bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 is involved in pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Zou Yan , Zhang Miaomiao , Wu Qiongfeng , Zhao Ning , Chen Minwei , Yang Cui , Du Yimei , Han Bing
Published: June 2022

Previous studies, including our own, have demonstrated that transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is expressed in hearts and implicated in cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. However, the effects of TRPV4 on pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. In this study, we found that TRPV4 expression was significantly increased in mouse hypertrophic hearts, human failing hearts, and neurohormone-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Deletion of TRPV4 attenuated transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac dysfunction, fibrosis, inflammation, and the activation of NFκB - NOD - like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) in mice. Furthermore, the TRPV4 antagonist GSK2193874 (GSK3874) inhibited cardiac remodeling and dysfunction induced by TAC. In vitro, pretreatment with GSK3874 reduced the neurohormone-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and intracellular Ca2+ concentration elevation. The specific TRPV4 agonist GSK1016790A (GSK790A) triggered Ca2+ influx and evoked the phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). But these effects were abolished by removing extracellular Ca2+ or GSK3874. More importantly, TAC or neurohormone stimulation-induced CaMKII phosphorylation was significantly blocked by TRPV4 inhibition. Finally, we show that CaMKII inhibition significantly prevented the phosphorylation of NFκB induced by GSK790A. Our results suggest that TRPV4 activation contributes to pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. This effect is associated with upregulated Ca2+/CaMKII mediated activation of NFκB-NLRP3. Thus, TRPV4 may represent a potential therapeutic drug target for cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction after pressure overload.
Lipolysis of bone marrow adipocytes is required to fuel bone and the marrow niche during energy deficits
Authors: Li Ziru , Bowers Emily , Zhu Junxiong , Yu Hui , Hardij Julie , Bagchi Devika P , Mori Hiroyuki , Lewis Kenneth T , Granger Katrina , Schill Rebecca L , Romanelli Steven M , Abrishami Simin , Hankenson Kurt D , Singer Kanakadurga , Rosen Clifford J , MacDougald Ormond A
Published: June 2022

To investigate roles for bone marrow adipocyte (BMAd) lipolysis in bone homeostasis, we created a BMAd-specific Cre mouse model in which we knocked out adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL, Pnpla2 gene). BMAd-Pnpla2-/- mice have impaired BMAd lipolysis, and increased size and number of BMAds at baseline. Although energy from BMAd lipid stores is largely dispensable when mice are fed ad libitum, BMAd lipolysis is necessary to maintain myelopoiesis and bone mass under caloric restriction. BMAd-specific Pnpla2 deficiency compounds the effects of caloric restriction on loss of trabecular bone in male mice, likely due to impaired osteoblast expression of collagen genes and reduced osteoid synthesis. RNA sequencing analysis of bone marrow adipose tissue reveals that caloric restriction induces dramatic elevations in extracellular matrix organization and skeletal development genes, and energy from BMAd is required for these adaptations. BMAd-derived energy supply is also required for bone regeneration upon injury, and maintenance of bone mass with cold exposure.
Pathogenic mutations in the chromokinesin KIF22 disrupt anaphase chromosome segregation
Authors: Thompson Alex F , Blackburn Patrick R , Arons Noah S , Stevens Sarah N , Babovic-Vuksanovic Dusica , Lian Jane B , Klee Eric W , Stumpff Jason
Published: June 2022

The chromokinesin KIF22 generates forces that contribute to mitotic chromosome congression and alignment. Mutations in the α2 helix of the motor domain of KIF22 have been identified in patients with abnormal skeletal development, and we report the identification of a patient with a novel mutation in the KIF22 tail. We demonstrate that pathogenic mutations do not result in a loss of KIF22’s functions in early mitosis. Instead, mutations disrupt chromosome segregation in anaphase, resulting in reduced proliferation, abnormal daughter cell nuclear morphology, and, in a subset of cells, cytokinesis failure. This phenotype could be explained by a failure of KIF22 to inactivate in anaphase. Consistent with this model, constitutive activation of the motor via a known site of phosphoregulation in the tail phenocopied the effects of pathogenic mutations. These results suggest that the motor domain α2 helix may be an important site for regulation of KIF22 activity at the metaphase to anaphase transition. In support of this conclusion, mimicking phosphorylation of α2 helix residue T158 also prevents inactivation of KIF22 in anaphase. These findings demonstrate the importance of both the head and tail of the motor in regulating the activity of KIF22 and offer insight into the cellular consequences of preventing KIF22 inactivation and disrupting force balance in anaphase.
A Survey of Testing for Instruction Sequence Theory
Authors:   Informatics Institute, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,, Bergstra Jan A.
Published: June 2022

Using the conceptual analysis of instruction sequence faults, failures, and defects as developed by the author in [10] and [12], a survey of testing is developed as an extension of a theory of instruction sequences. An attempt is made to develop a consistent terminology regarding instruction sequence testing while taking into account the literature on software testing at large.
Which Arithmetical Data Types Admit Fracterm Flattening?
Authors:   Informatics Institute, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,, Bergstra Jan A. , Tucker John V. ,   Department of Computer Science, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Fabian Way, Swansea, SA1 8EN, United Kingdom
Published: June 2022

The formal theory of division in arithmetical algebras reconstructs fractions as syntactic objects called fracterms. Basic to calculation, is the simplification of fracterms to fracterms with one division operator, a process called fracterm attening. We consider the equational axioms of a calculus for calculating with fracterms to determine what is necessary and sufficient for the fracterm calculus to allow fracterm flattening. For computation, arithmetical algebras require operators to be total for which there are several semantical methods. It is shown under what constraints up to isomorphism, the unique total and minimal enlargement of a field Q(\div) of rational numbers equipped with a partial division operator \div has fracterm attening.
Illness Behavior: Pain Clinic Patients vs. Psychiatry Clinic Patients
Authors: Yamamoto Noriko , Hasuzawa Suguru , Hirabayashi Naoki , Sato Takeshi
Published: June 2022

Aims: To investigate the difference of illness behavior with pain between psychiatric and pain clinic outpatient.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: A survey on psychiatric and pain outpatients, Saga Medical School, Saga 849-8501, Japan. Duration of this study was three months between April 1, 2011, and June 30, 2011.

Methodology: The subjects of this research included 40 patients (62.9±16.5 yr., M/F:15/25) in pain clinic outpatients and 43 patients (49.7±15.9 yr., M/F:13/30) in psychiatric clinic outpatient. Psychiatric patients were diagnosed as the somatoform disorders according to the DSM-IV. To clarify the difference of psychological status and illness behavior, we examined them using two psychological instruments: Illness Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ) and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12).

Results: Pain clinic patients’ group was significantly older than psychiatric patient’s group. In terms of IBQ, the scores of psychological vs. somatic perception and affective disturbance among psychiatric outpatient group were significantly higher than those of pain clinic group. On the other hand, the score of denial among pain clinic group was significantly higher than those of psychiatric outpatient group.

Conclusion: According to the IBQ, the subscale of denial has significant difference between the pain clinic patients and the psychiatric patients with pain. Pain clinic patients tend to deny their psychological problem.
Effect of Nutrient Levels and Weed Management on Weed Control Efficiency, Grain Yield and Economics of Mustard
Authors: Tyagi Shashank , Kumar Arun , Acharya S. S. , Paul S. C.
Published: June 2022

A field experiment was conducted in rabi season 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Research farm of Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour with the aim to find out the effect of nutrient and weed management on grain yield, WCE and economics of mustard. This experiment consisted of three nutrient levels (N1-soil test-based, N2-100 % RDF, N3-125 % RDF) in main plot while eight weed management practices (W1-Weedy, W2-HW, W3-pendimethalin, W4-pendimethalin fb quizalofop, W5-pendimethalin fb clodinafop, W6-oxyflourfen, W7-oxyflourfen fb quizalofop, W8-oxyflourfen fb clodinafop) in sub plots, laid out in split plot design replicated thrice. Results indicated that pendimethalin 30 EC 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 PE fb quizalofop 5 EC 60 g a.i. ha-1 PoE + 125% RDF (N3W4) exhibited highest WCE (85.66 and 88.83 %) in 2018-19 and 2019-20, respectively being at par with N3W5 (81.84 %) in 2018-19 only. Though HW at 25 and 50 DAS + 125% RDF (N3W2) recorded highest WCE (100 %) than weedy. Grain yield was maximum (18.63 and 17.78 q ha-1) under N3W4 being at par with N3W7 in 2018-19; while in 2019-20, it was at par with rest of the treatments except N3W1 and N3W6. In 2018-19, N3W4 noted highest net return (Rs. 59068 ha-1) being at par with N3W2 and N3W7. While in 2019-20, same treatment exhibited highest net return (Rs. 58279 ha-1) being at par with rest of the treatments except N3W6 and N3W1. In 2018-19, N3W4 recorded highest B: C ratio (2.78) being at par with rest of the treatments except N3W2 and N3W1. In 2019-20, N3W7 exhibited highest B: C ratio (2.80) being at par with rest of the treatments except N3W6 and N3W1.
Effect of Nipping and Plant Growth Regulator on Growth and Yield of Chick Pea (Cicer arietinum)
Authors: Mounika Sake , Singh Shikha
Published: June 2022

A field experiment was carried out at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS ,Prayagraj(U.P.)in rabi 2021 to study the "Effect of nipping and plant growth regulator on growth and yield of Chick pea (Cicer arietinum)".It was consisting of three combinations of nipping and plant growth regulators. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice. The experiment results revealed that the growth parameters and yield parameters such as Plant height (23.93cm),Number of Nodules (22.00cm),Dry weight (11.41cm),Number of Branches (8.20cm), crop growth rate(16.96) Recorded highest At harvest, Significantly recorded in treatment T2 with application of Nipping and GA3 at 100ppm. Moreover, No.of pods/plant (56.40),No.of seeds/pod (1.53),Test weight(264.82),Seed Yield (3.43t/ha),Harvest index (41.34%),Gross return (154,350.00),Net return(107,252.50),and were also recorded significantly higher in the treatment T4 With application of Nipping and NAA at 50ppm among all treatments.
Evaluation of Different Microbial Inoculum on Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Growth, Development and Nutrient Availability
Authors: Singh Vikash , Singh Adesh , Verma Shikhar , Rastogi Mausmi , Yadav Praveen Kumar , Kumar Vivek
Published: June 2022

A field experiment was conducted on Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) during the autumny season of 2020-21 at Technology Park of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results revealed that the growth parameters of mung bean viz., number of (331229 plants/ha), plant height (67.7 cm/plant), trifoliate leaves/plant (12.7), number of branches/plant (4.5), dry matter accumulation (18.7 g/plant), leaf area index (5.72), CGR (7.6 g/m2/day) 50-at harvest and grain yield of (1,106 kg/ha) improved by various treatments over control, being highest under NPK Consortia+ZSB, each @ 20 ml/kg. Similarly, this treatment also produced an accumulation of 59.8% more dry matter/plant than control. However, application of NPK Consortia+ZSB, each @ 20 ml/kg recorded higher available N, P, K and Zn followed by NPK Consortia @ 20 ml/kg and RDF (20:40 kg/ha).
Assessment on the Impact of Various Agroforestry Systems on Soil Quality Parameters
Authors: Ramaswamy V. , Sivakumar K. , Thiyageshwari S. , Anandham R.
Published: June 2022

An experiment was conducted during month of February 2022 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore to identify the effect of different agroforestry systems on soil quality parameters. Soil samples were collected from nine different agroforestry systems from three major agroforestry sites such as agrisilviculture, silvihorticulture and silvipasture systems. Soil was analysed for soil quality parameters viz., pH, EC, bulk density, porosity, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and available micronutrients. Different agroforestry systems show their effect as variations in soil physical and chemical properties. Results from the study reveals that the agroforestry system Acacia leucophloea + Guinea grass shows higher fertility status than other agroforestry systems. This system was noticed to have higher amount of available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and available micronutrients compared to other agroforestry systems taken into account for research. Casuarina equisetifolia + Sorghum agroforestry system was observed to have low available P, available K and available micronutrients than other systems. Further studies are needed to define an agroforestry system for proper land use management and improving fertility status of the soil by including other soil quality parameters viz.,  biological and microbial parameters.
Demographic Factors, Comorbidities and Symptoms Prevalent among Patients with COVID-19 in a Tertiary Health Institution in Nigeria
Authors: Ladipo Oluwakemi , Olusanya Temitope , Adeniyi Oluwasegun , Kemiki Olalekan , Sotunsa John , Aweda Tobiloba , Adetosoye Adewale , Boyede Olusola , Alimi Ismail , Adelabu Mary
Published: June 2022

Background: Studies have suggested that patients’ medical data could be correlated with the disease outcome in individuals with COVID-19. There is however, paucity of data on the impact of many of these factors especially in rural and semi-urban environment in Nigeria.

Objective: This study seeks to establish the dynamics of patients tested for COVID-19 in a private tertiary facility located in a semi-urban area in Nigeria, with special focus on their symptoms, comorbidities, and demography.

Methods: The study was a retrospective study carried out using data generated by the Babcock Molecular and Tissue Culture Laboratory of Babcock University Teaching Hospital Ilisan-Remo, Ogun state between October 17, 2020 and July 20, 2021. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0.

Result: Two thousand five hundred anonymized data were captured in the study. Under the period of review, only 9.5% of the entire tested population were positive to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There was a significant relationship between age distribution, level of education and COVID-19 infection outcome (P < 0.05). Fever (42.6%) was the commonest symptom among the patient population while hypertension (34.6%) and diabetes (31.3%) were the leading comorbidities reported in this study.

Conclusion: Targeted approaches in the areas of tests and enlightenment for certain demographic groups such as those that are elderly and with low level of education is highly recommended.
Biochemical screening for Down syndrome: patients' perception of risk
Authors: O’Connell M.P , Holding S , Morgan R.J , Lindow S.W
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To determine the utility of the triple test in routine clinical practice and in addition to the document, the acceptability of a cut‐off of 1:250 for invasive testing. Design: Retrospective analysis of data from screening and invasive testing for Down syndrome over a 5‐year period in Hull Maternity Hospital. Computer‐based records were accessed and individual data drawn from case notes were analyzed. Results: 14 827 (78%) of all patients opted for the triple test. A positive result (1:250 or greater) was found in 586 (4%). Fifteen percent of this group refused further testing with amniocentesis. 0.08% requested amniocentesis despite a negative triple test result. Of the screened pregnancies the triple test and selective invasive testing identified nine out of 15 (60%) of Down syndrome cases. Conclusion: Sixty percent of Down syndrome pregnancies were identified with a 4% invasive testing rate. Fifteen percent of women who had a positive test did not agree with the cut‐off of 1:250 and therefore declined invasive testing. Invasive procedure complication rates do not equate with patients’ perception of Down syndrome.
Early pregnancy nausea and vomiting in a high‐altitude Andean population
Authors: Weigel M.M. , Caiza M.E. , Lascano Y. , Barreno G. , Mosquera L.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: We examined the prevalence, risk factors, and maternal‐neonatal consequences of early pregnancy nausea and vomiting (NVP) in a high altitude Ecuadorian Andean population. Methods: Subjects were 1000 low‐income urban primigravidas who delivered full‐term pregnancies. Results: NVP prevalence was 67%. Decreased NVP risk was associated with higher altitude and increased risk with less education, common law marriage, and white collar/professional occupation. Lifestyle changes associated with NVP included decreased likelihood of drinking and outside employment but increased probability of prenatal care, supportive living arrangements, and dietary disturbances. NVP had no apparent long‐term effect on maternal nutritional status but was associated with increased fetal subcutaneous fat reserves. Conclusions: NVP prevalence and timing was similar to developed populations although some of the identified risk factors were unique to the group. NVP did not appear to have a significant impact on prenatal nutrition at term but was linked with increased fetal fat accumulation.
Precursor‐Directed Biosynthesis of 6‐Deoxyerythronolide B Analogs in Streptomycescoelicolor: Understanding Precursor Effects
Authors: Leaf Timothy , Cadapan Lawrence , Carreras Christopher , Regentin Rika , Ou Sally , Woo Elaine , Ashley Gary , Licari Peter
Published: July 2002

A fermentation process employing precursor‐directed biosynthesis is being developed for the manufacture of 6‐deoxyerythronolide B (6‐dEB) analogues. Through a plasmid‐based system in Streptomyces coelicolor, 6‐dEB synthesis is catalyzed by 6‐dEB synthase (DEBS). 6‐dEB synthesis is abolished by inactivation of the ketosynthase (KS) 1 domain of DEBS but can be restored by providing synthetic activated diketides. Because of its inherent catalytic flexibility, the KS1‐deficient DEBS is capable of utilizing unnatural diketides to form various 13‐substituted 6‐dEBs. Here we characterize process variables associated with diketide feeding in shake‐flask experiments. 13‐R‐6‐dEB production was found to depend strongly on diketide feed concentrations, on the growth phase of cultures at feeding time, and on the R‐group present in the diketide moiety. In all cases a major portion of the fed diketides was degraded by the cells.
Benzene‐Free Synthesis of Adipic Acid
Authors: Niu Wei , Draths K. M. , Frost J. W.
Published: July 2002

Strains of Escherichia coli were constructed and evaluated that synthesized cis,cis‐muconic acid from d‐glucose under fed‐batch fermentor conditions. Chemical hydrogenation of the cis, cis‐muconic acid in the resulting fermentation broth has also been examined. Biocatalytic synthesis of adipic acid from glucose eliminates two environmental concerns characteristic of industrial adipic acid manufacture: use of carcinogenic benzene and benzene‐derived chemicals as feedstocks and generation of nitrous oxide as a byproduct of a nitric acid catalyzed oxidation. While alternative catalytic syntheses that eliminate the use of nitric acid have been developed, most continue to rely on petroleum‐derived benzene as the ultimate feedstock. In this study, E. coli WN1/pWN2.248 was developed that synthesized 36.8 g/L of cis, cis‐muconic acid in 22% (mol/mol) yield from glucose after 48 h of culturing under fed‐batch fermentor conditions. Optimization of microbial cis,cis‐muconic acid synthesis required expression of three enzymes not typically found in E. coli. Two copies of the Klebsiella pneumoniae aroZ gene encoding DHS dehydratase were inserted into the E. coli chromosome, while the K. pneumoniae aroY gene encoding PCA decarboxylase and the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus catA gene encoding catechol 1,2‐dioxygenase were expressed from an extrachromosomal plasmid. After fed‐batch culturing of WN1/pWN2.248 was complete, the cells were removed from the broth, which was treated with activated charcoal and subsequently filtered to remove soluble protein. Hydrogenation of the resulting solution with 10% Pt on carbon (5% mol/mol) at 3400 kPa of H2 pressure for 2.5 h at ambient temperature afforded a 97% (mol/mol) conversion of cis, cis‐muconic acid into adipic acid.
High‐Level Expression of a Heterologous Gene in Escherichia coli in Response to Carbon‐Nitrogen Source and C/N Ratio in a Batch Bioreactor
Authors: Bhattacharya Sanjoy K. , Dubey Ashok K.
Published: July 2002

Overexpression of the target gene in a recombinant strain of Escherichia coli has been analyzed in view of changes in the carbon−nitrogen source and as a function of C/N ratio. The rate of target gene expression varied over a range of 200%, and the yield coefficient for the target gene product changed over 400% with change in carbon source at 10 g L−1 in M9 medium. With variation in nitrogen source, however, only marginal changes (10–15%) occurred in these parameters of overexpression. Higher concentration, for example 2.5 g L−1, of any nitrogen source adversely affected heterologous expression as rate of target gene expression declined in the range 35%−50% and the yield coefficient of foreign protein decreased between 45% and 60%. A C/N ratio of 15 was found to be optimum for both parameters for overexpression and host specific parameters such as specific growth rate and observed yield coefficient for cellular growth. An analysis with respect to temperature and pH revealed that host and expression parameters were quite susceptible to changes in these factors.
Factors Influencing Parathion Degradation by Recombinant Escherichiacoli with Surface‐Expressed Organophosphorus Hydrolase
Authors: Kaneva Irina , Mulchandani Ashok , Chen Wilfred
Published: July 2002

A unique approach for organophosphorus pesticides detoxification was developed previously by anchoring organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH) onto the surface of Escherichia coli with a tightly regulated tac promoter. The resulting recombinant cells degraded parathion very effectively without the diffusional limitation observed in cells expressing OPH intracellularly. However, the precise conditions for surface targeting or pesticide degradation were not fully understood. In this paper, several factors influencing parathion degradation were investigated. Production of active OPH onto the cell surface was highly host‐specific; a high rate of parathion degradation was observed from strains JM105 and XL1‐Blue, which regulated production of the OPH fusion very tightly. However, in the absence of ampicillin selection, plasmids were only favorably maintained in strain XL1‐Blue. OPH activity was highly dependent on growth conditions. Optimal OPH activity was observed when cells were grown in Luria−Bertani (LB) ‐buffered medium at 37 °C. OPH activity was further improved by supplementing the growth medium with cobalt chloride, which favors the formation of the metal active center. The timing of cobalt addition also influenced parathion degradation. Maximum OPH activity was obtained by adding cobalt to induced cultures during the late stationary phase. The resulting cultures grown under the optimized conditions had an eight‐fold increase in parathion degradation.
Effect of Resin Characteristics on Fluidized Bed Adsorption of Proteins
Authors: Wright Pamela R. , Muzzio Fernando J. , Glasser Benjamin J.
Published: July 2002

Despite numerous advantages, fluidized bed adsorption is limited in commercial applications due to a poor understanding of the relationships between mass transfer, hydrodynamics, and adsorption. To obtain a better understanding of these parameters, we used two commercially available resins to compare the adsorption of lysozyme as a function of bed expansion and bulk‐phase viscosity using frontal analysis. Under static conditions adsorption was well represented by a Langmuir isotherm. Dynamic capacities at breakthrough were measured and normalized relative to the equilibrium capacity of each resin to facilitate direct comparison of resin performance under each condition. To quantify the impact of resin characteristics in expanded bed adsorption, we carried out a comparison of mass‐transfer effects using a macroporous resin, Streamline SP, and a hyper‐diffusive resin, S‐HyperD LS. Both resins are designed for fluidized bed adsorption of proteins. In this study the results of frontal analysis showed that breakthrough was due to mass‐transfer limitations of the adsorbing particles at expansions of 2 times the settled bed height. At expansions of 3 and 4 times the settled bed height, axial dispersion increased significantly; however mass‐transfer limitations were still the dominant mechanistic feature contributing to early breakthrough at reduced dynamic capacity. Adsorption capacity under all conditions in this study was poorer for the macroporous resin than for the hyper‐diffusive resin due to intraparticle mass‐transfer limitations.
A comparison of the characteristics of circulating anti-myeloperoxidase autoantibodies in vasculitis with those in non-vasculitic conditions
Authors: LOCKE I C , LEAKER B , CAMBRIDGE G
Published: July 2002

Although circulating anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) specific for myeloperoxidase (MPO) are strongly associated with the presence of vasculitis, they have been described in sera from patients with other conditions. High levels of anti-MPO antibodies can also persist in sera from patients with vasculitis despite the achievement of clinical remission. One possible interpretation is that a potentially pathogenic subset of anti-MPO antibodies exists, which is only present in patients with active vasculitis. We therefore compared the characteristics of anti-MPO antibodies in sera from patients with active vasculitis (n = 18) with those present in remission (n = 9) and in a disease control group (n = 10) without clinical evidence of vasculitis. The class, subclass and ability of anti-MPO antibodies from the three groups of patients to recognize three different conformational epitopes were analysed using ELISA-based techniques. The expression of an idiotope, designated 9G4, was also examined. Epitope recognition by anti-MPO antibodies from all patients tested was found to be similar. Sera from patients with active vasculitis showed an over-representation of IgG4 subclass anti-MPO antibodies and a more frequent presence of IgM class anti-MPO antibodies. In disease controls, IgG1 anti-MPO antibodies were predominant. In vitro, neutrophil activation by ANCA has been shown to be dependent on engagement of neutrophil FcγRIIa receptors following binding of these autoantibodies to surface-expressed ANCA antigens. We found that active vasculitis may be associated with the presence of circulating anti-MPO antibodies which do not significantly bind this receptor, suggesting that mechanisms other than those dependent on FcγRIIa binding should be explored. In addition, the expression of the 9G4 idiotope on anti-MPO antibodies in 60% (12/18) of patients with active vasculitis and 20% (2/10) of disease control patients may indicate a common origin for anti-MPO antibodies in different individuals.
Clinical efficacy of a new 30‐min algorithm for transurethral microwave thermotherapy: initial results
Authors: De La Rosette J.J.M.C.H. , Francisca E.A.E. , Kortmann B.B.M. , Floratos D.L. , Debruyne F.M.J. , Kiemeney L.A.L.M.
Published: July 2002

Objective To assess the efficacy of a new 30‐min algorithm for high‐energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT, Prostasoft 3.5) in the treatment of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Patients and methods A total of 108 men (mean age 66 years) with bothersome LUTS were treated with the new TUMT protocol. All patients were evaluated using a standard assessment at baseline, 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks after TUMT. The evaluation included the assessment of objective and subjective outcome measures, with a urodynamic evaluation using pressure‐flow analysis, and the occurrence of adverse events.

Results The treatment was well tolerated. In general, the International Prostate Symptom Score improved from a mean of 20.0 at baseline to a mean of 9.3 at 6 months after treatment. The maximum urinary flow improved from 9.4 mL/s to 14.6 mL/s at 6 months. The mean duration of catheterization was 17.9 days. The urodynamic evaluation showed a change from the obstructed to the equivocal zone on the Abrams–Griffith nomogram. There were no serious complications. Urgency and frequency were the most frequent side‐effects after treatment; these all resolved within 3 months.

Conclusion High‐energy TUMT using the new high‐dose Prostasoft 3.5 protocol appears to be a safe and effective treatment. The faster procedure improves the tolerance of the treatment. The subjective and objective improvements were significant and the treatment‐related morbidity low. A longer follow‐up is needed to assess the durability of this new treatment protocol.
Non‐reassuring fetal status in the prolonged pregnancy: the impact of fetal weight
Authors: Sylvestre G. , Fisher M. , Westgren M. , Divon M. Y.
Published: July 2002

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of abnormal fetal findings and Cesarean delivery for non‐reassuring fetal status as a function of birth weight in the uncomplicated prolonged pregnancy.

Methods

Seven hundred and ninety‐two patients at or beyond 41 weeks' gestation were managed expectantly. Population‐specific birth‐weight percentiles were calculated. Fetuses were retrospectively categorized as small (birth weight < 10th percentile), average (10th percentile ≤ birth weight ≤ 90th percentile) or large (birth weight > 90th percentile). The incidences of abnormal antepartum fetal testing results (i.e. oligohydramnios and/or abnormal non‐stress testing) and Cesarean delivery for intrapartum non‐reassuring fetal status were calculated for these three birth‐weight categories.

Results

There was a significant inverse relationship between the incidence of abnormal fetal testing and birth‐weight category (36%, 14% and 9% for small, average and large fetuses, respectively, P < 0.001). Small fetuses were more likely to require a Cesarean delivery for non‐reassuring fetal status during labor than were all other fetuses (12.3% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.024).

Conclusions

The frequency of oligohydramnios and abnormal non‐stress testing is inversely related to birth weight in the expectantly managed prolonged pregnancy. In addition, small fetuses born at or beyond 41 weeks' gestation have an increased rate of Cesarean delivery for intrapartum non‐reassuring fetal status. Copyright © 2001 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Isogyre formation by isotropic refracting bodies
Authors: Lekner J.
Published: July 2002

A simple derivation is given of a formula for the intensity pattern produced by a diffusely illuminated lens‐like body held between a polarizer and an analyser. The formula generalizes the results of Charman and of Pierscionek and Chan for a dielectric sphere between crossed polaroids. A dark cross is universal for all lens‐like bodies whose axis of symmetry is normal to the polarizer and analyser. Intensity contours are plotted for ellipsoidal lenses.
Eye drops and contact lenses‐‐is there a problem?
Authors: Rubinstein M. P. , Evans J. E.
Published: July 2002

Preservatives used in topical ophthalmic preparations can result in a wide variety of toxicity or hypersensitivity reactions involving the anterior segment of the eye. The use of eyedrops in patients wearing contact lenses is therefore a contentious issue.

In one of the major contemporary contact lens texts advice is both confusing and contradictory. The British National Formularly and Monthly Index of Medical Specialities advise discontinuation of contact lens wear (particularly soft lenses) when using preserved ophthalmic preparations. Unpreserved drops are suggested as a safer alternative. There appears to be less concern regarding wearers of gas permeable lenses.

This issue is of particular importance in medical contact lens practice were therapeutic lenses are widely used, often for extended periods and often in conjunction with topical medical therapy. In these circumstances, unpreserved drops are frequently described, at considerably greater cost than their preserved equivalent.

A review of the literature indicates that this perceived problem has been greatly overstated. This may stem from previous studies of contact lens interactions with care solutions.

This poster will present a review of the subject.
Visual perception of the Moiré effect
Authors: Muñoz Pedro , Alda Javier
Published: July 2002

The perception of Moiréfringes is studied with two different tests for binocular and monocular conditions. The results are negative for binocular conditions, and positive for the monocular case when afterimages are used.
Recurrence After a First Untreated Seizure in the Hong Kong Chinese Population
Authors: Hui A. C. F. , Tang A. , Wong K. S. , Mok V. , Kay R.
Published: July 2002

Summary:  Purpose: There is wide variation in the reported prognosis after a first unprovoked generalized tonic‐clonic convulsion and in the risk factors that are associated with recurrence. Estimates for the risk of recurrence range from 26 to 71%. We investigated the likelihood of a second attack in Hong Kong Chinese patients.

Methods: One hundred thirty‐two patients with a first convulsion that was unexplained by acute neurological or medical causes were retrospectively ascertained. Patients' demographic details, potential risk factors for recurrence, and current seizure status were recorded. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan‐Meier procedure.

Results: The cumulative probability of a second attack at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years was 30, 37, 42, and 47%, respectively. Seizures in patients with abnormal computer tomography scans of the brain were associated with an increased risk of recurrence on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions: Thirty percent of the sample population experienced a second seizure after 1 year. An additional 17% continue to be at risk of a second convulsion during the next 3 years.
Longitudinal Changes in Body Mass Index and Body Composition over 3 Years and Relationship to Health Outcomes in Hong Kong Chinese Age 70 and Older
Authors: Woo Jean , Ho Suzanne C. , Sham Aprille
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES: To determine longitudinal changes in body mass index (BMI) and body composition with age and the relationship between these changes with mortality, morbidity, functional capacity, and other health outcome measures.

DESIGN: A 3‐year longitudinal study of a random sample of community‐living subjects.

SETTING: Older Chinese in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.

PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand and thirty‐two Chinese subjects age 70 and older recruited territory‐wide by proportional random sampling.

MEASUREMENTS: Baseline information collected included medical history, self‐perceived health, Barthel Index, Geriatric Depression Score, time taken to complete a 16‐foot walk, height, weight, mid‐arm circumference, arm skin‐fold thickness, and waist/hip ratio. Body composition was calculated from prediction equation. Outcome measures included mortality, development of new diseases, Barthel Index, time taken for 16‐foot walk, self‐perceived health, and Geriatric Depression Score.

RESULTS: All parameters, with the exception of triceps skin‐fold thickness in men, decreased, regardless of presence or absence of disease. The decrease in arm circumference, triceps skin‐fold thickness, and total body fat (TBF) was greater in women than in men, whereas men had a greater decrease in fat‐free mass (FFM). Even in the absence of disease, three times as many subjects lost ≥5kg in weight as gained ≥5kg (15% vs 5%), and only age could be identified as a contributing factor to this weight loss. In the absence of disease, lower anthropometric indices were associated with greater mortality, development of new disease (in women only), dependency, and poor performance measure. Waist‐hip ratio was not associated with mortality or any other health outcomes. Decrease in both FFM and TBF were associated with worse outcomes, the effect being more marked in women.

CONCLUSION: In the older population, changes in weight and body composition occur even in the absence of disease and are associated with mortality and physical functioning level. Weight loss rather than weight gain appears to be more important in this population, and promotion of life‐style interventions targeted at weight maintenance would be important.
Exercise-induced neurocardiogenic syncope
Authors: Kosinski D. , Grubb B.P. , Karas B.J. , Frederick S.
Published: July 2002

The evaluation of syncope occurring during exercise or occurring spontaneously in highly trained individuals presents a unique diagnostic challenge. It is of critical importance to exclude potential life-threatening disorders such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, right ventricular dysplasia, anomalous coronary artery distribution, valvular heart disease, myocarditis, or exercise-induced arrhythmia. This review is not directed towards identifying, treating, or determining athletic eligibility of individuals with such disorders. Rather, we endeavour to discuss the pathophysiology of exercise-induced neurocardiogenic syncope and to address the role of head upright tilt testing in evaluating syncope in athletic individuals in whom proper evaluation has excluded the presence of ischaemic heart disease or primary structural or electrical heart disease.
Interventional Radiology in the Pediatric Liver Transplant Patient
Authors: Rigsby Cynthia K. , Superina Riccardo , Alonso Estella M. , Mueller Peter R. , Donaldson James S.
Published: July 2002

Liver transplantation now plays a major role in the treatment of end-stage liver disease in children. Reduced-size liver transplant surgical techniques have allowed increasing numbers of children to undergo liver transplantation. As more children are undergoing liver transplantation, there is a growing need for radiologic diagnosis of and intervention in post-transplantation complications in these patients.
Noncollinear phase-matched second-harmonic generation in beta barium borate
Authors: Bhar G. C. , Das S. , Chatterjee U.
Published: July 2002

Noncollinearly phase-matched second-harmonic generation is reported for the first time in beta barium borate crystal and compared with existing KDP and KD*P crystals using Nd:YAG radiation.
Orientation-dependent perimeter recombination in GaAs diodes
Authors: Stellwag T. B. , Melloch M. R. , Lundstrom M. S. , Carpenter M. S. , Pierret R. F.
Published: July 2002

Perimeter recombination currents affect the performance of GaAs-based devices such as solar cells, heterojunction bipolar transistors, and injection lasers. We report that the n≂2 perimeter recombination current has a strong orientation dependence. More than a factor of five variation in the surface recombination current at mesa-etched edges has been observed. These results suggest that with proper device design, perimeter recombination currents could be substantially reduced.
Crystallization of ultrathin W-Si multilayer structures by high-energy heavy ion irradiations
Authors: Marfaing J. , Marine W. , Vidal B. , Toulemonde M. , Hage Ali M. , Stoquert J. P.
Published: July 2002

Ultrathin amorphous multilayers structures (1.55 nm bilayer period) were irradiated by high-energy heavy ion (127I and 238U ions). Transmission electron microscopy study shows that the ion-material interaction in such a configuration leads to an irreversible transformation of the initial amorphous structures. In this letter, we report the first observation of the crystallization of the multilayers induced by the heavy ion irradiations with a subsequent formation of a new WSi structure. The crucial role of the electronic effects in the crystallization process is discussed relatively to the other phenomena induced under the ion irradiation.
Wafer temperature measurements and end-point detection during plasma etching by thermal imaging
Authors: Patel V. , Patel M. , Ayyagari S. , Kosonocky W. F. , Misra D. , Singh B.
Published: July 2002

Thermal imaging by an infrared television camera has been successfully employed as an in situ method for end-point detection during plasma etching of polycrystalline silicon layers on a SiO2/Si substrate. In addition, it is also shown that thermal imaging can be used for remote sensing of etch rate, heat of reaction, wafer temperature, and for measuring thermal time constants during plasma etching. From these measurements, the heat-transfer coefficient of the thermal contact between the silicon wafer and the water-cooled electrode can be determined.
Scanning microdeformation microscopy
Authors: Cretin B. , Sthal F.
Published: July 2002

We have developed a new scanning microscope based on a vibrating contact tip and piezoelectric detection. Scanning the sample reveals surface topography and mainly, subsurface elastic properties. The preliminary images presented show surface and subsurface inhomogeneities in metallic samples. Lateral resolution is essentially related to the tip diameter as in near-field microscopes.
Two-dimensional hybrid model of inductively coupled plasma sources for etching
Authors: Ventzek Peter L. G. , Sommerer Timothy J. , Hoekstra Robert J. , Kushner Mark J.
Published: July 2002

Inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs) are currently being investigated as high density (≳1011–1012 cm−3), low pressure (<1–20 mTorr) sources for semiconductor etching and deposition. We have developed a two-dimensional (r,z) hybrid model for ICP sources and have used the model to investigate Ar/CF4/O2 mixtures for etching applications. The simulation consists of electromagnetic, electron Monte Carlo, and hydrodynamic modules with an ‘‘off-line’’ plasma chemistry Monte Carlo simulation. The model produces the temporally and spatially dependent magnetic and electric fields (both inductively and capacitively coupled), plasma densities, and the energy resolved flux of ions and radicals to the substrate. We discuss results for densities, power deposition, and ion energies to the substrate as a function of position.
Hydrostatic pressure effects on the optical transitions in the free-standing porous silicon film
Authors: Ookubo Norio , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Kuroda Noritaka
Published: July 2002

Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra in the range 1.2–2.2 eV have been measured in free-standing films of porous Si under hydrostatic pressures up to 6.4 GPa at room temperature. The absorption rises nearly exponentially in the low energy region. Under pressure, the whole spectrum shifts toward lower energies with a pressure coefficient of about −90 meV/GPa. The photoluminescence spectrum also exhibits a redshift of about −40 meV/GPa. These results are interpreted by analogy with the pressure-induced shrinkage of the optical energy gap seen in amorphous chalcogenide semiconductors.
Growth of crystalline 3C-SiC on Si at reduced temperatures by chemical vapor deposition from silacyclobutane
Authors: Steckl A. J. , Yuan C. , Li J. P. , Loboda M. J.
Published: July 2002

Low-pressure chemical vapor deposition of SiC on carbonized Si from the single-source organosilane precursor silacyclobutane (c-C3H6SiH2,SCB) has been investigated from 800 to 1200 °C. On atmospheric pressure-carbonized (100)Si, SiC films grown at 900 °C and above exhibit a transmission electron diffraction pattern consisting only of sharp spots with cubic symmetry. X-ray diffraction (XRD) of these films exhibit primarily the (200) and (400) SiC lines. XRD of films grown at 900 °C on Si(111) exhibits only an extremely large SiC(111) peak with a full width at half-maximum of 450 arcsec. Using a SCB flow rate of 1 sccm, a SiC growth rate of 4–5 μm/h was obtained on Si at 900 °C. Crystalline SiC films have also been grown by SCB at a temperature of 800 °C.
Sharp-line photoluminescence of excitons localized at GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well inhomogeneities
Authors: Brunner K. , Abstreiter G. , Böhm G. , Tränkle G. , Weimann G.
Published: July 2002

GaAs/AlGaAs single quantum well samples have been investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy using a probe size of about a micron at low temperature. Thin quantum wells fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy with growth interruptions at the interfaces reveal intense photoluminescence lines with spectral widths below 0.1 meV at the low-energy side of the main luminescence. Mapping the quantum well by scanning the probe shows local emission of these sharp lines, which change in number and in energy with lateral probe position. The local source of the sharp lines, as well as their temperature and saturation behavior shows that they are caused by single excitons localized at sample inhomogeneities, like GaAs well width fluctuations.
Atomic force microscope using piezoresistive cantilevers and combined with a scanning electron microscope
Authors: Stahl U. , Yuan C. W. , de Lozanne A. L. , Tortonese M.
Published: July 2002

We demonstrate the use of piezoresistive cantilevers with an atomic force microscope that operates in conjunction with a scanning electron microscope. This is a very attractive combination because the two microscopes complement each other in terms of depth and lateral resolution, field of view, speed, and ability to image insulating surfaces. Images of a grating and an integrated circuit are shown as examples. Simultaneous operation in real time was achieved.
Polarization stabilization of vertical-cavity top-surface-emitting lasers by inscription of fine metal-interlaced gratings
Authors: Ser Jung-Hoon , Ju Young-Gu , Shin Jae-Heon , Lee Y. H.
Published: July 2002

The polarization of vertical-cavity top-surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) is stabilized by inscribing a fine metal-interlaced grating into the topmost λ/4 layer of the distributed Bragg reflector (DBR). In this scheme, thin Al/AuZn films are deposited on the sidewalls of the grating defined by the ion milling technique. These metal films enhance polarization anisotropy of the top DBR. Grating periods of 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5 μm are tested and VCSELs with the 1.2- or 1.5-μm grating show good polarization selectivity over the entire range of operating current. The direction of the dominant polarization is orthogonal to the grating line, and the polarization extinction ratio exceeds 40:1 on the average. This polarization discrimination scheme works well for all sizes of VCSELs tested.
High-speed electrometer for use in voltage-mode xerographic time-of-flight measurements
Authors: Ashton Gary R. , Epstein Kenneth A.
Published: July 2002

We have constructed a compact, inexpensive, high-speed electrometer for use in xerographic voltage measurements. The device consists of a single operational amplifier stage. The type of amplifier is selected to fit the particular experiment. Amplifiers with frequency responses from dc to 100 MHz and input resistances of up to 10+13 Ω are available. Measurements on amorphous selenium have shown this type of electrometer to be more versatile than commercially available units.