most likely that the spike frequency generated by AII amacrine cells is dependent on the excitatory glutamatergic input from rod bipolar cells. Gap junction blockers reduced the range of intensity of input with which spike frequency varies. Application of TTX to the soma and the proximal dendrite of AII amacrine cells blocked the voltage‐gated Na+ current significantly more than application to the arboreal dendrite, indicating that the Na+ channels are mainly localized in these regions. Our results suggest that the intensity of the glutamatergic input from rod bipolar cells is coded by the spike frequency at the soma and the proximal dendrite of AII amacrine cells, raising the possibility that the spikes could contribute to the OFF pathway to enhance release of neurotransmitter.
Homeostatic plasticity in human motor cortex demonstrated by two consecutive sessions of paired associative stimulation
Authors: Müller J. Florian M. , Orekhov Yuriy , Liu Yali , Ziemann Ulf
Published: June 2007

Long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD) underlie most models of learning and memory, but neural activity would grow or shrink in an uncontrolled manner, if not guarded by stabilizing mechanisms. The Bienenstock–Cooper–Munro (BCM) rule proposes a sliding threshold for LTP/LTD induction: LTP induction becomes more difficult if neural activity was high previously. Here we tested if this form of homeostatic plasticity applies to the human motor cortex (M1) in vivo by examining the interactions between two consecutive sessions of paired associative stimulation (PAS). PAS consisted of repeated pairs of electrical stimulation of the right median nerve followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation of the left M1. The first PAS session employed an interstimulus interval equalling the individual N20‐latency of the median nerve somatosensory‐evoked cortical potential plus 2 ms, N20‐latency minus 5 ms, or a random alternation between these intervals, to induce an LTP‐like increase in motor‐evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes in the right abductor pollicis brevis muscle (PASLTP), an LTD‐like decrease (PASLTD), or no change (PASControl), respectively. The second PAS session 30 min later was always PASLTP. It induced an moderate LTP‐like effect if conditioned by PASControl, which increased if conditioned by PASLTD, but decreased if conditioned by PASLTP. Effects on MEP amplitude induced by the second PAS session exhibited a negative linear correlation with those in the first PAS session. Because the two PAS sessions activate identical neuronal circuits, we conclude that ‘homosynaptic‐like’ homeostatic mechanisms in accord with the BCM rule contribute to regulating plasticity in human M1.
Ethanol reverses the direction of long‐term synaptic plasticity in the dorsomedial striatum
Authors: Yin Henry H. , Park Brian S. , Adermark Louise , Lovinger David M.
Published: June 2007

The striatum is a critical structure for the control of voluntary behaviour, and striatal synaptic plasticity has been implicated in instrumental learning. As ethanol consumption can cause impairments in cognition, learning, and action selection, it is important to understand the effects of this drug on striatal function. In this study we examined the effects of ethanol on long‐term synaptic plasticity in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a striatal subregion that plays a central role in the acquisition and selection of goal‐directed actions. Ethanol was found to impair N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR)‐dependent long‐term potentiation (LTP) dose‐dependently in the DMS, and to promote long‐term depression (LTD) at the highest concentration (50 mm) used. These results suggest that ethanol, at a concentration usually associated with mild intoxication, could significantly change experience‐dependent modification of corticostriatal circuits underlying the learning of goal‐directed instrumental actions.
Molecular ecology of nifH genes and transcripts in the eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Man‐Aharonovich Dikla , Kress Nurit , Zeev Edo Bar , Berman‐Frank Ilana , Béjà Oded
Published: June 2007

The eastern Mediterranean Sea is one of the most extreme oligotrophic oceanic regions on earth in terms of nutrient concentrations and primary productivity. Nitrogen fixation has been suggested to contribute to the high N : P molar ratios of ∼28:1 found in this region. Surprisingly, no molecular biological work has been performed in situ to assess whether N2 fixation genes actually occur in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, or to determine which organisms are responsible for this process. In this study, we examined the presence and expression of nitrogenase genes (nifH) in the upper water layer of the eastern Mediterranean. Clone libraries constructed from both DNA and reverse‐transcribed PCR‐amplified mRNA were examined and compared. We observed different nifH genes from diverse microbial groups, such as Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria and methanogenic Archaea. Interestingly, numerous phylotypes were observed in coastal stations at the DNA level but none were active. However, in far offshore stations, the phylotypes observed at the DNA level were the ones that were actually active. Our preliminary study revealed diverse diazotrophs that possess and express nifH genes, which may support N2 fixation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
A randomized prospective trial evaluating testosterone, haemoglobin kinetics and quality of life, during and after 12 months of androgen deprivation after prostatectomy: results from the Postoperative Adjuvant Androgen Deprivation trial
Authors: Black Peter C. , Basen‐Engquist Karen , Wang Xuemei , Swartz Richard J. , Eddings Teresa , Matin Surena F. , Swanson David , Wood Christopher G. , Pisters Louis L. , Babaian Richard J. , Troncoso Patricia , Pettaway Curtis A.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess testosterone and haemoglobin kinetics in the Postoperative Adjuvant Androgen Deprivation (PAAD) trial, and correlate these with quality of life (QoL) in this prospective randomized study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty‐three patients met the criteria for high‐risk cancer after RRP (Gleason score ≥ 8, pT3c or Gleason score 7 concomitant with pT3a/b and positive surgical margins) and were prospectively randomized to either observation or AD for 12 months. Haemoglobin and testosterone levels were determined and QoL surveyed at regular intervals for 24 months.

RESULTS

Serum testosterone levels were castrate in 19 of 21 treated patients at 3 months and all at 6 months after starting AD. Levels failed to return to normal at 6 months after stopping treatment in six of 16 (38%) patients, and at 12 months in three of 17 (18%). AD caused a delay in the recovery of haemoglobin levels to normal after RRP. There was no statistically significant decline in the Short Form‐36 QoL score with AD. Scores on the University of California‐Los Angeles Sexual Functioning Scale were decreased during AD, but returned to a level not statistically significantly different from controls after stopping treatment.

CONCLUSION

A year of adjuvant AD after RRP affected serum haemoglobin, testosterone and sexual function reversibly, with return to control levels within the subsequent year in most patients. No significant effect on overall QoL with AD was detected in the study.
Prognostic significance of p27Kip1 expression in bladder cancer
Authors: Rabbani Farhang , Koppie Theresa M. , Charytonowicz Elizabeth , Drobnjak Marija , Bochner Bernard H. , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos
Published: June 2007

The importance of markers in urological cancer is well recognised and many attempts are being made to find one which will be of prognostic significance. Authors from New York found that low expression of p27Kip1 in patients with bladder cancer was a significant predictor of pelvic recurrence, progression to metastasis and death.

Authors from Switzerland examined patients with a primary solitary distal ureteric TCC; they found that distal ureteric resection in such patients is feasible, and that the long‐term oncological outcome appears to be comparable to more radical treatment of this condition.

OBJECTIVE

To define the prognostic significance of p27Kip1 expression in bladder cancer for overall, disease‐specific, metastasis‐free and pelvic recurrence‐free survival, and to identify clinical and pathological correlates of p27Kip1 immunophenotypes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tumour samples from 128 evaluable patients with bladder cancer were assessed by immunohistochemistry for p27Kip1 and E2F‐1 expression. Immunoreactivity of p27Kip1 was correlated with clinicopathological variables, E2F‐1 immunoreactivity, and outcome. Multivariate analysis was used to assess predictors of outcome. The median follow‐up was 30.9 months overall and 105.7 months in the 32 patients alive at the last follow‐up.

RESULTS

The fraction of tumour cells with p27Kip1 nuclear immunoreactivity was <5% in 15, 5–25% in 30, 25–50% in 19, 50–75% in 51, and ≥ 75% in 13 patients. High‐grade tumours and those with lower E2F‐1 nuclear reactivity had a lower mean percentage p27Kip1 reactivity (P = 0.047 and 0.011, respectively). On multivariate analysis, the percentage p27Kip1 reactivity was a significant independent predictor of pelvic recurrence (P = 0.017), progression to metastases (P = 0.046), death from disease (P = 0.008), and death from any cause (P = 0.017), with a low expression portending a worse prognosis. Suspicion of vascular invasion was a significant independent predictor of progression to metastases (P = 0.002), death from disease, and death from any cause (both P < 0.001). Lymph node involvement was a significant independent predictor of progression to metastases (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Low expression of p27Kip1 was a significant independent predictor of pelvic recurrence, progression to metastasis, death from disease and death from any cause, in patients with bladder cancer.
Bladder and urethral function in pelvic organ prolapsed lysyl oxidase like‐1 knockout mice
Authors: Liu Guiming , Daneshgari Firouz , Li Mei , Lin Danli , Lee Una , Li Tiansen , Damaser Margot S.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES

To examine bladder and urethral function in pelvic organ prolapsed lysyl oxidase like‐1 (LOXL1) knockout mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female parous Loxl1 −/− mice in the stable phase of prolapse, and age‐matched wild type (WT) mice (six each) had conscious cystometry, leak‐point pressure (LPP) testing, and contractile responses assessed of their bladder muscle strips to KCl, electrical‐field stimulation, ATP, and carbachol.

RESULTS

Loxl1 −/− mice voided more frequently and had lower mean (sem) bladder capacity, at 0.10 (0.01) vs 0.20 (0.01) mL, and voiding pressure, at 25.0 (1.90) vs 36.6 (4.04) cmH2O, respectively, during cystometry than had WT mice. The LPP was not significantly different between WT and Loxl1 −/− mice, at 7.05 (0.81) vs 5.22 (1.23) cmH2O, respectively. There were no significant differences between bladder strips from Loxl1 −/− mice and WT mice in their responsiveness to various stimuli.

CONCLUSIONS

Loxl1 −/− knockout mice had lower urinary tract dysfunction, most likely due to urethral dysfunction. Loxl1 −/− knockout mice can be used as an animal model for pelvic floor disorders. Further studies are needed to characterize the morphological and molecular alterations of the bladder and urethra.
The prevalence of newly diagnosed hyperlipidaemia in men with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Smith Nicholas J. , Sak Sei C. , Baldo Omer , Eardley Ian
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of newly diagnosed hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia in patients presenting to an andrology clinic with erectile dysfunction (ED), and to assess the relationship between serum lipid levels and the severity of ED.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 199 consecutive men attending an ED clinic were assessed for risk factors for ED; patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)‐15 questionnaire and provided venous blood samples for assaying fasting total cholesterol and total triglyceride levels. The proportion of newly diagnosed hyperlipidaemia in patients presenting with ED was calculated and related to patient age, total IIEF score and severity of ED.

RESULTS

Using a threshold of 5.0 mmol/L, there was newly diagnosed hypercholesterolaemia in 40% of the men, while there was undiagnosed hypertriglyceridaemia (>2 mmol/L) in 29% of the population. There was no clear correlation between patient age and the fasting lipid levels, and no association between total IIEF‐15 score or severity of ED and serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

CONCLUSION

This study shows the high prevalence of undiagnosed hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia in men presenting with ED. The opportunity to screen for and treat these risk factors has long‐term benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease in this group of patients.
Naturally produced crystals obtained from kidney stones are less injurious to renal tubular epithelial cells than synthetic crystals
Authors: Escobar Carla , Byer Karen J. , Khan Saeed R.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine the differences in cell responses to synthetic and biological crystals of calcium oxalate (CaOx) and brushite

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nephrolithiasis depends on crystal retention within the kidneys, often promoted by crystal attachment to the injured renal epithelium; studies often use various crystals that might be injurious to cells and cause the exposure of crystal binding molecules on cell surfaces, thus promoting crystal attachment and retention. The synthetic crystals used in these studies might be more injurious than the biological crystals naturally produced in the kidneys and that form kidney stones. We exposed the renal epithelial cell line NRK 52E in vitro to CaOx or brushite crystals at 67 or 133 µg/cm2 for 3 or 6 h. Synthetic crystals were purchased and the biocrystals were obtained by pulverizing CaOx and brushite stones. We determined the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 8‐isoprostane (8‐IP), and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), as markers of injury, oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively. Cells were also examined after trypan blue staining to determine their membrane integrity. We also examined crystals of CaOx by scanning electron microscopy both in the native state as well as after decalcification.

RESULTS

Exposure to both the synthetic and biological crystals resulted in a significant increase in LDH release and trypan blue staining, as a sign of crystal‐induced injury. There was increased production of H2O2 and 8‐IP, suggesting the development of oxidative stress. In addition MCP‐1 production was also significantly increased. However, the synthetic crystals caused significantly higher increases in all the indicators than the biological crystals.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that even though both synthetic and naturally produced biocrystals invoke a response from the renal epithelial cells, the latter are significantly less injurious and inflammatory. Exposure to low concentrations of these crystals alone might not invoke an inflammatory response, cause the uncovering of crystal binding molecules on epithelial cell surfaces, and promote crystal attachment and retention.
Renal injury during shock wave lithotripsy is significantly reduced by slowing the rate of shock wave delivery
Authors: Evan Andrew P. , McAteer James A. , Connors Bret A. , Blomgren Philip M. , Lingeman James E.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess the tissue protection afforded by simply reducing the rate of shock wave (SW) delivery, compared with studies in the pig in which SW lithotripsy (SWL)‐induced vascular damage was significantly reduced by initiating treatment using low‐amplitude SWs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Juvenile pigs (6–7 weeks old) were treated with an unmodified lithotripter (HM3, Dornier Medical Systems, Kennesaw, GA) at either 120 or 30 SW/min. Treatment was to one kidney per pig, with SWs (2000, 24 kV) directed to a lower‐pole calyx. After treatment, parenchymal haemorrhage was determined morphometrically and expressed as percentage of functional renal volume (%FRV).

RESULTS

Kidneys treated at 120 SW/min had focal to extensive subcapsular haematomas. Parenchymal lesions were found only at the lower pole, but included regions within renal papillae and the cortex. Occasionally, damage extended across the full thickness of the kidney. The lesion in the pigs treated at 120 SW/min occupied a mean (sd) of 4.6 (1.7) %FRV. Kidneys of pigs treated at 30 SW/min showed no surface bleeding. Parenchymal haemorrhage was limited to papillae within the focal volume, and measured 0.08 (0.02) %FRV, a significant (P < 0.005) reduction in injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Slowing the rate of delivery to 30 SW/min has a dramatic protective effect on the integrity of the kidney vasculature. This finding in our established pig model suggests a potential strategy to improve the safety of lithotripsy. As it was shown that a reduced SW rate also improves the efficiency of stone fragmentation, a slow rate appears to be a means to improve both the safety and efficacy of SWL.
The future magnitude of urological symptoms in the USA: projections using the Boston Area Community Health survey
Authors: Litman Heather J. , McKinlay John B.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To use the population‐based data from the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) Survey to estimate the likely magnitude (prevalence) of urological symptoms in the USA population in 2025, as health‐services researchers use projections of the likely magnitude of disease to inform decisions on the future allocation of health resources.

METHODS

Age and gender‐specific prevalence rates from BACH were combined with USA population projections to estimate the likely magnitude of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and symptoms suggestive of urine leakage, painful bladder syndrome (PBlS) and prostatitis (men only).

RESULTS

In total and accounting for overlapping symptoms, 52 million adults in the USA will have symptoms of LUTS, urine leakage, PBlS or prostatitis in 2025. These urological symptoms have a large impact on physical and mental aspects of quality of life, that is comparable to other chronic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The future magnitude of symptoms indicative of these four urological conditions might reach the current level of cardiovascular disease in the USA, which is considered ‘a modern epidemic.’ Our projections have important implications for medical education, training of healthcare providers, health‐services research, and policy and patient education.
Angiotensin II plays a role in acute murine experimental autoimmune cystitis
Authors: Phull Hardeep , Salkini Mohamad , Purves Todd , Funk Joel , Copeland Duan , Comiter Craig V.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonism decreases the inflammation and oedema in acute murine experimental autoimmune cystitis (EAC), as interstitial cystitis (IC) might have an autoimmune component and AII has been implicated in autoimmune‐mediated vascular congestion, oedema and scarring.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female Balb/cAN mice were divided into three treatment groups (eight in each group) that were autoimmunized with bladder homogenate to induce EAC. One group received an AII type 1 receptor (AT1) antagonist, one group an AII type 2 receptor (AT2) antagonist, and one group remained untreated (EAC). A control and sham‐injected group were also included. After 10 weeks, bladders were removed, sectioned, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin.

RESULTS

Grossly, there was no thickening or adhesions in the bladders of the control or sham‐injected mice. In five of seven surviving EAC bladders, there were dense adhesions to surrounding peritoneal structures. There were also adhesions and bladder thickening in all of the AT2antagonist‐treated mice (though in a milder form) but in only two of seven surviving AT1antagonist‐treated mice. There was no inflammation or oedema in the sham and control groups. All the EAC bladders were inflamed, with submucosal oedema and urothelial detachment from the lamina propria. In the AT1antagonist‐treated mice there was no inflammation or oedema. By contrast, all AT2antagonist‐treated mice had moderate inflammation and minor detachment of the urothelium from the lamina propria.

CONCLUSIONS

AT1receptor blockade ameliorated the inflammatory infiltration, submucosal oedema, and urothelial detachment associated with EAC in mice. This was achieved to a lesser extent by AT2receptor blockade. If some patients with IC have a pathophysiology similar to that of EAC mice, there might be potential benefit from AII receptor blockade.
A new transportable shock‐wave lithotripsy machine for managing urinary stones: a single‐centre experience with a dual‐focus lithotripter
Authors: De Sio Marco , Autorino Riccardo , Quarto Giuseppe , Mordente Salvatore , Giugliano Francesco , Di Giacomo Ferdinando , Neri Fabio , Quattrone Carmelo , Sorrentino Domenico , De Domenico Renato , D’Armiento Massimo
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of a transportable extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) machine, the Modulith SLX‐F2TM (Storz Medical Italia, Rome, Italy), in the management of solitary urinary calculi.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 233 patients (mean age 51 years; 172 male, 61 female) with symptomatic solitary renal (group A, 170, mean diameter 15.5 mm) or ureteric stones (group B, 63, mean diameter 9.5 mm) treated in a tertiary care institution. Exclusion criteria for the analysis were: pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction, multiple stones, stone diameter >2 cm, stones in a lower calyx with unfavourable anatomy, active infection, or impacted ureteric stones. Selected patients had ureteric stenting before treatment, and all patients were treated with no anaesthesia. Hospitalization, complications and subsequent auxiliary procedures were evaluated. Patients were assessed after a single ESWL session and after 3 months by a plain abdominal film and renal ultrasonography. Stone‐free status was defined as no evidence of calculi, and clinical success as the presence of stone fragments of <4 mm. An efficiency quotient (EQ) was calculated for the ESWL treatment. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale.

RESULTS

The mean number of shocks used was 3779 and the mean (range) treatment time was 35 (5–55) min. The overall clinical success rate after one ESWL session was 83.7% and 82.5% for renal and ureteric stones, respectively, and the overall 3‐month stone‐free rate was 77% and 74.6%, respectively; the overall EQ was 0.64. When risk factors for persistent calculi were analysed simultaneously in a logistic regression model, only stones of >1 cm were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Most patients reported that pain during ESWL was mild to moderate and easily tolerated. Only minor complications occurred, with an overall complication rate of 3.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

This transportable lithotripter is a safe and effective device for managing solitary stones throughout the urinary tract. Its main advantage is represented by the dual‐focus system. Moreover, it shares with other contemporary machines several important features such as outpatient setting, no need for anaesthesia, easy patient positioning, and the capability of ancillary procedures.
The Western Australian Regional Forest Agreement: Economic Rationalism and the Normalisation of Political Closure
Authors: Brueckner Martin
Published: June 2007

This article explores the constraints imposed by economic rationalism on environmental policy‐making in light of Western Australia's (WA) Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) experience. Data derived from interviews with WA RFA stakeholders shed light on their perceptions of the RFA process and its outcomes. The extent to which involvement of science and the public RFA management enabled is analysed. The findings point to a pervasive constrainedness of WA's RFA owing to a closing of the process by the administrative decision‐making structures. A dominant economic rationality is seen to have normalised and legitimised political closure, effectively excluding rationalities dissenting from an implicit economic orthodoxy. This article argues for the explication of invisible, economic constraints affecting environmental policy and for the public‐cum‐political negotiation of the points of closure within political processes.
Managing Intergovernmental Relations in Australia: The Case of Agricultural Policy Cooperation
Authors: Botterill Linda Courtenay
Published: June 2007

In June 2004, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) announced changes to the guidelines and protocols of some 40 ministerial councils and intergovernmental fora which comprise the web of intergovernmental consultative arrangements. This article examines the impact of the guidelines on the operation of the oldest of the sectoral ministerial councils, those relating to agriculture. The COAG guidelines aim to increase the strategic focus of the councils. However, in the case of agricultural policy there appears to have been a centralising of policy control, both within state governments and towards the Commonwealth, which undermines that objective and leaves the ministerial councils focusing on the more technical issues which they are more effective at addressing.
Engaging in Small Talk: Nanotechnology Policy and Dialogue Processes in the UK and Australia
Authors: Hodge Graeme A. , Bowman Diana M.
Published: June 2007

This article discusses the phenomena of nanotechnology, and notes that despite high investment levels for global research and development, the public presently understands neither the implications of this emerging technology nor how it might be best governed. It considers the notion of the public interest and its place in the public policy cycle, and notes some of the specific challenges posed by this new technology. Adopting a comparative jurisdictional approach, this article maps a range of policy and dialogue activities currently underway within the United Kingdom and Australia and concludes that policy dialogue is an essential component of public policy development for all emerging technologies. While the Australian government is currently beginning this process, compared to countries such as the United Kingdom, such efforts here are still embryonic. A fuller engagement in wide‐ranging public debate is suggested as a part of protecting the public interest.
Digital Mosaic Frameworks ‐ An Overview
Authors: Battiato S. , Di Blasi G. , Farinella G. M. , Gallo G.
Published: June 2007

Art often provides valuable hints for technological innovations especially in the field of Image Processing and Computer Graphics. In this paper we survey in a unified framework several methods to transform raster input images into good quality mosaics. For each of the major different approaches in literature the paper reports a short description and a discussion of the most relevant issues. To complete the survey comparisons among the different techniques both in terms of visual quality and computational complexity are provided.
Expeditious Modelling of Virtual Urban Environments with Geospatial L‐systems
Authors: Coelho A. , Bessa M. , Sousa A. Augusto , Ferreira F. Nunes
Published: June 2007

L‐systems have been used in Computer Graphics, namely for modelling plants, as well as in a few experiments to model urban environments. However, the lack of geospatial awareness is a limitation and in spite of some developments like open L‐systems, that introduced the ability to communicate with the environment, there was a need for more flexibility. This paper presents Geospatial L‐systems, a new extension of L‐systems that incorporates geospatial awareness, and shows an application in the area of expeditious modelling of urban environments. A modelling system, named XL3D, generates virtual urban environments automatically from a XML based document that contains a modelling specification and accesses data sources in an interoperable way. The integration of geospatial L‐systems in this modelling system has increased the potential for automation and the potential to generate virtual urban environments with a higher level of detail and visual fidelity, with a lower level of complexity of the modelling processes. These facts are shown in a case study where a virtual urban environment, taken from an area in the Porto downtown, is generated by this solution.
Data‐driven Tetrahedral Mesh Subdivision
Authors: Rodríguez L. , Navazo I. , Vinacua À.
Published: June 2007

Given a tetrahedral mesh immersed in a voxel model, we present a method to refine the mesh to reduce the discrepancy between interpolated values based on either scheme at arbitrary locations. An advantage of the method presented is that it requires few subdivisions and all decisions are made locally at each tetrahedron. We discuss the algorithm's performance and applications.
Identification Model for Dam Behavior Based on Wavelet Network
Authors: Su Huai‐zhi , Wu Zhong‐ru , Wen Zhi‐ping
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Dam behavior is conventionally evaluated with identification models of deformation, seepage, stress, and crack opening. The identification model needs to be described with a complicated and nonlinear function. Wavelet networks based on wavelet frames were used to establish the identification models of dam behavior for the first time. Firstly, time‐frequency analysis for training data was implemented to determine the original structure of the wavelet network. Next, a new method was proposed for iterative elimination of the redundant neurons according to the dependency between the network output and the nodes in the hidden layer. In this method, rough sets theory was used to calculate the dependency. Lastly, this article built the identification models for the displacement and cracks of one concrete arch‐dam with the trained wavelet network. The models can represent the connection between loads and the behavior of the dam. The numerical example shows that the proposed models are reasonable, and the denoising effect of the signal is remarkable.
THEORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME: THE UNIFICATION OF EUROPEAN FOOTBALL
Authors: Vrooman John
Published: June 2007

European football is in a spiral of intra‐league and inter‐league polarization of talent and wealth. The invariance proposition is revisited with adaptations for win‐maximizing sportsman owners facing an uncertain Champions League prize. Sportsman and champion effects have driven European football clubs to the edge of insolvency and polarized competition throughout Europe. Revenue revolutions and financial crises of the Big Five leagues are examined and estimates of competitive balance are compared. The European Super League completes the open‐market solution after Bosman. A 30‐team Super League is proposed based on the National Football League.
BROADCASTING AND TEAM SPORTS
Authors: Noll Roger G.
Published: June 2007

Television rights are the largest component of revenues for major sports in large, rich nations. Among these nations, the market structure for rights varies due to different competition policies toward sports and television. This essay examines how game coverage, revenues, and competitive balance are affected by competition in commercial television and sales of rights. It argues that consumers are better off if television is competitive and leagues do not centralize rights sales. We conclude that centralization of rights sales does not improve competitive balance or benefit financially weak teams. Finally, while digital telecommunications are making television competitive, ending centralization of sales by leagues requires policy intervention.
Gendered Work Ideals in Swedish IT Firms: Valued and Not Valued Workers
Authors: Peterson Helen
Published: June 2007

The analysis in this article draws on interviews with managers and employees in the Swedish IT consultant sector, a sector characterized by widespread redundancies in the first three years of the 21st century. The article suggests that the interviewees' distinction between and assessment of workers of value and workers without value to justify and explain these lay‐offs, are permeated by stereotyped images of gendered qualities and reflect a gendered work ideal. As the interviewees argued, not everybody had the necessary and valued competence of an ideal consultant and those who failed to fulfil the requirements of an ideal consultant were subsequently laid off. Since the behaviour, qualities, technical skills and knowledge considered necessary for the effective and competent performance of an ideal IT consultant are associated with hegemonic masculinity, male qualities and men's experiences, these arguments justify the exclusion of women from this occupation.
Does Gender Still Matter? A Study of the Views of Women in the ICT Industry in New Zealand
Authors: Crump Barbara J. , Logan Keri A. , McIlroy Andrea
Published: June 2007

Using data from in‐depth interviews with female information and communication technology (ICT) professionals from New Zealand's four main cities, this article uses a social constructivist framework to investigate the women's perceptions of their ICT work place. The results show that there are regional differences in organization type, job category and salaries, as well as in the perceptions of the women towards their environment. Most women did not actively seek to be employed in ICT — rather their entry was serendipitous. While they enjoyed working in the environment, there was an obvious gendering of the workforce with most technical positions being held by men and women working mainly in the softer side of ICT. The women perceived their gendered roles to be a highly important and an integral part of ICT and believed their salaries were equitable with their male colleagues. Having a greater understanding of how women view their ICT work place will contribute to attracting and retaining them in an industry where a shortage of skills is envisaged in the near future.
Management in/as Comic Relief: Queer Theory and Gender Performativity in The Office
Authors: Tyler Melissa , Cohen Laurie
Published: June 2007

Our discussion here focuses on gender performativity — the evocation of gender through stylized modes of interaction and the recitation of particular cultural norms — in the BBC comedy series The Office. We suggest that The Office can be read as a cultural text that brings sedimented ways of thinking about and enacting gender into relief, a technique that effectively ‘queers’ management and organization as gendered phenomena. In doing so, we argue that not only does The Office parody the ways in which management is configured according to the terms of what Judith Butler has described as the ‘heterosexual matrix’, but that it also represents a parodic critique of the gendered ways in which this configuration is enacted in everyday organizational encounters. We also suggest that, in addition to its capacity to be read as a parody of gender performativity, The Office reflects queer theory's concern, particularly as the latter has been articulated in Butler's writing, to reveal something of the pathos inherent in the desire for recognition that underpins the hegemonic performance of gender. In this respect, our reading of The Office emphasizes that, as a popular cultural text, it throws into (comic) relief the extent to which the desire for recognition underpins the organizational performance and management of gender in accordance with the terms of the heterosexual matrix.