bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural analysis of mycobacterial and murine hsp60 epitopes in complex with the class I MHC molecule H‐2Db
Authors: Ciatto Carlo , Capitani Guido , Tissot Alain C. , Pecorari Frédéric , Plückthun Andreas , Grütter Markus G.
Published: May 2003

The decameric peptide SALQNAASIA from the Mycobacterium bovis heat shock protein (hsp) 60 is recognized by the murine T‐cell receptor UZ‐3‐4 in complex with the murine class I major histocompatibility complex molecule H‐2Db. This T‐cell receptor cross‐reacts with the H‐2Db‐bound non‐homologous decameric peptide KDIGNIISDA from the murine hsp60, but does not recognize the nonameric mycobacterial peptide SALQNAASI. Cross‐recognition of the KDIGNIISDA/H‐2Db complex induces autoimmune pathology in immunodeficient mice. We solved the X‐ray crystal structure of the SALQNAASIA/H‐2Db complex at 3.0 Å resolution, and we modelled the KDIGNIISDA and SALQNAASI peptides in the H‐2Db binding site. The structural analysis of the H‐2Db‐bound hsp60 epitopes offers insight into T‐cell receptor cross‐reactivity.
pH opposite effects on synthesis of dinucleoside polyphosphates and on oxidation reactions catalyzed by firefly luciferase
Authors: Fraga Hugo , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C.G. , Fontes Rui
Published: May 2003

Previous results have shown that an oxidizing product of firefly luciferin, dehydroluciferyl‐adenylate, is the main intermediate in the process of synthesis of dinucleoside polyphosphates catalyzed by firefly luciferase (EC 1.13.12.7). However, we have found that the pH effects on the luciferase oxidizing processes and on the synthesis of dinucleoside polyphosphate are opposite: acidic assay media enhance the synthesis of dinucleoside polyphosphate and inhibit the oxidizing processes. The reason for this apparent contradiction lies on the activation effect of low pH on the adenylate transfer reaction from dehydroluciferyl‐adenylate to the acceptor nucleotide.
Interaction of Sp1 transcription factor with HIV‐1 Tat protein: looking for cellular partners
Authors: Loregian Arianna , Bortolozzo Katia , Boso Silvia , Caputo Antonella , Palù Giorgio
Published: May 2003

The Tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) trans‐activates HIV‐1 transcription by functionally interacting with a number of cellular proteins, among which the Sp1 transcription factor. We recently demonstrated that Tat does not directly interact with Sp1 either in vitro or in vivo, and we suggested that other protein(s) could indirectly mediate Tat–Sp1 interaction. In keeping, here we showed that addition of HeLa cell nuclear extracts to purified Tat and Sp1 proteins allows the formation of a Tat/Sp1 complex in in vitro binding assays. In an attempt to identify the partner(s) that bridge Tat and Sp1, we developed a yeast multi‐protein system, in which cellular proteins recently shown to play a relevant role in Tat function, namely TATA box‐binding protein, cyclin T1, CDK9, and cyclin T1/CDK9 complex, were coexpressed, individually or in pair‐wise combination, with Tat and Sp1 hybrids. We demonstrated that none of these candidate partners bridges Tat and Sp1. However, our yeast multi‐protein system, which allows simple and rapid detection of interactions among up to four proteins, will be most helpful to further dissect the interaction of Tat and Sp1 with other candidate partners that participate in the assembly of transcriptionally active complexes at the HIV‐1 LTR.
A molecular mechanism for the low‐pH stability of sialidase activity of influenza A virus N2 neuraminidases1
Authors: Takahashi Tadanobu , Suzuki Takashi , Hidari Kazuya I.-P.Jwa , Miyamoto Daisei , Suzuki Yasuo
Published: May 2003

Four human pandemic influenza A virus strains isolated in 1957 and 1968, but not most of the epidemic strains isolated after 1968, possess sialidase activity under low‐pH conditions. Here, we used cell‐expressed neuraminidases (NAs) to determine the region of the N2 NA that is associated with low‐pH stability of sialidase activity. We found that consensus amino acid regions responsible for low‐pH stability did not exist in pandemic NAs but that two amino acid substitutions in the low‐pH‐stable A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3N2) NA and a single substitution in the low‐pH‐unstable A/Texas/68 (H2N2) NA resulted in significant change in low‐pH stability.
Microwave radiation can alter protein conformation without bulk heating
Authors: de Pomerai David I. , Smith Brette , Dawe Adam , North Kate , Smith Tim , Archer David B. , Duce Ian R. , Jones Donald , Candido E.Peter M.
Published: May 2003

Exposure to microwave radiation enhances the aggregation of bovine serum albumin in vitro in a time‐ and temperature‐dependent manner. Microwave radiation also promotes amyloid fibril formation by bovine insulin at 60°C. These alterations in protein conformation are not accompanied by measurable temperature changes, consistent with estimates from field modelling of the specific absorbed radiation (15–20 mW kg−1). Limited denaturation of cellular proteins could explain our previous observation that modest heat‐shock responses are induced by microwave exposure in Caenorhabditis elegans. We also show that heat‐shock responses both to heat and microwaves are suppressed after RNA interference ablating heat‐shock factor function.
Signal‐induced ubiquitination of p57Kip2 is independent of the C‐terminal consensus Cdk phosphorylation site
Authors: Leibovitch Marie-Pierre , Kannengiesser Caroline , Leibovitch Serge Alexandre
Published: May 2003

The cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p57Kip2 is required for normal mouse embryonic development. p57Kip2 consists of four structurally distinct domains in which the conserved C‐terminal nuclear targeting domain contains a putative Cdk phosphorylation site (Thr342) that shares a great similitude in the adjacent sequences with p27Kip1 but not with p21Cip1. Phosphorylation on Thr187 has been shown to promote degradation of p27Kip1. Although there is sequence homology between the C‐terminal part of p27Kip1 and p57Kip2, we show that the ubiquitination and degradation of p57Kip2 are independent of Thr342. In contrast a destabilizing element located in the N‐terminal is implicated in p57Kip2 destabilization.
Update on estrogen signaling
Authors: Weihua Zhang , Andersson Sandra , Cheng Guojun , Simpson Evan R. , Warner Margaret , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: May 2003

Our understanding of estrogen signaling has undergone a true paradigm shift over recent years, following the discovery in 1995 of a second estrogen receptor, estrogen receptor β (ERβ). In many contexts ERβ appears to antagonize the actions of ERα (yin/yang relationship) although there also exist genes that are specifically regulated by one of the two receptors. Studies of ERβ knockout mice have shown that ERβ exerts important functions in the ovary, central nervous system, mammary gland, prostate gland, hematopoiesis, immune system, vessels and bone. The use of ERβ‐specific ligands against certain forms of cancer represents one of the many pharmaceutical possibilities that have been created thanks to the discovery of ERβ.
Plant polyphenols inhibit VacA, a toxin secreted by the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Tombola Francesco , Campello Silvia , De Luca Laura , Ruggiero Paolo , Del Giudice Giuseppe , Papini Emanuele , Zoratti Mario
Published: May 2003

VacA is a major virulence factor of the widespread stomach‐dwelling bacterium Helicobacter pylori. It causes cell vacuolation and tissue damage by forming anion‐selective, urea‐permeable channels in plasma and endosomal membranes. We report that several flavone derivatives and other polyphenols present in vegetables and plants inhibit ion and urea conduction and cell vacuolation by VacA. Red wine and green tea, which contain many of the compounds in question, also potently inhibit the toxin. These observations suggest that polyphenols or polyphenol derivatives may be useful in the prevention or cure of H. pylori‐associated gastric diseases.
Expression and characterization of PP7, a novel plant protein Ser/Thr phosphatase distantly related to RdgC/PPEF and PP5
Authors: Kutuzov Mikhail A , Evans David E , Andreeva Alexandra V
Published: May 2003

We have recently identified an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA encoding a putative protein Ser/Thr phosphatase PP7, not closely related to any protein phosphatases in animals or fungi. Here, we describe the characterization of PP7 expressed in a bacterial system. The recombinant protein was inactive unless the longest insert in its catalytic domain was cleaved, suggesting that this insert is an autoinhibitory region. PP7 was resistant to okadaic acid, calyculin and fumonisin B1, and was stimulated by Mn2+ or Fe2+, while Ni2+ and Zn2+ were inhibitory. Polylysine stimulated PP7 activity towards p‐nitrophenylphosphate but inhibited activity towards the most efficient protein substrate, myelin basic protein. A tentative model of the control of PP7 activity is proposed.
Mg2+ modulates membrane sphingolipid and lipid second messenger levels in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Morrill Gene A , Gupta Raj K , Kostellow Adele B , Ma Gui-Ying , Zhang Amin , Altura Bella T , Altura Burton M
Published: May 2003

In vitro studies with smooth muscle cells from rat aorta and dog cerebral blood vessels indicate that variation in free Mg2+, within the pathophysiological range of Mg2+ concentrations, found in human serum, causes sustained changes in membrane phospholipids and lipid second messengers. Incorporation of [3H]palmitic acid into phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) was altered within 15–30 min after modifying the extracellular Mg2+ ion level ([Mg2+]o). Decreased Mg2+ produced a fall in both [3H]SM and [3H]PC over the first 2 h. After an 18‐h incubation, the [3H]PC/[3H]SM ratio changed from about 20:1 to about 50:1. Increased [Mg2+]o resulted in a 2‐ to 3‐fold increase in [3H]SM compared to only a small increase in [3H]PC over the same period. There was a reciprocal relationship between [3H]ceramide and [3H]1,2‐DAG levels with highest [3H]ceramide and lowest [3H]‐1,2‐DAG levels seen at lowest [Mg2+]o. The results indicate that a fall in extracellular ionized Mg2+ concentration produces a rapid and sustained decrease in membrane sphingomyelin and a moderate rise in intracellular ceramide. A major effect of lowering [Mg2+]o appears to be a down‐regulation of SM synthase. The increased membrane SM content and a concomitant decrease in cell ceramide, in the presence of elevated [Mg2+]o, may be relevant to the apparent protective role of adequate Mg intake on vascular function in humans.
Differential inhibition of transcription from σ70‐ and σ32‐dependent promoters by rifampicin
Authors: Węgrzyn Alicja , Szalewska-Pałasz Agnieszka , Błaszczak Adam , Liberek Krzysztof , Węgrzyn Grzegorz
Published: May 2003

Rifampicin is an antibiotic which binds to the β subunit of prokaryotic RNA polymerases and prevents initiation of transcription. It was found previously that production of heat shock proteins in Escherichia coli cells after a shift from 30°C to 43°C is not completely inhibited by this antibiotic. Here we demonstrate that while activity of a p
L‐lacZ fusion (p
L is a σ70‐dependent promoter) in E. coli cells is strongly inhibited by rifampicin, a p
groE‐lacZ fusion, whose activity is dependent on the σ32 factor, retains significant residual activity even at relatively high rifampicin concentrations. Differential sensitivity to this antibiotic of RNA polymerase holoenzymes containing either the σ70 or the σ32 subunit was confirmed in vitro. Since the effects of an antibiotic that binds to the β subunit can be modulated by the presence of either the σ70 or the σ32 subunit in the holoenzyme, it is tempting to speculate that binding of various σ factors to the core of RNA polymerase results in different conformations of particular holoenzymes, including changes in the core enzyme.
Proteomic comparison between human young and old brains by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and identification of proteins
Authors: Chen Wen , Ji Jianguo , Xu Xiaoman , He Sizhi , Ru Binggen
Published: May 2003

To investigate molecular mechanisms of human brain aging, brain proteins were isolated from postmortem human young and old brains and profiled by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE). With the help of special software, five down‐regulated protein spots in two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis gels of old brains were found compared with young brains, four of which was identified as a protein similar to peroxiredoxin 2 (accession‐numbered as gi | 13631440), two of stathmin (phosphoprotein p19) and apolipoprotein A‐I precursor (apo‐AI) by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). Eight common proteins, whose expressions were not altered between young and old brains, were also identified. The possible relevance of changes was analyzed. This study shows that the contribution of proteomics could be valuable in experimental gerontology field.
Clinical trials update from the European Society of Cardiology: CARMEN, EARTH, OPTIMAAL, ACE, TEN‐HMS, MAGIC, SOLVD‐X and PATH‐CHF II
Authors: Coletta A.P. , Louis A.A. , Clark A.L. , Nikitin N. , Cleland J.G.F.
Published: May 2003

This article continues a series of reports on research developments related to the field of heart failure. Reports of presentations made at the Hot Line sessions of the European Society of Cardiology XXIV Congress held in Berlin, Germany, between 31 August and 4 September 2002 are included. Summaries of the results of the following trials are presented: CARMEN, EARTH, OPTIMAAL, ACE, TEN‐HMS, MAGIC, SOLVD‐X and PATH‐CHF II.
Cytotoxic perforin+ and TIA‐1+ infiltrates are associated with cell adhesion molecule expression in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Noutsias Michel , Pauschinger Matthias , Schultheiss Heinz‐Peter , Kühl Uwe
Published: May 2003

Objective:

To phenotypically characterize cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs: Perforin+ and TIA‐1+ phenotypes) and to study the interactions with cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Background:

DCM is linked to intramyocardial inflammation, being characterized by T‐lymphocytic infiltration and CAMs abundance. However, the pathogenic significance of increased CD3+ lymphocytes remains obscure as these do not correlate with CTLs (perforin+ and TIA1+ phenotypes). CAMs participate in the phenotypic repertoire and effector pathways of CTLs.

Methods:

CAMs‐expression (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, LFA‐3, CD29, CD62E and CD62P and β2‐integrins), CD3+ (T‐lymphocytes), CD57+ (NK‐cells) and adhesion related (CD18+, CD11a+, CD11b+, CDw49d+) phenotyped infilitrates were investigated in endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) from 89 DCM patients (33 female; LVEF<40%) using immunohistochemisty. The enteroviral genome was identified by nested RT‐PCR.

Results:

CAMs abundance was confirmed in 55 DCM patients (62%) and 29 EMBs (33%) were graded CTLs+ (>1.5 TIA‐1+ and/or >2.0 perforin+ infiltrates/hpf). CTLs correlated with all endothelial CAMs‐markers studied (P<0.01), the adhesion related phenotypes of infilitrates (LFA‐1, VLA‐4, CD18) and CD57+ NK‐cells (P<0.02). There was no correlation of CTLs with CD3+ T‐lymphocytes, CD11b+ macrophages, enteroviral infection (present in n=16/18%), clinical history and LVEF (P>0.05). Phenomena suggestive of CTLs mediated myocytolysis were observed in 10 patients (11%).

Conclusions:

CTLs‐infilitrates are associated with endothelial CAMs‐abundance and co‐express adhesion related (β2‐integrins, VLA‐4) and NK‐cellular antigens (CD57) in DCM. Endothelial CAMs expression also reflects cytotoxic activation of intramyocardial infilitrates, which is not reflected by immunologically naïve CD3 T‐lymphocytes.
Heat induced gelation of acid milk: balance between weak and covalent bonds
Authors: Surel Olivier , Famelart Marie-Hélène
Published: May 2003

Gelation of acidified milk at pH[ges ]5, after heat treatments is a well known phenomenon, due to the precipitation of whey proteins, and especially β-lactoglobulin onto κ-casein (Sawyer, 1969). High heat treatments cause denaturation of whey proteins which associate with κ-casein through disulphide interchange reactions (Hill, 1989). Since their charge is reduced, the denatured proteins associated with casein micelles become susceptible to aggregation when milk is then acidified, which promotes enhanced protein–protein interactions (Lucey et al. 1997). The gelation phenomenon involves disulphide bonds (Hashizume & Sato, 1988; Goddard, 1996) which are responsible for the gel firmness (Goddard, 1996). However, other interactions between proteins can occur, such as hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds, especially at the initial stage of interactions (Haque et al. 1987; Haque & Kinsella, 1988; Jang & Swaisgood, 1990). It is therefore relevant to investigate a possible contribution of weak linkages to the gel structure and firmness.
Achieving Reversion: Protest and Authority in Okinawa, 1952-70
Authors: Aldous Christopher
Published: May 2003

The build-up and development of the Okinawan struggle for reversion to Japanese administration does not figure
prominently in the English-language literature on the American occupation of Okinawa, nor does it occupy a central
place in Japanese analyses of this subject. Rather there is a tendency to view Okinawa as a subset of US-Japanese
postwar relations, and to explain reversion as a process carried through by senior American and Japanese officials,
largely governed by high-level diplomatic and military-strategic considerations. There is often only passing mention
of the rising tensions within Okinawa itself and, perhaps more importantly, the increasing effectiveness through the
1960s of the indigenous reversion movement centred on the Okinawa Teachers' Association (Okinawa kyōshokuinkai).
For example, John Welfield's trenchant account of the ‘three years of tortuous negotiations’ that culminated in November 1969 in an American pledge to return the islands hardly mentions conflicts within Okinawa itself, remarking only that ‘the swing to the left’ in 1968 foreshadowed major problems for the US if Okinawan demands for reversion were not met.
A brief behavioural treatment of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder in earthquake survivors: results from an open clinical trial
Authors: BAŞOĞLU M. , LIVANOU M. , ŞALCIOĞLU E. , KALENDER D.
Published: May 2003

Background. Natural disasters such as earthquakes affect large numbers of people. Given the extent of the mental health problem following earthquakes, brief, effective and cost-effective treatment interventions are urgently needed. The present study examined whether cognitive-behavioural treatment could be shortened to a minimum number of sessions without undermining its effectiveness in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Method. The study participants (N=231) were consecutive referrals to five project sites in the earthquake region in Turkey a mean of 13 months after the disaster. A modified behavioural treatment (BT) was used, which involved self-exposure instructions based on an enhancement of ‘sense of control’ rather than a habituation rationale and minimal cognitive interventions. The duration of treatment was variable, involving as many sessions as required for clinical improvement. Survival analysis was used to explore the minimum number of sessions required for clinical improvement, and multiple regression analysis to examine the predictors of outcome.

Results. The survivors received a mean of 4·3 sessions. Significant treatment effects and clinically meaningful effect sizes were noted on all measures. The treatment improved all PTSD and depression symptoms. The cumulative proportion of improved cases was 76% after one session and 88% after two sessions. No baseline variable predicted treatment outcome.

Conclusions. The modified BT appears to be promising as an effective one- or two-session intervention for earthquake survivors. It may be particularly useful in large-scale disasters as a cost-effective treatment that can be relatively easily disseminated to mass populations. Further research is needed to clarify the possible role of a treatment focus on sense of control in rapid recovery from traumatic stress.
Antidepressants for the treatment of depression in people with schizophrenia: a systematic review
Authors: WHITEHEAD C. , MOSS S. , CARDNO A. , LEWIS G.
Published: May 2003

Background. Depression is common in people with schizophrenia and is associated with substantial morbidity and an increased risk of suicide. Our aim was to review systematically all the randomized controlled trials that have investigated the clinical effectiveness of antidepressant medication in the treatment of depression in people who also suffer with schizophrenia.

Method. Electronic searches of ClinPsych, the Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register of Trials, EMBASE and Medline were completed. Reference lists from identified articles were hand searched.

Results. Eleven small studies were identified and all randomized fewer than 30 subjects to each group. We could only perform analyses on a subset of the trials. For five trials (aggregate N=209) the proportion improved in the antidepressant group was 26% (95% CI 10% to 42%) higher than in the placebo group. In six studies (aggregate N=267) the standardized mean difference on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression at the end of the trial was −0·27 (95% CI −0·7 to 0·2). There was no evidence that antidepressant treatment given during the stable phase of illness led to a deterioration of psychotic symptoms in the included trials.

Conclusions. The literature reviewed was, overall, of poor quality and only a small number of trials could contribute towards the meta-analysis. The results provide weak evidence for the effectiveness of antidepressants in those with schizophrenia and depression and could be explained by publication bias. We need further research to determine the best approach towards treating depression in people with schizophrenia.
New intelligent power-assist systems based on differential transmission
Authors: šurdilović D. , Bernhardt R. , Zhang L.
Published: May 2003

This paper presents a novel Cobotic system with differential CVT. The new system is significantly cheaper, simpler to control and more efficient than Cobots with S-CVTs. Both path-guidance and power-assist functions can be simply realized with the new system. Basic structures, kinematic and dynamic models, as well as control algorithms, which are essential for design, control synthesis and control of the system, are briefly presented in the paper.
Public penance in Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Bedingfield Brad
Published: May 2003

In a sermon for Ash Wednesday, after general exhortations to prayer, church-going,
and almsgiving during Lent, Wulfstan discusses what is to be done with
those guilty of ‘high’ sins:

And sume men syndon eac Þe nyde sculan of cyricgemanan Þas halgan tid
ascadene mid rihte weorðan for healican synnan, ealswa adam wearð of engla
gemanan Þa ða he forworðe Þa myclan myrhðe Þe he on wunode ær ðam Þe he
syngode … Leofan men, on Wodnesdæg, Þe byð caput ieiunii, bisceopas ascadað
on manegum stowan ut of cyrican for heora agenan Þearfe Þa ðe healice on
openlican synnan hy sylfe forgyltan. And eft on Ðunresdæg ær Eastran hy geinniað
into cyrican Þa ðe geornlice Þæt Lencten heora synna betað, swa swa hym man
wissað; Þonne absolutionem bisceopas ofer hy rædað [agus] for hi Þingiað [agus] mid Þam
heora synna Þurh Godes mildheortnesse myclum gelyhtað. And Þæt is Þearflic gewuna,
ac we his ne gymað swa wel swa we scoldan on ðisse Þeode, [agus] hit wære mycel Þearf Þæt
hit man georne on gewunan hæfde.
11. GENDER ISSUES IN LANGUAGE CHANGE
Authors: Cameron Deborah
Published: May 2003

It has long been apparent to scholars that gender exerts an influence on language change. Recently, however, the patterns of gender differentiation attested in empirical studies have been reinterpreted in the light of current social constructionist understandings of gender. Drawing on recent work in variationist sociolinguistics, sociology of language and linguistic anthropology, this chapter focuses on new approaches to explaining gender differentiated patterns of sound change and language shift, the success or failure of planned linguistic reforms, and changes in the social evaluation of gendered speech styles.
The Risk of Mid-Air Collision to Commercial Air Transport Aircraft Receiving a Radar Advisory Service in Class F/G Airspace
Authors: Brooker Peter
Published: May 2003

This paper discusses the quantification of the current risk of mid-air collision to commercial air transport aircraft receiving a Radar Advisory Service in UK Class F/G airspace. The aim is to produce the best estimate, given published data, and then to indicate what extra studies and data would be needed to improve the estimate. A study of typical flight routeings by certain aircraft types, e.g. Sikorsky S76, Saab SF340, Short SD3-60 and Aeritalia ATR42-300, could provide useful additional information. The fitment and use of ACAS could be crucial in delivering the required protection against collision.
Richard Neutra's Venetian lecture
Authors: Dodds George
Published: May 2003

Neutra's now forgotten Venetian lecture of 1949 reveals him as a
polemicist with a sense of humour anxious to distance himself from
Bruno Zevi's ‘Organic school of architecture of the United States’.
Morality and Architecture Revisited
Authors: Walker Frank Arneil
Published: May 2003

Twenty-five years after its publication in 1977, David Watkin's ‘time-bomb’ demolition of Modernist architectural theory has appeared under the cliché-augmented title Morality and Architecture Revisited. Whether the book merits this jubilee re-issue is open to some debate. Of the reasons given on the flyleaf, the suggestion that ‘many of the old fallacies still persist’ seems at once an unnecessary admission of the author's failure or, at any rate, partial success in convincing us of his thesis, and an equally unnecessary concern for the recidivist views of a handful of unreconstructed Functionalists. Can there really be many who are not, after a quarter of a fast-moving century, persuaded that Pevsner was wrong and Popper right? When it comes to architectural theory, historicism in the strict philosophical sense is surely largely discredited.
Teaching, research and practice … … establishing a productive balance
Authors: Murray Gordon
Published: May 2003

The current debates on teaching standards, on research assessment and on the condition of the profession tend to be carried on in isolation from each other. In this article Gordon Murray, a practitioner and teacher, draws a connection between all three topics and underlines the importance and potential of research for both teaching and the profession. His brief review of teaching and professional formation in Japan provides a thought-provoking comparison with architectural education in the UK and the US.
Jenga planning: Kentish Town integrated care centre
Authors: Morris Allford Hall Monaghan , Davies Colin
Published: May 2003

‘A beacon of excellence in healthcare design’… ‘a symbol of civic
pride in our community’ … ‘a “state of the art” building’
… ‘a building which could be magnificently innovative and visionary in its time,
location and conception’. These phrases, taken from the ‘Aspirational Statement’
that introduces the competition brief, should have left no one in any doubt that the clients for
the proposed new integrated care centre in Kentish Town
were looking for something new and different. With hindsight, it is easy to see why Allford Hall Monaghan Morris's (AHMM) unusual design [1a–c] won the competition.
Research and the RIBA. Lea's Pottery: Lea: determination and ingenuity
Authors: Broome Jon
Published: May 2003

David Lea's Bridge Pottery (arq 6/2, pp130–143), like his other designs,
demonstrates his unique gift in handling form and material and light and detail to create serenity
and magic from the mundane and ordinary. This pared down modern design incorporates the essential
features of the vernacular - human scale, a sense of place and the texture of natural materials -
an Arts and Crafts tradition for our time, modest and informal but without the nostalgia and
mediaevalism. It appears effortless but, in reality, it is difficult to achieve, requiring a
clear vision and an uncompromising approach in its execution.
Belastung und Bewältigung bei Grundschullehrerinnen
Authors: Friedel Anja , Dalbert Claudia
Published: May 2003

Zusammenfassung: In einer Vergleichsstudie an Grundschullehrerinnen (N = 44), die an die Förderstufe der Sekundarschule versetzt worden waren, mit einer Gruppe nicht versetzter Grundschullehrerinnen (N = 64) wurde die Annahme belegt, dass die Versetzung an eine andere Schulform zu einer Verschlechterung der beruflichen Anpassung und des Wohlbefindens führt. Die versetzten Lehrerinnen waren im Vergleich zu den nicht versetzten Lehrerinnen mit ihrer Arbeit unzufriedener, fühlten sich durch ihre Arbeit stärker überfordert, berichteten über mehr depressive Symptome und mehr negative sowie weniger positive Affekte. Je ungewissheitstoleranter die versetzten Lehrerinnen waren, desto weniger versuchten sie die Versetzung durch Vermeiden, Resignation und Ablenkung zu bewältigen und desto eher neigten sie zu positiven Umdeutungen. Vermittelt über diese Bewältigungsreaktionen entfaltete die Ungewissheitstoleranz einen adaptiven Effekt auf das subjektive Wohlbefinden sowie die berufliche Anpassung der versetzten Lehrerinnen. Die Ergebnisse werden im Hinblick auf ihre Bedeutung für die Lehrerausbildung diskutiert.
Visual perception during phacoemulsification cataract surgery under topical and regional anaesthesia
Authors: Tranos Paris G. , Wickremasinghe Sanjeewa S. , Sinclair Neil , Foster Paul J. , Asaria Riaz , Harris Martin L. , Little Brian C.
Published: May 2003

Purpose:  To compare the subjective visual experiences of patients during phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using regional and topical anaesthesia.

Design:  A prospective, cohort, questionnaire‐based study.

Methods:  The study cohort consisted of 247 patients without pre‐existing ocular pathology who underwent routine phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. The mean age of the subjects was 75.4 ± 9.4 years and 34.5% of them had a history of cataract surgery. Three different methods of local anaesthesia were used: 66 (26.7%) of the patients were given topical anaesthesia (TA); 74 (30.0%) were given sub‐Tenon's anaesthesia (SA), and 107(43.3%) were given peribulbar anaesthesia (PA). The patients were interviewed immediately after surgery by theatre staff using a standardized questionnaire that investigated their intraoperative visual experiences.

Results:  There was no significant difference between the three methods of anaesthesia regarding light perception during the surgery. However, patients undergoing surgery under TA experienced brighter light intensity levels (78.3%) than those given SA (50.0%) and PA (55.7%) (p = 0.02). A total of 69.6% of subjects who received TA reported visual perception of colours during surgery, as opposed to 56.8% of SA recipients and 49.0% of PA recipients (p = 0.02). In addition, patients under TA were more aware of surgical instruments (26.1%) than those under SA (10.8%) and PA (15.9%) (p = 0.08). The vast majority of patients in all three groups found the visual experience to be non‐frightening. There were no associations between intraoperative visual impression and age or sex. Although not statistically significant (p = 0.06), prior cataract surgery appeared to alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the visual experience.

Conclusion:  Patients undergoing regional and topical anaesthesia experience a wide variety of visual sensations during surgery. The differences in visual impressions between the groups may reflect the varying degrees of optic nerve blockade that result from the different anaesthetics.
Long‐term effectiveness of risperidone and olanzapine in resistant or intolerant schizophrenic patients. A mirror study
Authors: Søholm B. , Lublin H.
Published: May 2003

Objective:  To evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of the second generation antipsychotics, risperidone and olanzapine on hospitalization, clinical response, and adherence to therapy after switching from conventional antipsychotics or clozapine in a naturalistic setting of schizophrenic patients.

Method:  Data were registered for periods of identical duration before and after switching.

Results:  Fifty‐seven patients were included. Mean study period was 3.1 ± 0.2 years. Mean number of in‐patient days after switching declined by 78% of the level before switching (P=0.0002). There was no significant differences in ratio responders/non‐responders between the subgroups. The number of patients with extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) was significantly reduced after switching. However, intolerable weight gain led to a lack of adherence to therapy in 18% of the olanzapine‐treated patients.

Conclusion:  Long‐term treatment with the second generation antipsychotics, risperidone and olanzapine significantly improved the clinical outcome. However, weight gain may be a significant reason for discontinuation of treatment and reducing the long‐term adherence to therapy.
Mechanisms underlying the slow recovery of force after fatigue: importance of intracellular calcium
Authors: BRUTON J. D. , LÄNNERGREN J. , WESTERBLAD H.
Published: May 2003

Recovery of force production after an intense bout of activity may sometimes take several days, especially at low activation frequencies ('low frequency fatigue'). This slow recovery can also be observed in isolated muscle and single muscle fibres. The origin of the force deficit is failure of excitation‐contraction coupling at the level of the triads. The most likely cause of the failure is an elevated intracellular Ca2+ level, but the site of action of Ca2+ is unclear. Available evidence does not support the involvement of Ca2+‐activated proteases. Ca2+‐induced damage to mitochondria or swelling of t‐tubules do not seem to be causative factors. Other mechanisms are discussed, including possible detrimental effects of Ca2+‐activated lipases, calmodulin, and reactive oxygen species.
The use of the hypoglycaemic clamp in the assessment of pituitary function
Authors: Semakula Crispin , Damberg Gregory , Kendall David , Seaquist Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVE

The standard dynamic test used to diagnose hypopituitarism is the insulin tolerance test (ITT), in which insulin‐induced secretion of ACTH, GH and cortisol is measured. However, because of differences in insulin sensitivity some patients fail achieve sufficient hypoglycaemia to assess pituitary function and colleagues experience severe hypoglycaemia and are at risk for cardiac dysrhythmia, seizure or coma. This risk may be particularly pertinent in the evaluation of older adults. We hypothesized that the hypoglycaemic clamp may be useful in assessing pituitary function in some patients.

PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS

Twenty‐one normal subjects (14 old [50–76 years] and 7 young [18–36 years]) and 7 hypopituitary subjects were studied. A clamp study was performed in which insulin infusion was given at 2 mU/kg/min and increased to 4 mU/kg/min if the target glucose concentration was not reached after 40 min. Dextrose was infused as needed to clamp the plasma glucose concentration at 2.2 mmol/l for 30 min. On a separate day, 7 young controls also underwent an ITT in which 0.15 U/kg insulin was administered as a bolus intravenous injection at time 0. In both studies, baseline values were taken at ‐ 10, ‐ 5 and 0 min. Samples were then collected every 5 min for plasma glucose and every 10 min for insulin, ACTH, cortisol and GH.

RESULTS

ACTH and GH secretion during each test were similar in younger controls (P = NS) but cortisol secretion was lower during ITT (P < 0.01 vs. clamp). Hypopituitary subjects had significantly less ACTH, cortisol and GH secretion than controls of all ages (P < 0.001 for all). Peak GH secretion was significantly lower in the old controls than in young controls (22 ± 12 vs. 48 ± 26 mU/l, respectively; P < 0.01) but significantly higher than the hypopituitary subjects (2 ± 2 mu/l; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that the hypoglycaemic clamp can be used in the assessment of pituitary function and suggest that this technique may be particularly beneficial in the evaluation of GH deficiency in older adults who may not tolerate the ITT.
Safety of Blood Products Derived from Plasma Pools: The Positive Impact of Anti‐HCV Screening on the Quality of Such Products
Authors: Cardoso Marcia da Silva , Koerner Klaus , Epple Silke , Kubanek Bernhard
Published: May 2003

Anti‐HCV screening of volunteer blood donors was introduced by the Red Cross Blood Service of Baden‐Württemberg (over 400,000 donations/year) in June 1990. At that time, donors were tested with a first‐generation screening test, which was able to detect antibodies to a single recombinant HCV antigen: c100‐3. Test performance was neither very sensitive nor specific [1]. The anti‐HCV prevalence observed then was 0.53%. The second generation of screening tests relied on the detection of antibodies to three HCV recombinant antigens c100‐3, c22‐3 and c33c showing improved sensitivity and specificity [2]. It was implemented in Baden‐Württemberg in November of 1991. Anti‐HCV prevalence reached 0.47% after the implementation of this test. Finally, since June 1994 all blood donations are screened with the third generation of antibody tests, which includes the recombinant antigen NS5 and some biochemical modifications on the c33c antigen. The present anti‐HCV prevalence in this population is 0.23%.
Reactivation of Recipient Antibody to Blood Cell Antigens Soon After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Wernet Dorothee , Schnaidt Martina , Northoff Hinnak
Published: May 2003

Reactivation of recipient antibody to HLA and red blood cell antigens is described in 8 patients after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. These IgG antibodies can be detected between day 10 and day 40 after transplantation and, in 1 patient, can be shown to be antigen‐independent. We hypothesize that, induced by graft recognition of recipient antigens, antigen‐independent activation of sensitized recipient B cells takes place leading to transient antibody production.
Identification of a New Plasma α(1,3)Fucosyltransferase (FUT6) Allele Requires an Extended Genotyping Strategy
Authors: Larson Göran , Börjeson Cecilia , Elmgren Anders , Kernholt Annika , Henry Steve , Fletcher Anne , Aziz Auda , Mollicone Rosella , Oriol Rafael
Published: May 2003

Screening the FUT6 gene of 40 Swedish individuals, originally selected for genotyping of FUT3, revealed an unexpected high frequency of mutations. Four were originally typed as homozygous for the enzyme lethal mutation G739A by TaqαI restriction pattern, but only one lacked plasma α(1,3)fucosyltransferase activity. Cloning and sequencing of FUT6 from 2 of them revealed a new allele, without the G739A mutation, but with two new point mutations C738T and G977A. Segregation of this allele was confirmed in Swedish and Indonesian families. Since G739A and C738T mutations are only one nucleotide apart and induce the same modification of TaqαI cleavage, a new screening strategy for FUT6 was adopted. The homozygous inactivating G739A mutation was for the first time identified in Caucasian and Polynesian individuals, both lacking plasma enzyme activity. The mutation C370T was present in 25 of the 40 Swedish individuals and the inactivating mutation C945A was not found at all. These findings stress the dangers of transferring restriction enzyme genotype strategies from one population to another and of inferring phenotypes from genotypes without phenotyping and/or performing confirmatory cloning and sequencing.
Heterogeneity of the Human H Blood Group α (1,2) Fucosyltransferase Gene among Para‐Bombay Individuals
Authors: Yu Lung‐Chih , Yang Yun‐Hsin , Broadberry Richard E. , Chen Yee‐Hsiung , Lin Marie
Published: May 2003

Background and objectives: The para‐Bombay phenotype has a relatively high frequency of about 1 in 8,000 Taiwanese. Studies were carried out on eight healthy and unrelated Taiwanese with the para‐Bombay phenotype to cast light on its immunogenetic basis. Materials and methods: Blood and saliva samples were tested with standard hemagglutination techniques. Salivary ABH substances were determined by hemagglutination inhibition. PCR techniques were used to amplify the coding region of the H genes. Results: Five different h alleles, designated as h1, h2, h3, h4 and h5, were identified in the Taiwanese with the para‐Bombay phenotype. The h1 allele loses one of the three AG repeats located at the nucleotides 547–552 of the H gene, whereas two of the three T repeats located at the nucleotides 880–882 are deleted in the h2 allele. The h3 allele contains a C658 to T missense mutation, whereas two missense mutations, C35 to T and A980 to C were identified in the h4 allele. A T460 to C missense is present in the h5allele. The h5 allele was identified in an individual whose red blood cells contain blood group A antigen but not H antigen, and thus may be considered a weak variant of the H gene. Conclusions: So far no biologic relevance of the H antigen has been discovered, and its deficiency does not seem to produce any deleterious effects. There may be better understanding of the evolutionary basis for the polymorphisms at these loci after systematic study of different ethnic populations.
In vitro Functional Activity of IgG1 and IgG3 Polyclonal and Monoclonal anti‐D
Authors: Kumpel B. M.
Published: May 2003

Background and objectives: IgG anti‐D is generally restricted to IgG1 and IgG3; it mediates red cell destruction through interactions with IgG Fc receptors (FcγR) on effector cells. The relative ability of these two IgG subclasses of anti‐D to mediate haemolysis in vitro by monocytes and K cells was investigated. Materials and methods: Anti‐D was affinity purified from 5 preparations of prophylactic anti‐D immunoglobulin, and IgG subclasses quantified by ELISA; mean levels were 86.5% IgG1, 1.4% IgG2, 11.6% IgG3 and 0.4% IgG4. IgG1 and IgG3 polyclonal anti‐D were further purified separately from some of the anti‐D by removal of either IgG3 using magnetic beads coated with anti‐IgG3, or of IgG1 using protein A. These preparations were compared with monoclonal anti‐D (BRAD‐3 and BRAD‐5) for their ability to lyse red cells in antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. Results: Monocyte‐mediated lysis of red cells coated with IgG3 anti‐D was approximately twice that of cells coated with IgG1 anti‐D at similar sensitization levels, and anti‐D preparations containing 10% or more IgG3 gave similar lysis. By contrast, in the K cell ADCC, IgG1 anti‐D was 2–4 times more haemolytic than IgG3 anti‐D. Polyclonal IgG1 and IgG3 anti‐D promoted about 20% more lysis than BRAD‐5 (IgG1) and BRAD‐3 (IgG3), respectively, in the K cell ADCC, although no difference was observed between polyclonal and monoclonal anti‐D in the monocyte ADCC. Conclusions: These experiments demonstrated a functional dichotomy between these two subclasses of anti‐D; IgG3‐coated red cells were lysed preferentially by monocytes mediated predominantly through FcγRI interactions, whereas haemolysis of IgG1‐sensitized cells was mediated mainly by FcγRIII on K cells.
Estimation of the proportion of body fat in mice from the proportion of body water
Authors: Terpstra A. H. M.
Published: May 2003

We compared the proportion of body fat in mice as measured by chemical analysis with that estimated from the proportion of body water. First, we measured the proportion of fat by chemical analysis in 78 mice that had a proportion of body fat in the range from approximately 5 to 20%. Then, we constructed a regression line that described the relationship between the proportion of body water and the proportion of body fat by using data from several other published studies in mice (% body fat = −1.20 × % body water + 88.07, r = 0.9597, sy.x = 2.75, p < 0.001). With this regression line, we estimated the proportion of body fat from the proportion of body water that was measured by drying the carcasses at 60 °C for 3 days. Body fat data obtained from this regression line were similar to those obtained by chemical analysis. Thus, these results suggest that reliable values for the proportion of body fat can be derived from the proportion of body water and this method provides a tool to rapidly measure the proportion of body fat in mice.
Milia en plaque
Authors: Ergin Şeniz , Başak Pınar , Sari Aliye
Published: May 2003

Milia en plaque is a rarely reported entity which is usually appearing in the auricular region. We describe a well‐defined, U‐shaped milia en plaque arizing in the infraorbital area, and emphasize that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of xanthalesma.
Primary cutaneous CD30‐positive large cell lymphoma
Authors: Freitas Isabel Cristina , Vieira Raquel , Afonso Ana , Pacheco Assis , Nunes Prates
Published: May 2003

Primary cutaneous CD30‐positive large cell lymphoma is a recently described entity, recognized by immunohistochemical criteria. Spontaneous regression may occur and although relapses are frequent, most patients have a favourable prognosis. We describe a 83‐year‐old woman with a large ulcerated tumour on her right forearm, with 2 months evolution. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed a CD30‐positive large cell lymphoma. Systemic involvement was not detected. The tumour regressed spontaneously. Cutaneous relapses occurred one year later, all with spontaneous regression. After a 2‐year follow‐up period, the patient is well, without concurrent extracutaneous disease. This case is in keeping with other reports of spontaneous regression and favourable outcome of this type of cutaneous lymphoma.