bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heptose I Glycan Substitutions onNeisseria gonorrhoeaeLipooligosaccharide Influence C4b-Binding Protein Binding and Serum Resistance
Authors: Ram Sanjay , Ngampasutadol Jutamas , Cox Andrew D. , Blom Anna M. , Lewis Lisa A. , St. Michael Frank , Stupak Jacek , Gulati Sunita , Rice Peter A.
Published: May 2007

Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) heptose (Hep) glycan substitutions influence gonococcal serum resistance. Several gonococcal strains bind the classical complement pathway inhibitor, C4b-binding protein (C4BP), via their porin (Por) molecule to escape complement-dependent killing by normal human serum (NHS). We show that the proximal glucose (Glc) on HepI is required for C4BP binding to Por1B-bearing gonococcal strains MS11 and 1291 but not to FA19 (Por1A). The presence of only the proximal Glc on HepI (lgtEmutant) permitted maximal C4BP binding to MS11 but not to 1291. Replacing 1291 lgtE Por with MS11 Por increased C4BP binding to levels that paralleled MS11 lgtE, suggesting that replacement of the Por1B molecule dictated the effects of HepI glycans on C4BP binding. The remainder of the strain background did not affect C4BP binding; replacing the Por of strain F62 with MS11 Por (F62 PorMS11) and truncating HepI mirrored the findings in the MS11 background. C4BP binding correlated with resistance to killing by NHS in most instances. F62 PorMS11 and itslgtEmutant were sensitive to NHS despite binding C4BP, secondary to kinetically overwhelming classical pathway activation and possibly increased alternative pathway activation (measured by factor Bb binding) by the F62 background. FA19 lgtF (HepI unsubstituted) resisted killing by only 10% NHS, not 50% NHS, despite binding levels of C4BP similar to those of FA19 and FA19 lgtE (both resistant to 50% serum), suggesting a role for the proximal Glc in serum resistance independently of C4BP binding. This study provides mechanistic insights into how HepI LOS substitutions affect the serum resistance ofN. gonorrhoeae.
Thermoregulation ofEscherichia coli hchATranscript Stability
Authors: Rasouly Aviram , Shenhar Yotam , Ron Eliora Z.
Published: May 2007

The conserved chaperone Hsp31 ofEscherichia coliis transcribed at low temperatures by σSand repressed by H-NS, whereas at high temperature, transcription is by σ70independently of both σSand H-NS. Here we present evidence for an additional, novel, temperature-dependent control of Hsp31 expression by increased transcript stability.
Detection of the c-kit D816V mutation in systemic mastocytosis by allele-specific PCR
Authors: Schumacher J A , Elenitoba-Johnson K S J , Lim M S
Published: May 2007

Aims:

Thec-kitD816V activating mutation is found in >80% of cases of systemic mastocytosis (SM) and represents a potential drug target. Furthermore, because D816V is one of the diagnostic criteria for SM, it is clinically relevant to determine whether the mutation is present. Traditional techniques such as DNA sequencing are often not sensitive enough to detect mutations in low-abundance tumour cells, including SM. Here, an allele-specific assay to detect the D816V mutation in DNA from archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues is described.

Methods:

A two-tube PCR format was employed to amplifyc-kitexon 17 as a control and an allele-specific reaction to selectively amplify the D816V mutant allele using standard oligonucleotides. A D816V-mutant plasmid control was generated by site-directed mutagenesis of wild-type cells. 14 cases of SM, one D816V-positive seminoma sample, and 35 cases without SM were analysed using the assay.

Results:

The assay successfully amplified D816V in the mutant plasmid control, 13/14 cases of SM, and confirmed D816V in a seminoma sample. In addition, D816V was not amplified in 35/35 cases without SM. Serial dilution experiments demonstrated sensitivity down to <1%.

Conclusion:

A sensitive, specific and cost-effective assay to detect the D816V mutation in archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from cases of SM has been developed.
Carbon-fiber-reinforced cement-based sensors
Authors: Chacko Rose Mary , Banthia Nemkumar , Mufti Aftab A
Published: May 2007

The addition of carbon fibers has proved to be one of the most effective ways of improving the electrical conductivity of ordinary cement pastes. This implies that such materials can be used in strain, temperature, and chemical sensing. The present study was aimed at the development of such sensors. Inexpensive, petroleum-pitch-based, mesophase, high-modulus carbon fibers were used throughout. It was seen that materials with high conductivity could be obtained by reinforcing hydrated cement paste with carbon fibers. Electronic conduction was seen as the dominant mode over electrolytic conduction. Compared with strain, the influence of temperature on the electrical resistivity was found to be insignificant, implying a lack of need for temperature correction. Results also indicate that these sensors can be excellent crack detectors.Key words: carbon-fiber-reinforced cement-based composites, structural health monitoring, sensor, electrical resistivity, compressive strain, temperature, moisture content, chloride concentration, fiber volume fraction, water/cementitious ratio, cracking.
Laboratory study of anchor ice evolution around rocks and on gravel beds
Authors: Qu Y X , Doering J
Published: May 2007

A series of laboratory studies was carried out on anchor ice evolution around rocks and on gravel beds. Different arrangements of rocks were set on the flume bed, and two digital cameras were used to monitor the growth forms of anchor ice around the rocks. Evolution forms of anchor ice on gravel beds under different flow conditions were recorded. The results agree well with previous laboratory results. It was observed that anchor ice growth occurred mainly by frazil ice attachment. Thermal growth was also detected through the analysis of temperature curves recorded during experiments, although it is not readily observed from the digital images. In addition, anchor ice density was measured during the experiments. The relationships between flow parameters, such as the Froude number and the Reynolds number, and the density of anchor ice are explored and discussed.Key words: supercooling, turbulence, evolution, anchor ice densities, thermal growth.
Repair and rehabilitation of wood utility poles with fibre-reinforced polymers
Authors: Polyzois Dimos , Kell Jon A
Published: May 2007

All wood utility poles require an effective maintenance program to ensure safe and reliable service. The end of a wood utility pole's useful life can be attributed to several factors, including decay, mechanical damage, weathering, and changing design requirements. Pole life can be extended through an effective preservative treatment and maintenance program, but all poles will reach a point when they are no longer suitable for their intended use. With the increasing cost of quality wood for use in poles, along with environmental concerns regarding pole disposal and chemical treatment of existing poles, new innovative methods are required to restore and maintain the structural integrity of existing wood poles. This paper presents results from a research program carried out at the University of Manitoba to develop a repair and rehabilitation technique for wood poles using fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP).Key words: wood, utility poles, fibre-reinforced, polymers, FRP, repair, rehabilitation.
Simulation of the ice accretion process on a transmission line cable with differential twisting
Authors: Fu Ping , Farzaneh Masoud
Published: May 2007

Cable rotation caused by ice accretion was specifically modelled and simulated for this paper. Both ice loads and wind-on-ice loads were taken into account during the modelling, and the quantity for the wind-on-ice loads was obtained by integrating air pressure and air shear along the airflow boundary. Air pressure and air shear were both evaluated through time-dependent airflow computations. Two types of overhead transmission line cables, namely, the Bersimis cable and an overhead ground wire, were examined using the new model, and a number of conclusions were drawn. The validity and reliability of the modelling methods were confirmed by comparing the simulation results with those obtained from experimental measurements.Key words: airflow computation, cable rotation, ice accretion, computer modelling, simulation.
Finite element modeling of concrete structures reinforced with internal and external fibre-reinforced polymers
Authors: Nour Ali , Massicotte Bruno , Yildiz Emre , Koval Viacheslav
Published: May 2007

Externally bonded fibre-reinforced-polymer (FRP) laminates and fabrics have been successfully used for strengthening damaged or deficient concrete members, whereas internal FRP reinforcements are becoming an efficient alternative to steel reinforcement, particularly in corrosive environments. Despite the enormous progress that has been observed in the last decade, further research is still required to consolidate recent developments and expand the scope of application of FRPs for structural uses. Nonlinear finite element analysis combined with laboratory testing constitutes an efficient approach for pursuing this objective. The scope of this paper is to illustrate, through a selection of a wide variety of typical applications, the contribution of a refined three-dimensional (3-D) constitutive model for investigating the nonlinear response of concrete structures reinforced with internal and external FRPs. The analyses are carried out using a general and portable constitutive concrete model implemented as a user-defined subroutine at Gauss integration point level in commercial finite element software. The constitutive law follows a 3-D hypoelastic approach that models the nonlinear behaviour of concrete using a scalar damage parameter that accounts for the anisotropic behaviour of partially confined concrete and the inelastic volume expansion upon reaching the peak strength. In tension, the model adopts a macroscopic approach that is directly integrated into the concrete law. It simulates implicitly the reinforcing bar – concrete interaction using tension-stiffening factors modified according to the nature of reinforcement that vary as a function of the member strain. The applications include results of well-known test series published in the literature on beams with external and internal FRP reinforcement, slabs with internal reinforcements, bond failure analysis of external FRP, and the effect of confinement on the behaviour in compression of circular and square elements. The paper demonstrates the ability of the concrete model to correctly simulate the behaviour of structural elements reinforced with FRPs at service load level and reproduce failure mechanisms and loads that are consistent with the experimental observations.Key words: constitutive model, nonlinear analysis, finite element, reinforced concrete, glass-fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP), carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP), strengthening, steel.
Potential of the volatile-producing fungus Muscodor albus for control of building molds
Authors: Mercier Julien , Jiménez Jorge I.
Published: May 2007

The possibility of using the volatile-producing fungus Muscodor albus for biofumigation against building molds was investigated. Several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium as well as fungi belonging to nine other genera were inhibited or killed in vitro by volatiles produced by potato dextrose agar or rye grain cultures of M. albus. Trichoderma viride was the only fungus that was not inhibited by M. albus volatiles. To test biofumigation as a preventative treatment against fungal colonization of building material, dry pieces of gypsum drywall were fumigated with grain cultures of M. albus in closed boxes. After a simulated water damage and incubation under saturated humidity for 2 weeks, untreated drywall developed natural fungal populations of about 105–106 cfu/cm2, while drywall fumigated with M. albus culture (20 g/11 L) had nondetectable fungal populations. To test for curative ability, moist pieces of drywall heavily colonized with Cladosporium cladosporioides , Aspergillus niger , or Stachybotrys chartarum were fumigated for 48 h with grain cultures of M. albus. Cladosporium cladosporioides was eliminated within 48 h, while A. niger and S. chartarum were usually more resistant. However, a longer curative fumigation of 96 h was effective in reducing A. niger or naturally occurring mold populations by about 5 log values. The production of volatile organic compounds from 20 g of rye grain culture in 11 L containers was monitored by solid-phase micro extraction and gas chromatography. Concentrations of isobutyric acid, the most abundant volatile, increased gradually in the headspace until it reached 25 μg/L (m/v) within 96 h. The second and third most abundant compounds, 2-methyl-1-butanol and isobutanol, peaked at about 10 and 5 μg/L (m/v), respectively, within the first 24 h and declined gradually afterwards.
Genomic diversity and relationship ofBacillus thuringiensisandBacillus cereusby multi-REP-PCR fingerprinting
Authors: Cherif Ameur , Ettoumi Besma , Raddadi Noura , Daffonchio Daniele , Boudabous Abdellatif
Published: May 2007

The genomic diversity and relationship among 56 Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus cereus type strains were investigated by multi-REP-PCR fingerprinting consisting of three PCR reactions targeting the enterobacterial ERIC1 and ERIC2 and the streptococcal BOXA1R consensus sequences. A total of 113 polymorphic bands were generated in the REP-PCR profiles that allowed tracing of a single dendrogram with three major groups. Bacillus cereus strains clustered together in the A and B groups. Most of the B. thuringiensis strains clustered in group C, which included groups of serovars with a within-group similarity higher than 40% as follows: darmstadiensis, israelensis, and morrisoni; aizawai, kenyae, pakistani, and thompsoni; canadensis, entomocidus, galleriae, kurstaki, and tolworthi; alesti, dendrolimus, and kurstaki; and finitimus, sotto, and thuringiensis. Multi-REP-PCR fingerprinting clustered B. thuringiensis serovars in agreement with previously developed multilocus sequence typing schemes, indicating that it represents a rapid shortcut for addressing the genetic relationship of unknown strains with the major known serovars.
The phytopathogenic fungi Leptosphaeria maculans and Leptosphaeria biglobosa: chemotaxonomical characterization of isolates and metabolite production in different culture media
Authors: Pedras M.  Soledade C. , Chumala Paulos B. , Yu Yang
Published: May 2007

Previous molecular chemotaxonomic analyses of isolates of the plant pathogenic fungus Leptosphaeria maculans (Desm.) Ces. et de Not. (asexual stage Phoma lingam (Tode ex Fr.) Desm.) in a chemically defined medium suggested that this species complex was composed of at least three distinct groups. Subsequently, a group within L. maculans was classified as Leptosphaeria biglobosa , on the basis of morphologic characteristics and the lack of sexual crossing. To obtain clarification regarding the metabolite profiles of the various groups or species of blackleg fungi, the objectives of this work were (i) to determine the chemical structures of metabolites produced by Canadian V isolates and Polish-type isolates in potato dextrose broth (PDB) and (ii) to determine the chemotaxonomic relationship among French isolates of L. biglobosa and among Canadian W isolates and Thlaspi isolates of L. maculans. Here, we report for the first time that Canadian V isolates grown in PDB produced 2,4-dihydroxy-3,6-dimethylbenzaldehyde, a metabolite never reported from L. maculans, but none of the usual phytotoxins (sirodesmins). In addition, we report a new metabolite, 2-[2-(5-hydroxybenzofuranyl)]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanenitrile, from Polish-type isolates of L. maculans grown in PDB and the metabolite profiles of 16 Thlaspi isolates. The metabolite profiles of Thlaspi isolates indicate that these are part of two distinct groups, the Polish W group and the Canadian W group, i.e., L. biglobosa. Finally, we demonstrate that the metabolite profiles of the French isolates classified as L. biglobosa are similar to those of Canadian W isolates.
Detection of virulence factors in high-level gentamicin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates from a Tunisian hospital
Authors: Klibi N. , Ben Slama K. , Sáenz Y. , Masmoudi A. , Zanetti S. , Sechi L.A. , Boudabous A. , Torres C.
Published: May 2007

Phenotypic and genotypic determination of virulence factors were carried out in 46 high-level gentamicin-resistant (HLGR) clinical Enterococcus faecalis (n = 34) and Enterococcus faecium (n = 12) isolates recovered from different patients in La Rabta Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia, between 2000 and 2003 (all these isolates harboured the aac(6′)–aph(2″) gene). The genes encoding virulence factors (agg, gelE, ace, cylLLS, esp, cpd, and fsrB) were analysed by PCR and sequencing. The production of gelatinase and hemolysin, the adherence to caco-2 and hep-2 cells, and the capacity for biofilm formation were investigated in all 46 HLGR enterococci. The percentages of E. faecalis isolates harbouring virulence genes were as follows: gelE, cpd, and ace (100%); fsrB (62%); agg (56%); cylLLS (41.2%); and esp (26.5%). The only virulence gene detected among the 12 HLGR E. faecium isolates was esp (58%). Gelatinase activity was detected in 22 of the 34 E. faecalis isolates (65%, most of them with the gelE+–fsrB+ genotype); the remaining 12 isolates were gelatinase-negative (with the gelE+–fsrB– genotype and the deletion of a 23.9 kb fragment of the fsr locus). Overall, 64% of the cylLLS-containing E. faecalis isolates showed β-hemolysis. A high proportion of our HLGR E. faecalis isolates, in contrast to E. faecium, showed moderate or strong biofilm formation or adherence to caco-2 and hep-2 cells.
STATE-DEPENDENT DELAYS ASSOCIATED TO THRESHOLD PHENOMENA IN STRUCTURED POPULATION DYNAMICS
Authors: HBID MY LHASSAN , SÁNCHEZ EVA , BRAVO DE LA PARRA RAFAEL
Published: May 2007

The aim of this paper is to put in evidence the onset of state-dependent delays in threshold models for structured population dynamics. A unified approach to these models is provided, based on solving the corresponding balance law (hyperbolic P.D.E.) along the characteristic lines and showing the common underlying ideas. Size and age-structured models in different fields are presented: insect populations, cell proliferation and epidemics.
PARAMETERS OF INTEGRAL CIRCULANT GRAPHS AND PERIODIC QUANTUM DYNAMICS
Authors: SAXENA NITIN , SEVERINI SIMONE , SHPARLINSKI IGOR E.
Published: May 2007

The intention of the paper is to move a step towards a classification of network topologies that exhibit periodic quantum dynamics. We show that the evolution of a quantum system whose hamiltonian is identical to the adjacency matrix of a circulant graph is periodic if and only if all eigenvalues of the graph are integers (that is, the graph is integral). Motivated by this observation, we focus on relevant properties of integral circulant graphs. Specifically, we bound the number of vertices of integral circulant graphs in terms of their degree, characterize bipartiteness and give exact bounds for their diameter. Additionally, we prove that circulant graphs with odd order do not allow perfect state transfer.
DE-QUANTIZING THE SOLUTION OF DEUTSCH'S PROBLEM
Authors: CALUDE CRISTIAN S.
Published: May 2007

Probably the simplest and most frequently used way to illustrate the power of quantum computing is to solve the so-called Deutsch's problem. Consider a Boolean function f: {0,1} → {0,1} and suppose that we have a (classical) black box to compute it. The problem asks whether f is constant [that is, f(0) = f(1)] or balanced [f(0) ≠ f(1)]. Classically, to solve the problem seems to require the computation of f(0) and f(1), and then the comparison of results. Is it possible to solve the problem with only one query on f? In a famous paper published in 1985, Deutsch posed the problem and obtained a "quantum" partial affirmative answer. In 1998, a complete, probability-one solution was presented by Cleve, Ekert, Macchiavello and Mosca. Here we will show that the quantum solution can be de-quantized to a deterministic simpler solution which is as efficient as the quantum one. The use of "superposition," a key ingredient of quantum algorithm, is — in this specific case — classically available.
QUANTUM OPERATIONS INDUCED BY CLASSICAL RANDOMNESS: THE CASE OF QUBIT
Authors: TSOHANTJIS IOANNIS
Published: May 2007

The question of quantum computation gates and quantum dissipation maps generated by means of classical random walks is addressed here in operations involving qubit states. Classical variables determining the manifold of qubit state vectors and density matrices are left to perform a classical random walk formulated algebraically by means of Hopf algebras. It is shown that this induces quantum operations on the qubits and density matrices which are further identified with e.g. known unitary transformations and completely positive trace preserving maps, depending upon the kind of random walk chosen.
Histidine-rich Ca-binding protein interacts with sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase
Authors: Arvanitis Demetrios A. , Vafiadaki Elizabeth , Fan Guo-Chang , Mitton Bryan A. , Gregory Kimberly N. , Del Monte Federica , Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos Aikaterini , Sanoudou Despina , Kranias Evangelia G.
Published: May 2007

Depressed cardiac Ca cycling by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) has been associated with attenuated contractility, which can progress to heart failure. The histidine-rich Ca-binding protein (HRC) is an SR component that binds to triadin and may affect Ca release through the ryanodine receptor. HRC overexpression in transgenic mouse hearts was associated with decreased rates of SR Ca uptake and delayed relaxation, which progressed to hypertrophy with aging. The present study shows that HRC may mediate part of its regulatory effects by binding directly to sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase type 2 (SERCA2) in cardiac muscle, which is confirmed by coimmunostaining observed under confocal microscopy. This interaction involves the histidine- and glutamic acid-rich domain of HRC (320–460 aa) and the part of the NH2-terminal cation transporter domain of SERCA2 (74–90 aa) that projects into the SR lumen. The SERCA2-binding domain is upstream from the triadin-binding region in human HRC (609–699 aa). Specific binding between HRC and SERCA was verified by coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down assays using human and mouse cardiac homogenates and by blot overlays using glutathione S-transferase and maltose-binding protein recombinant proteins. Importantly, increases in Ca concentration were associated with a significant reduction of HRC binding to SERCA2, whereas they had opposite effects on the HRC-triadin interaction in cardiac homogenates. Collectively, our data suggest that HRC may play a key role in the regulation of SR Ca cycling through its direct interactions with SERCA2 and triadin, mediating a fine cross talk between SR Ca uptake and release in the heart.
Temporal and spatial variations of cell-free layer width in arterioles
Authors: Kim Sangho , Kong Robert L. , Popel Aleksander S. , Intaglietta Marcos , Johnson Paul C.
Published: May 2007

Separation of red blood cells and plasma in microcirculatory vessels produces a cell-free layer at the wall. This layer may be an important determinant of blood viscosity and wall shear stress in arterioles, where most of the hydraulic pressure loss in the circulatory system occurs and flow regulatory mechanisms are prominent. With the use of a newly developed method, the width of the cell-free layer was rapidly and repeatedly determined in arterioles (10- to 50-μm inner diameter) in the rat cremaster muscle at normal arterial pressure. The temporal variation of the cell-free layer width was non-Gaussian, but calculated mean and median values differed by <0.2 μm. The correlation length of the temporal variations downstream (an indication of mixing) was ∼30 μm and was independent of pseudoshear rate (ratio of mean velocity to vessel diameter) and of vessel diameter. The cell-free layer width was significantly different on opposite sides of the vessel and inversely related. Increasing red blood cell aggregability reduced this inverse relation but had no effect on correlation length. In the diameter range studied, the mean width of the cell-free layer increased from 0.8 to 3.1 μm and temporal variations increased from 30% to 70% of the mean width. Increased aggregability did not alter either relationship. In summary, the cell-free layer width in arterioles is diameter dependent and shows substantial non-Gaussian temporal variations. The temporal variations increase as diameter increases and are inversely related on opposite sides of the vessel.
Hyperproliferative apoptosis-resistant endothelial cells in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Masri Fares A. , Xu Weiling , Comhair Suzy A. A. , Asosingh Kewal , Koo Michelle , Vasanji Amit , Drazba Judith , Anand-Apte Bela , Erzurum Serpil C.
Published: May 2007

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is characterized by plexiform vascular lesions, which are hypothesized to arise from deregulated growth of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAEC). Here, functional and molecular differences among PAEC derived from IPAH and control human lungs were evaluated. Compared with control cells, IPAH PAEC had greater cell numbers in response to growth factors in culture due to increased proliferation as determined by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and Ki67 nuclear antigen expression and decreased apoptosis as determined by caspase-3 activation and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. IPAH cells had greater migration than control cells but less organized tube formation in in vitro angiogenesis assay. Persistent activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a regulator of cell survival and angiogenesis, and increased expression of its downstream prosurvival target, Mcl-1, were identified in IPAH PAEC. A Janus kinase (JAK) selective inhibitor reduced STAT3 activation and blocked proliferation of IPAH cells. Phosphorylated STAT3 was detected in endothelial cells of IPAH lesions in vivo, suggesting that STAT3 activation plays a role in the proliferative pulmonary vascular lesions in IPAH lungs.
Possible Novel Receptor for PGD2 on Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Chiba Takahito , Kanda Akira , Ueki Shigeharu , Ito Wataru , Yamaguchi Kazutoshi , Kamada Yumiko , Takeda Masahide , Tanigai Tomomi , Oyamada Hajime , Kayaba Hiroyuki , Chihara Junichi
Published: May 2007

Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), a major prostanoid produced by activated mast cells, has long been implicated in allergic diseases. Recent studies have shown that PGD2 exerts its effects through two different G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the D-prostanoid receptor (DP) and the chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on T helper type-2 cells (CRTH2), expressed in various human tissues. The PGD2/CRTH2 system mediates the chemotaxis of eosinophils, basophils, and Th2 cells, which are involved in the induction of allergic inflammation. We have reported that normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) and epithelial cell lines (NCI-H292) expressed CRTH2, and PGD2 induces production of IL-8 and GM-CSF. This review discusses the role of CRTH2/DP on epithelial cells and mentions a possible novel receptor for PGD2.
Mechanism for the Differentiation of EoL-1 Cells into Eosinophils by Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Kaneko Motoko , Ishihara Kenji , Takahashi Aki , Hong JangJa , Hirasawa Noriyasu , Zee OkPyo , Ohuchi Kazuo
Published: May 2007

Background: EoL-1 cells have a FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene which causes the transformation of eosinophilic precursor cells into leukemia cells. Recently, we suggested that the induction of differentiation of EoL-1 cells into eosinophils by the HDAC inhibitors apicidin and n-butyrate is due to the continuous inhibition of HDACs. However, neither apicidin nor n-butyrate inhibited the expression of FIP1L1-PDGFRA mRNA, although both these inhibitors suppressed cell proliferation. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed whether the levels of FIP1L1-PDGFRα protein and phosphorylated-Stat5 involved in the signaling for the proliferation of EoL-1 cells are attenuated by HDAC inhibitors. Methods: EoL-1 cells were incubated in the presence of apicidin, TSA or n-butyrate. FIP1L1-PDGFRα and phosphorylated-Stat5 were detected by Western blotting. Results: Treatment of EoL-1 cells with apicidin at 100 nM or n-butyrate at 500 µM decreased the levels of FIP1L1-PDGFRα protein and phosphorylated-Stat5, while that with trichostatin A at 30 nM did not. Conclusions: The decrease in the level of FIP1L1-PDGFRα protein caused by apicidin and n-butyrate might be one of the mechanisms by which EoL-1 cells are induced to differentiate into eosinophils by these HDAC inhibitors.
Effect of Interleukin-13 or Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha on Eosinophil Adhesion to Endothelial Cells under Physiological Flow Conditions
Authors: Tachimoto Hiroshi , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: May 2007

Rationale: We examined the mechanisms used by eosinophils to accumulate on IL-13- or TNF-α-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under flow conditions. Methods: HUVECs were treated for 1, 3, 6, 18 and 24 h with IL-13 or TNF-α (1–100 ng/ml). Human eosinophils were infused at physiologic flow rates (0.5 dyn/cm2) for 10 min, and attached eosinophils were counted. Results: Under these flow conditions, eosinophils accumulated efficiently on IL-13-stimulated (109 ± 18 cells/field) or TNF-α-stimulated (96 ± 27 cells/field) HUVECs in a concentration-dependent manner. Eosinophil accumulation on IL-13-activated HUVECs was first observed at 3 h and reached a maximum at 24 h. On the other hand, the levels of eosinophils accumulating on TNF-α-activated HUVECs were the same at all time points (1, 3, 6, 18 and 24 h). Anti-α4 integrin mAb inhibited eosinophil accumulation on both IL-13- and TNF-α-activated HUVECs. Conclusions: Eosinophil accumulation on HUVECs under physiologic flow conditions is differentially regulated by IL-13 and TNF-α.
Theophylline Attenuates the Neutrophil-Dependent Augmentation of Eosinophil Trans-Basement Membrane Migration
Authors: Kikuchi Izumi , Kikuchi Shinya , Kobayashi Takehito , Takaku Yotaro , Hagiwara Koichi , Kanazawa Minoru , Nagata Makoto
Published: May 2007

Background: Recent evidence suggests that both neutrophilic and eosinophilic inflammation persist in the airways of patients with severe asthma. Neutrophils can secrete a variety of mediators which may augment the migration of eosinophils. We have reported that activated neutrophils augment the trans-basement membrane migration (TBM) of eosinophils in vitro. Theophylline has been shown to modulate some functions of both neutrophils and eosinophils. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether theophylline modulates the neutrophil-dependent augmentation of eosinophil TBM. Methods: Eosinophils and neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood collected from healthy donors and were then preincubated with either 0.1 mM theophylline or the medium control. The TBM of eosinophils in response to IL-8 was evaluated in the presence or absence of neutrophils by using the chambers with a Matrigel®-coated Transwell® insert. The generation of O2– was evaluated by the cytochrome c reduction assay. Results: As previously reported, IL-8-stimulated neutrophils significantly augmented the TBM of eosinophils. Theophylline significantly attenuated the neutrophil-dependent augmentation of eosinophil TBM (p < 0.001) and did not directly modify the TBM of neutrophils in response to IL-8 or LTB4. Similarly, the LTB4-induced TBM of eosinophils was not modified by theophylline. Finally, theophylline attenuated the superoxide anion generation from IL-8-stimulated neutrophils on the Matrigel-coated plates. Conclusions: Our results show that theophylline can attenuate the neutrophil-dependent augmentation of eosinophil TBM. This effect is possibly attributable to the suppression of neutrophil activation provoked by the combination of basement membrane and IL-8.
The Pineal Gland and Rosenthal Fibres
Authors: Vuia O.
Published: May 2007

115 pineal glands, collected from patients who died from various neurologic and visceral diseases, were studied. The Rosenthal fibres (RF) forming gliosis is consistently evident in the subependymal tissue around the gland, in the pineal recessus and in the intrapineal glial proliferation. In several instances the focal gliosis exhibited a central cystic degeneration. The RF-forming gliosis of the pineal gland appears independent of the basic diseases and of the process of atrophy and degeneration of the gland parenchyma. The embryonic development of the pineal gland could explain why the formation of RF may be considered a quasi-physiologic process of this region.
Post-Lesion Yawning and Thalamotomy Site
Authors: Jurko M.F. , Andy O.J.
Published: May 2007

Yawning during hyperventilation occurred in certain patients post-thalamotomy. It was found that all of the lesions which elicited yawning (during the routine recording of electroencephalograms) were localized to the medial portion of the center-median nucleus. Yawning was noted to persist up to 3½ years post-surgery. Another group of patients who yawned when hyperventilated were patients with a history of a recent head injury who showed post-traumatic behavioral changes. Patients in both groups were young. There was no direct relationship between yawning and EEG abnormality. It was suggested that yawning during hyperventilation may serve as a sign of brain damage, especially at the brain stem level, in young patients.
Tele-Autotomogram and Application of the Pneumoencephalographic Chair in Stereotactic Operations
Authors: Okawara S.
Published: May 2007

In order to obtain clearly demonstrated reference points in a preliminary air study for target calculations in stereotactic brain operations, a tele-autotomogram taken with the rotating pneumoencephalographic chair has been used with excellent results. By means of multiaxial rotations of the chair, tele-roentgenograms, including an autotomogram with a constant small magnification, can be obtained easily at any position of the patient with one floor X-ray tube. The same chair, modified to support the stereotactic base ring, can serve as an excellent stereotactic operating table with good maneuverability, offering wide adjustment of the patient’s position suitable for various operative approaches. Simultaneously, it produces identical tele-roentgenograms with the same magnification as in the preliminary study, which economizes calculation time and avoids possible measurement error during stereotactic operations.
Effects of Stereotactic Cingulumotomy on a Sequential Motor Task in Man
Authors: Levin Harvey S. , O'Neal John T. , Barratt Ernest S. , Adams Perrie M.
Published: May 2007

The effect of bilateral cingulumotomy on sequential tapping behavior was investigated in 6 patients. Contrary to previous clinical studies and predictions derived from data on cingulate lesions in the rat, a consistent decrement in post-operative performance was not found. Temporal integration of behavior in man, as measured in terms of accuracy of sequential motor performance, does not appear to be critically dependent upon the integrity of the cingulum bundle at the level of interruption investigated in the present study.
Lack of Effect of Partial Spinal Cord Sections upon Thermal Discrimination in the Monkey
Authors: Eidelberg E. , Rick C.
Published: May 2007

Monkeys, previously trained to discriminate between ‘warm’ and ‘cool’ stimuli to the skin, were used to test whether the interruption of certain pathways in the spinal cord causes permanent deficits in thermoesthesia. Lesions of the spinothalamic, spinocervical and dorsal funiculi pathways failed to interrupt temperature discrimination, as did also hemisection of the cord. It appears that there is a large safety factor for the conduction of the sensory afferent data signaling skin temperature.
Physiological Postrotatory Nystagmus
Authors: Simón V. , Bartual J. , Llopis M.
Published: May 2007

Nystagmus elicited by means of rotatory stimuli has been studied in 55 healthy subjects. In each case, 5 different end-velocities have been employed and each postrotatory nystagmus has been quantitatively evaluated by measuring various parameters of its quick phase. The mean values that could be considered as normal were searched for by means of a statistical study, but a great variability in the responses was found. Likewise, the responses of both labyrinths have often been rather asymmetrical. Therefore, such a functional asymmetry of the oculomotor responses, due to a variety of central factors, seems to be a serious difficulty for the practical use of postrotatory nystagmus as a clinical test. The particular meaning of the number of beats is discussed.
Why Hemispherectomy?
Authors: Balasubramaniam V. , Kanaka T.S.
Published: May 2007

A series of ten cases of infantile hemiplegia with behaviour disorders and with or without fits treated by unilateral stereotactic amygdalotomy is described. Out of the eight cases with fits good relief was seen in six and amelioration of the seizures in two. The behavioural disorders were well controlled in all the patients. When this procedure is compared with hemispherectomy, it is felt that the operation of stereotactic amygdalotomy can be done as the procedure of first choice. Some hypotheses have been advanced to explain the modus operandi of the operation.
Contemporary Methodology of Stereotactic Neurosurgery
Authors: Ramamurthi B. , Nádvorník P. , Šramka M.
Published: May 2007

A survey of stereotactic operations from two neurosurgical centres, one in Madras and the other in Bratislava, shows that many stereotactic operations are of the combined type. From a methodological viewpoint, stereotactic performances may be divided into simultaneous, successive, symmetrical, asymmetrical, and one-sided, respectively. Thus, the stereotactic operation differs from the traditional concept that the patient may be cured by a single surgical performance. The stereotactic treatment usually consists of a succession of tactical steps, which make up the strategy of the whole treatment.
Electrophysiological Properties of Caudate Neurons Following Substantia nigra, Motor Cortex, and Amygdaloid Nuclear Complex Stimulation of the Rat
Authors: Dafny Nachum
Published: May 2007

Extracellular single unit activities were recorded from the caudate nucleus (CN) in rat anesthetized with urethane. The present study is related to a selected population of CN neurons, only cells that exhibited spontaneous activity being investigated. A wide range of spontaneous firing was observed (0.1–15 spikes/sec). The majority of the units responded to electrical stimulation of substantia nigra (SN), motor cortex (MC), and amygdaloid complex (Amyg), 72, 70 and 65%, respectively; both decreased and increased firing rates were obtained following the three central stimulations. The majority of the responsive neurons (87%) showed significant alteration of their spontaneous firing rates following each of the three stimuli applied, i.e., there was a high degree of convergence. If a cell responded to one particular stimulation by an increase in discharge rate, the same cell would not necessarily respond to the other two stimuli in the same direction of change. Time locked action potentials were observed only following Amyg stimulation in 32% of the CN neuronal population. In the present study the population of units which exhibit spontaneous activity demonstrate polysynaptic connections with MC and SN. The possibility of mono, oligo- and polysynaptic connections from Amyg to CN is discussed. It is suggested that the connection between Amyg and CN provides a route through which the limbic system may influence somatic motor activity.
The Role of the Thalamus in the Organization of Photic-Evoked Responses in Man
Authors: Crighel E. , Matei Mihaela , Kreindler A.
Published: May 2007

Studies of the averaged photic-evoked responses (APER) and their dispersion pattern (DP) performed in patients with thalamic lesions (with and without hemianopsia) and in patients with subthalamic lesions showed that the organization of the averaged response and the DP is controlled not by the specific thalamic nuclei only, but by the nonspecific and association nuclei also.
Quantitative Registration of Motor Disorders following Bilateral Lesions of Substantia nigra in the Rat
Authors: Winkelmüller W. , Nitsch F.M.
Published: May 2007

Bilateral lesions in the substantia nigra were induced in rats trained in an instrumental learning program comparable with a fixed-interval schedule. General observations and examinations of rough motor behavior revealed rigidity, a decrease in spontaneous activity and a loss of postural reflexes. The analysis of lever-pressing rates results in a differentiation of rigidity and akinesia which is in accordance with the overt motor disturbances, dependent on the size of the nigral lesions.
The Antibiotics and the Peripheral Nerves
Authors: Herishanu Y. , Taustein Yta
Published: May 2007

Thirty patients were divided into 3 groups. The patients of the first, second and third group received therapeutic doses of ampicillin, erythromycin and tetracycline HCl respectively. Motor nerve conduction was found to be impaired significantly on the third day of the antibiotic administration; the impairment regressed after the discontinuation of the antibiotics. The possible mechanisms involved are discussed.
Subacute Sclerosing Leucoencephalitis with an Unusual Pattern of Cortical Gangliosides Chemical and Electron Microscopical Study of a Brain Biopsy
Authors: Klibansky Chaya , Sandbank U. , Kott Edna , Bornstein B.
Published: May 2007

Brain biopsy was performed on a 7-year-old girl showing a typical clinical course of SSLE. Chemical analysis on cerebral cortex indicated an abnormal pattern of gangliosides, showing elevation of the usually minor, normal components, at the expense of the main ganglioside fractions. The total amount of gangliosides was normal. Electron microscopic study showed ‘nucleiform’ and crystaloid bodies within neuronal nuclei. It was assumed that both abnormal ganglioside pattern and the neuronal inclusions are related to the viral infection.
Treatment of Choreoathetotic Movements in Chronic Liver Disease with a Dopamine-Blocking Agent Pathophysiologic Implications
Authors: O'Neill D.P. , Klawans Jr. H.L. , Holmes A.W.
Published: May 2007

Acquired hepatocerebral degeneration (AHCD) is a well-defined clinical and neuropathological entity associated with various types of chronic liver disease, and usually related to portal-systemic shunting. Various movement disorders, including choreoathetosis, are commonly seen in AHCD. The frequent neuropathological finding of neuronal degeneration in the striatum (caudate nuclei and putamens) suggested that choreoathetotic movements in AHCD might be caused by dopamine hypersensitivity in striatal receptor sites and that treatment of such movement disorders might be effected by known striatal dopamine-blocking agents of proven benefit in similar movement disorders, e. g. Huntington’s chorea. A patient with documented post-necrotic cirrhosis and portal hypertension who had had a successful portacaval shunt developed signs of AHCD with choreoathetotic movements of the tongue, face, and mouth (linguo-facio-buccal dyskinesia); he was treated with haloperidol, a striatal dopamine-blocking agent, with prompt and sustained cessation of his dyskinesia. Evidence of a normal baseline central dopamine content and of central dopamine blockade after administration of haloperidol was obtained. The implications of these findings and of similar findings in other movement disorders regarding the role of neuro-transmitting agents in the normal individual and in various disease states are discussed, and therapeutic considerations are presented.
Meningococcal Disease with Cardiac Death A Case Report
Authors: Korczyn A.D. , Kessler E. , Bornstein B.
Published: May 2007

A case is presented of a 17-year-old girl who died of fulminant, hyperacute meningococcal disease. The initial symptoms were cerebral, but a cardiac disturbance caused death. The relationship between central nervous system and heart disorders is discussed. In the present case, there was direct infiltration of the coronary arteries and myocard with meningococci. The need for careful examination of the heart before coming to conclusions as to the effect of the brain on the heart in similar cases is stressed.
Physiologic Corroboration in Stereotaxic High Cervical Cordotomy
Authors: Taren J.A.
Published: May 2007

The recent conversion of cervical cordotomy from an open operation on an anesthetized patient to a closed stereotaxic procedure done on an awake patient has extended the benefits of this procedure to many more patients, and offers the opportunity to reduce the hazards of cordotomy and improve its effectiveness by physiologic confirmation of the target before accurately destroying it. At present this corroboration is obtained in 3 ways: by measure of impedance, electrical stimulation, and incremental enlargement of the lesion with concomitant clinical testing.
Cryoglobulinemia and Cerebrovascular Accident
Authors: Abramsky O. , Herishanu Y. , Lavy S.
Published: May 2007

Three cases of essential cryoglobulinemia associated with cerebrovascular accidents are recorded; in one of the cases peripheral neuropathy was also present. The possible role of the cryoglobulins in the causation of the cerebrovascular pathology is discussed.
Motor Impersistence in Physical Rehabilitation
Authors: Fogel M.L. , Rosillo R.H.
Published: May 2007

A cross-section of disabled patients (n = 94) undergoing physical rehabilitation were assessed on tests of motor impersistence, intelligence and anxiety, and were rated independently on progress in rehabilitation and overall degree of illness separate from the disability. The total impersistence error score was not related to progress ratings or degree of disability, but was associated with severity of accompanying illness. A breath exhalation task did relate significantly to rehabilitation progress. The role of anxiety was considered to merit further exploration.
Influence of Experimental Atherosclerosis and Various Vasoactive Drugs on Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure in Rabbits
Authors: Cohen I. , Levinger I.M. , Herzberg M.
Published: May 2007

The effect of atherosclerosis, vasoactive drugs and plasma expanders on the cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) was studied. The CSFP rose during development of atherosclerosis parallel with the elevation of serum lipids. Slow intravenous administration of low molecular weight dextran elevated the CSFP during the infusion period, which fell 30 min after treatment to the pretreatment level. Treatment with vasoconstrictor drugs elevated the CSFP, whereas the vasodilators used in this work produced various effects, namely: ethanol elevated the CSFP, priscoline lowered it and nicotinic acid showed no effect on it.