bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body Surface Distribution and Response to Drugs of ST Segment Elevation in Brugada Syndrome: Clinical Implication of Eighty‐Seven–Lead Body Surface Potential Mapping and Its Application to Twelve‐Lead Electrocardiograms
Authors: SHIMIZU WATARU , MATSUO KIYOTAKA , TAKAGI MASAHIKO , TANABE YASUKO , AIBA TAKESI , TAGUCHI ATSUSHI , SUYAMA KAZUHIRO , KURITA TAKASHI , AIHARA NAOHIKO , KAMAKURA SHIRO
Published: April 2007

ST Elevation in Brugada Syndrome. Introduction: Body surface distribution and magnitude of ST segment elevation and their reflection in 12‐lead ECGs have not been clarified in Brugada syndrome.

Methods and Results: Eighty‐seven‐lead body surface potential mapping and 12‐lead ECGs were recorded simultaneously in 25 patients with Brugada syndrome and 40 control patients. The amplitude of the ST segment 20 msec after the end of QRS (ST20) was measured from all 87 leads, and an ST isopotential map was constructed. The maximum ST elevation (maxST20) was distributed in an area of the right ventricular outflow tract in all Brugada patients, and it was larger than that in control patients (0.37 ± 0.13 vs 0.12 ± 0.04 mV; P < 0.0005). The maximum was observed on the level of the parasternal fourth intercostal space, on which the VI and V2 leads of the standard 12‐lead ECG were located, in 18 of the 25 Brugada patients in whom typical coved‐ or saddleback type ST elevation was seen in leads VI and V2. The maximum was located on the second intercostals space in the remaining seven Brugada patients in whom only a mild saddleback‐type ST elevation was seen in leads V1 and V2 of the 12‐lead ECG. Typical ST segment elevation was recognized in leads V1 and V2, which were recorded on the second or third intercostal space. ST elevation in Brugada patients was dramatically normalized by isoproterenol, a β‐adrenergic agonist (maxST20 = 0.17 ± 0.08 mV; P < 0.0005 vs control conditions), and accentuated by disopyramide, an Na+ channel blocker (maxST20 = 0.50 ± 0.15 mV; P < 0.0005 vs control conditions), without any change in the location of the maxST20.

Conclusion: Our data indicate that recordings of leads V1‐V3 of the 12‐lead ECG on the parasternal second or third intercostal space would be helpful in diagnosing suspected patients with Brugada syndrome. The data suggest that Na+ channel blockers are capable of accentuating ST elevation in leads V1‐V3.
Catheter Ablation of Mitral Isthmus Ventricular Tachycardia Using Electroanatomically Guided Linear Lesions
Authors: FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , HAMMILL STEPHEN C.
Published: April 2007

Electroanatomic Linear Ablation of Mitral Isthmus VT. Mitral isthmus ventricular tachycardia uses a reentrant circuit with a critical isthmus of conduction bounded by the mitral valve proximally and a remote inferior infarction scar distally. Successful catheter ablation requires placement of a lesion to transect the isthmus so as to prevent wavefront propagation. We report a case with previously unsuccessful ablation in which focal isthmus ablation failed to eliminate arrhythmia. Electroanatomic mapping demonstrated a wide tachycardia isthmus, and a linear lesion placed from the edge of the inferior infarct (as demonstrated on the three‐dimensional voltage electroanatomic map) to the base of the mitral valve successfully eliminated tachycardia. In some patients with mitral isthmus VT, a wide isthmus requires linear lesion placement to fully transect the isthmus and eliminate tachycardia. Electroanatomic mapping can be used to define isthmus boundaries and thus guide successful ablation.
Mapping and Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of the Three Types of Sustained Monomorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in Nonischemic Heart Disease
Authors: DELACRETAZ ETIENNE , STEVENSON WILLIAM G. , ELLISON KRISTIN E. , MAISEL WILLIAM H. , FRIEDMAN PETER L.
Published: April 2007

Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation, Introduction. Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) associated with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP) is uncommon. Optimal approaches to catheter mapping and ablation are not well characterized, but they are likely to depend on the VT mechanism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanisms of sustained monomorphic VT encountered in nonischemic CMP and to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of catheter radiofrequency ablation for treatment.

Methods and Results: Twenty‐six consecutive patients with nonischemic CMP referred for management of recurrent VT were studied. In 16 (62%) patients, VT was related to a region of abnormal electrograms consistent with scar and the response to pacing suggested a reentrant mechanism. In 5(19%) patients, VT was due to bundle branch or interfascicular reentry. In 7(27%) patients, the VT mechanism was focal automaticity, 4 of whom had evidence of tachycardia‐induced CMP. After catheter ablation targeting parts of reentrant circuits, VT was not inducible in 8 (53%) of 15 patients with scar‐related reentry, was modified in 5(33%) patients, and still was inducible in 2(13%) patients. Ablation was successful in 5 of 5 patients with bundle branch reentry and in 6 of 7 patients with a focal automaticity mechanism. Overall, catheter ablation abolished clinical recurrence of VT in 20 (77%) of 26 patients during a follow‐up of 15 ± 12 months.

Conclusion: Three different mechanisms of VT are encountered in patients with nonischemic CMP. The mapping and ablation approach varies with the type of VT. In this selected population, the overall efficacy was 77%.
Effect of Atrial Radiofrequency Ablation Designed to Cure Atrial Fibrillation on Atrial Mechanical Function
Authors: THOMAS STUART P. , NICHOLSON IAN A. , NUNN GRAHAM R. , REES ARIANWEN , TRIEU LAWRENCE , DALY MICHAEL P.J. , WALLACE ELISABETH M. , ROSS DAVID L.
Published: April 2007

RF Ablation for AF and Atrial Contractile Function. Introduction: The effects of linear radiofrequency lesions in the atria for cure of atrial fibrillation on atrial contraction have not previously been quantified.

Methods and Results: Atrial function was measured before and 30 ± 24 days after a biatrial ablation procedure designed to cure atrial fibrillation in eight dogs and after a sham procedure in three dogs. Atrial mechanical function was assessed using Doppler diastolic blood flow velocities, atrial systolic pressure wave amplitude, and assessment of atrial contribution to cardiac output estimated by comparison of AV sequential pacing to ventricular pacing at the same heart rate. The mitral Doppler A/E velocity ratio was 1.03 ± 0.45 before and 0.72 ± 0.43 after ablation (P = 0.048). The tricuspid A/E ratio was 0.88 ± 0.17 before and 0.71 ± 0.12 after ablation (P = 0.04). The estimated atrial contribution to cardiac output was 18%± 9% before and 5%± 4% after ablation (P < 0.01). The left atrial systolic pressure wave amplitude was 2.8 ± 1.5 mmHg before and 1.7 ± 1.0 mmHg after ablation (P = 0.1). These changes were not observed in control dogs. Lesions covered 25%± 6% of tbe atrial endocardia) surface.

Conclusion: Multiple linear radiofrequency lesions in the atria designed to cure atrial fibrillation may impair atrial contractility. Reduced atrial function is partly due to loss of atrial myocardial mass, but regional delays in atrial activation and splinting of the atria by scarring also may contribute.
Right A trial Flutter Isthmus Revisited:
Authors: WAKI KENJI , SAITO TSUKASA , BECKER ANTON E.
Published: April 2007

Flutter Isthmus Anatomy Revisited. Introduction: The “flutter isthmus.” the part of the lower right atrium between the eustachian valve and the tricuspid annulus inferior to the coronary sinus os, is considered the crucial zone for conduction delay necessary for the genesis of atrial flutter. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Methods and Results: We studied the “flutter isthmus” in 50 hearts obtained at autopsy from patients without atrial tachyarrhythmias. The muscular trabecular arrangement was dissected carefully by peeling off the endocardium. Documentation of the trabecular arrangement focused, in particular, on the question of whether there was a uniform pattern of well‐aligned muscle trabeculae or a nonuniform architecture. It appeared that a nonuniform trabecular pattern prevailed (37/50 [74%]). In these hearts, the muscular arrangement showed abundant cross‐overs and interlacing traheculae, particularly in the zone immediately inferior to the coronary sinus os. Connections also occurred along the Inferior rim of the os.

Conclusion: The normal anatomy of the lower right atrium favors nonuniform muscular trabeculation, with Interlacing bundles and a multitude of cross‐overs. The potential for conduction delay is present in the vast majority of normal hearts. This raises the question as to what has changed in the hearts of patients with atrial flutter such that the potential for conduction delay and reentry has become effective.
Arrhythmias in Heart Failure:
Authors: ECKARDT LARS , HAVERKAMP WILHELM , JOHNA ROBERT , BÖCKER DIRK , DENG MARIO C. , BREITHARDT GÜNTER , BORGGREEE MARTIN
Published: April 2007

Arrhythmias in Heart Failure. About one half of deaths in patients with heart failure are sudden, mostly due to ventricular tachycardia (VT) degenerating to ventricular fibrillation or immediate ventricular fibrillation. In severe heart failure, sudden cardiac death also may occur due to bradyarrhythmias. Other dysrhythmias complicating heart failure include atrial and ventricular extrasystoles, atrial fibrillation (AF), and sustained and nonsustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The exact mechanism of the increased vulnerability to arrhythmias is not known. Depending on the etiology of heart failure, different preconditions, including ischemia or structural alterations such as fibrosis or myocardial scarring, may he prominent. Reentrant mechanisms around scar tissue, afterdepolarizations, and triggered activity due to changes in calcium metabolism significantly contribute to arrhythmogenesis. Furthermore, alterations in potassium currents leading to action potential prolongation and an increase in dispersion of repolarization play a significant role. Treatment of arrhythmias is necessary either because patients are symptomatic or to reduce the risk for sudden cardiac death. The individual history, left ventricular function, electrophysiologic testing, and the signal‐averaged ECG give useful information for identifying patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has evolved as a promising therapy for life‐threatening arrhythmias. A potential role may exist for antiarrhythmic drugs, mainly amiodarone. There is growing evidence that patients with sustained VT or a history of resuscitation have the best outcome with ICD therapy regardless of the degree of heart failure. Many of these patients require additional antiarrhythmic therapy because of AF or nonsustained VTs that may activate the device. Catheter ablation or map‐guided endocardial resection are additional options in selected patients but seldom represent the only therapeutic strategy.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Idiopathic Left Ventricular Tachycardia at the Site of Earliest Activation as Determined by Noncontact Mapping
Authors: BETTS TIM R. , ROBERTS PAUL R. , AELEN STUART A. , MORGAN JOHN M.
Published: April 2007

Ablation of Idiopathic LV Tachycardia. Introduction. The most effective method for guiding radiofrequency (RF) ablation of idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT) has yet to be determined. We investigated the use of noncontact mapping in five patients with this condition.

Methods and Results. The multielectrode array was positioned in the left ventricular apex via the retrograde approach. Isopotential color maps of ILVT were examined to determine the site of earliest endocardial activation. The ablation catheter was steered to the target site using the locator signal. Pace mapping was performed and contact electrograms examined for diastolic potentials. RF energy was applied to the target site. Sustained ventricular tachycardia was induced in 2 patients and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in 3. The site of earliest activation was at the apical Septum in 3. the inferior apex in I, and the base of the inferior wall in 1. Mean timing was 21 ± 10) msec before onset of the surface QRS. Diastolic activity was visualized with noncontact mapping at the base of the septum in 1 patient. A Purkinje potential was seen at the ablation site in only 1 patient. No diastolic activity was seen in the remaining 3 patients. Tachycardia was successfully terminated in all 5 patients with a median of four RF applications. No patient suffered a recurrence after 9.6 ± 4.7 months of follow‐up.

Conclusion. By identifying the precise site of earliest activation during ILVT, noncontact mapping has been shown to be an effective and safe method for guiding RF ablation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol Vol. 11. pp 1094‐1101. October 2000)
Patterns of Accelerated Junctional Rhythm During Slow Pathway Catheter Ablation for Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia: Temperature Dependence, Prognostic Value, and Insights into the Nature of the Slow Pathway
Authors: WAGSHAL ALAN B. , CRYSTAL EUGENE , KATZ AMOS
Published: April 2007

Slow Pathway Accelerated Junctional Rhythm. Introduction: Although accelerated junctional rhythm (AJR) is a knuwn marker for successful slow pathway (SP) ablation sites. AJR may just be a regional effect of the anisotropic conduction properties of this area of the heart. We believe that detailed assessment of the AJR might provide insight into the SP specificity of this AJR and perhaps the nature of the SP itself.

Methods and Results: Our ablation protocol consisted of 30‐second, 70°C temperature‐controlled ablation pulses with assessment after each pulse. Serial booster ablations were performed at the original successful site and at least 2 to 3 nearby sites to assess for residual AJR after the procedure in 50 consecutive SP ablations. We defined three distinct patterns of AJR: continuous AJR that persisted until the end of energy delivery (group 1, 25 patients); alternating or “stuttering” AJR that persisted throughout energy delivery (group II, 9 patients); and AJR that ended abruptly during energy delivery (group III, 16 patients). Mean ablation temperatures in the three groups was 57°± 5°C, 54°± 5°C, and 63°± 5°C, respectively (P = 0.0002 for groups I and II vs group III). Ten of 34 (29%) patients in groups I and II (“low‐temperature ablation”) exhibited residual SP (jump and/or single echo heats) despite tachycardia noninducibility, and 25 of 34 (73%) patients had residual AJR during the booster ablations, but neither of these was seen in any group III patients.

Conclusion: Ablation temperature correlates with the pattern of AJR produced during SP ablation. That higher temperature lesions simultaneously abolish all SP activity as well as the focus of AJR suggests that this AJR is specific for the SP and is not a nonspecific regional effect.
Simplified “ATP Test” for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Dual AV Nodal Physiology and Assessment of Results of Slow Pathway Ablation in Patients with AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia
Authors: BELHASSEN BERNARD , FISH ROMAN , ELDAR MICHAEL , GLICK AHARON , GLIKSON MICHAEL , VISKIN SAMI
Published: April 2007

Diagnostic ATP Test for AVNRT. Introduction: We recently reported that administration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during sinus rhythm identifies dual AV nodal physiology (DAVNP) in 76% of patients with inducible sustained AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) at electrophysiologic (EP) study. In that report, however, the ATP test was considered positive for DAVNP only when the results were reproducible at a given dose of ATP. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of a simplified ATP test for noninvasive diagnosis of DAVNP and abolition or modification of the slow pathway (SP) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with inducible sustained AVNRT.

Methods and Results: The value of a single dose of ATP was studied in 105 patients with inducible sustained AVNRT and in 31 control patients before placement of EP catheters in the cardiac chambers. ATP (10 to 60 mg, in 10‐mg increments) was injected during sinus rhythm until ECG signs of DAVNP (≤ 50 msec increase or decrease in PR interval in two consecutive beats, or occurrence of ≤ 1 AV nodal echo beat) or ≤ second‐degree AV block was observed. DAVNP was observed in only 1 (3.2%) control patient. The test could he completed in 96 study patients. DAVNP was found by ATP test in 72 (75%) patients, whereas it was diagnosed by EP criteria in 82 (85%) patients. DAVNP hy ATP test disappeared in 27 (96%) of 28 patients who underwent SP abolition and in 18 (60%) of 30 patients who underwent SP modification. In the 12 patients with persistent DAVNP determined by ATP test after SP modification, the number of beats conducted over the SP was significantly reduced (from 6.3 ± 3.3 to 2.5 ± 2.2 beats; P = 0.002).

Conclusion: A single administration of ATP during sinus rhythm (at a given dose) enables noninvasive diagnosis of DAVNP in a high percentage of patients with inducible AVNRT and reliably confirms the results of RFA of the SP.
Revising Wulfstan's Antichrist in the Twelfth Century: A Study in Medieval Textual Re‐appropriation
Authors: Conti Aidan
Published: April 2007

The following article considers medieval methods of textual composition and modern methods of textual analysis in light of increasing scholarly interest directed towards the continued use of English after the Conquest. The re‐use of Wulfstan's eschatological material in the twelfth century is used as a case study. The revisions to three Wulfstan homilies demonstrate that by examining works in their manuscript context literary scholars and historians better understand the way in which medieval compilers could exploit the fertility of earlier material to produce new texts for new audiences. Such texts, frequently ignored as unoriginal, present innovative compositional techniques while upholding the inherently conservative interpretative framework of the church.
Prediction of rotational orientation of transmembrane helical segments of integral membrane proteins using new environment‐based propensities for amino acids derived from structural analyses
Authors: Dastmalchi Siavoush , Beheshti Samira , Morris Michael B. , Bret Church W.
Published: April 2007

α‐Helical integral‐membrane proteins (IMPs) play a key role in many biological processes, such as signal transduction, and are targets for >50% of current therapeutic drugs. In contrast to their significant abundance and biological importance, they comprise <1% of structurally solved proteins. In the absence of experimental evidence, molecular modeling of IMP structures is an alternative for providing structural information and aiding further experimental design. In the current work, we propose two new amino acid lipid‐facing propensity scales derived from the structural analysis of a nonredundant set of water‐soluble proteins. The new scales, π and δ, perform as well or better than published scales (Carugo's hydrophobicity and kPROT scales) in predicting the lipid‐facing side of helical segments of a set of structurally solved IMPs, thus indicating (a) that the folding properties of water‐soluble proteins and IMPs are similar, and (b) that the new scales will prove useful in modeling the transmembrane segments of IMPs.
Enzymes that hydrolyze adenine nucleotides of patients with hypercholesterolemia and inflammatory processes
Authors: Medeiros Frescura Duarte Marta , Loro Vânia L. , Rocha João B. T. , Leal Daniela B. R. , Bem Andreza F. de , Dorneles Aracéli , Morsch Vera M. , Schetinger Maria R. C.
Published: April 2007

The activity of NTPDase (EC 3.6.1.5, apyrase, CD39) was verified in platelets from patients with increasing cholesterol levels. A possible association between cholesterol levels and inflammatory markers, such as oxidized low‐density lipoprotein, highly sensitive C‐reactive protein and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein autoantibodies, was also investigated. Lipid peroxidation was estimated by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in serum. The following groups were studied: group I, < 150 mg·dL−1 cholesterol; group II, 151–200 mg·dL−1 cholesterol; group III, 201–250 mg·dL−1 cholesterol; and group IV, > 251 mg·dL−1 cholesterol. The results demonstrated that both ATP hydrolysis and ADP hydrolysis were enhanced as a function of cholesterol level. Low‐density lipoprotein levels increased concomitantly with total cholesterol levels. Triglyceride levels were increased in the groups with total cholesterol above 251 mg·dL−1. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein levels were elevated in groups II, III, and IV. Highly sensitive C‐reactive protein was elevated in the group with cholesterol levels higher than 251 mg·dL−1. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein autoantibodies were elevated in groups III and IV. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance content was enhanced as a function of cholesterol level. In summary, hypercholesterolemia is associated with enhancement of inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and ATP and ADP hydrolysis. The increased ATP and ADP hydrolysis in group IV was confirmed by an increase in CD39 expression on its surface. The increase in CD39 activity is possibly related to a compensatory response to the inflammatory and pro‐oxidative state associated with hypercholesterolemia.
Membrane trafficking of CD98 and its ligand galectin 3 in BeWo cells − implication for placental cell fusion
Authors: Dalton Paola , Christian Helen C. , Redman Christopher W. G. , Sargent Ian L. , Boyd C. A. R.
Published: April 2007

CD98 heavy chain (CD98hc), expressed at high levels in developing human trophoblasts, is an integral membrane protein with multiple N‐linked glycosylation sites and known to be important for cell fusion, adhesion, and amino acid transport. Western blotting and flow cytometry were used to study the effect of brefeldin A, an inhibitor of protein translocation through the Golgi, on CD98hc in the human placental trophoblast cell line BeWo. Although brefeldin A treatment caused increased cell surface expression of CD98hc, a novel partially glycosylated form of the protein was found and, concomitantly, cell fusion was reduced. Western blotting showed that CD98 and galectin 3, a proposed ligand for the glycosylated extracellular domain of CD98hc, co‐immunoprecipitated, and double‐label immuno‐electron microscopy confirmed that CD98hc associated with galectin 3. Furthermore, cell fusion was reduced (specifically) by the disaccharide lactose, a known ligand for the carbohydrate recognition domain of galectin 3, suggesting that the association was functional. Taken together, the data suggest that N‐glycosylation of CD98 and subsequent interaction with galectin 3 is critical for aspects of placental cell biology, and provides a rationale for the observation that, in the mouse, truncation of the CD98hc extracellular domain leads to early embryonic lethality [Tsumura H, Suzuki N, Saito H, Kawano M, Otake S, Kozuka Y, Komada H, Tsurudome M & Ito Y (2003) Biochem Biophys Res Commun308, 847–851].
Metabolic pathway that produces essential fatty acids from polymethylene‐interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids in animal cells
Authors: Tanaka Tamotsu , Morishige Jun‐ichi , Iwawaki Dai , Fukuhara Terumi , Hamamura Naomi , Hirano Kaoru , Osumi Takashi , Satouchi Kiyoshi
Published: April 2007

Sciadonic acid (20:3 Δ‐5,11,14) and juniperonic acid (20:4 Δ‐5,11,14,17) are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that lack the Δ‐8 double bond of arachidonic acid (20:4 Δ‐5,8,11,14) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 Δ‐5,8,11,14,17), respectively. Here, we demonstrate that these conifer oil‐derived PUFAs are metabolized to essential fatty acids in animal cells. When Swiss 3T3 cells were cultured with sciadonic acid, linoleic acid (18:2 Δ‐9,12) accumulated in the cells to an extent dependent on the concentration of sciadonic acid. At the same time, a small amount of 16:2 Δ‐7,10 appeared in the cellular lipids. Both 16:2 Δ‐7,10 and linoleic acid accumulated in sciadonic acid‐supplemented CHO cells, but not in peroxisome‐deficient CHO cells. We confirmed that 16:2 Δ‐7,10 was effectively elongated to linoleic acid in rat liver microsomes. These results indicate that sciadonic acid was partially degraded to 16:2 Δ‐7,10 by two cycles of β‐oxidation in peroxisomes, then elongated to linoleic acid in microsomes. Supplementation of Swiss 3T3 cells with juniperonic acid, an n−3 analogue of sciadonic acid, induced accumulation of α‐linolenic acid (18:3 Δ‐9,12,15) in cellular lipids, suggesting that juniperonic acid was metabolized in a similar manner to sciadonic acid. This PUFA remodeling is thought to be a process that converts unsuitable fatty acids into essential fatty acids required by animals.
Could bystander first‐aid prevent trauma deaths at the scene of injury?
Authors: Ashour Amer , Cameron Peter , Bernard Stephen , Fitzgerald Mark , Smith Karen , Walker Tony
Published: April 2007

Objective:  To identify potentially preventable prehospital deaths following traumatic cardiac arrest.

Methods:  Deaths following prehospital traumatic cardiac arrest during 2003 were reviewed in the state of Victoria, Australia. Possible survival with optimal bystander first‐aid and shorter ambulance response times were identified. Injury Severity Scores (ISS) were calculated. Victims with an ISS <50 and signs of life were reviewed for potentially preventable factors contributing to death including signs of airway obstruction, excessive bleeding and/or delayed ambulance response times.

Results:  We reviewed 112 cases that had full ambulance care records, hospital records and autopsy details in Victoria 2003. Most deaths involved road trauma and 55 victims had an ISS <50. Twelve patients received first‐aid from bystanders. Ambulance response times >10 min might have contributed to five deaths with an ISS <25.

Conclusion:  Five (4.5%) potentially preventable prehospital trauma deaths were identified. Three deaths potentially involved airway obstruction and two involved excessive bleeding. There is a case for increased awareness of the need for bystander first‐aid at scene following major trauma.
Fatal haemorrhage from a caput medusae: A differential to a stabbing
Authors: Hoi Kent Y , Mignanelli Emilio D , Lightfoot David
Published: April 2007

Fatal haemorrhage from caput medusae is reported once previously in the literature. We report the case of a 48‐year‐old man who presented to the ED in hypovolaemic shock, with a suspected stab wound to the abdomen. He was subsequently found to have exsanguinated from a cutaneous varix secondary to chronic liver disease.
Living without mitochondria: spermatozoa and spermatogenesis in two species of Urodasys (Gastrotricha, Macrodasyida) from dysoxic sediments
Authors: Balsamo Maria , Guidi Loretta , Pierboni Lara , Marotta Roberto , Todaro M. Antonio , Ferraguti Marco
Published: April 2007

Abstract. The spermatozoa of two species of Macrodasyida (Gastrotricha), Urodasys anorektoxys and U. acanthostylis, show an ultrastructural organization diverging from one another and from other gastrotrichs: their main peculiarity is in the absence of mitochondria. In U. anorektoxys, the acrosome is a long, twisted column inserted into the nucleus, which is basally cylindrical, and the flagellum shows rows of peculiar, large globules parallel to the axonemal doublets. In U. acanthostylis, the acrosome is completely cork‐screwed and surrounds the nucleus, and the tail shows columnar accessory fibers. At present, the absence of mitochondria in the mature sperm, and the peculiar fingerprint aspect of condensed chromatin are the only traits shared by the two species. The features of the spermatozoa of these two species of Urodasys widen the range of different models of gastrotrich spermatozoa, and place the genus in a peculiar position, from the spermatological point of view, within the Macrodasyida. The loss of mitochondria in mature spermatozoa is possibly related to either the dysoxic habitat of the two species or a peculiar fertilization mechanism.
Tantulum elegans reloaded: a computer‐based 3D‐visualization of the anatomy of a Caribbean freshwater acochlidian gastropod
Authors: Neusser Timea P. , Schrödl Michael
Published: April 2007

Abstract. Acochlidian gastropods combine several aberrant biological and morphological features. The poorly known Caribbean Tantulum elegans is one of the few opisthobranch species inhabiting a freshwater system, and the only one found in muddy interstices of a Caribbean mountain spring swamp. Morphological details of this tiny species were either unknown or not fully reliable, especially with regard to the complex central nervous and reproductive systems. We critically re‐examined original paratype section series and prepared semi‐thin serial sections of two additional paratypes. All organ systems were three‐dimensionally reconstructed using AMIRA software. Our results show several discrepancies from the original description: the pharynx is a complex system of different muscles, but similar to that of other acochlidian species; the circulatory system shows a two‐chambered heart; in the nervous system there are separate optic and rhinophoral ganglia, the latter innervating a pair of small sensory pits we assume to be Hancock's organs, and large aggregations of precerebral accessory ganglia were found. Nephropore, anus, and female gonopore open dextroventrally. To our surprise, adults of T. elegans are sequential hermaphrodites with an unusual androdiaulic reproductive system and a well‐developed cephalic penial complex. In T. elegans, there is a mix of character conditions found in different genera, e.g., Pseudunela and Asperspina. The phylogenetic position of T. elegans still remains unclear.
Sheltering behavior of terrestrial isopods in grasslands
Authors: Hassall Mark , Tuck Joanne M.
Published: April 2007

Abstract.The hypotheses that the sheltering behavior of four species of terrestrial isopods varies in relation to differences in their morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations to the terrestrial environment were tested using artificial refugia together with independent estimates of density to derive an index of sheltering activity. (1)Porcellio scabersheltered significantly more thanPlatyarthrus hoffmannseggi, Armadillidium vulgare, orPhiloscia muscorum, which sheltered the least. (2) There was a decline in the sheltering index (SI) for all four species after the breeding season, continuing through to the autumn and remaining low throughout the winter. (3) Changes in the sheltering behavior of each species in relation to changes in environmental conditions were used to interpret known differences in the position and breadth of their resource utilization curves along a gradient of rabbit grazing intensity. (4)Porcellio scabersheltered more where the soil was more calcareous,P. muscorummore under the shade of trees, and bothP. muscorumandA. vulgaremore in grazed than in ungrazed swards. (5) Sheltering behavior was found to be positively correlated to both rainfall and soil temperature the day before sampling forA. vulgarebut negatively to rainfall forP. muscorum.There was a positive relationship between the SI forP. scaberand daily air temperature range. (6) Variations in the sheltering behavior of these four species of terrestrial isopod are discussed in the context of their foraging and digestive strategies and in relation to their morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations to the terrestrial environment.
HSP90 and MAPK activation are required for ampulla development in the direct‐developing ascidian Molgula pacifica
Authors: Bates William R.
Published: April 2007

Abstract. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) functions as a major chaperone protein that interacts with a limited number of specific client proteins including some transcription factors, many kinases including mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and cytoskeletal proteins. The antibiotic geldanamycin (GA) is frequently used as an in vivo inhibitor of HSP90 function and the organic compound U0126 inhibits the activation of MAPK in live cells. In the present study, embryos of Molgula pacifica, at the gastrula stage, were continuously treated with 5 μmol L−1 GA or 10 μmol L−1 U0126 for 4 d, and the resulting juveniles were examined for possible morphological defects. The key finding of the present study is that HSP90‐dependent MAPK signaling appears to be required for the outgrowth of ampullae and for the development of coelomic progenitor cells. The effect of GA treatment seemed to be relatively specific because it had a minimal effect on other morphogenetic events, including the development of the anterior–posterior axis and tunic development. The possibility that GA treatment inhibits ampulla outgrowth by disrupting normal HSP90‐actin cytoskeleton interactions within the cytoplasm of ampulla epidermal cells was examined using actin immunofluorescence. The results, however, indicate that GA treatment does not grossly disrupt actin‐based cytoskeletons in epidermal cells that form ampullae. Furthermore, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling experiments suggest that treatment with 5 μmol L−1 GA does not significantly promote cell death during development in M. pacifica. Mapping the region in juveniles, where GA‐sensitive coelomic progenitor cells originate, was studied using cell deletion methods, and the results suggest that the potential to form coelomic progenitor cells is restricted to the posterior region at day 1 of development.
THE JUST‐ABOUT‐RIGHT INTENSITY SCALE: FUNCTIONAL ANALYSES AND RELATION TO HEDONICS
Authors: GACULA MAXIMO , RUTENBECK SHERI , POLLACK LANA , RESURRECCION ANNA V.A. , MOSKOWITZ HOWARD R.
Published: April 2007

This study assessed the meaning of just‐about‐right (JAR) categories when used with a 5‐point intensity scale. The panelists comprised both consumer and in‐house respondents. The JAR categories have various meanings as perceived by the respondents: “prefer product,”“very good,”“I like the product,”“like it very much,”“highly favorable,”“high acceptability,”“desirable like the product,”“best for the situation” and “correct.” Thus, the JAR meanings invoke preference and acceptability. This article presents two additional analyses to help the product tested. One method of analysis divides below‐JAR deviation from the above‐JAR deviation, with standard statistical procedures applied in each data set. The second method introduces the signal‐to‐noise ratio statistic for analyzing the relation of JAR to overall liking. Both analytic methods provide new ways to look at the JAR data, especially with respect to hedonics and product improvement.
Strategic Buyer–Supplier Relationships, Information Technology and External Logistics Integration
Authors: Paulraj Antony , Chen Injazz J.
Published: April 2007

The advent of vertical disintegration coupled with the globalization of markets has brought about increased attention to how firms coordinate flow of materials and information across their supply chain partners. The current research explores the impact of strategic buyer–supplier relationships and information technology on a firm's external logistics integration and agility performance using data collected from over 200 firms. The proposed structural equation model reveals that strategic buyer–supplier relationships and information technology engender external logistics integration, which in turn, affects agility performance of firms. Furthermore, information technology moderates the link between buyer–supplier relationships and logistics integration. Implications for future research and practice are also discussed.
THE MANTLE OF FREUD: WAS ‘THE USE OF AN OBJECT’ WINNICOTT’S TODESTRIEB?
Authors: Reeves Christopher
Published: April 2007

abstract  This paper considers the initial negative reaction to Winnicott’s paper ‘On the use of an object’ in the light of its author’s own reservations about it. It argues that its obscurities indicate Winnicott’s own difficulties in articulating how the young child moves from subjectivity to the objective apprehension of the external world, and the part played in it by aggression. Particular attention is paid to Winnicott’s interest in certain late texts of Freud where the ‘death instinct’ (Todestrieb) features prominently. It is suggested that Winnicott’s interest, like Freud’s, was prompted by the ambition of moving beyond psychopathology to formulate the outlines of a developmental psychology. Again like Freud it is argued that in this endeavour he was conceptually overreaching himself, though for different reasons. The paper concludes with some considerations about the inherently dual nature of any would‐be comprehensive psychology of human understanding and behaviour, and of the necessarily partial contribution of psychodynamic theorizing towards it. The search for such a unitary psychoanalytic formula is what unites the two men.
Capability of a Feed-Forward Artificial Neural Network to Predict the Constitutive Flow Behavior of As Cast 304 Stainless Steel Under Hot Deformation
Authors: Mandal Sumantra , Sivaprasad P. V. , Venugopal S.
Published: April 2007

A model is developed to predict the constitutive flow behavior of as cast 304 stainless steel during hot deformation using artificial neural network (ANN). The inputs of the neural network are strain, strain rate, and temperature, whereas flow stress is the output. Experimental data obtained from hot compression tests in the temperature range 1023-1523K, strain range 0.1-0.5, and strain rate range 10−3-102s−1 are employed to develop the model. A three-layer feed-forward ANN is trained with standard back propagation and some upgraded algorithms like resilient propagation (Rprop) and superSAB. The performances of these algorithms are evaluated using a wide variety of standard statistical indices. The results of this study show that Rprop algorithm performs better as compared to others and thereby considered as the most efficient algorithm for the present study. It has been shown that the developed ANN model can efficiently and accurately predict the hot deformation behavior of as cast 304 stainless steel. Finally, an attempt has been made to quantify the extrapolation ability of the developed network.
Determining Equi-Biaxial Residual Stress and Mechanical Properties From the Force-Displacement Curves of Conical Microindentation
Authors: Yan J. , Chen X. , Karlsson A. M.
Published: April 2007

An alternative, improved method to determine mechanical properties from indentation testing is presented. This method can determine the elastic modulus, yield strength and equi-biaxial residual stress from one simple test. Furthermore, the technique does not require the knowledge of the contact area during indentation, a parameter that is hard to determine for highly elastic material. The evaluation technique is based on finite element analyses, where explicit formulations are established to correlate the parameter groups governing indentation on stressed specimens.
A Mathematical Model for Competing Failure Modes in Strain Cycle Fatigue
Authors: Cashman Gerald T.
Published: April 2007

Elevated temperature data for powder metallurgy alloy René 95 generated in vacuum are presented to demonstrate that the life differences observed between surface and internally initiated failures are due to an environmental effect. The transition in behavior from a mode at low stress dominated by internal initiations to a surface dominated mode at high stress is quantitatively described in terms of both a weakest-link model and a local strain relationship. A fatigue failure mechanism is provided that explains that the natural selection of initiation site is based upon the concept that the site displaying the highest local cyclic plastic strain is the location where fatigue initiates.
An Intelligent Primer
Authors: Patel Nipam H.
Published: April 2007

Coming to Life
. How Genes Drive Development.
By Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard
. Kales Press, Carlsbad, CA, 2006. 180 pp. $29.95, C$42. ISBN 9780967007670.

Nüsslein-Volhard's survey of developmental biology for a popular audience includes such topics as controlling genes, molecular prepatterning, evodevo, body plans, cloning, and gene therapy.
Crystal Structures of Fe
2+
Dioxygenase Superoxo, Alkylperoxo, and Bound Product Intermediates
Authors: Kovaleva Elena G. , Lipscomb John D.
Published: April 2007

We report the structures of three intermediates in the O
2
activation and insertion reactions of an extradiol ring-cleaving dioxygenase. A crystal of Fe
2+
-containing homoprotocatechuate 2,3-dioxygenase was soaked in the slow substrate 4-nitrocatechol in a low O
2
atmosphere. The x-ray crystal structure shows that three different intermediates reside in different subunits of a single homotetrameric enzyme molecule. One of these is the key substrate-alkylperoxo-Fe
2+
intermediate, which has been predicted, but not structurally characterized, in an oxygenase. The intermediates define the major chemical steps of the dioxygenase mechanism and point to a general mechanistic strategy for the diverse 2-His-1-carboxylate enzyme family.
Epigenetic Decisions in Mammalian Germ Cells
Authors: Schaefer Christopher B. , Ooi Steen K. T. , Bestor Timothy H. , Bourc'his Déborah
Published: April 2007

Specific sequences are designated for de novo DNA methylation at CpG dinucleotides in mammalian germ cells. The result is the long-term transcriptional silencing of the methylated sequences, most of which are retrotransposons and CpG-rich sequences associated with imprinted genes. There is profound sexual dimorphism in both the nature of the sequences that undergo de novo methylation in germ cells and in the mechanism by which de novo methylation is regulated. The restriction of future gene expression by the imposition of heritable methylation patterns in germ cell genomes is characteristic of mammals but is rare in other taxa.
Nonequilibrium Phase Transitions in Cuprates Observed by Ultrafast Electron Crystallography
Authors: Gedik Nuh , Yang Ding-Shyue , Logvenov Gennady , Bozovic Ivan , Zewail Ahmed H.
Published: April 2007

Nonequilibrium phase transitions, which are defined by the formation of macroscopic transient domains, are optically dark and cannot be observed through conventional temperature- or pressure-change studies. We have directly determined the structural dynamics of such a nonequilibrium phase transition in a cuprate superconductor. Ultrafast electron crystallography with the use of a tilted optical geometry technique afforded the necessary atomic-scale spatial and temporal resolutions. The observed transient behavior displays a notable “structural isosbestic” point and a threshold effect for the dependence of
c
-axis expansion (Δ
c
) on fluence (
F
), with Δ
c
/
F
= 0.02 angstrom/(millijoule per square centimeter). This threshold for photon doping occurs at ∼0.12 photons per copper site, which is unexpectedly close to the density (per site) of chemically doped carriers needed to induce superconductivity.
Comparison of an ESAT-6/CFP-10 Peptide-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay to a Tuberculin Skin Test for Screening of a Population at Moderate Risk of Contracting Tuberculosis
Authors: Porsa Esmaeil , Cheng Lee , Graviss Edward A.
Published: April 2007

Screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) with the Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) has many limitations including false-positive results due to
Mycobacterium bovis
bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. Three hundred ninety adult inmates with normal screening chest radiographs in a county jail were evaluated for LTBI using TST and an ESAT-6/CFP-10 peptide-based enzyme-linked immunospot assay (T-SPOT.
TB
). LTBI prevalence rates were 19.0% and 8.5% by T-SPOT.
TB
and TST, respectively. Overall agreement between test results was 82.8% (κ = 0.29). Positive T-SPOT.
TB
results were significantly associated with increased age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.06) and intravenous drug use history (OR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.36 to 6.27). Positive TST results were significantly associated with increased age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.09) and foreign birth (OR, 6.61; 95% CI, 1.98 to 22.01). Discordant covariates between the assay results included increased age (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94 to 0.99) and intravenous drug use history (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.88). T-SPOT.
TB
reactivity is unaffected by prior BCG vaccination. T-SPOT.
TB
may be more sensitive than TST in diagnosing LTBI among a moderate risk population of inmates, particularly those with intravenous drug use history. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the positive predictive value of T-SPOT.
TB
in identifying those most likely to convert to active disease in general populations as well as in high-risk subpopulations.
Rapid Detection of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen by an Agglutination Assay Mediated by a Bispecific Diabody against Both Human Erythrocytes and Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen
Authors: Chen Yu-Ping , Qiao Yuan-Yuan , Zhao Xiao-Hang , Chen Hong-Song , Wang Yan , Wang Zhuozhi
Published: April 2007

Bispecific antibodies have immense potential for use in clinical applications. In the present study, a bispecific diabody against human red blood cells (RBCs) and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) was used to detect HBsAg in blood specimens. The bispecific diabody was constructed by crossing over the variable region of the heavy chains and the light chains of anti-RBC and anti-HBsAg antibodies with a short linker, SRGGGS. In enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, this bispecific diabody showed specific binding to both RBCs and HBsAg. When this bispecific diabody was mixed with human blood specimens in the presence of HBsAg, the dual binding sites of the diabody caused agglutination of human RBCs. This diabody-mediated agglutination assay was then used to test 712 clinical blood specimens and showed 97.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity when the results were compared with those of the conventional immunoassay, which was used as a reference. This autologous RBC agglutination assay provides a simple approach for rapid screening for HBsAg in blood specimens.
Both Human Immunodeficiency Virus Cellular DNA Sequencing and Plasma RNA Sequencing Are Useful for Detection of Drug Resistance Mutations in Blood Samples from Antiretroviral-Drug-Naive Patients
Authors: Parisi Saverio G. , Boldrin Caterina , Cruciani Mario , Nicolini Giangiacomo , Cerbaro Isabella , Manfrin Vinicio , Dal Bello Federico , Franchin Elisa , Franzetti Marzia , Rossi Maria C. , Cattelan Anna M. , Romano Laura , Zazzi Maurizio , Andreoni Massimo , Palù Giorgio
Published: April 2007

Genotypic antiretroviral testing is recommended for newly infected drug-naive subjects, and the material of choice is plasma RNA. Since drug resistance mutations (DRMs) may persist longer in cellular DNA than in plasma RNA, we investigated whether the use of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) DNA increases the sensitivity of genotypic testing in antiretroviral-drug-naive subjects. We compared the rate of primary drug resistance in plasma RNA and PBMC DNA in 288 HIV type 1-infected drug-naive persons tested at a single clinical virology center from June 2004 to October 2006. Resistance in the plasma compartment to at least one drug was detected for 64 out of 288 (22.2%) naive patients and in the PBMC compartment for 56 (19.4%) patients. Overall, DRMs were found in 80 out of 288 (27.8%) patients. PBMC DRMs were present in plasma RNA from 16 subjects with wild-type virus infections. Another nine patients had additional DRMs in PBMCs with respect to those detected in plasma RNA. On the other hand, extra plasma DRMs were detected in PBMCs for 24 and 8 subjects with wild-type and drug-resistant virus, respectively. Resistance to more than one class of antiretroviral drug was detected by plasma and PBMC analysis for 25.0% and 36.2% of the subjects, respectively. Our data support the potential utility of genotypic resistance testing of PBMC DNA in conjunction with the currently recommended plasma RNA analysis.