bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Z-SCAN APPROACH FOR MEASURING THE THRESHOLD OF TWO-PHOTON PHOTOPOLYMERIZATION
Authors: BOIKO YURI
Published: March 2005

A technique is suggested to measure the threshold of two-photon initiated photopolymerization involving a Z-scan of a thin film of sensitive material along the focusing axis of the laser beam. A condition of reaching the threshold when scanning the sample along Z-direction is identified via interferometric effect. The technique is demonstrated for measurements employing Nd:YAG laser in nanosecond regime with fundamental frequency 1064 nm and its harmonic of 532 nm. Threshold data are presented for particular systems, indicating a threshold of 5 GW/cm2 for a system based on Rose Bengal exposed by a 1064 nm nanosecond-pulsed radiation and 0.05 GW/cm2 for Darocur initiators exposed to 532 nm.
NONLINEAR OPTICAL PROCESSES PRODUCING THREE-FOLD ENTANGLEMENTS VIA χ(2) AND χ(3) MATERIAL
Authors: KIM AJUNG
Published: March 2005

It is demonstrated that three-fold entangled states could lead to photon duplication as well as measurement of photon numbers of the first kind. Nonlinear optical schemes using χ(2) and χ(3) material for realizing such systems are suggested. Weak input power signals and fast response photodetectors are required for ideal operations. A criterion of incorrect operation of photon number cloning is also introduced and the operations of these realizations are studied for high-speed photodetectors and coherent state input field.
RAMAN GAIN COEFFICIENT OF BARIUM NITRATE MEASURED FOR THE SPECTRAL REGION OF TI:SAPPHIRE LASER
Authors: LISINETSKII V. A. , MISHKEL' I. I. , CHULKOV R. V. , GRABTCHIKOV A. S. , APANASEVICH P. A. , EICHLER H.-J. , ORLOVICH V. A.
Published: March 2005

We report the measurements of the Raman gain coefficient for a barium nitrate crystal in the spectral region of a Ti:Sapphire laser using Raman amplification. The experimentally-obtained data are well described by the known empirical formula.
OPTIMAL DESIGN OF APERIODIC OPTICAL SUPERLATTICES FOR ACHIEVING PARAMETRIC AMPLIFICATION OR SECOND HARMONIC GENERATION WITH CONSIDERATION OF THE DEPLETION OF PUMPING LIGHT POWER
Authors: ZHAO LI-MING , GU BEN-YUAN , YANG GUO-ZHEN , ZHOU YUN-SONG
Published: March 2005

The parametric amplification (PA) and second harmonic generation (SHG) from quasi-one-dimensional aperiodic optical superlattices (AOSs) are investigated in the cases of large, intermediate, and small signals of the pumping light wave. The optimal design of the AOSs is carried out with the use of the simulated annealing (SA) method. The numerical simulations show that the constructed AOSs can achieve multiple wavelength PA (or SHG) with identical amplification (or identical conversion efficiency) at the pre-assigned wavelengths. The variations of the normalized intensities of the PA signal (or the pumping fundamental wave (PFW)) for the PA process with the distance of propagation of the light wave from the interface of the AOSs at the pre-assigned wavelengths exhibit monotonically increasing (or decreasing) behavior. So do the variations of the normalized intensities of the second harmonic wave (SHW) (or the fundamental wave (FW)) for the SHG. This strongly supports the fact that the contribution of each individual unit domain in the constructed samples to the PA (or SHG) is constructive accumulation, favorable for the PA (or SHG) process. The saturation phenomenon of the PA (or SHG) signal is observed.
TWO-PHOTON ABSORPTION AND FLUORESCENCE OF NEW DERIVATIVES OF CYCLOHEXANONE AND PIPERIDONE
Authors: SARKISOV SERGEY S. , PETERSON BURL H. , CURLEY MICHAEL J. , NESTEROV VLADIMIR N. , TIMOFEEVA TATIANA , ANTIPIN MIKHAIL , RADOVANOVA ELENA I. , LEYDERMAN ALEX , FLEITZ PAUL A.
Published: March 2005

We report on two-photon absorption and two-photon excited fluorescence of a selected group of new derivatives of cyclohexanone and piperidone with regard to their molecular structure. The molecular cross-section of the two-photon absorption of these compounds, as high as 3000 × 10-50 cm4 s/photon at nanosecond pumping, makes then promising nonlinear materials for optical limiting in the near-infrared region. They also exhibit an intense two-photon exciting fluorescence. Similar compounds have previously demonstrated strong anticancer effect. Both features combined in a single compound thus open the way for more efficient treatment of cancer, when biochemical destruction of malignant cells is accompanied by their two-photon fluorescent imaging.
STUDY ON THE OPTICAL SECOND-ORDER NONLINEARITY OF SUBMICROSPHERICAL SILICA GLASS
Authors: LUE Y. Q. , HO T. K. , PANG C. P. , LUE J. T.
Published: March 2005

Undoped and Ce-doped silica submicrospheres are prepared by using the sol-gel method. The gel-like glass becomes thin glass plates by means of heat drying and densification. The nanospheres with diameters between 200 to 300 nm are sediment to an ordered layer of close-packed structure. Before measuring the optical second harmonic generation (SHG), samples are processed either by laser poling or thermal poling. Compared with fused silica glasses, the sample has a lower laser damage level. The submicrospheres inhibit from SHG for its centrosymmetric structure. Samples subjected to thermal poling at a temperature of 1050°C under a bias of 5kV for four days reveal an illustrious SHG. The X-ray diffraction pattern indicates an alternation of structure from nanocrystalline to amorphous, then to a close-packed cluster of SiO2 nanospheres as the thermal annealing temperature increases from 800 to 1050°C.
PARAMETER CONTROLLABLE ALL-OPTICAL SWITCHING IN A HIGH-NONLINEAR MICRO RING COUPLED MZI THROUGH A PUMPED NONLINEAR COUPLER
Authors: BANANEJ ALIREZA , LI CHUNFEI
Published: March 2005

We propose a dynamic all-optical switch in a high-nonlinear and 3cm long micro-ring resonator side coupled with a M-Z interferometer (MZI) through a nonlinear erbium-doped coupler. This switching device works in the 1.55 μm wavelength. One of its two channels is pumped by a light at 980 nm. When changing the pump power to control the coupler reflectivity, the working parameters of the switching device can be changed in a wide range. The optimum parameters of the switching devise with 0.6 mW switching power and 9 ns switching time can be obtained.
HIGH ORDER GEOMETRIC SMOOTHNESS FOR CONSERVATION LAWS
Authors: PINTO MARTIN CAMPOS , COHEN ALBERT , PETRUSHEV PENCHO
Published: March 2005

The smoothness of the solutions of 1D scalar conservation laws is investigated and it is shown that if the initial value has smoothness of order α in Lq with α > 1 and q = 1/α, this smoothness is preserved at any time t > 0 for the graph of the solution viewed as a function in a suitably rotated coordinate system. The precise notion of smoothness is expressed in terms of a scale of Besov spaces which also characterizes the functions that are approximated at rate N-α in the uniform norm by piecewise polynomials on N adaptive intervals. An important implication of this result is that a properly designed adaptive strategy should approximate the solution at the same rate N-α in the Hausdorff distance between the graphs.
INHOMOGENEOUS STRICHARTZ ESTIMATES
Authors: FOSCHI DAMIANO
Published: March 2005

We look for the optimal range of Lebesque exponents for which inhomogeneous Strichartz estimates are valid. It is known that this range is larger than the one given by admissible exponents for homogeneous estimates. We prove inhomogeneous estimates in this larger range adopting the abstract setting and interpolation techniques already used by Keel and Tao for the endpoint case of the homogeneous estimates. Applications to Schrödinger equations are given, which extend previous work by Kato.
LOCAL EXISTENCE FOR SEMILINEAR WAVE EQUATIONS AND APPLICATIONS TO YANG–MILLS EQUATIONS
Authors: FANG YUNG-FU
Published: March 2005

In this work we are concerned with a local existence of certain semi-linear wave equations for which the initial data has minimal regularity. Assuming the initial data are in H1+∊ and H∊ for any ∊ > 0, we prove a local result by using a fixed point argument, the main ingredient being an a priori estimate for the quadratic nonlinear term uDu. The technique applies to the Yang–Mills equations in the Lorentz gauge.
CONTRACTIVE METRICS FOR SCALAR CONSERVATION LAWS
Authors: BOLLEY FRANÇOIS , BRENIER YANN , LOEPER GRÉGOIRE
Published: March 2005

We consider non-decreasing entropy solutions to 1-d scalar conservation laws and show that the spatial derivatives of such solutions satisfy a contraction property with respect to the Wasserstein distance of any order. This result extends the L1-contraction property shown by Kružkov.
NON-RESONANT COUPLING OF WAVE-TRANSPORT SYSTEMS IN DISTORTED GEOMETRY
Authors: PALLARD CHRISTOPHE
Published: March 2005

We consider coupled systems of a second order hyperbolic equation and a first order kinetic equation [Formula: see text] The unknowns are u ≡ u(t,x,ξ) and f ≡ f(t,x,ξ) with phase space [Formula: see text], while the coefficients Kαare essentially linear combinations of ξ-moments of u and their first derivatives. Under suitable assumptions on the vector field p, we show that moments of u as well as their first and second derivatives remain bounded as long as the support of f in the ξ variable remains compact. Examples of application are the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell, Vlasov–Nordström and relativistic Vlasov–Klein–Gordon systems.
ON THE ASYMPTOTIC ANALYSIS OF THE DIRAC–MAXWELL SYSTEM IN THE NONRELATIVISTIC LIMIT
Authors: BECHOUCHE PHILIPPE , MAUSER NORBERT J. , SELBERG SIGMUND
Published: March 2005

We study the behavior of solutions of the Dirac–Maxwell system (DM) in the nonrelativistic limit c → ∞, where c is the speed of light. DM is a nonlinear system of PDEs obtained by coupling the Dirac equation for a 4-spinor to the Maxwell equations for the self-consistent field created by the moving charge of the spinor. The limit c → ∞, sometimes also called post-Newtonian, yields a Schrödinger–Poisson system, where the spin and magnetic field no longer appear.

We prove that DM is locally well-posed for H1 data (for fixed c), and that as c → ∞ the existence time grows at least as fast as log(c), provided the data are uniformly bounded in H1. Moreover, if the datum for the Dirac spinor converges in H1, then the solution of DM converges, modulo a phase correction, in C([0,T];H1) to a solution of a Schrödinger–Poisson system. Our results also apply to a mixed state formulation of DM, and give also a convergence result for the Pauli equation as the "semi-nonrelativistic" limit.

The proof relies on modifications of the bilinear null form estimates of Klainerman and Machedon, and extends our previous work on the nonrelativistic limit of the Klein–Gordon–Maxwell system.
CONVERGENCE OF THIN FILM APPROXIMATION FOR A SCALAR CONSERVATION LAW
Authors: OTTO FELIX , WESTDICKENBERG MICHAEL
Published: March 2005

In this paper we consider the thin film approximation of a 1D scalar conservation law with strictly convex flux. We prove that the sequence of approximate solutions converges to the unique Kružkov solution.
GLOBAL CHARACTERISTIC PROBLEM FOR EINSTEIN VACUUM EQUATIONS WITH SMALL INITIAL DATA: (I) THE INITIAL DATA CONSTRAINTS
Authors: CACIOTTA GIULIO , NICOLÒ FRANCESCO
Published: March 2005

We show how to prescribe the initial data of a characteristic problem satisfying the constraints, the smallness, the regularity and the asymptotic decay suitable to prove a global existence result. In this paper, the first of two, we show in detail the construction of the initial data and give a sketch of the existence result. This proof, which mimicks the analogous one for the non-characteristic problem in [19], will be the content of a subsequent paper.
METAL TO INSULATOR TRANSITIONS IN CLUSTERS
Authors: Issendorff Bernd von , Cheshnovsky Ori
Published: March 2005

▪ Abstract  The strict criterion for metallicity, a finite density of states (DOS) at the Fermi energy (EF), cannot be applied to clusters because energy levels are always discrete in a system of finite size. We propose an alternative definition whereby clusters can be considered metallic when the gap between occupied and unoccupied states at EF is consistently smaller than or equal to the Kubo band gap δ. We use the experimental findings of photoelectron spectroscopy of anionic clusters to analyze band gaps of various cluster families. Monovalent clusters (alkali and noble metals) grossly follow the shell structure pattern, producing band gaps smaller than δ for most cluster sizes, with some exceptional sizes exhibiting electronic shell closure or symmetry-induced band gaps. Among the bivalent metals, only mercury shows consistent band gap closure with increasing cluster size, that is a simple insulator-metal transition. Other bivalent elements such as Zn and Mg exhibit a much more complicated behavior. We also briefly discuss complex cluster families such as aluminum and transition metals.
ULTRAFAST ELECTRON TRANSFER AT THE MOLECULE-SEMICONDUCTOR NANOPARTICLE INTERFACE
Authors: Anderson Neil A. , Lian Tianquan
Published: March 2005

▪ Abstract  Electron transfer across the molecule-semiconductor interface is a fundamental process that is relevant to many applications of nanoparticles, such as dye-sensitized solar cells and molecular electronics. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding electron transfer dynamics from molecular adsorbates to semiconductor nanoparticles. Photoexcitation of molecular adsorbates to their excited states is followed by electron injection into semiconductor nanoparticles. The products of electron injection (oxidized adsorbate and electrons in semiconductor) are monitored by their electronic and vibrational spectra, allowing direct measurement of injection rate. The dependence of injection rate on the properties of semiconductor nanoparticle, molecular adsorbate, intervening bridging and anchoring group, and interfacial environment are discussed and compared with Marcus theory of interfacial electron transfer.
FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPIC IMAGING: Integrating Microscopy and Molecular Recognition
Authors: Levin Ira W. , Bhargava Rohit
Published: March 2005

▪ Abstract  The recent development of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic imaging has enhanced our capability to examine, on a microscopic scale, the spatial distribution of vibrational spectroscopic signatures of materials spanning the physical and biomedical disciplines. Recent activity in this emerging area has concentrated on instrumentation development, theoretical analyses to provide guidelines for imaging practice, novel data processing algorithms, and the introduction of the technique to new fields. To illustrate the impact and promise of this spectroscopic imaging methodology, we present fundamental principles of the technique in the context of FTIR spectroscopy and review new applications in various venues ranging from the physical chemistry of macromolecular systems to the detection of human disease.
TRANSPORT SPECTROSCOPY OF CHEMICAL NANOSTRUCTURES: The Case of Metallic Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Liang Wenjie , Bockrath Marc , Park Hongkun
Published: March 2005

▪ Abstract  Transport spectroscopy, a technique based on current-voltage measurements of individual nanostructures in a three-terminal transistor geometry, has emerged as a powerful new tool to investigate the electronic properties of chemically derived nanostructures. In this review, we discuss the utility of this approach using the recent studies of single-nanotube transistors as an example. Specifically, we discuss how transport measurements can be used to gain detailed insight into the electronic motion in metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes in several distinct regimes, depending on the coupling strength of the contacts to the nanotubes. Measurements of nanotube devices in these different conductance regimes have enabled a detailed analysis of the transport properties, including the experimental determination of all Hartree-Fock parameters that govern the electronic structure of metallic nanotubes and the demonstration of Fabry-Perot resonators based on the interference of electron waves.
ULTRAFAST CHEMISTRY: Using Time-Resolved Vibrational Spectroscopy for Interrogation of Structural Dynamics
Authors: Nibbering Erik T.J. , Fidder Henk , Pines Ehud
Published: March 2005

▪ Abstract  Time-resolved infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy elucidates molecular structure evolution during ultrafast chemical reactions. Following vibrational marker modes in real time provides direct insight into the structural dynamics, as is evidenced in studies on intramolecular hydrogen transfer, bimolecular proton transfer, electron transfer, hydrogen bonding during solvation dynamics, bond fission in organometallic compounds and heme proteins, cis-trans isomerization in retinal proteins, and transformations in photochromic switch pairs. Femtosecond IR spectroscopy monitors the site-specific interactions in hydrogen bonds. Conversion between excited electronic states can be followed for intramolecular electron transfer by inspection of the fingerprint IR- or Raman-active vibrations in conjunction with quantum chemical calculations. Excess internal vibrational energy, generated either by optical excitation or by internal conversion from the electronic excited state to the ground state, is observable through transient frequency shifts of IR-active vibrations and through nonequilibrium populations as deduced by Raman resonances.
Activation of PPARγ enhances myocardial glucose oxidation and improves contractile function in isolated working hearts of ZDF rats
Authors: Golfman Leonard S. , Wilson Christopher R. , Sharma Saumya , Burgmaier Mathias , Young Martin E. , Guthrie Patrick H. , Van Arsdall Melissa , Adrogue Julia V. , Brown Kathleen K. , Taegtmeyer Heinrich
Published: March 2005

It is suggested that insulin resistance and metabolic maladaptation of the heart are causes of contractile dysfunction. We tested the hypothesis whether systemic PPARγ activation, by changing the metabolic profile in a model of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (the ZDF rat) in vivo, improves contractile function of the heart in vitro. Male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and Zucker lean (ZL) rats, at 53–56 days of age, were treated with either GI-262570 (a nonthiazolidinedione PPARγ agonist; A) or vehicle (V) for 1 wk. Agonist treatment resulted in correction of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, as well as in reduced hyperinsulinemia. The accumulation of triacylglycerols in the myocardium, characteristic of the ZDF rat, disappeared with treatment. Cardiac power and rates of glucose oxidation in the isolated working heart were significantly reduced in ZDF-V rats, but both parameters increased to nondiabetic levels with agonist treatment. In ZDF-V hearts, transcript levels of PPARα-regulated genes and of myosin heavy chain-β were upregulated, whereas GLUT4 was downregulated compared with ZL. Agonist treatment of ZDF rats reduced PPARα-regulated genes and increased transcripts of GLUT4 and GLUT1. In conclusion, by changing the metabolic profile, reducing myocardial lipid accumulation, and promoting the downregulation of PPARα-regulated genes, PPARγ activation leads to an increased capacity of the myocardium to oxidize glucose and to a tighter coupling of oxidative metabolism and contraction in the setting of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Cardiac transgenesis with the tetracycline transactivator changes myocardial function and gene expression
Authors: McCloskey Diana T. , Turnbull Lynne , Swigart Philip M. , Zambon Alexander C. , Turcato Sally , Joho Shuji , Grossman William , Conklin Bruce R. , Simpson Paul C. , Baker Anthony J.
Published: March 2005

The cardiac-specific tetracycline-regulated gene expression system (tet-system) is a powerful tool using double-transgenic mice. The cardiac α-myosin heavy chain promoter (αMHC) drives lifetime expression of a tetracycline-inhibited transcription activator (tTA). Crossing αMHC-tTA mice with mice containing a tTA-responsive promoter linked to a target gene yields double-transgenic mice having tetracycline-repressed expression of the target gene in the heart. Using the tet-system, some studies use nontransgenic mice for the control group, whereas others use single-transgenic αMHC-tTA mice. However, previous studies found that high-level expression of a modified activator protein caused cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we tested whether cardiac expression of tTA was associated with altered function of αMHC-tTA mice compared with wild-type (WT) littermates. We monitored in vivo and in vitro function and gene expression profiles for myocardium from WT and αMHC-tTA mice. Compared with WT littermates, αMHC-tTA mice had a greater heart-to-body weight ratio (≈10%), ventricular dilation, and decreased ejection fraction, suggesting mild cardiomyopathy. In vitro, submaximal contractions were greater compared with WT and were associated with greater myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. Gene expression profiling revealed that the expression of 153 genes was significantly changed by >20% when comparing αMHC-tTA with WT myocardium. These findings demonstrate that introduction of the αMHC-tTA construct causes significant effects on myocardial gene expression and major functional abnormalities in vivo and in vitro. For studies using the tet-system, these results suggest caution in the use of controls, since αMHC-tTA myocardium differs appreciably from WT. Furthermore, the results raise the possibility that the phenotype conferred by a target gene may be influenced by the modified genetic background of αMHC-tTA myocardium.
α7-Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit is not required for parasympathetic control of the heart in the mouse
Authors: Deck Jennifer , Bibevski Steve , Gnecchi-Ruscone Tomaso , Bellina Valentina , Montano Nicola , Dunlap Mark E.
Published: March 2005

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are assembled from a pool of nine α-subunits and three β-subunits into functional pentamers in peripheral autonomic neurons. The contribution of different subunits to native, physiologically important nAChR for synaptic transmission in autonomic ganglia is unclear. Here, we examined the importance of the α7-subunit for parasympathetic innervation of the heart. Normal (C57BL/6J), α7-deficient (Chrna7), and wild-type littermate mice were implanted with telemetry devices, and, under conscious, unsedated conditions, ECG recordings were obtained at baseline and after atropine, propranolol, and hexamethonium bromide administration. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability [power spectral analysis (PSA)] was performed for the evaluation of resting autonomic tone to the heart. At the completion of conscious studies, animals were anesthetized and underwent electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve (VS) while R-R intervals were recorded. Heart rate at baseline and after atropine, propranolol, or hexamethonium was similar in all three groups of animals. PSA curves were similar between normal, wild-type, and Chrna7 mice. VS showed no difference between control and Chrna7 mice throughout the range of stimulation (5–20 Hz). Mice deficient in the α7-nAChR subunit do not display differences in resting autonomic tone to the heart at baseline or under conditions of single and combined autonomic blockade. VS showed no difference in heart rate responses between normal and α7-deficient mice. These data support previous findings in vitro and highlight the important differences in function between nicotinic receptor subtypes because α3-deficient mice display major autonomic dysfunction. We conclude that the α7-subunit does not contribute critically to resting parasympathetic control of the heart.
Integral price formulas for lookback options
Authors: Xu Chenglong , Kwok Yue Kuen
Published: March 2005

We derive an integral representation of the price formulas for European options whose terminal payoff involves path‐dependent lookback variable. The intricacies in the derivation procedures using the partial differential equation techniques stem from the degenerate nature of the pricing models, where the lookback state variables appear only in the auxiliary conditions but not in the governing differential equations. We also derive a parity relation between the price functions of the floating strike and fixed strike lookback options.
Determination of a power density by an entropy regularization method
Authors: Prot Olivier , Bergounioux Maïtine , Trotignon Jean Gabriel
Published: March 2005

The determination of directional power density distribution of an electromagnetic wave from the electromagnetic field measurement can be expressed as an ill‐posed inverse problem. We consider the resolution of this inverse problem via a maximum entropy regularization method. A finite‐dimensional algorithm is derived from optimality conditions, and we prove its convergence. A variant of this algorithm is also studied. This second one leads to a solution which maximizes entropy in the probabilistic sense. Some numerical examples are given.
Numerical solvability of a class of Volterra‐Hammerstein integral equations with noncompact kernels
Authors: Hadizadeh M. , Mohamadsohi M.
Published: March 2005

We study the numerical solvability of a class of nonlinear weakly singular integral equations of Volterra‐Hammerstein type with noncompact kernels. We obtain existence and uniqueness results and analyze the product integration methods for these equations under some verifiable conditions on the kernels and nonlinear functions. The convergence analysis is investigated and finally numerical experiments are given, which confirm our theoretical results.
Approximate solutions of equations defined by complex spherical multiplier operators
Authors: Oliveira C. P.
Published: March 2005

This paper studies, in a partial but concise manner, approximate solutions of equations defined by complex spherical multiplier operators. The approximations are from native spaces embedded in Sobolev‐type spaces and derived from the use of positive definite functions to perform spherical interpolation.
Effect of Hydrodynamics-Based Gene Delivery of Plasmid DNA Encoding Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist-Ig for Treatment of Rat Autoimmune Myocarditis
Authors: Liu Hui , Hanawa Haruo , Yoshida Tsuyoshi , Elnaggar Raafat , Hayashi Manabu , Watanabe Ritsuo , Toba Ken , Yoshida Kaori , Chang He , Okura Yuji , Kato Kiminori , Kodama Makoto , Maruyama Hiroki , Miyazaki Junichi , Nakazawa Mikio , Aizawa Yoshifusa
Published: March 2005

Background—

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a powerful and important cytokine in myocarditis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect and possible mechanism of hydrodynamics-based delivery of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA)-immunoglobulin (Ig) gene for treatment of rat experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM).

Methods and Results—

On the day after immunization, rats were transfected with either pCAGGS encoding IL-1RA-Ig or pCAGGS encoding Ig alone. On day 17, IL-1RA-Ig gene therapy was effective in controlling EAM, as monitored by a decreased ratio of heart weight to body weight, reduced myocarditis areas, reduced gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide in hearts, and improved cardiac function in echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters. Examination of the expression of IL-1–related genes in purified cells from EAM hearts suggested that ectopic IL-1RA-Ig-acting target cells were αβT cells and noncardiomyocytic noninflammatory cells such as fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Therefore, we examined the effect of serum containing IL-1RA-Ig on the expression of immune-relevant genes within noncardiomyocytic cells cultured from EAM hearts or concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocytes derived from lymph nodes in EAM-affected rats. The expression of immunologic molecules (prostaglandin E synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, and IL-1β) in cultivated noncardiomyocytic cells and Th1 cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-γ) in lymphocytes was significantly decreased by the serum containing IL-1RA-Ig.

Conclusions—

EAM was suppressed by hydrodynamics-based delivery of plasmid DNA encoding IL-1RA-Ig. In addition, IL-1RA-Ig suppressed gene expression of prostaglandin synthases and IL-1 in noncardiomyocytic cells and Th1 cytokines in lymphocytes.
Serum and Glucocorticoid-Responsive Kinase-1 Regulates Cardiomyocyte Survival and Hypertrophic Response
Authors: Aoyama Takuma , Matsui Takashi , Novikov Mikhail , Park Jongsun , Hemmings Brian , Rosenzweig Anthony
Published: March 2005

Background—

Serum- and glucocorticoid-responsive kinase-1 (SGK1), a serine-threonine kinase that is highly expressed in the heart, has been previously reported to regulate sodium channels. Because SGK1 is a PI 3-kinase–dependent kinase with structural homology to Akt, we examined its regulation in the heart and its effects on cardiomyocyte (CM) apoptosis and hypertrophy in vitro.

Methods and Results—

Rats were subjected to aortic banding, and expression of total and phosphorylated SGK1 was examined. Both phospho- and total SGK1 increased 2 to 7 days after banding. Phospho-SGK1 was also upregulated in CMs stimulated in vitro with IGF-I or phenylephrine. Infection of CMs with an adenoviral vector encoding constitutively active SGK1 (Ad.SGK1.CA) inhibited apoptosis after serum-deprivation or hypoxia (
P
<0.05), whereas expression of kinase-dead SGK1 (Ad.SGK1.KD) increased it and partially mitigated the protective effects of IGF-I (
P
<0.05). SGK1 activation was also sufficient to increase cell size, protein synthesis, sarcomere organization, and ANF expression both at baseline and in response to phenylephrine but was not necessary for the hypertrophic response to phenylephrine. Evaluation of potential downstream signaling pathways demonstrated that SGK1 induces phosphorylation of tuberin, p70s6kinase, and GSK3β in CMs, which may contribute to its effects.

Conclusions—

SGK1 is dynamically regulated during acute biomechanical stress in the heart and inhibits CM apoptosis while enhancing the hypertrophic response.
Celecoxib Decreases Endothelial Tissue Factor Expression Through Inhibition of c-Jun Terminal NH
2
Kinase Phosphorylation
Authors: Steffel Jan , Hermann Matthias , Greutert Helen , Gay Steffen , Lüscher Thomas F. , Ruschitzka Frank , Tanner Felix C.
Published: March 2005

Background—

Despite potential antiinflammatory properties, the use of selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs) in patients with cardiovascular diseases has been questioned because of a possibly increased thrombotic risk. Tissue factor (TF), a key protein for initiation of coagulation, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Hence, we examined the effect of different coxibs on TF expression.

Methods and Results—

Celecoxib (10
−5
mol/L), but not rofecoxib (10
−7
to 10
−5
mol/L) or the experimental coxib NS-398 (10
−7
to 10
−5
mol/L), decreased tumor necrosis factor-α–induced TF expression and activity in human aortic endothelial cells. Celecoxib (10
−5
mol/L) reduced activation of c-jun terminal NH
2
kinase (JNK), whereas it did not affect p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase or p44/42 MAP kinase; in contrast, JNK activation was not affected by rofecoxib (10
−5
mol/L) or NS-398 (10
−5
mol/L). TF expression was reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by pretreatment with SP600125 (10
−7
to 10
−6
mol/L), a specific inhibitor of JNK, which confirms that JNK regulates tumor necrosis factor-α–induced TF expression.

Conclusions—

Celecoxib reduced TF expression and activity in human aortic endothelial cells. Because neither rofecoxib nor the experimental coxib NS-398 affected TF expression, this effect occurs independently of COX-2 inhibition; it is rather mediated through inhibition of JNK phosphorylation. These data indicate a distinct heterogeneity within this class of drugs, which may be clinically relevant, especially for patients with atherosclerotic vascular diseases.
Thrombosis Modulates Arterial Drug Distribution for Drug-Eluting Stents
Authors: Hwang Chao-Wei , Levin Andrew D. , Jonas Michael , Li Pamela H. , Edelman Elazer R.
Published: March 2005

Background—

Drug-eluting stents deliver potent compounds directly to arterial segments but can become clot laden when deployed. The question arises as to whether thrombi affect drug elution and arterial uptake.

Methods and Results—

Paclitaxel transport and retention were assessed in clots of different blood components. Diffusivity, affected by clot organization, is fastest in fibrin (≈347 μm
2
/s), slower in fibrin-red blood cell clots (34.98 μm
2
/s), and slowest in whole-blood clots (3.55 μm
2
/s). Blood cells bind and retain paclitaxel such that levels in clot increase linearly with red cell fraction. At physiological hematocrit, clot retains 3 times the amount of paclitaxel in surrounding solutions. Computational models predict that the potential of thrombus to absorb, retain, and release drug or to act as a barrier to drug delivery depends on clot geometry and strut position in clot relative to the vessel wall. Clot between artery and stent can reduce uptake 10-fold, whereas clot overlying the stent can shield drug from washout, increasing uptake. Model assumptions were confirmed and predictions were validated in a novel rat model that introduces thrombosis within stented aortas where nonocclusive thrombus acts as capacitive space for drug and shifts drug levels to decrease tissue uptake 2-fold.

Conclusions—

Thrombus apposed on stents creates large variations in drug uptake and can act to either increase or decrease wall deposition according to the clot and stent geometry. Arterial deposition of drug from stents deployed in clots will be highly variable and unpredictable unless the clot can be adequately controlled or removed.
Evidence of Human Thrombomodulin Domain as a Novel Angiogenic Factor
Authors: Shi Chung-Sheng , Shi Guey-Yueh , Chang Yi-Sheng , Han Huai-Song , Kuo Cheng-Hsiang , Liu Che , Huang Huey-Chun , Chang Yu-Jia , Chen Pin-Shern , Wu Hua-Lin
Published: March 2005

Background—

Thrombomodulin is an anticoagulant, endothelial-cell-membrane glycoprotein. A recombinant thrombomodulin domain containing 6 epidermal growth factor–like structures exhibits mitogenic activity. This study explored the novel angiogenic effects of the recombinant domain using in vitro and in vivo models.

Methods and Results—

Human recombinant thrombomodulin containing 6 epidermal growth factor–like structures (TMD2) and TMD2 plus a serine and threonine-rich domain (TMD23) were prepared using the
Pichia pastoris
expression system. Combined with purified TMD2 or TMD23, thrombin effectively activated protein C. TMD23 had higher activity than TMD2 in stimulating DNA synthesis in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Additionally, TMD23 stimulated chemotactic motility and capillarylike tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, an effect mediated through phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway. TMD23 also stimulated endothelial cell expression of matrix metalloproteinases and plasminogen activators, which mediated extracellular proteolysis, leading to endothelial cell invasion and migration during angiogenesis. Furthermore, TMD23-containing implants in rat cornea induced ingrowth of new blood vessels from the limbus. With the murine angiogenesis assay, TMD23 not only induced neovascularization coinjected with Matrigel and heparin but also enhanced angiogenesis in Matrigel containing melanoma A2058 cells in nude mice.

Conclusions—

The recombinant thrombomodulin domain TMD23 enhanced the angiogenic response in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that thrombomodulin fragments may play a role in the formation of new vessels. These findings may provide a new therapeutic option for treating ischemic diseases.
Pivotal Role of gp91

phox

-Containing NADH Oxidase in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Expression and Myocardial Depression
Authors: Peng Tianqing , Lu Xiangru , Feng Qingping
Published: March 2005

Background—

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces cardiomyocyte tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production, which is responsible for myocardial depression during sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of gp91

phox

-containing NADH oxidase signaling in cardiomyocyte TNF-α expression and myocardial dysfunction induced by LPS.

Methods and Results—

In cultured mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes, LPS increased NADH oxidase (gp91

phox

subunit) expression and superoxide generation. Deficiency of gp91

phox

or inhibition of NADH oxidase blocked TNF-α expression stimulated by LPS. TNF-α induction was also inhibited by tempol,
N
-acetylcysteine, or 1,3-dimethyl-2-thiourea. NADH oxidase activation by LPS increased ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation, and inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation blocked the effect of NADH oxidase on TNF-α expression. Isolated mouse hearts were perfused with LPS (5 μg/mL) alone or in the presence of apocynin for 1 hour. Myocardial TNF-α production was decreased in gp91

phox

-deficient or apocynin-treated hearts compared with those of wild type (
P
<0.05). To investigate the role of gp91

phox

-containing NADH oxidase in endotoxemia, mice were treated with LPS (4 mg/kg IP) for 4 and 24 hours, and their heart function was measured with a Langendorff system. Deficiency of gp91

phox

significantly attenuated LPS-induced myocardial depression (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

gp91

phox

-Containing NADH oxidase is pivotal in LPS-induced TNF-α expression and cardiac depression. Effects of NADH oxidase activation are mediated by ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathway. The present results suggest that gp91

phox

-containing NADH oxidase may represent a potential therapeutic target for myocardial dysfunction in sepsis.
AFos Dissociates Cardiac Myocyte Hypertrophy and Expression of the Pathological Gene Program
Authors: Jeong Mark Y. , Kinugawa Koichiro , Vinson Charles , Long Carlin S.
Published: March 2005

Background—

Although induction of activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor activity has been observed in cardiac hypertrophy, a direct role for AP-1 in myocardial growth and gene expression remains obscure.

Methods and Results—

Hypertrophy was induced in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with phenylephrine or overexpression of a constitutively active MAP3K, MKK6. In both treatment groups, induction of the pathological gene profile was observed, ie, expression of β-myosin heavy chain (βMHC), atrial/brain natriuretic peptides (ANP/BNP), and skeletal α-actin (sACT) was increased, whereas expression for α-myosin heavy chain (αMHC) and the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase (SERCA) genes was repressed. The role of AP-1 in the hypertrophic phenotype was evaluated with the use of an adenoviral construct expressing a dominant negative mutant of the c-Fos proto-oncogene (AdAFos). Although AFos did not change the myocyte growth response, it abrogated the gene profile to both agonists, including the upregulation of both αMHC and SERCA expression.

Conclusions—

Although c-Fos/AP-1 is necessary for induction of the pathological/fetal gene program, it does not appear to be critical for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Effects of Peripheral Chemoreceptors Deactivation on Sympathetic Activity in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ciarka Agnieszka , Najem Boutaïna , Cuylits Nicolas , Leeman Marc , Xhaet Olivier , Narkiewicz Krzysztof , Antoine Martine , Degaute Jean-Paul , van de Borne Philippe
Published: March 2005

Heart transplantation initially normalizes sympathetic hyperactivity directed at the muscle circulation. However, sympathetic activity increases with time after transplantation and the exact mechanisms responsible for sympathetic control in heart transplant recipients remain unclear. We examined the effects of peripheral chemoreflex deactivation caused by breathing 100% oxygen on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (expressed as number of burst per minute and mean burst amplitude), heart rate, and mean blood pressure in 13 heart transplant recipients, 13 patients with essential hypertension, and 10 controls. Heart transplant recipients disclosed the highest sympathetic activity, whereas it did not differ between controls and patients with essential hypertension (51±16 versus 37±14 versus 39±12 burst/min, respectively;
P
<0.05). Breathing 100% oxygen, in comparison with 21% oxygen, reduced sympathetic activity (−4±4 versus −1±2 burst/min,
P
<0.01; 85±9 versus101±8% of amplitude at baseline,
P
<0.001) and mean blood pressure (−4±5 versus +3±6 mm Hg;
P
<0.05) in heart transplant recipients, decreased sympathetic activity (−4±4 versus 0±3 burst/min,
P
<0.05; 90±16 versus101±9% of amplitude at baseline,
P
<0.05) in patients with essential hypertension, but did not reduce sympathetic activity (2±4 versus 3±3 burst/min,
P
=NS; 95±11 versus 95±13% of amplitude at baseline,
P
=NS) in control subjects. The sympathetic response to hyperoxia was more marked in heart transplant recipients than in controls (85±9 versus 95±11% of baseline amplitude;
P
<0.05). The decrease in sympathetic activity was most evident in patients with the longest time after heart transplantation (
r
=−0.75,
P
<0.01). In conclusion, tonic chemoreflex activation increases resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity and favors blood pressure elevation after heart transplantation.
Popular Religiosity As an Internal Dynamic for the Local Church: The Case of Suriname
Authors: Wielzen Duncan
Published: March 2005

This essay reflects two aspects of being a local church. One regards the very way of life of a given people from a Christian perspective, a life being colored by what we call 'popular religiosity'. The fundamental question for this essay is to assess how popular religiosity shapes the existence of a local church. The other aspect considers an institutionalised form of a local church having notions, such as inculturation of the Gospel and the evangelization of cultures, as its hallmarks. At the end of this essay, it will be our contention that some forms of popular religiosity are imbued with an important internal dynamic which give meaning to the local church. This is interesting, because it creates the opportunity to be a local church in a way that goes against centralized and prescribed concepts of the church.
The Motif Of Si Anak Hilang in the Poetry Of Sitor Situmorang
Authors: Hoekema Alle
Published: March 2005

Recently the Indonesian poet, novelist and essayist Sitor Situmorang reached the age of eighty. Situmorang has a Christian background; his origins are to be found in the Batak area in North Sumatra. His life and work have been summarized as 'to love, to wander'; in a way he has been a perennial wanderer and pilgrim, roaming around in many places of the world and being home, finally, in his poems. Part of his life he spent in prison as a political detainee. In this article we analyse the motif of 'the lost [prodigal] son' which occurs no less than four times in Situmorang's lyrical work, each time in a different context and with a different meaning. Connected with the role of the father and the mother and of a deep longing for his native village, this motif forms an important thread in his poetry, which often has religious allusions.
From the Fringes to the Centre: Pentecostalization of the Mainline Churches in Ghana
Authors: Omenyo Cephas
Published: March 2005

In this article, the author deals with the unprecedented integration of charismatic features in the ethos of the mainline churches of Ghana which respond to typical African questions thus rejuvenating those churches. He describes and analyses the way the charismatic phenomenon which began in the margins has become a central element of all the mainline historic churches in Ghana. While in the past the African Independent/Instituted churches and later Pentecostal and Neo–Pentecostal churches were noted for charismatic enthusiasm, currently the phenomenon has found its way into the mainline churches thus blurring the sharp distinction between mainline churches and Pentecostals. As a result, there is a major paradigmatic shift in the spirituality, theology, practices and programs of mainline churches in Ghana. Thus the phenomenon can no longer be regarded as peripheral in the life of the older Ghanaian churches.
The Role of Fathers in Risk for Physical Child Abuse and Neglect: Possible Pathways and Unanswered Questions
Authors: Guterman Neil B. , Lee Yookyong
Published: March 2005

Despite overrepresentation of fathers as perpetrators in cases of severe physical child abuse and neglect, the role they play in shaping risk for physical child abuse and neglect is not yet well understood. This article reviews the possible father pathways that may contribute to physical child abuse and neglect risk and their existing empirical support. The present empirical base implicates a set of sociodemographic factors in physical maltreatment risk, including fathers’ absence, age, employment status, and income they provide to the family. As well, paternal psychosocial factors implicated in physical child maltreatment risk include fathers’ abuse of substances, their own childhood experiences of maltreatment, the nature of fathers’ relationships with mothers, and the direct care they provide to the child. However, the empirical base presently suffers from significant methodological limitations, preventing more definitive identification of risk factors or causal processes. Given this, the present article offers questions and recommendations for future research and prevention.
Examination of a Conceptual Model of Child Neglect
Authors: Dubowitz Howard , Newton Rae R. , Litrownik Alan J. , Lewis Terri , Briggs Ernestine C. , Thompson Richard , English Diana , Lee Li-Ching , Feerick Margaret M.
Published: March 2005

This study attempted to provide empirical support for conceptual definitions of child neglect. We identified 12 types of needs, conceptualizing neglect as occurring when children’s basic needs are not adequately met. We examined measures administered to 377 children and caregivers at ages 4 and 6 years participating in longitudinal studies on child mal-treatment to identify potential indicators of these needs. Indicators were found for latent constructs, operationalizing three of the basic needs (emotional support and/or affection, protection from family conflict and/or violence, and from community violence). These latent constructs were used in a measurement model; this supported the conceptual definitions of neglect. A structural equation model then assessed whether the latent constructs were associated with child adjustment at age 8 years. Low level of perceived support from mother was associated with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Exposure to family conflict was also linked to these problems, and to social difficulties. Finally, children’s sense of experiencing little early affection was associated with subsequent externalizing behavior and social problems. The approach of conceptualizing neglect in terms of unmet child needs, developing a measurement model to define latent neglect constructs, and relating these constructs to subsequent adjustment can build our understanding of neglect.
The Psychobiology of Neglect
Authors: De Bellis Michael D.
Published: March 2005

Child neglect, the most prevalent form of child maltreatment, is associated with adverse psychological and educational outcomes. It is hypothesized that these outcomes may be caused by adverse brain development. However, there are very few published cross-sectional studies and no prospective studies that examine the neurodevelopmental consequences of neglect. In this article, the author comprehensively outlines the issues involved in the psychobiological research of child neglect. Pre-clinical and clinical studies will be reviewed. Throughout the article, suggestions for future research opportunities and novel ways to address methodological difficulties inherent in this field of study are offered. The results of recent neuroimaging studies of maltreated children may provide a basis for understanding the early effects of neglect on childhood brain development. The author is comprehensively examining these issues as part of the Federal Child Neglect Consortium.