bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ULTRASOUND‐MEDIATED MICROBUBBLE DESTRUCTION ENHANCES THE EFFICACY OF BONE MARROW MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION AND CARDIAC FUNCTION
Authors: Song Xiang , Zhu Hong , Jin Lijuan , Wang Junfeng , Yang Qinghui , Jin Peng , Li Xueqi
Published: September 2008

Application of ultrasound (US) to intravascular microbubble (MB) contrast agents causes small capillary ruptures. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of US‐mediated MB destruction on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation into the infarcted myocardium and to evaluate whether this approach could improve cardiac function.

Ultrasound was applied to the anterior chest of rabbits after intravenous injection of MB followed by infusion of BMSC. There were four groups investigated: (i) a control group, in which neither US nor MB were used prior to infusion of BMSC; (ii) one group subjected to US alone prior to infusion of BMSC; (iii) another group injected with MB prior to infusion of BMSC; and (iv) a group in which US was applied to MB prior to the infusion of BMSC. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography 24 h and 4 weeks after cell transplantation. All rabbits were killed to enable histological and immunochemical examination.

Echocardiography 24 h after infusion of BMSC indicated no difference in cardiac function between any of the groups, as assessed by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end‐diastolic dimensions (LVDD), left ventricular systolic diameter (LVSD) and fractional shortening (FS%; all P > 0.05). However, 4 weeks after BMSC transplantation, there was a significant improvement in LVEF in the group subjected to US plus MB compared with the control, US alone and MB alone groups (59.5 ± 3.5, 52.5 ± 5.5, 52.8 ± 5.2 and 51.1 ± 3.5%, respectively; all P < 0.05). In addition, treatment with US plus MB significantly reduced LVDD and LVSD and increased capillary density in the infarcted area.

In conslusion, the results of the present study indicate that using US‐mediated MB destruction prior to BMSC transplantation into the infarcted myocardium improves the effectiveness of cardiac cell therapy and cardiac function in rabbits.
CD8+, CD56+ (natural killer‐like) T‐cell lymphoma involving the small intestine with no evidence of enteropathy: Clinicopathology and molecular study of five Japanese patients
Authors: Akiyama Takashi , Okino Takeshi , Konishi Hiroshi , Wani Yoji , Notohara Kenji , Tsukayama Choutatsu , Tsunoda Tsukasa , Tasaka Taizo , Masaki Yuji , Sugihara Takashi , Sadahira Yoshito
Published: September 2008

The present study reports five CD8+, CD56+ (natural killer (NK)‐like) T‐cell lymphomas involving the small intestine without evidence of enteropathy, from Japan. Three were intestinal T‐cell lymphoma. The site of origin of the other two was not definitive. Four of five patients underwent emergency operation because of intestinal perforation. The small intestines of these patients had multiple ulcerative lesions with or without demarcated tumors. Histologically, the lymphoma cells were monomorphic or slightly pleomorphic and displayed epitheliotropism of varying degrees. Lymphoma cells of all patients shared the common phenotype: CD3+, CD4−, CD5−, CD8+, CD56+, CD57−, T‐cell intracellular antigen‐1+, granzyme B+. In contrast to nasal/nasal type NK‐cell lymphomas, they had clonal rearrangement of T‐cell receptor(TCR) genes and were negative for EBV‐encoded RNA. Immunohistochemistry and genetics suggested that three cases were of αβT‐cell origin and two cases were of γδT‐cell origin. There was no evidence of enteropathy in any patient. The cases followed a clinically aggressive course with a frequent involvement of lung. According to the classification based on the recent genetic studies of European enteropathy‐type intestinal T‐cell lymphoma (ETL), the present cases could be classified as type 2 ETL.
Angiomyolipoma with epithelial cysts of the kidney in a man
Authors: Mikami Shuji , Oya Mototsugu , Mukai Makio
Published: September 2008

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is a well‐characterized tumor composed of vascular, smooth muscle and adipose elements. Recently, AML with epithelial cysts (AMLEC) has been described as a cystic variant of AML. Herein is reported an AMLEC in a 55‐year‐old man, and to the authors' knowledge this is the first case report of AMLEC in Japan. He was referred to hospital because of microhematuria. A left renal tumor was noted and partial nephrectomy was performed. Histology indicated that the tumor was composed of epithelial cysts, compact subepithelial stroma and muscle‐predominant AML. Immunohistochemically, the subepithelial compact stroma and muscle‐predominant AML were positive for HMB‐45, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), CD10, smooth‐muscle actin and desmin. Epithelial cysts were positive for pancytokeratin but negative for HMB‐45, ER and PR. This tumor was diagnosed as AMLEC, mainly based on the immunohistochemical result that subepithelial compact stroma and muscle‐predominant AML were positive for HMB‐45. The patient was alive with no evidence of recurrence at 2 years postoperatively. This case was very interesting because it suggests that AMLEC should enter into the differential diagnosis of adult renal neoplasms.
Immunohistochemistry and K‐ras sequence of pancreatic carcinosarcoma
Authors: Nakano Takumi , Sonobe Hiroshi , Usui Takashi , Yamanaka Ken , Ishizuka Tomoki , Nishimura Eiji , Hanazaki Kazuhiro
Published: September 2008

Herein is presented a case of carcinosarcoma of the pancreas in an 82‐year‐old woman, analyzed on immunohistochemistry and K‐ras sequence. The tumor, which arose in the pancreas head, was removed on pancreaticoduodenectomy. The patient died, however, of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome from postoperative sepsis 13 days later. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of malignant epithelial (well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma cells) and mesenchymal (spindle‐shaped tumor cells) components. The adenocarcinoma cells had positive immunostaining for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, cytokeratin 7, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CEA and carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA 19‐9), while focal staining of these proteins was observed in the sarcomatous cells. In contrast, the sarcomatous cells had diffuse immunostaining for vimentin, CD10 and p53, while these proteins were not expressed in the ductal adenocarcinoma cells. These findings support the dual characteristics of a carcinosarcoma. DNA sequencing of the present case indicated point mutations of K‐ras in both codons 12 and 34 on exon 2. The latter mutation is likely to correlate with the sarcomatous characteristics of this tumor. The tumor cells had specific and diffuse positive staining for CD10 and p53, with features characteristic of rapid growth.
Reference gene selection for real‐time polymerase chain reaction in human lung cells subjected to cyclic mechanical strain
Authors: PINHU Liao , PARK John E.S. , YAO Weixue , GRIFFITHS Mark J.D.
Published: September 2008

Background and objective:  The respiratory system is constantly exposed to mechanical forces that influence cellular phenotype in health and disease. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) is widely used to determine gene expression. The validity of qPCR depends on using stable reference genes for normalization. The effect of cyclic mechanical strain on reference gene expression by lung epithelial, fibroblast and endothelial cells has not been studied systematically.

Methods:  The stability of expression of fourteen potential reference genes in response to six different regimens of cyclic mechanical strain was ranked using the geNorm tool in human lung epithelial cell lines (A549 and H441), human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFL‐1), human lung microvascular endothelial cells, primary human lung fibroblasts and primary human alveolar type 2 (hAT2) cells. The expression variation of these reference genes was also screened in unstimulated whole human lung.

Results:  The stability of the selected reference genes varied within and between cell types, the variation in expression being greatest in primary cultures of hAT2. Correspondingly, the effect of expressing message for the stretch responsive gene IL‐8 normalized to the 14 reference genes was greatest in the hAT2 cells, there being an almost fivefold difference in mRNA relative change comparing different reference genes in the same samples. The minimum number of genes required to derive a reliable normalization factor for experiments on single lung cell types undergoing mechanical strain was two and for whole human lung it was four.

Conclusions:  These results demonstrate that the optimal reference genes for lung cells subjected to CMS are cell type specific.
Orexin B/hypocretin 2 increases glutamatergic transmission to ventral tegmental area neurons
Authors: Borgland S. L. , Storm E. , Bonci A.
Published: September 2008

The orexins (hypocretins) play a crucial role in arousal, feeding and reward. Highly relevant to these functions, orexin‐containing neurons from the lateral hypothalamus project densely to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is the origin of dopamine projections implicated in motivation and reward. Orexin A/hypocretin 1 (oxA/hcrt‐1) can enable long‐term changes associated with drugs of abuse; however, the effects of orexin B/hypocretin 2 (oxB/hcrt‐2) on excitatory synaptic transmission in the VTA are unknown. We used whole‐cell patch‐clamp electrophysiology in rat horizontal midbrain slices to examine the effects of oxB/hcrt‐2 on excitatory synaptic transmission. We observed that oxB/hcrt‐2 has distinct effects from oxA/hcrt‐1 in the VTA. oxB/Hcrt‐2 (100 nm) increased presynaptic glutamate release in addition to a postsynaptic potentiation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs). The oxB/hcrt‐2‐mediated postsynaptic potentiation of NMDARs was mediated via activation of orexin/hypocretin 2 (OX2/Hcrt‐2) receptors and protein kinase C (PKC). Furthermore, the increase in transmitter release probability was also PKC‐dependent, but not through activation of orexin/hypocretin 1 (OX1/Hcrt‐1) or OX2/Hcrt‐2 receptors. Finally, oxB/hcrt‐2 or the selective OX2/Hcrt‐2 receptor agonist ala11‐d‐leu15‐orexin B, significantly reduced spike‐timing‐induced long‐term potentiation. Taken together, these results support a dual role for oxB/hcrt‐2 in mediating enhanced glutamatergic transmission in the VTA, and suggest that oxA/hcrt‐1 and oxB/hcrt‐2 exert different functional roles in modulating the enhancement of the motivational components of arousal and feeding.
Reward‐guided learning beyond dopamine in the nucleus accumbens: the integrative functions of cortico‐basal ganglia networks
Authors: Yin Henry H. , Ostlund Sean B. , Balleine Bernard W.
Published: September 2008

Here we challenge the view that reward‐guided learning is solely controlled by the mesoaccumbens pathway arising from dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area and projecting to the nucleus accumbens. This widely accepted view assumes that reward is a monolithic concept, but recent work has suggested otherwise. It now appears that, in reward‐guided learning, the functions of ventral and dorsal striata, and the cortico‐basal ganglia circuitry associated with them, can be dissociated. Whereas the nucleus accumbens is necessary for the acquisition and expression of certain appetitive Pavlovian responses and contributes to the motivational control of instrumental performance, the dorsal striatum is necessary for the acquisition and expression of instrumental actions. Such findings suggest the existence of multiple independent yet interacting functional systems that are implemented in iterating and hierarchically organized cortico‐basal ganglia networks engaged in appetitive behaviors ranging from Pavlovian approach responses to goal‐directed instrumental actions controlled by action‐outcome contingencies.
Complex seasonal patterns of primary producers at the land–sea interface
Authors: Cloern James E. , Jassby Alan D.
Published: September 2008

Seasonal fluctuations of plant biomass and photosynthesis are key features of the Earth system because they drive variability of atmospheric CO2, water and nutrient cycling, and food supply to consumers. There is no inventory of phytoplankton seasonal cycles in nearshore coastal ecosystems where forcings from ocean, land and atmosphere intersect. We compiled time series of phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a) from 114 estuaries, lagoons, inland seas, bays and shallow coastal waters around the world, and searched for seasonal patterns as common timing and amplitude of monthly variability. The data revealed a broad continuum of seasonal patterns, with large variability across and within ecosystems. This contrasts with annual cycles of terrestrial and oceanic primary producers for which seasonal fluctuations are recurrent and synchronous over large geographic regions. This finding bears on two fundamental ecological questions: (1) how do estuarine and coastal consumers adapt to an irregular and unpredictable food supply, and (2) how can we extract signals of climate change from phytoplankton observations in coastal ecosystems where local‐scale processes can mask responses to changing climate?
Movement of adult pecan weevils Curculio caryae within pecan orchards
Authors: Cottrell Ted E. , Wood Bruce W.
Published: September 2008

1 The pecan weevil Curculio caryae (Horn) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an indigenous pest of pecan Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, in North America. Understanding the movement of this pest from the orchard floor to host trees could lead to pest management practices that exploit weevil behaviour and thus reduce insecticide application to the entire orchard canopy. Furthermore, no information exists on diel periodicity of pecan weevil movement.

2 Movement of adult pecan weevils crawling and flying to the host trunk, flying to the host canopy, crawling within the host canopy and flying between host trees was studied using four types of passive traps over four seasons. Each type of trap was used to capture weevils at different locations on or near the tree and to discriminate flying versus crawling behaviour.

3 More pecan weevils crawl to the trunk than fly and a proportion of the population flies directly from the orchard floor into the pecan canopy. The majority of this movement occurs at dusk.

4 The vertical distribution of weevils was generally uniform throughout the canopy but more weevils were captured in suspended traps nearest tree tops, rather than traps near the ground, when flying between trees and this was significantly so for two of 4 years.

5 The results of the present study are contrary to previous reports suggesting that most adult pecan weevils fly to the pecan trunk after emergence from the soil; however, our results did indicate that a proportion of the population flies directly from the orchard floor into the pecan canopy and thus would circumvent strategies that attempt to control weevils moving up the trunk.
New type of egg attachment structure in Ephemeroptera and comparative analysis of chorion structure morphology in three species of Ephemerellidae
Authors: Ubero‐Pascal N. , Puig M. A.
Published: September 2008

Ephemeroptera eggs vary greatly in their morphology, a characteristic that has been used to solve systematic problems. The eggs of Ephemerellidae may be considered among the most studied in mayfly families, especially with regard to the number of species for which they have been described (approximately 32 species corresponding to 12 genera). However, this study provides new details of the egg morphology of three species of this family, Serratella ignita (Poda 1761), S. spinosa (Ikonomov 1961) and Torleya major (Klapalek 1905). The main finding was that the morphology and organization of the lateral attachment structures do not resemble the type normally associated with‘knob terminated coiled thread’ (KCT). The particular characteristics of this structure, never before described for Ephemeroptera, led us to propose a new type of attachment structure, the ‘multithread‐folded with terminal fibre cluster’ (MFT). We also provide a detailed description of the chorion morphology of the eggs of the three species, identifying a tear‐shaped variation in the oval sperm guide and confirming the type III polar caps in the two species of Serratella Walsh, 1862.
LA DEREGULATION DES INDUSTRIES DE RESEAUX COMME POLITIQUE INSTITUTIONNELLE DE CREATION DE MARCHES ET DE MECANISMES DE GOUVERNANCE
Authors: Glachant Jean‐Michel
Published: September 2008

RESUME*: Contrairement à la théorie économique dominante qui s'intéresse aux réseaux sous l'angle de la problématique des monopoles naturels et de la tarification optimale, le présent article applique à l'analyse économique de la régulation, une autre voie théorique: celle de l'analyse des institutions. L'auteur montre que l'analyse économique institutionnelle de la régulation des marchés s'éloigne des politiques de «laisser faire les forces du marché» et met en exergue deux dimensions critiques dans la production de politiques efficaces de régulation et de dérégulation. Il s'agit, d'une part, du Market design qui porte sur la conception des nouveaux mécanismes de marchés, d'autre part, du Regulatory design qui porte sur la conception des nouveaux mécanismes de régulation. L'article passe ainsi en revue diverses structures de gouvernance (bilatérales, multilatérales ou trilatérales) adaptées à la spécificité des transactions impliquées par les activités en réseau. Il met également en évidence la nécessité de construire des institutions capables d'encadrer une ou des décennies de transition et qui tiennent compte des interventions des différents acteurs et en particulier des détenteurs d'un droit de veto.
Purchasing Power Parity under Regime Shifts: An Application to Asian Countries*
Authors: Nusair Salah A.
Published: September 2008

This paper re‐examines the long‐run purchasing power parity (PPP) relationship for nine Asian countries relative to the USA and Japan during a period containing significant structural breaks. The relevance of considering structural breaks in PPP tests is demonstrated by utilizing the Johansen et al. (2000) procedure that allows for up to two pre‐determined structural breaks. Using conventional tests without considering breaks, one is able to reject the null of no cointegration for only four countries. The Johansen et al. procedure clearly demonstrates the importance of allowing for structural breaks and provides strong support for long‐run PPP for all the countries, regardless of the base country, except in the case of the Philippines vis‐à‐vis Japan. The Hansen–Johansen parameter constancy test indicates stability for all the countries except the Philippines relative to the USA and Malaysia relative to Japan.
Backyard Hog Production Efficiency: Evidence from the Philippines*
Authors: Mugera Amin W. , Featherstone Allen M.
Published: September 2008

This article investigates the economic efficiency and the factors associated with efficiency for a sample of 126 hog producers in the Philippines. The input‐oriented efficiency indices are computed and bootstrapped using data envelopment analysis. Econometric analysis of the factors influencing the efficiency indices are conducted using the Tobit model. Fixed capital does not influence the efficiency scores, whereas labor does negatively influence the efficiency indices. On average, technical efficiency is low, an indication that most households are not using the most efficient technology. Scale efficiency is fairly high but constrained by lack of operating capital and managerial skills. Technical efficiency is constrained by lack of access to credit and limited experience in hog production.
Poverty Effects of the Philippines’ Tariff Reduction Program: Insights from a Computable General Equilibrium Analysis*
Authors: Cockburn John , Corong Erwin L. , Cororaton Caesar B.
Published: September 2008

A computable general equilibrium micro‐simulation model is used to assess the economic and poverty impacts of tariff reduction in the Philippines. Tariff reduction induces consumers to substitute cheaper imported agricultural products for domestic goods, thereby resulting in a contraction in agricultural output. In contrast, tariff reduction reduces the domestic cost of production, benefiting the outward‐oriented and import‐dependent industrial sector. The national poverty headcount decreases marginally as lower consumer prices outweigh the nominal income reduction experienced by the majority of households. However, both the poverty gap and severity of poverty worsens, implying that the poorest of the poor become even poorer.
Employment Outcomes of Graduates: The Case of Universiti Utara, Malaysia*
Authors: Lim Hock‐Eam , Rich Judith , Harris Mark N.
Published: September 2008

Data on the labor market outcomes of graduates of the Universiti Utara Malaysia were analyzed using an ordered logit model. The type of degree, ethnicity, and number of job applications submitted are found to be significant determinants of labor market outcomes. Accounting graduates were found to obtain the best labor market outcomes. Malay graduates had significantly less favorable labor market outcomes. The findings for unemployed graduates support two current programs in Malaysia: re‐training for the long‐term unemployed and job matching assistance. The findings also suggest that universities should monitor the skill‐demands of job vacancies and give specific consideration to Malay graduates.
Irradiance Gradients in the Presence of Participating Media and Occlusions
Authors: Jarosz Wojciech , Zwicker Matthias , Jensen Henrik Wann
Published: September 2008

In this paper we present a technique for computing translational gradients of indirect surface reflectance in scenes containing participating media and significant occlusions. These gradients describe how the incident radiance field changes with respect to translation on surfaces. Previous techniques for computing gradients ignore the effects of volume scattering and attenuation and assume that radiance is constant along rays connecting surfaces. We present a novel gradient formulation that correctly captures the influence of participating media. Our formulation accurately accounts for changes of occlusion, including the effect of surfaces occluding scattering media. We show how the proposed gradients can be used within an irradiance caching framework to more accurately handle scenes with participating media, providing significant improvements in interpolation quality.
Frame Sequential Interpolation for Discrete Level‐of‐Detail Rendering
Authors: Scherzer Daniel , Wimmer Michael
Published: September 2008

In this paper we present a method for automatic interpolation between adjacent discrete levels of detail to achieve smooth LOD changes in image space. We achieve this by breaking the problem into two passes: We render the two LOD levels individually and combine them in a separate pass afterwards. The interpolation is formulated in a way that only one level has to be updated per frame and the other can be reused from the previous frame, thereby causing roughly the same render cost as with simple non interpolated discrete LOD rendering, only incurring the slight overhead of the final combination pass. Additionally we describe customized interpolation schemes using visibility textures.

The method was designed with the ease of integration into existing engines in mind. It requires neither sorting nor blending of objects, nor does it introduce any constrains in the LOD used. The LODs can be coplanar, alpha masked, animated, impostors, and intersecting, while still interpolating smoothly.
Sample Based Visibility for Soft Shadows using Alias‐free Shadow Maps
Authors: Sintorn Erik , Eisemann Elmar , Assarsson Ulf
Published: September 2008

This paper introduces an accurate real‐time soft shadow algorithm that uses sample based visibility. Initially, we present a GPU‐based alias‐free hard shadow map algorithm that typically requires only a single render pass from the light, in contrast to using depth peeling and one pass per layer. For closed objects, we also suppress the need for a bias. The method is extended to soft shadow sampling for an arbitrarily shaped area‐/volumetric light source using 128‐1024 light samples per screen pixel. The alias‐free shadow map guarantees that the visibility is accurately sampled per screen‐space pixel, even for arbitrarily shaped (e.g. non‐planar) surfaces or solid objects. Another contribution is a smooth coherent shading model to avoid common light leakage near shadow borders due to normal interpolation.
THE NEW INSTITUTIONAL ECONOMICS – A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Furubotn Eirik G. , Richter Rudolf
Published: September 2008

The initial objective of the paper is to describe the way in which the term ‘New Institutional Economics’ (NIE) emerged in the literature and became the designation for a new field concerned with the study of various analytical techniques designed for the exploration of institutional phenomena. It is then shown how some of the more important of these techniques, transaction‐cost economics, property‐rights analysis and contract theory, have been applied in two central lines of neoinstitutional thought – the Williamsonian and the Northian. Criticisms of these two disparate theoretical positions on the NIE are considered and assessed. Next, a brief review of some of the empirical literature is undertaken so that the explanatory powers of NIE themes can be gauged. Finally, the paper offers a few general remarks on the present state of the NIE and its possible influence on the further development of economics.
SOME ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO UTILITY REGULATION
Authors: Littlechild Stephen
Published: September 2008

Is it inevitable that monopoly networks should continue to be regulated in their present form? Such regulation has limitations as well as advantages. In some countries, negotiated settlements between utilities and users including customer groups provide greater flexibility and innovation and better representation of consumer interests. There is scope for applying such alternative institutional arrangements in the UK.
IRISH NATIONAL LOTTERY SPORTS CAPITAL GRANT ALLOCATIONS, 1999–2007: NATURAL EXPERIMENTS ON POLITICAL INFLUENCE
Authors: Considine John , Crowley Frank , Foley Sinead , O’Connor Marie
Published: September 2008

Irish National Lottery Sports Capital Grant Allocations show a clear bias towards the geographical areas represented by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism and the Minister for Finance. This bias is the result of the procedures by which the funds are allocated.
FAIR TRADE IS COUNTERPRODUCTIVE – AND UNFAIR
Authors: Henderson David R.
Published: September 2008

Fair trade – paying a price premium for commodities based not on quality but on employment and other conditions – is counterproductive and unfair. It results in consumers getting a lower‐quality product. Much of the gain from the price premium goes to the fair‐trade bureaucracy rather than to the producer. Fair trade may even, if effective, destroy the banana industry. A better solution for consumers and third‐world producers is to abolish all remaining trade barriers.
VEGFR‐2‐mediated increased proliferation and survival in response to oxygen and glucose deprivation in PlGF knockout astrocytes
Authors: Freitas‐Andrade Moises , Carmeliet Peter , Stanimirovic Danica B. , Moreno Maria
Published: September 2008

In hypoxic/ischemic conditions, astrocytes are involved in neuroprotection and angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induces angiogenesis and exhibits neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. However, the role of placental growth factor (PlGF), a VEGF homolog, in these processes is unclear. Therefore, proliferation and survival studies were performed on PlGF knockout (PlGF−/−) and wild‐type (PlGF+/+) mouse astrocytes. A significant increase in cell proliferation and survival to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) was observed in PlGF−/− compared to PlGF+/+ astrocytes. Interestingly, no PlGF protein expression was detected in PlGF+/+ astrocytes and no changes in VEGF protein levels were observed between the two genotypes. Real‐time PCR and immunocytochemistry showed over‐expression of VEGF receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) in PlGF−/− compared with PlGF+/+ astrocytes. Confocal microscopy revealed nuclear, membrane, and cytoplasmic localization of VEGFR‐2. In vivo over‐expression of VEGFR‐2 mRNA was also detected in PlGF−/− compared with PlGF+/+ astrocytes. Stimulation with VEGF165 resulted in increased proliferation in PlGF−/− compared with PlGF+/+ astrocytes. This effect was blocked by the VEGFR‐2 antagonist, VEGF165b. The enhanced proliferation of PlGF−/− astrocytes correlated with increased phospho‐extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 levels, while the resistance to OGD was independent of the phosphatidylinositol 3′‐kinase/Akt pathway. These results suggest that VEGFR‐2 mediates the enhanced proliferative/OGD resistant phenotype observed in PlGF−/− astrocytes.
The complement cascade: Yin–Yang in neuroinflammation – neuro‐protection and ‐degeneration
Authors: Alexander Jessy John , Anderson Aileen Judith , Barnum Scott Robert , Stevens Beth , Tenner Andrea Joan
Published: September 2008

The complement cascade has long been recognized to play a key role in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. It is a ‘double edged’ sword as it is necessary to maintain health, yet can have adverse effects when unregulated, often exacerbating disease. The contrasting effects of complement, depending on whether in a setting of health or disease, is the price paid to achieve flexibility in scope and degree of a protective response for the host from infection and injury. Loss or even decreased efficiency of critical regulatory control mechanisms can result in aggravated inflammation and destruction of self‐tissue. The role of the complement cascade is poorly understood in the nervous system and neurological disorders. Novel studies have demonstrated that the expression of complement proteins in brain varies in different cell types and the effects of complement activation in various disease settings appear to differ. Understanding the functioning of this cascade is essential, as it has therapeutic implications. In this review, we will attempt to provide insight into how this complex cascade functions and to identify potential strategic targets for therapeutic intervention in chronic diseases as well as acute injury in the CNS.
Competitive binding of heparin with hyaluronan to a specific motif in SPACR
Authors: Zhao Jinsong , Yoneda Masahiko , Takeyama Masayuki , Inoue Yoko , Kataoka Takuya , Ohno‐Jinno Akiko , Isogai Zenzo , Iwaki Masayoshi , Zako Masahiro
Published: September 2008

The critical hyaluronan binding motif (HABM) in sialoprotein associated with cones and rods (SPACR) has already been determined. As sialoproteoglycan associated with cones and rods, another interphotoreceptor matrix molecule, binds to chondroitin sulfate and heparin with or without the employment of HABMs, respectively, we evaluated and compared the binding of these glycosaminoglycans to SPACR. A western blotting study in combination with inhibition assays showed that heparin bound specifically to SPACR. A series of GST fusion proteins covering the whole SPACR molecule narrowed down the region responsible for the binding. Finally, a site‐directed mutagenesis assay demonstrated that the critical HABM also acts as a specific binding site for heparin. These results were supported with mutual inhibitions by hyaluronan and heparin in analyses using GST fusion proteins and native SPACR derived from retina. Thus, these glycosaminoglycans bind to SPACR in a different manner than to sialoproteoglycan associated with cones and rods. The competitive binding between hyaluronan and heparin to SPACR, mediated through the identical HABM, may dominate the functions of SPACR, in turn involving physiological and pathological processes involved in retinal development, aging and other related disorders.
Opioidergic regulation of astroglial/neuronal proliferation: where are we now?
Authors: Sargeant Tim J. , Miller John H. , Day Darren J.
Published: September 2008

Opiate drugs, such as codeine, morphine, and heroin, are powerful analgesics, but also are used as drugs of abuse because of their psychogenic properties. Many studies have shown that opiates impact on cellular proliferation in the adult and developing brain, although anatomical pathologies are lacking inin uteroexposed infants and opioid knockout mice. Recent research has defined a context‐dependent role for the opioid system in neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus with exercise. Opioids have been shown to interact with proliferating cells of the postnatal subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles. The subventricular zone is also a region of adult neurogenesis, a fact that was not well established at the time this earlier research was conducted. Although a relationship between opioids and fetal neurogenesis has yet to be firmly established, many studies have implicated the opioid system in this process. One common factor that links neurogenesis in adult, postnatal, and fetal structures is the involvement of neuronal progenitor cells of the astrocytic lineage. It is therefore of interest that opioids have been consistently shown to impact upon astrocytic proliferation. It is the intention of this paper to review the literature that has established a role for the opioid system in neurogenesisin vivoin fetal, postnatal, and adult animals and to examine the links of opioids to modulation of astrocytic proliferation.
Chronic nicotine modifies the effects of morphine on extracellular striatal dopamine and ventral tegmental GABA
Authors: Vihavainen Tanja , Relander Toni R. A. , Leiviskä Riikka , Airavaara Mikko , Tuominen Raimo K. , Ahtee Liisa , Piepponen Timo Petteri
Published: September 2008

Previously, we have shown that 7‐week oral nicotine treatment enhances morphine‐induced behaviors and dopaminergic activity in the mouse brain. In this study, we further characterized the nicotine‐morphine interaction in the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic systems, as well as in the GABAergic control of these systems. In nicotine‐pretreated mice, morphine‐induced dopamine release in the caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens was significantly augmented, as measured by microdialysis. Chronic nicotine treatment did not change basal extracellular concentrations of dopamine and its metabolites in the caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens, nor did it affect the rate of dopamine synthesis, as assessed by 3‐hydroxybenzylhydrazine dihydrochloride‐induced DOPA accumulation. GABAergic control of dopaminergic activity was studied by measuring extracellular GABA in the presence of nipecotic acid, an inhibitor of GABA uptake. Acute (0.3 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg i.p.) and chronic nicotine, as well as morphine (15 mg/kg s.c.) in control mice decreased nipecotic acid–induced increase in extracellular GABA in the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra (VTA/SN). In contrast, in nicotine‐treated mice, morphine increased GABA levels in the presence of nipecotic acid. We did not find any alterations in GABAB‐receptor function after chronic nicotine treatment. Thus, our data show that chronic nicotine treatment sensitizes dopaminergic systems to morphine and affects GABAergic systems in the VTA/SN.
Measurement of Surface Shape and Position by Phase‐Shifting Digital Holography
Authors: Yamaguchi I. , Ida T. , Yokota M.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  Phase‐shifting digital holography is applied to measure the shapes and positions of rough surfaces from the averaged conjugate product of the reconstructed complex amplitudes, named complex coherence factor, corresponding to dual wavelengths. The phase of the averaged product at the object plane provides the shape of the surface, whereas the peak position of the modulus with respect to reconstruction distance provides the position of the surface. The phase is almost free from speckle noise and easy to be unwrapped. The resultant resolution of surface shape amounts to a few tens of micrometres. The sensitivity of the position measurement that requires no marking on the object is several per cent of object distance from a charge‐coupled device (CCD). The method corresponds to the detection of the position of maximum contrast of the fringes to be observed in conventional holographic interferometry. It makes use of fringe phase for shape measurement and fringe contrast for position measurement. Both the theory explaining the principle and experimental results are presented.
Measuring Shape and Surface Strain of Curved Objects Using Digital Speckle Photography and Gap Effect
Authors: Chiang F. P. , Uzer G. , Krukenkamp I. B.
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  We explore the validity of moiré gap equation in terms of the digital speckle photography technique and show that the equation can be adapted to measure the shape or surface strain of curved objects. Examples of the utility of this approach are demonstrated using a spherical rubber ball.
Developing Technical Expertise in Emergency Medicine—The Role of Simulation in Procedural Skill Acquisition
Authors: Wang Ernest E. , Quinones Joshua , Fitch Michael T. , Dooley‐Hash Suzanne , Griswold‐Theodorson Sharon , Medzon Ron , Korley Frederick , Laack Torrey , Robinett Adam , Clay Lamont
Published: September 2008

Developing technical expertise in medical procedures is an integral component of emergency medicine (EM) practice and training. This article is the work of an expert panel composed of members from the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Interest Group, the SAEM Technology in Medical Education Committee, and opinions derived from the May 2008 Academic Emergency Medicine Consensus Conference, “The Science of Simulation in Healthcare.” The writing group reviewed the simulation literature on procedures germane to EM training, virtual reality training, and instructional learning theory as it pertains to skill acquisition and procedural skills decay. The authors discuss the role of simulation in teaching technical expertise, identify training conditions that lead to effective learning, and provide recommendations for future foci of research.
Sampling and pheromone trapping for comparison of abundance of Amyelois transitella in almonds and pistachios
Authors: Burks Charles S. , Higbee Bradley S. , Brandl David G. , Mackey Bruce E.
Published: September 2008

The navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the primary insect pest of almonds, Prunus amygdalus Batsch (Rosaceae), and pistachios, Pistacia vera L. (Anacardiaceae), in California, USA. Abundance of A. transitella was compared between these crops by examining total and infested mummy nuts collected in trees and on the ground between January and March in 2003 and 2004, and by examining the number of males captured in sticky traps baited with virgin females as a pheromone source during the subsequent growing seasons. There was an 8–9‐fold greater density of total mummies (potential hosts) in pistachios compared to almonds. The proportion of mummies infested was not significantly different between the crops in 2003, but significantly more almond than pistachio mummies were infested in 2004. In 2003, the average density of infested mummies per hectare was greater in pistachios than in almonds, but in 2004 the converse was true. Examination of meteorological data did not suggest an explanation for more live A. transitella per infested mummy in almonds in 2004. The number of males captured in pistachios was consistently greater than the number captured in almonds, particularly during the second flight in June and July. The number of males captured in sticky traps in the summer was more strongly associated with the total mummy density in the sanitation survey of the previous winter than with the density of infested mummies. We conclude that the overall density of mummy nuts serving as potential oviposition sites prior to the next year's crop has a greater impact on the abundance of A. transitella during the growing season and subsequent harvest than does the density of infested mummies. The implications for the ecology and management of this pest species are discussed.
Yield, chemical composition, and bioactivity of essential oils from 12 species ofEucalyptusonAedes aegyptilarvae
Authors: Lucia Alejandro , Licastro Susana , Zerba Eduardo , Masuh Héctor
Published: September 2008

The insecticidal activity of essential oils from 12 species ofEucalyptus(Myrtaceae) was evaluated on larvae ofAedes aegypti(L.) (Diptera: Culicidae), the most important vector of dengue and yellow fever in the Americas. Oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and their chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry; yields ranged from 0.2 to 2.5%. Essential oils were mainly composed of 1,8‐cineole, α‐pinene, α‐phellandrene, β‐phellandrene, γ‐terpinene, 4‐terpineol, α‐terpineol,p‐cymene, and spathulenol. Larvicidal effects were tested on susceptible third or fourth stageAe. aegyptilarvae, determining median lethal concentration (LC50) and median effective concentration (EC50). Essential oils fromEucalyptus dunnii(Maiden),Eucalyptus gunnii(Hook), Eucalyptus tereticornis(Smith),Eucalyptus camaldulensis(Dehn), andEucalyptus saligna(Smith) showed the best larvicidal activities with LC50values of 25.2, 21.1, 22.1, 26.8, and 22.2, respectively. No significant differences were observed between LC50and EC50values of the same oil. Regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between total essential oil yields and 1,8‐cineole concentration. Significant relationships were also revealed between larval mortality and the concentration of 1,8‐cineole andp‐cymene. This indicated thatEucalyptusspecies with high oil yields have higher 1,8‐cineole concentrations and lowerp‐cymene concentrations and have less effect onAe. aegypti. Our results suggest the potential of controlled crossing methods to obtainEucalyptustrees with chemical profiles having enhanced activity against this mosquito.
Evaluation of 308‐nm monochromatic excimer light in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and palmoplantar psoriasis
Authors: Han Ling , Somani Ally‐Khan , Huang Qiong , Fang Xu , Jin Yi , Xiang Lei‐Hong , Zheng Zhi‐Zhong
Published: September 2008

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 308‐nm monochromatic excimer light (MEL) in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and palmoplantar psoriasis.

Methods: Thirty‐five patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 15 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis were recruited for this study. Thirty patients with psoriasis vulgaris completed a total of 16 treatments with 308‐nm MEL twice a week, and 15 patients palmoplantar psoriasis completed 25 treatments administered once weekly. The clinical response to therapy and adverse effects were recorded.

Results: Patients with psoriasis vulgaris (n=30) showed a 74.6% improvement in the mean psoriasis area and severity index score after a total of 16 MEL treatments (2 ×/week) with 36.7% of the patients (n=11) achieving clearance. Patients with palmoplantar psoriasis (n=15) showed a 52.5% improvement in the mean severity index score after a total of 25 MEL treatments (1 ×/week) with only one patient (6.7%) achieving clearance. The MEL therapy was well tolerated with a low incidence of side effects, which included pruritus, erythema and blister formation.

Conclusion: The 308‐nm MEL can be utilized as an effective and safe treatment modality for patients with mild‐to‐moderate psoriasis vulgaris and palmoplantar psoriasis.
5‐Aminolaevulinic acid and photodynamic therapy reduce HSV‐1 replication in HaCat cells through an apoptosis‐independent mechanism
Authors: Ayala Fabrizio , Grimaldi Elena , Perfetto Brunella , Donnarumma Maria , De Filippis Anna , Donnarumma Giovanna , Tufano Maria Antonietta
Published: September 2008

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the use of a photosensitizing agent, which may require metabolic synthesis (i.e. a prodrug), followed by light activation. Numerous studies have advanced PDT as a means for treating bacteria, fungi and viruses. In this study, the photoinactivation of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) in human keratinocytes using 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (5‐ALA) was investigated.

Methods: HaCat cells were infected with HSV‐1 and treated with 5‐ALA to verify its antiviral effect during the stages of adsorption and penetration to host cells. Immunoblot analysis was used to estimate the effect of ALA–PDT on the production of viral proteins glycoprotein D (gD), infected cell proteins (ICP) 27 and virion protein (VP) 16. We also investigated whether the effect of ALA–PDT was associated with a cellular apoptotic mechanism through DNA fragmentation and the study of p53, PARP and caspase‐3 protein expression.

Results: While the treatment of ALA–PDT after the viral adsorption period reduced HSV‐1 replication by about 70%, it did not act on the virus in the first phase of infection. The viral proteins' expressions were reduced by ALA–PDT treatments. There was no evidence of ALA–PDT‐induced apoptosis.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that the target of photoinactivation appears to be viral replication and not a cellular response.
Non‐invasive diagnostic evaluation of phototherapeutic effects of red light phototherapy of acne vulgaris
Authors: Zane Cristina , Capezzera Rossana , Pedretti Alessandra , Facchinetti Elena , Calzavara‐Pinton Piergiacomo
Published: September 2008

Background: During the past few years, various phototherapeutic protocols with full‐spectrum visible light or selected wavebands have been investigated in the treatment of acne vulgaris with variable results.

Methods: Fifteen women suffering from moderate acne vulgaris of the face were exposed to 20 J/cm2 of broad‐band red (λ: 600–750 nm) light twice weekly for 4 weeks. In addition, with the aim to improve the present knowledge of the mechanisms of action of phototherapy, we measured skin sebum, pH, hydration and trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL). Lesions of the trunk were not irradiated and served as controls.

Results: A significant improvement of acne lesions and a significant decrease of skin sebum excretion and TEWL of the face were registered at the end of the therapy and at the 3‐month follow‐up visit. The results could be related to a reduced follicular colonization of Propionibacterium acnes, in that it was lethally damaged by photoactivated endogenous porphyrins.

Conclusion: The present findings seem to indicate that red light phototherapy may represent an effective, well‐tolerated, safe, simple and inexpensive treatment option for moderate acne vulgaris.
Dapsone‐induced photosensitivity: a rare clinical presentation
Authors: Kar Bikash Ranjan
Published: September 2008

Dapsone is an efficient anti‐inflammatory and antimycobacterial agent. It is one of the main constituents of multidrug therapy (MDT). It acts by interference with folate metabolism. Dapsone‐induced photosensitivity is a rare, non‐dose‐related adverse effect of the sulfone and can occur in patients with inflammatory skin disorders treated with dapsone. So far, only 12 cases seem to have been reported in the literature. We report a case of dapsone‐induced photosensitivity in an Indian patient with leprosy.