bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated Peptide YY Levels in Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Misra Madhusmita , Miller Karen K. , Tsai Patrika , Gallagher Katie , Lin Alvin , Lee Noel , Herzog David B. , Klibanski Anne
Published: February 2006

Background: Peptide YY (PYY) is an intestinally derived anorexigen that acts via the Y2 receptor, and Y2 receptor deletion in rodents increases bone formation. Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with a deliberate reduction in food intake and low bone density, but endocrine modulators of food intake in AN are not known. In addition, known regulators of bone turnover, such as GH, cortisol, and estrogen, explain only a fraction of the variability in bone turnover marker levels.

Hypotheses: We hypothesized that PYY may be elevated in AN compared with controls and may contribute to decreased food intake and bone formation.

Methods: Fasting PYY was examined in 23 AN girls and 21 healthy adolescents 12–18 yr old. We also examined GH, cortisol, ghrelin, and leptin (overnight frequent sampling) and fasting IGF-I, estradiol, total T3, and bone markers. Macronutrient intake and resting energy expenditure (REE) were measured.

Results: AN girls had higher PYY levels compared with controls (17.8 ± 10.2 vs. 4.8 ± 4.3 pg/ml; P < 0.0001). Predictors of log PYY were nutritional markers, including body mass index (r = −0.62; P < 0.0001), fat mass (r = −0.55; P = 0.0003), and REE (r = −0.51; P = 0.0006), and hormones, including GH (r = 0.38; P = 0.004) and T3 (r = −0.59; P = 0.0001). Body mass index, fat mass, REE, GH, and T3 explained 68% of the variability of log PYY. Log PYY predicted percentage of calories from fat (r = −0.56; P = 0.0002) and independently predicted osteocalcin (r = −0.45; P = 0.003), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (r = −0.46; P = 0.003), N-telopeptide/creatinine (r = −0.55; P = 0.0003), and deoxypyridinoline/creatinine (r = −0.52; P = 0.001) on regression modeling.

Conclusion: Elevated PYY may contribute to reduced intake and decreased bone turnover in AN.
Acetylsalicylic Acid Improves Lipid-Induced Insulin Resistance in Healthy Men
Authors: Möhlig Matthias , Freudenberg Madlen , Bobbert Thomas , Ristow Michael , Rochlitz Helmut , Weickert Martin O. , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H. , Spranger Joachim
Published: February 2006

Context and Objective: Insulin resistance is a central feature of type 2 diabetes. Salicylates prevent lipid-induced insulin resistance in rodents by interrupting inflammatory pathways. We therefore investigated whether salicylates reduce lipid-induced insulin resistance in humans by affecting inflammatory pathways as reflected by serum adipocytokines.

Participants and Intervention: Ten healthy men were included in a crossover intervention study. Four euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps were performed, one without pretreatment, one with prior 2-h lipid infusion, one after pretreatment with 4 g acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and one with ASA pretreatment and prior lipid infusion.

Main Outcome Measure: Lipid-induced insulin resistance was quantified by the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique running at least 2 h. Repeated-measures ANOVA on two factors was used for comparison, and results were Bonferroni adjusted for multiple measurements. ASA effects on serum adipocytokines were addressed by comparing the areas under the curves.

Results: Glucose infusion rate (M value) of the control clamp without pretreatment was 6.3 (± 0.6) mg/kg·min. ASA pretreatment did not change glucose infusion rates (P = 0.6). Lipid infusion significantly decreased the M value to 4.1 (± 0.6) mg/kg·min (P = 0.008). After ASA pretreatment and lipid infusion, the M value was 4.8 (± 0.7) mg/kg·min and was significantly improved, compared with the lipid-only clamp (P = 0.036 after Bonferroni’s adjustment). General biomarkers of inflammatory processes (IL-6, C-reactive protein), the insulin-sensitizing mediator adiponectin, and circulating adiponectin oligomers were unchanged by ASA pretreatment.

Conclusions: ASA pretreatment attenuated lipid-induced insulin resistance in healthy humans. This acute insulin-sensitizing effect of ASA was unrelated to changes of circulating inflammatory markers.
Estrogen Metabolites and Systolic Blood Pressure in a Population-Based Sample of Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Masi Christopher M. , Hawkley Louise C. , Berry Jarett D. , Cacioppo John T.
Published: February 2006

Context: Lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and lower rates of coronary heart disease among premenopausal women compared with similarly aged men and postmenopausal women suggest that female sex hormones may confer cardiovascular protection. 2-Hydroxyestradiol, a product of 17β-estradiol oxidative metabolism, inhibits the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. The other major product of 17β-estradiol oxidative metabolism, 16α-hydroxyestradiol, does not demonstrate similar inhibitory effects. Concentrations of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE) and 16α-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE) in urine reflect the relative activity of the 2- and 16α-hydroxylation pathways of 17β-estradiol.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between SBP and the ratio of 2-OHE to 16-OHE in urine.

Design and Participants: This was a cross-sectional study of 80 postmenopausal women living in Cook County, Illinois.

Setting: This study was performed in an academic clinical laboratory.

Main Outcome Measure: The main outcome measure was SBP.

Results: Women taking hormone replacement therapy had higher levels of urinary 2-OHE and 16-OHE, but their mean 2:16-OHE ratio and SBP did not differ from that of women not taking hormone replacement therapy. In a multivariate regression model that controlled for age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, and antihypertensive medication use, a sd increase in the 2:16-OHE ratio was associated with a 6.7-mm Hg decrease (P < 0.05) in SBP.

Conclusions: The ratio of urinary 2-OHE to 16-OHE is a significant predictor of SBP among postmenopausal women and may reflect the effects of 2-hydroxyestradiol, a potent inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Beyond lectins: the calnexin/calreticulin chaperone system of the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Williams David B.
Published: February 2006

Calnexin and calreticulin are related proteins that comprise an ER chaperone system that ensures the proper folding and quality control of newly synthesized glycoproteins. The specificity for glycoproteins is conferred by a lectin site that recognizes an early oligosaccharide processing intermediate on the folding glycoprotein, Glc1Man9GlcNAc2. In addition, calnexin and calreticulin possess binding sites for ATP, Ca2+, non-native polypeptides and ERp57, an enzyme that catalyzes disulfide bond formation, reduction and isomerization. Recent studies have revealed the locations of some of these ligand-binding sites and have provided insights into how they contribute to overall chaperone function. In particular, the once controversial non-native-polypeptide-binding site has now been shown to function both in vitro and in cells. Furthermore, there is clear evidence that ERp57 participates in glycoprotein biogenesis either alone or in tandem with calnexin and calreticulin.
Injury patterns of the hybrid III fifth percentile female dummy according to airbag inflation
Authors: Jeon Sang-Ki , Park Gyung-Jin
Published: February 2006

The airbag is a widely accepted device for occupant protection in the automotive industry. Both restraint and automobile manufacturers have to come up with a proper airbag design to reduce the injuries from static and dynamic tests in the FMVSS 208 regulation. The objective of this study is to investigate the injury characteristics of the Hybrid III fifth percentile female dummy according to airbag inflation. In order to study the injury patterns, tests are performed for the dummy with the out-of-position (OOP). The test conditions are varied with various airbag parameters such as inflators, airbag folding methods, and cover tear lines. The relationships are investigated further by using computer simulations. The guidelines for the airbag design with the OOP are established and the injury patterns are identified.
Indirect selective laser sintering of an apatite-mullite glass-ceramic for potential use in bone replacement applications
Authors: Goodridge R D , Dalgarno K W , Wood D J
Published: February 2006

The feasibility of using indirect selective laser sintering (SLS) to produce parts from glass-ceramic materials for bone replacement applications has been investigated. A castable glass based on the system SiO2 Al2O3 P2O5 CaO CaF2 that crystallizes to a glass-ceramic with apatite and mullite phases was produced, blended with an acrylic binder, and processed by SLS. Green parts with good structural integrity were produced using a wide range of processing conditions, allowing both monolayer and multilayer components to be constructed. Following SLS the parts were post-processed to remove the binder and to crystallize fully the material, evolving the apatite and mullite phases. The parts were heated to 1200O C using a number of different time-temperature profiles, following which the processed material was analysed by differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, and tested for flexural strength. An increase in strength was achieved by infiltrating the brown parts with a resorbable phosphate glass, although this altered the crystal phases present in the material.
Investigation of the scroll compressor porting process. Part I: global flow physics and behaviour of gas pockets
Authors: Cui M. M.
Published: February 2006

The three-dimensional time-dependent porting process of a scroll compressor is investigated numerically. In the first part of the investigation, the porting flow is examined in the background of an integrated compressor working process. The compressor studied includes the upper bearing housing, scrolls, check valve, and discharge plenum. The Navier-Stokes equations with a k-ɛ turbulence model are solved at the standard operating condition of the scroll compressor. Refrigerant-22 is used as the working fluid. The thermodynamic and transport properties of the refrigerant gas are modelled by the Martin-Hou equation of state and power laws, respectively. Global flow physics is investigated first to lay a foundation to understand the working mechanisms that control the porting process before averaging techniques are applied. The behaviour of the gas pockets in the porting process is characterized in both geometric and dynamic nature. The time-dependent variation of volume, mass, energy, and volume-averaged field quantities inside the gas pockets is studied throughout the porting process. The performance of the given compressor design during the porting process is defined.
Finite element model simulation of hot forging of seamless elbow fittings
Authors: Salas-Zamarripa E , Guerrero-Mata M P , Colás R , Martínez J
Published: February 2006

This work presents the implementation of the hot-forging process of seamless elbow fittings into a finite element model (FEM) developed with the aid of a commercial software code. The strain gradients predicted by the FEM were compared with the strain distributions computed by a visioplastic analysis. Measurements made on forged elbows are used to validate the predictions of the FEM. Once the validation was successful, the FEM is used to evaluate the effect that the tooling design exerts on the final dimensions and characteristics of formed elbows; this was done by changing the design of the tooling (mandrel). Two critical characteristics are required in forged elbows; these are consistency in wall thickness and length of the external arc, as wall consistency is directly associated with product quality, whereas control on the length contributes to savings in raw material. Results found by the FEM allows the conclusion that these characteristics are related to each other.
Profile of antihypertensive prescription in a developing country
Authors: Alebiosu CO
Published: February 2006

Data from pharmocoepidemiologic studies examining the patterns of antihypertensives prescription within a population are important for identifying any discordance between published recommendations and clinical practice. The aims of this article are to investigate the antihypertensive drug prescription pattern and utilization in the management of systemic hypertension among Nigerians, and to relate these to established guidelines. Within the population, the prescription pattern of antihypertensive drugs is still at variance with established guidelines.
Clinical and laboratory indices of cholelithiasis in adult Nigerians with sickle-cell anaemia
Authors: Ajayi A O , Bojuwoye B J , Braimoh K , Ndububa D A
Published: February 2006

The clinical and laboratory indices of cholelithiasis in adult Nigerians with homozygous sickle-cell disease (SCD) were studied in 100 consecutive patients attending the adult SS clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.

The study examined the role of clinical (sickle cell (SS) crises, body mass indices [BMIs]), haematological (reticulocyte count, haemoglobin) and biochemical (serum bilirubin, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum amino transaminases) indices in predicting the likelihood of finding cholelithiasis in patients with SS anaemia.

A positive correlation was found between the BMI, SS crises, reticulocyte count, serum bilirubin, serum alanine and asparate transferases on one hand and the development of cholelithiasis (at P values of 0.04, 0.03, 0.05, 0.01 and 0.04, respectively) on the other. No such association was found between the other indices studied and cholelithiasis.
Preliminary reports of autologous blood transfusion in a plastic surgery unit
Authors: Olaitan P B , Onah I I , Ogbonnaya I S
Published: February 2006

We commenced autologous blood transfusion at the plastic surgery unit of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria in January 2001.

Forty-three patients who have so far had autologous blood transfusion up to June 2004 are reviewed. Autologous blood was found to be cheaper than homologous blood with no untoward reactions. We conclude that autologous blood is safe, cheap and should be considered in elective surgical cases.
Clinical and laboratory features of brucellosis in two university hospitals in Southeast Turkey
Authors: Kokoglu Omer Faruk , Hosoglu Salih , Geyik Mehmet Faruk , Ayaz Celal , Akalın Serife , Buyukbese Mehmet Akif , Cetinkaya Ali
Published: February 2006

This prospective study was carried out in two university hospitals between January 2000 and December 2002. The diagnosis of brucellosis was made with compatible clinical findings, positive Brucella agglutination 1/160 titres, and/or the isolation of Brucella species. The patients were followed up without intervention.

One hundred and thirty-eight patients with active brucellosis were evaluated. Of the participants, 79 (57.2%) cases were acute, 23 (16.7%) sub-acute and 36 (26.1%) chronic. Brucella melitensis was isolated in the specimens of 24 (26.9%) out of 89 patients. The most frequent symptoms were fever (78.3%), arthralgia (77.5%) and sweating (72.5%). The most common physical findings were fever (40.6%), splenomegaly (36.2%), and hepatomegaly (26.8%). The osteoarticular involvement was found in 64 patients (46.4%). Ten (7.5%) patients had orchiepididymitis. Meningitis, pulmonary involvement, endocarditis, and hepatitis were found in five (3.6%), three (2.1%), two (1.5%) and one (0.7%) patient, respectively. Relative lymphomonocytosis was found in 80 cases (58.8%), anaemia in 46 (33.3%) and leucopoenia in 30 cases (21.7%). Clinical relapse was observed in 14 patients (10.1%).
Preoperative analgesia in emergency surgical care in Ibadan
Authors: Aisuodionoe-Shadrach O I , Olapade-Olaopa E O , Soyannwo O A
Published: February 2006

Pain is the main complaint of patients presenting as surgical emergencies. However, preoperative analgesia has not been studied in developing countries. The adequacy of preoperative analgesia in 106 consecutive acute surgical cases admitted to the Accident and Emergency Department of The University College Hospital, Ibadan, was evaluated using the visual analogue scale and the verbal rating scale. In all, 58% of cases were trauma victims, and the male-to-female ratio was 2.5:1. Analgesia was not prescribed in 45.2% of the patients, 65% of whom were in severe pain. In addition, 81% who were given preoperative analgesia had 'moderate to severe' residual pain. The results showed that provision of preoperative analgesia is inadequate in emergency surgical cases in Ibadan.
A cluster of anthrax cases including meningitis
Authors: Leblebicioglu Hakan , Turan Derya , Eroglu Cafer , Esen Saban , Sunbul Mustafa , Bostanci Fatih
Published: February 2006

We report a common-source outbreak of anthrax. The source of infection was the carcass of a cow. Three patients developed anthrax, which affects meninx, skin and larynx. The patient with meningitis died. In all, 20 people who contacted or ate the cooked meat of the dead cow were given prophylactic tetracycline and remained well. This small outbreak calls for the increased awareness of physicians to this clinical entity in locations in which anthrax is endemic and for health education.
Economics of blood screening: in search of an optimal blood screening strategy
Authors: Chinkhumba Jobiba
Published: February 2006

The objectives of this retrospective study were to assess the economic impact that the practice of 'family replacement donor system' has on the operational costs of a rural blood bank and to rationalize efficient blood screening protocols with a view to minimizing blood screening costs without compromising blood safety.

Prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis were ascertained from records of 870 potential donors screened over a period of 6 months. Costs of screening tests were approximated by summing up costs of materials used per test. Overhead and labour costs were not factored in. Average and marginal costs of a fully-screened blood unit were calculated using different blood screening protocols.

The average and marginal costs of a fully-screened blood unit vary greatly depending on the order in which screening tests are conducted. Although the variation in average costs per blood unit among different protocols is narrow, US$ 29.44 to US$ 33, the variation in marginal costs is significantly wider ranging from US$ 22.79 to US$ 51.85. Overall, 78 (9%) of the potential donors had HIV infection while 25 (3.2%) had hepatitis B infections and nine (1.2%) donors had syphilis. Co-infection rate was very low at 1.4%.

The study shows that it is possible to prioritize blood screening tests for the selection of safe blood donors simply and cost-effectively in a developing country hospital. In the face of rapid rises in health-care spending, it is very important that essential health services such as blood screening are safely delivered with as little expenditure of financial resources as possible. To make sound economic decisions, average cost is not what matters but marginal cost, the cost of one more test.
Use of prophylactic antibiotics in a paediatric day-case surgery at NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria: a randomized double-blinded study
Authors: Osuigwe A N , Ekwunife C N , Ihekowba C H
Published: February 2006

This was a randomized double-blinded study to assess the need for prophylactic antibiotics in paediatric day-case surgery, as well as the cost implication. Group A received preoperative intravenous ampiclox and vitamin B complex in doses appropriate for weight and age, while group B received only vitamin B complex as a placebo. The study was completed by 138 (95.2%) patients in group A, and by 140 (97.2%) patients in group B. Wound infection was seen in seven (5%) patients in group A and six (4.3%) patients in group B. The average cost of hernia repair in group A was US$43 and US$31.1 in group B.
Access to medicines in Senegal: results of a sample survey
Authors: Garenne M , Candau D , Guimier J-M , Badiane M , Diop A C , Teulières L C
Published: February 2006

The survey was conducted in Senegal in April 2001 on a representative sample of providers and clients. Results show that access to medicines in Senegal was limited for three main reasons: (1) the supply of drugs was inadequate, and even critical drugs were often missing in health centres, and were somewhat less in pharmacies; (2) the health infrastructures appeared insufficient to cover the needs of the whole population, creating high opportunity costs; (3) the cost of the drugs prescribed was higher than the minimum price, sometimes exceeding the capacity of poorer people, although high cost was seldom reported as the main reason for not acquiring prescribed drugs. Improving access to medicine is a priority to help reduce health inequalities in developing countries.
Babies who die from labour-related intrapartum hypoxia: a confidential enquiry in South African public hospitals
Authors: Buchmann E J , Pattinson R C
Published: February 2006

Seventeen hospitals, from a range of health-care environments, participated in confidential enquiries of perinatal deaths resulting from labour-related intrapartum hypoxia. There were 102 deaths, including 22 stillbirths and 80 neonatal deaths. The mean birthweight was 3021 g. The active phase of the first stage of labour was prolonged beyond 12 h in six cases, and oxytocin was used for induction or augmentation in 10 women. Fetal heart decelerations were detected in 39 (49%) of the babies that went on to die in the neonatal period, and meconium passage was evident in 50 (63%). There were six breech presentations, and seven cases of cord prolapse. The majority of these deaths occurred in low-risk women with apparently uncomplicated labour. There appears to be a failure to detect or respond to evidence of fetal distress. Intrapartum care for all women in labour requires close attention to detail in monitoring fetal health.
Lid surgery in patients affected with leprosy in North-Eastern Nigeria: are their needs being met?
Authors: Mpyet Caleb , Hogeweg Margreet
Published: February 2006

Corneal blindness is second only to cataract as a cause of blindness in leprosy patients. Eyelid surgery provided by trained paramedical staff can often prevent blindness in these patients. We sought to determine the extent to which paramedic personnel are meeting the eyelid surgical needs of these patients and to investigate the barriers that may be preventing them from seeking surgery.

A total of eight leprosy settlements in north-eastern Nigeria were selected for this study. In these villages, 480 residents who were 30 years of age or older who had been diagnosed as having leprosy had their eyes examined for the presence of lagophthalmos, entropion/trichiasis and evidence of surgery for either of these conditions. Patients who had not been operated on for either of these conditions were questioned to determine their reasons for not seeking surgery.

One hundred and sixteen (12.1 %) eyes were in need of surgery while 5.1 % of eyes had been operated upon. The surgical coverage for eyelid surgery was 30%; lagophthalmos had a better surgical coverage of 44.4% compared to entropion/trichiasis, which had 24.7% coverage. Lack of awareness about the treatment available was the most common reason given for not seeking surgery. This study shows that despite the presence of trained paramedical staff in the community, the eyelid surgical needs of these patients are not being met primarily because the level of awareness about the availability of effective treatment still remains low. In addition, the readiness of eye-care staff to visit these settlements was disappointing. Extra efforts will have to be made.
A clinical guide to viral haemorrhagic fevers: Ebola, Marburg and Lassa
Authors: Jeffs Benjamin
Published: February 2006

The viral haemorrhagic fevers are a group of diseases that share many clinical features. Ebola, Marburg and Lassa are diseases that cause a relatively small number of deaths globally, but pose special risks to medical staff due to the ease of transmission, and can have a profound impact to the communities they affect. This article gives a brief overview of diseases caused by the Ebola, Marburg and Lassa viruses. It gives some practical advice to the clinician on the diagnosis and management of these diseases.
Seventy cases of non-tubercular psoas abscess at a rural referral centre in South Bengal
Authors: De Utpal , Pal Dilip Kr
Published: February 2006

About 70 patients admitted with psoas abscess are reviewed. The ratio of non-tubercular to tubercular psoas abscess was 6:1 and left-to-right psoas involvement was 1.6:1. Iliac fossa mass and neutrophilic leucocytosis were found in all the patients without any underlying bony involvement. Ultrasonography and needle aspiration of pus were followed by surgical drainage. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism cultured.
Maternal mortality in eclampsia: 489 cases
Authors: Khosla A H , Dahiya K , Sangwan K
Published: February 2006

In all, 489 women with eclampsia were reviewed, 20 (4%) of whom died, constituting 16% of all maternal mortality. Of all births in the hospital, 33% had stillbirths.
A prospective evaluation of the diagnostic value of sinus specimen cultures in chronic osteomyelitis
Authors: Onuminya J E
Published: February 2006

We prospectively compared organisms isolated from sinus and bone marrow specimens in 25 patients with chronic osteomyelitis at the King Orthopaedic Clinic, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria between January 2001 and December 2003. Sinus and bone marrow specimens were taken from each patient at the time of surgery and sent for aerobic cultures. The mean age was 12 years, with a range of 6-40 years. Staphylococcus aureus was the commonest organism associated with chronic osteomyelitis. Organisms isolated from the sinus specimens were similar to those obtained from the bone marrow specimens. Sinus specimen culture is a good guide to selection of antibiotics in the preoperative treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.
Congenital TB associated with asymptomatic maternal endometrial TB
Authors: Surve Talib Y , Malkani Meena , Mhatre Amit , Samdani Vinit P
Published: February 2006

Congenital TB has varied clinical manifestations, and may mimic septicaemia in neonates. Congenital TB is transmitted through the infected placenta via the umbilical vein or inhalation and ingestion of infected amniotic fluid. Endometrial TB usually manifests as infertility; however, congenital TB can be identified in the presence of asymptomatic maternal endometrial TB. We report a case of congenital TB associated with asymptomatic maternal endometrial TB to highlight the need for endometrial biopsy in such cases.
Specific Immunolabeling of Brain Macrophages and Microglial Cells in the Developing and Mature Chick Central Nervous System
Authors: Cuadros Miguel A. , Santos Ana M. , Martín-Oliva David , Calvente Ruth , Tassi Mohamed , Marín-Teva JoséLuis , Navascués Julio
Published: February 2006

The present study showed that the HIS-C7 monoclonal antibody, which recognizes the chick form of CD45, is a specific marker for macrophages/microglial cells in the developing and mature chick central nervous system (CNS). HIS-C7-positive cells were characterized according to their morphological features and chronotopographical distribution patterns within developing and adult CNS, similar to those of macrophages/microglial cells in the quail CNS and confirmed by their histochemical labeling with Ricinus communis agglutinin I, a lectin that recognizes chick microglial cells. Therefore, the HIS-C7 antibody is a valuable tool to identify brain macrophage and microglial cells in studies of the function, development, and pathology of the chick brain. CD45 expression differed between chick microglia (as revealed with HIS-C7 antibody) and mouse microglial cells (as revealed with an antibody against mouse form of CD45). Thus, a discontinuous label was seen on mouse microglial cells with the anti-mouse CD45 immunostaining, whereas the entire surface of chick microglial cells was labeled with the anti-chick CD45 staining. The functional relevance of these differences between species has yet to be determined.
Active Remodeling in Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias: Evaluation of Collagen Types XII and XIV
Authors: Tzortzaki Eleni G. , Koutsopoulos Anastassios V. , Dambaki Konstantina I. , Lambiri Irini , Plataki Maria , Gordon Marion K. , Gerecke Donald R. , Siafakas Nikolaos M.
Published: February 2006

Fibril-associated collagens with interrupted triple helices (FACITs) XII and XIV act as fibril organizers and assist in the maintenance of uniform fibril size. We investigated the spatial expression patterns of collagens XII and XIV in cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP)/organizing pneumonia (OP) and in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and compared them to normal human lung. Study subjects included 10 patients with COP/OP, 10 patients with IPF/UIP, and 8 control subjects. Immunostaining for collagens XII and XIV was carried out in paraffin-embedded human lung tissue sections. Picrosirius red histochemical staining for collagen I expression and electron microcopy to evaluate fibril diameter were also performed. In normal lung, collagens XII and XIV were expressed in perivascular and subpleural connective tissue. In COP/OP, both collagens showed intense staining in perivascular connective tissue, thickened alveolar septae, and subpleural areas. In IPF/UIP, XII and XIV were expressed in perivascular connective tissue, in areas of established fibrosis, and in areas of subpleural thickening. Only collagen XII was expressed in granulation tissue plugs in COP/OP and in fibroblastic foci in IPF/UIP. Collagen type I was overexpressed in fibrotic areas. Electron micrographs revealed obvious fibril diameter alteration and fusion in the same areas. FACITs XII and XIV are expressed in normal and fibrotic lung. Unlike collagen XIV, collagen XII was expressed in granulation tissue plugs in COP/OP and in fibroblast foci in IPF/UIP. This may suggest a possible distinct role for both collagens in the modulation of the extracellular matrix during the onset of fibrotic process.
Atrial and Ventricular Myosin Heavy-chain Expression in the Developing Chicken Heart: Strengths and Limitations of Non-radioactive In Situ Hybridization
Authors: Somi Semir , Klein André T. J. , Houweling Arjan C. , Ruijter Jan M. , Buffing Anita A.M. , Moorman Antoon F.M. , van den Hoff Maurice J.B.
Published: February 2006

Myosin heavy-chain (MHC) isoforms are major structural components of the contractile apparatus of the heart muscle. Their spatio-temporal patterns of expression have been used as a tool to dissect cardiac development and differentiation. Although extensively investigated, controversy still exists concerning the expression patterns of atrial (AMHC), ventricular (VMHC), and cardiac myosin heavy-chain (CMHC) during development in the heart. In this study, we describe that probe length, probe concentration, and staining time in the non-radioactive in situ hybridization procedure seriously influence the observed pattern of MHC expression and the subsequent interpretation, explaining the divergent opinions in the field. Using a variety of external and internal controls for the in situ hybridization procedure, we demonstrate that both AMHC and VMHC are expressed throughout the entire heart tube during early development. During subsequent development, VMHC becomes restricted to the ventricles, whereas AMHC remains expressed in the atria, and, at substantially lower levels, is detected in the ventricles. These results are discussed in the context of methodological constraints of demonstrating patterns of gene expression. This manuscript contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org . Please visit this article online to view these materials.
Impaired Neuronal Positioning and Dendritogenesis in the Neocortex after Cell-Autonomous Dab1 Suppression
Authors: Olson Eric C. , Kim Seonhee , Walsh Christopher A.
Published: February 2006

Reelin and Disabled 1 (Dab1) are essential for positioning migrating neurons in the developing neocortex. Cell-autonomous RNA interference-mediated suppression of Dab1 in migrating neurons destined for layer 2/3 shifted the median position of these cells to deeper positions within the cortex. At the time of migration arrest [embryonic day 20 (E20) to E21], Dab1-suppressed cells were underrepresented in the upper ∼40 μm of the cortex compared with controls, suggesting that Dab1 is essential for somal translocation through the cell-dense cortical plate. Closer examination of the morphology of Dab1-suppressed neurons at E20 revealed simplified leading processes that are less likely to contact the marginal zone (MZ), in which high levels of Reelin are expressed. Examination of Dab1-suppressed cells 3 d later (postnatal day 2) revealed simplified dendrites that are also less likely to contact the MZ. These data reveal a cell-autonomous role of Dab1 in dendritogenesis in the neocortex and suggest that remodeling of the leading process of a migrating neuron into a nascent dendrite by Reelin/Dab1 signaling plays an important role in cell positioning.
Smart Structures and Intelligent Systems for Health Monitoring and Diagnostics
Authors: El-Sherif M. A.
Published: February 2006

“Smart and intelligent” structures are defined as structures capable of monitoring their own “health” condition and structural behavior, such structures are capable of sensing external environmental conditions, making decisions, and sending the information to other locations. Available conventional devices and systems are not technologically mature for such applications. New classes of miniature devices and networking systems are urgently needed for such applications. In this paper, two examples of the successful work achieved so far, in biomedical application of smart structures, are presented. The first one is based on the development of a smart bone fixation device for rehabilitation and treatment. This device includes a smart composite bar that can sense physical stress applied to the fractured bones, and send the information to the patient′s physician remotely. The second is on the development of smart fabrics for many applications including health monitoring and diagnostics. Successful development of such smart fabrics with embedded fiber optic sensors and networks is mainly dependent on the development of the proper miniature sensor technology, and on the integration of these sensors into textile structures. The developed smart structures will be discussed and samples of the results will be presented.
Compressive Loads on the Lumbar Spine During Lifting: 4D WATBAK versus Inverse Dynamics Calculations
Authors: Cole M. H. , Grimshaw P. N.
Published: February 2006

Numerous two‐ and three‐dimensional biomechanical models exist for the purpose of assessing the stresses placed on the lumbar spine during the performance of a manual material handling task. More recently, researchers have utilised their knowledge to develop specific computer‐based models that can be applied in an occupational setting; an example of which is 4D WATBAK. The model used by 4D WATBAK bases its predications on static calculations and it is assumed that these static loads reasonably depict the actual dynamic loads acting on the lumbar spine. Consequently, it was the purpose of this research to assess the agreement between the static predictions made by 4D WATBAK and those from a comparable dynamic model. Six individuals were asked to perform a series of five lifting tasks, which ranged from lifting 2.5 kg to 22.5 kg and were designed to replicate the lifting component of the Work Capacity Assessment Test used within Australia. A single perpendicularly placed video camera was used to film each performance in the sagittal plane. The resultant two‐dimensional kinematic data were input into the 4D WATBAK software and a dynamic biomechanical model to quantify the compression forces acting at the L4/L5 intervertebral joint. Results of this study indicated that as the mass of the load increased from 2.5 kg to 22.5 kg, the static compression forces calculated by 4D WATBAK became increasingly less than those calculated using the dynamic model (mean difference ranged from 22.0% for 2.5 kg to 42.9% for 22.5 kg). This study suggested that, for research purposes, a validated three‐dimensional dynamic model should be employed when a task becomes complex and when a more accurate indication of spinal compression or shear force is required. Additionally, although it is clear that 4D WATBAK is particularly suited to industrial applications, it is suggested that the limitations of such modelling tools be carefully considered when task‐risk and employee safety are concerned.
Robot Imitation: Body Schema and Body Percept
Authors: Acosta-Calderon C. A. , Hu H.
Published: February 2006

There are two functional elements used by humans to understand and perform actions. These elements are: the body schema and the body percept. The first one is a representation of the body that contains information of the body′s capabilities. The second one is a snapshot of the body and its relation with the environment at a given instant. These elements interact in order to generate, among other abilities, the ability to imitate. This paper presents an approach to robot imitation based on these two functional elements. Our approach is gradually expanded throughout three developmental stages used by humans to refine imitation. Experimental results are presented to support the feasibility of the proposed approach at the current stage for 2D movements and simple manipulation actions.
Optimization‐Based Layout Design
Authors: Abdel-Malek K. , Mi Z. , Yang J. , Nebel K.
Published: February 2006

The layout problem is of importance to ergonomists, vehicle/cockpit packaging engineers, designers of manufacturing assembly lines, designers concerned with the placement of levers, knobs, controls, etc. in the reachable workspace of a human, and also to users of digital human modeling code, where digital prototyping has become a valuable tool. This paper proposes a hybrid optimization method (gradient‐based optimization and simulated annealing) to obtain the layout design. We implemented the proposed algorithm for a project at Oral‐B Laboratories, where a manufacturing cell involves an operator who handles three objects, some with the left hand, others with the right hand.
Sensory Integration with Articulated Motion on a Humanoid Robot
Authors: Rojas J. , Peters R. A.
Published: February 2006

This paper describes the integration of articulated motion with auditory and visual sensory information that enables a humanoid robot to achieve certain reflex actions that mimic those of people. Reflexes such as reach‐and‐grasp behavior enables the robot to learn, through experience, its own state and that of the world. A humanoid robot with binaural audio input, stereo vision, and pneumatic arms and hands exhibited tightly coupled sensory‐motor behaviors in four different demonstrations. The complexity of successive demonstrations was increased to show that the reflexive sensory‐motor behaviors combine to perform increasingly complex tasks. The humanoid robot executed these tasks effectively and established the groundwork for the further development of hardware and software systems, sensory‐motor vector‐space representations, and coupling with higher‐level cognition.
Estimating the Energy Density of Fish: The Importance of Ontogeny
Authors: Wuenschel Mark J. , Jugovich Amelia R. , Hare Jonathan A.
Published: February 2006

Ontogenetic patterns in the percent dry weight (%DW) and energy density (joules per gram of wet weight) were studied in the early life stages of the subtropical estuarine and marine gray snapper Lutjanus griseus and the warm‐temperate estuarine and marine spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus. The %DW was variable for individuals of both species but increased significantly through larval to juvenile stages (<20% for fish <50 mm standard length to 20–30% for fish >50 mm). The lipid percentage, which was determined only for gray snapper, was also variable between individuals but showed significant increase with body size. Strong relationships between percent dry weight and energy density were evident for both species; however, the slopes of regressions were significantly lower than in general multispecies models, demonstrating the need for species‐ and stage‐specific energy density data in bioenergetics models.
Large‐Scale Marine and Freshwater Movements of White Sturgeon
Authors: Welch D. W. , Turo S. , Batten S. D.
Published: February 2006

Sturgeon movements are poorly known. We report here telemetry data on the marine and freshwater movements of a 188‐cm (fork length; probably 30–60 years old) white sturgeonAcipenser transmontanusover a 19‐month period. Initially tagged in the Klamath River, California, in May 2002, it remained there until emigrating to the ocean in November 2002. It was next detected more than 1,000 km away in the Fraser River, British Columbia, where it made extended in‐river movements in September and October 2003. Given the long periods of time spent in at least two very different river systems (one clear and one highly turbid), the home river is uncertain. Large‐scale movements of sturgeon outside the home river have serious implications for population assessments and development of successful management plans. Our results highlight the potential value of permanent large‐scale telemetry systems.
Green Manure Approaches to Crop Production: A Synthesis
Authors: Cherr C. M. , Scholberg J. M. S. , McSorley R.
Published: February 2006

A green manure (GM) is a crop used primarily as a soil amendment and a nutrient source for subsequent crops. Green manure approaches to crop production may improve economic viability, while reducing the environmental impacts of agriculture. However, such approaches are complex because they depend on interactions between the GM, the environment, and management. We suggest that the research and management techniques developed for synthetic inputs are not adequate for effective GM use. This review provides a conceptual framework to more critically evaluate GM use, and we discuss a limited number of key examples involving GM adaptation and growth, effects on soil organic matter, N release and availability for future crops, and pest control. We explore the deficiencies in our current understanding of GM approaches and argue that economic justification of GM requires provision of multiple services (such as nutrient supply, pest and weed control, and increase of soil organic matter). We propose that future research efforts make improved use of whole systems and participatory strategies to better address both the complexity of GM‐based cropping systems and the obstacles preventing farmer adoption of GM approaches.
Thermodynamics of binary and ternary complexes of 3-amino-1, 2, 4-triazole and aminoacids with Ni(II) and Co(II) metal ions
Authors: Erçag Ayse , Sismanoglu Tuba , Pura Suheyla
Published: February 2006

The stability constants of the 1:1 binary complexes of Ni(II) and Co(II) with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AT), leucine (Leu) and glutamic acid (Glu), and the 1:1:1 ternary complex of them and the protonation constants of the ligands were determined potentiometrically at a constant ionic strength of I = 0.10 mol L-1 (NaClO4) in aqueous solutions at 15.0 and 25.0 ?C. The thermodynamic parameters ?Gf0, ?Hf0 and ?Sf0 are reported for the formation reactions of the complexes. The enthalpy changes of all the complexations were found to be negative but the entropy changes positive. While the driving force for the formation of the Ni(II), Co(II) ? AT complexes is the enthalpy decrease, the driving force for the ternary complexes of AT is the entropy increase.
Chemical polymerization of aniline in phenylphosphinic acid
Authors: Plesu Nicoleta , Ilia Gheorghe , Bandur Geza , Popa Simona
Published: February 2006

The chemical polymerization of aniline was performed in phenylphosphinic acid (APP) medium using ammonium peroxidisulfate as the oxidizing agent, at 0 ?C and 25 ?C. The yield of polyaniline (PANI) was about 60?69 %. The polymerization process required an induction time 8?10 times greater than in other acids (hydrochloric, sulfuric). The average density of the obtained polymer was 1.395 g cm-3 for PANI-salt and 1.203 g cm-3 for PANI-base. The acid capacity of PANI depends on the synthesis parameters and the maximum value was 15.02 meq/g polymer. The inherent viscosity of PANI was 0.662 dl/g at aniline/oxidant molar ratios >2 and 0 ?C. The oxidation state was a function of the synthesis parameters and lay between 0.553?0.625, as determined from UV-VIS and titration with TiCl3 data. The PANI samples were characterized by measurements of their density, inherent viscosity conductivity, acid capacity, FTIR and UV-VIS spectrum, and thermogravimetric data.
Iterative estimation of total π-electron energy
Authors: Türker Lemi , Gutman Ivan
Published: February 2006

In this work, the lower and upper bounds for total ?-electron energy (E) was studied. A method is presented, by means of which, starting with a lower bound EL and an upper bound EU for E, a sequence of auxiliary quantities E0 E1, E2,? is computed, such that E0 = EL, E0 < E1 < E2 < ?, and E = EU. Therefore, an integer k exists, such that Ek E < Ek+1. If the estimates EL and EU are of the McClelland type, then k is called the McClelland number. For almost all benzenoid hydrocarbons, k = 3.
RP-HPLC determination of vitamins, folic acid and B12 in multivitamin tablets
Authors: Amidzic Rada , Brboric Jasmina , Cudina Olivera , Vladimirov Sote
Published: February 2006

A simple and sensitive reversed-phase, ion-pair HPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of B-group vitamins, thiamine chloride hydrochloride (B1), nicotinamide (B3), pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6) and folic acid in Pentovit? coated tablets. The cyanocobalamine (B12) was determined separately, because of its low concentration in the investigated multivitamin preparation. RP-HPLC analysis was per- formed with a LKB 2150 HPLC system, equipped with a UV/VIS Waters M 484 detector. The procedures for the determination of B1, B2, B6 and folic acid were carried out on a Supelcosil ABZ+ (15 cm 4.6 mm; 5 m) column with methanol-5mM heptanesulphonic acid sodium salt 0.1 % triethylamine TEA (25:75 V/V); pH 2.8 as the mobile phase. For the determination of B12 a Suplex pKb-100 (15 cm 4.6 mm; 5 m) column and methanol?water (22:78 V/V) as the mobile phase were used. The column effluents were monitored at 290 nm for B1, B3, B6 and folic acid, and at 550 nm for B12. The obtained results and statistical parameters for all the investigated vitamins of the B-group in Pentovit? coated tablets were satisfactory and ranged from 90.4 % to 108.5 % (RSD. from 0.5 % to 4.1 %). The parameters for the validation of the methods are given.
Qualitative TLC determination of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sugar-beet
Authors: Loncar Eva , Kolarov Ljiljana , Malbasa Radomir , Skrbic Biljana
Published: February 2006

The presence of polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in sugar-beet from a local sugar factory in the district of Vojvodina. The sugar-beet was cultivated on areas near roads with intensive traffic. The procedure for the preparation and determination of these compounds included saponification of the sample, several liquid?liquid extraction systems and a silica gel column clean-up. The purified sample solution was analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel with cyclohexane as the developing solvent. Benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(a)anthracene and/or benzo(a)pyrene were detected at concentrations greater than the allowed limits in food.
Synthetic utility of 5-amino-6-cyano-2-phenylthieno[2,3-d] oxazole
Authors: Kanetkar V.R. , Walavalkar R.R.
Published: February 2006

This paper describes the synthesis of 5-amino-6-cyano-2-phenylthieno[ 2,3-d]oxazole and its utilization for the preparation of a range of azo disperse dyes. These aryl azo disperse dyes were applied on polyester fabric and their fastness properties were evaluated. The dyes were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy. The visible absorption spectra of these dyes were Recorded.