bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SELF-SUPERVISED LEARNING OF FACE APPEARANCES IN TV CASTS AND MOVIES
Authors: EWERTH RALPH , MÜHLING MARKUS , FREISLEBEN BERND
Published: August 2007

Retrieving information about the occurrences of persons in a video is an important task in many video indexing and retrieval applications. The problem is to answer the question "In which shots and scenes does person X appear?". In this paper, we present an automatic video annotation system with respect to a person's appearance based on state-of-the-art algorithms for face detection, tracking and recognition. In contrast to many related approaches, knowledge about the persons in a given video is not assumed in advance. Adaboost is employed after an initial clustering of faces to select the best features describing a person's face. These features are then used to train new classifiers based only on the faces extracted from the video under consideration. Several possibilities to train Adaboost and Support Vector Machine (ensemble) classifiers directly on a video are compared. Finally, experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of correcting in-plane face rotation and of the employed self-supervised learning method.
CREATION OF HIGH-RESOLUTION VIDEO PANORAMAS FOR SPORT EVENTS
Authors: FEHN C. , WEISSIG C. , FELDMANN I. , MÜLLER M. , EISERT P. , KAUFF P. , BLOSS H.
Published: August 2007

This paper describes an approach for creating high-resolution video panoramas of large-scale sport events. In an exemplary football scenario, we used two ARRIFLEX D-20 "film-style" digital cameras to capture both sides of the playing field as well as large parts of the stands. From the recorded left and right view images, we created a joint panoramic view with a resolution of 5016 × 1400 pel (5k) using sophisticated image processing algorithms. These highly immersive football panoramas were screened with our modular, high-resolution multi-projection system during the FIFA World Cup 2006 in a 600 seat CinemaxX movie theater in Berlin, providing the viewers with the feeling of actually watching the game from a good seat on the stands.
Urocortin I is present in the enteric nervous system and exerts an excitatory effect via cholinergic and serotonergic pathways in the rat colon
Authors: Kimura Takazumi , Amano Tomofumi , Uehara Hirotsugu , Ariga Hajime , Ishida Tsuyoshi , Torii Akira , Tajiri Hisao , Matsueda Kei , Yamato Shigeru
Published: August 2007

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin I (UcnI) have been shown to accelerate colonic transit after central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral administration, but the mechanism of their peripheral effect on colonic motor function has not been fully investigated. Furthermore, the localization of UcnI in the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the colon is unknown. We investigated the effect of CRF and UcnI on colonic motor function and examined the localization of CRF, UcnI, CRF receptors, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and 5-HT. Isometric tension of rat colonic muscle strips was measured. The effect of CRF, UcnI on phasic contractions, and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced off-contractions were examined. The effects of UcnI on both types of contraction were also studied in the presence of antalarmin, astressin2-B, tetrodotoxin (TTX), atropine, and 5-HT antagonists. The localizations of CRF, UcnI, CRF receptors, ChAT, and 5-HT in the colon were investigated by immunohistochemistry. CRF and UcnI increased both contractions dose dependently. UcnI exerted a more potent effect than CRF. Antalarmin, TTX, atropine, and 5-HT antagonists abolished the contractile effects of UcnI. CRF and UcnI were observed in the neuronal cells of the myenteric plexus. UcnI and ChAT, as well as UcnI and 5-HT, were colocalized in some of the neuronal cells of the myenteric plexus. This study demonstrated that CRF and UcnI act on the ENS and increase colonic contractility by enhancing cholinergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. These peptides are present in myenteric neurons. CRF and, perhaps, to a greater extent, UcnI appear to act as neuromodulators in the ENS of the rat colon.
Murine gallbladder epithelial cells can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells in vitro
Authors: Kuver Rahul , Savard Christopher E. , Lee Sung Koo , Haigh W. Geoffrey , Lee Sum P.
Published: August 2007

We determined whether extrahepatic biliary epithelial cells can differentiate into cells with phenotypic features of hepatocytes. Gallbladders were removed from transgenic mice expressing hepatocyte-specific β-galactosidase (β-Gal) and cultured under standard conditions and under experimental conditions designed to induce differentiation into a hepatocyte-like phenotype. Gallbladder epithelial cells (GBEC) cultured under standard conditions exhibited no β-Gal activity. β-Gal expression was prominent in 50% of cells cultured under experimental conditions. Similar morphological changes were observed in GBEC from green fluorescent protein transgenic mice cultured under experimental conditions. These cells showed higher levels of mRNA for genes expressed in hepatocytes, but not in GBEC, including aldolase B, albumin, hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1, and glutamine synthetase, and they synthesized bile acids. Additional functional evidence of a hepatocyte-like phenotype included LDL uptake and enhanced benzodiazepine metabolism. Connexin-32 expression was evident in murine hepatocytes and in cells cultured under experimental conditions, but not in cells cultured under standard conditions. Notch 1, 2, and 3 and Notch ligand Jagged 1 mRNAs were downregulated in these cells compared with cells cultured under standard conditions. CD34, α-fetoprotein, and Sca-1 mRNA were not expressed in cells cultured under standard conditions, suggesting that the hepatocyte-like cells did not arise from hematopoietic stem cells or oval cells. These results point to future avenues for investigation into the potential use of GBEC in the treatment of liver disease.
Synergy between docosahexaenoic acid and butyrate elicits p53-independent apoptosis via mitochondrial Ca2+accumulation in colonocytes
Authors: Kolar Satya Sree N. , Barhoumi Rola , Callaway Evelyn S. , Fan Yang-Yi , Wang Naisyin , Lupton Joanne R. , Chapkin Robert S.
Published: August 2007

Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid fiber fermentation product, induces colonocyte apoptosis in part via a Fas-mediated (extrinsic) pathway. In previous studies, we demonstrated that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6Δ4,7,10,13,16,19) enhances the effect of butyrate by increasing mitochondrial lipid oxidation and mitochondrial Ca2+-dependent apoptosis in the colon. In this study, we further examined the mechanism of DHA-butyrate synergism in 1) human colon tumor (HCT-116 isogenic p53+/+ vs. p53−/−) cells and 2) primary cultures of rat colonic crypts. Herein, we show that DHA and butyrate promote apoptosis by enhancing mitochondrial Ca2+accumulation in both isogenic cell lines. Ca2+accumulation and apoptosis were inhibited by blockade of mitochondrial uniporter-mediated Ca2+uptake. In addition, Mito-Q, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, also blocked apoptosis induced by DHA and butyrate. In complementary experiments, rats were fed diets supplemented with either corn oil (control, contains no DHA) or fish oil (contains DHA). Colonic crypts were isolated and incubated with or without butyrate, after which the mitochondria-to-cytosol Ca2+ratio and crypt viability were measured. No significant difference ( P > 0.05) in basal mitochondrial Ca2+levels was observed between fish oil- or corn oil-fed animals. In contrast, when fish oil was the dietary lipid source, crypts incubated with butyrate exhibited a significant increase (3.6-fold, P < 0.001) in mitochondrial Ca2+compared with corn oil plus butyrate treatment. On the basis of these data, we propose that the combination of DHA and butyrate compared with butyrate alone further enhances colonocyte apoptosis by inducing a p53-independent, oxidation-sensitive, mitochondrial Ca2+-dependent (intrinsic) pathway.
Effect of major liver resection on hepatic ureagenesis in humans
Authors: van de Poll Marcel C. G. , Wigmore Stephen J. , Redhead Doris N. , Beets-Tan Regina G. H. , Garden O. James , Greve Jan Willem M. , Soeters Peter B. , Deutz Nicolaas E. P. , Fearon Kenneth C. H. , Dejong Cornelis H. C.
Published: August 2007

Changes in hepatic ureagenesis following major hepatectomy are not well characterized. We studied the relation between urea synthesis and liver mass before and after major hepatectomy in humans. Fifteen patients scheduled for resection of malignancies in otherwise healthy livers were studied. Pre- and postoperative liver volume was assessed by computerized tomography-volumetry. During surgery, a primed, continuous infusion of [13C]urea was administered intravenously, and arterial blood samples were obtained hourly. Indocyanine green clearance was determined before and after resection. Seven patients underwent major hepatectomy, and eight patients underwent minor [<5% functional liver volume (total volume − tumor volume)] or no resection, serving as controls. Resected functional liver volume in the major hepatectomy group averaged 60%. Urea synthesis per gram of functional liver tissue increased 2.6-fold following major hepatectomy, maintaining whole body urea synthesis. Arterial ammonia remained unchanged throughout the study, whereas following hepatectomy a hyperaminoacidemia occurred. In conclusion, immediately following major hepatectomy, urea synthesis per gram of functional liver tissue increases rapidly and proportionately to the amount of liver tissue resected, maintaining whole body urea synthesis at preoperative levels. This rapid and complete adaptation suggests that the capacity of urea synthesis is not limiting the maximum resectable volume in otherwise healthy livers.
Assessment of cardiac function with the pressure-volume conductance system following myocardial infarction in mice
Authors: Shioura Krystyna M. , Geenen David L. , Goldspink Paul H.
Published: August 2007

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of heart failure (HF) with the progressive worsening of cardiac performance due to structural and functional alterations. Therefore, we studied cardiac function in adult mice following MI using the Millar pressure-volume (P-V) conductance catheter system in vivo during the later phase of compensatory remodeling and decompensation to HF. We evaluated load-dependent and -independent parameters in control and 2-, 4-, 6-, and 10-wk post-MI mice and integrated changes in function with changes in gene expression. Our results indicated a significant deterioration of cardiac function in post-MI mice over time, reflected first by systolic dysfunction, followed by a transient improvement before further decline in both systolic and diastolic function. Associated with the function and adaptive remodeling were transient changes in fetal gene and extracellular matrix gene expression. However, undermining the compensatory remodeling response was a continual decline in cardiac contractility, which promoted the transition into failure. Our study provided a scheme of integrated cardiac function and gene expression changes occurring during the adaptive and maladaptive response of the heart independent of systemic vascular properties during the transition to HF following MI in mice. P-V loop analysis was used to quantitatively evaluate the gradual deterioration in cardiac function post-MI. P-V loop analysis was found to be an appropriate method for assessment of global cardiac function under varying load-dependent and -independent conditions in the murine model with many similarities to data obtained from larger animals and humans.
Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor enhances muscle proliferation and strength following skeletal muscle injury in rats
Authors: Stratos Ioannis , Rotter Robert , Eipel Christian , Mittlmeier Thomas , Vollmar Brigitte
Published: August 2007

Insufficiency of skeletal muscle regeneration often impedes the healing process with functional deficiencies and scar formation. We tested the hematopoietic growth factor granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) with respect to its efficacy to improve functional muscle regeneration following skeletal muscle injury in Wistar rats. After crush injury to the left soleus muscle, animals received daily G-CSF (20 μg/kg ip) or vehicle solution ( n = 30 per group each). Sham-operated animals without muscle injury served as controls ( n = 15). After in vivo assessment of the fast-twitch and tetanic contraction capacity of the soleus muscles at days 4, 7, and 14 post-injury, sampling of muscle tissue served for analysis of satellite cell proliferation [bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)/laminin and BrdU/desmin double immunohistochemistry] and cell apoptosis (transferase nick-end labeling analysis). Muscle strength analysis revealed recovery of contraction forces to 26 ± 2, 35 ± 3, and 53 ± 3% (twitch force) and to 20 ± 3, 24 ± 2, and 37 ± 2% (tetanic force) within the 14-day observation period in vehicle-treated animals. In contrast, G-CSF increased contractile forces with markedly higher values at day 7 (twitch force: 42 ± 2%; tetanic force: 34 ± 2%) and day 14 (twitch force: 62 ± 3%; tetanic force: 43 ± 3%). This enhancement of muscle function was preceded by a significant increase of satellite cell proliferation (BrdU-positive cells/mm2: 27 ± 6 vs. vehicle: 12 ± 3) and a moderate decrease of cell apoptosis (transferase nick-end labeling-positive cells/mm2: 11 ± 2 vs. vehicle: 16 ± 3) at day 4. In conclusion, G-CSF histologically promoted viability and proliferation of muscle cells and functionally enhanced recovery of muscle strength. Thus G-CSF might represent a therapeutic option to optimize the posttraumatic course of muscle tissue healing.
Synchronized gastric electrical stimulation improves delayed gastric emptying in nonobese mice with diabetic gastroparesis
Authors: Song Geng-Qing , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: August 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of synchronized gastric electrical stimulation (SGES) on gastric emptying in nonobese mice with diabetic gastroparesis (DB-GP). Eight control mice and 48 nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice with two pairs of gastric electrodes were used in this study. The study included seven groups in a randomized order [control, diabetes (DB), DB-GP, DB + SGES, DB-GP + SGES, DB-GP + Atropine, and DB-GP + SGES + Atropine groups]. In the control, DB, DB-GP, and DB-GP + Atropine groups, gastric emptying was measured in BLAB/cJ mice (control group) or NOD mice with a duration of diabetes of 0–7 days (DB group) or 28–35 days (DB-GP or DB-GP + Atropine group). In the DB + SGES, DB-GP + SGES, and DB-GP + SGES + Atropine groups, the experiment was the same as the corresponding DB, DB-GP, and DB-GP + Atropine groups except that SGES was applied during the experiment. SGES was applied via the proximal pair of electrodes and synchronized with the intrinsic gastric slow waves. The following results were obtained: 1) gastric emptying was delayed in NOD mice with a duration of diabetes of 28–35 days; 2) SGES was able to significantly increase gastric emptying in both diabetic mice and diabetic gastroparetic mice; and 3) the excitatory effect of SGES was completely blocked by atropine. SGES accelerates gastric emptying in NOD mice with diabetic gastroparesis. The effect of SGES on gastric emptying is mediated via the cholinergic pathway. These findings suggest that SGES may have a therapeutic potential for treating patients with diabetic gastroparesis.
Effects of buthionine sulfoximine treatment on diaphragm contractility and SR Ca2+pump function in rats
Authors: Tupling A. R. , Vigna C. , Ford R. J. , Tsuchiya S. C. , Graham D. A. , Denniss S. G. , Rush J. W. E.
Published: August 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of glutathione (GSH) depletion and cellular oxidation on rat diaphragm contractility and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) function in vitro under basal conditions and following fatiguing stimulation. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) treatment ( n = 10) for 10 days (20 mM in drinking water) reduced ( P < 0.05) diaphragm GSH content (nmol/mg protein) and the ratio of GSH to glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) by 91% and 71%, respectively, compared with controls (CTL) ( n = 10). Western blotting showed that Hsp70 expression in diaphragm was not increased ( P > 0.05) with BSO treatment. As hypothesized, basal peak twitch force (g/mm2) was increased ( P < 0.05), and fatigability in response to repetitive stimulation (350-ms trains at 100 Hz once every 1 s for 5 min) was also increased ( P < 0.05) in BSO compared with CTL. Both Ca2+uptake and maximal SERCA activity (μmol·g protein−1·min−1) measured in diaphragm homogenates that were prepared at rest were increased ( P < 0.05) with BSO treatment, an effect that could be partly explained by a twofold increase ( P < 0.05) in SERCA2a expression with BSO. In response to the 5-min stimulation protocol, both Ca2+uptake and maximal SERCA activity were increased ( P < 0.05) in CTL but not ( P > 0.05) in BSO diaphragm. We conclude that 1) cellular redox state is more optimal for contractile function and fatigability is increased in rat diaphragm following BSO treatment, 2) SERCA2a expression is modulated by redox signaling, and 3) regulation of SERCA function in working diaphragm is altered following BSO treatment.
Influence of concentric and eccentric resistance training on architectural adaptation in human quadriceps muscles
Authors: Blazevich Anthony J. , Cannavan Dale , Coleman David R. , Horne Sara
Published: August 2007

Studies using animal models have been unable to determine the mechanical stimuli that most influence muscle architectural adaptation. We examined the influence of contraction mode on muscle architectural change in humans, while also describing the time course of its adaptation through training and detraining. Twenty-one men and women performed slow-speed (30°/s) concentric-only (Con) or eccentric-only (Ecc) isokinetic knee extensor training for 10 wk before completing a 3-mo detraining period. Fascicle length of the vastus lateralis (VL), measured by ultrasonography, increased similarly in both groups after 5 wk (ΔCon= +6.3 ± 3.0%, ΔEcc= +3.1 ± 1.6%, mean = +4.7 ± 1.7%; P < 0.05). No further increase was found at 10 wk, although a small increase (mean ∼2.5%; not significant) was evident after detraining. Fascicle angle increased in both groups at 5 wk (ΔCon= +11.1 ± 4.0%, ΔEcc= +11.9 ± 5.4%, mean = 11.5 ± 3.2%; P < 0.05) and 10 wk (ΔCon= +13.3 ± 3.0%, ΔEcc= +21.4 ± 6.9%, mean = 17.9 ± 3.7%; P < 0.01) in VL only and remained above baseline after detraining (mean = 13.2%); smaller changes in vastus medialis did not reach significance. The similar increase in fascicle length observed between the training groups mitigates against contraction mode being the predominant stimulus. Our data are also strongly indicative of 1) a close association between VL fascicle length and shifts in the torque-angle relationship through training and detraining and 2) changes in fascicle angle being driven by space constraints in the hypertrophying muscle. Thus muscle architectural adaptations occur rapidly in response to resistance training but are strongly influenced by factors other than contraction mode.
Anatomic and physiological characteristics of the ferret lateral rectus muscle and abducens nucleus
Authors: Bishop Keith N. , McClung J. Ross , Goldberg Stephen J. , Shall Mary S.
Published: August 2007

The ferret has become a popular model for physiological and neurodevelopmental research in the visual system. We believed it important, therefore, to study extraocular whole muscle as well as single motor unit physiology in the ferret. Using extracellular stimulation, 62 individual motor units in the ferret abducens nucleus were evaluated for their contractile characteristics. Of these motor units, 56 innervated the lateral rectus (LR) muscle alone, while 6 were split between the LR and retractor bulbi (RB) muscle slips. In addition to individual motor units, the whole LR muscle was evaluated for twitch, tetanic peak force, and fatigue. The abducens nucleus motor units showed a twitch contraction time of 15.4 ms, a mean twitch tension of 30.2 mg, and an average fusion frequency of 154 Hz. Single-unit fatigue index averaged 0.634. Whole muscle twitch contraction time was 16.7 ms with a mean twitch tension of 3.32 g. The average fatigue index of whole muscle was 0.408. The abducens nucleus was examined with horseradish peroxidase conjugated with the subunit B of cholera toxin histochemistry and found to contain an average of 183 motoneurons. Samples of LR were found to contain an average of 4,687 fibers, indicating an LR innervation ratio of 25.6:1. Compared with cat and squirrel monkeys, the ferret LR motor units contract more slowly yet more powerfully. The functional visual requirements of the ferret may explain these fundamental differences.
Repair of spinal cord transection and its effects on muscle mass and myosin heavy chain isoform phenotype
Authors: Lee Yu-Shang , Lin Ching-Yi , Caiozzo Vincent J. , Robertson Richard T. , Yu Jen , Lin Vernon W.
Published: August 2007

A number of significant advances have been developed for treating spinal cord injury during the past two decades. The combination of peripheral nerve grafts and acidic fibroblast growth factor (hereafter referred to as PNG) has been shown to partially restore hindlimb function. However, very little is known about the effects of such treatments in restoring normal muscle phenotype. The primary goal of the current study was to test the hypothesis that PNG would completely or partially restore 1) muscle mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area and 2) the slow myosin heavy chain phenotype of the soleus muscle. To test this hypothesis, we assigned female Sprague-Dawley rats to three groups: 1) sham control, 2) spinal cord transection (Tx), and 3) spinal cord transection plus PNG (Tx+PNG). Six months following spinal cord transection, the open-field test was performed to assess locomotor function, and then the soleus muscles were harvested and analyzed. SDS-PAGE for single muscle fiber was used to evaluate the myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression pattern following the injury and treatment. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify serotonin (5-HT) fibers in the spinal cord. Compared with the Tx group, the Tx+PNG group showed 1) significantly improved Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores (hindlimb locomotion test), 2) less muscle atrophy, 3) a higher percentage of slow type I fibers, and 4) 5-HT fibers distal to the lesion site. We conclude that the combined treatment of PNG is partially effective in restoring the muscle mass and slow phenotype of the soleus muscle in a T-8 spinal cord-transected rat model.
Pulmonary gas transfer related to markers of angiogenesis during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Farha Samar , Asosingh Kewal , Laskowski Daniel , Licina Lauren , Sekigushi Haruki , Losordo Douglas W. , Dweik Raed A. , Wiedemann Herbert P. , Erzurum Serpil C.
Published: August 2007

Gas transfer in the female lung varies over the menstrual cycle in parallel with the cyclic angiogenesis that occurs in the uterine endometrium. Given that vessels form and regress in the uterus under the control of hormones, angiogenic factors, and proangiogenic circulating bone marrow-derived progenitor cells, we tested the possibility that variation in pulmonary gas transfer over the menstrual cycle is related to a systemic cyclic proangiogenic state that influences lung vascularity. Women were evaluated over the menstrual cycle with weekly measures of lung diffusing capacity and its components, the pulmonary vascular capillary bed and membrane diffusing capacity, and their relation to circulating CD34+CD133+progenitor cells, hemoglobin, factors affecting hemoglobin binding affinity, and proangiogenic factors. Lung diffusing capacity varied over the menstrual cycle, reaching a nadir during the follicular phase following menses. The decline in lung diffusing capacity was accounted for by ∼25% decrease in pulmonary capillary blood volume. In parallel, circulating CD34+CD133+progenitor cells decreased by ∼24% and were directly related to angiogenic factors and to lung diffusing capacity and pulmonary capillary blood volume. The finding of a greater number of lung microvessels in ovariectomized female mice receiving estrogen compared with placebo verified that pulmonary vascularity is influenced by hormonal changes. These findings suggest that angiogenesis in the lungs may participate in the cyclic changes in gas transfer that occur over the menstrual cycle.
Aging and cardioprotection
Authors: Jahangir Arshad , Sagar Sandeep , Terzic Andre
Published: August 2007

Advanced age is a strong independent predictor for death, disability, and morbidity in patients with structural heart disease. With the projected increase in the elderly population and the prevalence of age-related cardiovascular disabilities worldwide, the need to understand the biology of the aging heart, the mechanisms for age-mediated cardiac vulnerability, and the development of strategies to limit myocardial dysfunction in the elderly have never been more urgent. Experimental evidence in animal models indicate attenuation in cardioprotective pathways with aging, yet limited information is available regarding age-related changes in the human heart. Human cardiac aging generates a complex phenotype, only partially replicated in animal models. Here, we summarize current understanding of the aging heart stemming from clinical and experimental studies, and we highlight targets for protection of the vulnerable senescent myocardium. Further progress mandates assessment of human tissue to dissect specific aging-associated genomic and proteomic dynamics, and their functional consequences leading to increased susceptibility of the heart to injury, a critical step toward designing novel therapeutic interventions to limit age-related myocardial dysfunction and promote healthy aging.
Impaired pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics and reduced peak aerobic power during small muscle mass exercise in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Jendzjowsky Nicholas G. , Tomczak Corey R. , Lawrance Richard , Taylor Dylan A. , Tymchak Wayne J. , Riess Kenneth J. , Warburton Darren E. R. , Haykowsky Mark J.
Published: August 2007

We examined peak and reserve cardiovascular function and skeletal muscle oxygenation during unilateral knee extension (ULKE) exercise in five heart transplant recipients (HTR, mean ± SE; age: 53 ± 3 years; years posttransplant: 6 ± 4) and five age- and body mass-matched healthy controls (CON). Pulmonary oxygen uptake (V̇o2p), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (Q̇), and skeletal muscle deoxygenation (HHb) kinetics were assessed during moderate-intensity ULKE exercise. Peak exercise and reserve V̇o2p, Q̇, and systemic arterial-venous oxygen difference (a-vO2diff) were 23–52% lower ( P < 0.05) in HTR. The reduced Q̇ and a-vO2diff reserves were associated with lower HR and HHb reserves, respectively. The phase II V̇o2p time delay was greater (HTR: 38 ± 2 vs. CON: 25 ± 1 s, P < 0.05), while time constants for phase II V̇o2p (HTR: 54 ± 8 vs. CON: 31 ± 3 s), Q̇ (HTR: 66 ± 8 vs. CON: 28 ± 4 s), and HHb (HTR: 27 ± 5 vs. CON: 13 ± 3 s) were significantly slower in HTR. The HR half-time was slower in HTR (113 ± 21 s) vs. CON (21 ± 2 s, P < 0.05); however, no significant difference was found between groups for SV kinetics (HTR: 39 ± 8 s vs. CON 31 ± 6 s). The lower peak V̇o2p and prolonged V̇o2p kinetics in HTR were secondary to impairments in both cardiovascular and skeletal muscle function that result in reduced oxygen delivery and utilization by the active muscles.
Changes in 24-h substrate oxidation in older and younger men in response to exercise
Authors: Melanson Edward L. , Donahoo William T. , Grunwald Gary K. , Schwartz Robert
Published: August 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare 24-h substrate oxidation in older (OM; 60–75 yr, n = 7) and younger (YM; 20–30 yr, n = 7) men studied on sedentary day (Con) and on a day with exercise (Ex; net energy expenditure = 300 kcal). Plasma glucose and free fatty acids were also measured at several time points during the 24-h measurement. Weight was not different in OM and YM (means ± SD; 84.8 ± 16.9 vs. 81.4 ± 10.4 kg, respectively), although percent body fat was slightly higher in OM (25.9 ± 3.5 vs. 21.9 ± 9.7%; P = 0.17).Values of 24-h energy expenditure did not differ in OM and YM on the Con (means ± SE; 2,449 ± 162 vs. 2,484 ± 104 kcal/day, respectively) or Ex (2,902 ± 154 vs. 2,978 ± 122 kcal/day) days. Under both conditions, 24-h respiratory quotient was significantly lower and fat oxidation significantly higher in OM. Glucose concentrations were not different at any time point, but plasma free fatty acid concentrations were higher in OM, particularly following meals. Thus, under these controlled conditions, 24-h fat oxidation was not reduced and was in fact greater in OM. We speculate that differences in the availability of circulating free fatty acids in the postprandial state contributed to the observed differences in 24-h fat oxidation in OM and YM.
Die diagnostische Wertigkeit der Nasometrie – eine repräsentative Studie für Patienten mit Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumensegel-Spalten und Gesunde
Authors: Mueller Kristin , Neuber Baldur , Schelhorn-Neise Petra , Schumann Dieter
Published: August 2007

In the rehabilitation of cleft palate patients the quality of spoken language represents one of the most important aspects of successful social integration. It is therefore necessary to direct special attention to phoniatric care and speech therapy following operative reconstruction. One of the main problems is the comparison of subjective and objective measures of the degree and type of nasal disorder. In an interdisciplinary project at the University of Jena nasometry was assessed. Due to a lack of norm values for German a representative sample for the calibration of cleft palate patients and normal subjects was collected. Speech was elicited using standardized and phonetically validated reading materials. Nasalance measurements were compared with judgements made by a group of trained listeners who were asked to assess voice quality (RBH) and nasality. A database containing nasalance values and acoustic signals from 120 subjects was built up. The results generally exhibited highly significant correlations between instrumental measurements and auditory judgements. Profiles of norm values for a phonetically and statistically reliable standard for German were obtained, which in turn can be used as a comparative basis for further studies.
Comfortable Effort Level in Young Children’s Speech
Authors: Brown, Jr. W.S. , Shrivastav Rahul
Published: August 2007

The variability in comfortable effort level across experimental sessions as assessed by measures of speaking fundamental frequency (SFF) and vocal intensity (VI) has been reported for normal adult speakers. However, no such data are available for young children. The goal of this study was to determine the variability in SFF and VI seen in normally developing young children. Fifteen males and 14 females between the ages of 3 and 4 years were asked to repeat a vowel, a sentence, and four words at a comfortable speaking level on 3 separate days, each 1 week apart. SFF and VI were determined for each utterance. Statistical treatment of the data revealed that when combining all the data, there were no significant differences for mean SFF or VI across test sessions. However, the young females generally spoke with greater VI than young males. These results suggest that normal-speaking children at a very young age are, on the average, similar in the degree of variability to adults for SFF and VI across experimental sessions when asked to set their own level of output. These findings provide a baseline for the extent of variability in SFF and VI seen in normally developing young children.
Early Phonological Development in Arabic Egyptian Children: 12–30 Months
Authors: Saleh Marwa , Shoeib Rasha , Hegazi Mona , Ali Pakinam
Published: August 2007

Phonological development is a dynamic process that operates on three levels: universal development, specific language development, and specific child development. An intricate relationship between the three factors delineates the course of acquisition of each child’s phonemic inventory. This study is designed to investigate the phonemic inventory and the phonological processes used by Arabic Egyptian children in order to evaluate cross-linguistic similarities and differences. Thirty Egyptian children with Cairene dialect, in the age period between 12 and 30 months, were included and divided into three groups, each covering a 6-month interval. A 1-hour tape recording for each child was done, followed by analysis of the phonemic inventory and phonological processes. Phonemic inventories showed universal similarities, with frequent occurrence of stops, nasals, and glides mostly in the form of bilabial and alveolar sounds. This is besides a specific tendency for early frequent production of laryngeal phonemes. Glottal replacement was found to be a common and naturally occurring phonological process, leading to frequent occurrence of glottal stop /U/ in the inventories of Egyptian children. The final position of the word showed the highest degree of correct phoneme production.
The Pars Interna/Media Anatomy and Histology in the Human Larynx
Authors: Charpied George L.
Published: August 2007

The pars interna/media (PIM) is a small muscle found in the human larynx that has not been successfully described in contemporary literature on laryngeal structure. The objective of this study was to describe the PIM’s anatomy in detail. Thirteen human larynges obtained from postmortem examination were cleaned and preserved. Exposure of the PIM was through a lateral disarticulation of the cricothyroid joint and reflection of the cricothyroid muscle and the thyroid lamina. In the human, the PIM was found to be strap-like in form and to have two bellies with attachments to the medial surface of the thyroid cartilage at the root of the inferior horn and anteriosuperior cricoid arch. It appears to be innervated by a middle division, vestibular branch, of the internal superior laryngeal nerve. The average fiber diameter is 40 µm. Its type 1-to-type 2 fiber ratio places it within the range of other intrinsic laryngeal muscles. A muscle spindle was identified in medial bundle at the PIM’s thyroid attachment. Thyroid medial surface attachment is within few millimeters of the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage. These data show that the PIM is a robust muscle and deserves attention anatomically. Its orientation within the thyroid and nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve innervations of the human PIM may place it in the vocal fold tensor group rather than the laryngeal sphincter group. It is possible the PIM reports on cricothyroid distance and right versus left cricothyroid joint stresses. Electromyographic examination of the PIM in the Rhesus larynx may help elucidate its physiology to elaborate its human physiology.
Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials to Acoustic Changes in Speech Stimuli in Children
Authors: Kummer Peter , Burger Martin , Schuster Maria , Rosanowski Frank , Eysholdt Ulrich , Hoppe Ulrich
Published: August 2007

Objective: To compare the maturation of speech-evoked N170 components of cortical auditory evoked potentials with that of tone-evoked N1 components. Patients and Methods: Cortical auditory evoked potentials to speech and tone stimuli were derived in 42 children from age 4 to 14 years. The N170 was derived from the difference curve of responses to monosyllabic words with initial consonant-to-vowel transitions and their intensity-equivalent noise signals. Results: The incidence of N1 increased from 71% below age 9 to 91% above, that of N170 tended to increase from 40 to 67% above. From age 9, adult-like morphologies of the difference waveforms were found and the time constants of N1 and N170 latency maturation were nearly identical. Conclusion: The N170 component is interpreted as a response to speech-specific acoustic changes such as the consonant-vowel transition. The late appearance of N170 indicates an electrophysiological correlate of speech perception that continues to develop into adolescence. Its clinical application, however, is limited due to the low incidence of N170.
Classes of Disruptive Behavior Problems in Referred Adolescents
Authors: de Nijs Pieter F.A. , van Lier Pol A.C. , Verhulst Frank C. , Ferdinand Robert F.
Published: August 2007

Background: Previous studies have found considerable overlap between attention/hyperactivity problems, aggressive/oppositional problems and delinquent/conduct problems in adolescents. Sampling and Methods:Mothers of 1,965 11- to 18-year-olds (1,116 boys, 849 girls), referred to mental health agencies, completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Latent class analysis was conducted on the Attention Problems scale (representing problems with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity), Aggressive Behavior and Rule-Breaking Behavior scales of the CBCL. Results: Six latent classes were found. One of these classes contained individuals who suffered predominantly from attention problems and to a far lesser degree from aggressive or rule-breaking behaviors. The other 5 classes represented individuals with varying degrees of attention problems, aggressive behaviors and rule-breaking behaviors. Conclusions: Contrary to previous studies, the present study indicated that, in a large referred sample, problems with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity can be considered as a diagnostic construct that should be distinguished from aggressive or rule-breaking behaviors. However, the present study did not support the existence of diagnostic classes constituted by individuals who primarily suffer from aggressive behaviors or rule-breaking behaviors, and not from attention problems or hyperactivity. Implications of these findings for future research and clinical practice are discussed. The value of the study was limited by the use of parent reports only.
Amyand’s Hernia – Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kwok Ching-Ming , Su Cheng-Hsi , Kwang Wei-Kang , Chiu Yi-Chou
Published: August 2007

Amyand’s hernia is an extremely rare condition in which the appendix is positioned in the inguinal hernia sac. Acute appendicitis is much less common in this situation and few reports are found in the literature. We report a case of acute appendicitis with the tip of the appendix incarcerated outside the external ring of the right groin. A mobilized cecum and ascending colon were noticed during surgery. We conducted a review of the literature, emphasizing possible causes and suggesting a predisposing factor for the condition.
Cortical Brain Metabolism as Measured by Proton Spectroscopy Is Related to Memory Performance in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Rami L. , Gómez-Ansón B. , Bosch B. , Sánchez-Valle R. , Monte G.C. , Villar A. , Molinuevo J.L.
Published: August 2007

Aims: To investigate the relationship between verbal memory performance and brain metabolism as determined by proton spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in selected cortical brain regions. To characterize metabolite abnormalities across the continuum of degenerative disease from mild impairment to dementia. Methods: 27 controls, 27 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients and 35 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Verbal memory was assessed with the Text Memory Test, the Wordlist Learning Test (WL-Learning Test), and with a memory screening test, the Memory Alteration Test (M@T). Single-voxel 1H-MRS was obtained in the posterior cingulate (P-CING), left temporal pole (L-TPOLE) and left posterior temporoparietal region (L-TPAR). Results: WL-Learning Test scores were inversely associated with myoinositol/creatine ratios (mI/Cr) in the L-TPAR (r = –0.404, p < 0.002). Negative associations were also observed between M@T global scores and mI/Cr in the P-CING (r = –0.42; p < 0.001), L-TPOLE (r = –0.34; p < 0.005) and L-TPAR (r = –0.46; p < 0.001). A positive association was found between M@T scores and N-acetylaspartate concentrations in the P-CING (r = 0.33; p < 0.003). Conclusion: Verbal learning performance is related to metabolic changes in cortical brain regions known to be involved in the neurodegenerative process of aMCI and AD.
Percutaneous Penetration Enhancers: An Overview
Authors: Thong H.-Y. , Zhai H. , Maibach H.I.
Published: August 2007

Transdermal drug delivery is the controlled release of drugs through the skin to obtain therapeutic levels systematically. Several technological advances have been made in the recent decades to enhance percutaneous drug penetration. This overview focuses on the physical, biochemical, and chemical means of penetration enhancement, as well as the classification and mechanisms of chemical penetration enhancers, their application in transdermal drug delivery, and trends and development in penetration enhancement.
Feasibility and Clinical Applicability of Polihexanide for Treatment of Second-Degree Burn Wounds
Authors: Daeschlein G. , Assadian O. , Bruck J.C. , Meinl C. , Kramer A. , Koch S.
Published: August 2007

Objectives: Due to a partial rejection of mesh split-thickness skin grafts (mesh grafts) after application of povidone-iodine and silver nitrate and due to its better in vitro tolerance, polihexanide was investigated as an alternative and its applicability in the treatment of second-degree burn wounds. Methods: In 4 patients with poorly healing decubitus ulcers the mesh grafts were each divided into three areas which were pre-treated with either undiluted povidone-iodine solution, 1% silver nitrate solution or 0.04% polihexanide solution. After 7 days of application the wound areas were compared clinically and histologically. Thereafter 14 patients (average extent of burns 28% TBSA) were treated in the same way. Results: Clinically and histologically the mesh grafts treated with polihexanide showed by far the best re-epithelialization compared with the deep tissue necrosis and marked fibrin discharge observed for application of povidone-iodine and silver nitrate. The second-degree burn wounds treated with polihexanide epithelialized without any further débridement after an average of 10 days with remarkable freedom from pain. Compared with silver nitrate treatment, no fibrin film was observed on the wound. Conclusion: Polihexanide proved clinically and histologically superior to povidone-iodine and silver nitrate. For the treatment of second-degree burns, which cannot primarily be covered by plastic surgery, polihexanide is suitable because in addition to its antiseptic efficacy it does not inhibit the re-epithelialization process.
A Normative Study of the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale: Comparison of Demographic Influences between the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale and the Mini-Mental Status Examination
Authors: Jeong J.W. , Kim K.W. , Lee D.Y. , Lee S.B. , Park J.H. , Choi E.A. , Choe J.Y. , Do Y.J. , Ryang J.S. , Roh H.A. , Park Y.S. , Choi Y. , Woo J.I.
Published: August 2007

Background/Aims: We investigated the demographic influence on the performance of the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R) and provided normative data of the HDS-R in the elderly. Methods: The HDS-R was administered to 803 community-dwelling cognitively normal elderly subjects aged 55 years or over. Cognitive disorders and psychiatric disorders were strictly excluded using the CERAD-K assessment packet and the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. The demographic influence on the performance of the HDS-R was examined using multiple linear regression analyses, and compared with that on the performance of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) using the Chow test and t statistics. Overlapping strata were used in developing age-, education- and gender-specific normative data of the HDS-R. Results: Age, education, and gender influenced significantly the performance of the HDS-R, and explained 22.5% of the total score variance. Older age, lower education, and male gender were associated with lower performance of the HDS-R. However, the demographic influence on the HDS-R was much weaker than that on the MMSE (t = 5.578, d.f. = 800, p < 0.001). The normative data of the HDS-R stratified by age (60–69, 70–79, ≧80), education (0–6, 7–12, ≧13), and gender were presented. Conclusions: The HDS-R was more robust to demographic influences than the MMSE, and normative data may contribute to improving further its diagnostic accuracy for dementia.
An Incidentally Discovered Small and Asymptomatic Para-Aortic Paraganglioma
Authors: Yamaguchi T. , Tada M. , Takahashi H. , Kagawa R. , Takeda R. , Sakata S. , Yamamoto M. , Nishizaki D.
Published: August 2007

Preoperative diagnosis of asymptomatic paraganglioma is difficult due to the lack of specific symptoms. In this report, we present a rare case of a small and asymptomatic para-aortic paraganglioma. A 34-year-old woman who complained of back pain was admitted for further examination. No abnormal findings were observed on physical or laboratory examinations. An abdominal CT scan and an abdominal MRI incidentally noted a mass about 3 cm in diameter adjacent to the right edge of the inferior vena cava. The following aortic angiography showed the tumor with a feeding artery diverting directly from the aorta. The tumor was completely resected by laparotomy. The resected tumor, 3 × 3 × 3 cm in size, was soft, dark-reddish and encapsulated. Immunohistochemical examinations showed that it was positive for neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A and adrenocorticotropin. Under these findings, the diagnosis of para-aortic paraganglioma was determined. Seven years after the operation, she remains asymptomatic and free of disease.
Analysis of Metallothionein, RCAS1 Immunoreactivity Regarding Immune Cell Concentration in the Endometrium and Tubal Mucosa in Ectopic Pregnancy during the Course of Tubal Rupture
Authors: Wicherek Lukasz , Galazka Krystyna , Lazar Agata
Published: August 2007

Introduction: Tubal rupture seems to be linked to a disturbance in maternal immune response and trophoblast cell invasion. The immunomodulating activity of endometrial cells is necessary for the coexistence of activated immune cells and endometrial cells. RCAS1 and metallothionein (MT) participate in this process. Material and Methods: Tissue samples derived from fallopian tubes and endometrium were collected during one surgical procedure and divided into three groups: unruptured ectopic pregnancy (EP) without bleeding, unruptured EP with hemorrhage into the peritoneal cavity, and ruptured tubal pregnancy. Immunoreactivity of MT, RCAS1, CD56, CD3, CD69 and CD25 were assessed by immunohistochemical methods. Results: The number of CD3+ and CD56+ cells as well as CD69 antigen immunoreactivity in ruptured tubal mucosa of EP were statistically significantly higher than those measured for unruptured EP without bleeding, while at the same time the number of CD56+ cells in endometrium was statistically significantly lower. The growth of immune cell numbers in tubal mucosa during tubal rupture was not associated with an adequate MT and RCAS1 level. Conclusion: Tubal perforation seems to be linked to a concentration of immune cells and a growth of their activity without an adequate increase of the level of proteins compensating for immune cell response.