bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Thalidomide on the Embryonic Development of the Axolotl (Ambystoma Mexicanum)
Authors: Jonsson B. Göran
Published: July 2010

Axolotl larvae were exposed to thalidomide in concentrations of 0.004, 0.04 or 0.2 mg/ml nutrient solution during the following stages (Harrison's stage series) of embryonic development: Series 1: Stage 0–38 or 0–45, Test of activity. Series 2: Stage 2–11, Study of the first cell cleavages. Series 3: Stage 3–37, Study of the growth rate. Series 4: Stage 12–46 and Series 5: Stage 25–46, General teratology study. Series 6: Stage 37–46, Study of limb differentiation. The results revealed a reduction of activity. There was no visible effect of the drug on the first cell cleavages, up to gastrulation, nor on the growth rate. A high frequency of larvae in the thalidomide treated groups showed generalised oedema during different stages of development. The skin in the region of the gills, kidneys and fore limbs was sometimes rough and showed characteristic tremor.
Binding of Digoxin to Human Serum Proteins: Influence of pH on the Binding of Digoxin to Human Albumin
Authors: Brock Axel
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The binding of digoxin to human albumin was studied under various conditions with regard to electrolytes and pH. For relevant clinical concentrations of digoxin and albumin the binding was not influenced by variations in the concentration of Na, K, Ca and Mg. On the assumption of one binding site per molecule, variations in pH from 5 to 9 decreased the association constant at 37° from 8×102 liter/mol to 1 × 102 liter/mol. The binding of digoxin to other serum proteins was insignificant.
The Importance of Organ Blood Mercury when Comparing Foetal and Maternal Rat Organ Distribution of Mercury after Methyl Mercury Exposure
Authors: Wannag Axel
Published: July 2010

Abstract Foetal rat brain has previously been shown to contain twice as much mercury as maternal brain, after methyl mercury injection in the mother rat. However when brain mercury is corrected for the mercury which is present in the blood of the brain, foetal rat brain will contain 4 to 5 times as much mercury as maternal brain (depending on the stage of gestation), 24 hours after methyl mercuric chloride injection in the mother. Even when methyl mercuric chloride was injected in the mother about 14 days before term, near‐term foetal brain contains 1.4 times as much mercury as the maternal brain. Likewise when corrected for mercury in the blood of the organ, foetal rat liver contains from 2.0 to 2.6 times more mercury than the maternal liver, and the foetal kidney contains from 13 to 23 times less mercury than the maternal kidney. The amount of mercury in foetal blood is about 65 % of the mercury in maternal blood 24 hours after methyl mercuric chloride injection in the mother, but maternal and foetal blood contain equal amounts 14 days after the injection. Except for the foetal membranes, no inorganic mercury released by biotransformation of methyl mercuric chloride was detected in the foetal‐placental unit.
Circulatory Effects of Clonidine after Pre‐hypothalamic Section in the Rat
Authors: Henning Matts , Stock Günter , Trolin Gustaf
Published: July 2010

Abstract Clonidine 15 μg/kg intravenously was administered to unanaesthetized rats during recording of blood pressure and heart rate. The rats were either sham operated or sectioned at a level rostral to the hypothalamus. The basal blood pressure and heart rate of the sectioned rats was significantly higher than that of the control rats. The blood pressure increase seen after clonidine in sham operated rats was absent in the rats with a pre‐hypothalamic section and after 5–10 min. hypotension was observed. The decrease in heart frequency was more pronounced in the rats with a diencephalic section than in the sham operated rats. The results suggest that the hypertensive effect of clonidine is dependent on intact structures rostral to the hypothalamus.
Metabolic Effects of Prolonged Ethanol Administration in Rats Treated with Clofibrate
Authors: Hillbom M. E. , Pösö A. R. , Eriksson C. J. P. , Franssila K. , Häkkinen H. –M.
Published: July 2010

Abstract Rats receiving clofibrate (ethyl–α–p–chlorophenoxyisobutyrate) were given ethanol by stomach–tube, 6–9 g per kg body weight per day, for 3 weeks. The toxicity of ethanol was not greater in these animals than in the controls. No signs of ketoacidosis appeared and, in contrast to the controls, the clofibratetreated animals did not give a hyperglycaemic response after a single large dose of ethanol. Neither Mallory bodies nor signs of inflammation or fatty infiltration were ever seen in livers of clofibrate–treated rats; however, but both histochemical and biochemical techniques revealed a slight although insignificant increase in liver total lipid content in the ethanol–treated controls. The possibility of preventing adverse effects of alcohol in man by clofibrate treatment is discussed.
Pharmacokinetics of Methylergometrine (Methylergonovine) in the Rabbit and Man
Authors: Mäntylä R. , Kleimola T. , Kanto J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract Methylergometrine concentrations in human and rabbit plasma were determined by a new radioimmunoassay after a single intravenous injection (0.2 mg in man and 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg in rabbits). Both in man and in the rabbit methylergometrine disappeared quickly from the plasma with a mean T1/2β of 1.8 and 1.2–1.7 min. respectively. Similarly, the T1/2/α‐values were 32.1 and 27.3–93.2 min. The mean maximal response in the rabbit uterus in situ after 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg intravenously dose was found at 40 sec, 26 sec, and 26 sec. after the drug administration, respectively, and the dose response curve was quite steep. A significant correlation was found between the dose and response.
Hexachlorobenzene Induction of 2,4‐Diaminoanisole Mutagenicity in Vitro
Authors: Dybing Erik , Aune Tore
Published: July 2010

Abstract Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)‐pretreatment of rats leads to an increase in liver microsomal 2,4‐diaminoanisole activation to a mutagen after a dose of 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally and to an increase in ethylmorphine N‐demethylase after a dose of 50 mg/kg intraperitoneally. 2,4‐Diaminoanisole mutagenicity was increased 24 hrs after HCB‐pretreatment, whereas ethylmorphine N‐demethylase first increased after 48 hrs. There is a sex difference in the inducing effects of HCB on ethylmorphine N‐demethylase, but not on 2,4‐diaminoanisole mutagenicity. HCB‐pretreatment also leads to increases in 2,4‐diaminoansiole mutagenicity in the kidneys, but not in the lungs or in foetal liver.
Studies in the Rat on the Absorption, Biliary Excretion, Laxative Action and Interference with Intestinal Transport of some Oxyphenisatin Derivatives
Authors: Sund Reidar Bredo , Hol Lovise , Storbråten Arild
Published: July 2010

Abstract The free diphenol oxyphenisatin (I) and its sulphuric acid (II) and acetic acid (III) di‐esters are compared. I disappered rapidly from the lumen of tied jejunal loops in vivo; its disapperance was associated with an inhibition of normal fluid absorption and an increase in loop tissue wet weight. II disappeared slowly, and did neither inhibit fluid absorption nor cause an increase in wet weight. Large fractions of I conjugates were excreted in the bile 0‐6, 6‐12 and 12‐18 hrs following intragastric administration of I; after II and III much smaller fractions were excreted, and their time pattern differed from that of I. The absorption and biliary excretion experiments when combined indicate that following intragastric administration in the intact rat, the bulk of I will undergo enterohepatic circulation during its small intestinal transit, while II and III pass largely unabsorbed to the colon. In spite of their direct transit, however, the laxative action of both II and III in concious rats was slower in onset than of I. In this respect, II differed strikingly from the sulphuric acid di‐ester of desacetyl‐bisacodyl (IV), which acted even more promptly than I. As in the jejunum, II was inactive per se in tied colonic loops; liberation of free I being required to elicite inhibition of colonic electrolyte and fluid absorption. The reason for the long laxative latency period of II and III appears then mainly to be slow colonic hydrolysis of these prodrugs. Supplementary experiments supported this view as far as the water soluble II is concerned, and slow hydrolysis is very likely for such a sparingly soluble drug as III.
Cytotoxic Effects of Tris (2,3‐dibromopropyl) phosphate and 2,4‐diaminoanisole
Authors: Seøerlund Erik J. , Dybing Erik
Published: July 2010

Abstract The flame retardant tris(2,3‐dibromopropyl)phosphate (Tris‐BP) and the hair‐dye component 2,4‐diaminoanisole (2,4‐DAA) were studied for possible cytotoxic effects in rat hepatoma cells grown in culture and in suspensions of isolated rat hepatocytes. Cell growth of Reuber cells was inhibited by 50% at 50 μg/ml Tris‐BP and 20 μg/ml 2,4‐DAA, respectively. At 200 μg/ml Tris‐BP protein synthesis in Reuber cells was reduced by 40%, whereas 50% inhibition of protein synthesis in isolated hepatocytes was seen at 100 μg/ml. IC50 of 2,4‐DAA with respect to protein synthesis was found at 400 μg/ml in Reuber cells and at 3600 μg/ml in MH1C1 cells, whereas in the isolated hepatocytes IC50 was 650 μg/ml. DNA synthesis was inhibited by 50% at 225 μg/ml Tris‐BP in Reuber cells. At 500 μg/ml 2,4‐DAA DNA synthesis in Reuber and MH1C1 cells was inhibited by more than 80%.
Neuropharmacological Properties of Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline and their Metabolites
Authors: Hyttel John , Christensen Anne Vibeke , Fjalland Bjarne
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Amitriptyline, nortriptyline and their metabolites, desmethylnortriptyline, cis and trans 10‐hydroxyamitriptyline, cis and trans 10‐hydroxynortriptyline and amitriptyline‐N‐oxide, have been tested for inhibitory effect on the uptake of serotonin (rabbit thrombocytes in vitro) and noradrenaline (mouse atria in vitro and mouse heart in vivo), for anticholinergic activity (guinea‐pig ileum in vitro) and for antagonism against tetrabenazine induced inactivity as well as apomorphine and 5‐hydroxytryptophan potentiating effect in mice. Amitriptyline inhibits serotonin and noradrenaline uptake equally, whereas nortriptyline is a more potent inhibitor of noradrenaline than of serotonin uptake. The metabolites resemble nortriptyline in this respect. The 10‐hydroxylated metabolites are equipotent with amitriptyline as regards noradrenaline uptake inhibition. All the metabolites are less anticholinergic than amitriptyline and nortriptyline. The in vitro results are reflected in the in vivo behavioural tests, although some discrepancies are found, probably due to differences in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. The importance of knowledge concerning pharmacological properties of the metabolites in comparison with amitriptyline and nortriptyline for correlating plasma levels of these and their metabolites to clinical outcome is discussed.
The Effect of Lithium on the Incorporation of 3H‐Glucosamine into Glycopeptides and the Transformation of 3H‐Glucosamine into Sialic Acid in Rat Brain
Authors: Edelfors Sven
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Rats were fed a lithium‐containing diet (40 mmol LiCl/kg of diet) for five weeks. The plasma‐lithium concentration was 0.48 mmol Li+/l of plasma. 3H‐glucosamine (400 nCi/kg body weight) was injected intraperitoneally, and 24 hrs later the brain was divided anatomically into hemisphere, cerebellum, pons and thalamus. The brain parts were defatted and the sialic acid‐containing glycopeptides were separated by column chromatography before determination of 3H‐glucosamine, 3H‐sialic acid and total sialic acid. Neither the total amount nor the specific activity of sialic acid were influenced by the lithium treatment. Also the 3H‐content of the sialic acid‐free glycopeptides remained unchanged.
Comparison of the Excretion of Sodium and Meglumine Diatrizoate at Urography with Simulated Compression: An Experimental Study in the Rabbit
Authors: Owman Torben
Published: July 2010

Abstract: In an experimental model in the rabbit the excretion of sodium and meglumine diatrizoate, respectively, have been compared. Urographic density which was estimated through renal pelvic volume as calculated according to previous experiments (Owman 1978; Owman & Olin 1980) and urinary iodine concentration, is suggested to be more accurate than mere determination of urine iodine concentration and diuresis when evaluating and comparing urographic contrast media experimentally. More reliable dose optima are probably found when calculating density rather than determining urine concentrations. Of the examined media in this investigation, the sodium salt of diatrizoate was not superior to the meglumine salt in dose ranges up to 320 mg I/kg body weight, while at higher doses sodium diatrizoate gave higher urinary iodine concentrations and higher estimated density.
The Distribution of a Glucose Load in Lithium Treated Rats
Authors: Vendsborg P. B.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The distribution of an intravenous glucose load was investigated in rats without and with previous lithium administration. Lithium caused an increased rate of glycogen formation in muscle tissue but not in liver tissue. Uptake of a 14C‐labelled glucose load in skin, liver, muscle, fat and brain was measured. Lithium increased the uptake of labelled glucose in skin and muscle with a concomitant decrease of the amount in blood. The findings are in agreement with an increased glucose tolerance after lithium administration as the uptake was increased in the tissues of quantitative importance for the disposal of a glucose load.
Autoradiography of Manganese: Accumulation and Retention in the Pancreas
Authors: Lydén Annika , Larsson Bengt S. , Lindquist Nils Gunnar
Published: July 2010

Abstract: By means of whole‐body autoradiography, the general distribution of 54MnCl2 was studied in mice and a Marmoset monkey. High accumulation and retention were observed in the pancreas in both species. Gamma counting experiments in mice after a single intravenous injection of 54MnCl2 showed that the level in the pancreas exceeded that of the liver at all survival times (20 min. — 30 days). Also in the monkey, the concentration in the pancreas exceeded that of the liver, and the pancreas had the highest tissue/liver ratio of the organs measured at 24 hours after injection. The high uptake and long retention in the pancreas suggest that manganese is of importance for the pancreatic function but also that the pancreas may be a target organ for manganese toxicity. Positron tomography, using 11C‐labelled amino acids, has been found to be a promising diagnostic technique for the study of pancreatic disease. Positron emitting manganese isotopes may be worth further studies as possible agents for pancreatic imaging.
The Effect of Low‐, Medium‐ and High‐Tar Cigarette Smoke on the Fate of Arachidonic Acid in Isolated Hamster Lungs
Authors: Matintalo Martti , Uotila Pekka
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Isolated hamster lungs were ventilated with smoke from low‐, medium‐ and high‐tar cigarettes when 45 nmol of 14C‐arachidonic acid was infused into the pulmonary circulation. Most of the infused radioactivity was found in different phospholipid and neutral lipid fractions of the perfused lungs and a smaller amount was found in the nonrecirculating perfusion effluent mainly as metabolites. Cigarette smoke ventilation increased the amount of 14C‐arachidonic acid in the triacylglycerols of the perfused lungs but had usually no effect on the amount of radioactivity in diacylglycerols or in different phospholipids. The increased amount of radiolabel in triacylglycerols was significantly greater in the lungs ventilated with smoke from medium‐ or high‐tar cigarettes than in those ventilated with low‐tar cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke ventilation increased the amount of unmetabolized arachidonate in the perfusion effluent and decreased the amount of many metabolites. The present study indicates that low‐, medium‐ and high‐tar cigarettes have effects of the fate and metabolism of arachidonic acid in isolated hamster lungs and that the effects of medium‐ and high‐tar cigarettes are more clear that those of low‐tar cigarettes when the cigarettes are burned with a constant puff volume and rate.
Number Connection Test and Continuous Reaction Times in Assessment of Organic and Metabolic Encephalopathy: A Comparative Study
Authors: Elsass P. , Christensen S.‐E. , Jørgensen F. , Mortensen E. L. , Vilstrup H.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Number Connection Test (NCT) and Continuous Reaction Times (CRT) have been used for assessment of encephalopathy in groups of 105 controls, 65 brain damaged patients and 22 patients with hepatic encephalopathy. With the use of NCT, 65% of the patients with cerebral damage could be correctly classified with regard to presence versus absence of brain disease, whereas the use of CRT gave 85% correct classification. With regard to hepatic encephalopathy the CRT was better for classification than NCT; respectively 86% and 64% were correctly classified. The NCT could not separate the patient with brain damage from the patients with hepatic encephalopathy, whereas CRT could classify respectively 95% and 86% correctly. When the tests were performed on five successive days, the NCT scores showed a learning effect, whereas the CRT gave stable measures. This means that the CRT was superior to the NCT for classification purposes.
Effect of Phenoxybenzamine on Myocardial Cell Necroses and Blood Levels of Catecholamines in Pigs Subjected to Stress
Authors: Häggendal J. , Johansson G. , Jönsson L. , Thorén‐Tolling K.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The degree of myocardial cell necroses after stress was investigated in 6 pigs, weighing 70 to 90 kg. The stress was induced by a myorelaxant, succinylcholine, for about 12 min. The α‐adrenoceptor blocking agent phenoxybenzamine (PBZ) was given orally 3 times a day in a total dose of 50 to 60 mg per day for 6 to 7 days before the stress. The plasma levels of noradrenaline and adrenaline were assayed in blood samples drawn before, during, and immediately after the period of stress. Heart cell necroses were found in all the cases. The activity of the sympathetic‐adrenomedullary system, indicated by the plasma levels of catecholamines, was intense during the stress. When the present results were compared with those of earlier studies the degree of heart cell necroses was significantly smaller after PBZ in control pigs but significantly higher than after the β‐adrenoceptor blocking agent propranolol given for about a week. PBZ exerts a number of different actions, as briefly discussed, some of them appearing to be harmful for the heart during stress while others appear to be protective for the heart.
Haemodynamic and Electrophysiologic Effects of Diltiazem
Authors: Bourassa Martial G.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: This review describes the haemodynamic and electrophysiologic properties of diltiazem and shows how these effects may, in some clinical situations, favour the choice of this drug as an antianginal and antiarrhytmic agent. Compared to nifedipine and verapamil, diltiazem has the distinct advantage of being a negative chronotropic agent and thus has the potential of leading to a greater reduction in myocardial oxygen consumption; it does not affect cardiac output, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and ejection fraction in patients with an adequately preserved left ventricular function; finally, it possesses a longer duration of action and fewer side effects, even at relatively high calcium entry blocking doses, than the other major calcium entry blockers.
Microscopic Epidural Lesions in Goats Given Repeated Epidural Injections of Morphine: Use of a Modified Autopsy Procedure
Authors: Larsen Jens‐Jørgen , Svendsen Ove , Andersen Hans B.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Epidural catheterization was performed in six goats. Five days later either saline or 20 mg (5mg/ml) preservative free morphine was injected epidurally once daily for 8 days. The goats were sacrificed 4, 24 or 48 hours after the last injection. The lumbar part of columna was removed in toto for microscopic examination of the spinal cord and the entire epidural space after decalcification and transverse sectioning. After saline, minimal changes including a fibrous membrane surrounding the catheter, scattered fat cell necrosis, scattered small focal cell infiltrations and occasionally focal haemorrhages were seen. After morphine the changes were considerably more severe including diffuse cellular inflammatory reaction in the epidural space, fat cell necrosis, occasionally focal exudative inflammation and chronic inflammatory reaction in the vicinity of the fibrous membrane demarcating position of the catheter. It is concluded that the present modified autopsy procedure permits microscopic examination of the epidural space. It has been shown that repeated administration of morphine caused tissue damage in the epidural space of goats. The human predictability of the results obtained is unknown. However, the results are encouraging for investigations with similar procedure in humans.
Activation of Factor XII in Acetone‐Treated Human Plasma: Significance of the Functional State of Plasma Kallikrein for the Extent of Activation
Authors: Hoem Nils‐Ove , Briseid Kjell
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The kaolin‐induced activation of factor XII (XII) to XIIa was studied in plasminogen‐free human citrated plasma treated with acetone in the presence of benzamidine 7.5 mM. XIIa was assayed as prekallikre‐in (PK) activator. The significance of the concentrations of XII, PK and high molecular weight kininogen (HMrK) was examined using mixtures of normal plasma and plasma genetically deficient in these factors. At the high plasma dilution used (1+23 v/v in the kaolin incubate) a joint estimation of the factors was obtained. A reduction in amount of XII, PK or HMrK resulted in a correspondingly reduced yield of XIIa. Plasma kallikrein present was assayed as S‐2302 amidase. The concentration of PK in XII‐deficient plasma was normal, in HMrK‐deficient plasma about 30% of normal. The activation of XII was studied in fresh plasma as well as in plasma stored for 3–6 months at −70°, and the activation with acetone was carried out in the presence and in the absence of benzamidine, EDTA or purified HMrK. In previous work benzamidine was found to protect the cofactor function of purified HMrK in the assay system used, and EDTA was found to inhibit purified human plasma kallikrein assayed as plasminogen activator. The present results support the previous observations, and indicate that acetone treatment of fresh human plasma (benzamidine present) results in the activation of plasma kallikrein in a functional state that requires kinin‐free, but otherwise native HMrK as a cofactor for the activation of XII. In plasma stored for 3–6 months at −70° the extent of activation of XII was increased and the inhibition by EDTA reduced, these results probably reflecting a partial loss of the aforementioned kallikrein modification. The total yield of kallikrein activity assayed as S‐2302 amidase was unchanged.
Cerebral Artery Spasm – A Possible Mechanism of TIA?
Authors: Johansson Bengt W.
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The pathogenetic transitory ischemic attacks (TIA) is usually ascribed to emboli although in some 25% of TIA patients there is no source of embolism to be found in either the heart or neck vessels and angiographically visible carotid lesions are present only in about half the patients with carotid distribution TIA. A case is reported with repeated attacks of amaurosis fugax without remaining neurological symptoms in this very sensitive area. This and similar case histories raise the possibility of spasm in the cerebral arteries as the underlying cause of certain forms of TIA. As certain Ca‐blocking agents, such as nifedipine and especially nimodipine, can relieve spasm, there are reasons to conduct a controlled study in man to find out if and to what extent a Ca‐blocker with a verified effect on cerebral artery spasm in animal experiments has a beneficial effect on TIA in man.
Use of antimalarials in dermatology
Authors: Ochsendorf Falk R.
Published: July 2010

The antimalarials chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases for more than 60 years. Even today new indications evolve due to the complex mode of action of these compounds. Due to the fear of side effects, especially irreversible retinopathy, their use is often limited. These side‐effects, however, are a consequence of excessive daily dosages. An effective, safe therapy needs correct dosing, i. e. adherence to maximal daily dosages of 3.5(–4) mg chloroquine or 6(–6.5) mg hydroxychloroquine per kilogram ideal body weight. If the actual body weight is lower than the ideal body weight, this actual weight is used for the calculation of the dosage. Observing these limits allows a rather safe therapy of the diseases like lupus erythematosus, REM syndrome, porphyria cutanea tarda (2 × 125 mg chloroquine/week), cutaneous sarcoidosis and dermatomyositis. If standard therapies fail, then antimalarials can be tried to treat Sjögren syndrome, granu‐loma annulare or erosive lichen planus. If therapy fails, either can be combined with quinacrine to increase their effectiveness. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are indispensable and well‐tolerated essential drugs in dermatology and especially suited as part of a combination scheme, for example with corticosteroids, as they act synergistically and reduce side‐effects.
Omalizumab therapy in atopic dermatitis: depletion of IgE does not improve the clinical course – a randomized, placebo‐controlled and double blind pilot study
Authors: Heil Peter Maximilian , Maurer Dieter , Klein Brigitte , Hultsch Thomas , Stingl Georg
Published: July 2010

Background: Our understanding of the pathogenic role of IgE in atopic dermatitis is incomplete. We asked whether blocking free IgE would alter the course of the disease.

Patients and Methods: We administered either omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal mouse antibody against IgE, or placebo subcutaneously for 16 weeks to 20 atopic dermatitis patients and measured immunological and clinical disease parameters.

Results: Omalizumab (I) reduced free serum IgE, (II) lowered surface IgE and FcɛRI expression on different peripheral blood mononuclear cells, (III) reduced the saturation of FcɛRI with IgE, (IV) increased the number of free FcɛRI and (V) lowered the number of IgE+, but not of FcɛRI+ cells in skin. The in vivo relevance of these results is evidenced by the increase in the threshold allergen concentration required to give a type I hypersensitivity reaction in the titrated skin test. While not significantly altering the clinical disease parameters, omalizumab treatment led to an improvement of the atopy patch test results in single patients, i.e. an eczematous reaction upon epicutaneous allergen challenge.

Conclusions: The interference with immediate and delayed type skin tests may imply that a therapeutic benefit of omalizumab treatment, if present at all, would be seen in patients with acute rather than chronic forms of the disease.
UTILIZATION OF THYMINE, THYMIDINE AND TMP BY NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS
Authors: Jyssum Sidsel , Jyssum Kaare
Published: July 2010

Attempts to isolate thymine, thymidine or TMP deficient mutants from Neisseria meningitidis were altogether negative. This led to the examination of the growth response and the uptake of these compounds when exogenously added. The growth rate was slightly increased upon their addition to cultures of meningococci adapted to growth on basal media. At the same time, radioactivity was taken up from labelled thymine to an extent of 5.6 per cent of the material added, from thymidine to an extent of 0.6 per cent, and from TMP to an extent of 0.05 per cent. The addition of purine deoxyribonucleosides or the base analogue 5‐fluorodeoxyuridine did not increase the uptake of labelled material from thymidine. Growth inhibition which was observed upon the addition of deoxyadenosine, 5‐fluorodeoxyuridine or 5‐fluorouracil has been discussed.
Competence in Genetic Transformation Related To Colony Type and Fimbriation in Three Species of Moraxella
Authors: Bøvre Kjell , Frøholm Leif Oddvar
Published: July 2010

Non‐fimbriated or weakly fimbriated cells from non‐corroding colonies (N type) and strongly fimbriated cells from agar‐corroding and often spreading colonies (SC or NSC types) of the bacterial species Moraxella nonliquefaciens, M. bovis and M. kingii were found to differ very distinctly when used as recipients in streptomycin resistance transformation. N type isolates of these species were always found to be deficient in competence, being either non‐transformable or weakly responding when exposed to autologous or homologous DNA extracted from streptomycin resistant mutants of N cells. Corresponding SC or NSC type isolates revealed much higher T/E (transformants/colony‐forming recipient units) ratios when exposed to the same N type DNA preparations (T/E = 10‐3 to 10‐2 or above in 11 strains, 10‐4 to 10‐5 in three strains; short‐term (20 min) DNA exposure). These values are from about 400 times to more than 106 times higher than the N type T/E ratios in individual strains. In the three strains with low SC or NSC T/E ratios, the corresponding N forms were either transformable by long‐term DNA exposure only or completely non‐transformable by any method. By using a modification of the long‐term DNA exposure technique for screening of competence on more than 14,000 single colonies, no spontaneous change of competence independent of variation in colony type and fimbriation could be detected in any direction, except for one single observation of genetically stable change from low‐level competence to incompetence in an N type variant. It is briefly discussed whether fimbriae could play a hitherto unknown active role as an important competence factor, or whether the cellular appendages may be functionally inert in this respect, only reflecting the presence of one or more such factor(s).
Identification of Dictyothrips betae as the vector of Polygonum ring spot virus
Authors: Ciuffo M. , Mautino G.C. , Bosco L. , Turina M. , Tavella L.
Published: July 2010

Dictyothrips betae (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is the predominant thrips species on Polygonum convolvulus and Polygonum dumetorum plants infected with a recently described tospovirus species, Polygonum ring spot virus (PolRSV). Laboratory transmission experiments (leaf disk assays) with adults collected directly in the field demonstrated the competence of this thrips to transmit PolRSV, although only at a rate of 4%. However, this increased to 16% using newly emerged larvae fed on infected leaves. Frankliniella occidentalis and Thrips tabaci failed to transmit PolRSV in leaf disk assays. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with specific primers for the N protein and Western blot analysis of adult thrips to detect the N protein confirmed the presence of the virus in D. betae individuals after feeding for at least 5 days on healthy plants. For molecular identification purposes partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), nuclear 28S ribosomal DNA and the elongation factor‐1α (EF‐1α) from D. betae were cloned. COI sequence was also used for deriving a phylogenetic tree, including D. betae. The results confirmed a relationship between this species and tospovirus‐transmitting insects of the genus Thrips.
Occurrence of common and rare δ‐globin gene defects in two multiethnic populations: thirteen new mutations and the significance of δ‐globin gene defects in β‐thalassemia diagnostics
Authors: PHYLIPSEN M. , GALLIVAN M. V. E. , ARKESTEIJN S. G. J. , HARTEVELD C. L. , GIORDANO P. C.
Published: July 2010

Introduction:  The aim of this review is to study the frequency of common and the occurrence of rare and novel mutations of the delta‐globin gene and of Hb Lepore defects that might interfere with thalassemia diagnostics and to report the rationale of HbA2 estimation in the presence of delta‐ or alpha‐gene mutations.

Methods:  A total of 135 cases suspected to have a delta‐globin gene defect collected in a diagnostic center in the USA and in a reference laboratory in the Netherlands were characterized by molecular analysis.

Results:  Hb B2 was found at a frequency of at least 0.5% in the USA and 0.87% in the Netherlands. Known variants such as Hb A2‐Babinga, Hb A2‐Sphakia, Hb A2‐Fitzroy, Hb A2‐Flatbush, Hb A2‐NYU, Hb A2‐Grovetown, HbA2‐Yialousa, Hb A2‐Indonesia and several delta‐thalassemia mutations were found together with 13 new mutations and two new polymorphisms, while Hb Lepores were regularly observed.

Conclusion:  HbA2 mutations either structurally stable and visible or undetectable because of a thalassemia effect or instability are clinically asymptomatic but may compromise the diagnosis of beta‐thalassemia minor. Stable mutations result in two HbA2 fractions of about half of the expected value. Expression defects are undetectable as a protein fraction but reduce the amount of HbA2 by half.
What makes Early Intervention in Psychosis services effective? A Case Study
Authors: Brabban Alison , Dodgson Guy
Published: July 2010

A number of studies have demonstrated that Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services can produce improved outcomes for service users. However, the essential elements that produce these results remain elusive. This paper considers a number of hypotheses, with a particular focus on one service in the UK, which was designed according to policy guidance. It concludes that the structure of EIP services allows for the effective implementation of evidence based psychosocial interventions, which often fail to be implemented successfully within standard mental health services.
Do Informed Traders Trade More When the Market Is Thick? Evidence from the Nikkei 225 Index Redefinition of April 2000*
Authors: Ahn Hee‐Joon , Cai Jun , Chung Jay M.
Published: July 2010

Using the Nikkei 225 index redefinition that took place in April 2000, we examine whether informed traders strategically trade more when they face increased liquidity trading, as predicted by Admati & Pfleiderer (1988). The significant increase (decrease) in liquidity trading for the new additions (deletions) caused by index trading activities after index redefinition offers a valuable opportunity to empirically test the predictions of Admati and Pfleiderer. The April 2000 index redefinition was not accompanied by any information effects because the event itself was unrelated to changes in firm fundamentals, nor did it involve any information confirmation effects. Our empirical findings support the predictions of the strategic information trader model. We find that informed trading, as measured by the probability of informed trading, increases significantly after additions and decreases significantly after deletions. Further analysis reveals that probability of informed trading changes are associated with changes in investor composition, especially for domestic institutions and foreign shareholders.
A Novel Handhold High Power MEMS Atomizer Using Micro Cymbal Shape Nozzle Plate for Inhalation Therapy
Authors: Shen Sheng Chih , Wang Yu-Jen
Published: July 2010

Inhalation therapy is being applied in the home care field to a gradually increasing degree, and therefore two issues of great importance are the convenience and portability of medical devices. Hence, this paper presents a novel highpower MEMS atomizer device that includes a ring-type piezoelectric actuator and a cymbal-shaped micro nozzle plate (CSNP). The latter can focus energy on the center of the nozzle plate and induce a large force, which provides the MEMS atomizer with the high power necessary to spray medical solutions of high viscosity and increase the atomization rate. The high-power MEMS atomizer can reduce liquids to droplets of an ultra-fine size distribution (Mass Median Aerodynamic Diameter, MMAD), increasing the nebulizing rate and enabling the spraying of high-viscosity fluids (cP>3.5). In this research, the ultra-fine droplets were of a MMAD of less than 4.07 μm at 127.89kHz and the atomization rate was 0.5ml/min. The drive voltage of this high-power MEMS atomizer device was only 3V, and the power consumption only one-tenth that of conventional ultrasonic atomizers at 1.2W. The simulation and experiments carried out in this study proved that the droplets are much smaller than those produced by current conventional devices and the device is of greater efficiency; therefore, the high-power MEMS atomizer is suitable for use in the development of a convenient and portable inhalation therapy device.
Integrated Control and Coordination of Vehicle System Dynamics
Authors: Xiao Hansong , Chen Wuwei , Chu Changbao , Zu Jean W.
Published: July 2010

Current and future motor vehicles are incorporating more and more sophisticated chassis control systems to improve vehicle handling, stability and comfort. These control systems often operate independently and thus interactions and performance conflicts among the control systems occur inevitably. To address the problem, this study proposes a two-layer hierarchical control architecture for integrated control of electric power steering (EPS) system and anti-lock brake system (ABS). The upper layer controller is designed to coordinate the interactions between the EPS system and the ABS. While in the lower layer, the two controllers including the EPS system and the ABS, are designed independently to achieve their local control objectives. Simulation results show that the proposed hierarchical control system is able to improve the vehicle lateral stability, and at the same time ensure the vehicle steering agility, and the braking performance.
A Systematical Approach for Structure Synthesis of Parallel Mechanisms Based on Single-Open-Chain Modules and Its Application
Authors: Yang Ting-Li , Liu An-Xin , Jin Qiong , Luo Yu-Feng , Hang Lu-Bin , Shen Hui-Ping
Published: July 2010

Based on previous research results presented by authors, this paper proposes a novel systematic approach for structure synthesis of all parallel mechanisms (excluding Bennett mechanism etc), which is totally different from the approaches based on screw theory and based on displacement subgroup. Main characteristics of this approach are: (a) the synthesized mechanisms are non-instantaneous ones, and (b) only simple mathematical tools (vector algebra, theory of sets, etc.) are used. Main steps of this approach include: (1) Determining functional and structural requirements of the parallel mechanism to be synthesized, such as position and orientation characteristic (POC) matrix, degree of freedom (DOF), etc. (2) Type synthesis of branches. (3) Assembling of branches (determining the geometry constraint conditions among the branches attached between the moving platform and the frame, and checking the DOF). (4) Identifying the inactive joints. (5) Selecting the actuating joints. In order to illustrate the whole procedure, the type synthesis of spherical parallel mechanisms is studied using this approach.
Modeling Techniques for Dynamic Analysis of a Helicopter Transmission System
Authors: Stringer David B. , Allaire Paul E.
Published: July 2010

This research presents a rotor dynamic, finite element model of a rotary-wing transmission based on first principles. The transmission and model formulation are presented. The effects of the different gearing configurations within the model are discussed. The natural frequencies and mode shapes are extracted using conventional eigenvalue analysis. The frequencies are compared and shown to correspond with experimental results. Observations on the resulting system mode shapes are presented. The model exhibits great potential for use in health monitoring of rotary-wing systems and sensor optimization algorithms.
Advanced Manufacture of Spiral Bevel Gears on CNC Hypoid Generating Machine
Authors: Simon Vilmos V.
Published: July 2010

An algorithm is developed for the execution of motions on the CNC hypoid generating machine using the relations on the cradle-type machine. The algorithm is based on the condition that since the tool is a rotary surface and the pinion/gear blank is also related to a rotary surface, it is necessary to ensure the same relative position of the head cutter and the pinion on both machines. The algorithm is applied for the execution of motions on the CNC hypoid generator for the manufacture of spiral bevel gears, based on the machine-tool setting variation on the cradle-type hypoid generator conducted by optimal polynomial functions up to 5th order. By using the corresponding computer program, the motion graphs of the CNC hypoid generator are determined for the manufacture of spiral bevel gears based on the optimal variation of the velocity ratio in the kinematic scheme and of the cradle radial setting on a cradle-type generator.
Parallel Population Based Incremental Learning With GPU Acceleration for Nonlinear Optimization
Authors: Zhu Weihang
Published: July 2010

This paper presents a GPU-based parallel Population Based Incremental Learning (PBIL) algorithm with a local search on bound constrained optimization problems. The genotype of an entire population is evolved in PBIL, which was derived from Genetic Algorithms. Graphics Processing Units (GPU) is an emerging technology for desktop parallel computing. In this research, the classical PBIL is adapted in the data-parallel GPU computing platform. The global optimal search of the PBIL is enhanced by a local Pattern Search method. The hybrid PBIL method is implemented in the GPU environment, and compared to a similar implementation in the common computing environment with a Central Processing Unit (CPU). Computational results indicate that GPU-accelerated PBIL method is effective and faster than the corresponding CPU implementation.
Factors Affecting Transmission Error in Helical Synchronous Belt With Error on Belt Side Face Under Bidirectional Operation
Authors: Kagotani Masanori , Ueda Hiroyuki
Published: July 2010

Helical synchronous belt drives are effective for reducing the noise and transmission error per single pitch of a pulley in comparison with conventional synchronous belt drives. However, the helix angle of the tooth trace causes axial belt movement. When the belt comes into contact with the pulley flange or the belt moves away from the pulley flange due to bidirectional operation, the accuracy of finishing on the belt side face affects the transmission error. In addition, it is considered that various factors such as transmitted torque, installation tension, pitch difference between the belt and the pulley, and alignment error between the driving and driven pulleys in the axial direction affect the behavior of the transmission error. In the present study, the influence of various factors on the transmission error in a helical synchronous belt with the error on the belt side face was investigated. Specifically, the case in which a flanged pulley is rotated in bidirectional operation under the quasi-static condition and transmitted torque was examined. The transmission error in bidirectional operation considering the error on the belt side face increased with the increase in transmitted torque, but was reduced when the installation tension was set to be high and when the pitch difference on the driving side was smaller than that on the driven side. In addition, the accuracy of rotation transmission improved when the alignment between the pulleys in the axial direction was set so that the belt on the driving side came into contact earlier with the pulley flange than did the belt on the driven side.
On Nonlinear Response of Capacitive Sensors
Authors: Caruntu Dumitru I. , Knecht Martin
Published: July 2010

This paper investigates electrostatically actuated resonator micro-sensor response near natural frequency. The Casimir effect is included. Both the electrostatic force and the Casimir force introduce nonlinearities in the system. Hamilton’s principle is used to derive the partial-differential equation of motion for the general case of nonuniform sensors. The method of multiple scales is then used in a direct approach of the problem. Two approximation problems resulting from the direct approach are solved. The phase-amplitude relationship is obtained. Numerical results for uniform capacitive resonator micro-sensors are provided.
Measurements of Piezoelectric Constant D33 of Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) Through Use of a Mini Impact Hammer
Authors: Guo Qing , Cao G. Z. , Shen I. Y.
Published: July 2010

Lead Zirconate Titanate Oxide (PbZrxTi1−xO3 or PZT) is a piezoelectric material widely used as sensors and actuators. For microactuators, PZT often appears in the form of thin films to maintain proper aspect ratios. This paper is to present a simple and low-cost method to measure piezoelectric constant d33 of PZT thin films, which is a major challenge encountered in the actuator development. We use an impact hammer with a sharp tip to generate an impulsive force that acts on the PZT film. The impulsive force and the responding voltage are then measured to calculate the piezoelectric constant d33. The impulsive force has large enough amplitude so that a good signal-to-noise ratio can be maintained. Furthermore, the impulsive force has extremely short duration, so the discharge effect (i.e., the time constant effect) of the PZT circuit can be ignored. Preliminary testing on bulk PZT through this new method leads to two conclusions. Firstly, boundary conditions of the specimen are critical. In particular, the specimen must be securely fastened. Since the impulsive load only acts on a tiny area, loose boundary conditions can introduce spurious results from other piezoelectric constant d31. Secondly, size of the specimen is critical. Specimen of smaller size leads to more accurate measurements of the piezoelectric constant d33.
Solving the Kinematics of a Parallel Robot Based on CAD Variation Geometry
Authors: Xu Jiayin , Lu Yi , Yu Jingjing
Published: July 2010

A CAD variation geometry approach is proposed for accurately solving the position-orientation, linear velocity/acceleration, and Euler angular velocity/angular acceleration of a symmetrical 3-dof 3-UPU parallel robot. Based on the finite-difference method as the foundations, using the computer aided geometry constraints and dimension driving technique, the simulation mechanism of the 3-UPU parallel robot with Euler angles is created, and the position-orientation can be got. Then the linear velocity/acceleration simulation mechanisms and Euler angular velocity/angular acceleration simulation mechanisms are created. When modifying the driving dimension of three driving limbs, the configurations of the simulation mechanisms are varied correspondingly, and all of the kinematical parameters are solved automatically. The simulation solutions are verified by an analytic approach. The results show that the CAD variation geometry is not only fairly quick and straightforward, but is also advantageous from viewpoint of accuracy and repeatability.