bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss or down‐regulation of HLA class I expression at the allelic level in freshly isolated leukemic blasts
Authors: Masuda Kozo , Hiraki Akio , Fujii Nobuharu , Watanabe Toshiyuki , Tanaka Motoyuki , Matsue Kosei , Ogama Yoichiro , Ouchida Mamoru , Shimizu Kenji , Ikeda Kazuma , Tanimoto Mitsune
Published: November 2006

Loss or down‐regulation of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression has been demonstrated in a variety of solid tumors. To date, such altered HLA expression has not been studied extensively in freshly isolated leukemic blasts. If it occurs, leukemic cells could escape T‐cell surveillance as a consequence. Genotypes of nine leukemic cell lines were determined using a polymerase chain reaction for HLA classes I and II. Cells were also examined for HLA β2‐microglobulin, and allele‐specific HLA protein expression using flow cytometry. Next, 44 samples of freshly isolated leukemic blasts from 43 patients with malignant hematological diseases were examined for allele‐specific HLA expression using flow cytometry. Microsatellite analysis was performed to determine heterozygosity in the HLA region on chromosome 6. Genotype analysis for HLA class I together with microsatellite analysis demonstrated loss of HLA haplotype in HL‐60 cells. No loss of HLA haplotype was observed in 44 samples of freshly isolated leukemic blasts. As reported previously, flow cytometric analysis rarely demonstrated loss or down‐regulation of HLA expression at initial diagnosis (3/39; 7.7%); however, this was evident in two of five cases in relapse (40.0%), which contrasts with previous reports. In one patient with acute leukemia, HLA‐A2 cell surface expression was present at initial diagnosis, lost at relapse, and completely restored after 48 h of culture in the presence of interferon‐γ. These results suggest loss of allele‐specific HLA expression may be involved in the pathogenesis of relapse in patients with leukemia. The findings should be valuable in designing new strategies for clinical immunotherapy. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 102–108)
The clinical syndrome of specific antibody deficiency in children
Authors: Boyle R J , Le C , Balloch A , Tang M L-K
Published: November 2006

Specific antibody deficiency (SAD) is an immune deficiency which has been reported in adults and children with recurrent respiratory tract infections; however, the clinical features of SAD are not well described. This study evaluated formally the clinical syndrome of SAD, by comparing the clinical features of children with SAD and those of children with recurrent infection but normal immune function tests. SAD was defined as an adequate IgG antibody response to less than 50% of 12 pneumococcal serotypes tested following 23-valent unconjugated pneumococcal immunization. An adequate IgG antibody response was defined as a post-immunization titre of ≥ 1·3 µg/ml or ≥ four times the preimmunization value. Seventy-four children with recurrent infection were evaluated where immune deficiencies other than SAD had been excluded. Eleven (14·9%) of these children had SAD. Clinical features differed between the group with SAD and the group with normal antibody responses. A history of otitis media, particularly in association with chronic otorrhoea was associated with SAD [relative risk (RR) of SAD in those with chronic otorrhoea 4·64 (P = 0·02)]. SAD was associated with allergic disease, particularly allergic rhinitis [RR of SAD in those with allergic rhinitis 3·77 (P = 0·04)]. These two clinical associations of SAD were independent in this study [RR of chronic otorrhoea in those with allergic rhinitis 0·85 (P = 0·28)]. SAD was not an age-related phenomenon in this population. SAD has a distinct clinical phenotype, presenting as recurrent infection associated with chronic otorrhoea and/or allergic disease, and the condition should be sought in children with these features.
CRS strategies for solving severe static and imaging issues in seismic data from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gierse G. , Pruessmann J. , Coman R.
Published: November 2006

Static shifts from near‐surface inhomogeneities very often represent the key problem in the processing of seismic data from arid regions. In this case study, the deep bottom fill of a wadi strongly degrades the image quality of a 2D seismic data set. The resulting static and dynamic problems are solved by both conventional and common‐reflection‐surface (CRS) processing. A straightforward approach derives conventional refraction statics from picked first breaks and then goes through several iterations of manual velocity picking and residual statics calculation. The surface‐induced static and dynamic inhomogeneities, however, are not completely solved by these conventional methods.

In CRS processing, the local adaptation of the CRS stacking parameters results in very detailed dynamic corrections. They resolve the local inhomogeneities that were not detected by manual picking of stacking velocities and largely compensate for the surface‐induced deterioration in the stack. The subsequent CRS residual statics calculations benefit greatly from the large CRS stacking fold which increases the numbers of estimates for single static shifts. This improves the surface‐consistent averaging of static shifts and the convergence of the static solution which removes the remaining static shifts in the 2D seismic data. The large CRS stacking fold also increases the signal‐to‐noise ratio in the final CRS stack.
A peptidoglycan hydrolase motif within the mycobacteriophage TM4 tape measure protein promotes efficient infection of stationary phase cells
Authors: Piuri Mariana , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: November 2006

The predominant morphotype of mycobacteriophage virions has a DNA‐containing capsid attached to a long flexible non‐contractile tail, features characteristic of the Siphoviridae. Within these phage genomes the tape measure protein (tmp) gene can be readily identified due to the well‐established relationship between the length of the gene and the length of the phage tail – because these phages typically have long tails, the tmp gene is usually the largest gene in the genome. Many of these mycobacteriophage Tmp's contain small motifs with sequence similarity to host proteins. One of these motifs (motif 1) corresponds to the Rpf proteins that have lysozyme activity and function to stimulate growth of dormant bacteria, while the others (motifs 2 and 3) are related to proteins of unknown function, although some of the related proteins of the host are predicted to be involved in cell wall catabolism. We show here that motif 3‐containing proteins have peptidoglycan‐hydrolysing activity and that while this activity is not required for phage viability, it facilitates efficient infection and DNA injection into stationary phase cells. Tmp's of mycobacteriophages may thus have acquired these motifs in order to avoid a selective disadvantage that results from changes in peptidoglycan in non‐growing cells.
The expression of nNOS, iNOS and nitrotyrosine is increased in the rat cerebral cortex in experimental hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Suárez I. , Bodega G. , Arilla E. , Felipo V. , Fernández B.
Published: November 2006

The changes in the distribution and amount of nitric oxide (NO) synthases (nNOS and iNOS) and the appearance of nitrotyrosine (NT) in the rat cerebral cortex were investigated following portacaval anastomosis (PCA), an experimental hepatic encephalopathy (HE) model. One month after PCA, rats showed more neurones immunoreactive to nNOS than did control animals. At 6 months post PCA, the number of neurones expressing nNOS had again increased and the intensity of the immunoreactions was stronger. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed that iNOS was increasingly expressed in pyramidal‐like cortical neurones and in perivascular astrocytes from 1 to 6 months post PCA. In addition, a significant increase in cerebral iNOS concentration, at both post‐PCA periods, was determined by Western blotting. The iNOS induction appears to be correlated with the length of the post‐PCA period. PCA also induced the expression of NT, a nitration product of peroxynitrite. NT immunoreactivity was found in pyramidal‐like cortical neurones. At 6 months, NT immunoreactivity was also evident in perivascular astrocytes, which was concomitant with a significant increase in NT protein level. PCA therefore not only increases the expression of nNOS but also induces the expression of iNOS and NT in both neurones and astrocytes. Taken together, these findings indicate that the induction of iNOS in pyramidal neurones and cortical astrocytes 6 months after PCA contributes to the generation of NT, and demonstrate the clear participation of NO in the pathogenic process of HE in this model.
Analysis of factors predicting intravesical recurrence of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder without concomitant carcinoma in situ
Authors: SAKAI IORI , MIYAKE HIDEAKI , HARADA KEN‐ICHI , HARA ISAO , INOUE TAKA‐AKI , FUJISAWA MASATO
Published: November 2006

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate risk factors for intravesical recurrence in patients with superficial bladder cancer without concomitant carcinoma in situ (CIS).

Methods: In this series, we analyzed data from patients with newly diagnosed superficial Ta or T1 transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder without concomitant CIS who underwent complete transurethral resection (TUR) without any adjuvant intravesical instillation therapies. Multivariate analysis was used to determine significant risk factors affecting intravesical recurrence after TUR. Differences in clinicopathological features between primary and recurrent tumors were also characterized.

Results: Among 341 patients undergoing TUR of Ta or T1 bladder cancer, 187 diagnosed as having concomitant CIS and/or treated with adjuvant intravesical therapy were excluded, and the remaining 154 were evaluated. Intravesical recurrence was detected in 64 of the 154 patients, showing a 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rate of 58.3%. Among several factors examined, only tumor size was significantly associated with intravesical recurrence. Multivariate analysis identified tumor size as an independent predictor for intravesical recurrence irrespective of other parameters including age, gender, multiplicity, growth pattern, grade and stage. Recurrent tumors were significantly smaller and of a lower grade and lower stage than primary tumors, despite the absence of differences in growth pattern and the multiplicity between them.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that primary tumor size could be used as a potential risk factor for predicting intravesical recurrence following TUR of superficial TCC of the bladder without concomitant CIS, and that the pathological characteristics of recurrent tumors are more favorable than those of primary tumors.
Selecting replacements for invasive plants to support frugivores in highly modified sites: A case study focusing on Lantana camara
Authors: Gosper Carl R. , Vivian‐Smith Gabrielle
Published: November 2006

Summary  Invasive plants are regarded as a major threat to biodiversity worldwide. Yet, in some cases, invasive plants now perform important ecological functions. For example, fleshy‐fruited invasive plants provide food that supports indigenous frugivore populations. How can the disparate goals of conservation versus invasive weed control be managed? We suggest using the fruit characteristics of the invasive plant to select replacement indigenous plants that are functionally similar from the perspective of frugivores. These could provide replacement food resources at sites where plants with these characteristics are part of the goal plant community and where such plants would not otherwise regenerate. Replacement plants could also redirect seed dispersal processes to favour indigenous, rather than invasive, plant species. We investigated the utility of this approach by ranking all indigenous fleshy‐fruited plant species from a region using a simple model that scored species based upon measures of fruit phenology, morphology, conspicuousness and accessibility relative to a target invasive species, Lantana (Lantana camara). The model successfully produced high scores for indigenous plant species that were used by more of the frugivores of Lantana than a random selection of plants, suggesting that this approach warrants further investigation.
The use of functional genomics for the identification of a gene cluster encoding for the biosynthesis of an antifungal tambjamine in the marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas tunicata
Authors: Burke Catherine , Thomas Torsten , Egan Suhelen , Kjelleberg Staffan
Published: November 2006

A large insert library was created in Escherichia coli from the DNA of the surface‐associated marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas tunicata. Screening of the library for antifungal activity resulted in the detection and identification of a large gene cluster encoding for the biosynthesis of an antifungal tambjamine. A biosynthetic pathway has been proposed based on analysis and annotation of the gene cluster.
The Time of Constitution‐Making: On the Differentiation of the Legal, Political and Moral Systems and Temporality of Constitutional Symbolism
Authors: PŘIBÁŇ JIŘÍ
Published: November 2006

Abstract. The article focuses on the problem of constitutional symbolism in functionally differentiated societies and its relevance to legal, political, and moral systems. The first part analyses differences between the three systems and their constitutional context. The second part concentrates on the moral symbolic function of modern constitutions and its temporal dimension. It shows that the “good/bad” moral code of constitutions draws on expressive symbolism and transforms it into evaluative symbolism and dogma of morality. The final part analyses the prospective character of modern constitution‐making and its symbolic selectivity regarding the past. The paper concludes by emphasising the systemic pluralisation effect of constitution‐making and the impossibility of constituting systems of “pure” law, morality, and politics.
Ureteric branching morphogenesis in BMP4 heterozygous mutant mice
Authors: Cain Jason E. , Bertram John F.
Published: November 2006

Exogenous bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) inhibits ureteric branching morphogenesis and amplifies the already existing branching asymmetry in the developing mouse kidney in vitro. In the present study we examined ureteric branching morphogenesis in BMP4/lacZ heterozygous (BMP4+/–) mice in vitro under control conditions and in the presence of exogenous BMP4 using three‐dimensional image analysis software. The relative expression of BMP4 mRNA was determined in BMP4+/– and wildtype urogenital ridges using real‐time PCR. Embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) BMP4+/– and wildtype mouse metanephroi were cultured for 48 h with or without 260 ng mL−1 recombinant human BMP4 (rhBMP4) and were then wholemount immunostained in order to identify the ureteric epithelium, which was quantified in three dimensions. Despite a significant reduction in BMP4 mRNA in BMP4+/– mice, qualitative and quantitative studies identified no differences in ureteric branching morphogenesis between phenotypically normal BMP4+/– and wildtype metanephroi in either BMP4‐treated or control cultures. Both BMP4+/– and wildtype metanephroi cultured in the presence of BMP4 showed a decrease in total ureteric length, branch number and ureteric volume, and increased average branch length compared with control cultures. A marked anterior–posterior asymmetry in both ureteric length, branch number and average branch length was observed in BMP4‐treated metanephroi from both genotypes. A similar asymmetry was revealed in control metanephroi from both genotypes. This asymmetry is the result of reduced ureteric branching morphogenesis but not elongation in the posterior region of the kidney. These results suggest that despite reduced endogenous BMP4 mRNA levels, most BMP4+/– embryos can still facilitate normal ureteric branching morphogenesis during development. In addition, reduced endogenous levels of BMP4 do not alter the inhibitory effects of exogenous BMP4 on ureteric branching or amplification of normal renal asymmetry.
Pathogenic Colonization of the Stomach in Enterally Fed Elderly Patients: Comparing Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy with Nasogastric Tube
Authors: Segal Refael , Dan Michael , Pogoreliuk Irena , Leibovitz Arthur
Published: November 2006

OBJECTIVES: To compare the gastric juice microbiota of older people fed through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube (PEG) with that of those fed through a nasogastric tube (NGT).

DESIGN: Prospective comparative study.

SETTING: Nursing and skilled nursing wards.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifty‐four elderly PEG‐fed and 52 NGT‐fed patients.

MEASUREMENTS: Cultures from the oropharynx and the gastric juice.

RESULTS: Pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the oropharynxes of 44% of the PEG‐fed patients and 54% of the NGT‐fed patients. The most frequent gram‐negative bacilli isolated from the oropharynx were Proteus spp. (13–21%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13–18%), with no significant difference between the groups. Isolation rates from the gastric juice were significantly more frequent in the NGT‐fed patients than in the PEG‐fed patients for Proteus spp. (4% vs 23%), Escherichia coli (6% vs 21%), and mixed flora (11% vs 27%). Significant correlation was found between high gastric pH and the isolation of bacteria in both groups (correlation coefficient=0.58, P<.001).

CONCLUSION: Gastric juice of PEG‐fed patients harbors pathogenic bacteria in significant numbers. No significant difference was noted with respect to the rate of isolation of pathogenic bacteria from the oropharynx between the groups. Major bacterial pathogens, such as P. aeruginosa and Proteus spp., were isolated significantly more from the gastric juice of NGT‐fed patients. These results support the view that a bidirectional spread pattern of pathogens may take place in NGT‐fed patients.
Processing of Sugar‐Coated Red Kidney Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris): Fate of Oligosaccharides and Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and Evaluation of Sensory Quality
Authors: Siddiq M. , Nyombaire G. , Dolan K.D. , Matella N. J. , Harte J.B.
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT:  The present study was undertaken to expand the uses of red kidney beans beyond traditional products such as sugar‐coated beans—a popular snack food in many Asian countries. Beans were soaked for 12 h (initial temperature 77 °C, end temperature 24 ± 1 °C) and then cooked in boiling water (approximately 99.3 °C) for 14 min. Finally, the cooked beans were sugar‐coated by dipping in 20%, 35%, or 50% sugar syrup (w/w) for 45 min at 70 °C and excess syrup was drained at the end of the process. Beans were analyzed for oligosaccharides (raffinose and stachyose) and lectins, as phytohemagglutinating (PHA) activity, at predetermined intervals during processing. A 105‐member consumer panel evaluated bean quality for texture, color, sweetness, flavor, and overall acceptability. Most of the weight (81.1% of total) was gained during the 1st h of soaking. There was a significant reduction in raffinose (80.8%) and stachyose (83.4%) after 12 h of soaking. Cooking, which further reduced raffinose for a combined total of 95.8%, had no effect on stachyose. The lectins decreased by about 90% in cooked beans, with over half of inactivation occurring during soaking. On a hedonic scale of 1 to 9 (1 = dislike extremely, 9 = like extremely), all 3 bean samples scored above 5 for all the sensory attributes tested. Beans coated with 50% sugar syrup were rated best overall, with a score of 6.1. Frequency distribution of overall acceptability scores showed that 59% to 70% of the panelists rated different bean samples at a score of 6 or higher.
Identifying cardiorespiratory neurocircuitry involved in central command during exercise in humans
Authors: Green Alexander L. , Wang Shouyan , Purvis Sarah , Owen Sarah L. F. , Bain Peter G. , Stein John F. , Guz Abe , Aziz Tipu Z. , Paterson David J.
Published: November 2006

For almost one hundred years, the exact role of human brain structures controlling the cardiorespiratory response to exercise (‘central command’) has been sought. Animal experiments and functional imaging studies have provided clues, but the underlying electrophysiological activity of proposed relevant neural sites in humans has never been measured. In this study, local field potentials were directly recorded in a number of ‘deep’ brain nuclei during an exercise task designed to dissociate the exercise from peripheral feedback mechanisms. Several patient groups had electrodes implanted sterotaxically for the treatment of movement disorder or chronic pain. Fast Fourier transform analysis was applied to the neurograms to identify the power of fundamental spectral frequencies. Anticipation of exercise resulted in increases in heart rate, blood pressure and ventilation. The greatest neural changes were found in the periaqueductal grey area (PAG) where anticipation of exercise was accompanied by an increase of 43% in the power of the 12–25 Hz frequency band (P= 0.007). Exercise increased the activity by 87% compared to rest (P= 0.006). Changes were also seen in the 60–90 Hz band when anticipation or exercise increased power by 32% (P= 0.006) and 109% (P < 0.001), respectively. In the subthalamic nucleus there was a reduction in the power of the beta frequency during both anticipation (7.6 ± 0.68%P= 0.001) and exercise (17.3 ± 0.96%P < 0.001), whereas an increase was seen with exercise only at higher frequencies (93 ± 1.8%P= 0.007). No significant changes were seen in the globus pallidus during anticipation of exercise. We provide direct electrophysiological evidence highlighting the PAG as an important subcortical area in the neural circuitry of the cardiorespiratory response to exercise, since stimulation of this structure is known to alter blood pressure in awake humans.
Solvent-free synthesis of 5-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-benzo-[b]-pyran derivatives under microwave irradiation
Authors: Hu Xue Yuan , Fan Xue Sen , Zhang Xin Ying , Qu Gui Rong , Li Yan Zhen
Published: November 2006

Several benzo-[b]-pyran derivatives were prepared via microwave irradiation under solvent-free conditions in the presence of InCl3·4H2O. The advantages of this method include simple operational process, environmental benignancy, and high efficiency. Moreover, the catalyst can be recovered and reused effectively for at least six times.Key words: benzo-[b]-pyran derivatives, indium trichloride, microwave irradiation.
Relativistic mean-field model and random-phase approximation with vacuum polarization
Authors: Haga Akihiro , Toki Hiroshi , Tamenaga Setsuo , Horikawa Yataro
Published: November 2006

The collective multipole excitations are studied in the framework of relativistic random-phase approximation with the vacuum polarization. First, we show for the nuclear ground state that the leading order of derivative expansion of the effective action arising from the vacuum correction agrees with the exact calculation using the Green function method very well. The derivative expansion makes us easy to perform a fully self-consistent calculation, even for the random-phase approximation. A remarkable effect of the inclusion of the vacuum polarization is the increase of the effective mass meff/mN ~ 0.9, which gives, for all multipole modes, smaller energy-weighted sum rule values than those of the typical relativistic model. Also, the large effective mass constrained by the vacuum polarization can give an excellent agreement with experimental data on the excitation energy for the isoscalar quadrupole resonances. It is shown, further, that the change of the shell structure due to the vacuum polarization plays an important role in the dipole compression modes.
Quartetting in Fermionic Matter and Alpha-Particle Condensation in Nuclear Systems
Authors: Röpke G. , Schuck P.
Published: November 2006

Quantum condensates in nuclear matter are treated beyond the mean-field approximation, with the inclusion of cluster formation. The occurrence of a separate binding pole in the four-particle propagator in nuclear matter is investigated with respect to the formation of a condensate of α-like particles (quartetting), which is dependent on temperature and density. Due to Pauli blocking, the formation of an α-like condensate is limited to the low-density region. Consequences for finite nuclei are considered. In particular, excitations of self-conjugate 2n-Z–2n-N nuclei near the n-α-breakup threshold are candidates for quartetting. We review some results and discuss their consequences. Exploratory calculations are performed for the density dependence of the α condensate fraction at zero temperature to address the suppression of the four-particle condensate below nuclear-matter density.
TRAVELING WAVES FOR AN INTEGRABLE HIGHER ORDER KDV TYPE WAVE EQUATIONS
Authors: LI JIBIN , WU JIANHONG , ZHU HUAIPING
Published: November 2006

Using the method of planar dynamical systems to a higher order wave equations of KdV type, the existence of smooth and nonsmooth solitary wave, kink wave and uncountably infinite many periodic wave solutions is proved. In different regions of the parametric space, the sufficient conditions to guarantee the existence of the above solutions are given. In some spatial conditions, the exact explicit parametric representations of solitary wave solutions are determined.
STUDY OF GLOBALLY EXPONENTIAL SYNCHRONIZATION FOR THE FAMILY OF RÖSSLER SYSTEMS
Authors: LIAO XIAOXIN , YU PEI
Published: November 2006

This paper considers the globally exponential synchronization (GES) of the family of Rössler chaotic systems. One pair of the six transmitter-receiver systems is specifically studied, and algebraic criterion for the GES is obtained via proper nonlinear feedback controls. Based on the study of the systems' structures, appropriate Lyapunov functions are constructed for error systems. The method presented in this paper provides a convenient tool in the practical use of chaos control and synchronization. Numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the theoretical results.
Significance of urea transport: the pioneering studies of Bodil Schmidt-Nielsen
Authors: Kokko Juha P. , Sands Jeff M.
Published: November 2006

This essay looks at the historical significance of five APS classic papers that are freely available online:

Murdaugh HV Jr, Schmidt-Nielsen B, Doyle EM, and O'Dell R.

Renal tubular regulation of urea excretion in man. J Appl Physiol 13: 263–268, 1958. ( http://jap.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/13/2/263 )

Schmidt-Nielsen B.

Renal tubular excretion of urea in kangaroo rats. Am J Physiol 170: 45–56, 1952. ( http://ajplegacy.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/170/1/45 )

Schmidt-Nielsen B.

Urea excretion in white rats and kangaroo rats as influenced by excitement and by diet. Am J Physiol 181: 131–139, 1955. ( http://ajplegacy.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/181/1/131 )

Schmidt-Nielsen B, Osaki H, Murdaugh HV Jr, and O'Dell R.

Renal regulation of urea excretion in sheep. Am J Physiol 194: 221–228, 1958. ( http://ajplegacy.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/194/2/221 )

Truniger B and Schmidt-Nielsen B.

Intrarenal distribution of urea and related compounds: effect of nitrogen intake. Am J Physiol 207: 971–978, 1964. ( http://ajplegacy.physiology.org/cgi/reprint/207/5/971 )
Microgravity-induced changes in aortic stiffness and their role in orthostatic intolerance
Authors: Tuday Eric C. , Meck Janice V. , Nyhan Daniel , Shoukas Artin A. , Berkowitz Dan E.
Published: November 2006

Microgravity (μG)-induced orthostatic intolerance (OI) in astronauts is characterized by a marked decrease in cardiac output (CO) in response to an orthostatic stress. Since CO is highly dependent on venous return, alterations in the resistance to venous return (RVR) may be important in contributing to OI. The RVR is directly dependent on arterial compliance (Ca), where aortic compliance (Cao) contributes up to 60% of Ca. We tested the hypothesis that μG-induced changes in Ca may represent a protective mechanism against OI. A retrospective analysis on hemodynamic data collected from astronauts after 5- to 18-day spaceflight missions revealed that orthostatically tolerant (OT) astronauts showed a significant decrease in Ca after spaceflight, while OI astronauts showed a slight increase in Ca. A ground-based animal model simulating μG, hindlimb-unweighted rats, was used to explore this phenomenon. Two independent assessments of Cao, in vivo pulse wave velocity (PWV) of the thoracic aorta and in vitro pressure-diameter squared relationship (PDSR) measurements of the excised thoracic aorta, were determined. PWV showed a significant increase in aortic stiffness compared with control, despite unchanged blood pressures. This increase in aortic stiffness was confirmed by the PDSR analysis. Thus both actual μG in humans and simulated μG in rats induces changes in Cao. The difference in Ca in OT and OI astronaut suggests that the μG-induced decrease in Ca is a protective adaptation to spaceflight that reduces the RVR and allows for the maintenance of adequate CO in response to an orthostatic stress.
Acute sympathetic vasoconstriction at rest and during dynamic exercise in cyclists and sedentary humans
Authors: Wray D. Walter , Donato Anthony J. , Nishiyama Steven K. , Richardson Russell S.
Published: November 2006

The impact of exercise training on sympathetic activation is not well understood, especially across untrained and trained limbs in athletes. Therefore, in eight sedentary subjects (maximal oxygen consumption = 40 ± 2 ml·kg−1·min−1) and eight competitive cyclists (maximal oxygen consumption= 64 ± 2 ml·kg−1·min−1), we evaluated heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow, vascular conductance, and vascular resistance in the leg and arm during acute sympathetic stimulation [cold pressor test (CPT)]. The CPT was also performed during dynamic leg (knee extensor) or arm (handgrip) exercise at 50% of maximal work rate (WRmax) with measurements in the exercising limb. At rest, the CPT decreased vascular conductance similarly in the leg and arm of sedentary subjects (−33 ± 8% leg, −38 ± 6% arm) and cyclists (−34 ± 4% leg, −31 ± 9% arm), and during exercise CPT-induced vasoconstriction was blunted (i.e., sympatholysis) in both the leg and arm of both groups. However, the magnitude of sympatholysis was significantly different between the arm and leg of the sedentary group (−47 ± 11% arm, −25 ± 8% leg), and it was less in the arm of cyclists (−28 ± 11%) than sedentary controls. Taken together, these data provide evidence that sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction is expressed equally and globally at rest in both sedentary and trained individuals, with a differential pattern of vasoconstriction during acute exercise according to limb and exercise training status.
Modulation of glucose transport in skeletal muscle by reactive oxygen species
Authors: Katz Abram
Published: November 2006

Glucose transport is an essential physiological process that is characteristic of all eukaryotic cells, including skeletal muscle. In skeletal muscle, glucose transport is mediated by the GLUT-4 protein under conditions of increased carbohydrate utilization. The three major physiological stimuli of glucose transport in muscle are insulin, exercise/contraction, and hypoxia. Here, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in modulating glucose transport in skeletal muscle is reviewed. Convincing evidence for ROS involvement in insulin- and hypoxia-mediated transport in muscle is lacking. Recent experiments, based on pharmacological and genetic approaches, support a role for ROS in contraction-mediated glucose transport. During contraction, endogenously produced ROS appear to mediate their effects on glucose transport via AMP-activated protein kinase.
Energy sensing and regulation of gene expression in skeletal muscle
Authors: Freyssenet Damien
Published: November 2006

Major modifications in energy homeostasis occur in skeletal muscle during exercise. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in energy homeostasis take part in the regulation of gene expression and contribute to muscle plasticity. A number of energy-sensing molecules have been shown to sense variations in energy homeostasis and trigger regulation of gene expression. The AMP-activated protein kinase, hypoxia-inducible factor 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, and Sirt1 proteins all contribute to altering skeletal muscle gene expression by sensing changes in the concentrations of AMP, molecular oxygen, intracellular free fatty acids, and NAD+, respectively. These molecules may therefore sense information relating to the intensity, duration, and frequency of muscle exercise. Mitochondria also contribute to the overall response, both by modulating the response of energy-sensing molecules and by generating their own signals. This review seeks to examine our current understanding of the roles that energy-sensing molecules and mitochondria can play in the regulation of gene expression in skeletal muscle.
Prognostic Value of Apoptosis in Rectal Cancer Patients of the Dutch Total Mesorectal Excision Trial: Radiotherapy Is Redundant in Intrinsically High-Apoptotic Tumors
Authors: de Bruin Elza C. , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , van de Pas Simone , Nagtegaal Iris D. , van Krieken J. Han J.M. , Gosens Marleen J.E.M. , Peltenburg Lucy T.C. , Medema Jan Paul , Marijnen Corrie A.M.
Published: November 2006

Purpose: The combination of radiotherapy and good quality surgery reduces local recurrence rate for rectal cancer patients. This study assesses the prognostic value of both intrinsic and radiotherapy-induced apoptosis and evaluates the relevance of radiotherapy for outcome of rectal cancer patients.

Experimental Design: Tumor samples (1,198) were available from the Dutch Total Mesorectal Excision trial, in which rectal cancer patients were treated with standardized surgery and randomized for preoperative short-term radiotherapy or not. Tumor samples were obtained at time of surgery. Tissue microarrays were constructed and stained with the active caspase-specific M30 antibody to determine the amount of apoptotic epithelial tumor cells.

Results: Nonirradiated patients with a negative circumferential margin displaying lower than median levels of apoptosis developed more local recurrences (10.5% versus 6.1%; P = 0.06) and more rapidly after surgery than patients with high intrinsic apoptosis in their tumors (median time to recurrence, 13.0 versus 21.3 months; P = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, intrinsic apoptosis was an independent predictor for the development of local recurrences (hazard ratio, 2.0; P = 0.05). Radiotherapy increased apoptosis level (11 versus 23 apoptotic cells/mm2 tumor epithelium; P < 0.001), but this apoptosis did not influence patients' prognosis.

Conclusions: Rectal cancer patients with low intrinsic apoptosis will benefit from radiotherapy with respect to the development of local recurrences. Because apoptosis is an inherent characteristic of tumors, patients who do not need radiotherapy may be selected based on the apoptotic index of the primary tumor.
Distribution of GPR30, a Seven Membrane–Spanning Estrogen Receptor, in Primary Breast Cancer and its Association with Clinicopathologic Determinants of Tumor Progression
Authors: Filardo Edward J. , Graeber Carl T. , Quinn Jeffrey A. , Resnick Murray B. , Giri Dilip , DeLellis Ronald A. , Steinhoff Margaret M. , Sabo Edmond
Published: November 2006

Purpose: The seven transmembrane receptor, GPR30, is linked to estrogen binding and heparan-bound epidermal growth factor release. Here, the significance of GPR30 in human breast cancer was evaluated by comparing its relationship to steroid hormone receptor expression and tumor progression variables.

Experimental Design: Immunohistochemical analysis of a National Cancer Institute–sponsored tumor collection comprised of 361 breast carcinomas obtained at first diagnosis (321 invasive and 40 intraductal tumors). Biopsies from 12 reduction mammoplasties served as controls. The distribution pattern of GPR30, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) was correlated with clinicopathologic variables obtained at diagnosis.

Results: GPR30, ER, and PR were positive in all 12 normal controls. In contrast, GPR30 expression varied in breast tumors, in which 62% (199 of 321) of invasive tumors and 42% (17 of 40) of intraductal tumors were positive. Codistribution of ER and GPR30 was measured in 43% (139 of 321) of invasive breast tumors, whereas both receptors were lacking (ER−GPR30−) in 19% (61 of 321) of the tumors analyzed, indicating a significant association between ER and GPR30 (P < 0.05). The coexpression of PR and ER did not influence GPR30 expression, yet coexpression of GPR30 and ER was linked to PR positivity. Unlike ER, which varied inversely with HER-2/neu and tumor size, GPR30 positively associated with HER-2/neu and tumor size. In addition, GPR30 showed a positive association with metastasis (P = 0.014; odds ratio, 1.9).

Conclusions: GPR30 and ER exhibited distinct patterns of association with breast tumor progression variables, including HER-2/neu, tumor size, and metastatic disease. Thus, these results support the hypothesis that GPR30 and ER have an independent influence on estrogen responsiveness in breast carcinoma.
Overexpression of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Receptor and Activation of the AKT Pathway in Hyperplastic Endometrium
Authors: McCampbell Adrienne S. , Broaddus Russell R. , Loose David S. , Davies Peter J.A.
Published: November 2006

Purpose: Although there is considerable information on the molecular aberrations associated with endometrial cancer, very little is known of the changes in gene expression associated with endometrial hyperplasia.

Experimental Design: To address this, we have compared the level of expression of estrogen-regulated genes and components of the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) signaling pathway in endometrial biopsies from subjects with normal endometrium, complex atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial adenocarcinoma (type I).

Results: There was a significant increase in the expression of the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) in biopsies from hyperplastic endometrium and endometrial carcinoma compared with the proliferative endometrium. The receptor was also activated, as judged by increased tyrosine phosphorylation. In addition, in endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma, the downstream components of the IGF-IR pathway are activated, as reflected in increased Akt phosphorylation. Loss of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) expression in endometrial hyperplasia did not correlate with increased activation of IGF-IR. However, the simultaneous loss of PTEN expression and increased IGF-IR activation in hyperplasia was associated with an increased incidence of endometrial carcinoma.

Conclusions: These results suggest that up-regulation of IGF-IR and loss of PTEN may be independent events that give rise to complementary activation of the IGF-I pathway and increase the probability of the development of cancer. These studies suggest that increased expression of IGF-IR may be an important contributor to the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.
Simulations of the Hydrological Cycle over Southern South America Using the CPTEC/COLA AGCM
Authors: Rodriguez Daniel Andrés , Cavalcanti Iracema F. Albuquerque
Published: November 2006

The La Plata River basin is the second largest basin of South America after the Amazon basin, and it is located in an international area that occupies territories of Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia, areas of great economic activity. In the present work, the water budget over the region was studied and the atmospheric and terrestrial components were analyzed to investigate the Center for Weather Forecast and Climate Studies/Center for Ocean–Land–Atmosphere Studies (CPTEC/COLA) atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) behavior in a simulation of 10 yr. The analysis was performed considering two sectors, northern and southern, because of their different behaviors, and the main characteristics were simulated by the model. The northern sector presents a well-defined annual cycle with well-established wet conditions in the summer, when there is development of the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ). In the southern sector, there is a weak annual cycle and the hydrological variables do not have large seasonal variations as in the northern sector. A period of maximum precipitation is identified at the end of spring in the southern sector. Moisture flux convergence (MFC) in the model occurs over southeast Brazil during summer and over northern Argentina in the spring, consistent with observations. Analysis of the meridional and zonal moisture fluxes reveals that there is an intrusion of moisture from the tropical region, southward, and also flux from the Atlantic Ocean, that feed both sectors. The flux from the Amazon region was the main source of external moisture during the summer season, while the flux from the Atlantic Ocean was dominant during winter. Additional analysis of El Niño 1982/83 and La Niña 1988/89 episodes showed the importance of Amazon and Atlantic moisture fluxes to the La Plata basin region. During El Niño 1982/83 there was more moisture flux from the Amazon region to the southern sector than during La Niña 1988/89. This feature was related to droughts during La Niña and floods during El Niño in the La Plata region.
The Hydrometeorology of a Deforested Region of the Amazon Basin
Authors: Ramos da Silva Renato , Avissar Roni
Published: November 2006

A series of numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the capability of the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) to simulate the evolution of convection in a partly deforested region of the Amazon basin during the rainy season, and to elucidate some of the complex land–atmosphere interactions taking place in that region. Overall, it is demonstrated that RAMS can simulate properly the domain-average accumulated rainfall in Rondônia, Brazil, when provided with reliable initial profiles of atmospheric relative humidity and soil moisture. It is also capable of simulating important feedbacks involving the energy partition at the ground surface and the formation of convection. In general, more water in the soil and/or the atmosphere produces more rainfall. However, these conditions affect the onset of rainfall in opposite ways; while higher atmospheric relative humidity leads to early rainfall, higher soil moisture delays its formation. As compared to stratiform clouds, which tend to cover a large area, convective clouds are localized and they let relatively more solar radiation reach the ground surface. As a result, a stronger sensible heat flux is released at the ground surface, which enhances the atmospheric instability and reinforces convection. Simulations using horizontal grid elements 2 and 4 km in size show a delay and decrease of rainfall as compared to simulations with high-resolution grids whose elements are not larger than 1 km and, as a result, afflict RAMS performance. It is concluded that RAMS can be used as a reliable tool to simulate the various hydrometeorological processes involved in land-cover changes as a result of deforestation in this region.
Negotiating Patriarchy
Authors: Chong Kelly H.
Published: November 2006

Based on ethnographic research, this study investigates the meaning and impact of women’s involvement in South Korean evangelicalism. While recent works addressing the “paradox” of women’s participation in conservative religions have highlighted the significance of these religions as unexpected vehicles of gender empowerment and contestation, this study finds that the experiences and consequences of Korean evangelical women’s religiosity are highly contradictory; although crucial in women’s efforts to negotiate the injuries of the modern Confucian-patriarchal family, conversion, for many women, also signifies their effective redomestication to this family/gender regime, which helps maintain current gender arrangements. To address this tension, the article explores the meaning of religious submission in the Korean context, focusing on the motivations behind women’s consent to patriarchy, which are rooted in women’s contradictory desires regarding the family system and the ambivalent subjectivities that they evoke.
The Cambridge Behavioral Inventory: Validation and Application in a Memory Clinic
Authors: Nagahama Yasuhiro , Okina Tomoko , Suzuki Norio , Matsuda Minoru
Published: November 2006

The authors examined the validity of the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory (CBI), a questionnaire investigating broad neuropsychiatric symptoms and everyday functional ability in dementia. Test-retest reliability of the CBI was acceptable. Cross-validation with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory showed good concurrent validity of the CBI. The CBI reliably demonstrated that disinhibition, stereotypic behavior, elation, anxiety, poor self-care, and changes in eating habits occurred more commonly in patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration than those with Alzheimer’s disease. The authors concluded that the CBI is a reliable informant-based assessment of neuropsychiatric symptoms and everyday functioning and may be a suitable tool for use in general clinical practice settings.
Testing for the antiphospholipid syndrome: importance of IgA anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I
Authors: Greco T P , Amos M D , Conti-Kelly A M , Naranjo J D , Ijdo J W
Published: November 2006

Background: Testing for the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) using anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) has been problematic. Titers may fluctuate or even become negative. Anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I assays (ab2-GPI) may be more reliable for diagnosis.

Methods: In a prospective, blinded study over a nine-month period we retested all patients seen for routine follow-up visits in our clinic who had previously been evaluated for aCL-associated illnesses. Patients were stratified into two groups: group A—patients previously positive (/) for aCL; group B—patients previously negative (7) for aCL. Both groups were further classified according to disease severity. Patients were retested for both aCL and ab2-GPI (isotypes G, M, A for each) using uniform testing standards.

Results: 118 patients with previously positive aCL (group A) were retested. Repeat aCL were positive in 52=118 (44%), ab2-GPI positive in 69=118 (58%) and 82=118 (69.5%) were positive for one or both assays. In patients with serious organ damage (92% with documented APS), 48.6% were aCL positive, 64% positive for ab2-GPI, and 75.7% were positive for one or both assays. When only one assay was positive, ab2-GPI was most frequent (P = 0.0096). Overall, IgA ab2-GPI was the most frequent isotype found (60.9%).

On retesting of 73 aCL-negative patients (group B), 9=73 (12%) were aCL positive, 27=73 (36%) were ab2-GPI positive, with 24=73 (32.9%) having isolated ab2-GPI. Of those positive for ab2 GPI, IgA ab2-GPI was present in 74.1%. Many of these patients had documented APS.

Conclusion: Based on our data, ab2-GPI assays are superior to aCL assays for diagnosis of APS. The combined use of both assays enhance positive testing results in up to 75% of patients with APS at any stage of illness. ACL negative patients suspected of having APS should be retested for both ab2-GPI and aCL. IgA ab2-GPI appears to be the most important isotype detected.