bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra‐operative remifentanil might influence pain levels in the immediate post‐operative period after major abdominal surgery
Authors: Hansen E. G. , Duedahl T. H. , Rømsing J. , Hilsted K.‐L. , Dahl J. B.
Published: September 2005

Background:  Remifentanil, a widely used analgesic agent in anaesthesia, has a rapid onset and short duration of action. In clinical settings, this requires an appropriate pain strategy to prevent unacceptable pain in the post‐operative period. The aim of this study was to investigate whether remifentanil had any impact on post‐operative pain and opioid consumption after major abdominal surgery.

Methods:  Fifty patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomized to receive either remifentanil 0.4 µg/kg/min or placebo intra‐operatively, in addition to basic combined general and epidural anaesthesia, in this double‐blind study. Patients received patient‐controlled analgesia with morphine for 24 h post‐operatively. Morphine consumption, assessment of pain at rest and during coughing, side‐effects and levels of sensory block were recorded during the first 24 h post‐operatively.

Results:  Twenty‐one patients receiving remifentanil and 18 patients receiving placebo completed the study. The median visual analogue scale (VAS) score at rest from 0 to 2 h was significantly increased in the remifentanil group [40 mm (27–61 mm)] vs. placebo [13 mm (3–35 mm)] (P < 0.05). No significant differences in morphine consumption, VAS score during coughing or adverse effects were observed between the groups.

Conclusion:  The results are weak and difficult to interpret. They could indicate that a high dose of remifentanil added to otherwise sufficient combined general and epidural anaesthesia may induce opioid‐induced hyperalgesia and/or clinically acute opioid tolerance after major abdominal surgery; however, as no significant differences could be observed between the groups after 2 h post‐operatively, the clinical relevance of these observations is questionable.
A NOVEL IN VITRO ENDOTHELIUM‐DEPENDENT VASCULAR RELAXANT EFFECT OF APOCYNUM VENETUM LEAF EXTRACT
Authors: Kwan Chiu‐Yin , Zhang Wen‐Bo , Nishibe Sansei , Seo Shujiro
Published: September 2005

1. In the present study, a novel in vitro vascular relaxant effect of Apocynum venetum leaf extract (AVLE; also called ‘Luobuma’), obtained from a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with known antihypertensive effects, is reported in isometric contraction studies of rat aorta and superior mesenteric artery. At low concentrations (0.3–10 µg/mL), AVLE had no effect on the resting tension of either blood vessel and caused relaxation in agonist‐precontracted vessels with functionally intact endothelium.

2. We demonstrated pharmacologically that the AVLE‐induced vasorelaxation was mediated selectively by the endothelial cells in both blood vessels. Using NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) and a low concentration of KCl (15 mmol/L), we also demonstrated that AVLE acted by releasing endothelium‐derived relaxation factors; nitric oxide (NO) in the rat aorta and NO plus endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor in the rat mesenteric artery.

3. The vascular relaxation following brief exposure to AVLE appeared to persist even after subsequent prolonged washout; this was manifested as an attenuated contraction to subsequent application of phenylephrine (PE) compared with the PE‐induced contraction after exposure to carbachol (CCh) and subsequent similar washout. The addition of l‐NAME at this point in the absence of AVLE totally restored the contraction to PE, suggesting that enzymatic generation of endothelial NO persisted even after brief exposure to AVLE.

4. Unlike the endothelium‐dependent NO‐mediated relaxation induced by CCh, which is mediated by endothelial muscarinic receptors (and inhibited by atropine), the relaxation induced by AVLE was not inhibited by atropine and, thus, was not mediated by muscarinic receptors. However, similar to CCh‐induced relaxation, AVLE‐induced relaxation was associated with the activation of K+ channels.

5. These results provide a strong scientific basis for the folk use of AVLE decoction for antihypertensive therapy in traditional Chinese medicine.
SHENG MAI SAN, A CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE, PROTECTS AGAINST RENAL ISCHAEMIC INJURY DURING HEAT STROKE IN THE RAT
Authors: Lee IY , Lee CC , Chang CK , Chien CH , Lin MT
Published: September 2005

1. There is evidence that the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and peroxynitrite by ischaemia/reperfusion may lead to renal cell injury. Herein, we investigated whether Sheng mai san (SMS), a Chinese herbal medicine, protects against renal ischaemic injury during heat stroke by reducing iNOS‐dependent nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite formation.

2. Urethane‐anaesthetized rats were exposed to heat stress (ambient temperature 43°C) to induce heat stroke. Control rats were exposed to 24°C. Mean arterial pressure and renal blood flow after the onset of heat stroke were significantly lower in heat stroke rats than in control rats. However, both colonic temperature and renal damage score were greater in heat stroke rats compared with control rats. Similarly, plasma NO, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), as well as the renal immunoreactivity of iNOS and peroxynitrite, were significantly higher in heat stroke rats compared with their normothermic controls.

3. Pretreatment with SMS (1.2 g/day per rat for 7 consecutive days before the initiation of heat stress) significantly attenuated the heat stroke‐induced arterial hypotension, hyperthermia, renal ischaemia and damage, the increased renal immunoreactivity of iNOS and peroxynitrite and the increased plasma levels of NO, creatinine and BUN. Pretreatment with SMS resulted in a prolongation of survival time in heat stroke.

4. The results of the present study suggest that SMS protects against renal ischaemic damage by reducing iNOS‐dependent NO and peroxynitrite production during heat stroke.
TOCOTRIENOL OFFERS BETTER PROTECTION THAN TOCOPHEROL FROM FREE RADICAL‐INDUCED DAMAGE OF RAT BONE
Authors: Ahmad NS , Khalid BAK , Luke DA , Ima Nirwana S
Published: September 2005

1. Free radicals generated by ferric nitrilotriacetate (FeNTA) can activate osteoclastic activity and this is associated with elevation of the bone resorbing cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1 and IL‐6. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 2 mg/kg FeNTA (2 mg iron/kg) on the levels of serum IL‐1 and IL‐6 with or without supplementation with a palm oil tocotrienol mixture or α‐tocopherol acetate in Wistar rats.

2. The FeNTA was found to elevate levels of IL‐1 and IL‐6. Only the palm oil tocotrienol mixture at doses of 60 and 100 mg/kg was able to prevent FeNTA‐induced increases in IL‐1 (P < 0.01). Both the palm oil tocotrienol mixture and α‐tocopherol acetate, at doses of 30, 60 and 100 mg/kg, were able to reduce FeNTA‐induced increases in IL‐6 (P < 0.05). Therefore, the palm oil tocotrienol mixture was better than pure α‐tocopherol acetate in protecting bone against FeNTA (free radical)‐induced elevation of bone‐resorbing cytokines.

3. Supplementation with the palm oil tocotrienol mixture or α‐tocopherol acetate at 100 mg/kg restored the reduction in serum osteocalcin levels due to ageing, as seen in the saline (control) group (P < 0.05). All doses of the palm oil tocotrienol mixture decreased urine deoxypyridinoline cross‐link (DPD) significantly compared with the control group, whereas a trend for decreased urine DPD was only seen for doses of 60 mg/kg onwards of α‐tocopherol acetate (P < 0.05).

4. Bone histomorphometric analyses have shown that FeNTA injections significantly lowered mean osteoblast number (P < 0.001) and the bone formation rate (P < 0.001), but raised osteoclast number (P < 0.05) and the ratio of eroded surface/bone surface (P < 0.001) compared with the saline (control) group. Supplementation with 100 mg/kg palm oil tocotrienol mixture was able to prevent all these FeNTA‐induced changes, but a similar dose of α‐tocopherol acetate was found to be effective only for mean osteoclast number. Injections of FeNTA were also shown to reduce trabecular bone volume (P < 0.001) and trabecular thickness (P < 0.05), whereas only supplementation with 100 mg/kg palm oil tocotrienol mixture was able to prevent these FeNTA‐induced changes.
INCREASED VASCULAR SELECTIVITY AND PROLONGED PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFICACY OF THE L‐TYPE Ca2+ CHANNEL ANTAGONIST LERCANIDIPINE IN HUMAN CARDIOVASCULAR TISSUE
Authors: Brixius Klara , Gross Thomas , Tossios Paschalios , Geissler Hans‐Joachim , Mehlhorn Uwe , Schwinger Robert Hg , Hekmat Khosro
Published: September 2005

1. The present study investigates the vasoselectivity of lercanidipine (LER), a 1,4‐dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, compared with amlodipine (AML) and nifedipine (NIF) in human cardiovascular tissue. Experiments were performed either in human left ventricular failing myocardium (orthotopic heart transplants) or in isolated right atrial trabeculae and isolated vessel preparations of arteria mammaria obtained from patients undergoing aortocoronary bypass operation.

2. The obtained rank order for the L‐type Ca2+ channel affinity in human tissue was LER > NIF ≥ AML. Lercanidipine had the lowest negative inotropic efficacy (1 µmol/L LER: 60.3% basal < AML: 79.1% basal < NIF: 92.4 basal) and potency (IC50 NIF: 3.5 nmol/L < AML: 48 nmol/L < Ler: 127 nmol/L) in right atrial trabeculae.

3. The vasorelaxant potency of LER (IC50 0.5 nmol/L) and AML (IC50 0.8 nmol/L) was similar and significantly increased compared with that of NIF (IC50 5.9 nmol/L) in arteria mammaria preparations of the very same patients.

4. The following rank order was obtained for vasoselectivity: LER (260) < AML (60) < NIF (0.6).

5. The pharmacological effects of LER and AML were still present 2 h after drug washout.

3. Lercanidipine is characterized by a high vasoselectivity and a prolonged interaction with the L‐type calcium channel in human cardiovascular tissue This may be advantageous, especially in the treatment of patients with arterial hypertension.
Emergency neurosurgery by general surgeons at a remote major hospital
Authors: Treacy P. John , Reilly Peter , Brophy Brian
Published: September 2005

Background:  Due to the geographical remoteness of Darwin, which has no resident neurosurgeon, emergency transfer of patients for neurosurgery is usually impractical. In Darwin emergency neurosurgery must be undertaken by general surgeons.

Methods:  Data from the operating theatre, Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit were prospectively recorded on all patients who underwent an emergency neurosurgical procedure between January 1992 and June 2004. Outcomes were assessed by retrospective case note review.

Results:  Three hundred and five neurosurgical procedures were performed upon 258 patients (average 26.5 procedures per year), including 130 craniotomies, 88 burr holes, 3 posterior fossa craniotomies, 2 decompressive frontal lobectomies, 4 decompressive craniectomies, 25 elevations of fracture and 33 ventricular drains only. Assault/domestic incident (31%) was a more common aetiology than motor vehicle accidents (29%). Outcome was best for extradural haematoma (82% good/moderate) and chronic subdural haematoma (84% good/moderate). In contrast, 44% with acute subdural haematoma and 77% with intracerebral haematoma died. Irrespective of type of bleed, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at presentation was a reliable predictor of outcome following surgery (61% correlation): 60% with GCS less than 9 died whereas 79% with GCS over 11 had a good recovery. Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation, version 2 and Simplified Acute Physiology Score, version 2 scores were also independent predictors of outcome. Time from presentation to operation for extradural haematoma and acute subdural haematoma was prolonged (more than 4 h) in 48% and was associated with worse outcome (P = 0.0001). Neither extremes of age nor the particular surgeon performing the operation affected outcome.

Conclusions:  General surgeons undertake a substantial number of procedures across a broad spectrum of emergency neurosurgery in Darwin. Outcomes following surgery appear acceptable.
Successful anesthetic management of a child with an extensive facial hemangioma and high output cardiac failure for placement of a central venous catheter
Authors: SHROFF PERSIS K. , MARTIN TIMOTHY W. , SCHMITZ MICHAEL L.
Published: September 2005

A two‐and‐a‐half‐year‐old female with an extensive facial and lingual hemangioma, associated high output cardiac failure, and a history of difficult intubation presented for central venous catheter (CVC) placement for vincristine chemotherapy. Anesthetic management of this complex case is presented and the complicating medical conditions are discussed.
Equine amniotic membrane transplantation for corneal ulceration and keratomalacia in three horses
Authors: Lassaline Mary E. , Brooks Dennis E. , Ollivier Franck J. , Komaromy Andras M. , Kallberg Maria E. , Gelatt Kirk N.
Published: September 2005

Purpose Amniotic membrane has antifibrotic, anti‐angiogenic and antiprotease properties. This retrospective study was designed to investigate the use of equine amniotic membrane transplants (AMT) at preserving vision, maintaining the structural integrity of the globe and maximizing cosmesis in equine eyes with corneal ulceration and severe keratomalacia.

Methods Equine amnion had previously been aseptically harvested from a 12‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare during an elective Cesarean section. Sections of amnion were stored at −80 °C and thawed as needed. Records of equine cases at the University of Florida with keratomalacia that received an AMT without adjunctive conjunctival grafting were examined. Clinical description, details of medical and surgical treatment, globe survival and visual outcome were documented. Etiologies were determined by cytology, culture or histology.

Results Three horses with corneal ulceration and severe keratomalacia received an AMT without conjunctival graft between December 2002 and April 2003.Pseudomonasspp. were cultured from all three eyes, with evidence of a concurrent fungal infection in two eyes. The three ulcers were 50, 72, and 76% of corneal diameter, and each one worsened in the face of aggressive medical therapy. In all three cases, the AMT sloughed over a 4 to 6‐week period. At last follow‐up, all three eyes receiving AMT were comfortable and receiving no medication, with light perception and an inconsistent location‐dependent menace response. All three horses returned to their prior work.

Conclusions Results of a small number of equine AMT suggest that amnion can be used successfully to preserve both globe structure and limited vision, as well as optimize cosmesis, in horse eyes with corneal ulceration and severe keratomalacia.
Changes in Trade Union–Government Relations 1974–2002
Authors: Marsh David , Savigny Heather
Published: September 2005

Even if the role of unions is less than it was, they are still an important aspect of civil society in a democracy like the UK, so that changes in the relationship between the TUC and the government are an important aspect of changing patterns of governance in the UK. Here, we analyse this relationship during the period between 1974 and 2002 based upon the reports of the General Council of the TUC to each TUC Annual Conference. The analysis shows that the contacts between the TUC and government have fluctuated significantly over this period. They did decline in the Thatcher years although, interestingly, contacts were greater under Thatcher than under Major. The election of a New Labour government in 1997 was accompanied by an initial increase in contacts, but contacts declined subsequently. These fluctuations clearly reflect policy changes so, for example, contacts decreased when incomes policies became a thing of the past. However, they also reflected changes of personnel in government; so the replacement of Pym by Tebbit in 1982 was quickly followed by a fall in contacts. As far as New Labour is concerned, their historical links with the trade unions still mean that contacts are greater now than they were under the Conservatives. However, the initial surge in contacts probably reflected a broader pattern, with New Labour delivering on a promise of greater consultation made in opposition.
Isolation and characterization of EST‐derived microsatellite loci from the fungal wheat pathogen Phaeosphaeria nodorum
Authors: STUKENBROCK EVA H. , BANKE SØREN , ZALA MARCELLO , MCDONALD BRUCE A. , OLIVER RICHARD P.
Published: September 2005

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci and one minisatellite locus originating from expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries of Phaeosphaeria (syn. Stagonospora) nodorum were isolated and characterized. The satellite markers were used to genotype isolates from field populations collected in China, North America and South Africa. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 15. Genotype diversity ranged from 87.5 to 95.3 and gene diversity from 0.1 to 0.8. The variable levels of polymorphism within and among populations of P. nodorum renders these 12 satellite loci ideal markers for population genetic analysis of P. nodorum.
Microsatellite markers for evolutionary studies in the sexually deceptive orchid genus Chiloglottis
Authors: FLANAGAN NICOLA S. , EBERT DANIEL , PORTER CAROLYN , ROSSETTO MAURIZIO , PEAKALL ROD
Published: September 2005

The orchids in the genus Chiloglottis are pollinated exclusively by sexual deception. We describe 20 variable microsatellite loci that will facilitate the study of the evolution and ecology of this specialized pollination system. Two loci were isolated from Chiloglottis trilabra, with the rest derived from Chiloglottis valida. All loci were polymorphic in C. valida (HE 0.07–0.87). Most loci amplified, and were variable within close relatives of C. valida, and a number amplified more broadly, including outside the genus.
Development of microsatellite markers from an ectomycorrhizal fungus, Laccaria amethystina, by a dual‐suppression‐PCR technique
Authors: WADUD M. A. , LIAN C. L. , NARA K. , ISHIDA T. A. , HOGETSU T.
Published: September 2005

Laccaria amethystina is a major early successional ectomycorrhizal fungus. We isolated 10 polymorphic loci from L. amethystina using a dual‐suppression‐PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique. These loci provided microsatellite markers with polymorphism of two to 10 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.136 to 0.545 and 0.206 to 0.877, respectively.
Contribution of cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid to hypertension and end‐organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with l‐NAME
Authors: Benter I. F. , Francis I. , Cojocel C. , Juggi J. S. , Yousif M. H. M. , Canatan H.
Published: September 2005

1 The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of inhibition of the formation of cytochrome P450 metabolites of arachidonic acid with 1‐aminobenzotriazole (ABT) on the development of hypertension and end‐organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) chronically treated with nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor l‐NAME (SHR‐l‐NAME).

2 Administration of l‐NAME in drinking water (80 mg l−1) to SHR for 3 weeks significantly elevated mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) (223 ± 4 mmHg) as compared to SHR controls drinking regular water (165 ± 3 mmHg). The administration of ABT (50 mg kg−1 i.p. alt diem) for 6 days significantly attenuated elevation of blood pressure in SHR‐l‐NAME (204 ± 4 mmHg).

3 l‐NAME‐induced increase in urine volume and protein was significantly lower in ABT‐treated animals.

4 The impaired vascular responsiveness to noradrenaline and isoprenaline in the perfused mesenteric vascular bed of SHR‐l‐NAME‐treated animals was significantly improved by ABT treatment.

5 Morphological studies of the kidneys and hearts showed that treatment with ABT minimized the extensive arterial fibrinoid necrosis, arterial thrombosis, significant narrowing of arterial lumen with marked arterial hyperplastic arterial changes that were observed in vehicle treated SHR‐l‐NAME.

6 In isolated perfused hearts, recovery of left ventricular function from 40 min of global ischaemia was significantly better in ABT‐treated SHR‐l‐NAME.

7 These results suggest that in hypertensive individuals with endothelial dysfunction and chronic NO deficiency, inhibitors of 20‐HETE synthesis may be able to attenuate development of high blood pressure and end‐organ damage.
‘Marshall-ing’ Social and Political Citizenship: Towards a Unified Conception of Citizenship
Authors: Lister Michael
Published: September 2005

Marshall's work on citizenship has become a cornerstone of most contemporary discussions of citizenship. Yet, in this article, it is argued that his work is frequently misunderstood, or misinterpreted. I argue that Marshall presents a normative argument that citizenship should be seen as a unified but dynamic concept. The unified nature of citizenship should not, however, obscure the tensions within the concept. These tensions are negotiated, so that citizenship should be seen as a complex relationship where tensions and webs of interdependence co-exist. This, it is argued, is an important theoretical framework with which to consider a issues such as the impact of the restructuring of welfare.
Reform in a Cold Climate: Change in US Campaign Finance Law
Authors: McSweeney Dean
Published: September 2005

The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002 was the first major change in US federal campaign finance law in a quarter of a century. Many attempts at reform had failed in that period. Few members of Congress were enthusiasts for reform, the two parties and two chambers had conflicting interests to protect, successive presidents did not promote the issue and public pressure for reform was weak. When reform was achieved in 2002, many of these formidable obstacles remained in place. This paper draws on the literature of public interest reform and policy innovation to attribute the change to a policy entrepreneur whose resources had undergone a sharp increase, the neutralization of opposition, the impact of an event (the bankruptcy of the Enron Corporation) and membership turnover in Congress. The substantial support for the bill in Congress from Democrats, the party with most to lose from reform, is attributed to the inescapability of past commitments.
From Fujimori to Toledo: The 2001 Elections and the Vicissitudes of Democratic Government in Peru
Authors: Taylor Lewis
Published: September 2005

Following scandals concerning extensive corruption, electoral fraud and manipulation by the security services, Alberto Fujimori's authoritarian regime collapsed in November 2000, throwing Peru into political turmoil. A fresh ballot organised in 2001 led to the election of Alejandro Toledo as president. Assessments of the Toledo administration's performance and the health of Peruvian democracy in the post-Fujimori period have been overwhelmingly pessimistic. Recent political developments are analysed to argue that such negativity is mistaken. Apart from recording strong economic growth, under Toledo civilian control over the military and intelligence services has increased markedly. Greater horizontal and vertical accountability has produced a more open polity. Citizen's rights are better secured. Despite ongoing problems, post-Fujimori a process of democratic ‘deepening’ has occurred.
Being Indigenous: Resurgences against Contemporary Colonialism
Authors: Alfred Taiaiake , Corntassel Jeff
Published: September 2005

In this article, we discuss strategies for resisting further encroachment on Indigenous existences by Settler societies and states – and as well multinational corporations and other elite organizations controlled by state powers and other elements of the imperial institutional network; and we focus on how Indigenous communities can regenerate themselves to resist the effects of the contemporary colonial assault and regenerate politically and culturally. We ask the fundamental question: how can we resist further dispossession and disconnection when the effects of colonial assaults on our own existences are so pronounced and still so present in the lives of all Indigenous peoples?
Local radiotherapy as a complement to incomplete transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shim Su Jung , Seong Jinsil , Han Kwang Hyub , Chon Chae Yoon , Suh Chang Ok , Lee Jong Tae
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Purpose: In order to determine the effect of additional radiotherapy (RT) after an incomplete transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in an unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the treatment results of patients receiving TACE plus RT were analyzed and compared with those treated with TACE alone.

Materials and methods: One hundred and five patients with an unresectable HCC were treated with TACE from January 1992 to December 2002. In 73 of these patients, the TACE was incomplete. Among them, TACE was repeatedly performed in 35 patients (TACE group), and the remaining 38 patients were also treated with local RT (TACERT group). The patients were either in stage III or IVa, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 2 or less, and Child–Pugh class A or B. The average frequency of TACE prior to RT was 2 and the RT was started within 7–10 days after the TACE.

Results: The 2‐year survival rate was significantly higher in the TACERT than in the TACE group (36.8 % vs. 14.3%, P=0.001). According to the tumor size, the 2‐year survival rates in the TACERT and TACE groups were 63% vs. 42% in 5–7 cm (P=0.22), 50% vs. 0% in 8–10 cm (P=0.03), and 17% vs. 0% in larger than 10 cm (P=0.0002) respectively.

Conclusion: There was a significantly improved survival rate in the TACERT group of unresectable HCC patients than in the TACE group, particularly in case of tumors ≥8 cm in diameter. Therefore, RT in addition to TACE is strongly recommended for patients with an unresectable HCC.
Altered protein expression and protein nitration pattern during d‐galactosamine‐induced cell death in human hepatocytes: a proteomic analysis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Ariza Antonio , López‐Sánchez Laura M. , González Raul , Corrales Fernando J. , López Pedro , Bernardos Angel , Muntané Jordi
Published: September 2005

Abstract: Background/Aims: Hepatic injury by d‐galactosamine (d‐GalN) is a suitable experimental model of hepatocellular injury. The induction of oxidative and nitrosative stress participates during d‐GalN‐induced cell death in cultured rat hepatocytes. This study aimed to identify protein expression changes during the induction of apoptosis and necrosis by d‐GalN in cultured human hepatocytes.

Methods: A proteomic approach was used to identify the proteins involved and those altered by tyrosine nitration. A high dose of d‐GalN (40 mM) was used to induce apoptosis and necrosis in primary culture of human hepatocytes. Cellular lysates prepared at different times after addition of d‐GalN were separated by two‐dimensional electrophoresis. Gel spots with an altered expression and those matching nitrotyrosine‐immunopositive proteins were excised and analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Results: d‐GalN treatment upregulated microsomal cytochrome b5, fatty acid binding protein and manganese superoxide dismutase, and enhanced annexin degradation. d‐GalN increased tyrosine nitration of four cytosolic (Hsc70, Hsp70, annexin A4 and carbonyl reductase) and three mitochondrial (glycine amidinotransferase, ATP synthase β chain, and thiosulfate sulfurtransferase) proteins in human hepatocytes.

Conclusions: The results provide evidences that oxidative stress and nitric oxide‐derived reactive oxygen intermediates induce specific alterations in protein expression that may be critical for the induction of apoptosis and necrosis by d‐GalN in cultured human hepatocytes.
Developing an administrative plan for transfusion medicine—a global perspective
Authors: Sullivan Patrick
Published: September 2005

Throughout the world blood services aim to provide a life‐saving service by ensuring an adequate supply of safe blood. However, across the world blood services are at very different levels of development. Consequently, the actions taken in one country or region would not be appropriate in another. This paper aims to identify how suitable solutions can be developed to match the different prevailing circumstances of an individual country or region.

In trying to do this it is important to look at the whole of the supply chain within a blood service and identify the part where a change could make the biggest impact.

Four key areas are identified that are integral to this. These are the donor, testing of blood, hemovigilance, and overall management arrangements. Whilst the first two have largely been addressed in highly developed countries, there is still much work that could be done in these areas in developing countries. In particular, a move to voluntary nonremunerated donors worldwide would significantly improve overall safety.

Hemovigilance systems are identified as a powerful tool to influence policy development, yet these are largely under developed throughout the world.

In order to make high impact and sustainable changes it is important that those in the blood industry across the world work together to improve education and training, to share experience of best practice, and to move to develop agreed standards in transfusion medicine.

It is imperative that developed countries recognize the importance of working with developing countries if the safety of the global blood supply is to be maintained and improved.
Texture of locomotor path: a replicable characterization of a complex behavioral phenotype
Authors: Kafkafi N. , Elmer G. I.
Published: September 2005

A database of mouse locomotor path in spatial tests can be used to search in silico for behavioral measures that better discriminate between genotypes and are more replicable across laboratories. In this study, software for the exploration of exploration (SEE) was used to search a large database for a novel behavioral measure that would characterize complex movement paths. The database included mouse open‐field behavior assessed in 3 laboratories, 7 inbred strains, several pharmacological treatments and hundreds of animals. The new behavioral measure, ‘path texture’, was characterized using the local curvature of the path (the change of direction per unit distance, in degrees/cm) across several spatial scales, starting from scales smaller than the animal's body length and up to the scale of the arena size. Path texture analysis differs from fractal dimension analysis in that it does not assume self‐similarity across scales. Path texture was found to discriminate inbred strains with relatively high broad‐sense heritability (43%–71%) and high replicability across laboratories. Even genotypes that had similar path curvatures in some scales usually differed in other scales, and self‐similarity across scales was not displayed by all genotypes. Amphetamine decreased the path curvature of C57BL/6 mice in small and medium scales, while having no effect on DBA/2J mice. Diazepam dose‐dependently decreased the curvature of C57BL/6 mice across all scales, while 2 anxiogenic drugs, FG‐7142 and pentylenetetrazole, increased it. Path texture thus has high potential for behavioral phenotyping and the study of drug effects in the mouse.
Crafting Qualitative Research Articles on Marriages and Families
Authors: Matthews Sarah H.
Published: September 2005

This paper aims to assist those who do qualitative research in the field of marriage and family to reduce the number of rejections received in response to article submissions. Recurring shortcomings identified by reviewers and suggestions made to authors about revising papers are organized using headings traditionally used in a research article—introduction and literature review, method, results, and discussion. Considerations stemming from the fact that data on marriages and families are produced largely through interviews also are addressed.
Explaining Family Change and Variation: Challenges for Family Demographers
Authors: Seltzer Judith A. , Bachrach Christine A. , Bianchi Suzanne M. , Bledsoe Caroline H. , Casper Lynne M. , Chase‐Lansdale P. Lindsay , DiPrete Thomas A. , Hotz V. Joseph , Morgan S. Philip , Sanders Seth G. , Duncan Thomas
Published: September 2005

Twenty years ago, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) issued a request for proposals that resulted in the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH), a unique survey valuable to a wide range of family scholars. This paper describes the efforts of an interdisciplinary group of family demographers to build on the progress enabled by the NSFH and many other theoretical and methodological innovations. Our work, also supported by NICHD, will develop plans for research and data collection to address the central question of what causes family change and variation. We outline the group's initial assessments of orienting frameworks, key aspects of family life to study, and theoretical and methodological challenges for research on family change. Finally, we invite family scholars to follow our progress and to help develop this shared public good.
Poor Mothers and Habits of Hiding: Participatory Methods in Poverty Research
Authors: Dodson Lisa , Schmalzbauer Leah
Published: September 2005

Poor mothers have long‐standing habits of hiding their lives in response to punitive authorities and stigma. We identify practices of hiding daily life, and we describe participatory research approaches for and ethical concerns in learning more about poor women's critical insights and survival strategies.
Measuring and Modeling Cohabitation: New Perspectives From Qualitative Data
Authors: Manning Wendy D. , Smock Pamela J.
Published: September 2005

Almost all our knowledge about cohabitation in the United States rests on analysis of nationally representative, large‐scale surveys. We move beyond this work by drawing on 115 in‐depth interviews with a sample of young men and women with recent cohabitation experience. These data allow us to address two issues of central interest to family studies. First, we use our qualitative data to assess the measurement of cohabitation in surveys and the census. We find that current measurement strategies are probably underestimating cohabitation, and we may need to find new ways to measure cohabitation. Second, we employ qualitative findings to address issues relating to how we empirically model union formation. We find that the movement into cohabitation is not akin to marriage. It is often not a deliberate decision. Couples do not appear to be deciding between cohabitation and marriage; rather, their decision seems to center around whether to remain single or cohabit. These results have important implications for our analysis and understanding of cohabitation.
Longitudinal Dyad Models in Family Research
Authors: Lyons Karen S. , Sayer Aline G.
Published: September 2005

Multilevel modeling allows for the simultaneous analysis of data gathered at more than 1 unit of analysis (e.g., children nested in schools). It is often used to examine the effects of various contexts on individual differences in change. This paper promotes the application of multilevel models to longitudinal dyadic data in family research. By focusing on the dyad as context, researchers can examine within‐dyad change and begin to understand the interactive processes that constitute the relationship between partners. They can then frame questions about interdyad differences in within‐dyad change. We present several longitudinal models that researchers can use to examine the pattern of change within dyads, assess heterogeneity in change across dyads, and investigate cross‐partner effects on change. We comment on the implications of these models for family research.
Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutic Prospects of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Allosteric Modulators
Authors: Ritzén Andreas , Mathiesen Jesper Mosolff , Thomsen Christian
Published: September 2005

Abstract:The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR) consist of a family of eight G‐protein‐coupled receptors that differ in their function, distribution and physiological roles within the central nervous system. In recent years substantial efforts have been made towards developing selective agonists and antagonists which have proven useful for elucidating their potential as novel targets for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological diseases. In the present review we will provide an update of the recent developments of functional allosteric modulators of the mGluR family and explore their therapeutic potential for anxiety/depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy/stroke, pain and Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.
The lifetime of galactic bars: central mass concentrations and gravity torques
Authors: Bournaud F. , Combes F. , Semelin B.
Published: September 2005

Bars in gas-rich spiral galaxies are short-lived. They drive gas inflows through their gravity torques, and at the same time self-regulate their strength. Their robustness has been subject of debate, as it was thought that only the resulting central mass concentrations (CMCs) were weakening bars, and only relatively rare massive CMCs were able to completely destroy them. Through numerical simulations including gas dynamics, we find that with the gas parameters of normal spiral galaxies, the CMC is not sufficient to fully dissolve the bar. But another overlooked mechanism, the transfer of angular momentum from the infalling gas to the stellar bar, can also strongly weaken the bar. In addition, we show that gravity torques are correctly reproduced in simulations, and conclude that bars are transient features, with lifetime of 1–2 Gyr in typical Sb-Sc galaxies, because of the combined effects of CMCs and gravity torques, while most existing works had focussed on the CMC effects alone.
Mechanical Properties of Overaluminized MCrAlY Coatings at Room Temperature
Authors: Itoh Yoshiyasu , Saitoh Masahiro
Published: September 2005

The objective of this study is to compare the mechanical properties of overaluminized MCrAlY coatings sprayed by a vacuum plasma spraying process for the protection against high-temperature corrosion and oxidation in the field of gas turbine components. Recently, the overaluminized MCrAlY coatings are used for improving further the high-temperature oxidation resistance. However, the mechanical properties of aluminized MCrAlY coatings, which have an important effect on coating lives, have not been clarified. Five kind of freestanding MCrAlY specimens (CoCrAlY, CoNiCrAlY, CoNiCrAlY+Ta, NiCrAlY, NiCoCrAlY) were machined from the thick vacuum plasma sprayed (VPS) coatings. And, the heat-treated MCrAlY specimens (1393 K, 2 h, argon cooled and 1116 K, 24 h, argon cooled) and the overaluminized specimens (Al-Cr-Al2O3-NH4Cl pack, 1173–1273 K, 10 h) after the heat-treatment were used. The experimental results suggested that the volume fraction of precipitated aluminum compounds in the VPS MCrAlY coatings and the residual stress induced by the overaluminizing treatment had important effects on the mechanical properties. The Vickers hardness and Young’s modulus of the overaluminized MCrAlY coatings showed higher values in comparison with the VPS MCrAlY coatings. There was a tendency that the bend strength of overaluminized VPS MCrAlY coatings decreased by the aluminizing treatment and also with increasing volume fraction of precipitated aluminum compounds in the VPS MCrAlY coatings. It was also confirmed that the bend strength of aluminized layers themselves was reduced with increasing volume fraction of precipitated aluminum compounds in the VPS MCrAlY coatings. These tendencies were caused by the enrichment of brittle precipitates, such as NiAl and/or CoAl intermetallic compounds.
Methods for Specific Emission Evaluation in Spark Ignition Engines Based on Calculation Procedures of Air-Fuel Ratio: Development, Assessment, and Critical Comparison
Authors: d’Ambrosio Stefano , Spessa Ezio , Vassallo Alberto
Published: September 2005

New computational procedures are proposed for evaluating the exhaust brake specific mass emissions of each pollutant species in internal combustion (IC) engines. The procedures start from the chemical reaction of fuel with combustion air and, based on the measured exhaust raw emissions THC, CH4,NOx, CO, O2,CO2, calculate the volume fractions of the compounds in the exhaust gases, including those that are not usually measured, such as water, nitrogen and hydrogen. The molecular mass of the exhaust gases is then evaluated and the brake specific emissions can be obtained if the exhaust flow rate and the engine power output are measured. The algorithm can also be applied to the evaluation of air-fuel ratio from measured raw volume emissions of IC engines. The new procedures take the effects of various fuel and combustion air compositions into account, with particular reference to different natural gas blends as well as to the presence of water vapor, CO2, Ar and He in the combustion air. In the paper, the algorithms are applied to the evaluation of air-fuel ratio and brake specific mass emissions in an automotive bi-fuel Spark Ignition (SI) engine with multipoint sequential port-fuel injection. The experimental tests were carried out in a wide range of steady-state operating conditions under both gasoline and compressed natural gas operations. The specific emissions calculated from the new procedures are compared to those evaluated by applying Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and International Standards Organization (ISO) recommended practices and the air-fuel ratio results are compared to those obtained either from directly measured air and fuel mass flow rates or from Universal Exhaust Gas Oxygen (UEGO) sensor data. The sensitivity of the procedure results to the main engine working parameters, the influence of environmental conditions (in particular the effect of air humidity on NOx formation) and the experimental uncertainties are also determined.
Observations of Flame Behavior in a Laboratory-Scale Premixed Natural Gas/Air Gas Turbine Combustor From Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence Measurements of OH, Laser Doppler Anemometer Velocity Measurements, and Coherent Anti-Stokes Roman Spectrometer Temperature Measurements
Authors: Hedman Paul O. , Fletcher Thomas H. , Flores Daniel V. , Graham Stewart G. , Haslam Jason K. , Murray Robert L. , Timothy G. Wayne
Published: September 2005

Instantaneous planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) images of OH, simultaneous axial/radial and axial/tangential velocity measurements with an LDA (laser Doppler anemometer), and instantaneous gas temperature measurements using a coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectrometer (CARS) were obtained in a pre-mixed, swirl-stabilized laboratory-scale combustor, fired with natural gas. Four operating conditions were examined (two swirl conditions and equivalence ratios of 0.80 and 0.65). The instantaneous PLIF images of OH illustrate the chaotic nature of the turbulent flame eddies. Mean and standard deviations of each variable were measured at different locations in the flame, along with probability density functions. Stability of the flame at each condition is related to measurements in the central and side recirculation zones.
Influence of Fluid Dynamics on Heat Transfer in a Preswirl Rotating-Disk System
Authors: Lock Gary D. , Wilson Michael , Owen J. Michael
Published: September 2005

Modern gas turbines are cooled using air diverted from the compressor. In a “direct-transfer” preswirl system, this cooling air flows axially across the wheel space from stationary preswirl nozzles to receiver holes located in the rotating turbine disk. The distribution of the local Nusselt number Nu on the rotating disk is governed by three nondimensional fluid-dynamic parameters: preswirl ratio βp, rotational Reynolds number Reϕ, and turbulent flow parameter λT. This paper describes heat transfer measurements obtained from a scaled model of a gas turbine rotor-stator cavity, where the flow structure is representative of that found in the engine. The experiments reveal that Nu on the rotating disk is axisymmetric except in the region of the receiver holes, where significant two-dimensional variations have been measured. At the higher coolant flow rates studied, there is a peak in heat transfer at the radius of the preswirl nozzles associated with the impinging jets from the preswirl nozzles. At lower coolant flow rates, the heat transfer is dominated by viscous effects. The Nusselt number is observed to increase as either Reϕ or λT increases.
Unsteady Flow Structures in Radial Swirler Fed Fuel Injectors
Authors: Midgley Kris , Spencer Adrian , McGuirk James J.
Published: September 2005

Many fuel injector geometries proposed for lean-premixed combustion systems involve the use of radial swirlers. At the high swirl numbers needed for flame stabilization, several complex unsteady fluid mechanical phenomena such as vortex breakdown and recirculation zone precession are possible. If these unsteady aerodynamic features are strongly periodic, unwanted combustion induced oscillation may result. The present paper reports on an isothermal experimental study of a radial swirler fed fuel injector originally designed by Turbomeca, and examines the dynamical behavior of the unsteady aerodynamic flow structures observed. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is used to capture the instantaneous appearance of vortex structures both internal to the fuel injector, and externally in the main flame-stabilizing recirculation zone. Multiple vortex structures are observed. Vector field analysis is used to identify specific flow structures and perform both standard and conditional time averaging to reveal the modal characteristics of the structures. This allows analysis of the origin of high turbulence regions in the flow and links between internal fuel injector vortex breakdown and external unsteady flow behavior. The data provide a challenging test case for Large Eddy Simulation methods being developed for combustion system simulation.
A Novel Cooling Method for Turbine Rotor-Stator Rim Cavities Affected by Mainstream Ingress
Authors: Okita Y. , Nishiura M. , Yamawaki S. , Hironaka Y.
Published: September 2005

A combined experimental and numerical study of interaction between cooling flow and mainstream gas flow in a turbine rotor-stator rim cavity is reported. Particular emphasis is put on the flow phenomena in a rim cavity downstream of rotor blades. The experiments are conducted on a rig simulating an engine HP-turbine in which cooling effectiveness distributions as well as velocities, turbulence quantities, pressure, and temperature profiles are measured. Numerical calculation, especially at a full 3D, unsteady solution level, can lead to satisfactory predictions in fluid and mass transfer inside the cavity. Both experimental and numerical results indicate that large turbulence stresses near the rotor disk intensify turbulent diffusion across the cavity and consequently axial distribution of the cooling effectiveness inside the cavity becomes uniform. In order to obtain an adequate distribution of cooling effectiveness across the rim cavity and to suppress the turbulence level near the rotor surface for more efficient cooling, a novel cooling method is developed using numerical simulation. The disk-front and -rear cavities are then redesigned according to the new cooling strategy and integrated in the test rig. Experimental results verify a significant advance in cooling performance with the new method.