bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibodies to protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type O (PTPro) increase glomerular albumin permeability (Palb)
Authors: Charba Deane S. , Wiggins Roger C. , Goyal Meera , Wharram Bryan L. , Wiggins Jocelyn E. , McCarthy Ellen T. , Sharma Ram , Sharma Mukut , Savin Virginia J.
Published: April 2009

Glomerular capillary filtration barrier characteristics are determined in part by the slit-pore junctions of glomerular podocytes. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-O (PTPro) is a transmembrane protein expressed on the apical surface of podocyte foot processes. Tyrosine phosphorylation of podocyte proteins including nephrin may control the filtration barrier. To determine whether PTPro activity is required to maintain glomerular macromolecular permeability, albumin permeability ( Palb) was studied after incubation of glomeruli from normal animals with a series of monoclonal (mAb) and polyclonal antibodies. Reagents included mAbs to rabbit and rat PTPro and polyclonal rabbit immune IgG to rat PTPro. mAb 4C3, specific to the amino acid core of PTPro, decreased its phosphatase activity and increased Palbof rabbit glomeruli in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, mAb P8E7 did not diminish phosphatase activity and did not alter Palb. Preincubation of 4C3 with PTPro extracellular domain fusion protein blocked glomerular binding and abolished permeability activity. In parallel experiments, Palbof rat glomeruli was increased by two mAbs (1B4 and 1D1) or by polyclonal anti-rat PTPro. We conclude that PTPro interaction with specific antibodies acutely increases Palb. The identity of the normal ligand for PTPro and of its substrate, as well as the mechanism by which phosphatase activity of this receptor affects the filtration barrier, remain to be determined.
A mathematical model of O2transport in the rat outer medulla. II. Impact of outer medullary architecture
Authors: Chen Jing , Edwards Aurélie , Layton Anita T.
Published: April 2009

we extended the region-based mathematical model of the urine-concentrating mechanism in the rat outer medulla (OM) developed by Layton and Layton ( Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 289: F1346–F1366, 2005) to examine the impact of the complex structural organization of the OM on O2transport and distribution. In the present study, we investigated the sensitivity of predicted Po2profiles to several parameters that characterize the degree of OM regionalization, boundary conditions, structural dimensions, transmural transport properties, and relative positions and distributions of tubules and vessels. Our results suggest that the fraction of O2supplied to descending vasa recta (DVR) that reaches the inner medulla, i.e., a measure of the axial Po2gradient in the OM, is insensitive to parameter variations as a result of the sequestration of long DVR in the vascular bundles. In contrast, O2distribution among the regions surrounding the vascular core strongly depends on the radial positions of medullary thick ascending limbs (mTALs) relative to the vascular core, the degree of regionalization, and the distribution of short DVR along the corticomedullary axis. Moreover, if it is assumed that the mTAL active Na+transport rate decreases when mTAL Po2falls below a critical level, O2availability to mTALs has a significant impact on the concentrating capability of the model OM. The model also predicts that when the OM undergoes hypertrophy, its concentrating capability increases significantly only when anaerobic metabolism supports a substantial fraction of the mTAL active Na+transport and is otherwise critically reduced by low interstitial and mTAL luminal Po2in a hypertrophied OM.
Organic anion transporter OAT1 is involved in renal handling of citrulline
Authors: Nakakariya Masanori , Shima Yoichiro , Shirasaka Yoshiyuki , Mitsuoka Keisuke , Nakanishi Takeo , Tamai Ikumi
Published: April 2009

Because citrulline plasma concentration is elevated in kidney failure, citrulline could be a biomarker of renal insufficiency, although the mechanism regulating its disposition in the kidney has not been clarified. In rat kidney slices, citrulline uptake was apparently Na+dependent, saturable with Km556 μM, and significantly inhibited by anionic (PAH) and cationic (TEA) compounds, but not by probenecid at 1 mM. Preincubation of kidney slices with glutarate increased citrulline uptake, while such an increase was not observed after preincubation of the slices in Na+-free buffer. This result suggested that a sodium-dependent dicarboxylate cotransporter is involved in citrulline uptake by rat kidney slices. In studies using transporter-overexpressing cells, human organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) and rat Oat1 exhibited citrulline transport activity with Kmvalues of 238 and 373 μM, respectively, while other OATs and organic cation transporters (OCTs) did not transport citrulline. Based on the relative activity factor method, the contribution of rat Oat1 to the overall uptake of citrulline in rat kidney slices was ∼70%. Moreover, the interaction among citrulline, PAH, and probenecid uptakes via rat Oat1 suggested that there are multiple functional sites on Oat1 and that the citrulline site may be distinct from the PAH and probenecid site. Thus OAT1/Oat1 appears to be one of the major contributors to renal basolateral uptake of citrulline, and impaired activities of these transporters may contribute substantially to the increase in plasma citrulline in renal failure. Accordingly, citrulline may be useful for diagnosis of kidney function as is creatinine.
Arterial and pulmonary arterial hemodynamics and oxygen delivery/extraction in normal humans exposed to hyperbaric air and oxygen
Authors: Weaver Lindell K. , Howe Steve , Snow Gregory L. , Deru Kayla
Published: April 2009

Divers and hyperbaric chamber attendants breathe hyperbaric air routinely. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is used therapeutically frequently. Although much is understood about the hemodynamic physiology and gas exchange effects during hyperbaric air and HBO2 exposure, arterial and pulmonary arterial (PA) catheter data, including blood gas values during hyperbaric air and HBO2 exposure of normal humans, have not been reported. We exposed 10 healthy volunteers instrumented with arterial and PA catheters to air at 0.85, 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.3 (decompression stop), 1.12 (decompression stop), and 0.85 atm abs (our altitude) and then at identical pressures breathing O2 followed by atmospheric pressure air while we measured arterial and PA pressures (PAP), cardiac output (Q̇), and blood gas measurements from both arterial and PA catheters. Although hemodynamic changes occurred during exposure to both hyperbaric air and HBO2, we observed a greater magnitude of change under HBO2 conditions: heart rate changes ranged from −9 to −19% (air to O2), respiratory rate from −12 to −17%, Q̇ from −7 to −18%, PAP from −18 to −19%, pulmonary vascular resistance from −38 to −48%, and right-to-left shunt fraction from −87 to −107%. Mixed venous CO2 fell 8% from baseline during HBO2 despite mixed venous O2 tensions of several hundred Torr. The stroke volume, O2 delivery, and O2 consumption did not change across exposures. The arterial and mixed venous partial pressures of O2 and contents were elevated, as predicted. O2 extraction increased 37% during HBO2.
Impact of Persistent Cortical Activity (Up States) on Intracortical and Thalamocortical Synaptic Inputs
Authors: Rigas Pavlos , Castro-Alamancos Manuel A.
Published: April 2009

The neocortex generates short epochs of persistent activity called up states, which are associated with changes in cellular and network excitability. Using somatosensory thalamocortical slices, we studied the impact of persistent cortical activity during spontaneous up states on intrinsic cellular excitability (input resistance) and on excitatory synaptic inputs of cortical cells. At the intrinsic excitability level, we found that the expected decrease in input resistance (high conductance) resulting from synaptic barrages during up states is counteracted by an increase in input resistance due to depolarization per se. The result is a variable but on average relatively small reduction in input resistance during up states. At the synaptic level, up states enhanced a late synaptic component of short-latency thalamocortical field potential responses but suppressed intracortical field potential responses. The thalamocortical enhancement did not reflect an increase in synaptic strength, as determined by measuring the evoked postsynaptic current, but instead an increase in evoked action potential (spike) probability due to depolarization during up states. In contrast, the intracortical suppression was associated with a reduction in synaptic strength, apparently driven by increased presynaptic intracortical activity during up states. In addition, intracortical suppression also reflected a reduction in evoked spike latency caused by depolarization and the abolishment of longer-latency spikes caused by stronger inhibitory drive during up states. In conclusion, depolarization during up states increases the success of excitatory synaptic inputs to reach firing. However, activity-dependent synaptic depression caused by increased presynaptic firing during up states and the enhancement of evoked inhibitory drive caused by depolarization suppress excitatory intracortical synaptic inputs.
Extrasynaptic Release of GABA by Retinal Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Hirasawa Hajime , Puopolo Michelino , Raviola Elio
Published: April 2009

GABA release by dopaminergic amacrine (DA) cells of the mouse retina was detected by measuring Cl−currents generated by isolated perikarya in response to their own neurotransmitter. The possibility that the Cl−currents were caused by GABA release from synaptic endings that had survived the dissociation of the retina was ruled out by examining confocal Z series of the surface of dissociated tyrosine hydroxylase-positive perikarya after staining with antibodies to preand postsynaptic markers. GABA release was caused by exocytosis because 1) the current events were transient on the millisecond time scale and thus resembled miniature synaptic currents; 2) they were abolished by treatment with a blocker of the vesicular proton pump, bafilomycin A1; and 3) their frequency was controlled by the intracellular Ca2+concentration. Because DA cell perikarya do not contain presynaptic active zones, release was by necessity extrasynaptic. A range of depolarizing stimuli caused GABA exocytosis, showing that extrasynaptic release of GABA is controlled by DA cell electrical activity. With all modalities of stimulation, including long-lasting square pulses, segments of pacemaker activity delivered by the action-potential-clamp method and high-frequency trains of ramps, discharge of GABAergic currents exhibited considerable variability in latency and duration, suggesting that coupling between Ca2+influx and transmitter exocytosis is extremely loose in comparison with the synapse. Paracrine signaling based on extrasynaptic release of GABA by DA cells and other GABAergic amacrines may participate in controlling the excitability of the neuronal processes that interact synaptically in the inner plexiform layer.
Two Interacting Olfactory Transduction Mechanisms Have Linked Polarities and Dynamics inDrosophila melanogasterAntennal Basiconic Sensilla Neurons
Authors: Schuckel Julia , Torkkeli Päivi H. , French Andrew S.
Published: April 2009

We measured frequency response functions between concentrations of fruit odorants and individual action potentials in large basiconic sensilla of the Drosophila melanogaster antenna. A new method of randomly varying odorant concentration was combined with rapid, continuous measurement of concentration at the antenna by a miniature photoionization detector. All frequency responses decreased progressively at frequencies approaching 100 Hz, providing an upper limit for the dynamics of Drosophila olfaction. We found two distinct response patterns: excitatory band-pass frequency responses were seen with ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, and hexanol, whereas inhibitory low-pass responses were seen with methyl salicylate and phenylethyl acetate. Band-pass responses peaked at 1–10 Hz. Frequency responses could be well fitted by simple linear filter equations, and the fitted parameters were consistent within each of the two types of responses. Experiments with equal mixtures of excitatory and inhibitory odorants gave responses that were characteristic of the inhibitory components, indicating that interaction during transduction causes inhibitory odorants to suppress the responses to excitatory odorants. Plots of response amplitude versus odorant concentration indicated that the odorant concentrations used were within approximately linear regions of the dose response relationships. We also estimated linear information capacity from the coherence function of each recording. Although coherence was relatively high, indicating a large signal-to-noise ratio, information capacity for olfaction was much lower than comparable estimates for mechanotransduction or visual transduction because of the limited bandwidth of olfaction. These data offer new insights into transduction by primary chemoreceptors and place temporal constraints on Drosophila olfactory behavior.
Touching Sounds: Thalamocortical Plasticity and the Neural Basis of Multisensory Integration
Authors: Naumer Marcus J. , van den Bosch Jasper J. F.
Published: April 2009

To date, noninvasive neuroimaging research on multisensory perception has focused on cortical activations. In a series of elegant functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments, Beauchamp and Ro recently investigated altered cortical activations associated with acquired sound–touch synesthesia resulting from a thalamic lesion. Their findings highlight the important role of intact thalamocortical projections for preventing illusory crossmodal perception and for underlying reliable multisensory integration.
Zoledronic Acid Inhibits Both the Osteolytic and Osteoblastic Components of Osteosarcoma Lesions in a Mouse Model
Authors: Labrinidis Agatha , Hay Shelley , Liapis Vasilios , Ponomarev Vladimir , Findlay David M. , Evdokiou Andreas
Published: April 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of zoledronic acid (ZOL) against osteosarcoma (OS) growth, progression, and metastatic spread using an animal model of human OS that closely resembles the human disease.

Experimental Design: Human K-HOS or KRIB OS cells, tagged or untagged with a luciferase reporter construct, were transplanted directly into the tibial cavity of nude mice. ZOL was given as weekly, or a single dose of 100 μg/kg body weight, equivalent to the 4 mg i.v. dose used clinically. Tumor growth at the primary site and as pulmonary metastases was monitored by bioluminescence imaging and histology, and OS-induced bone destruction was measured using high-resolution micro–computed tomography.

Results: Mice transplanted with OS cells exhibited aberrant bone remodeling in the area of cancer cell transplantation, with areas of osteolysis mixed with extensive new bone formation extending from the cortex. ZOL administration prevented osteolysis and significantly reduced the amount of OS-induced bone formation. However, ZOL had no effect on tumor burden at the primary site. Importantly, ZOL failed to reduce lung metastasis and in some cases was associated with larger and more numerous metastatic lesions.

Conclusions: Our data show that clinically relevant doses of ZOL, while protecting the bone from OS-induced bone destruction, do not inhibit primary tumor growth. Moreover, lung metastases were not reduced and may even have been promoted by this treatment, indicating that caution is required when the clinical application of the bisphosphonate class of antiresorptives is considered in OS.
A Universal Formula Based on Cystatin C to Perform Individual Dosing of Carboplatin in Normal Weight, Underweight, and Obese Patients
Authors: Schmitt Antonin , Gladieff Laurence , Lansiaux Amélie , Bobin-Dubigeon Christine , Etienne-Grimaldi Marie-Christine , Boisdron-Celle Michèle , Serre-Debauvais Françoise , Pinguet Frédéric , Floquet Anne , Billaud Eliane , Le Guellec Chantal , Penel Nicolas , Campone Mario , Largillier Rémy , Capitain Olivier , Fabbro Michel , Houede Nadine , Medioni Jacques , Bougnoux Philippe , Lochon Isabelle , Chatelut Etienne
Published: April 2009

Purpose: It has recently been shown that it is possible to improve the prediction of carboplatin clearance by adding plasma cystatin C level (cysC), an endogenous marker of glomerular filtration rate, to the other patient characteristics routinely used for carboplatin individual dosing, namely serum creatinine (Scr), actual body weight (ABW), age, and sex. This multicenter pharmacokinetic study was done to evaluate prospectively the benefit of using cysC for carboplatin individual dosing.

Experimental Design: The 357 patients included in the study were receiving carboplatin as part of established protocols. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was done using NONMEM program. Seven covariates studied were as follows: Scr, cysC, age, sex, ABW, ideal body weight, and lean body mass.

Results: The best covariate equation was as follows: carboplatin clearance (mL/min) = 117.8. (Scr/75)−0.450. (cysC/1,00)−0.385. (ABW/65)+0.504. (age/56)−0.366. 0.847sex, with Scr in μmol/L, cysC in mg/L, ABW in kilograms, age in years, and sex = 0 for male. Using an alternative weight descriptor (ideal body weight or lean body mass) did not improve the prediction. This final covariate model was validated by bootstrap analysis. The bias (mean percentage error) and imprecision (mean absolute percentage error) were +1% and 15%, respectively, on the total population, and were of a similar magnitude in each of the three subgroups of patients defined according to their body mass index.

Conclusion: For the first time, a unique formula is proposed for carboplatin individual dosing to patients, which is shown to be equally valid for underweight, normal weight, and obese patients.
A Randomized Phase II Chemoprevention Trial of 13-CIS Retinoic Acid with Or without α Tocopherol or Observation in Subjects at High Risk for Lung Cancer
Authors: Kelly Karen , Kittelson John , Franklin Wilbur A. , Kennedy Timothy C. , Klein Catherine E. , Keith Robert L. , Dempsey Edward C. , Lewis Marina , Jackson Mary K. , Hirsch Fred R. , Bunn Paul A. , Miller York E.
Published: April 2009

No chemoprevention strategies have been proven effective for lung cancer.

We evaluated the effect of 13-cis retinoic acid (13-cis RA), with or without α tocopherol, as a lung cancer chemoprevention agent in a phase II randomized controlled clinical trial of adult subjects at high risk for lung cancer as defined by the presence of sputum atypia, history of smoking, and airflow obstruction, or a prior surgically cured nonsmall cell lung cancer (disease free, >3 years). Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either 13-cis RA, 13-cis RA plus α tocopherol (13-cis RA/α toco) or observation for 12 months.

Outcome measures are derived from histologic evaluation of bronchial biopsy specimens obtained by bronchoscopy at baseline and follow-up. The primary outcome measure is treatment “failure” defined as histologic progression (any increase in the maximum histologic score) or failure to return for follow-up bronchoscopy.

Seventy-five subjects were randomized (27/22/26 to obervations/13-cis RA/13-cis RA/α toco); 59 completed the trial; 55 had both baseline and follow-up bronchoscopy. The risk of treatment failure was 55.6% (15 of 27) and 50% (24 of 48) in the observation and combined (13 cis RA plus 13 cis RA/α toco) treatment arms, respectively (odds ratio adjusted for baseline histology, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-2.66; P = 0.95). Among subjects with complete histology data, maximum histology score in the observation arm increased by 0.37 units and by 0.03 units in the treated arms (difference adjusted for baseline, −0.18; 95% confidence interval, −1.16 to 0.81; P = 0.72). Similar (nonsignificant) results were observed for treatment effects on endobronchial proliferation as assessed by Ki-67 immunolabeling.

Twelve-month treatment with 13-cis RA produced nonsignificant changes in bronchial histology, consistent with results in other trials. Agents advancing to phase III randomized trials should produce greater histologic changes. The addition of α tocopherol did not affect toxicity.
Functional Relaxation and Guided Imagery as Complementary Therapy in Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Lahmann C. , Nickel M. , Schuster T. , Sauer N. , Ronel J. , Noll-Hussong M. , Tritt K. , Nowak D. , Röhricht F. , Loew T.
Published: April 2009

Background: Asthma is a frequently disabling and almost invariably distressing disease that has a high overall prevalence. Although relaxation techniques and hypnotherapeutic interventions have proven their effectiveness in numerous trials, relaxation therapies are still not recommended in treatment guidelines due to a lack of methodological quality in many of the trials. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of the brief relaxation technique of functional relaxation (FR) and guided imagery (GI) in adult asthmatics in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: 64 patients with extrinsic bronchial asthma were treated over a 4-week period and assessed at baseline, after treatment and after 4 months, for follow-up. 16 patients completed FR, 14 GI, 15 both FR and GI (FR/GI) and 13 received a placebo relaxation technique as the control intervention (CI). The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) as well as the specific airway resistance (sRaw) were employed as primary outcome measures. Results: Participation in FR, GI and FR/GI led to increases in FEV1 (% predicted) of 7.6 ± 13.2, 3.3 ± 9.8, and 8.3 ± 21.0, respectively, as compared to –1.8 ± 11.1 in the CI group at the end of the therapy. After follow-up, the increases in FEV1 were 6.9 ± 10.3 in the FR group, 4.4 ± 7.3 in the GI and 4.5 ± 8.1 in the FR/GI, compared to –2.8 ± 9.2 in the CI. Improvements in sRaw (% predicted) were in keeping with the changes in FEV1 in all groups. Conclusions: Our study confirms a positive effect of FR on respiratory parameters and suggests a clinically relevant long-term benefit from FR as a nonpharmacological and complementary therapy treatment option.
Viral Load, Antibody Titers and Recombinant Open Reading Frame 2 Protein-Induced Th1/Th2 Cytokines and Cellular Immune Responses in Self-Limiting and Fulminant Hepatitis E
Authors: Saravanabalaji S. , Tripathy A.S. , Dhoot R.R. , Chadha M.S. , Kakrani A.L. , Arankalle V.A.
Published: April 2009

Objectives: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the predominant cause of water-borne epidemics, sporadic acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in adults and fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) among pregnant women and other adults in India. This preliminary study was designed to examine the association of viral load and certain host immune responses with uneventful recovery or progression to FHF. Methods: Viral load, anti-HEV antibody titers, rORF2p-induced Th1/Th2 cytokines levels and cellular immune responses were assessed in 47 patients with self-limiting hepatitis E and 14 FHF-E cases. The controls included 16 anti-HEV-IgM and IgG-negative healthy individuals. Results: In AVH category, the viral load was 2.4 × 104 ± 1.92 × 104 copies/ml while except for one, all FHF patients were negative for HEV RNA; anti-HEV-IgM and IgG titers were higher in the FHF group. Lymphocyte proliferative response to rORF2p was comparable in both groups. As compared to AVH, significantly higher levels of both Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-10) cytokines were recorded in FHF patients. Analysis of sequential samples differentiated FHF recovered and fatal patients with respect to IFN-γ and IL-12. Conclusion: The results document increased Th1/Th2 responses and anti-HEV titers in FHF patients that warrant in-depth immunological studies.
Treatment of Proximal Deep-Vein Thrombosis Using Subcutaneously Administered Calcium Heparin: Comparison with Intravenous Sodium Heparin
Authors: White Richard H. , Daschbach Martha M. , McGahan John P. , Keck Kevin , Parsons Gibbe H. , Hartling Ross P. , Mungall Dennis
Published: April 2009

In a prospective, randomized clinical trial we compared the efficacy of subcutaneously (SC) administered (every 8 h) calcium heparin to intravenous (IV) sodium heparin in the treatment of proximal deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). A secondary objective was to give enough heparin to achieve a therapeutic anticoagulant effect by the end of the first 24 h. Five of 36 patients (14%) in the SC heparin group failed to achieve a therapeutic anticoagulant effect by the end of the first 24 h compared to 2 of 23 patients (9%) in the IV group (p = NS; 95% Cl for true difference = -11.7% to 22.1%). Two of 31 patients (6.5%) in the SC group had venographic evidence of clot propagation compared to 1 of 19 patients (5.3 %) in the IV group (p = NS; 95 % CI for true difference = -12.4% to 14.8 %). The rate of major hemorrhagic complications was similar in each group (∼ 15%). We conclude: (1) using a large initial dose of SC heparin, a therapeutic anticoagulant effect can be readily achieved within 24 h, and (2) combining the results of this trial with previous studies, the efficacy of SC administered calcium appears to be comparable to IV sodium heparin.
Russell’s Viper Venom: Effects on Coagulating Whole Blood in vitro
Authors: Lorenz R. , Vlizou M. , Clemens R. , Tornieporth N. , Pukrittayakammee S.
Published: April 2009

Russell’s viper venom (RW) leads to a strong activation of the coagulation system with consumptive coagulopathy and thrombopenia. For better comprehension of the pathophysiologic process, the effect of RW was examined in an in vitro model of hemostasis. The stimulation of the coagulation system and of platelet activity can be discriminated by sequential measuring of fibrinopeptide A (FPA) generation and platelet factor 4 (PF 4) release, respectively. In coagulating whole blood both parameters show a parallel response curve in the control series (n = 6) with an initial slow phase followed by a rapid phase after 4.7 ± 0.8 min (FPA) and 6.0 ± 0.9 min (PF 4) of the incubation period. Varying concentrations of RW (15,50, 100 and 1,000 ng/ml; n = 6 each) cause a dose-dependent stimulation of FPA generation as well as of PF 4 secretion. Clot formation time shows a decrease from 9 min (controls) to 6.3 ± 2.0 min (100 ng/ml RW) and 2.7 ± 0.5 min (1,000 ng/ml), respectively. The concomitant addition of antithrombin III (AT III, 20 U/ml) and RW (100 ng/ml) leads to a nearly complete normalization of hemostasis in vitro. The beginning of the rapid activation phase is comparable to that of the control group, clot formation does not occur during the 10-min incubation period. Heparin (1 IU/ml) acts as an antagonist not only of the venom-induced FPA generation, but also of the PF 4 release. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1 (150 ng/ml) does not inhibit the RW-stimulated FPA generation, but causes a moderate inhibition of PF 4 secretion, especially during the rapid phase. Clot formation time is prolonged to 7.3 ± 0.5 min, compared to 6.7 ± 2.0 min after RW alone. In conclusion, RW leads to a dose-dependent activation of hemostasis. PGE1 acts as an inhibitor of platelet activity without alteration of FPA generation, while heparin leads to the inhibition of both agents. At high concentrations AT III normalizes hemostasis and thus may become of therapeutic interest.
Elevated Levels of Plasma and Urine Beta-Thromboglobulin or Thromboxane-B2 as Markers of Real Platelet Hyperactivation in Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Tóth Lajos , Szénási Pál , Varsányi Mária-Nagy , Szilvási István , Lehoczky Enikö , Kammerer László , Romics Lázló
Published: April 2009

Serum creatinine, immunoreactive serum and urine β2-microglobulin, plasma and urine thromboglobulin, plasma thromboxane-B2 levels and daily protein excretion were determined in 61 insulin-treated diabetic patients, comparing the different patient groups (complication free, nephropathy without and with azotaemia) with control subjects. In the groups of diabetic patients, plasma and urine β-thromboglobulin (BTG) and plasma thromboxane-B2 levels were higher than in the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between urine BTG and β2-microglobulin in the group without complication, and between the plasma BTG and β2-microglobulin, and plasma BTG and thromboxane levels in the diabetic group with azotaemia. In contrast to some previous assumptions, the increased level of plasma BTG reflects a real platelet hyperactivation in patients with diabetic nephropathy. At the same time, urine BTG also increases. Determination of urine BTG is more simple with less possibility of methodological error.
Oat Husk Fiber Decreases Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1 Activity
Authors: Sundell Birgitta , Rånby Mats
Published: April 2009

Eleven healthy subjects volunteered to participate in a fiber supplement study and were instructed to consume oat husk tablets in addition to their regular diets. During a 2-week experimental period the subjects consumed 10 g oat husk per day. Blood samples were collected before breakfast between 8:00 and 9:00. As compared to baseline, 10 g oat husk supplementation per day resulted in a reduction of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) activity (p < 0.05). Except for an increase in glucose, no other statistically significant deviation from baseline was observed in measured blood parameters; tissue plasminogen activator activity, prourinary plasminogen activator, coagulation factor VII, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), triglyc-erides and insulin. A 6-week washout period returned the PAI-1 activity level to baseline.
Effect of Long-Term Aerobic Exercise on Helium-Neon-Laser-Induced Thrombogenesis in Rat Mesenteric Arterioles and Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Yamamoto J. , Ishii I. , Chikamori A. , Sasaki Y. , Nagamatsu Y. , Morita S. , Tsukahara M.
Published: April 2009

We have previously investigated the antithrombotic effect of aerobic exercise in rat arterioles and venules under conditions of variable exercise load. In the present study, rats were subjected to constant exercise of 90% maximal oxygen uptake for 30 min, 5 times a week for 2, 4, 8 or 18 weeks. Thrombotic tendency was assessed by the He-Ne-laser-induced thrombus formation method. Platelet aggregation, platelet adhesion, whole blood clotting time, fibrinogen levels and blood cell count were also measured. The thrombotic tendency in arterioles decreased significantly after 18 weeks training, but not in venules. Thrombotic tendency increased slightly after 2 weeks training though the differences were not significant. A significant decrease in collagen-induced platelet aggregation was observed after 18 weeks training. The results demonstrated that long-term aerobic training decreased the thrombotic tendency in rat arterioles and that this was partly due to decreased platelet aggregability.
Cost/ Benefit Aspects on Thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Bergqvist David , Mätzsch Thomas
Published: April 2009

Several studies have shown thromboprophylaxis of any kind to be more cost-effective than no prophylaxis or general diagnostic surveillance and selective treatment. Little has been written on low molecular weight heparins from the cost-effectiveness point of view. This preliminary study shows low molecular weight heparin to be more cost-effective than standard low-dose heparin in most situations of prophylaxis.
Prevention of Fatal Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Kakkar V.V.
Published: April 2009

Venous thromboembolism is a frequent complication in hospitalized patients. A number of drugs are now available to prevent this complication. These include dextron, oral anticoagulants, standard heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin. The efficacy of these drugs is reviewed in this paper. The data presented indicate that a single fixed daily subcutaneous injection of low-molecular-weight heparin provides a simple and an effective method of preventing death due to massive pulmonary embolism. Therefore emphasis should now be on the physicians and surgeons to protect all high-risk patients.
Human Platelet Antigen Gene Frequencies in the Austrian Population
Authors: Holensteiner Andrea , Walchshofer Sabine , Adler Arthur , Kittl Eva-Maria , Mayr Wolfgang R. , Panzer Simon
Published: April 2009

Gene frequencies for the human platelet antigen systems HPA-1, -2, -3, and -5 were determined directly from DNA isolated from cord blood of more than 900 randomly selected Caucasoid newborns in Vienna, Austria. Genotyping was performed by specific amplification of the respective regions coding for platelet glycoproteins GP lb, IIb, IIIa, and la by PCR. These PCR products were analyzed after restriction enzyme digestion and electrophoresis. The observed gene frequencies were: HPA-1a: 0.852, HPA-1b: 0.148; HPA-2a: 0.918, HPA-2b: 0.082; HPA-3a: 0.612, HPA-3b: 0.388; HPA-5a: 0.892, HPA-5b: 0.108. There was a good fit with the Hardy-Wein-berg equilibrium. Results from serological determinations and genotyping showed no discrepancies.
Preventive Effect of Long-Term Aerobic Exercise on Thrombus Formation in Rat Cerebral Vessels
Authors: Sasaki Yasuto , Morimoto Ayumu , lshii Izumi , Morita Shigeru , Tsukahara Masayoshi , Yamamoto Junichiro
Published: April 2009

The antithrombotic effect of long-term aerobic exercise was studied in rat cerebral blood vessels using an argon (Ar) laser-induced thrombosis technique. Rats were subjected to treadmill exericse at 70% VO2max for 2 and 4 months. The number of laser irradiations required to form an occlusive thrombus in the exercise group was significantly increased compared to that of the control group after 2- and 4-month training periods. Fibrinolytic activity increased just after exercise but there was no significant difference between the exercise and the control group in the resting state after a period of exercising conditioning. The results demonstrated that long-term aerobic exercise decreased the thrombotic tendency in rat cerebral vessels and suggested that such exercise might have a protective effect on these blood vessels.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Endemic Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis
Authors: Omran S.A. , El-Bassiouni N.E. , Hussein N.A. , Akl M.M. , Hussein A.T. , Mohamed A.A.
Published: April 2009

Thrombin and plasmin generation were assessed in patients with endemic hepatosplenic schistomiasis (15 hepatospleno-megalic, 15 splenomegalic, 15 with advanced hepatic fibrosis and ascites and 15 hepatosplenic patients with hematemesis). Prolongation of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, a decrease in antithrombin III and protein C and S levels and elevation in fibrinopeptide A, D-dimer and thrombin-antithrombin complex levels were detected in all groups. The deficit in hemostatic parameters was more pronounced with the advancement of the disease and was maximal in the hematemesis group. Our data demonstrate an increase in both thrombin and plasmin generation and indicate that low grade disseminated intravascular coagulation may occur in association with endemic Egyptian hepatosplenic schistosomiasis even in the steady state without overt bleeding.
Haemostatic Variables in Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Trifiletti A. , Barbera N. , Pizzoleo M.A. , Lasco A. , Lucifora S. , Leone G. , Soraci S. , Pedullà M. , Frisina N.
Published: April 2009

In 22 untreated patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension and in 10 normotensive subjects the plasma levels of thrombomodulin (TM), β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), D-dimer (DD), tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator-inhibitor (PAI-1) were evaluated. The observed values show no significant difference in plasma TM, plasma and urine β-TG concentration and plasma DD among hypertensive patients and controls. On the other hand, the levels of t-PA and PAI-1 in hypertensive patients were significantly higher than the values detected in normotensive control subjects. These data seem to indicate that, at initial stages of essential hypertension, the t-PA and PAI-1 levels increase.
One-Year Experience of Very Low Doses of Subcutaneous Erythropoietin in Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis and Its Effect on Haemostasis
Authors: Huraib S. , Gader A.M.A. , Al-Momen A.K. , Abu-Aisha H. , Al-Wakeel J. , Memon N.A.
Published: April 2009

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) is now well established in the management of the anaemia associated with chronic renal failure. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of low doses of subcutaneous (s.c.) erythropoietin in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and particularly its effects on haemostasis. Seven CAPD patients were given s.c. erythropoietin for more than 1 year. Their mean age was 36.2 ± 9.2 years and their mean pretreatment haemoglobin (Hb) was 7.05 ± 0.53 g/dl. All patients were started on 20 U/kg, 3 times/week, to be doubled every 4 weeks if no response was obtained. Five patients had a good response and attained the target Hb of 10-12 g/dl and were maintained on low doses of rHuEpo (20 U/kg s.c, twice a week). A marked improvement in haemostatic function was noted when comparing the pre- with the post-treatment measurements. There was a significant reduction in the bleeding time, significant increases in fibrinogen and factor VIII clotting activity but not in von Willebrand factor antigen or risto-cetin cofactor. There was also simultaneous enhancement of the platelet aggregation responses to adrenalin, collagen, arachidonic acid and ADP. In conclusion, long-term treatment with small doses of s.c. rHuEpo is safe, convenient and effective in correcting anaemia in patients on CAPD, rHuEpo caused significant improvement of bleeding time which can be explained partly through the correction of anaemia and in part by the improvement in haemostatic function.
Emerging Materiality: Reflections on Creative Use of Software in Electronic Music Composition
Authors: Bertelsen Olav W. , Breinbjerg Morten , Pold Søren
Published: April 2009

The authors examine how materiality emerges from complex chains of mediation in creative software use. The primarily theoretical argument is inspired and illustrated by interviews with two composers of electronic music. The authors argue that computer mediated activity should not primarily be understood in terms of simple mediation, but rather as chains of complex mediation in which the dominant form of representation is metonymy rather than metaphor.
Trivet Fields: The Materiality of Interaction in Architectural Space
Authors: Reinhardt Dagmar , Jakovich Joanne
Published: April 2009

The proliferation of interactive technologies expands the palette of the architect, prompting a re-examination of notions of materiality in architecture. This article explores how the introduction of computational processes that accelerate, amplify or animate conventional mechanisms of time and space might alter the relationship between human perception and matter. We present a spatial paradigm for the materiality of interaction in architectural space and demonstrate it in a recent installation work, Trivet Fields, which employs a heterogeneous model of interactivity to articulate spatial materiality.
Materiality, Memory and Imagination: Using Empathy to Research Creativity
Authors: Treadaway Cathy
Published: April 2009

Our perception of the physical world is informed by our bodily sensory experiences. This rich source of information stimulates the brain and is remembered and remade in the creative processes that feed our imagination. How does experience of materiality shape our creative use of digital imaging tools, and how does the technology influence creative practice? This article contends that creative processes are heavily reliant on our memories of physical experience and that tools to support creative digital practice could be enhanced to utilize the rich multi-sensory stimulation it provides. This paper presents collaborative art-making that has been used to investigate issues arising from case study research, enabling the author to empathically experience the artist's creative processes and to provide insight into how digital tools can support creative practice.
Entomogenic Climate Change: Insect Bioacoustics and Future Forest Ecology
Authors: Dunn David D. , Crutchfield James P.
Published: April 2009

Rapidly expanding insect populations, deforestation and global climate change threaten to destabilize key planetary carbon pools, especially the Earth's forests, which link the micro-ecology of insect infestation to climate. To the extent mean temperature increases, insect populations accelerate deforestation. This alters climate via the loss of active carbon sequestration by live trees and increased carbon release from decomposing dead trees. A self-sustaining positive feedback loop can then emerge. Extensive field recordings demonstrate that bioacoustic communication plays a role in infestation dynamics and is likely to be a critical link in the feedback loop. These results open the way to novel detection and monitoring strategies and nontoxic control interventions.
M.A.D.: Media Art Database(s) and the Challenges of Taste, Evaluation and Appraisal
Authors: Kacunko Slavko
Published: April 2009

This essay seeks to delineate the possible mutual benefits that different disciplines such as art history, media studies, computer science, etc. might derive from their specific efforts at formulating requirements and strategies for the appraisal of records and data as well as scientific and other concepts related to media art in its widest sense. In this context, the author presents the M.A.D. Media Art Database project as an information system at the disposal of media art and its history and theory, and as a network interface between archived material and knowledge. With its bottom-up structure, the M.A.D. database is proposed as a decisive motive force in assembling potent aggregates of knowledge and expertise.
Musical Compost, Consorts and Collapsing Pyramids: On the Disintegration of Traditional Performance Practices to Raise a Sound Society
Authors: Modirzadeh Hafez
Published: April 2009

By introducing a consort of instrumentalists representing musical traditions from Iran to the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Japan, Korea and the Americas, the author presents a paradoxical compost approach of defining while disintegrating musical cultural elements, thus conveying the transformative nature of self and society. Improvisation informs the author's chromodal concept, illustrated in the article with a collapsing pyramid model, thereby illuminating co-existence as a shared creative source that ultimately expands human potential through the extinction of the formal.
From Sfumato to Transarchitectures and Osmose: Leonardo da Vinci's Virtual Reality
Authors: Nelson Cami
Published: April 2009

This paper explores the ways in which Leonardo da Vinci's anachronistic skepticism of Renaissance perspective and his subsequent invention of sfumato prefigure contemporary digital technology and its ability to literalize this formal technique. Marcos Novak and Char Davies offer parallel theories on the permeable boundaries among objects and between physical and virtual worlds. The resultant theories, like those of Leonardo, offer new conceptions of space and representation that challenge those who suggest the digital world will subvert the physical. Briefly comparing Leonardo's initial revisions to Renaissance perspective to those realized through digital technology, this paper examines radical revisions of the notions of space and boundary and the ways in which those revisions challenge the traditional goal to aptly represent the physical world via linear perspective.
Dynamic Display System for Better Interaction Ability in Interactive Installation
Authors: Kim Kirak , Wong Chee-Onn , Jung Keechul
Published: April 2009

In this paper, a dynamic display system that increases the ability of an interactive artwork is presented on an interactive installation. The dynamic display system aims to widen an interactive range to provide the maximum freedom to all spectators. The installation creates a high immersion and due to this, the artist can channel their somesthesia to be accessed easily by spectators. In addition, this installation provides flexible space in which artists can express their work to be widely available for spectators.
Cosmic Revelation
Authors: Roth Tim Otto , Haungs Andreas
Published: April 2009

As a collaboration by the KASCADE experiment and Tim Otto Roth, Cosmic Revelation is a minimalist light art project and a scientific experiment as well. In a field of 16 flashing mirror sculptures connected to the KASCADE detector field at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (Germany) the impact of high energetic cosmic rays on earth can be bodily experienced. Cosmic Revelation is presented directly in the detector field, but also remotely in other places. As a new kind of land art, the flashing field not only refers to the physical processes in matter, but hints also at the protecting and moderating qualities of the atmosphere as basic condition to create on earth a biosphere.
Ranking the Linear Correspondence Axiom
Authors: López Luis
Published: April 2009

The overarching question addressed here is how syntactic structures based on constituency (dominance, c-command) are to be mapped onto linear phonetic strings. I argue that both prosodie principles and narrow-syntactic principles play a role in the linearization of syntactic structures. I take Kayne's (1994) Linear Correspondence Axiom as a starting point: (asymmetric) c-command maps onto precedence relations. Two wide-ranging predictions of Kayne's theory are that specifiers precede their heads and that a head can only have one specifier or adjunct. Although abundant evidence supports these predictions, there is nonetheless a well-known class of apparent counterexamples: Romance languages allow both rightward and multiple dislocations. I take the LCA to be a soft constraint, overruled by a constraint of the Wrap family that seeks to combine a verb and its extended projection in one intonational phrase. Apparent rightward movement is the outcome of rightward linearization forced by Wrap. The possibility of multiple dislocations is compatible with the LCA within the assumptions made here.
Revisiting Satiation: Evidence for an Equalization Response Strategy
Authors: Sprouse Jon
Published: April 2009

This reply revisits the topic of syntactic satiation as first discussed in Snyder 2000. I argue that the satiation effect reported in Snyder 2000 is the result of a response strategy in which participants attempt to equalize the number of yes and no responses, a strategy enabled by the design features of Snyder's original experiment. Four predictions differentiate the response strategy from a true satiation effect. Nine experiments are presented to test these predictions. The results are discussed with respect to the nature of satiation, the stability of acceptability judgments, and the consequences for linguistic methodology.