bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression analysis reveals early changes in several molecular pathways in cerebral malaria-susceptible mice versus cerebral malaria-resistant mice
Authors: Delahaye Nicolas F , Coltel Nicolas , Puthier Denis , Barbier Mathieu , Benech Philippe , Joly Florence , Iraqi Fuad A , Grau Georges E , Nguyen Catherine , Rihet Pascal
Published: December 2007

Background

Microarray analyses allow the identification and assessment of molecular signatures in whole tissues undergoing pathological processes. To better understand cerebral malaria pathogenesis, we investigated intra-cerebral gene-expression profiles in well-defined genetically cerebral malaria-resistant (CM-R) and CM-susceptible (CM-S) mice, upon infection byPlasmodium bergheiANKA (PbA). We investigated mouse transcriptional responses at early and late stages of infection by use of cDNA microarrays.

Results

Through a rigorous statistical approach with multiple testing corrections, we showed that PbA significantly altered brain gene expression in CM-R (BALB/c), and in CM-S (CBA/J and C57BL/6) mice, and that 327 genes discriminated between early and late infection stages, between mouse strains, and between CM-R and CM-S mice. We further identified 104, 56, 84 genes with significant differential expression between CM-R and CM-S mice on days 2, 5, and 7 respectively. The analysis of their functional annotation indicates that genes involved in metabolic energy pathways, the inflammatory response, and the neuroprotection/neurotoxicity balance play a major role in cerebral malaria pathogenesis. In addition, our data suggest that cerebral malaria and Alzheimer's disease may share some common mechanisms of pathogenesis, as illustrated by the accumulation of β-amyloid proteins in brains of CM-S mice, but not of CM-R mice.

Conclusion

Our microarray analysis highlighted marked changes in several molecular pathways in CM-S compared to CM-R mice, particularly at early stages of infection. This study revealed some promising areas for exploration that may both provide new insight into the knowledge of CM pathogenesis and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Adiposity, the Metabolic Syndrome, and Breast Cancer in African-American and White American Women
Authors: Rose David P. , Haffner Steven M. , Baillargeon Jacques
Published: December 2007

Breast cancer, the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in American women, varies substantially in incidence and mortality according to race and ethnicity in the United States. Although the overall incidence of breast cancer among African-American (AA) women is lower than in white American women, this cancer is more common in young premenopausal AA women, and AA breast cancer patients of all ages are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis, higher risk of recurrence, and poorer overall prognosis. Epidemiological studies indicate that these differences may be attributable in part to variation in obesity and body fat distribution. Additionally, AA women more frequently exhibit breast cancer with an aggressive and metastatic phenotype that may also be attributable to the endocrine and metabolic changes associated with upper body obesity. These changes include both elevated estrogen and androgen bioactivity, hyperinsulinemia, and perturbations of the adipokines. Type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, which are more common in AA women, have also been associated with breast cancer risk. Moreover, each of the individual components of the syndrome has been associated with increased breast cancer risk, including low levels of the adipocytokine, adiponectin. This review explores the specific roles of obesity, body fat distribution (particularly visceral and sc adipose tissue), type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and adipocytokines in explaining the differential patterns of breast cancer risk and prognosis between AA and white American women.
Crucial role of antisense transcription across theXistpromoter inTsix-mediatedXistchromatin modification
Authors: Ohhata Tatsuya , Hoki Yuko , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Sado Takashi
Published: December 2007

Expression of Xist, which triggers X inactivation, is negatively regulated in cis by an antisense gene, Tsix, transcribed along the entire Xist gene. We recently demonstrated that Tsixsilences Xist through modification of the chromatin structure in the Xist promoter region. This finding prompted us to investigate the role of antisense transcription across the Xist promoter in Tsix-mediated silencing. Here, we prematurely terminated Tsix transcription before the Xist promoter and addressed its effect on Xist silencing in mouse embryos. We found that although 93% of the region encoding Tsix was transcribed, truncation of Tsix abolished the antisense regulation of Xist. This resulted in a failure to establish the repressive chromatin configuration at the Xist promoter on the mutated X, including DNA methylation and repressive histone modifications, especially in extraembryonic tissues. These results suggest a crucial role for antisense transcription across the Xist promoter in Xist silencing.
Differential targeting of nNOS and AQP4 to dystrophin-deficient sarcolemma by membrane-directed α-dystrobrevin
Authors: Adams Marvin E. , Tesch Yan , Percival Justin M. , Albrecht Douglas E. , Conhaim Jay I. , Anderson Kendra , Froehner Stanley C.
Published: December 2007

α-Dystrobrevin associates with and is a homologue of dystrophin, the protein linked to Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies. We used a transgenic approach to restore α-dystrobrevin to the sarcolemma in mice that lack dystrophin (mdx mice) to study two interrelated functions: (1) the ability of α-dystrobrevin to rescue components of the dystrophin complex in the absence of dystrophin and (2) the ability of sarcolemmal α-dystrobrevin to ameliorate the dystrophic phenotype. We generated transgenic mice expressing α-dystrobrevin-2a linked to a palmitoylation signal sequence and bred them onto the α-dystrobrevin-null and mdx backgrounds. Expression of palmitoylated α-dystrobrevin prevented the muscular dystrophy observed in the α-dystrobrevin-null mice, demonstrating that the altered form of α-dystrobrevin was functional. On the mdx background, the palmitoylated form of α-dystrobrevin was expressed on the sarcolemma but did not significantly ameliorate the muscular dystrophy phenotype. Palmitoylated dystrobrevin restored α-syntrophin and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) to the mdx sarcolemma but was unable to recruit β-dystroglycan or the sarcoglycans. Despite restoration of sarcolemmal α-syntrophin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) was not localized to the sarcolemma, suggesting that nNOS requires both dystrophin and α-syntrophin for correct localization. Thus, although nNOS and AQP4 both require interaction with the PDZ domain of α-syntrophin for sarcolemmal association, their localization is regulated differentially.
Limit dome height and failure location of stainless steel tailor-welded blanks
Authors: Jie M , Cheng C H , Chow C L , Chan L C
Published: December 2007

Forming limits of stainless steel tailor-welded blanks (TWBs) are investigated through both testing and numerical simulation. Limit dome height (LDH) tests were performed for 1.2/1.0 mm TWBs with 0°, 90°, 45° weldment orientations and various blank widths. Numerical simulation of the LDH test was conducted with LSDYNA. Since TWB is, in reality, a structure, the forming limits of TWBs in terms of the LDH and failure location should be characterized rather than the conventional forming limit diagrams (FLDs). A localized necking criterion based on the vertex theory was employed to identify the failure sites of TWBs. The localized necking criterion was compiled into a computer program, which processed the output data from LSDYNA. The LDHs and failure locations were computed for various combinations of blank thickness and weldment orientation. The predicted LDH and failure locations were compared with the test results and found to be satisfactory.
Model of irreversible finite-heat capacity heat reservoir absorption heat transformer cycle and its application
Authors: Chen L , Qin X , Sun F
Published: December 2007

An irreversible four-temperature-level absorption heat transformer cycle model with variable-temperature heat reservoirs is established, which considers the heat resistances between the heat reservoirs and the working fluid, the internal irreversibility due to internal dissipation of the working fluid, and the heat leakages between the heat reservoirs and the surrounding. The general relations between the heating load and the coefficient of performance are derived, and the general performance characteristic and the optimal performance characteristic are obtained using numerical examples. Moreover, the cycle model and the derived general relations are confirmed by comparing the prediction results of the model and engineering analysis results for real absorption heat transformer, and the cycle performance characteristic are discussed. The results obtained herein can provide some guidance for the optimal design of absorption heat transformer.
Design of monocular head-mounted displays, with a case study on fire-fighting
Authors: Wilson J , Wright P
Published: December 2007

The paper presents a design methodology and a case study for monocular head-mounted displays (HMDs), wherein a user can simultaneously and easily see the physical world by looking through and/or around the display. The design approach is user-focused because of the complexity of the human visual system, and because HMDs are very task, user, and context specific. A literature review of factors related to HMD design is given. This includes considerations for basic optical design, the human visual system, and head and neck biomechanics. General HMD design guidelines are given based on these considerations. For the specific case study on fire-fighting, it is recommended that the HMD be mounted at 15° to 45° below the Frankfurt plane, with a 15° to 40° field of view. A resolution of 20–60 px/deg should be focused at 1 m or farther. The neck joint torque due to the HMD should not exceed about 1 Nm. This equates to a typical maximum weight of 0.5 to 1 kg depending on the mounting location.
The effect of an external magnetic field on natural convection in an inclined rectangular enclosure
Authors: Ece M C , Büyük E
Published: December 2007

Steady, laminar, natural-convection flow in the presence of a magnetic field of an arbitrary direction in an inclined rectangular enclosure with isothermal vertical walls and adiabatic horizontal walls was considered. The governing equations were solved numerically for the stream function, vorticity, and temperature ratio using the differential quadrature method for various Grashof and Hartman numbers and three different magnetic field directions, aspect ratios, and inclination angles. Counter-clockwise inclination of the enclosure enhances the convection whereas the clockwise inclination retards it. The magnetic field applied normal to the side walls are more effective for square and tall enclosures whereas the magnetic field applied parallel to the side walls is more effective for shallow enclosures.
Relationship between harmonic balance method and non-linear output frequency response function approach
Authors: Peng Z K , Lang Z Q
Published: December 2007

The current paper is concerned with the investigation of the relationship between the harmonic balance method (HBM) and the non-linear output frequency response function (NOFRF) approach in the analysis of non-linear systems. Both are applied to the Duffing's oscillator to demonstrate their relationships. The results reveal that, if the Volterra series representation of a non-linear system is convergent, the harmonic components calculated by the NOFRFs are a solution of the HBM. Moreover, the simulation studies show that, in the convergent cases, the NOFRF method can give more accurate results for the higher-harmonic components than the HBM. The relationship investigated in the current study between the two methods should help researchers and engineers to understand the HBM and the NOFRF methods.
Application of optimal preview control to speed-tracking of road vehicles
Authors: Sharp R S
Published: December 2007

Previous research on the application of optimal linear preview control to road vehicle steering is now extended to deal with speed-profile tracking as opposed to path tracking. After a brief review of the existing theory, a simple trolley model and a more elaborate but planar multi-body car model are described. The equilibrium or trim states of the simple trolley are trivial but those for the car need to be found through simulation, for the purpose of obtaining a linear, small-perturbation model, to which the control theory can be applied. Such a linear model for small-perturbations from any trim state is used for the linear optimal control computations.

It is shown how the speed-tracking problem can be put into optimal linear preview control form and controls are derived and shown as functions of speed and control authority or tightness. As established in previous work, the optimal controls are demonstrated to have state-feedback and preview parts. Diminishing returns for additional preview of the speed-demand are obtained, reinforcing the notion that only finite preview is needed for full system performance. The preview needs of representative systems are found. For very tight control, the necessary preview is short but a wide range of behaviours is possible, depending on the balance between tracking precision and control power. In this instance, control power means engine power.

Frequency responses of some optimally controlled systems are calculated and near-perfect speed-tracking is demonstrated for suitably band-limited and amplitude-limited demands. A simulation study shows the car motions in tracking a speed-profile of sinusoidal form.
Performance analysis of the ejector-vapour compression refrigeration cycle
Authors: Yari M , Sirousazar M
Published: December 2007

In the current paper, a new configuration of the ejector-vapour compression refrigeration cycle was presented, which uses an internal heat exchanger and intercooler to enhance the performance of the cycle. The theoretical analysis on the performance characteristics was carried out for this new cycle based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The effects of the evaporative and condenser temperatures on the coefficient of performance (COP), second law efficiency, exergy destruction rate and entrainment ratio were investigated. The exergy analysis is employed in order to identify the amounts and locations of the irreversibility within the cycles. It was found that the COP and second law efficiency values of the new ejector-vapour compression refrigeration cycle are on average 8.6 and 8.15 per cent higher than that of the conventional ejector-vapour compression refrigeration cycle with R125. It was also shown that the COP of the new ejector-vapour compression cycle is 21 per cent higher than that of the conventional vapour compression.
The future of telemedicine – take the organizational challenge!
Authors: Aas I H Monrad
Published: December 2007

Implementation of telemedicine has not been as rapid as was expected in the 1990s. Diffusion of technologies can be complex and is known to be influenced by many factors. Organizational problems are crucial for the future of telemedicine, but have been gravely underestimated. When a telemedicine service is established we have a virtual organization. Internal organizational consequences of telemedicine are very common and more effective use of the technology is likely to require organizational changes. For different applications of the technology there are similarities, and differences, in internal organizational consequences. Organizational matters connected with telemedicine are dealt with in a new book, The Organizational Challenge for Health Care from Telemedicine and E-health, the full text of which is available via the Internet. In the book, solutions are outlined for common organizational problems in telemedicine. Managers must actively lead organizational changes. Replacing simplified optimism with realism may be very important for the future of telemedicine.
Mobile phone consultation for community health care in rural north India
Authors: Bali Surya , Singh Amar Jeet
Published: December 2007

We conducted a study to ascertain the acceptability and feasibility of consultation by mobile phone in a rural area of northern India. The mobile phone number of a community physician was advertised to the general public and people were invited to telephone at any time for a medical consultation. Details of the calls received were recorded. During a seven-month study, 660 calls were received. The mean call duration was 2.7 min. Eighty percent of calls were made by men. Forty-eight percent of calls were made during office hours. A total of 417 (63%) calls were for seeking advice, 146 (22%) were for outpatient follow-up, 23 (4%) were for seeking appointments and the remaining 74 (11%) for other reasons. The most common problems were skin, respiratory, mental health and sexual problems. Of the 387 callers who were interviewed at follow-up, 302 (78%) stated that they had followed the advice provided. Of these, 91% found the advice very helpful in managing their health problems. About 96% of users wished to continue to use the service in future. The majority of calls made were of a primary care nature which could easily be dealt with by phone. The concept of using mobile phones for medical consultation seemed to be acceptable to people in rural Haryana.
A survey of patients attending an eye clinic in Ghana
Authors: Baker Helen , Ntim-Amponsah Christine , Murdoch Ian E
Published: December 2007

To determine the motivation behind patients attending hospital eye services, 30 in-depth interviews were conducted in Accra, Ghana, using a semi-structured format. Patients were interviewed from five different populations. Discomfort in the eye was the main reason for attending the eye clinic. Patients had high expectations of the doctors and expected to be cured. Limitations such as money, time and travel restricted the frequency of visits. Patients were not generally against doctors seeking second opinions although some expressed disappointment at their doctor being unable to make an immediate diagnosis. The majority of patients were happy for the doctor to seek a second opinion via teleconsultation or any other method. Care needs to be taken to ensure patients return for the outcome of these opinions.
Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
Authors: Babor Thomas F. , McRee Bonnie G. , Kassebaum Patricia A. , Grimaldi Paul L. , Ahmed Kazi , Bray Jeremy
Published: December 2007

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is a comprehensive and integrated approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services through universal screening for persons with substance use disorders and those at risk. This paper describes research on the components of SBIRT conducted during the past 25 years, including the development of screening tests, clinical trials of brief interventions and implementation research. Beginning in the 1980s, concerted efforts were made in the US and at the World Health Organization to provide an evidence base for alcohol screening and brief intervention in primary health care settings. With the development of reliable and accurate screening tests for alcohol, more than a hundred clinical trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and cost effectiveness of alcohol screening and brief intervention in primary care, emergency departments and trauma centers. With the accumulation of positive evidence, implementation research on alcohol SBI was begun in the 1990s, followed by trials of similar methods for other substances (e.g., illicit drugs, tobacco, prescription drugs) and by national demonstration programs in the US and other countries. The results of these efforts demonstrate the cumulative benefit of translational research on health care delivery systems and substance abuse policy. That SBIRT yields short-term improvements in individuals’ health is irrefutable; long-term effects on population health have not yet been demonstrated, but simulation models suggest that the benefits could be substantial.
Semiochemicals for insect pest management
Authors: Norin Torbjörn
Published: December 2007

Methods for crop protection based on semiochemicals show advantages over methods based on conventional insecticides. Applications of semiochemicals for insect pest management have, however, been limited. Some recent studies carried out in an interdisciplinary research program by five research groups in Sweden are presented. In spite of the chemodiversity in nature, it is striking that many simple and common compounds are important as chemical signals. This paper focuses on some examples of such simple signals, which are now used for monitoring and suppression of pest insects.
Synthesis and biological relevance of N-acetylglucosamine-containing oligosaccharides
Authors: El Ashry El Sayed H. , Aly Mohamed R. E.
Published: December 2007

The structural diversity as well as the biological significance of N-acetylglucosamine-containing glycans are exemplified. The problem of forming the respective glycosidic bonds of synthetic targets is addressed. Special emphasis has been given to human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), in view of their biological relevance, and synthetic approaches of selected examples are reported.
Metal-based anticancer drugs: From a past anchored in platinum chemistry to a post-genomic future of diverse chemistry and biology
Authors: Hannon Michael J.
Published: December 2007

The field of metal-based anticancer drugs was initiated by cisplatin, one of the leading agents in clinical use. Cisplatin acts by binding to DNA and forming 1,2 intrastrand cross-links. Its importance is reflected by the fact that it is estimated that 50-70 % of cancer patients are treated with a platinum drug [7]. For some time, molecular designs in the metallo-drug field remained obdurately anchored incis-diamine platinum(II) chemistry, but now the field is evolving rapidly with a variety of alternate and very diverse designs being explored. These designs give rise to new spectra of activity and potency and can circumvent cisplatin resistance. This critical review considers the existing clinical platinum drugs, and those currently in commercial development, alongside the new designs including ruthenium anticancer and antimetastatic drugs in clinical trials, polynuclear drugs, organometallic drugs, titanium and gallium drugs, and emerging supramolecular metallo-drugs that act on DNA by noncovalent interactions. The rapid evolution of the field is being informed by post-genomic knowledge and approaches, and further dramatic step-change breakthroughs can be expected as a result; harnessing this knowledge and responding to and taking advantage of this new environment requires integration of chemistry and biology research.
Science at the interface of chemistry and biology: Discoveries of α-glucosidase inhibitors and antiglycation agents
Authors: Atta-ur-Rahman  , Choudhary M. Iqbal , Basha Fatima Z. , Abbas Ghulam , Khan Shamsun Nahar , Shah S. Adnan Ali
Published: December 2007

Diseases are manifestations of complex biological processes in living systems. Through the applications of molecular biology and genetics, many diseases are now understood at the molecular level. This has provided researchers opportunities to develop lead molecules with the capacity of blocking a particular disease mechanism. Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder, characterized by hyperglycemia. The first objective of antidiabetic chemotherapy is to achieve normal glycemic index. Recently, major discoveries have been made to understand how the disease progresses and manifests its complications. We have used this growing understanding to work toward discovery of effective α-glucosidase inhibitors and antiglycation agents of natural and synthetic origins. Reliable bench-top biochemical assays were employed, and several new molecular entities were studied with reference to their structure-activity relationships.
Molecular design of tyrosinase inhibitors: A critical review of promising novel inhibitors from synthetic origins
Authors: Khan Mahmud Tareq Hassan
Published: December 2007

The enzyme tyrosinase is known to be a multifunctional copper-containing enzyme from the oxidase superfamily, which is the key protein involved in the biosynthesis of the large biological pigment, melanin. The enzyme catalyzes two distinct reactions of melanin biosynthesis, the hydroxylation of a monophenol and the conversion of an o-diphenol to the corresponding o-quinone. Inhibitors of this protein have a huge impact on industry and economy. So a number of research groups around the world are engaged and are expending much effort in the discovery of these inhibitors. In this report, we review the importance and applications of the recently designed synthetic tyrosinase inhibitors from our and other leading laboratories of the world, which have been published in recent years. In our continuing search for tyrosinase inhibitors from natural resources to semi- and full synthetic approaches, until now we discovered and reported a large number of mild to potent inhibitors of several classes, such as phenolics, terpenes, steroids, chalcones, flavonoids, alkaloids, long-chain fatty acids, coumarins, sildenafil analogs, bipiperidines, biscoumarins, oxadiazole, tetraketones, etc. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) of different classes of synthetic tyrosinase inhibitors have been discussed in this review.
Essential fatty acid components and antioxidant activities of eight Cephalaria species from southwestern Anatolia
Authors: Kırmızıgül Süheyla , Böke Nazlı , Sümbül Hüseyin , Göktürk R. Süleyman , Arda Nazlı
Published: December 2007

The hexane extracts of eight Cephalaria (Dipsacaceae) species, which were collected from southwestern Anatolia, were obtained by Soxhlet apparatus. The fatty acids were derived to methyl esters and determined by gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) systems. The dominant fatty acid components and maximum percentages were detected as myristic [in C. joppica (17.48 %)], palmitic [in C. cilicica, C. elmaliensis, C. isaurica, C. scoparia (19.51 %), and C. gazipashaensis], linoleic [in C. joppica (33.02 %), C. elmaliensis, C. dipsacoides, and C. gazipashaensis], α-linolenic (ALA) [in C. cilicica, C. elmaliensis, C. isaurica, C. scoparia, C. lycica, and C. gazipashaensis (47.95 %)] and oleic [in C. isaurica and C. dipsacoides (40.66 %)] acids. The antioxidant activity of all hexane extracts was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric thiocyanate (FTC), and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) methods. The results indicate that hexane extracts of Cephalaria species possess considerable antioxidant activity. The highest radical scavenging activity was detected in C. isaurica (IC50 = 741 μg/mL). The most effective species on lipid peroxidation are C. lycica and C. gazipashaensis in FTC and TBA assays, respectively. This study reveals that Cephalaria species are attractive sources of fatty acid components, especially the essential ones, as well as of effective natural antioxidants.
Screening of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in snake venom by electrospray mass spectrometry
Authors: Liesener André , Perchuc Anna-Maria , Schöni Reto , Schebb Nils Helge , Wilmer Marianne , Karst Uwe
Published: December 2007

An electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (ESI/MS)-based assay for the determination of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-inhibiting activity in snake venom was developed. It allows the direct monitoring of the natural AChE substrate acetylcholine (AC) and the respective product choline. The assay scheme was employed in the screening for neurotoxic activity in fractions of the venom of Bothrops moojeni. AChE inhibition was assessed in two fractions. As a positive control, the established AChE inhibitor 1,5-bis(4-allyl-dimethylammoniumphenyl)pentan-3-one dibromide (BW284c51) was used, a dose-response curve for this compound was generated and the IC50 value for the inhibitor was determined to be 1.60 ± 0.09 × 10-9 mol L-1. The dose-response curve was used as "calibration function" for the venom inhibition activity, resulting in BW284c51-equivalent concentrations of 1.76 × 10-9 mol L-1 and 1.07 × 10-9 mol L-1 for the two fractions containing activity. The ESI/MS-based assay scheme was validated using the established Ellman reaction. The data obtained using both methods were found to be in good agreement. The ESI/MS-based assay scheme is therefore an attractive alternative to the standard colorimetric assay.
Metal-specific interactions at the interface of chemistry and biology
Authors: Peijnenburg Willie J. G. M. , Vijver Martina G.
Published: December 2007

Metals have complex environmental chemistry. When metals are present at elevated levels, they cause toxicity. Some metals are essential for living organisms, and those metals occur naturally in the environment. The latter aspect has allowed biological species to adapt to long- and short-term variations in metal levels. Chemical speciation, bioavailability, bioaccumulation, toxicity, and mixture effects are key issues in assessing the hazards of metals.

In the present contribution, a global overview is given of the interactions between the chemistry and biology of metals, mostly at the interface of biological and environmental matrices. The environmental chemistry of metals and resulting methods for assessing metal availability are assumed as tokens, and the emphasis is thus on biological processes affecting the fate and effects of metals following interaction of the organism with the bioavailable metal fraction. The overview culminates in linking metal compartmentalization in organisms to bioaccumulation and toxicity.
Playing the muscle-man or new self-assuredness? Germany and the Iraq War
Authors: Frtig Henner
Published: December 2007

This article describes the catalysing effect of the Iraq War for the coming-of-age of Germany and its foreign policy after decades of having a defensive and pacifist approach in general and of playing the part of a loyal and helpful junior partner to the United States in particular.
Germany's political emancipation was a result of the reunification and the disappearance of the threats connected to the EastWest confrontation. Following the Cold War, subordination under the American security umbrella no longer seemed necessary for German survival. Nonetheless, it took a
dozen years for Germany to transform from a consumer to a producer of security in Kosovo, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, Kuwait and elsewhere until the RedGreen (Social Democratic and Green Party of Germany) coalition of 2002 was convinced Germany had the right to be consulted by its partners
before they undertook far-reaching political and military initiatives and that it had the right to a differing opinion. Since the political convictions and biographies of the initiators of the German Way seem to have had a decisive influence on their handling of the Iraq War controversy, a
second foreign policy of similar calibre this time under Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leadership would be necessary to convince sceptics of the irreversibility of Germany's emancipation.
Präoperative Gerinnungsdiagnostik bei Kindern / Preoperative coagulation screening in children
Authors: Eberl Wolfgang
Published: December 2007

Gerinnungsdiagnostik bei Kindern und Jugendlichen wird in der klinischen Realität überwiegend mit der Indikation präoperativer Diagnostik durchgeführt. Vergleichsweise selten wird eine manifeste Blutungsneigung abgeklärt, die verwendeten Tests sind jedoch in der Regel hierfür entwickelt. Die zur Verfügung stehenden Tests werden dem Ziel, bisher unerkannte Hämostasestörungen zu erfassen, gegenübergestellt. Gerinnungsglobalteste, Blutungszeit, Thrombelastogramm und PFA-Methode sind nicht in der Lage, sicher ein von-Willebrandsyndrom oder Thrombozytenfunktionsstörungen zu detektieren. Eine hohe Rate falsch positiver Befunde und der häufige Nachweis nicht relevanter Gerinnungsauffälligkeiten entwertet zusätzlich die Routinediagnostik. Es wird vorgeschlagen, nur Kinder mit anamnestisch auffälliger Blutungsneigung oder positiver Familienanamnese zu untersuchen und bei diesen durch geeignete Diagnostik initial ein von-Willebrandsyndrom auszuschließen.
Use of Coupled Multi-Electrode Arrays to Advance the Understanding of Selected Corrosion Phenomena
Authors: Cong H. , Bocher F. , Budiansky N. D. , Hurley M. F. , Scully J. R.
Published: December 2007

The use of coupled multi-electrode arrays in various corrosion applications is discussed with the main goal of advancing the understanding of various corrosion phenomena. Both close-packed and far-spaced electrode configurations are discussed. Far-spaced electrode arrays are optimized for high throughput experiments capable of elucidating the effects of various variables on corrosion properties. For instance, the effects of a statistical distribution of flaws on corrosion properties can be examined. Close-packed arrays enable unprecedented spatial and temporal information on the behavior of local anodes and cathodes. Interactions between corrosion sites can trigger or inhibit corrosion phenomena and affect corrosion damage evolution.
Differential gene expression in ACTH -secreting and non-functioning pituitary tumors
Authors: Tateno Toru , Izumiyama Hajime , Doi Masaru , Yoshimoto Takanobu , Shichiri Masayoshi , Inoshita Naoko , Oyama Kenichi , Yamada Shozo , Hirata Yukio
Published: December 2007

Objective

Differential expression of several genes between ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors causing Cushing' disease (CD), silent corticotroph adenoma (SCA), and non-functioning pituitary tumors (NFT) was investigated.

Design and methods

We used tissue specimens from 35 pituitary tumors (12 CD, 8 SCA, and 15 NFT). Steady-state mRNA levels of the genes related to proopiomelanocortin (POMC) transcription, synthesis, processing, and secretion, such as neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1), T-box 19 (Tpit), corticotropin releasing hormone receptor (CRHR), vasopressin receptor 1b (V1bR), prohormone convertase (PC) 1/3 and PC2, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) type 1 and type 2, glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα), annexin A1, histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), and BRM/SWI2-related gene 1, were determined by real-time RT-PCR.

Results and conclusion

POMC and Tpit mRNA levels were greater in CD and SCA than those in NFT. NeuroD1 mRNA levels were less in CD than those in NFT, but almost comparable between SCA and NFT. PC1/3 mRNA levels were greater in CD, but less in SCA than those in NFT. PC2 mRNA levels in CD and SCA were less than those in NFT. CRHR, V1bR, and 11β-HSD2 mRNA levels in CD were greater than those in SCA and NFT. HDAC2 mRNA levels in CD and SCA were lower than those in NFT. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the genes related to transcription, synthesis, processing, and secretion of POMC are differentially regulated in ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors causing CD and SCA compared with those in NFT. This may partly explain the development of clinically active and inactive CD.
A ‘smart’ type of Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Razenberg A J , Elte J W F , Rietveld A P , van Zaanen H C T , Cabezas M Castro
Published: December 2007

Cushing's syndrome results from lengthy and inappropriate exposure to excessive concentrations of either endogenous or exogenous glucocorticoids. This case report describes a patient with a novel type of Cushing's syndrome due to the use of party drugs. A 35-year-old woman had gained 8 kg body weight in 5 months and complained of anxiety. She showed a Cushing-like appearance and mild hypertension (blood pressure, BP 150/95 mmHg). She reported daily use of increasing doses of γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a popular party drug. ACTH plasma levels were in the upper normal range (41 ng/l), with normal plasma cortisol (0.36 μmol/l). She showed an abnormal overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test (cortisol 0.38 μmol/l). The urinary excretion of free cortisol in 24 h was also increased (0.47 μmol/24 h). CT scanning of the abdomen showed normal adrenals. After stopping GHB intake she lost 7 kg body weight and her BP normalized (BP 135/80 mmHg). GHB is a popular party drug in the Netherlands, but it is also used as a narcotic and for the treatment of narcolepsy. We hypothesize that GHB may bind to the pituitary gland γ-aminobutyric acid-B receptors leading to ACTH overproduction.
Consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adults with GH deficiency II: a statement of the GH Research Society in association with the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, Lawson Wilkins Society, European Society of Endocrinology, Japan Endocrine Society, and Endocrine Society of Australia
Authors: Ho Ken K Y , _ _
Published: December 2007

Objective

The GH Research Society held a Consensus Workshop in Sydney, Australia, 2007 to incorporate the important advances in the management of GH deficiency (GHD) in adults, which have taken place since the inaugural 1997 Consensus Workshop.

Method

Two commissioned review papers, previously published Consensus Statements of the Society and key questions were circulated before the Workshop, which comprised a rigorous structure of review with breakout discussion groups. A writing group transcribed the summary group reports for drafting in a plenary forum on the last day. All participants were sent a polished draft for additional comments and gave signed approval to the final revision.

Conclusion

Testing for GHD should be extended from hypothalamic–pituitary disease and cranial irradiation to include traumatic brain injury. Testing may indicate isolated GHD; however, idiopathic isolated GHD occurring de novo in the adult is not a recognized entity. The insulin tolerance test, combined administration of GHRH with arginine or growth hormone-releasing peptide, and glucagon are validated GH stimulation tests in the adult. A low IGF-I is a reliable diagnostic indicator of GHD in the presence of hypopituitarism, but a normal IGF-I does not rule out GHD. GH status should be reevaluated in the transition age for continued treatment to complete somatic development. Interaction of GH with other axes may influence thyroid, glucocorticoid, and sex hormone requirements. Response should be assessed clinically by monitoring biochemistry, body composition, and quality of life. There is no evidence that GH replacement increases the risk of tumor recurrence or de novo malignancy.
Production of transgenic goat (Capra hircus) with human Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (hG-CSF) gene in Brazil
Authors: Freitas Vicente J.F. , Serova Irina A. , Andreeva Lyudmila E. , Dvoryanchikov Guennadi A. , Lopes-Jr. Edilson S. , Teixeira Dárcio I.A. , Dias Luciene P.B. , Avelar Suely R.G. , Moura Raylene R. , Melo Luciana M. , Pereira Alexsandra F. , Cajazeiras João B. , Andrade Maria L.L. , Almeida Karlliely C. , Sousa Francisco C. , Carvalho Antonio C.C. , Serov Oleg L.
Published: December 2007

In order to produce transgenic goats with hG-CSF, a total of 24 adult Saanen and 48 adult undefined breed goats were used as donors and recipients, respectively. Donors were estrus-synchronized with vaginal sponges and superovulated by a treatment with 200 mg FSH given twice daily in decreasing doses over 3 days starting 48 h before sponge removal. Ovulation was induced by injecting 100µg GnRH 36 h after sponge removal. The recipients also received an estrus synchronization treatment. Donors were mated with fertile Saanen bucks and, approximately 72 h after sponge removal, zygotes were recovered surgically by flushing oviducts. The recovered zygotes were briefly centrifuged to a reliable visualization of the pronuclei. The DNA construct containing hG-CSF gene flanked by goat and bovine alphas1-casein sequences was injected into pronuclei of 129 zygotes. The microinjected embryos (3-6 per female) were transferred to 27 recipients. Ten recipients became pregnant and 12 kids were born. One transgenic male founder was identified in the group of kids. This is the first report of a birth of a transgenic goat in Latin America.
Coexistence of halloysite and kaolinite: a study on the genesis of kaolin clays of Campo Alegre Basin, Santa Catarina State, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Marisa T.G. de , Furtado Sandra M.A. , Formoso Milton L.L. , Eggleton Richard A. , Dani Norberto
Published: December 2007

Kaolin at Campo Alegre Basin, Santa Catarina State, Brazil was formed from alteration of volcanic acid rocks. Halloysite clays dominate the clay fraction of the matrix of the kaolin body, whereas a poorly crystalline kaolinite is abundant in veins. Some primary blocky structures have high amounts of illite, in one mine, but in general, only low contents of illite-smectite, illite, chlorite-vermiculite, vermiculite and quartz were identified in the clay fraction of the samples. Toward the top of the mines, hematite and lepidocrocite appear in horizontal red and ochre colored levels and the amount of kaolinite increases compared to halloysite. The vertical zoning of alteration levels, the changes in mineralogy, the positive correlation between depth and Cation Exchange Capacity of the clays, the preservation of different types of rock textures in the kaolin bodies, the dominant tube morphology of the halloysite clays indicate a supergene genesis for the deposits. Criteria to distinguish between supergene and hypogene kaolin are discussed. Transmission Electron Microscopy of the cross sections of halloysite tubes showed polygonal forms that are ascribed to be transitional between kaolinite and halloysite. It is proposed that some of the kaolinite of these deposits be inherited from the dehydration of halloysite tubes.
Analysis of tectonic-controlled fluvial morphology and sedimentary processes of the western Amazon Basin: an approach using satellite images and digital elevation model
Authors: Silva Clauzionor L. , Morales Norberto , Crósta Alvaro P. , Costa Solange S. , Jiménez-Rueda Jairo R.
Published: December 2007

An investigation of the tectonic controls of the fluvial morphology and sedimentary processes of an area located southwest of Manaus in the Amazon Basin was conducted using orbital remote sensing data. In this region, low topographic gradients represent a major obstacle for morphotectonic analysis using conventional methods. The use of remote sensing data can contribute significantly to overcome this limitation. In this instance, remote sensing data comprised digital elevation model (DEM) acquired by the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) and Landsat Thematic Mapper images. Advanced image processing techniques were employed for enhancing the topographic textures and providing a three-dimensional visualization, hence allowing interpretation of the morphotectonic elements. This led to the recognition of main tectonic compartments and several morphostructural features and landforms related to the neotectonic evolution of this portion of the Amazon Basin. Features such as fault scarps, anomalous drainage patterns, aligned ridges, spurs and valleys, are expressed in the enhanced images as conspicuous lineaments along NE-SW, NW-SE, E-W and N-S directions. These features are associated to the geometry of alternated horst and graben structures, the latter filled by recent sedimentary units. Morphotectonic interpretation using this approach has proven to be efficient and permitted to recognize new tectonic features that were named Asymmetric Ariaú Graben, Rombohedral Manacapuru Basin and Castanho-Mamori Graben.
40Ar/39Ar ages (600-570 Ma) of the Serra do Azeite transtensional shear zone: evidence for syncontractional extension in the Cajati area, southern Ribeira belt
Authors: Machado Rômulo , Dehler Nolan M. , Vasconcelos Paulo
Published: December 2007

This paper presents 40Ar/39Ar ages of the rocks from the Serra do Azeite transtensional shear zone in the southern part of the Ribeira belt, between the States of São Paulo and Paraná, and also discusses the regional correlations and the tectonic implications for other parts of the belt. The geochronological data suggest that transtensional deformation was active between 600 and 580 Ma (hornblende and muscovite apparent ages, respectively). This time span is considerably older than previous proposals for the period of activity of these structures (520-480 Ma) in the northern segment of this belt and in the Araçuaí belt. Kinematic analysis of the dated mylonites shows extensional structures with top-down movement to ESE compatible with structures found in other tectonic segments in the eastern portion of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero and in the Rio Doce Valley region. Our ages are situated in the same time interval defined for the alkaline magmatism of the Serra do Mar suite. We suggest that the regional tectonic framework was developed during continental-scale extension. This process has been coeval with convergent strain in the adjacent Neoproterozoic shear zones of the Apiaí/Ribeira and Araçuaí belts, which make up significant segments of these belts. The available data show that these structures may not be simply related to post-orogenic gravitational collapse, but must involve a more complex process probably related to dynamic balance between crustal thickening and thinning during tectonic convergence, basin formation and exhumation processes.
The representation of Caesalpinia echinata (Brazilwood) in Sixteenth-and-Seventeenth-Century Maps
Authors: Rocha Yuri T. , Presotto Andrea , Cavalheiro Felisberto
Published: December 2007

Brazilwood was the first product found in Terra de Santa Cruz, and the first explored by Portuguese colonization of Brazil. This study aims at the Occidental Cartography and the historical files represented by Portugal's interest on mapping the marketed product found in Brazil. There presentation of Brazilwood in maps was possible due to scientific advancements, new land discoveries, and technological improvement during the 15th century, which all have taken cartography to a whole new period, stressing Portuguese hegemony in Asia and in the New World. The goal of this research was to identify and analyze maps from 16th and 17th centuries that represented the geographical distribution of Brazilwood, and its trade. Brazilwood was represented in many maps by illumination and detailed by different cartographers. The maps and other evidence for this research were found in historical files held in both Brazil and Portugal.