bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of Gold Doped MOS Structures
Authors: Cagnina S. F. , Snow E. H.
Published: February 2007

The theoretical capacitance‐voltage characteristics of gold‐doped metaloxide‐silicon structures have been calculated and compared with experiment for both the high and the low frequency cases. It is found that gold diffused from the back side causes a negative interface charge

Q

Au

in addition to the usual positive

Q

ss

. Evidence is presented to show that the gold responsible for

Q

Au

is located in the silicon very near the oxide silicon interface. Gold diffused from the top side (through the oxide) results in a positive

Q

Au

indicating that gold in the oxide near the interface is positively charged. Temperature‐bias tests showed that

Q

Au

was stable under conditions which mobile alkali ions such as sodium drift rapidly. In addition, an MOS capacitancevoltage method is described for determining diffusion coefficients and solid solubilities in the oxide layer. Values of

D
≅
3
×

10

−
3

 

µ

2

/
hr

and

N
≅
3
×

10

18

 

cm

−
3

were obtained for gold in

SiO

2

at 1100°C.
Control of Photoconductive Properties in Cadmium Selenide
Authors: Sunners Brian
Published: February 2007

Some aspects of the chemistry of sintered cadmium selenide photoconductors are presented. A tentative scheme is outlined whereby electrical requirements for such photoconductive devices can be used to define the chemistry of the sintered layer. Experimental methods are outlined, and the effects of some process variables on the electrical properties are described. The application of the method is described.
Galvanic Behavior in Fused Electrolytes: III . Potentials of Calcium, Magnesium, and Nickel in
LiCl‐KCl‐K2CrO4

and
NaCl‐KCl‐K2CrO4
Authors: Selis Sidney M. , McGinnis Laurence P.
Published: February 2007

Referred to

Ag
/
LiCl
 
(
or NaCl
)
‐
KCl
‐
AgCl
 
(
N
=
0.100
)

, the oxidation potential of calcium at 700°C is −1.72 v in

LiCl
‐
KCl
‐

K

2

CrO

4

and −0.41 v in

NaCl
‐
KCl
‐

K

2

CrO

4

. The lesser polarization in the lithium electrolyte is due to the formation in situ of a semiliquid electrode surface and is not due to the inherent chemical nature of lithium. The polarization in the sodium electrolyte is ascribed to a film which may be a chromite. Such a film is apparently not adherent in the case of magnesium or nickel for these metals are much less polarized in the sodium electrolyte than is calcium.
Impedance and Polarization Measurements in Fused Lithium Chloride‐Potassium Chloride
Authors: Laitinen H. A. , Gaur H. C.
Published: February 2007

Impedance measurements with a platinum microelectrode in fused eutectic mixture of potassium chloride (41 mole %) and lithium chloride (59 mole %) are described. The residual resistance and capacitance showed frequency dispersion; probable causes are discussed.

Most of the metal ions showed a tendency for “predeposition.” The faradaic admittance in the reduction of Pb++, Co++, Ni++, Zn++, and Cd++ ions had a phase angle of the combination greater than 45°, which has been ascribed to the adsorption of metal ions on the electrode surface. After application of an empirical correction for this effect, the faradaic admittance became normal and was used to calculate the rate constants for the above processes.

The current‐potential curves showing the polarization behavior in the vicinity of equilibrium potential are described. By a curve fitting method the values of α, the transfer coefficient for the cathodic process, and

i

o

, the exchange current, are computed. These values of

i

o

are, however, much lower than those calculated by using the rate constants obtained from impedance measurements.
Chronic furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide administration increases H+-ATPase B1 subunit abundance in rat kidney
Authors: Na Ki Young , Kim Gheun-Ho , Joo Kwon Wook , Lee Jay Wook , Jang Hye Ryoun , Oh Yun Kyu , Jeon Un Sil , Chae Seoung-Wan , Knepper Mark A. , Han Jin Suk
Published: February 2007

Furosemide administration stimulates distal acidification. This has been attributed to the increased lumen-negative voltage in the distal nephron, but the aspect of regulatory mechanisms of H+-ATPase has not been clear. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether chronic administration of diuretics alters the expression of H+-ATPase and whether electrogenic Na+ reabsorption is involved in this process. A 7-day infusion of furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) lowered urine pH significantly. However, this effect of furosemide-induced distal acidification was not changed with amiloride-blocking electrogenic Na+ reabsorption. On immunoblotting, a polyclonal antibody against the H+-ATPase B1 subunit recognized a specific ∼56-kDa band in membrane fractions from the kidney. The protein abundance of H+-ATPase was significantly increased by furosemide and HCTZ infusion in both the cortex and outer medulla. Furosemide plus amiloride administration also increased the H+-ATPase protein abundance significantly. However, no definite subcellular redistribution of H+-ATPase was observed by furosemide ± amiloride infusion with immunohistochemistry. Chronic furosemide ± amiloride administration induced a translocation of pendrin to the apical membrane, while total protein abundance was not increased. The mRNA expression of H+-ATPase was not altered by furosemide ± amiloride infusion. We conclude that chronic administration of diuretics enhances distal acidification by increasing the abundance of H+-ATPase irrespective of electrogenic Na+ reabsorption. This upregulation of H+-ATPase in the intercalated cells may be the result of tubular hypertrophy by diuretics.
Modification of cytosolic calcium signaling by subplasmalemmal microdomains
Authors: Edwards Aurélie , Pallone Thomas L.
Published: February 2007

To investigate the hypothesis that Na+ concentration in subplasmalemmal microdomains regulates Ca2+ concentrations in cellular microdomains ([Ca]md), the cytosol ([Ca]cyt), and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR; [Ca]sr), we modeled transport events in those compartments. Inputs to the model were obtained from published measurements in descending vasa recta pericytes and other smooth muscle cells. The model accounts for major classes of ion channels, Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX), and the distributions of Na+-K+-ATPase α1- and α2-isoforms in the plasma membrane. Ca2+ release from SR stores is assumed to occur via ryanodine (RyR) and inositol trisphosphate (IP3R) receptors. The model shows that the requisite existence of a significant Na+ concentration difference between the cytosol ([Na]cyt) and microdomains ([Na]md) necessitates restriction of intercompartmental diffusion. Accepting the latter, the model predicts resting ion concentrations that are compatible with experimental measurements and temporal changes in [Ca]cyt similar to those observed on NCX inhibition. An important role for NCX in the regulation of Ca2+ signaling is verified. In the resting state, NCX operates in “forward mode,” with Na+ entry and Ca2+ extrusion from the cell. Inhibition of NCX respectively raises and reduces [Ca]cyt and [Na]cyt by 40 and 30%. NCX translates variations in Na+-K+-ATPase activity into changes in [Ca]md, [Ca]sr, and [Ca]cyt. Taken together, the model simulations verify the feasibility of the central hypothesis that modulation of [Na]md can influence both the loading of Ca2+ into SR stores and [Ca2+]cyt variation.
Testosterone treatment promotes tubular damage in experimental diabetes in prepubertal rats
Authors: Sun Jianhong , Devish Kay , Langer William J. , Carmines Pamela K. , Lane Pascale H.
Published: February 2007

Puberty unmasks or accelerates progressive kidney diseases, including diabetes mellitus (DM), perhaps through effects of sex steroids. To test the hypothesis that rising androgen levels at puberty permit diabetic kidney damage, we studied four groups of male rats with and without streptozocin-induced DM: adult onset (A), adult onset after castration (AC), juvenile onset (J), and juvenile onset with testosterone treatment (JT). Profibrotic markers were measured after 6 wk with blood glucose levels 300–450 mg/dl. JT permitted increased expression of mRNA for two isoforms of transforming growth factor-β and connective tissue growth factor compared with J animals with DM; prior castration did not provide protection in adult-onset DM. JT also permitted greater tubular staining for α-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast-specific protein, two markers of cell damage and potential epithelial mesenchymal transition. Once again, castration was not protective for these effects of DM in the AC group. These data indicate that puberty permits detrimental effects in the tubulointerstitium in the diabetic kidney, an effect mimicked by testosterone treatment of juvenile animals and partially blunted by castration of adults, but damage does not correlate with testosterone levels, suggesting a less direct mechanism.
Identification and Validation of Colorectal Neoplasia–Specific Methylation Markers for Accurate Classification of Disease
Authors: Model Fabian , Osborn Neal , Ahlquist David , Gruetzmann Robert , Molnar Bela , Sipos Ferenc , Galamb Orsolya , Pilarsky Christian , Saeger Hans-Detlev , Tulassay Zsolt , Hale Kari , Mooney Suzanne , Lograsso Joseph , Adorjan Peter , Lesche Ralf , Dessauer Andreas , Kleiber Joerg , Porstmann Baerbel , Sledziewski Andrew , Lofton-Day Catherine
Published: February 2007

Aberrant DNA methylation occurs early in oncogenesis, is stable, and can be assayed in tissues and body fluids. Therefore, genes with aberrant methylation can provide clues for understanding tumor pathways and are attractive candidates for detection of early neoplastic events. Identification of sequences that optimally discriminate cancer from other diseased and healthy tissues is needed to advance both approaches. Using well-characterized specimens, genome-wide methylation techniques were used to identify candidate markers specific for colorectal neoplasia. To further validate 30 of these candidates from genome-wide analysis and 13 literature-derived genes, including genes involved in cancer and others with unknown functions, a high-throughput methylation-specific oligonucleotide microarray was used. The arrays were probed with bisulfite-converted DNA from 89 colorectal adenocarcinomas, 55 colorectal polyps, 31 inflammatory bowel disease, 115 extracolonic cancers, and 67 healthy tissues. The 20 most discriminating markers were highly methylated in colorectal neoplasia (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.8; P < 0.0001). Normal epithelium and extracolonic cancers revealed significantly lower methylation. Real-time PCR assays developed for 11 markers were tested on an independent set of 149 samples from colorectal adenocarcinomas, other diseases, and healthy tissues. Microarray results could be reproduced for 10 of 11 marker assays, including eight of the most discriminating markers (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.72; P < 0.009). The markers with high specificity for colorectal cancer have potential as blood-based screening markers whereas markers that are specific for multiple cancers could potentially be used as prognostic indicators, as biomarkers for therapeutic response monitoring or other diagnostic applications, compelling further investigation into their use in clinical testing and overall roles in tumorigenesis. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(2):153–63)
Nuclear Localization of the Parafibromin Tumor Suppressor Protein Implicated in the Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumor Syndrome Enhances Its Proapoptotic Function
Authors: Lin Ling , Czapiga Meggan , Nini Lylia , Zhang Jian-Hua , Simonds William F.
Published: February 2007

Parafibromin is a tumor suppressor protein encoded by HRPT2, a gene recently implicated in the hereditary hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, parathyroid cancer, and a subset of kindreds with familial isolated hyperparathyroidism. Human parafibromin binds to RNA polymerase II as part of a PAF1 transcriptional regulatory complex. The mechanism by which loss of parafibromin function can lead to neoplastic transformation is poorly understood. Because the subcellular localization of parafibromin is likely to be critical for its function with the nuclear PAF1 complex, we sought to experimentally define the nuclear localization signal (NLS) of parafibromin and examine its potential role in parafibromin function. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we define a dominant bipartite NLS and a secondary NLS, both in the NH2-terminal region of parafibromin whose combined mutation nearly abolishes nuclear targeting. The NLS-mutant parafibromin is significantly impaired in its association with endogenous Paf1 and Leo1. We further report that overexpression of wild-type but not NLS-mutant parafibromin induces apoptosis in transfected cells. Inhibition of endogenous parafibromin expression by RNA interference inhibits the basal rate of apoptosis and apoptosis resulting from DNA damage induced by camptothecin, a topoisomerase I inhibitor. These experiments identify for the first time a proapoptotic activity of endogenous parafibromin likely to be important in its role as a tumor suppressor and show a functional role for the NLS of parafibromin in this activity. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(2):183–93)
Roscovitine Inhibits Differentiation and Invasion in a Three-Dimensional Skin Reconstruction Model of Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Mohapatra Subhra , Coppola Domenico , Riker Adam I. , Pledger W. Jack
Published: February 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, roscovitine, in cultured melanoma cells and a three-dimensional skin reconstruction model of metastatic melanoma. The modulatory effects of roscovitine on the growth and survival of normal melanocytes and cultured melanoma cell lines were tested. Additionally, we investigated the potential of roscovitine to regulate the growth and differentiation of a metastatic melanoma cell line (A375) in a three-dimensional skin reconstruction culture consisting of A375 cells admixed with normal human keratinocytes embedded within a collagen-constricted fibroblast matrix. We show that roscovitine is able to induce apoptosis in the melanoma cell lines A375, 888, and 624 but not in normal human cultured epithelial melanocytes. The degree of apoptosis within these cell lines correlated with the accumulation of p53 protein and concomitant reduction of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, with no change in the proteins Bcl-2 and survivin. We also found that roscovitine inhibited the growth and differentiation of A375 melanoma cells within the dermal layer of the skin. The results of this study show that roscovitine has the potential to inhibit the differentiation and invasion of metastatic melanoma and may be useful as a therapy for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(2):145–51)
The Activator Protein-1 Transcription Factor in Respiratory Epithelium Carcinogenesis
Authors: Karamouzis Michalis V. , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis A. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: February 2007

Respiratory epithelium cancers are the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The multistep natural history of carcinogenesis can be considered as a gradual accumulation of genetic and epigenetic aberrations, resulting in the deregulation of cellular homeostasis. Growing evidence suggests that cross-talk between membrane and nuclear receptor signaling pathways along with the activator protein-1 (AP-1) cascade and its cofactor network represent a pivotal molecular circuitry participating directly or indirectly in respiratory epithelium carcinogenesis. The crucial role of AP-1 transcription factor renders it an appealing target of future nuclear-directed anticancer therapeutic and chemoprevention approaches. In the present review, we will summarize the current knowledge regarding the implication of AP-1 proteins in respiratory epithelium carcinogenesis, highlight the ongoing research, and consider the future perspectives of their potential therapeutic interest. (Mol Cancer Res 2007;5(2):109–20)
Increased Bleomycin-Induced Skin Fibrosis in Mice Lacking the Th1-Specific Transcription Factor T-bet
Authors: Lakos Gabriella , Melichian Denisa , Wu Minghua , Varga John
Published: February 2007

Fibrosis, the pathological hallmark of scleroderma and related conditions, is due to sustained activation of tissue fibroblasts. Accumulating evidence implicates cytokine networks in initiating, and propagating or terminating fibroblast activation, and the specific cytokine phenotype dictates evolution of the fibrotic response toward either resolution or scarring. In particular, cytokines that promote fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation functionally define a type 2 (Th2) immune response, whereas interferon-γ, which suppresses diverse fibroblast activities, defines a type 1 (Th1) immune response. It remains unclear what role the balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines plays in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Here we used bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis as a murine model for human scleroderma in order to study the fibrotic response in mice lacking T-bet, a transcription factor that is essential for initiating Th1 lineage development of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Spleen cells from T-bet null (T-bet–/–) mice exhibited a typical Th2 cytokine profile ex vivo, with elevated production of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5 and IL-13, and diminished production of interferon-γ. Bleomycin-induced early mast cells and eosinophil accumulation, and eosinophil degranulation, in the lesional tissue were greater in T-bet–/– mice than in wild-type control mice. At a later time point, T-bet–/– mice developed significantly more extensive dermal and especially hypodermal fibrosis. Elevated TGF-β expression and intracellular Smad activation were prominent in lesional skin. Infiltrating eosinophils appeared to be an important cellular source of TGF-β. These results demonstrate that in mice lacking T-bet bleomycin induced exaggerated skin fibrosis, suggesting that T-bet has an important physiologic role in regulation of tissue repair by promoting Th1 immune responses that prevent excessive ECM accumulation.
Macrophages as Stimulators of MART-127–35 Epitope-Specific Human Cytolytic T Lymphocytes in vitro
Authors: Mehrotra Shikhar , Zaidi Nisar , Chakraborty Nitya G. , Mukherji Bijay
Published: February 2007

Background: Activation and expansion of antigen-specific cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) require epitope presented by antigen-presenting cells (APC). Presently, dendritic cells (DC) are viewed as the most efficient APC. Since the recognition of DCs as the professional APC, the paradigm has emerged that macrophage (Mφ) are scavengers and are incapable of activating T cells. Method: The melanoma-associated MART-127–35 peptide-loaded Mφ from HLA-A2-positive donors were used to activate MART-127–35 epitope-specific CTL in vitro. Results: We show that peptide-pulsed Mφ stimulate MART-127–35 epitope-specific precursors to proliferate and to express effector functions. We also show that upon restimulation with the peptide pulsed Mφ, a fraction of the epitope-specific CTLs undergoes activation-induced cell death. The activation-induced cell death is induced in an epitope-specific manner and through apoptosis. Conclusion: Mφ can function as APC and are also capable of modulating expansion and contraction of CTL response in vitro.
Tricuspid Regurgitation Causing a Right to Left Interatrial Shunt with Normal Pulmonary Pressures
Authors: Gans Christopher P. , Kao John A.
Published: February 2007

We describe a patient who presented with asymptomatic hypoxia refractory to supplemental oxygen. Transthoracic echocardiography and angiography demonstrated a tricuspid valve with a large regurgitant jet oriented directly at a patent foramen ovale, producing a right to left shunt with systemic hypoxia. The patient was found to have normal right-sided cardiac pressures as well as normal pulmonary arterial pressures, demonstrating the shunt was secondary to the tricuspid regurgitant jet and not a result of a pressure gradient between atria. Surgical correction of the tricuspid valve and closure of the patent foramen ovale resulted in resolution of the patient’s hypoxemia.
Robust Genomic Control and Robust Delta Centralization Tests for Case-Control Association Studies
Authors: Zang Yong , Zhang Hong , Yang Yaning , Zheng Gang
Published: February 2007

The population-based case-control design is a powerful approach for detecting susceptibility markers of a complex disease. However, this approach may lead to spurious association when there is population substructure: population stratification (PS) or cryptic relatedness (CR). Two simple approaches to correct for the population substructure are genomic control (GC) and delta centralization (DC). GC uses the variance inflation factor to correct for the variance distortion of a test statistic, and the DC centralizes the non-central chi-square distribution of the test statistic. Both GC and DC have been studied for case-control association studies mainly under a specific genetic model (e.g. recessive, additive or dominant), under which an optimal trend test is available. The genetic model is usually unknown for many complex diseases. In this situation, we study the performance of three robust tests based on the GC and DC corrections in the presence of the population substructure. Our results show that, when the genetic model is unknown, the DC- (or GC-) corrected maximum and Pearson’s association test are robust and have good control of Type I error and high power relative to the optimal trend tests in the presence of PS (or CR).
Brainstem Involvement in Hypertensive Encephalopathy: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Uchino Masafumi , Haga Daisuke , Nomoto Jun , Mito Toshiaki , Kuramitsu Tohru
Published: February 2007

The cerebral hemispheres show prominent involvement in hypertensive encephalopathy far more frequently than the brainstem. Two patients with severe paroxysmally accelerated hypertension associated with brainstem hyperintensity in T2-weighted magnetic resonance images are presented. Both present hyperintense lesions improved dramatically in appearance after stabilization of blood pressure. Extreme acceleration of hypertension may be essential for breakdown of autoregulation in the brainstem circulation. The marked clinicoradiologic dissociation ruled out major brainstem infarction and made tumor unlikely.
Variation in Brain Organization and Cerebellar Foliation in Chondrichthyans: Sharks and Holocephalans
Authors: Yopak Kara E. , Lisney Thomas J. , Collin Shaun P. , Montgomery John C.
Published: February 2007

The widespread variation in brain size and complexity that is evident in sharks and holocephalans is related to both phylogeny and ecology. Relative brain size (expressed as encephalization quotients) and the relative development of the five major brain areas (the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, cerebellum, and medulla) was assessed for over 40 species from 20 families that represent a range of different lifestyles and occupy a number of habitats. In addition, an index (1–5) quantifying structural complexity of the cerebellum was created based on length, number, and depth of folds. Although the variation in brain size, morphology, and complexity is due in part to phylogeny, as basal groups have smaller brains, less structural hypertrophy, and lower foliation indices, there is also substantial variation within and across clades that does not reflect phylogenetic relationships. Ecological correlations, with the relative development of different brain areas as well as the complexity of the cerebellar corpus, are supported by cluster analysis and are suggestive of a range of ‘cerebrotypes’. These correlations suggest that relative brain development reflects the dimensionality of the environment and/or agile prey capture in addition to phylogeny.
Electrical Stimulation in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Fredriksen T.A. , Bergmann S. , Hesselberg J.P. , Stolt-Nielsen A. , Ringkjøb R. , Sjaastad O.
Published: February 2007

Forty-nine multiple sclerosis patients with bladder symptoms and/or walking disability were subjected to a therapeutic trial with electrical spinal cord stimulation and transcutaneous electrical stimulation, a second aim being to compare these two treatments. A clear subjective improvement in bladder symptoms was achieved in the majority of the cases, and this was substantiated by objective parameters. In a proportion of cases a more moderate improvement seems to have been achieved in a variety of symptoms. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation seems to be a useful selection procedure for later electrical spinal cord stimulation.
CT-Compatible System for Stereotactic Biopsy and Brachytherapy of Infratentorial Tumors
Authors: Dyck P. , Bouzaglou A. , Solti-Bohman L.G. , Gruskin P.
Published: February 2007

Teletherapy of nonresectable radiosensitive brain tumors is the mainstay of adjunctive treatment. In the past two decades brachytherapy has begun to play an ever-increasing role, particularly on the European continent. Yet this attention has been addressed almost exclusively to lesions of the supratentorial space. This article describes modifications of the Riechert-Mundinger stereotactic system which were made by one of us (P.D.) to allow an unencumbered yet precisely computerized stereotactic approach to posterior fossa lesions for biopsy and interstitial radiation with iridium 192. A case report is described to illustrate the technical details involved in such an undertaking.
Respiratory Changes after Stereotactic High Cervical Cord Lesions for Pain
Authors: Lema Joaquin Arce , Hitchcock Edward
Published: February 2007

Stereotactic cordotomy affected forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) less than open cordotomy, but 11 of 15 patients had some effect on respiratory functions. Central cord lesions produced a small (9%) fall in values. Of 10 patients with trigeminal lesions 7 had no charge in respiratory function, but 2 had reduction of more than 50% associated with transient extremity paresis, attributed to injury to a corticospinal pathway to respiratory neurones.
Spinal Cord Stimulation Revisited: Psychological Effects
Authors: Levita Eric , Sorkin Bruce A. , Waltz Joseph M.
Published: February 2007

97 patients undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) were studied for a median of 24 days after initiation of treatment. SCS was associated with significant improvement in memory, visuo-spatial integration, activation, cognitive efficiency, attention and overall psychological status. Significant emotional improvement in self-image, anxiety and depression was also confirmed following SCS. Diagnosis did not differentially affect psychological outcome except for relief of anxiety, which was less pronounced in the case of torticollis and multiple sclerosis. The role of spinal cord modulation of behavioral activation and physiological arousal was discussed.
Influence of Stimulus Frequency and Probe Size on Vibration-Induced Alleviation of Acute Orof acial Pain
Authors: Hansson Per , Ekblom Anders
Published: February 2007

The pain-relieving effect of vibratory stimulation, using different stimulus parameters, and placebo stimulation in acute orofacial pain is reported. The influence of 10-, 100-, and 200-Hz vibrations on pain reduction was studied in 96 patients; two different probe sizes were used. 54 out of 76 patients, receiving vibrations at any of the above frequencies, reported relief of pain to some extent, while only 6 out of 20 patients receiving placebo treatment experienced pain alleviation. No significant differences were found between the different frequencies and probe sizes used regarding the pain-relieving effect. However, placebo stimulation was significantly less effective than any kind of vibratory stimulation. Induction time for pain relief was significantly shorter using the larger probe as compared to using the smaller probe, regardless of frequency. The results indicate that the vibratory frequency (10–200 Hz) for activation of pain-inhibitory mechanisms is not critical in acute orofacial pain. Also, spatial summation from vibration-sensitive afferents seems to be of importance for a fast activation of the inhibitory systems.
Effects of Growth, Degeneration and Regeneration on the Sensory Motor System
Authors: Mackel Robert
Published: February 2007

Evidence was presented for regeneration and growth in the central nervous system of experimental animals and in the peripheral nervous system of man. Neurophysiological, neurohistological and neurochemical findings from the cerebellothalamocortical and the nigrostriatal projection systems as well as the motoneurons of the anterior horn and facial nucleus were presented and their possible functional implications discussed. Single unit recordings from regenerated primary afferents in human peripheral nerves were also shown and discussed in the light of their clinical relevance. The conclusions were reached that the findings of positive growth in the CNS following traumatic injury or in response to brain implants left little doubt that the CNS possesses the intrinsic capability of regeneration. The functional and clinical implications of this inherent capacity awaits further research. Recording the response behavior of regenerated primary afferents in man, on the other hand, provided more direct insight into functional deficits and their clinical correlates.
Epidural Recordings of Electrical Events Produced in the Spinal Cord by Segmental, Ascending and Descending Volleys
Authors: Cioni B. , Meglio M.
Published: February 2007

Epidural electrodes implanted for a percutaneous trial of therapeutic spinal cord stimulation were used to record electrical events evoked by the stimulation of peripheral nerves or of the spinal cord itself. The data collected in patients with no neurological deficit were analyzed in order (1) to check the consistency between epidural and surface recordings, (2) to get information on the genesis of such potentials, and (3) to demonstrate the feasibility of complex neurophysiological studies by means of epidural electrodes. Spinal cord potentials evoked by segmental volleys were recorded at cervical levels with the recording electrodes anterior, lateral and posterior to the spinal cord. The refractory period of the evoked potentials has been studied as well. Responses to stimulation of the tibial nerve were obtained at T11–12 vertebral level with posterior epidural electrodes. Segmental cervical potentials were characterized by a P10, N11, N13/P13 followed by a slow positivity/negativity. A response of similar waveform, but with different peak latencies, was recorded at segmental levels following tibial nerve stimulation. Such a response showed an increasing number of spikes while ascending along the spinal cord. Maximum conduction velocities in the cord were between 65 and 85 m/s. Our epidural recordings are similar to those obtained from the skin, but with a greater amplitude and waveform resolution. Furthermore, the use of epidural electrodes made it feasible to perform complex examinations of sensory function (i.e., the study of orthodromic and antidromic conduction along the dorsal cord and of the influence of a single dorsal cord volley on the segmental cervical potential). Finally, the genesis of the potentials recorded is discussed.
Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in the Ventrolateral Thalamus
Authors: Birk P. , Riescher H. , Struppler A. , Keidel M.
Published: February 2007

Within the target area (VL) used for the stereotactic treatment of parkinsonian tremor and spasmodic torticollis, electrical stimulation as well as recording of somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) was performed. The effects of stimulation in the target area are facilitation of muscle tone showing some degree of somatotopic distribution. The recorded SEPs indicate a projection of an afferent system (probably of muscle afferents) to the target area. We assume that the target area is a relay station involved in the control of muscle tone. The interruption of muscle afferents in combination with the correct somatotopic localization of the lesion is important for the therapeutic efficacy in parkinsonian tremor and spasmodic torticollis.
Irony and Origami
Authors: Edley Nigel
Published: February 2007

Unfolding Social Constructionism is a book that stands as a testimony to the growing influence of social constructionism right across the social sciences. Gone are the days when it was just a voice from the margins—now it is a force to be reckoned with. Here Hibberd locks horns with social constructionism’s most pivotal character: Kenneth Gergen. In a careful review of his work, she dissects the key components of constructionism’s meta-theory, and she also considers (and dismisses) some of the more common lines of critique. Yet for all her sophistication, Hibberd misses (or refuses?) something very simple—that her own critique is a view from somewhere. She simply asserts realist epistemology as the truth, without for one moment seeing the irony of this assertion (from a social constructionist perspective, that is). I put her straight....
Strategic Decisions in Government-Controlled Enterprises
Authors: Mazzolini Renato
Published: February 2007

Government-controlled enterprises are an increasingly important phenomenon in many countries. Yet there have been relatively few efforts to study what is distinctive about these companies' behavior. This article purports to contribute to the understanding of how strategy is formed in such companies. Using a precise conceptual framework and extensive field work, the strategic decisions of these companies are systematically examined.
Individual Values and Professional Education
Authors: Edwards J. Terry , Nalbandian John , Wedel Kenneth R.
Published: February 2007

The espoused values of 681 students and alumni from four graduate programs at the University of Kansas were surveyed with the Rokeach Terminal Values Scale and the newly developed Galloway-Edwards Professional Values Scale. Program affiliation-public administration, social welfare, law, and business administration-consistently accountedfor differences in value preferences. Implications of the results forprofessional practice in the public service and professional education are discussed.
One Company, Four Factories: Coordinating Employment Flexibility Practices with Local Trade Unions
Authors: Kahancová Marta
Published: February 2007

This article reports a case study of employment flexibility patterns in four factories of a multinational company in western and central Europe. There is remarkable variation in these patterns, which structural and institutional factors alone do not explain. Rather, the interests of management and local unions, and the character of their mutual interaction, are central for workplace employment practices. In factories with cooperative industrial relations, unions are extensively involved in employment flexibility even if management lacks a legal obligation or economic incentives to do so. In consequence, the company policy is neither a straightforward adaptation to host country institutions, nor a simple diffusion of corporate ‘best practice’.
A Process for Assessing Standards‐Based Curriculum: Lessons Learned From a High School Interpersonal Relationships Curriculum Assessment
Authors: Hall Scott S. , Adams Rebecca A.
Published: February 2007

Standards‐based curricula and assessment are common—and somewhat controversial—educational practices that aim to improve education through teacher and/or administrator accountability. The processes of developing and implementing standards‐based assessments require significant planning and effort. When part of the process is to use an existing test bank, the numbers and types of test items available in the test bank and whether they equally represent the standards to be assessed ultimately affect the outcome of the standardized test. As members of a team funded to develop a model for creating a statewide assessment instrument for an interpersonal relationships high school course, the authors offer several observations and recommendations that may be useful for others engaged in a similar endeavor.
G-CSF treatment of severe congenital neutropenia reverses neutropenia but does not correct the underlying functional deficiency of the neutrophil in defending against microorganisms
Authors: Donini Marta , Fontana Stefania , Savoldi Gianfranco , Vermi William , Tassone Laura , Gentili Francesca , Zenaro Elena , Ferrari Daniela , Notarangelo Lucia D. , Porta Fulvio , Facchetti Fabio , Notarangelo Luigi D. , Dusi Stefano , Badolato Raffaele
Published: February 2007

The treatment of children affected by severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) with G-CSF strongly reduces the risk of sepsis by reversing neutropenia. However, SCN patients who respond to the treatment with the growth factor still have an elevated risk of succumbing to sepsis. Because the disease is usually caused by heterozygous mutations of ELA2, a gene encoding for neutrophil elastase (NE), we have investigated in G-CSF–responder and nonresponder patients affected by SCN the expression of polypeptides that constitute the antimicrobial machinery of these cells. In peripheral blood–derived neutrophils of patients with heterozygous mutations of ELA2 who were treated with G-CSF, NE was nearly absent as detected by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting, suggesting that production of the mutant protein interferes with normal gene expression. This defect was associated with abnormal expression of other granule-associated proteins such as myeloperoxidase, lactoferrin, cathepsin G, and human-neutrophil-peptide. Moreover, in one patient with partial response to G-CSF, we observed an impairment of neutrophil antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, and, to a lower extent against Escherichia coli. Thereby, we propose that the treatment with G-CSF is not sufficient to correct all of the functional deficiency of neutrophils, and this might account for the consistent risk of infections observed in SCN patients.
The novel inhibitory receptor G6B is expressed on the surface of platelets and attenuates platelet function in vitro
Authors: Newland Stephen A. , Macaulay Iain C. , Floto Andres R. , de Vet Edwin C. , Ouwehand Willem H. , Watkins Nicholas A. , Lyons Paul A. , Campbell Duncan R.
Published: February 2007

The G6B cell-surface receptor, which contains a single Ig-like domain, has been shown to bind to SHP-1 and SHP-2 after phosphorylation of 2 immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) in its cytoplasmic tail, classifying this protein as a new member of the family of inhibitory receptors. In this study, we demonstrate by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western-blot analysis that G6B is expressed on platelets. Cross-linking of G6B with polyclonal antisera has a significant inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation and activation by agonists such as ADP and collagen-related peptide (CRP). This inhibitory function of G6B appears to operate in a calcium-independent manner. Our results suggest that G6B represents a novel inhibitory receptor found on the surface of platelets and that it could be an antithrombotic drug target.
A neonatal presentation of factor V deficiency: A case report
Authors: Chingale Amol , Eisenhut Michael , Gadiraju Anjali , Liesner Ri
Published: February 2007

Background

Factor V deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive coagulation disorder. Awareness of presenting features and management is important to avoid bleeding complications associated with mortality and neurodisability.

Case presentation

A 6-day-old Pakistani boy was admitted with bleeding from the left nipple. His parents were first cousins. A coagulation screen showed a prothrombin time of 41 s (control 14 s), a partial thromboplastin time of 132 s (control 33 s) and a normal thrombin time of 15 s (control 14 s). Factor V activity was <0.01 IU/ml. Oral tranexamic acid was started. At 5 weeks of age the child presented with irritability, lethargy and reduced feeding and a drop of hemoglobin to 5.6 g/dl. A cranial computed tomography scan showed a right intra-cerebral bleed extending from the frontal lobe to the parieto-occipital region with shift of the midline to the left. A regime of 20 ml/kg of fresh frozen plasma four times a week was instituted and has prevented further bleeds up to the present age of 21 months. Neurodevelopment remained normal.

Conclusion

This case illustrates that in an unusually bleeding newborn of consanguineous parents rare severe homozygous bleeding disorders need to be considered. Nipple bleeding may be the first presentation of a congenital bleeding disorder. In cases of factor V deficiency where factor concentrates are not available long term use of fresh frozen plasma can prevent potentially life threatening bleeding.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use associates with apathy among depressed elderly: a case-control study
Authors: Wongpakaran Nahathai , van Reekum Robert , Wongpakaran Tinakon , Clarke Diana
Published: February 2007

Background

It has been reported for over the past decade that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) may associate with the emergence of apathy. The authors hypothesized that depressed patients treated with SSRI's would show more signs of apathy than patients treated with non-SSRI antidepressants. This case control study was conducted to investigate the possibility of the association between SSRI use and the occurrence of apathy.

Methods

Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care's Day Hospital Database of elderly depressed patients who received antidepressants was divided into 2 groups depending on antidepressant use at discharge: SSRI user group-SUG, and non-SSRI user group-NSUG. Apathy scales developed by the authors were selected from the Geriatric depression Scale (GDS) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), and were titled as GDS-apathy subscale (GAS) and HAMD-apathy subscale (HAS). Demographic data, baseline apathy, underlying medical conditions and medication use were studied. Proportion, analysis of variances, Chi-square test, odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were reported.

Results

Among 384 patients (160 SUG and 224 NSUG), mean GDS and HAM-D at discharge were 12.46 and 10.61 in SUG, and were 11.37 and 9.30 in NSUG, respectively. Using GAS for apathy assessment, 83.7% of patients in SUG and 73.4% in NSUG stayed apathetic at discharge. As evaluated by HAS, 44.2% of patients in SUG and 36.5% in NSUG stayed apathetic. SSRI use was not a predictor of apathy at admission, while it was at discharge, p = 0.029. The SUG showed more patients with apathy than that found in NSUG (adjusted OR = 1.90 (1.14–3.17). Age 70–75 years tended to be a predictor for the apathy (p = 0.058). Using HAS, age 70–75 years and living situation were associated with apathy at discharge, p = 0.032 and 0.038 respectively.

Conclusion

Even though depression was improved in elderly patients receiving antidepressants, apathy appeared to be greater in patients who were treated with SSRI than that found in patients who were not. Frontal lobe dysfunction due to alteration of serotonin is considered to be one of the possibilities.
Ineffectiveness of Rosiglitazone Therapy in Nelson’s Syndrome
Authors: Munir A. , Song F. , Ince P. , Walters S. J. , Ross R. , Newell-Price J.
Published: February 2007

Background: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonists have been proposed as therapy to lower plasma ACTH in Cushing’s disease. Cyclical secretion of ACTH may, however, explain some of the responses seen. Patients with Nelson’s syndrome have persistently high levels of ACTH and may be a better model for examining new therapies to elevated ACTH levels.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess whether high-dose rosiglitazone therapy reduces circulating ACTH levels in Nelson’s syndrome, a model of ACTH hypersecretion for which no established medical therapy exists.

Design: The design was an open-label, prospective, nonrandomized study over 14 wk.

Setting: The study was conducted at a university teaching hospital.

Patients: Six patients with Nelson’s syndrome participated in the study.

Methods: Patients were assessed at −2, 0, 4, 8, and 12 wk. Rosiglitazone 12 mg/d was administered between 0 and 8 wk. PPAR-γ immunoreactivity was assessed in pathological tissue.

Outcome Measure: Plasma ACTH was measured before (0830 h) and 120 min after morning dosing with hydrocortisone (HC).

Results: One female withdrew prior to commencing therapy for personal reasons. There was no evidence that ACTH levels changed over time (P = 0.864). The average ACTH level was 1187 ng/liter (95% confidence interval 928–1446) for patients before the HC dose and 432 ng/liter (95% confidence interval 172–692) after the HC dose. PPAR-γ immunoreactivity was positive in three ACTH-secreting tumors available.

Conclusions: Rosiglitazone 12 mg/d did not change circulating ACTH over time, despite PPAR-γ receptor expression in the tumor tissue. However, this does not preclude the possibility that other patients may respond or that higher doses of rosiglitazone or more potent agonists might prove useful treatment.
Note—A Mathematical Model for Evaluating Cross-Sales Policies in Telephone Service Centers
Authors: Byers Reynold E. , So Kut C.
Published: February 2007

Cross-selling in telephone service centers is seen by industry as a useful means to generate profits from an existing customer base. Introducing cross-sales to a service center, however, needs to be properly managed as it could degrade customer service quality. Real-time customer and system information can be used to set the appropriate control policy for cross-sales to enhance profitability without causing undesirable service degradation for calling customers. The objective of this paper is to illustrate the value of using real-time information in selecting optimal control policies for cross-sales in telephone service centers. Specifically, we develop an introductory mathematical model to incorporate the use of two types of information, system status (queuing congestion) and customer profile (likelihood of purchase) in determining the optimal control policy to maximize the expected operating profit of the system. We hope to stimulate further research in this area by providing a groundwork for further modeling. We show that using more information increases a call center’s operating profit. Improvements were dramatic for environments with intermediate utilization and high customer heterogeneity.
Note—“OM Forum: Evaluating Operations Management–Related Journals via the Author Affiliation Index”—Do Professors at Top U.S. Business Schools Do What They Say?
Authors: Gorman Michael F. , Kanet J. J.
Published: February 2007

In Gorman and Kanet (2005) we introduced the Author Affiliation Index (AAI) and how it could be used to rate the quality of operations management-related journals. Since then, Olson (2005) surveyed operations management professors from top U.S. universities and reported their assessment of the quality of various operations management-related journals. This paper compares the results of these two studies and concludes that patterns of research publications match the surveyed opinions from top U.S. universities, or that researchers publish in journals they rate as top. We confirm our earlier finding that the AAI is comparable to surveys for assessing journal quality.