bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aqueous carboyxfullerene analogue attenuated cerebral infarct and extracellular glutamate levels in anesthetized rat
Authors: Tsai Pi‐Ju , Chen Wen‐Yin , Luh Tien‐Yau , Yang Chung‐Shi
Published: April 2004

We have examined the effects of an aqueous‐soluble carboxyfullerene analogue on the cerebral ischemia‐induced infarct volume, and on extracellular glutamate accumulation, in an anesthetized rat brain cortex. A C3‐symmetric carboxylic acid derivative of C60 (C3‐C60), which contains three malonic acid groups per molecule, was administered intraventricularly (5 μL of a 30‐μM solution of C3‐C60 over a period of 40 min). Cerebral ischemia was induced by the ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) and the unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA). The infarct volume was calculated by analysis of 2‐mm coronal sections of brain slices that were stained using TTC. We analyzed the glutamate concentrations in the cortex by microdialysis perfusion and on‐line HPLC analysis. Administering C3‐C60 significantly decreases the infarct volume (infarct percentage relative to total volume: 8 ± 1.4%) when compared with the vehicle (22 ± 2.6%; p < 0.01), which was similar to that of the control (22 ± 1.2%). Additionally, administering C3‐C60 significantly decreases ischemia‐induced extracellular glutamate accumulation when compared with the vehicle. These results suggest that an aqueous‐soluble analogue of carboxyfullerene can protect a cerebral ischemia‐induced infarct. This protective effect may be related to the attention of the accumulation of extracellular excitatory amino acids such as glutamate. The detailed mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of C3‐C60 require further investigation.
Synthesis, characterization, and optimum reaction conditions of oligo‐2‐[(pyridine‐2‐yl‐methylene) amino] phenol
Authors: Kaya İsmet , Moral Fatma , Erdener Diğdem
Published: April 2004

The reaction conditions of the oxidative polycondensation of 2‐[(pyridine‐2‐yl‐methylene) amino] phenol (2‐PMAP) with air O2, H2O2, and NaOCl were studied in an aqueous alkaline medium between 60 and 90 °C. Oligo‐2‐[(pyridine‐2‐yl‐methylene) amino] phenol (O‐2‐PMAP) was characterized with 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and elemental analysis techniques. Moreover, solubility testing of the oligomer was performed in polar and nonpolar organic solvents. With the NaOCl, H2O2, and air O2 oxidants, the conversions of 2‐PMAP into O‐2‐PMAP were 98, 87, and 62%, respectively, in an aqueous alkaline medium. According to SEC, the number‐average molecular weight, weight‐average molecular weight, and polydispersity index of O‐2‐PMAP were 2262 g mol−1, 2809 g mol−1, and 1.24 with NaOCl, 3045 g mol−1, 3861 g mol−1, and 1.27 with air O2, and 1427 g mol−1, 1648 g mol−1, and 1.16 with air H2O2, respectively. Also, thermogravimetric analysis showed that O‐2‐PMAP was stable against thermooxidative decomposition. The weight loss of O‐2‐PMAP was 96.68% at 900 °C. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2717–2724, 2004
The stress relaxation behavior of isotactic poly(1‐butene) and its ethylene copolymers
Authors: Al‐Hussein M. , Strobl G.
Published: April 2004

The tensile stress relaxation behavior subsequent to different imposed strains of poly(1‐butene) was studied at room temperature. The plastic and elastic strains after a stress relaxation practically agree with those found for an immediate unloading. This indicates that the same decomposition of the total strain would also be found in an ideal quasi‐stationary stretching experiment. Unloading curves as measured after a stress relaxation have a curved appearance indicative for a continuous change from forces of the crystal skeleton to forces of the entanglement network. Measured stress relaxation curves begin with an instantaneous drop, which can be associated with the cessation of a viscous flow, and then continue with a retarded relaxation process. The crystallite fragmentation process that sets in at the critical strain εH = 0.7 leads to a rising value of the instantaneous drop. The retarded component can be related to the transition of the crystalline blocks from positions that they adopt during the stretching to the actual equilibrium positions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2074–2080, 2004
Activity of Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae) and ricinine against the leaf‐cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and the symbiotic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus
Authors: Bigi Maria Fátima MA , Torkomian Vera LV , de Groote Suzanne TCS , Hebling Maria José A , Bueno Odair C , Pagnocca Fernando C , Fernandes João B , Vieira Paulo C , da Silva Maria Fátima GF
Published: April 2004

The focus of this study was the identification of compounds from plant extracts for use in crop protection. This paper reports on the toxic activity of fractions of leaf extracts of Ricinus communis L (Euphorbiaceae) and isolated active compounds in the leaf‐cutting ant Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel and its symbiotic fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Singer) Möller. The main compounds responsible for activity against the fungus and ant in leaf extracts of R communis were found to be fatty acids for the former and ricinine for the ants. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantifying and comparing the accuracy of binary biomarkers when predicting a failure time outcome
Authors: Moskowitz Chaya S. , Pepe Margaret S.
Published: April 2004

The positive and negative predictive values are standard measures used to quantify the predictive accuracy of binary biomarkers when the outcome being predicted is also binary. When the biomarkers are instead being used to predict a failure time outcome, there is no standard way of quantifying predictive accuracy. We propose a natural extension of the traditional predictive values to accommodate censored survival data. We discuss not only quantifying predictive accuracy using these extended predictive values, but also rigorously comparing the accuracy of two biomarkers in terms of their predictive values. Using a marginal regression framework, we describe how to estimate differences in predictive accuracy and how to test whether the observed difference is statistically significant. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods for assessing reliability and validity for a measurement tool: a case study and critique using the WHO haemoglobin colour scale
Authors: White Sarah A. , van den Broek Nynke R.
Published: April 2004

Before introducing a new measurement tool it is necessary to evaluate its performance. Several statistical methods have been developed, or used, to evaluate the reliability and validity of a new assessment method in such circumstances. In this paper we review some commonly used methods. Data from a study that was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of a specific measurement tool (the WHO Colour Scale) is then used to illustrate the application of these methods.

The WHO Colour Scale was developed under the auspices of the WHO to provide a simple portable and reliable method of detecting anaemia. This Colour Scale is a discrete interval scale, whereas the actual haemoglobin values it is used to estimate are on a continuous interval scale and can be measured accurately using electrical laboratory equipment.

The methods we consider are: linear regression, correlation coefficients, paired t‐tests plotting differences against mean values and deriving limits of agreement; kappa and weighted kappa statistics, sensitivity and specificity, an intraclass correlation coefficient and the repeatability coefficient. We note that although the definition and properties of each of these methods is well established inappropriate methods continue to be used in medical literature for assessing reliability and validity, as evidenced in the context of the evaluation of the WHO Colour Scale. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing multiple faculty learning communities
Authors: Barton Melody Ayn , Richlin Laurie
Published: April 2004

As FLC programs expand, there is an increasing need to use technology and diplomacy to manage the details of multiple concurrent FLCs.
Assessing faculty learning communities
Authors: Hubball Harry , Clarke Anthony , Beach Andrea L.
Published: April 2004

Evaluation and assessment are critical to the success of FLCs, and authentic assessment has the potential to contribute greatly to the quality of FLC experiences in terms of both process and outcomes.
Faculty learning communities for preparing future faculty
Authors: Richlin Laurie , Essington Amy
Published: April 2004

Faculty learning communities have many attributes that can contribute to the successful preparation of graduate students as future faculty members.
A one‐dimensional asymptotic model for higher order acoustic perturbations
Authors: Foroughi M. , Struckmeier J.
Published: April 2004

We consider a simplified acoustic model to describe nonlinear phenomena occurring in loudspeakers. The first simplification is that we restrict to the one‐dimensional isentropic Euler equations in a slab, where on the right end a membrane is moving periodically with frequency ω and maximal displacement ϵ ≪ 1. Moreover we apply a perturbation method to the nonlinear model based on the small parameter ϵ, which yields linear hyperbolic first order systems coupled by nonlinear source terms of lower order. The asymptotic model is investigated numerically for two different frequencies ω.
Completeness of a combination of neighbourhood logic and temporal logic
Authors: Barua Rana
Published: April 2004

This paper presents a completeness result, with respect to a possible world semantics, for a combination of a first-order temporal logic and neighbourhood logic. This logic was considered by Qiu and Zhou (1998,
Proceedings of the PROCOMET ‘98
, pp 444–461) to define semantics of a real-time OCCAM-like programming language.
Taking Legal Rules into Consideration: EU Asylum Policy and Regulatory Competition
Authors: BARBOU DES PLACES SÉGOLÈNE
Published: April 2004

This article applies regulatory competition theory to an unexplored case of competition among legal norms: asylum. The asylum case study allows for a discussion of two main assumptions of regulatory competition theory: the spontaneous emergence of competition among rules and the mechanical response of regulators to market forces. The article explains to what extent the current legal framework impacts on the emergence and development of the competitive process. This framework determines the existence of a market of legal norms, it impacts on the arbiters' mobility and on States' decision to compete. The article then addresses the mechanical vision of competition. It shows that law frames the response given by regulators to market forces. It discusses the hypothesis that competing legal rules evolve in a linear way and converge. Finally, the asylum case shows the limits of competition theory's ability to explain the evolution of law.
Mental barbel variation in Pogonophryne scotti Regan (Pisces: Perciformes: Artedidraconidae)
Authors: Eakin Richard R. , Eastman Joseph T. , Jones Christopher D.
Published: April 2004

The mental barbel, an important diagnostic character among notothenioid fishes of the family Artedidraconidae, is highly variable in Pogonophryne scotti. A collection of 92 specimens of this species from the South Orkney Islands, comprising both sexes and a wide range of sizes, was studied to determine intraspecific variation in barbel size, shape and ornamentation (development of papillae and folds, especially on the tip). Four distinct barbel types, based on external morphology, are represented in this material: scotti (4.3%), phyllopogon (28.3%), dolichobranchiata (4.3%) and brainlike (38.1%). Indeterminate barbels (25.0%), observed in specimens of both sexes and all sizes, exhibit varying degrees of ornamentation and suggest that all barbel types represent the range of variability in P. scotti. There is no correlation between sex and barbel type. Barbels exhibit negative allometric growth relative to body size. Specimens of at least 119 mm SL generally exhibit greater development of the terminal expansion, resulting in a convoluted brainlike appearance previously unrecorded for P. scotti. Indeterminate and phyllopogon barbels are most common among specimens of 119–210 mm SL. All barbel types are similar histologically. A core of pseudocartilage is surrounded by connective tissue, and the entire barbel is well supplied with blood vessels and nerves. Papillae and folds are dermal projections covered by epidermis. The variation exhibited by the barbel of P. scotti. formerly served as the basis for distinguishing this species from the invalid species P. phyllopogon and P. dolichobranchiata. Such intraspecific variation is atypical for Pogonophryne but underscores the need to fully validate any taxonomic character.
Preparation and Crystal Structures of the Urea Adducts of Silver(I) Perchlorate and Silver(I) p-Toluenesulfonate
Authors: Smith Graham , Cloutt Brett A. , Byriel Karl A. , Kennard Colin H. L.
Published: April 2004

The urea adducts with silver(I) perchlorate (2 : 1) (1) and silver(I)
p-toluenesulfonate (1 : 1) (2) have been prepared and
their structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods.
Crystals of adduct (1) are monoclinic, space group
P21/a,
with four molecules in a cell with dimensions a
7·806(2), b 15·929(2),
c 7·861(3) Å, β 113·35(1)°,
while (2) is also monoclinic, space group
P21, with two dimer units in a
cell with a 5·380(3), b
25·72(2), c 7·926(5) Å, β
94·22(3)°. Both form polymer structures which are stabilized by
extensive hydrogen bonding. Adduct (1) is based upon a square planar
trans-AgN2O2
repeating unit involving bonds to the two independent urea molecule with the
perchlorate anion uncoordinated, while with (2), the oxygens of two urea
molecules bridge two trigonal bipyramidal (AgNO4) silver
centres, forming cyclic pseudo-centrosymmetric four-membered dimer repeats.
The silver coordination of (2) also includes two
cis-related sulfonate oxygens from bridging
p-toluenesulfonate ligands, as well as a third bridging
urea amine nitrogen. The result is a step-polymer ribbon structure.
Imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines. XXIII Some 5-Deaza Analogues. Syntheses of Some 2-Aryl-6-(chloro, methoxy or unsubstituted)-3- (variously substituted)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and Their Affinity for Central and Mitochondrial Benzodiazepine Receptor
Authors: Schmitt Martine , Bourguignon Jean-Jacques , Barlin Gordon B. , Davies Les P.
Published: April 2004

The syntheses of ethyl {2′-aryl-6′-(chloro, methoxy and
unsubstituted)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3′-yl}-2-
(acylamino, acetoxy and hydroxy)acetates,
3-benzamidomethyl-2-benzoyl-6-(chloro and
methoxy)imidazo-[1,2-a]pyridines,
3-amino-6-chloro-2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine
and ethyl
2-(2′-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3′-yl)acetate
are reported. The ability of these compounds to displace
[3H]diazepam from central and mitochondrial
(peripheral-type) benzodiazepine receptors has been examined. Ethyl
2-benzamido-2-{6′-chloro-2′-(4′′-chlorophenyl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3′-yl}
acetate (21) was selective for peripheral-type receptors
(IC5013 nM) but none bound strongly to central
receptors.
Synthesis of 8-Bromokalafungin as an Intermediate for the Preparation of C-Glycoside Derivatives
Authors: Brimble Margaret A. , Nairn Michael R. , Prabaharan Hishani , Walters Nathan B.
Published: April 2004

The preparation of 8-bromokalafungin (20) which is a key intermediate for the
synthesis of C-glycoside containing pyranonaphthoquinone
antibiotics related to medermycin (6) is described. Although attempts to
selectively monobrominate kalafungin (1) at C8 were unsuccessful,
8,10-dibromokalafungin (21) was prepared by using excess
N-bromosuccinimide in chloroform. Selective bromination
at C6 on a naphthalene ring was achieved upon treatment of naphthol (9) with
N-bromosuccinimide (1 equiv.). Conversion of naphthol
(9) into naphthoquinone (15) was effected by methylation,
Baeyer–Villiger oxidation, acetylation via a Fries rearrangement and
oxidation with ceric ammonium nitrate. Conversion of the 7-bromo quinone (15)
into 8-bromokalafungin (20) proceeded through subsequent addition of
2-trimethylsilyloxyfuran (16) followed by oxidative rearrangement of the
resultant furonaphthofuran (17) to furonaphthopyran (18). After reduction of
the lactol (18) to cis ether (19), demethylation and epimerization at C5 with
boron tribromide afforded 8-bromokalafungin (20). 8-Bromokalafungin (20)
failed to undergo Pd(0)-mediated cross-coupling reactions with the stannyl
glucal (22).
Experiments Directed Towards the Synthesis of Anthracyclinones. XXXVI Asymmetric Dihydroxylations of Alkylidene Anthracyclinones
Authors: Cambie Richard C. , Clark Russell B. , Rutledge Peter S. , Rustenhoven J. J.
Published: April 2004

The methylidene tetracycle (2) has been synthesized in 11 steps from
quinizarin (5) in an overall yield of 38% by using a highly ecient
selective dihydroxylation step and an intramolecular ene cyclization. Also
prepared with the selective dihydroxylation methodology were the silyloxy
alkene (3) and the 6-demethoxy alkene (4). A mixture (1 : 2) of the
(E)- and (Z)-isomers of the
ethylidene compound (6) has been prepared by similar methods. The products
resulting from the reactions of AD-mix-α and
AD-mix-β on the alkenes (1)–(3) and (6) have
been investigated and their stereochemistries assigned by using
1 H n.m.r. and NOESY experiments, and molecular
modelling of acetonide derivatives. An X-ray crystal structure of the acetate
(64) has confirmed the relative stereochemical
assignments.
Legionella Subvert the Functions of Rab1 and Sec22b to Create a Replicative Organelle
Authors: Kagan Jonathan C. , Stein Mary-Pat , Pypaert Marc , Roy Craig R.
Published: April 2004

Legionella pneumophila is a bacterial pathogen that infects eukaryotic host cells and replicates inside a specialized organelle that is morphologically similar to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). To better understand the molecular mechanisms governing transport of the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV), we have identified host proteins that participate in the conversion of the LCV into a replicative organelle. Our data show that Rab1 is recruited to the LCV within minutes of uptake. Rab1 recruitment to the LCV precedes remodeling of this compartment by ER-derived vesicles. Genetic inhibition studies demonstrate that Rab1 is important for the recruitment of ER-derived vesicles to the LCV and that inhibiting Rab1 function abrogates intracellular growth of Legionella. Morphological studies indicate that the Sec22b protein is located on ER-derived vesicles recruited to the LCV and that Sec22b is delivered to the LCV membrane. Sec22b function was found to be important for biogenesis of the specialized organelle that supports Legionella replication. These studies demonstrate that Legionella has the ability to subvert Rab1 and Sec22b function to facilitate the transport and fusion of ER-derived vesicles with the LCV, resulting in the formation of a specialized organelle that can support bacterial replication.
A Critical Temporal Window for Selectin-dependent CD4+ Lymphocyte Homing and Initiation of Late-Phase Inflammation in Contact Sensitivity
Authors: Hwang John M. , Yamanouchi Jun , Santamaria Pere , Kubes Paul
Published: April 2004

Contact sensitivity (CS) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by early and late phases of leukocyte recruitment. We used a noninvasive intravital microscopy technique allowing for the direct visualization of leukocyte rolling and adhesion on blood vessel endothelium. By blocking specific adhesion molecules, we elucidated the molecular mechanisms mediating early leukocyte recruitment to be E- and P-selectin and demonstrated that leukocyte recruitment in the late phase had a different adhesive profile (mainly α4-integrin). Complete blockade of E- and P-selectin within the first 2 h of leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions (but not later) eliminated selectin-independent leukocyte recruitment at 24 h. Despite the predominance of neutrophils in the early phase, specific elimination of CD4+ lymphocytes in the early phase eliminated the late response. CD4+ lymphocytes homed to skin via E- and P-selectin within the early phase and induced the late phase response. Addition of these same CD4+ lymphocytes 2 h after antigen challenge was too late for these cells to home to the skin and induce late phase responses. Our data clearly demonstrate that the antigen-challenged microenvironment is only accessible to CD4+ lymphocytes for the first 2 h, and that this process is essential for the subsequent recruitment of other leukocyte populations in late phase responses.
GDPC: connecting researchers with multiple integrated data sources
Authors: Casstevens Terry M. , Buckler Edward S.
Published: April 2004

Summary: The goal of this project is to simplify access to genomic diversity and phenotype data, thereby encouraging reuse of this data. The Genomic Diversity and Phenotype Connection (GDPC) accomplishes this by retrieving data from one or more data sources and by allowing researchers to analyze integrated data in a standard format. GDPC is written in JAVA and provides (1) data sources available as web services that transfer XML formatted data via the SOAP protocol; (2) a JAVA API for programmatic access to data sources; and (3) a front-end application that allows users to manage data sources, retrieve data based on filters, sort/group data based on property values and save/open the data as XML files.

Availability: The source code, compiled code, documentation and GDPC Browser are freely available at: www.maizegenetics.net/gdpc/index.html. The current release of GDPC is version 1.0, with updated releases planned for the future. Comments are welcome.
First record of Polyprion oxygeneios(Perciformes: Polyprionidae) for the south‐west Atlantic and a northernmost range extension
Authors: Barreiros J. P. , Machado L. , Hostim‐Silva M. , Sazima I. , Heemstra P. C.
Published: April 2004

The occurrence of Polyprion oxygeneios(Perciformes: Polyprionidae) is recorded for the first in the south‐west Atlantic. Twenty specimens were caught off Rio Grande do Sul (33°41·8′–34° 15·3′ S, 370–854 m depth) during winter cruises of the commercial fishing fleet.
Molecular evidence of tumour cell removal from salvaged blood after irradiation and leucocyte depletion
Authors: Poli M. C. C. , Villa L. L. , Colella R. , Deheinzelin D.
Published: April 2004

summary Intra‐operative autologous blood recovery offers many advantages. However, blood salvage during cancer surgery is of limited use due to the potential presence of circulating tumour cells. It was the aim of this study to show that intra‐operative salvage blood can be freed of cells and cellular DNA after leucoreduction by filtration and irradiation of washed blood.

Known amounts of tissue culture derived from carcinoma, melanoma and osteosarcoma were added to whole blood bags. This mixture was then submitted to washing, leucoreduction and irradiation. Samples were studied stepwise in relation to the integrity and size of DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

After filtration and irradiation, PCR targeting the β‐globin gene (268 bp amplicon) was negative. Our results were corroborated by studying plasma samples added with tumoural cells.

Using PCR methodology, we showed the absence of DNA from cells in experimentally contaminated blood and plasma bags after filtration and irradiation. This experimental study is an effort to ensure the safety of intra‐operative autologous transfusion.
Low‐level viraemia of hepatitis B virus in an anti‐HBc‐ and anti‐HBs‐positive blood donor
Authors: Dreier J. , Kröger M. , Diekmann J. , Götting C. , Kleesiek K.
Published: April 2004

summary In many countries, screening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in blood donors is limited to HBsAg testing. However, if anti‐HBc testing and sensitive HBV nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for routine screening are not prescribed, HBV viraemia might remain unrecognized. A clinically inconspicuous HBsAg‐negative 35‐year‐old female blood donor was detected with anti‐HBc antibodies following the introduction of anti‐HBc screening of donors. Based on her history, she had seroconverted to anti‐HBs positive (titre >7000 IU/L) after vaccination. Blood donations were routinely tested HBV‐DNA negative by minipool NAT. The individual donor samples were reinvestigated by an ultrasensitive NAT with a lower detection limit of 3·8 IU/mL. Intermittent HBV viraemia was detected over a 7‐year period from this donor, with a concentration ranging from 8 to 260 IU/mL. In the subsequent donor‐directed lookback study, no post‐transfusion hepatitis was detected. Low‐level HBV viraemia in simultaneous anti‐HBc‐ and anti‐HBs‐positive blood donors could only be identified with enhanced sensitivity individual polymerase chain reaction assays and is not detectable by pool HBV NAT.
Unconventional diagnosis of Normandy‐type von Willebrand's disease in a blood donor
Authors: Kashyap S. , Nesbitt I. M. , Makris M.
Published: April 2004

summary We report the case of a long‐standing female blood donor whose blood donation was processed for cryoprecipitate. The cryoprecipitate unit was chosen at random for FVIII:C estimation as part of the quality control, and a low FVIII:C level was identified. The cause of this was subsequently shown to be the Normandy variant of type‐2 von Willebrand's disease due to a homozygous Arg854Gln mutation in the von Willebrand factor gene.
Comparative analysis of national regulations concerning blood safety across Europe
Authors: Mascaretti L. , James V. , Barbara J. , Cárdenas J. M. , Blagoevska M. , Haračić M. , Rossi U.
Published: April 2004

summary In October 2001, representatives of 17 European countries (Albania, Bosnia–Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey and UK) met in Sarajevo at a course organized by the European School of Transfusion Medicine to discuss their countries' regulations concerning different aspects of the safety of blood transfusion. Results are summarized in tables to facilitate comparisons. Most countries (13/17) have specific transfusion laws and 9/17 have hospital‐based systems as opposed to national organizations. Quality assurance is common among investigated countries (14/17). Voluntary associations are responsible for donor promotion in the majority of countries (13/17). Exclusively, voluntary non‐remunerated donors are found in 5/17 countries, whereas in the remaining ones, incentives, family replacement and remuneration are mechanisms stimulating blood donation. Medical doctors using official selection criteria are checking donor suitability in virtually all countries, which also perform main microbiological testing. Regulations on good clinical use of blood and derivatives are present in most countries but applied only in some. Although the data presented need to be interpreted with some caution, this preliminary analysis shows that, although some significant differences still exist, the majority of countries studied are moving in the same direction to ensure safety of their blood supply.
Urinary catecholamines and metabolites in the immediate postoperative period following major surgery: Figure 1
Authors: Syed Dr A A , Wheatley H A , Badminton M N , McDowell I F W
Published: April 2004

Background:Induction of anaesthesia can precipitate catecholamine release from an undiscovered pheochromocytoma and induce a hypertensive crisis. However, it is assumed that catecholamine and metabolite values resulting from the effects of surgery per se in the early postoperative period would overlap with the values generated by a tumour, and it is not known how soon after biochemical investigations can be carried out.

Aim:To study patterns of urinary catecholamine excretion and the feasibility of biochemical screening for phaeochromocytomas in the immediate postoperative period in otherwise healthy subjects undergoing a single type of major surgical procedure.

Methods:Catecholamines and metabolites were measured for each mole of creatinine in single voided urine on one preoperative and four postoperative days in five subjects who underwent elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery with an uncomplicated postoperative course. Reference ranges were established from 33 healthy normotensive volunteers.

Results:Excretion of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, vanillylmandelic acid, and metadrenaline was within normal limits. Normetadrenaline excretion was mildly raised in four patients, but did not exceed 1.5 times the upper reference limit, and returned to normality by the fourth postoperative day.

Conclusion:It is feasible to perform simple urinary screening for possible phaeochromocytoma in the immediate postoperative period.
A model for determining the optimum histology of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer
Authors: Cserni G
Published: April 2004

Aims:To create and use a geometrical model for sentinel lymph node (SLN) histopathology in breast cancer.

Methods:The model involves a spherical metastasis randomly situated in an SLN. Two extreme situations are taken as the starting points. In one of these, the metastasis is seen in its largest dimension, whereas in the other it is only just visible, approximating 0 mm in size. Intermediate positions are analysed, with different metastasis sizes and different distances between the levels assessed by histology.

Results:The findings suggest that sections taken 1 mm apart afford a reasonable means of identifying almost all metastases measuring > 2 mm (referred to as macrometastases here). For nearly all micrometastases to be identified correctly according to the current TNM definitions (that is, metastases > 0.2 mm), a step sectioning protocol with levels of 250 μm or 200 μm would be adequate.

Conclusions:SLNs are the most likely sites of nodal metastasis. Macrometastases are of recognised prognostic relevance so that all should be identified, preferably correctly as macrometastases; an assessment of levels 1 mm apart appears satisfactory and sufficient for this aim. SLNs also offer an ideal method for the study of the significance of micrometastases; for this, step sections separated by 200 or 250 μm are a good choice.
TRANSMISSION TIMES OF STIMULUS-LOCKED RESPONSES OF OSCILLATORS CANNOT BE ESTIMATED BY AVERAGING ACROSS TRIALS
Authors: TASS PETER A.
Published: April 2004

Transmission of stimulus-locked responses is studied in a model that shares basic features with stimulated neuronal rhythms: In two phase oscillators with bistable coupling and noise one oscillator is stimulated. The model presents a mechanism which causes a response clustering, i.e. a switching between two different responses across trials, without extinction of the averaged response (calculated over all trials). Transmission times are determined for all trials as well as for the two clusters separately with standard averaged responses. Transmission times calculated in this standard way correspond to the phase difference in the different stable synchronized states (when calculated for the two clusters separately) or their weighted superposition (when calculated over all trials). The standard method does not detect the time elapsing during the transmission of the stimulus' action. The consequences for the analysis of evoked responses are severe.
BLUE NOISE EFFECTS IN A NON-DYNAMICAL NEURAL MODEL SYSTEM
Authors: SETHURAMAN SWAMINATHAN , KISH L. B.
Published: April 2004

Finite pulse width effects in level crossing detectors and similar systems, such as neurons, can yield an output noise that is, in the low frequency limit, a monotonically increasing function of the frequency. The phenomenon can well be observed at excitations with strong noise when the firing frequency is high. Blue noise effects have been observed in stochastically driven dynamical systems like harmonic oscillators. However it is surprising that it exists in a non-dynamical system like the level crossing detector.
ISI CORRELATIONS AND INFORMATION TRANSFER
Authors: CHACRON MAURICE J. , LINDNER BENJAMIN , LONGTIN ANDRÉ
Published: April 2004

Neurons produce action potentials or spikes in response to a wide variety of inputs. Correlations between interspike intervals are often seen in data from single neurons, and are due to a combination of intrinsic mechanisms and the temporal properties of the input stimulus. Here we review recent progress in our understanding of how intrinsic correlations arise in simple biophysically justified neuron models. We further describe the generic conditions under which these correlations enhance the rate of transfer of information about time-varying stimuli. This work points to the importance of studying non-renewal first passage time problems in nonlinear dynamical systems.
STATISTICS OF SKIPPING EVENTS IN A NOISY THERMORECEPTOR
Authors: BRAUN WOLFGANG , ECKHARDT BRUNO
Published: April 2004

We analyze the statistics of skipping events in a deterministic and a noisy thermoreceptor within the model developed by Braun et al (Int. J. Bif. Chaos 8 881 (1998)). The statistics of skips can be captured by an intermittent map, which, for sufficient noise, can be approximated by a one-step Markov process with transition amplitudes that depend on the noise intensity. The theoretical and model results are in reasonable agreement with experimental data on cat coldreceptors.
Regional gastric contractility alterations in a diabetic gastroparesis mouse model: effects of cholinergic and serotoninergic stimulation
Authors: James Arlene N. , Ryan James P. , Crowell Michael D. , Parkman Henry P.
Published: April 2004

The C57BLKS/J db/ db mouse develops hyperglycemia and has delayed gastric emptying that is improved with tegaserod, a partial 5-HT4 agonist. Our aims here were to determine regional gastric contractility alterations in C57BLKS/J db/ db mice and to determine the effects of serotonin and tegaserod. The contractile effects of bethanechol, serotonin, and tegaserod in fundic, antral, and pyloric circular muscle were compared in C57BLKS/J db/ db mice and normal littermates. The effects of tetrodotoxin, atropine, and 5-HT receptor antagonists were studied. Contractions in response to bethanechol were decreased in the fundus, similar in the antrum, but increased in the pylorus in diabetic mice compared with controls. Serotonin and, to a lesser extent, tegaserod caused contractions that were more pronounced in the fundus than in the antrum and pylorus in both diabetic and normal mice. Serotonin-induced contractions were partially inhibited by atropine, the 5-HT4 antagonist GR113808, and the 5-HT2 antagonist cinanseron but not tetrodotoxin. Regional gastric contractility alterations are present in this diabetic gastroparesis mouse model. Fundic contractility was decreased, but pyloric contractility was increased in the pylorus to cholinergic stimulation in diabetic mice. Serotonin's contractile effect is mediated, in part, through muscarinic, 5-HT2, and 5-HT4 receptors. This study suggests that fundic hypomotility and pyloric hypercontractility, rather than antral hypomotility, play important roles for the gastric dysmotility that occurs in diabetes.
Interaction between GLP-1 and CCK-33 in inhibiting food intake and appetite in men
Authors: Gutzwiller Jean-Pierre , Degen Lukas , Matzinger Daniel , Prestin Sven , Beglinger Christoph
Published: April 2004

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and CCK-33 were intravenously infused alone or in combination into normal weight men for 60 min before they were served a lunch of ham sandwiches, chocolate mousse, and orange juice. Infusion of GLP-1 (dose: 0.9 pmol·kg−1·min−1) or CCK-33 (dose: 0.2 pmol·kg−1·min−1) each reduced calorie intake of the test meal. However, simultaneous infusion of these peptide doses reduced calorie intake less than the sum of the peptides' individual effects. Infusions of the same doses of GLP-1 plus CCK-33 had neither individual nor interactive effects on meal size or calorie consumption. The combination of GLP-1 plus CCK-33 induced, however, a significant reduction in hunger feelings in the premeal period ( P = 0.036 vs. all other treatments). In summary, intravenous infusion of near physiological doses of CCK-33 and GLP-1 produced specific inhibitions of hunger feeling in men; the simultaneous infusion resulted in an infra-additive reduction in calorie consumption, rejecting thereby the hypothesis that the two peptides exert a positive synergistic effect on food intake compared with the effects observed with infusion of individual peptides. In conclusion, CCK and GLP-1 are meal-related satiety signals that are released from the gastrointestinal tract during food intake.
Kidney angiotensin and angiotensin receptor expression in prenatally programmed hypertension
Authors: Vehaskari V. Matti , Stewart Tyrus , Lafont Derek , Soyez Christopher , Seth Dale , Manning Jennifer
Published: April 2004

Adult hypertension may be programmed by the prenatal environment in humans and in experimental animals. The potential role of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in prenatally programmed hypertension was investigated. Hypertension in rat offspring was induced by maternal protein restriction during pregnancy. The offspring were studied on day 1 of life and immediately preceding the development of hypertension on day 28. ANG I and II contents were determined by radioimmunoassy. Angiotensin receptor protein and mRNA levels were quantified by immunoblotting and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Plasma and kidney ANG I and II were unchanged in the offspring from low-protein pregnancies (LP). ANG II type 1 receptor (AT1R) protein abundance was low in the newborn LP kidney ( P < 0.05) but rose above control values by 28 days of age ( P < 0.05); the rise was associated with an increase in AT1R subtype A ( P < 0.01), but not subtype B, mRNA level. ANG II type 2 receptor protein expression was decreased on day 1 ( P < 0.05) and increased on day 28 ( P < 0.05) in LP kidneys. The results show that prenatal programming of hypertension is associated with an abnormal pattern of intrarenal RAS ontogeny that may play a pathogenetic role, for instance, by constitutively altering renal hemodynamics or Na reabsorption.
Body-weight-support treadmill training improves blood glucose regulation in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury
Authors: Phillips Stuart M. , Stewart Brian G. , Mahoney Douglas J. , Hicks Audrey L. , McCartney Neil , Tang Jason E. , Wilkinson Sarah B. , Armstrong David , Tarnopolsky Mark A.
Published: April 2004

The impact of a 6-mo body-weight-supported treadmill training program on glucose homeostasis and muscle metabolic characteristics was investigated. Nine individuals (31 ± 3 yr, 8.1 ± 2.5 yr postinjury; means ± SE) with incomplete spinal cord injury trained three times weekly for a total of 6 mo. Training session duration and intensity (velocity) increased by 54 ± 10% ( P < 0.01) and 135 ± 20%, respectively. Muscle biopsies and a modified glucose tolerance test (100 g glucose with [U-13C]glucose) were performed before (Pre) and after training (Post). Training resulted in a reduction in area under the curve of glucose × time (−15 ± 4%) and insulin × time (−33 ± 8%; both P < 0.05). Oxidation of exogenous (ingested) glucose increased as a result of training (Pre = 4.4 ± 0.7 g/h, Post = 7.4 ± 0.6 g/h; P < 0.05), as did oxidation of endogenous (liver) glucose (Pre = 3.8 ± 0.3 g/h, Post = 5.2 ± 0.3 g/h; P < 0.05). Training resulted in increased muscle glycogen (80 ± 23%; P < 0.05) and GLUT-4 content and hexokinase II enzyme activity (126 ± 34 and 49 ± 4%, respectively, both P < 0.01). Resting muscle phosphocreatine content also increased after training (Pre = 62.1 ± 4.3, Post = 78.7 ± 3.8, both mmol/kg dry wt and P < 0.05). Six months of thrice-weekly body-weight-supported treadmill training in persons with an incomplete spinal cord injury improved blood glucose regulation by increasing oxidation and storage of an oral glucose load. Increases in the capacity for transport and phosphorylation glucose in skeletal muscle likely play a role in these adaptations.
Chronic glutamine supplementation increases nasal but not salivary IgA during 9 days of interval training
Authors: Krieger James W. , Crowe Michelle , Blank Sally E.
Published: April 2004

Oral glutamine supplementation during and after exercise abolishes exercise-induced decreases in plasma glutamine concentration but does not affect secretory IgA (sIgA) salivary output. Whether chronic glutamine supplementation during high-intensity interval training influences salivary and nasal sIgA concentration is unknown. The purpose of this study was examine the effects of chronic glutamine supplementation on sIgA during intense running training. Runners ( n = 13, body mass 69.9 ± 2.8 kg, peak whole body oxygen uptake 55.5 ± 2 ml·kg−1·min−1, age 29.1 ± 2.8 yr) participated in twice-daily interval training for 9–9.5 days, followed by recovery (5–7 days). Oral glutamine supplement (0.1 g/kg) or placebo was given four times daily for the first 14 days. After an overnight fast, venous blood, nasal washes, and stimulated saliva were collected at baseline (T1), midtraining (T2), posttraining (T3), and after recovery (T4). Mood states were assessed by using Profile of Mood States (POMS) inventories. We found that glutamine concentration in resting subjects decreased from T1 to T4 ( P < 0.05) and was not altered by supplementation. Salivary IgA concentration and output were unchanged by training or supplementation. Mean nasal IgA across the study period was greater in runners receiving glutamine (264.7 ± 35.0 μg/mg protein) vs. placebo (172.4 ± 33.7 μg/mg protein; P < 0.05). POMS analyses indicated that vigor was lower at T3 vs. T1 ( P < 0.05) and fatigue was higher at T2 vs. T1 and T4 ( P < 0.05). We conclude that chronic glutamine supplementation during interval training results in higher nasal IgA than placebo but does not affect salivary IgA concentration or output.
The generalized Burgers equation with and without a time delay
Authors: Smaoui Nejib , Mekkaoui Mona
Published: April 2004

We consider the generalized Burgers equation with and without a
time delay when the boundary conditions are
periodic with period 2π. For the generalized Burgers equation
without a time delay, that is, ut = vuxx − uux + u + h(x), 0 < x < 2π, t > 0, u(0, t) = u(2π, t), u(x, 0) = u0(x), a Lyapunov function method is used to show boundedness and uniqueness of a steady state solution and global stability of the
equation. As for the generalized time‐delayed Burgers equation,
that is, ut(x, t) = vuxx(x, t) − u(x, t − τ)ux(x, t) + u(x, t), 0 < x < 2π, t > 0, u(0, t) = u(2π, t), t > 0, u(x, s) = u0(x, s), 0 < x < 2π, −τ ≤ s ≤ 0, we show
that the equation is exponentially stable under small
delays. Using a pseudospectral method, we present some numerical
results illustrating and reinforcing the analytical results.
Asymptotic analysis by the saddle point method of theAnick‐Mitra‐Sondhi model
Authors: Dominici Diego , Knessl Charles
Published: April 2004

We consider a fluid queue where the input process consists of N identical
sources that turn on and off
at exponential waiting times. The server works at the constant
rate c and an on source generates fluid at unit rate.
This model was first formulated and analyzed by Anick et
al. (1982). We obtain an alternate representation of the joint
steady‐state distribution of
the buffer content and the number of on sources. This is
given as a contour integral that we then analyze in the limit
N → ∞. We give detailed asymptotic results for the
joint distribution as well as the associated marginal and
conditional distributions. In particular, simple conditional
limits laws are obtained. These show how the buffer content
behaves conditioned on the number of active sources and vice
versa. Numerical comparisons show that our asymptotic results are
very accurate even for N = 20.
Positive solutions for singular discrete boundary value problems
Authors: Cecchi Mariella , Došlá Zuzana , Marini Mauro
Published: April 2004

We study the existence of zero‐convergent solutions for the
second‐order nonlinear difference equation
Δ(anΦp(Δxn)) = g(n, xn+1), where Φp(u) = |u|p−2u, p > 1,{an} is a positive real sequence for n ≥ 1, and g is a positive
continuous function on ℕ × (0, u0),
0 < u0 ≤ ∞. The effects of singular nonlinearities and
of the forcing term are treated as well.
Microencapsulated Genetically Engineered Lactobacillus plantarum 80 (pCBH1) for Bile Acid Deconjugation and Its Implication in Lowering Cholesterol
Authors: Jones Mitchell Lawrence , Chen Hongmei , Ouyang Wei , Metz Terrence , Prakash Satya
Published: April 2004

Cholesterol is known to be a major risk factor for coronary heart
disease (CHD). Current treatments for elevated blood cholesterol
include dietary management, regular exercise, and drug therapy
with fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, and statins. Such
therapies, however, are often suboptimal and carry a risk for
serious side effects. This study shows that microencapsulated
Lactobacillus plantarum 80 (pCBH1) cells can efficiently
break down and remove bile acids, and establishes a basis for
their use in lowering blood serum cholesterol. Results show that
microencapsulated LP80 (pCBH1) is able to effectively break down
the conjugated bile acids glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) and
taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) with bile salt hydrolase (BSH)
activities of 0.19 and 0.08 μmol DCA/mg CDW/h
respectively. This article also summarizes the physiological
interrelationship between bile acids and cholesterol and predicts
the oral doses of microencapsulated Lactobacillus
plantarum 80 (pCBH1) cells required for lowering cholesterol.
Independent Association Between Plasma Leptin and C-Reactive Protein in Healthy Humans
Authors: Shamsuzzaman Abu S.M. , Winnicki Mikolaj , Wolk Robert , Svatikova Anna , Phillips Bradley G. , Davison Diane E. , Berger Peter B. , Somers Virend K.
Published: April 2004

Background—

C-reactive protein (CRP) is synthesized from the liver and is regulated by cytokines, especially interleukin-6. Leptin, the adipocyte-derived protein product of the
ob
gene, is related to amount of body fat. The long form of the leptin receptor resembles cytokine receptors, which include the interleukin-6 receptor. Both leptin and CRP may be increased in women, in obesity, and in inflammation, and both have been linked to cardiovascular pathophysiological processes and increased cardiovascular risk. We tested the hypothesis that leptin is associated with CRP levels independently of the influences of gender, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and other variables.

Methods and Results—

We studied 100 healthy volunteers (48 men, and 52 women). For all subjects, leptin was independently associated with CRP after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, smoking, and alcohol consumption (F=12.39,
P
=0.0007). There was a strong and significant positive relationship between leptin and CRP in both women (
R
=0.61,
P
<0.0001) and men (
R
=0.55,
P
<0.0001) considered separately. The association between leptin and CRP was significant even after adjustment for age, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, smoking, and alcohol consumption in women (F=7.13,
P
=0.01) and men (F=5.69,
P
=0.02). When only subjects with BMI <25 kg/m
2
were considered (n=47), CRP was not linked to BMI (
R
=0.02,
P
=0.96), but a significant association between leptin and CRP was still evident (
R
=0.55,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Leptin and CRP levels are independently associated in normal humans, providing further evidence linking metabolic and inflammatory cardiovascular disease mechanisms.