bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fasudil, a Rho-Kinase Inhibitor, Attenuates Angiotensin II–Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Proteolysis
Authors: Wang Yi-Xin , Martin-McNulty Baby , da Cunha Valdeci , Vincelette Jon , Lu Xiangru , Feng Qingping , Halks-Miller Meredith , Mahmoudi Mithra , Schroeder Miriam , Subramanyam Babu , Tseng Jih-Lie , Deng Gary D. , Schirm Sabine , Johns Anthony , Kauser Katalin , Dole William P. , Light David R.
Published: April 2005

Background—

Angiotensin II (Ang II) accelerates atherosclerosis and induces abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in an experimental mouse model. Agonism of a G protein–coupled receptor by Ang II activates Rho-kinase and other signaling pathways and results in activation of proteolysis and apoptosis. Enhanced proteolysis and smooth muscle cell apoptosis are important mechanisms associated with AAA. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that fasudil, a Rho-kinase inhibitor, could attenuate Ang II–induced AAA formation by inhibiting vascular wall apoptosis and extracellular matrix proteolysis.

Methods and Results—

Six-month-old apolipoprotein E–deficient mice were infused with Ang II (1.44 mg · kg
−1
· d
−1
) for 1 month. Animals were randomly assigned to treatment with fasudil (136 or 213 mg · kg
−1
· d
−1
in drinking water) or tap water. Ang II infusion induced AAA formation in 75% of the mice, which was accompanied by an increase in proteolysis detected by zymographic analysis and quantified by active matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity, as well as apoptosis detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated dUTP nick-end labeling and quantified by both caspase-3 activity and histone-associated DNA fragmentation. The level of DNA fragmentation in the suprarenal aorta correlated with AAA diameter. Ang II also increased atherosclerotic lesion area and blood pressure. Fasudil treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in both the incidence and severity of AAA. At the higher dose, fasudil decreased AAA by 45% while significantly inhibiting both apoptosis and proteolysis, without affecting atherosclerosis or blood pressure.

Conclusions—

These data demonstrate that inhibition of Rho-kinase by fasudil attenuated Ang II–induced AAA through inhibition of both apoptosis and proteolysis pathways.
Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Clopidogrel and Aspirin in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis Evaluated Using Doppler Embolic Signal Detection
Authors: Markus Hugh S. , Droste Dirk W. , Kaps Manfred , Larrue Vincent , Lees Kennedy R. , Siebler Mario , Ringelstein E. Bernd
Published: April 2005

Background—

Evidence for efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy in stroke is limited. Symptomatic carotid stenosis patients are at high risk of early recurrent stroke. In this group, asymptomatic microembolic signals (MES), detected by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD), are markers of future stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) risk. They offer a surrogate marker to evaluate antiplatelet therapy, but no multicenter study has evaluated the feasibility of this approach.

Methods and Results—

Clopidogrel and Aspirin for Reduction of Emboli in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis (CARESS) is a randomized, double-blind study in subjects with recently symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis. Patients were screened with TCD, and if MES were detected, they were randomized to clopidogrel and aspirin or aspirin monotherapy. Repeated TCD recordings were made on days 2 and 7. MES were detected in 110 of 230 patients by online analysis at baseline, of whom 107 were randomized. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed a significant reduction in the primary end point: 43.8% of dual-therapy patients were MES positive on day 7, as compared with 72.7% of monotherapy patients (relative risk reduction 39.8%; 95% CI, 13.8 to 58.0;
P
=0.0046). The secondary end point of MES frequency per hour was reduced (compared with baseline) by 61.4% (95% CI, 31.6 to 78.2;
P
=0.0013) in the dual-therapy group at day 7 and by 61.6% (95% CI, 34.9 to 77.4;
P
=0.0005) on day 2. There were 4 recurrent strokes and 7 TIAs in the monotherapy group versus no stroke and 4 TIAs in the dual-therapy group that were treatment emergent and ipsilateral to the qualifying carotid stenosis; 2 additional ipsilateral TIAs occurred before treatment started. MES frequency was greater in the 17 patients with recurrent ipsilateral events compared with the 90 without (mean±SD: 24.4±27.7 versus 8.9±11.5 per hour;
P
=0.0003).

Conclusions—

In patients with recently symptomatic carotid stenosis, combination therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin is more effective than aspirin alone in reducing asymptomatic embolization. Doppler MES detection is a feasible method to evaluate the efficacy of antiplatelet therapy in multicenter studies.
Reduced ABCA1-Mediated Cholesterol Efflux and Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice Lacking Macrophage-Derived ACAT1
Authors: Su Yan Ru , Dove Dwayne E. , Major Amy S. , Hasty Alyssa H. , Boone Branden , Linton MacRae F. , Fazio Sergio
Published: April 2005

Background—

Macrophage acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) and apolipoprotein E (apoE) have been implicated in regulating cellular cholesterol homeostasis and therefore play critical roles in foam cell formation. Deletion of either ACAT1 or apoE results in increased atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic mice, possibly as a consequence of altered cholesterol processing. We have studied the effect of macrophage ACAT1 deletion on atherogenesis in apoE-deficient (apoE
−/−
) mice with or without the restoration of macrophage apoE.

Methods and Results—

We used bone marrow transplantation to generate apoE
−/−
mice with macrophages of 4 genotypes: apoE
+/+
/ACAT1
+/+
(wild type), apoE
+/+
/ACAT1
−/−
(ACAT
−/−
), apoE
−/−
/ACAT1
+/+
(apoE
−/−
), and apoE
−/−
/ACAT1
−/−
(2KO). When macrophage apoE was present, plasma cholesterol levels normalized, and ACAT1 deficiency did not have significant effects on atherogenesis. However, when macrophage apoE was absent, ACAT1 deficiency increased atherosclerosis and apoptosis in the proximal aorta. Cholesterol efflux to apoA-I was significantly reduced (30% to 40%;
P
<0.001) in ACAT1
−/−
peritoneal macrophages compared with ACAT1
+/+
controls regardless of apoE expression. 2KO macrophages had a 3- to 4-fold increase in ABCA1 message levels but decreased ABCA1 protein levels relative to ACAT1
+/+
macrophages. Microarray analyses of ACAT1
−/−
macrophages showed increases in proinflammatory and procollagen genes and decreases in genes regulating membrane integrity, protein biosynthesis, and apoptosis.

Conclusions—

Deficiency of macrophage ACAT1 accelerates atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic apoE
−/−
mice but has no effect when the hypercholesterolemia is corrected by macrophage apoE expression. However, ACAT1 deletion impairs ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux in macrophages regardless of apoE expression. Changes in membrane stability, susceptibility to apoptosis, and inflammatory response may also be important in this process.
Symmetric Venn Diagrams in the Plane: The Art of Assigning a Binary Bit String Code to Planar Regions Using Curves
Authors: Hamburger Peter , Hepp Edit
Published: April 2005

The authors discuss artwork created by assigning a binary string code with length 11 to each of 211 = 2,048 planar regions formed intersection of 11 rotations of a single simple closed curve over 360/11 degrees. The goal of this process is to create the maximum number of connected regions, exactly one for each of the 2,048 different binary strings with length 11. The difficulty in this process lies in finding a suitable curve. The authors briefly describe the methods of finding these complicated curves and show how colors can be assigned to regions representing orbits of shifts of binary strings, thus creating unusual images.
Did Hans Memling Employ Optical Projections When Painting Flower Still-Life?
Authors: Stork David G.
Published: April 2005

David Hockney has recently hypothesized that some early Renaissance painters employed optical devices such as concave mirrors to project images of a scene or part of a scene onto their supports, which they then traced or painted over. As one of many examples, he has claimed that Hans Memling (ca. 1440–1494) built an optical projector to create his Flower Still Life, specifically when rendering its carpet. The author's perspective analysis on the image of this carpet shows that, while there is a “break” in perspective consistent with refocusing or tipping of an optical projector, there are also other larger, more significant perspective deviations that are inconsistent with the use of a projector. After presenting a simple sensitivity analysis of these results and rebutting anticipated objections, the author concludes by rejecting the claim that optical projections were used in the creation of this still life.
The Composition of Metaphorical Oracles Within the Book of Ezekiel
Authors: Schöpflin Karin
Published: April 2005

Ez. xv; xxi 2-4; xxii 17-22 and xxiv 3b-14 focus on the image of fire and heat representing divine anger and judgement. This basic metaphor is diversified by the objects exposed to fire and heat. Ez. xvi and xxiii unfold the metaphor of the spouse unfaithful to her husband as a retrospective of Jerusalem's sinning, thus providing the reason for severe punishment. The metaphor of a shepherd and his flock in Ez. xxxiv conveys a hopeful perspective, effectively contrasting to the composition of oracles announcing disaster. The imagery employed is basically familiar from prophetic writings preceding Ezekiel.Ez. xvii and xix are exceptions to the rule, because they combine diverse metaphorical elements that make up a story presenting animal and vegetable protagonists. As political allegories they foreshadow the political visions in the book of Daniel. They are a later insertion within the sequence of oracles in Ez. xv-xxiv (and xxxiv).
Once Again, the Jubilee, Every 49 or 50 Years?
Authors: Bergsma John S.
Published: April 2005

The Jubilee cycle should be 49 years in length, since the Jubilee Year counts as both the fiftieth year of the previous cycle and the first of the next.
Shamgar Ben Anath: A Farming Warrior or a Farmer at War?
Authors: Snyman S.D.
Published: April 2005

Shamgar is a farmer at war rather than a farming warrior. This point of view heightens the extraordinary character of the event as well as the humour of the tale.
Psalm Cxxxix: Text, Syntax, Meaning
Authors: Booij TH.
Published: April 2005

The speaker is aware that YHWH knows him completely and is near him wherever he might go. The night, he says, may assault him, for in God's presence the darkness is as light to him as the day (vv. 11b, 12ba circumstantial clauses). That he can speak like this is because God himself made him the human being he is, with his own specific disposition (v. 13 'kidneys'; v. 15 'frame'). Indeed, of old he has been immensely distinguished (v. 14: nipleti). When there was just his lump of clay, YHWH's eyes saw it (v. 16). And of all the times that such golems were fashioned (yamun yussaru), each of which is remembered in heaven, there was that 'day' of his own golem (Qere welo), when he was made the person he is. By night, as a sign of distinction, the speaker may 'see' God's innumerable thoughts, and very precious they are to him. What bothers him a great deal, however, is the existence of the wicked. His hatred of them makes him feel uneasy. It is his prayer that God, who knows him so well, may test him on this point. The prayer in vv. 23f., thus related to the preceding passage, fits in with the structure of the poem. The textual transmission is problematic in v. 20.
Additional Considerations for Determining the Meaning of 'Ănôt and 'Annôt In Exod. xxxii 18
Authors: Makujina John
Published: April 2005

With the sense of 'ănôt and 'annôt in Exod. xxxii 18 still in flux, the author argues that the former should be rendered "answering" and the latter "singing." Critical to disclosing their meaning is the assistance gained from Exod. xvii 8-13, the battle at Rephidim.
Descent of the Goddess Ishtar to the Netherworld and Nahum II 8
Authors: Pinker Aron
Published: April 2005

Nahum depicts in ii 8 Nineveh's desperate appeal to Ishtar to ward off its attackers by enacting her descent to the Netherworld to save her beloved Tammuz. In this context, the problematic words refer to the erection of Ishtar's statue in some public place and its denuding by Allatu (the Sumero-Babylonian goddess Ereŝki-gal), assuming that = "the Allatu."
The Santa Cruz Eddy. Part I: Observations and Statistics
Authors: Archer Cristina L. , Jacobson Mark Z. , Ludwig Francis L.
Published: April 2005

A shallow cyclonic circulation that occurs in the summertime over the Monterey Bay (California) is investigated. Since it is often centered offshore from the city of Santa Cruz and has never been studied in detail before, it is named the Santa Cruz eddy (SCE) in this study. Its horizontal size is 10–40 km, and its vertical extent is 100–500 m. The SCE is important for local weather because it causes surface winds along the Santa Cruz coast to blow from the east instead of from the northwest, the latter being the climatological summer pattern for this area. As a consequence of the eddy, cool and moist air is advected from the south and southeast into the Santa Cruz area, bringing both relief from the heat and fog to the city.

The SCE is unique in its high frequency of occurrence. Most vortices along the western American coast form only during unusual weather events, whereas the SCE forms 78%–79% of the days during the summer. The SCE frequency was determined after analyzing two years of data with empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) from a limited observational network and satellite imagery. An explanation of the formation mechanism of the SCE will be provided in Part II of this study.
Organization and Environmental Properties of Extreme-Rain-Producing Mesoscale Convective Systems
Authors: Schumacher Russ S. , Johnson Richard H.
Published: April 2005

This study examines the radar-indicated structures and other features of extreme rain events in the United States over a 3-yr period. A rainfall event is defined as “extreme” when the 24-h precipitation total at one or more stations surpasses the 50-yr recurrence interval amount for that location. This definition yields 116 such cases from 1999 to 2001 in the area east of the Rocky Mountains, excluding Florida. Two-kilometer national composite radar reflectivity data are then used to examine the structure and evolution of each extreme rain event. Sixty-five percent of the total number of events are associated with mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). While a wide variety of organizational structures (as indicated by radar reflectivity data) are seen among the MCS cases, two patterns of organization are observed most frequently. The first type has a line, often oriented east–west, with “training” convective elements. It also has a region of adjoining stratiform rain that is displaced to the north of the line. The second type has a back-building or quasi-stationary area of convection that produces a region of stratiform rain downstream. Surface observations and composite analysis of Rapid Update Cycle Version 2 (RUC-2) model data reveal that training line/adjoining stratiform (TL/AS) systems typically form in a very moist, unstable environment on the cool side of a preexisting slow-moving surface boundary. On the other hand, back-building/quasi-stationary (BB) MCSs are more dependent on mesoscale and storm-scale processes, particularly lifting provided by storm-generated cold pools, than on preexisting synoptic boundaries.
Persistent Positive Anomalies in the Southern Hemisphere Circulation
Authors: Renwick James A.
Published: April 2005

Long time series of reanalyses, from NCEP–NCAR and from ECMWF, are used to investigate the occurrence of persistent positive anomalies (PPAs) in the 500-hPa geopotential height field over the Southern Hemisphere extratropics during 1958–2001. Defining persistent anomalies as those of at least 100 m in magnitude lasting for at least 5 days, it is found that the region of most frequent occurrence is over the South Pacific. A cluster analysis of monthly PPA counts shows two distinct patterns, one a zonal wavenumber-1 (ZW1) pattern centered over the southeast Pacific near 60°S and the other a zonal wavenumber-3 (ZW3) pattern with centers near New Zealand and over the southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Results were insensitive to the choice of dataset, and to the removal of a linear trend from the daily height fields. The southeast Pacific PPA region is strongly modulated by ENSO, while the ZW3 pattern appears only weakly related to ENSO variability. A strong upward trend is apparent in occurrence of the ZW3 cluster, related to a matching trend in the variance of the height fields, particularly those from ECMWF. Such trends are at least in part a consequence of changes in the observing system, particularly the introduction of satellite soundings in the late 1970s.
Advice From Bereaved Parents: On Forming Partnerships for Injury Prevention
Authors: Girasek Deborah C.
Published: April 2005

We set out to learn whether, and how, parents of children who were fatally injured want to collaborate with injury prevention professionals. In this exploratory study, interviews were conducted with parents who had been identified through medical examiner files. Only a small minority of those we contacted chose to participate. The six mothers and five fathers who did felt that survivors should be offered such opportunities. They suggested waiting, however, at least a year before approaching parents. Our interviewees endorsed medical examiner's offices, health care providers, and police as legitimate avenues for identifying potential partners. They suggested that contact should first be made by mail. Professionals were encouraged to be sensitive, responsive, and realistic regarding the limits of our science. From a practical perspective, safety experts' contacts and political savvy appealed to respondents. Parents also expressed the need for coaching, and gentle understanding of the pain they live with every day.
Developmental Stages in Public Health Partnerships: A Practical Perspective
Authors: McMorris Laura E. , Gottlieb Nell H. , Sneden Gail G.
Published: April 2005

Health education practitioners often form and provide support to partnerships directed toward public health goals. The authors viewed the start-up of a state health department/multiuniversity partnership for the evaluation of the state’s tobacco settlement pilot project using the lens of the Tuckman four-stage model of group development. The four stages—forming, storming, norming, and performing—occurred in sequence but with pronounced overlap. Two types of performing— institutional and group performing—were observed. An awareness of group developmental stages can allow leaders and members to improve the ways their partnership works together. Applying Tuckman’s model also can allow expectations about the group’s progress and members’ interactions to be managed so that tasks are aligned with the appropriate stage of development. Finally, for partnerships that have a long life span, understanding that the stages may occur several times throughout the group’s existence can acclimate members to shifting responsibilities and relationships over time.
A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Physical Activity Using Bike/Pedestrian Trails
Authors: Wang Guijing , Macera Caroline A. , Scudder-Soucie Barbara , Schmid Tom , Pratt Michael , Buchner David
Published: April 2005

From a public health perspective, a cost-benefit analysis of using bike/pedestrian trails in Lincoln, Nebraska, to reduce health care costs associated with inactivity was conducted. Data was obtained from the city's 1998 Recreational Trails Census Report and the literature. Per capita annual cost of using the trails was U.S.$209.28 ($59.28 construction and maintenance, $150 of equipment and travel). Per capita annual direct medical benefit of using the trails was $564.41. The cost-benefit ratio was 2.94, which means that every $1 investment in trails for physical activity led to $2.94 in direct medical benefit. The sensitivity analyses indicated the ratios ranged from 1.65 to 13.40. Therefore, building trails is cost beneficial from a public health perspective. The most sensitive parameter affecting the cost-benefit ratios were equipment and travel costs; however, even for the highest cost, every $1 investment in trails resulted in a greater return in direct medical benefit.
The Role of Local Government in Physical Activity: Employee Perceptions
Authors: Steele Rebekah , Caperchione Cristina
Published: April 2005

A key component in the promotion of health-related physical activity at the community level is the formation of key partnerships with traditional and nontraditional providers of physical activity. Local government, in particular, has a significant investment in the health and well-being of the community through their contribution to the development of infrastructure and the build environment. However, local government perceptions of how this investment, commitment, and partnership translate to the promotion of physical activity is less known. To identify the role and perceptions of local government in the promotion of physical activity, a series of focus groups were conducted within six key departments of the Rockhampton City Council. The findings show that although physical activity is not considered the core business of local government, there was a clear understanding of the role that local government has in the provision of facilities and infrastructure that support that community's ability to be active. The focus groups identified emerging patterns concerning physical infrastructure, liability and safety, responsibility within the organizational structure, and community partnerships. These results inform physical activity community initiatives and enhance future collaboration between the community and local government in Rockhampton.
“Thinking Like a Marketer”: Training for a Shift in the Mindset of the Public Health Workforce
Authors: Quinn Gwendolyn , Albrecht Terrance , Marshall Robert , Akintobi Tabia Henry
Published: April 2005

The marketing mindset focuses a practitioner on systematically thinking through key issues before undertaking a health promotion campaign. The Thinking Like a Marketer training, developed by the National Training Collaborative for Social Marketing is a challenging method for health educators and promoters to apply their skills in innovative ways. Focus groups were conducted with former trainees to assess the impact of the training. Additional data were collected from members of the Association of State and Territorial Promotion Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education organization through a 10-item elicitation survey. Findings suggest that although participants gained greater sensitivity and appreciation for the social marketing research process, the major barrier to application in the workplace surrounded upper management. On-site technical assistance, mentoring, and follow-up were important training needs identified through the survey and focus groups.
Developing a Process-Evaluation Plan for Assessing Health Promotion Program Implementation: A How-To Guide
Authors: Saunders Ruth P. , Evans Martin H. , Joshi Praphul
Published: April 2005

Process evaluation is used to monitor and document program implementation and can aid in understanding the relationship between specific program elements and program outcomes. The scope and implementation of process evaluation has grown in complexity as its importance and utility have become more widely recognized. Several practical frameworks and models are available to practitioners to guide the development of a comprehensive evaluation plan, including process evaluation for collaborative community initiatives. However, frameworks for developing a comprehensive process-evaluation plan for targeted programs are less common. Building from previous frameworks, the authors present a comprehensive and systematic approach for developing a process-evaluation plan to assess the implementation of a targeted health promotion intervention. Suggested elements for process-evaluation plans include fidelity, dose (delivered and received), reach, recruitment, and context. The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate the steps involved in developing a processevaluation plan for any healthpromotion program.
Response of SI cortex to ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral flutter stimulation in the cat
Authors: Tommerdahl Mark , Simons Stephen B , Chiu Joannellyn S , Favorov Oleg , Whitsel Barry
Published: April 2005

Background

While SII cortex is considered to be the first cortical stage of the pathway that integrates tactile information arising from both sides of the body, SI cortex is generally not considered as a region in which neuronal response is modulated by simultaneous stimulation of bilateral (and mirror-image) skin sites.

Results

Optical intrinsic signal imaging was used to evaluate the response of SI and SII in the same hemisphere to 25 Hz sinusoidal vertical skin displacement stimulation ("skin flutter") applied contralaterally, ipsilaterally, and bilaterally (simultaneously) to the central pads of the forepaws. A localized increase in absorbance in both SI and SII occurred in response to both contralateral and bilateral flutter stimulation. Ipsilateral flutter stimulation evoked a localized increase in absorbance in SII, but little or no change in SI absorbance. In the forepaw representational region of SI, however, bilateral stimulation of the central pads evoked a response substantially smaller (approximately 30–35% smaller) than the response to flutter stimulation of the contralateral central pad.

Conclusion

The finding that the response of SI cortex to bilateral central pad flutter stimulation is substantially smaller than the response evoked by a contralateral flutter stimulus, together with the recently published observation that a region located posteriorly in SII responds with a substantially larger response to a bilateral flutter stimulus than the response evoked from the contralateral central pad, lead us to propose that the SI activity evoked by contralateral skin stimulation is suppressed/inhibited (via corticocortical connections between SII and SI in the same hemisphere) by the activity a simultaneous ipsilateral skin stimulus evokes in posterior SII.
Morphological and growth altering effects of Cisplatin in C. albicans using fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Kesavan Chandrasekhar , Raghunathan Malathi , Ganesan Natarajan
Published: April 2005

Changes in morphology and growth curve of Candida albicans in response to treatment by Cisplatin has been studied using fluorescence staining with ethidium bromide. Treatment with Cisplatin was found to markedly inhibit hyphae and ovoid growth as revealed by ethidium bromide staining of drug treated cells. These changes were concomitant with inhibitory effects on the growth curve with respect to untreated cells

Presence of Cisplatin not only caused suppression in the limiting values in the growth curve, but also caused a slight left shift in the EC50 values. Some of the ovoid cells undergoing poisoning with cisplatin were found to be unusually enlarged before undergoing their natural fate thus suggesting formation of similar cytotoxic end products with DNA.
Intracellular localization of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus glycoproteins
Authors: Haferkamp Sebastian , Fernando Lisa , Schwarz Tino F , Feldmann Heinz , Flick Ramon
Published: April 2005

Background

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever virus (CCHFV), a member of the genus Nairovirus, family Bunyaviridae, is a tick-borne pathogen causing severe disease in humans. To better understand the CCHFV life cycle and explore potential intervention strategies, we studied the biosynthesis and intracellular targeting of the glycoproteins, which are encoded by the M genome segment.

Results

Following determination of the complete genome sequence of the CCHFV reference strain IbAr10200, we generated expression plasmids for the individual expression of the glycoproteins GN and GC, using CMV- and chicken β-actin-driven promoters. The cellular localization of recombinantly expressed CCHFV glycoproteins was compared to authentic glycoproteins expressed during virus infection using indirect immunofluorescence assays, subcellular fractionation/western blot assays and confocal microscopy. To further elucidate potential intracellular targeting/retention signals of the two glycoproteins, GFP-fusion proteins containing different parts of the CCHFV glycoprotein were analyzed for their intracellular targeting. The N-terminal glycoprotein GN localized to the Golgi complex, a process mediated by retention/targeting signal(s) in the cytoplasmic domain and ectodomain of this protein. In contrast, the C-terminal glycoprotein GC remained in the endoplasmic reticulum but could be rescued into the Golgi complex by co-expression of GN.

Conclusion

The data are consistent with the intracellular targeting of most bunyavirus glycoproteins and support the general model for assembly and budding of bunyavirus particles in the Golgi compartment.
Influence of residual blood autotransfused from cardiopulmonary bypass circuit on clinical outcome after cardiac surgery
Authors: Sirvinskas Edmundas , Lenkutis Tadas , Raliene Laima , Veikutiene Audrone , Vaskelyte Jolanta , Marchertiene Irena
Published: April 2005

Autotransfusion of the residual blood from the cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit is considered to be one of the methods enabling reduction in the need for transfusion, the possible adverse effects of which are well known and documented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the autologous autotrans-fusion of centrifuged red blood cells from the residual blood of the CPB circuit in patients following heart surgery.

Three groups of patients who underwent heart surgery were examined. The first group (Group 1) consisted of 37 patients who received all of the residual blood in the bypass circuit after CPB (collected into sterile plastic bags) during the early postoperative period. The second group (Group 2) consisted of 45 patients who did not receive the residual blood following CPB. The third group (Group 3) consisted of 42 patients who underwent re-infusion of centrifuged red blood cells from the residual blood remaining in the CPB circuit during the early postoperative period.

Hematocrit (Hct) values 12 hours after the operation were found to be higher in Group 3 compared with those of the first and the second groups (by 13.2% and 11.1%, respectively). Blood loss during the first 12 hours after the operation and during the time spent in the intensive care unit did not differ between the groups. The number of transfusions was significantly lower in Group 3 (28.57%) in comparison with that of Groups 1 and 2 (37.83% and 38.10%, respectively). The rate of infective complications in Group 3 was lower in comparison with both Group 1 and Group 2 (9.2% and 18.1%, respectively). The duration of in-hospital stay in Group 3 was 25.8% shorter than Group 1.

We conclude that autotransfusion of centrifuged red blood cells processed from the residual blood of the CPB circuit after CPB was effective in increasing Hct values 12 hours postoperatively, reducing the need for donor blood product transfusions, the rate of infective complications and lenght of stay in hospital.
Endoscopic Transnasal Approach to the Cavernous Sinus versus Transcranial Route: Anatomic Study
Authors: Cavallo Luigi Maria , Cappabianca Paolo , Galzio Renato , Iaconetta Giorgio , de Divitiis Enrico , Tschabitscher Manfred
Published: April 2005

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of the present study was to compare the anatomy of the cavernous sinus via an endoscopic transnasal route with the anatomy of the same region explored by the transcranial route. The purpose was to identify and correlate the corresponding anatomic landmarks both through the endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal and the microscopic transcranial views.

METHODS:

Five fresh injected heads (10 specimens) were dissected by the endoscopic transnasal and microsurgical transcranial approaches. A comparison of different microsurgical corridors of the cavernous sinus with the corresponding endoscopic transnasal ones was performed.

RESULTS:

Through the endoscopic transnasal approach, it is possible to explore only some of the parasellar and middle cranial fossa subregions. Because of the complex multilevel architecture of the cavernous sinus, there is not always a correspondence between the surgical corridors bounded through the transcranial route and those exposed through the endoscopic transnasal approach. Nevertheless, some surgical corridors specific to the endoscopic transnasal route are evident: a C-shaped corridor is identifiable medial to the “intracavernous” internal carotid artery, whereas a wider triangular area is delineable lateral to the internal carotid artery; inside the latter, three more surgical corridors (a superior triangular space, a superior quadrangular space, and an inferior quadrangular space) can be described.

CONCLUSION:

Different surgical corridors can be defined during the endoscopic transnasal approach to the anteroinferior portion of the cavernous sinus, as already established for the transcranial route as well. Knowledge of these could be useful in decreasing morbidity and mortality during surgery in this region, these approaches being reserved to experienced transsphenoidal surgeons only.
Control of metabolic rate is a hidden variable in the allometric scaling of homeotherms
Authors: Chaui-Berlinck José Guilherme , Navas Carlos Arturo , Monteiro Luiz Henrique Alves , Bicudo José Eduardo Pereira Wilken
Published: April 2005

The allometric scaling exponent of the relationship between standard metabolic rate (SMR) and body mass for homeotherms has a long history and has been subject to much debate. Provided the external and internal conditions required to measure SMR are met, it is tacitly assumed that the metabolic rate(B) converges to SMR. If SMR does indeed represent a local minimum, then short-term regulatory control mechanisms should not operate to sustain it. This is a hidden assumption in many published articles aiming to explain the scaling exponent in terms of physical and morphological constraints. This paper discusses the findings of a minimalist body temperature(Tb) control model in which short-term controlling operations, related to the difference between Tb and the set-point temperatures by specific gains and time delays in the control loops,are described by a system of differential equations of Tb,B and thermal conductance. We found that because the gains in the control loops tend to increase as body size decreases (i.e. changes in B and thermal conductance are speeded-up in small homeotherms), the equilibrium point of the system potentially changes from asymptotically stable to a centre,transforming B and Tb in oscillating variables. Under these specific circumstances the very concept of SMR no longer makes sense. A series of empirical reports of metabolic rate in very small homeotherms supports this theoretical prediction, because in these animals B seems not to converge to a SMR value. We conclude that the unrestricted use of allometric equations to relate metabolic rate to body size might be misleading because metabolic control itself experiences size effects that are overlooked in ordinary allometric analysis.
Models and the scaling of energy costs for locomotion
Authors: Alexander R. McNeill
Published: April 2005

To achieve the required generality, models designed to predict scaling relationships for diverse groups of animals generally need to be simple. An argument based on considerations of dynamic similarity predicts correctly that the mechanical cost of transport for running [power/(body mass × speed)]will be independent of body mass; but measurements of oxygen consumption for running birds and mammals show that the metabolic cost of transport is proportional to (body mass)-0.32. Thus the leg muscles seem to work more efficiently in larger animals. A model that treats birds as fixed wing aircraft predicts that the mechanical power required for flight at the maximum range speed will be proportional to (body mass)1.02, but the metabolic power is found to be proportional to (body mass)0.83;again, larger animals seem to have more efficient muscles. A model that treats hovering hummingbirds and insects as helicopters predicts mechanical power to be approximately proportional to body mass, but measurements of oxygen consumption once again show efficiency increasing with body mass. A model of swimming fish as rigid submarines predicts power to be proportional to (body mass)0.5×(speed)2.5 or to (body mass)0.6×(speed)2.8, depending on whether flow in the boundary layer is laminar or turbulent. Unfortunately, this prediction cannot easily be compared with available compilations of metabolic data. The finding that efficiency seems to increase with body mass, at least in running and flight, is discussed in relation to the metabolic energy costs of muscular work and force.
Control of muscle bioenergetic gene expression: implications for allometric scaling relationships of glycolytic and oxidative enzymes
Authors: Moyes Christopher D. , LeMoine Christophe M. R.
Published: April 2005

Muscle metabolic properties vary with body size, with larger animals relying relatively less on oxidative metabolism as a result of lower specific activities of mitochondrial enzymes and greater specific activities of glycolytic enzymes. While many have argued reasons why such relationships might be grounded in physical relationships, an explanation for the regulatory basis of the differences in enzyme levels remains unexplored. Focusing on skeletal muscle, we review potential cellular and genetic explanations for the relationship between bioenergetic enzymes and body mass. Differences in myonuclear domain (the ratio of fiber volume to nuclei number) in conjunction with constitutive expression may explain part of the variation in mitochondrial content among fiber types and species. Superimposed on such constitutive determinants are (1) extrinsic signalling pathways that control the muscle contractile and metabolic phenotype and (2) intrinsic signalling pathways that translate changes in cellular milieu (ions, metabolites, oxygen,redox) arising through the contractile phenotype into changes in enzyme synthesis. These signalling pathways work through transcriptional regulation,as well as post-transcriptional, translational and post-translational regulation, acting via synthesis and degradation.
Multi-level regulation and metabolic scaling
Authors: Suarez Raul K. , Darveau Charles A.
Published: April 2005

Metabolic control analysis has revealed that flux through pathways is the consequence of system properties, i.e. shared control by multiple steps, as well as the kinetic effects of various pathways and processes over each other. This implies that the allometric scaling of flux rates must be understood in terms of properties that pertain to the regulation of flux rates. In contrast,proponents of models considering the scaling of branching or fractal-like systems suggest that supply rates determine metabolic rates. Therefore, the allometric scaling of supply alone provides a sufficient explanation for the allometric scaling of metabolism. Examination of empirical data from the literature of comparative physiology reveals that basal metabolic rates (BMR)are driven by rates of energy expenditure within internal organs and that the allometric scaling of BMR can be understood in terms of the scaling of the masses and metabolic rates of internal organs. Organ metabolic rates represent the sum of tissue metabolic rates while, within tissues, cellular metabolic rates are the outcome of shared regulation by multiple processes. Maximal metabolic rates (MMR, measured as maximum rates of O2 consumption, V̇O2max) during exercise also scale allometrically, are also subject to control by multiple processes, but are due mainly to O2 consumption by locomotory muscles. Thus, analyses of the scaling of MMR must consider the scaling of both muscle mass and muscle energy expenditure. Consistent with the principle of symmorphosis, allometry in capacities for supply (the outcome of physical design constraints) is observed to be roughly matched by allometry in capacities for demand (i.e. for energy expenditure). However, physiological rates most often fall far below maximum capacities and are subject to multi-step regulation. Thus, mechanistic explanations for the scaling of BMR and MMR must consider the manner in which capacities are matched and how rates are regulated at multiple levels of biological organization.
Use of life and strain fraction rules for creep life prediction of pressurized pipe components undergoing geometry change
Authors: Hyde T H , Sun W , Becker A. A
Published: April 2005

The results of creep failure life predictions of pressurized plain pipes, pipe bends, and a thick-walled pipe with a circumferential weld are used to demonstrate the applicability of a stress-based life fraction rule (LFR) and a strain-based strain fraction rule (SFR), under conditions of geometric non-linearity (GNL). The material properties used are related to a CrMoV pipe, at 640°C. Both the LFR and the SFR predictions are based on the stress and strain solutions obtained from the finite element calculations using a Norton creep law. The results obtained were compared with those obtained from corresponding creep damage analyses. For the cases investigated, it has been shown that, compared with damage results, conservative failure lives with consistent failure positions were obtained for the pipe weld, using both the LFR and the SFR methods. For plain pipes and pipe bends, the SFR prediction produces conservative results. However, the LFR prediction overestimates the failure life for the range of pipe diameter ratios investigated. The results obtained indicate that the LFR and SFR methods have potential for predicting creep failure lives in cases when the effect of geometry change is significant and hence the method based on the steady state peak stresses obtained from small deformation analysis is not applicable.
A procedure for the virtual evaluation of the stress state of mechanical systems and components for the automotive industry: Development and experimental validation
Authors: Braccesi C , Cianetti F
Published: April 2005

This paper is part of the research activity led by the Machine Design Group of the University of Perugia, whose main objective was to set up and develop modelling criteria and methods for dynamic simulation of mechanical systems including flexible components. The activity was finalized to the design of systems using virtual prototyping, driving the modelling accuracy to simulate real functioning conditions of the system. It was therefore possible to extract realistic and directly usable information for fatigue component design using any fatigue damage evaluation criterion. In particular, the present work was developed with the cooperation of the research centre Elasis S.C.p.a. and concerns the set-up of methods and criteria for the development of the virtual prototype of an autovehicle, with the aim of simulating the conditions of sign-off tests. This aspect of virtual prototyping has a relevant importance. The sign-off tests of the vehicle, in fact, are standardized and the results obtained constitute one of the main sources of information for product development using physical prototypes. The industry is interested in reducing, as much as possible, the tests on prototypes by developing predictive virtual prototyping methods.

The results obtained in this paper show an optimum correspondence between numerical and experimental simulations and demonstrate that time-domain stress/strain numerical recovery in critical points of the chassis is not only feasible but leads to quantitative information directly usable by fatigue damage evaluation methods.
Traction control using a throttle valve based on sliding mode control and load torque estimation
Authors: Kang Sangmin , Yoon Maru , Sunwoo Myoungho
Published: April 2005

The purpose of an engine-controlled traction control system (TCS) is to regulate engine torque in order to keep the driven wheel slip in a desired range. Engine torque can be regulated by a throttle valve. In this paper, the engine-controlled TCS based on an engine model and estimated load torque by a Luenberger observer is proposed. For this control scheme, the engine model is required for a model-based controller design using sliding mode control. The engine torque controller determines the throttle angle for maintaining the desired manifold pressure to generate engine torque corresponding to the desired wheel torque. Since the load torque is composed of multiple external sources such as friction force, drag force, mechanical losses, and others, load torque estimation is required. The simulation results to various manoeuvres during slippery and split road conditions have showed better acceleration performance and stability of the vehicle with TCS. In addition, the load torque observer has estimated real load torque with little error.
A new methodology for investigating airbag-induced skin abrasions
Authors: Hurst W J , Cormier J M , Stitzel J D , Jernigan M V , Moorcroft D M , Herring I P , Duma S M
Published: April 2005

Although airbags have been shown to reduce the incidence of life-threatening injuries, they have increased the risk of minor injuries such as those to the skin. Based on the distribution of injuries that can be directly attributed to the airbag itself, it is believed that shear loading exists as a mechanism for these skin injuries. The purpose of this study was to develop a new methodology designed to assess the injury potential from different types of airbag with respect to shear loading. This new methodology utilized a high-speed impactor to accelerate the airbag fabric past a sample of skin. Contact normal forces were monitored by the use of pressure sensors, and fabric velocity was determined from a high-speed video. The abraded skin samples were analysed using light microscopic analysis and ultraviolet light source photography. A new abrasion rating method was developed called the total abrasion score, which allows for quantifiable differentiation between the abrasions caused by different airbag fabric and seam types.
The Modern Matron's role in influencing safe practice
Authors: Keeley Olwen , Goodman Claire , Bark Pippa
Published: April 2005

The 'Modern Matron' is one of the prominent nursing roles to emerge from the NHS Plan. The underpinning principle is to have a professional leader who is accountable for co-ordinating safe, high-quality care to improve patients' NHS experience. This paper discusses findings from a study of the implementation of the Modern Matron role in an acute NHS Trust in the East of England.

The theoretical framework of 'limiting harm' was used to assess the extent to which the Modern Matron could contribute towards safe effective care and the reduction of harm. The study found that error-prone situations were clearly identified and that the Matrons were perceived to have a positive impact on a range of clinical issues. The evidence from this small study suggests that the Modern Matron role has the potential to make a positive contribution to patient safety.