bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central Processes Amplify and Transform Anisotropies of the Visual System in a Test of Visual–Haptic Coordination
Authors: McIntyre Joseph , Lipshits Mark
Published: January 2008

The CNS may use multimodal reference frames to combine proprioceptive, visual, and gravitational information. Indeed, spatial information could be encoded simultaneously with respect to egocentric and allocentric references such as the body axis and gravity, respectively. It has further been proposed that gravity might serve to align reference frames between different sensory modalities. We performed a series of experiments in which human subjects matched the orientation of a visual stimulus to a visual reference (visual–visual), a haptic stimulus to a haptic reference (haptic–haptic), or a visual stimulus to a haptic reference (visual–haptic). These tests were performed in a normal upright posture, with the body tilted with respect to gravity, and in the weightless environment of Earth orbit. We found systematic patterns of errors in the matching of stimulus orientations. For an upright posture on Earth, a classic oblique effect appeared in the visual–visual comparison, which was then amplified in the haptic–visual task. Leftward or rightward whole-body tilt on Earth abolished both of these effects, yet each persisted in the absence of gravity. Leftward and rightward tilt also produced asymmetric biases in the visual–haptic but not in the visual–visual or haptic–haptic responses. These results illustrate how spatial anisotropy can be molded by sensorimotor transformations in the CNS. Furthermore, the results indicate that gravity plays a significant, but nonessential role in defining the reference frames for these tasks. These results provide insight into how the nervous system processes spatial information between different sensory modalities.
Interaction of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4, Integrin, and Src Tyrosine Kinase in Mechanical Hyperalgesia
Authors: Alessandri-Haber Nicole , Dina Olayinka A. , Joseph Elizabeth K. , Reichling David B. , Levine Jon D.
Published: January 2008

Although the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) has been implicated in the process of osmomechanical transduction, it appears to make little contribution to the normal somatosensory detection of mechanical stimuli. However, evidence suggests that it may play an important role in mechanical hyperalgesia. In the present study, we examined the common requirement for TRPV4 in mechanical hyperalgesia associated with diverse pain models and investigated whether the very close association observed between TRPV4 and mechanical hyperalgesia, regardless of etiology, reflects a close functional connection of TRPV4 with other molecules implicated in mechanical transduction. In models of painful peripheral neuropathy associated with vincristine chemotherapy, alcoholism, diabetes, and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome therapy, mechanical hyperalgesia was markedly reduced by spinal intrathecal administration of oligodeoxynucleotides antisense to TRPV4. Similarly, mechanical hyperalgesia induced by paclitaxel, vincristine, or diabetes was strongly reduced in TRPV4 knock-out mice. We also show that α2β1 integrin and Src tyrosine kinase, which have been implicated in mechanical transduction, are important for the development of mechanical hyperalgesia, and that their contribution requires TRPV4. Furthermore, we establish a direct interaction between TRPV4, α2 integrin, and the Src tyrosine kinase Lyn in sensory neurons. We suggest that TRPV4 plays a role in mechanotransduction, as a component of a molecular complex that functions only in the setting of inflammation or nerve injury.
Qualitatively Different Hippocampal Subfield Engagement Emerges with Mastery of a Spatial Memory Task by Rats
Authors: Poirier Guillaume L. , Amin Eman , Aggleton John P.
Published: January 2008

The parallel, entorhinal cortex projections to different hippocampal regions potentially support separate mnemonic functions. To examine this possibility, rats were trained in a radial-arm maze task so that hippocampal activity could be compared after “early” (two sessions) or “late” (five sessions) learning. Induction of the immediate-early gene Zif268 was then measured, so revealing possible activity differences across hippocampal subfields and the parahippocampal cortices. Each rat in the two experimental groups (early, late) was also yoked to a control rat that obtained the same number of rewards, visited the same number of maze arms, and spent a comparable amount of time in the maze. Although overall Zif268 levels did not distinguish the four groups, significant correlations were found between spatial memory performance and levels of dentate gyrus Zif268 expression in the early but not the late training group. Conversely, hippocampal fields CA3 and CA1 Zif268 expression correlated with performance in the late but not the early training group. This reversal in the correlation pattern was echoed by structural equation modeling, which revealed dynamic changes in effective network connectivity. With early training, the dentate gyrus appeared to help determine CA1 activity, but by late training the dentate gyrus reduced its neural influence. Furthermore, CA1 was distinguished from CA3, each subfield developing opposite relations with task mastery. Thus, functional entorhinal cortex coupling with CA1 activity became more direct with additional training, so producing a trisynaptic circuit bypass. The present study reveals qualitatively different patterns of hippocampal subfield engagement dependent on task demands and mastery.
Targeted Disruption of Na+/Ca2+Exchanger 3 (NCX3) Gene Leads to a Worsening of Ischemic Brain Damage
Authors: Molinaro Pasquale , Cuomo Ornella , Pignataro Giuseppe , Boscia Francesca , Sirabella Rossana , Pannaccione Anna , Secondo Agnese , Scorziello Antonella , Adornetto Annagrazia , Gala Rosaria , Viggiano Davide , Sokolow Sophie , Herchuelz Andre , Schurmans Stèphane , Di Renzo Gianfranco , Annunziato Lucio
Published: January 2008

Na+/Ca2+exchanger 3 (NCX3), one of the three isoforms of the NCX family, is highly expressed in the brain and is involved in the maintenance of intracellular Na+and Ca2+homeostasis. Interestingly, whereas the function of NCX3 under physiological conditions has been determined, its role under anoxia is still unknown. To assess NCX3 role in cerebral ischemia, we exposed ncx3−/− mice to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. In addition, to evaluate the effect of ncx3 ablation on neuronal survival, organotypic hippocampal cultures and primary cortical neurons from ncx3−/− mice were subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) plus reoxygenation. Here we report that ncx3 gene suppression leads to a worsening of brain damage after focal ischemia and to a massive neuronal death in all the hippocampal fields of organotypic cultures as well as in cortical neurons from ncx3−/− mice exposed to OGD plus reoxygenation. In addition, in ncx3−/− cortical neurons exposed to hypoxia, NCX currents, recorded in the reverse mode of operation, were significantly lower than those detected in ncx3+/+. From these results, NCX3 protein emerges as a new molecular target that may have a potential therapeutic value in modulating cerebral ischemia.
An ERP Study of Major-Minor Classification in Melodies
Authors: Halpern Andrea R. , Martin Jeffrey S. , Reed Tara D.
Published: January 2008

COMPOSERS COMMONLY USE MAJOR OR MINOR SCALES to create different moods in music.Nonmusicians show poor discrimination and classification of this musical dimension; however, they can perform these tasks if the decision is phrased as happy vs. sad.We created pairs of melodies identical except for mode; the first major or minor third or sixth was the critical note that distinguished major from minor mode. Musicians and nonmusicians judged each melody as major vs. minor or happy vs. sad.We collected ERP waveforms, triggered to the onset of the critical note. Musicians showed a late positive component (P3) to the critical note only for the minor melodies, and in both tasks.Nonmusicians could adequately classify the melodies as happy or sad but showed little evidence of processing the critical information. Major appears to be the default mode in music, and musicians and nonmusicians apparently process mode differently.
Pitch-Class Distribution and the Identification of Key
Authors: Temperley David , Marvin Elizabeth West
Published: January 2008

THIS STUDY EXAMINES THE DISTRIBUTIONAL VIEW OF key-finding, which holds that listeners identify key by monitoring the distribution of pitch-classes in a piece and comparing this to an ideal distribution for each key. In our experiment, participants judged the key of melodies generated randomly from pitch-class distributions characteristic of tonal music. Slightly more than half of listeners' judgments matched the generating keys, on both the untimed and the timed conditions. While this performance is much better than chance, it also indicates that the distributional view is far from a complete explanation of human key identification. No difference was found between participants with regard to absolute pitch ability, either in the speed or accuracy of their key judgments. Several key-finding models were tested on the melodies to see which yielded the best match to participants' responses.
Exploring the Spatio-Temporal Properties of Simple Conducting Gestures using a Synchronization Task
Authors: Luck Geoff , Sloboda John
Published: January 2008

THE SPATIO-TEMPORAL PROPERTIES OF HUMAN movement that induce the percept of a visual beat were investigated in three experiments. Experiment 1, in which participants synchronized key presses with point-light representations of simple conducting gestures, showed that visual beat induction was related to acceleration along the trajectory (a), and, to a lesser extent, high instantaneous speed (v). Experiment 2, in which the curvature component of the gestures was held constant, largely supported this finding. Experiment 3, in which the speed component of the gestures was held constant, indicated that neither radius of curvature (r) nor rate of change of radius of curvature (r') alone were related to visual beat induction. In addition, analysis of the characteristics of the gestures highlighted inconsistencies between descriptions of the beat in the conducting literature, and descriptions of biological motion in the human movement literature,with the gestures used here conforming to the latter.
Instrument Library (MUMS) Revised
Authors: Eerola Tuomas , Ferrer Rafael
Published: January 2008

AN OVERVIEW OF THE MAIN INSTRUMENT SAMPLE libraries used in psychoacoustics, sound analysis, and instrument classification research is presented. One of the central libraries, the McGill University Master Samples (MUMS, Opolko & Wapnick, 2006) is reviewed in detail. This library has over 6000 sound samples representing most classical and popular musical instruments and a wide variety of articulation styles.A closer scrutiny revealed a conspicuous amount of labeling errors, intonation inaccuracies, and the absence of an integrated database. These errors are identified and catalogued, and revisions are implemented in a form of an installer.
Processo de adaptação de próteses auditivas em usuários atendidos em uma instituição pública federal - parte I: resultados e implicações com o uso da amplificação
Authors: Freitas Carine Dias de , Costa Maristela Julio
Published: January 2008

A adaptação de próteses auditivas abrange vários aspectos a serem analisados, desde o fornecimento da mesma até os resultados da protetização, o que possibilitaria uma melhoria do planejamento das ações em Atenção à Saúde Auditiva. OBJETIVOS: Verificar as dificuldades relacionadas ao uso e manuseio de pilhas e moldes auriculares e as características da amplificação, e discutir os aspectos envolvidos no processo de adaptação das próteses auditivas, orientação e acompanhamento deste grupo de estudo. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: 31 indivíduos, de 12 a 77 anos de idade, portadores de perdas auditivas bilaterais simétricas, neurossensoriais ou mistas, de graus moderado a moderadamente severo e usuários de próteses digitais ou analógicas programáveis. Foi realizada uma entrevista com tópicos relacionados ao uso e manuseio das pilhas, moldes e próteses auditivas, assim como sobre as características da amplificação. RESULTADOS: Dos indivíduos entrevistados 12,90%, 58,06% e 67,74% apresentaram dificuldades relacionadas às pilhas, aos moldes ou cápsulas auriculares, e às características da amplificação, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos usuários apresentou algum tipo de queixa relacionado ao funcionamento das próteses auditivas e os resultados da intervenção estão diretamente relacionados às expectativas, necessidades de comunicação e preocupações financeiras do usuário e ao suporte fornecido por sua rede municipal de saúde.
Sobre la pertinencia de las categorías culturales en la elaboración de las Representaciones de los Nuevos Movimientos Sociales
Authors: Castro Manuel Cárdenas , López Roberto Rodríguez
Published: January 2008

Se presenta un estudio de las representaciones sociales sobre el movimiento antiglobalización (MAG) elaboradas por una muestra de obreros españoles. Para el análisis de dichas representaciones se ha utilizado un método de asociación libre de palabras a un conjunto de estímulos y un cuestionario de imagen del movimiento (que toma la forma de un diferencial semántico). Los resultados obtenidos a través de la asociación libre de palabras son analizados por medio de métodos multivariados (análisis de conglomerados, escalamiento multidimensional y análisis de correspondencias). Los resultados del cuestionario de imagen son resumidos en siete factores principales cuyas medias son comparadas según criterio de auto-categorización política. El principal efecto observado es el rechazo, por parte de los sujetos de la muestra, a utilizar las categorías culturales que en otros estudios aparecían como las más pertinentes para la elaboración de las representaciones sociales sobre el MAG.
Celulares: um "presente do céu" para mães de jovens
Authors: Nicolaci-da-Costa Ana Maria
Published: January 2008

Pesquisas realizadas em diferentes partes do mundo mostram que pais e mães equipam seus filhos jovens com celulares como uma forma de garantir sua segurança enquanto fazem as primeiras incursões por um mundo visto como cada vez mais perigoso. Os resultados de uma pesquisa realizada com mães de jovens cariocas entre 18 e 25 anos de idade revelam, no entanto, que essa pode não ser a única razão para que os filhos recebam celulares de presente de seus pais. Embora a preocupação com a segurança dos filhos fosse constantemente mencionada por todas as mães entrevistadas, foi sobretudo à sua própria segurança - usada com o significado de tranqüilidade, sossego, paz de espírito, etc. - que essas mães fizeram referência. O celular é, para elas, uma importante fonte de alívio da angústia de não saber onde estão os filhos.
Refinamento estatístico das previsões horárias de temperatura a 2 m do modelo eta em estações do nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Chou Sin Chan , Souza Carlos Renato de , Gomes Jorge L. , Evangelista Edgard F.D. , Osório Christiane , Cataldi Márcio
Published: January 2008

Previsões de temperatura do Modelo Eta de 40 km de resolução são refinadas para produzir previsões em pontos localizados em sete cidades da região Nordeste: Salvador, Maceió, Recife, Natal, Fortaleza, São Luís e Teresina. O esquema de refinamento empregado é o Model Output Calibration (MOC) que se baseia em regressão linear do erro da previsão com as variáveis previstas pelo modelo. O esquema apresenta a vantagem de empregar período curto de treinamento, neste caso foi usado o período de somente 28 dias. A seleção dos preditores se baseou em correlação maior que 0,6. Os testes foram realizados com dados horários de temperatura do mês de setembro de 2003. Os erros sistemáticos das previsões foram substancialmente reduzidos para valores menores que 0,5 °C em média. Os erros quadráticos que eram da ordem de 2 °C passaram para valores em torno de 1 °C em média. As correlações entre as séries refinadas e as séries observadas foram geralmente mantidas altas e semelhantes às correlações entre as séries previstas pelo Modelo Eta e as séries observadas, indicando que a aplicação do esquema não prejudicou as tendências horárias da temperatura nas estações. As temperaturas de cidades onde as amplitudes dos ciclos diurnos não foram bem previstas pelo Eta, foram refinadas pelo esquema.
Identificação e controle de processos via desenvolvimentos em séries ortonormais. Parte B: controle preditivo
Authors: Oliveira Gustavo H. C. , Campello Ricardo J. G. B. , Amaral Wagner C.
Published: January 2008

O presente artigo aborda o problema da seleção da estrutura de modelos em algoritmos de controle preditivo para sistemas monovariáveis. Neste sentido, apresenta a utilização de modelos com estrutura dinâmica desenvolvida através de bases de funções ortonormais, como as funções de Laguerre, Kautz ou funções ortonormais generalizadas. Os principais aspectos relacionados com esta classe de modelos no contexto de controladores preditivos lineares com restrições terminais, não lineares e robusto são discutidos e uma revisão bibliográfica é apresentada. O desempenho de malha fechada das estratégias analisadas é ilustrado através de dois casos de estudo envolvendo uma incubadora para recém nascidos e um processo simulado de polimerização isotérmica.
Decomposição modal de linhas de transmissão a partir do uso de duas matrizes de transformação
Authors: Kurokawa Sérgio , Daltin Rodrigo Serra , Prado Afonso José do , Bovolato Luiz Fernando , Pissolato José
Published: January 2008

Este artigo mostra um processo alternativo de decomposição modal de linhas de transmissão trifásicas, não idealmente transpostas, que possuem um plano de simetria vertical. O processo baseia-se no uso de duas matrizes de transformação modal. Inicialmente utiliza-se a matriz de Clarke para decompor a linha em suas componentes a, b e zero. Devido ao fato de as componentes alfa e zero serem acopladas, as mesmas podem ser representadas como sendo uma linha bifásica sem um plano de simetria vertical. Em seguida esta linha bifásica é decomposta em seus modos exatos a partir do uso de uma matriz de decomposição modal adequada. O artigo descreve as características da linha bifásica que representa as componentes alfa e zero e mostra a aplicação do processo de decomposição modal em uma linha trifásica de 440 kV.
Classificação de McCormack e colapso sagital na fratura toracolombar explosão
Authors: Avanzi Osmar , Chih Lin Yu , Meves Robert , Caffaro Maria Fernanda Silber , Rezende Rodrigo , Castro Carlos Abdalla
Published: January 2008

O aumento da cifose toracolombar após tratamento conservador da fratura tipo explosão é complicação constatada por vários autores. Realizamos estudo retrospectivo com 33 portadores de fratura toracolombar do tipo explosão submetidos ao tratamento conservador entre 1992 a 2004 para verificar a correlação entre a cifose toracolombar e a Classificação de McCormack, que pontua a gravidade da fratura conforme a cominuição do corpo, o deslocamento dos fragmentos no corpo vertebral e a quantidade de correção da deformidade em cifose após o tratamento. Após 30 meses de seguimento médio, verificamos correlação entre a pontuação da Classificação de McCormack, conhecida na literatura como load sharing classification, e o colapso vertebral sagital nestes pacientes (p<0,05;r=0,65). A despeito de ser descrita para avaliação do colapso sagital após o tratamento cirúrgico, a aplicabilidade desta Classificação pode ser considerada para os portadores de fratura toracolombar explosão submetidos ao tratamento conservador.
O poeta da vida moderna
Authors: Muricy Katia
Published: January 2008

A visão de modernidade de Baudelaire é encontrada por Walter Benjamin na ótica do procedimento crítico alegórico: a mortificação da obra literária. É pela reciprocidade alegórica entre o poeta e o crítico que se evidenciam as mais ricas implicações dessa visão, que, para Benjamin, não está nos ensaios estéticos mas em Les Fleurs du Mal. Michel Foucault, reconhecendo o caráter alegórico da literatura contemporânea depois de Mallarmé, ignora a obra de Baudelaire. Não assumindo a contrapartida alegórica na sua própria leitura, Foucault perde, nos limites da arqueologia dos anos 1960, a mais rica expressão da modernidade em Baudelaire. Quando, posteriormente, reconhece a importância da concepção de modernidade do poeta, restringe-se a considerar os ensaios estéticos, aqueles que, na opinião de Benjamin, constituem o "ponto mais fraco" desta visão.
Le printemps adorable a perdu son odeur
Authors: Gagnebin Jeanne-Marie
Published: January 2008

Esse artigo parte da análise da lírica de Baudelaire proposta por Walter Benjamin, em particular da idéia, oriunda da sociologia de Simmel e retomada por Benjamin, de que as transformações do espaço e da percepção na grande cidade moderna afetam as relações sensoriais entre os homens. Essas transformações dizem respeito tanto ao domínio da aura quanto ao do eros, porque desfazem a ligação entre desejo e presença de um afastamento essencial, tornado mais próximo na experiência erótica. Assim, o olhar compartilhado não é mais privilegiado na lírica erótica de Baudelaire; e mesmo o perfume, que ainda conserva a possibilidade desse impulso em direção ao longínquo, fracassa diante da inexorável destruição do Tempo devorador do Spleen.
Adília e Baudelaire: leituras do fim
Authors: Pedrosa Celia
Published: January 2008

Esse ensaio se propõe a avaliar o uso profanador feito pela poeta portuguesa Adília Lopes da herança baudelairiana, focalizando os procedimentos de ironia, figuração, fragmentação e transitividade com que em ambos se encena a subjetividade lírica e associando-os a um modo impróprio de relação com a modernidade e a contemporaneidade, compreendidas como experiências paradoxais de fim e recomeço.
As Flores do Mal: sintoma e saber anti-modernos
Authors: Antelo Raúl
Published: January 2008

Uma das forças da imagem é a de constituir ao mesmo tempo sintoma e conhecimento. As Flores do Mal, uma série de quadros, isto é, de imagens, publicado pela primeira vez na Revue des Deux Mondes, oferece-nos uma imagem antimoderna e transatlântica das idéias de Baudelaire.
The dethronement of income as a cause of health: an essay
Authors: Musgrove Philip
Published: January 2008

Income, whether of nations, groups or individuals, appears in many analyses to have a strong relation to health status and even to be the principal explanatory variable for health differences. Poor people tend to be sicker than average, and sick people tend also to be poorer than average. Of course, income is needed to buy the goods and services that contribute to protecting and improving health, but its importance has been overstated. Cross-sectional relations that ignore history exaggerate how much income matters for health. Income is "dethroned" as the king of explanations by four lines of evidence: (1) distribution matters more than totals or averages, and the distribution of financial protection through insurance, rather than the distribution of income, is particularly crucial; (2) historically, income growth by itself contributed little to health improvements; (3) it matters more, how rapidly and thoroughly people and nations adopt sound health interventions; and (4) some recent changes in lifestyle (diet and physical activity) that accompany income growth actually worsen health. These causes are especially relevant for infant and child health, somewhat less so for maternal health. The less important income is, the easier it is to improve health; so it is good news that countries and people need to escape from poverty, but they don't have to be rich to be healthy.
Durable islet effects on insulin secretion and protein kinase A expression following exendin-4 treatment of high-fat diet-fed mice
Authors: Winzell Maria Sörhede , Ahrén Bo
Published: January 2008

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) augments glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) through cAMP-induced activation of protein kinase A (PKA), and stimulates β-cell proliferation and reduces β-cell apoptosis in rodent islets. This study explored islet GSIS, PKA expression, and markers of apoptosis (caspase 3/7 activity) and proliferation (PKBα and pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene 1, Pdx-1) after 2 weeks of treatment with the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 (2 nmol/kg once daily) in female mice with high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance (HFD; 58% fat by energy). Islets were isolated 20 h after the last exendin-4 injection, when effects of circulating exendin-4 had vanished. The glucose responsiveness in islets from HFD-fed mice at 8.3 mM glucose was reduced compared with islets from control mice fed a normal diet due to increased basal insulin secretion. However, GSIS increased in islets from HFD-fed exendin-4-treated animals (0.124±0.012 ng/h per islet in HFD-Ex-4 versus 0.062±0.010 in HFD, P=0.006). Furthermore, the insulin response to forskolin was increased (2.7±0.3 in HFD-Ex-4 versus 2.0±0.2 ng/h per islet in HFD, P=0.011) and PKAcat expression was increased, while PKAreg was reduced in islets from exendin-4-treated mice. In contrast, protein expression of PKBα, Pdx-1, and caspase 3/7 activity was not affected by exendin-4 treatment. We conclude that GLP-1 receptor activation in HFD-fed mice has durable effects on GSIS, in association with augmented signaling through the PKA pathway. These effects are seen beyond those induced by circulating exendin-4 already after 2 weeks of once-daily treatment in mice, whereas markers for islet proliferation and apoptosis were unaffected by this treatment.
A focus on the role of Pax4 in mature pancreatic islet β-cell expansion and survival in health and disease
Authors: Brun Thierry , Gauthier Benoit R
Published: January 2008

Blood glucose homeostasis is achieved by the regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion from the pancreatic islet β- and α-cells. Diabetes mellitus, which comprises a heterogeneous group of hyperglycaemic disorders, results mainly from inadequate mass and function of islet β-cells. Autoimmune destruction of β-cells causes type 1 diabetes, while type 2 is characterized by impaired insulin secretion and is often associated with diminished insulin action on its target tissues. Interestingly, similar to type 1 diabetes, a gradual loss of β-cell mass is observed in type 2 diabetes often requiring insulin therapy. Understanding the molecular mechanism that governs β-cell mass plasticity may provide a means to develop strategies to countera,ct β-cell death while increasing replication. Of particular interest is the islet-specific transcription factor paired box4 (Pax4) that was previously shown to be indispensable for the establishment of the β-cell lineage during development. However, recent accumulating evidence now suggest that Pax4 is also crucial for mature β-cell expansion and survival in response to physiological cues and that mutations or polymorphisms are associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In contrast, aberrant expression of Pax4 confers protection against apoptosis to insulinomas, whereas it promotes cell growth in lymphocytes. This review summarizes promising new published results supporting the important function of Pax4 in mature islet β-cell physiology and its contribution to pathophysiology when deregulated.
The Diagnostic Value of the Second Generation Anti-CCP Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Spasovski Dejan , Gruev Todor , Marina Nada , Calovski Jordan , Percinkova Snežana , Rajčevska Ljubinka , Osmani Baskim , Cakalaroski Kočo
Published: January 2008

The Diagnostic Value of the Second Generation Anti-CCP Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The purpose of this research was to compare the diagnostic values of laboratory variables, to present quantitative evaluations of the diagnostic test with reference to sensitivity, and specificity, the predictive value of the positive and negative test and precision of the test for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP 2) antibodies, rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), DAS 28 index, in early diagnosis of untreated rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using the ELISA technology of DIA-STAT™Anti-CCP (Axis-Shield Diagnostics), the serum has been examined in 70 participants (35 RA who were not treated, 35 healthy controls). RF was defined with the test for agglutination (Latex RF test) in the same participants. In 23 of the 35 examined patients with RA, we found presence of anti-CCP 2 antibodies (sensitivity of the test 65.71%), while RF appeared in 17 patients (sensitivity of the test 48.57%). Twelve patients were anti-CCP 2 and RF positive, 11 were anti-CCP 2 positive but RF negative. Five patients were anti-CCP 2 negative and RF positive. Out of 18 RF negative patients, 11 were anti-CCP 2 positive. In 17 RF positive patients, anti-CCP 2 antibodies were positive in 12 patients. In the healthy control group, 1 patient was anti-CCP 2 positive, while 2 patients were RF positive. Anti-CCP 2 antibodies have higher sensitivity and specificity than RF in RA.
Biochemical Aspects, Laboratory Diagnosis and Follow-Up of High Blood Cholesterol: NCEP ATP III Guidelines
Authors: Jovičić Snežana
Published: January 2008

Biohemijski Aspekti, Laboratorijska Dijagnoza I Praćenje Povišene Koncentracije Holesterola: PreporukeNCEP ATP III

Treći izveštaj ekspertske grupe o detekciji, evaluaciji i tretmanu povišene koncentracije holesterola u odraslih (Adult Treatment Panel III, ATP III) predstavlja ažuriran klinički vodič Nacionalnog programa edukacije o holesterolu (National Cholesterol Education Program, NCEP), o određivanju holesterola i zbrinjavanju osoba s povišenom koncentracijom holesterola u serumu. Pored toga što preporučuje intenzivan tretman pacijenata sa koronarnom srčanom bolešću (coronary heart disease/CHD), važna karakteristika ATP III je težište na primarnoj prevenciji kod osoba sa više prisutnih faktora rizika. ATP III nastavlja da identifikuje povišene koncentracije LDL holesterola kao primarni cilj terapije za snižavanje holesterola. Osnovni princip prevencije je da se intenzitet terapije prilagođava apsolutnom riziku za CHD svake osobe pojedinačno. Procena rizika podrazumeva određivanje LDL holesterola u sklopu analize lipoproteina i identifikaciju pratećih determinanti rizika (prisustvo ili odsustvo CHD, drugih kliničkih oblika aterosklerotske bolesti i dijabetesa, pušenje, hipertenzija, niska koncentracija HDL holesterola, porodična anamneza prevremene pojave CHD, starost). U kategoriji najvišeg rizika nalaze se osobe sa CHD i CHD ekvivalentima rizika, čiji je apsolutni rizik od pojave srčane smrti ili nefatalnog infarkta miokarda u narednih 10 godina ≥20%. Drugu kategoriju čine osobe sa dva ili više faktora rizika kod kojih je 10-godišnji rizik <20%. Apsolutni rizik se procenjuje na osnovuFraminghamrizik skora. U trećoj kategoriji su osobe sa jednim ili nijednim faktorom rizika. Definisane su preporučene koncentracije LDL holesterola za svaku kategoriju i postižu se korekcijom ishrane i/ili farmakoterapijom. Evropske preporuke za prevenciju kardiovaskularne bolesti (cardiovascular disease, CVD) u kliničkoj praksi preporučuju upotrebu SCO-RE (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation) tablica za procenu rizika za pojavu CVD, koje podrazumevaju apsolutnu verovatnoću za fatalan ishod CVD u toku 10 godina. Cilj ovog rada je predstavljanje delova NCEP ATP III i evropskih preporuka značajnih za njihovu implementaciju u laboratorijsku praksu.
Structural, Electrical, and Thermal Behavior of Graphite‐Polyaniline Composites with Increased Crystallinity
Authors: Bourdo Shawn , Li Zhongrui , Biris Alexandru S. , Watanabe Fumiya , Viswanathan Tito , Pavel Ioana
Published: January 2008

Conductive materials are at the forefront of materials science research because of the large number of applications that have been developed around their interesting and unique properties. This work reports for the first time a correlation between the structural, electrical, and thermal behavior of novel graphite‐polyaniline (G‐PANI) composites with electrical conductivities greater than either of the individual components. The G:PANI mass ratio was varied during synthesis of the composites (90:10, 95:5, 96:4, 97:3, and 98:2 G:PANI mass ratios) and the highest electrical conductivity was determined for the composite having a G:PANI mass ratio of 96:4. The structural changes related to this increase in electrical conductivity were clearly reflected by the Raman spectra of the new composites, which indicated an improved crystallinity through a better stacking along the c‐axis of graphite when PANI was present (as evidenced by the G and 2 × D modes at 1582 and 2684 cm−1). X‐ray diffraction data showed a slight increase in the (0 0 2) graphite crystal plane distance that was associated with a dilute stage intercalation or a possible “pseudo‐intercalation” of the polymer species between the graphite layers facilitating charge transfer in the composites. It is proposed that polyaniline acts as a charge transfer component between basal planes of graphite. Thermogravimetric analyses of the samples showed similar trends for the thermal stability in accordance with the electrical conductivity, the Raman and X‐ray diffraction data. The potential impact of this work is evident in the many areas that utilize graphite as conductive filler in electrically conducting materials. The composites can be used for a large number of applications in nanoelectronics, electromagnetic interference shielding, rechargeable batteries or as other advanced nanocomposite materials with improved electrical, structural, and thermal properties.
Photosensitive Carbon Nanotube Paste Based on Acrylated Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Jung Myung‐Sup , Hyeon‐Lee Jingyu , Lee Jeong‐Hee , Park Jong‐Jin , Jung In‐Sun , Kim Jong‐Min
Published: January 2008

A novel photosensitive carbon nanotube (CNT) paste based on an acrylated single‐walled carbon nanotube (ac‐SWNT), a cross‐linking agent, and a photoinitiator has been prepared. Unlike the conventional photosensitive CNT pastes reported to date, our photosensitive paste system does not use a polymeric binder for the photopolymerization following UV exposure because the ac‐SWNT itself has cross‐linkable groups. Therefore, the subsequent firing process can be performed at relatively low temperatures and the residue of the organic vehicle in the SWNT pattern is minimized after firing. The ac‐SWNT was synthesized from the reaction between carboxylated SWNT (ca‐SWNT) and methacryloyl chloride in the presence of base, and its structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After UV exposure and development with N,N‐dimethyl formamide a pattern with a resolution of 8 µm was obtained from the photosensitive CNT paste, which was then fired at 300 °C to give a clear SWNT pattern. When the photosensitive CNT paste was used for the fabrication of a cathode emitter for field emission displays, the CNT pattern emitted electrons under an applied electrical field with emission characteristics comparable with those obtained with screen‐printing from conventional CNT pastes. Therefore, such a photosensitive paste for fabricating SWNT patterns can be used in the production of field‐emission displays and in future device integration requiring carbon nanotubes, because it provides large‐area patterning of SWNT with high stability and uniformity.
Functionalizing Carbon Nanotubes by Grafting on Intumescent Flame Retardant: Nanocomposite Synthesis, Morphology, Rheology, and Flammability
Authors: Ma Hai‐Yun , Tong Li‐Fang , Xu Zhong‐Bin , Fang Zheng‐Ping
Published: January 2008

An intumescent flame retardant, poly(diaminodiphenyl methane spirocyclic pentaerythritol bisphosphonate) (PDSPB) has been covalently grafted onto the surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to obtain MWNT‐PDSPB and according nanocomposites were prepared via melt blending. After high density PDSPB (65 wt %) were attached to the MWNTs, core‐shell nanostructures with MWNTs as the hard core and PDSPB as the soft shell were formed. The resultant MWNT‐PDSPB was soluble and stable in polar solvents, such as DMF. The optical microscopy and TEM results showed that the functionalized MWNTs can achieve better dispersion in ABS matrix. The linear viscoelastic behavior indicated that MWNT‐PDSPB can form network structure at very low nanotube loading than un‐functionalized MWNTs. The results of flammability showed that better flame retardancy was obtained for ABS/MWNT‐PDSPB nanocomposites due to the better dispersion of MWNT‐PDSPB in ABS matrix. The flammability of the composites is strongly dependent on the network structure of nanotubes which reduces the diffusion of volatile combustible fragments generated by polymer degradation which diffuse towards the surface of the burning polymer to evaporate to feed the flame. The grafting of intumescent flame retardant of PDSPB can improve both the dispersion of nanotubes in polymer matrix and flame retardancy of the nanocomposites.
Theoretical and experimental study of vapor deposition onto a dressed body part
Authors: Brasser Paul , van Houwelingen Tiny
Published: January 2008

When air‐permeable clothing is worn, vapor will penetrate to the inside of the clothing. The vapor can deposit onto the skin, thus, forming a potential health threat. In a previous article a model was presented, which describes the airflow around body parts, covered with clothing. This airflow profile is used to calculate the vapor deposition onto the skin. A test setup was developed to validate the deposition model. Cylinders are used as a representative for human body parts. They are covered by a layer of protective clothing and exposed to vapor of methylsalicylate. The amount of vapor which deposites onto the surface of the cylinder is determined by using charcoal cloth. The influence of the clothing air permeability, the wind speed, the diameter of the cylinder, and the distance between clothing and cylinder surface was investigated. The experimental results show reasonable to good agreement with the model. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Zur Durchstanzbemessung von Flachdecken nach Eurocode 2
Authors: Hegger Josef , Häusler Frank , Ricker Marcus
Published: January 2008

Mit der Erarbeitung des Nationalen Anwendungsdokuments rückt die Einführung des Eurocodes 2 in Deutschland näher. Allerdings stellten sich bei der Überprüfung der Regelungen zum Durchstanzen teilweise deutliche Abweichungen zu den Regelungen nach DIN 1045‐1 heraus. Einige Bemessungsgleichungen erreichen in der angegebenen Form nicht das nach Eurocode und DIN 1055‐100 geforderte Sicherheitsniveau, weshalb für das Nationale Anwendungsdokument abweichende Regelungen und Faktoren festgesetzt wurden. Dieser Beitrag zeigt die Unterschiede der beiden Normen und erläutert die wesentlichen Änderungen für die Anwendung des Eurocodes 2 in Deutschland.
Effects of proteasome inhibitor, MG132, on proteasome activity and oxidative status of rat liver
Authors: Alexandrova Albena , Petrov Lubomir , Georgieva Almira , Kirkova Margarita , Kukan Marian
Published: January 2008

In vivo effects of N‐benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz)‐Leu–Leu‐leucinal (MG132) on chymotryptic‐like (ChT‐L), tryptic‐like, and post‐glutamyl peptide hydrolytic‐like proteasome activities, protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione (GSH) level, as well as on the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and glutathione‐reductase) in the rat liver were studied. The possibility of MG132 provoking the formation of free oxygen radicals was also assayed in primary hepatocytes. The following results were obtained: (1) In vivo, MG132 did not change the spontaneous LP, but increased Fe‐induced LP and the amount of oxidized proteins; it decreased the GSH level in liver. From the proteasome activities studied in liver cytosol only ChT‐L activity was significantly decreased after MG132 administration. Furthermore, MG132 increased antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH‐Px. (2) In vitro, MG132 increased free radical oxygen species in hepatocytes; this effect disappeared in the presence of CAT or mannitol. In conclusion, since nowadays proteasome inhibitors are entering into the swing of laboratory and clinical practice, the present data could provide useful information for MG132 action. Consequently, future in vivo experiments with MG132 could highlight the possibility of its use at different pathological conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phospholipid profile of rat testis, its unique high level of monolysocardiolipin and its lipolytic capabilities in vitro. A chromatographic analysis
Authors: Helmy Fatma M. , Nosavanh LaGina , Haynes Huldah , Juracka Amal
Published: January 2008

The phospholipid profiles of testes and heart of 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month‐old rats and their in vitro response to the endogenous phospholipases at pH 7.4 and 38°C for 60 min were analyzed by TLC technology and densitometry. A noticeable high level of monolysocardiolipin (MLCL) was shown in rat testes of all samples analyzed (1‐, 3‐, and 6‐month‐old), both control and incubated. In contrast, rat heart control samples revealed a high level of CL and no MLCL was detected. MLCL was only produced subsequent to in vitro incubation of whole tissue homogenate at pH 7.4 and 38°C for 60 min, with concurrent reduction of CL. Alkenyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) was the major plasmalogen of rat testes. Following in vitro incubation, (a) a very low level of lyso PE plasmalogen was produced only in 3‐ and 6‐month‐old rat testes, (b) ceramide was also produced in all testes analyzed with concurrent reduction of sphingomyelin indicating the action of sphingomyelinase. These data clearly illustrate, for the first time, the presence of high levels of MLCL in all rat testes studied which probably is related to the physiological activity in vivo and requires further investigation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Integrated Device for Monitoring Time‐Dependent in vitro Expression From Single Genes in Picolitre Droplets
Authors: Courtois Fabienne , Olguin Luis F. , Whyte Graeme , Bratton Daniel , Huck Wilhelm T. S. , Abell Chris , Hollfelder Florian
Published: January 2008

Microdroplets have great potential for high‐throughput biochemical screening. We report the design of an integrated microfluidic device for droplet formation, incubation and screening. Picolitre water‐in‐oil droplets can be stored in a reservoir that contains ∼106 droplets. In this reservoir droplets are stable for at least 6 h, which gives an extended timescale for biochemical experiments. We demonstrate the utility of the system by following the in vitro expression of green fluorescent protein. The high efficiency allows protein expression from a single molecule of DNA template, creating “monoclonal droplets” in which genotype and phenotype are combined in one emulsion compartment.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Optically Active Tertiary Alcohols: Expanding the Biocatalysis Toolbox
Authors: Kourist Robert , Domínguez de María Pablo , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: January 2008

Enantiopure tertiary alcohols are very valuable building blocks for the synthesis of many different natural products and pharmaceuticals. As a consequence, several chemical and enzymatic strategies to afford such chiral structures have been described. Promising enzymatic approaches with agents such as epoxide hydrolases, dehalogenases and hydroxynitrile lyases have been reported, as well as dihydroxylation by microorganisms. Apart from those valuable options, the hydrolase‐based kinetic resolution of tertiary alcohols has been known for the last three decades, as several wild‐type enzymes have been reported to be able to accept these sterically hindered molecules. More recently, the existence of an amino acid motif within an enzyme’s active site has been identified as highly relevant for the acceptance of such bulky structures. This discovery clearly facilitates the identification of novel biocatalysts for this application. Although several tertiary alcohols have been successfully resolved with wild‐type biocatalysts, enantioselectivities have often been too low for synthetic purposes. These limitations have recently been overcome by accessing enzymes from the metagenome through directed evolution or by rational protein design. This minireview describes the state of the art in this area, highlighting aspects of basic academic research into the practical application of biocatalysts for the synthesis of optically active tertiary alcohols.
Stent fracture following stenting of a myocardial bridge: Report of two cases
Authors: Tandar Anwar , Whisenant Brian K. , Michaels Andrew D.
Published: January 2008

Myocardial bridge is the most common congenital coronary anomaly. Patients with this anomaly are usually asymptomatic, but it may cause myocardial ischemia that may lead to myocardial infarction. Treatment for myocardial bridge remains controversial. Current recommendations include medical therapy, surgical treatment (unroofing myotomy), coronary artery bypass, and percutaneous coronary stenting. We report two cases of stent fracture following stenting of a myocardial bridge. The risk of stent fracture leading to restenosis and/or stent thrombosis should be considered when assessing the risks and benefits of coronary revascularization of a myocardial bridge. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Balloon assessment of patent foramen ovale morphology and the modification of tunnels using a balloon detunnelisation technique
Authors: Spence Mark S. , Khan Arif A. , Mullen Michael J.
Published: January 2008

Objectives:

(1) To define patent foramen ovale (PFO) morphology using balloon assessment and identify those with long tunnel type morphology. (2) To describe a novel technique of detunnelisation to facilitate PFO device closure in patients with long tunnel PFO morphology.

Background:

An appreciation that PFO morphology varies from simple defects through to long tunnel‐like defects is important for their successful transcatheter closure. Using standard closure techniques for long tunnels can be problematic.

Methods:

Consecutive patients who underwent transcatheter PFO closure from April 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006 had assessment of PFO morphology using a compliant sizing balloon. The sites of constraint of the balloon allowed identification of the PFO entrance, exit, and length. The PFO was classified as being a long tunnel when the length was greater than the diameter of either the entrance or exit. Those with a long tunnel had detunnelisation performed and the defect was then closed.

Results:

44 patients (32 females), mean age 50 years were studied. On balloon assessment 10 (23%) met the criteria for long tunnels. Detunnelisation allowed successful closure with the STARFlex (NMT Medical, Boston, MA) device in 9 of 10 patients. In the other case transseptal puncture was required after detunnelisation before closure.

Conclusions:

Balloon assessment of PFOs enhances the understanding of their morphology and aids the identification of long tunnels. Detunnelisation using the same balloon facilitates the uncomplicated transcatheter closure of long tunnel PFOs in most patients. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.