bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids Are Released to Mediate Shear Stress–Dependent Hyperpolarization of Arteriolar Smooth Muscle
Authors: Huang An , Sun Dong , Jacobson Azita , Carroll Mairead A. , Falck John R. , Kaley Gabor
Published: January 2005

We hypothesized that shear stress stimulates the release of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) from arteriolar endothelium, which directly hyperpolarize smooth muscle. To test this hypothesis, a perfusion system, consisting of two separate, serially connected chambers (A and B), was used. A donor vessel, isolated from gracilis muscle of female NO-deficient mice and rats, was cannulated in chamber A. In chamber B, an endothelium-denuded detector vessel isolated from mesentery of these animals was cannulated. In the presence of indomethacin, 5, 10, and 20 dyne/cm
2
shear stress elicited dilation of donor vessels, followed by dilation of detector vessels. Changes in membrane potential of the detector vessel smooth muscle cells in response to the perfusate from 5 and 10 dyne/cm
2
shear stress–stimulated donor vessels was also recorded (by ≈−12 to −15 and −20 to −30 mV, respectively). Exposing detector vessels to 30 mmol/L KCl or pretreating them with iberiotoxin abolished their hyperpolarization and dilation to the flow of perfusate. Pretreatment of donor vessels with PPOH, an inhibitor of cytochrome P-450/epoxygenase, eliminated dilator responses in both donor and detector vessels, as well as the hyperpolarization of detector vessels. GC-MS analysis showed increasing release of EETs into the perfusate collected from 1, 5, and 10 dyne/cm
2
shear stress–stimulated arterioles, which was abolished by PPOH. Thus, EETs, released from endothelial cells of donor vessels stimulated with shear stress, hyperpolarize smooth muscle of downstream detector vessels, confirming their identity as endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors and suggesting that gap junctional communication may not be necessary for shear stress–stimulated EDHF-mediated vasodilation.
Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Responses and Enhanced Influence of Rho-Kinase in Cerebral Arterioles in Type II Diabetes
Authors: Didion Sean P. , Lynch Cynthia M. , Baumbach Gary L. , Faraci Frank M.
Published: January 2005

Background and Purpose—

Although the incidence of type II diabetes is increasing, very little is known regarding vascular responses in the cerebral circulation in this disease. The goals of this study were to examine the role of superoxide in impaired endothelium-dependent responses and to examine the influence of Rho-kinase on vascular tone in the cerebral microcirculation in type II diabetes.

Methods—

Diameter of cerebral arterioles (29±1 μm; mean±SE) was measured in vivo using a cranial window in anesthetized
db/db
and control mice.

Results—

Dilatation of cerebral arterioles in response to acetylcholine (ACh; 1 and 10 μmol/L), but not to nitroprusside, was markedly reduced in
db/db
mice (eg, 10 μmol/L ACh produced 29±1% and 9±1% in control and
db/db
mice, respectively). Superoxide levels were increased (
P
<0.05) in cerebral arterioles from
db/db
mice (n=6) compared with controls (n=6). Vasodilatation to ACh in
db/db
mice was restored to normal by polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase (100 U/mL). Y-27632 (1 to 100 μmol/L; a Rho-kinase inhibitor) produced modest vasodilatation in control mice but much greater responses in
db/db
mice.
N

G

-nitro-
l
-arginine (100 μmol/L; an inhibitor of NO synthase) significantly enhanced Y-27632–induced dilatation in control mice to similar levels as observed in
db/db
mice.

Conclusions—

These findings provide the first evidence for superoxide-mediated impairment of endothelium-dependent responses of cerebral vessels in any model of type II diabetes. In addition, the influence of Rho-kinase on resting tone appears to be selectively enhanced in the cerebral microcirculation in this genetic model of type II diabetes.
Assimilating Coherent Doppler Lidar Measurements into a Model of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer. Part II: Sensitivity Analyses
Authors: Newsom Rob K. , Banta Robert M.
Published: January 2005

A series of trials are performed to evaluate the sensitivity of a 4DVAR algorithm for retrieval of microscale wind and temperature fields from single-Doppler lidar data. These trials use actual Doppler lidar measurements to examine the sensitivity of the retrievals to changes in 1) the prescribed eddy diffusivity profile, 2) the first-guess or base-state virtual potential temperature profile, 3) the phase and duration of the assimilation period, and 4) the grid resolution.

The retrieved fields are well correlated among trials over a reasonable range of variation in the eddy diffusivity coefficients. However, the retrievals are quite sensitive to changes in the gradients of the first-guess or base-state virtual potential temperature profile, and to changes in the phase (start time) and duration of the assimilation period. Retrievals using different grid resolutions exhibit similar larger-scale structure, but differ considerably in the smaller scales. Increasing the grid resolution significantly improved the fit to the radial velocity measurements, improved the convergence rate, and produced variances and fluxes that were in better agreement with tower-based sonic anemometers.

Horizontally averaged variance and heat flux profiles derived from the final time steps of all the retrievals are similar to typical large-eddy-simulation (LES) results for the convective boundary layer. However, all retrieved statistics show significant nonstationarity because fluctuations in the initial state tend to be confined within the boundaries of the scan.
Travel Anxiety and Intentions to Travel Internationally: Implications of Travel Risk Perception
Authors: Reisinger Yvette , Mavondo Felix
Published: January 2005

This article investigates the impact of cultural and psychographic factors on perceptions of travel risk, anxiety, and intentions to travel internationally. The study involved 246 Australian and 336 foreign respondents who were surveyed as to their cultural orientation, personality, lifestyle, travel motivation, risk and safety perception, anxiety, and intentions to travel. The results of a path analysis showed that the travel risk perception was a function of cultural orientation and psychographic factors in both samples, and anxiety was a function of type of perceived risk. The terrorism and sociocultural risk emerged as the most significant predictors of travel anxiety. Intentions to travel internationally were determined by travel anxiety levels and level of perceived safety. Implications for future research and marketing practices are discussed.
Developing the Travel Career Approach to Tourist Motivation
Authors: Pearce Philip L. , Lee Uk-Il
Published: January 2005

The purpose of this study lies in the conceptual adjustment of the travel career ladder (TCL) approach to travel motivation. In this context, the study examined the relationship between patterns of travel motivation and travel experience. This research was conducted through two studies: an interview phase to guide the further conceptual development of the travel career approach and a major survey phase for further empirical exploration of the ideas. Overall results suggested that host-site-involvement motivation (e.g., experiencing different cultures) and nature-related motivation (e.g., being close to nature) were more important factors to the more experienced travelers, whereas motivations such as stimulation, personal development, relationship (security), self-actualization, nostalgia, romance, and recognition had a higher priority for the less experienced ones. Importantly, a core of travel motivation factors including escape, relaxation, relationship enhancement, and self-development seem to comprise the central backbone of motivation for all travelers.
Ireland’s Image as a Tourism Destination in France: Attribute Importance and Performance
Authors: O’Leary Sinéad , Deegan Jim
Published: January 2005

Ireland is highly dependent on tourism as an employment and revenue generator. Recent trends, however, suggest that visitors from France, one of Ireland’s key source markets, may have peaked. Tourism images are critical to the success of any destination, particularly because of how they affect the level of satisfaction with the tourist experience. Ireland is frequently acknowledged as a successfully branded and marketed tourism destination. Nonetheless, few image studies to date have focused specifically on Ireland, and none has analyzed the image of Ireland as a tourism destination in France. The aim of this study, therefore, was to redress this knowledge deficit. A questionnaire was used to examine the importance of certain destination attributes for French tourists and to determine how French visitors rate Ireland’s performance with respect to these attributes pre- and postvisitation. This information was subsequently incorporated into an importance-performance analysis grid.
Travelers’ Perceptions of Airline Alliance Benefits and Performance
Authors: Weber Karin
Published: January 2005

This study assessed air travelers’ perceptions of the importance of airline alliance benefits and the performance of airline alliances. In the process, important differences in terms of certain demographics, frequency of travel, and country of origin were established. Interviews were conducted with 819 international travelers departing Hong Kong. Results indicated that in contrast to previous research findings, it is mainly factors contributing to travelers’ convenience that were ranked highest rather than the ability to earn frequent flyer points and an expanded route network offered by alliances. Furthermore, importance ratings for respondents residing in Western countries were generally, and in many cases significantly, lower than those of respondents residing in Asian countries. The moderate evaluation of the global alliances by the most frequent travelers highlights the various areas that require further attention and improvement.
Benefits Segmentation of Visitors to Latin America
Authors: Sarigöllü Emine , Huang Rong
Published: January 2005

This research presents an effective segmentation of Latin American tourists and thereby provides invaluable input and guidance for destination marketers in regard to strategic planning for the region’s tourist provision. Four distinct segments are identified based on the benefits sought, and these are profiled with respect to demographics, travel behavior, expectations about the infrastructure, local environment, services, and costs, as well as the visitors’ personalities and interests. Globally, the most important decision drivers are found to be safety, flight and accommodation availability, and affordability. This research also presents an overview of benefits segmentation literature on tourism.
International versus Domestic Visitors: An Examination of Destination Image Perceptions
Authors: Bonn Mark A. , Joseph Sacha M. , Dai Mo
Published: January 2005

Potential tourists use various destination attributes to aid in destination image formation. Destination environmental attributes related to the actual product or site have been shown to influence destination image. These environmental attributes can be grouped into two subcategories—destination atmospherics and destination service. This study identified significant differences in the ratings of these two categories when comparing three groups of visitors to Florida: Florida (in-state) residents, U.S. domestic (non-Florida), and international. Understanding destination images that past visitors hold about a particular destination may provide useful insights into understanding existing images about that destination and can aid in the development of positioning strategies to alter or maintain these images. This study offers a first step in examining the varying perceptions visitors can hold about a destination based on their country of origin.
Falsification and Demarcation in Astronomy and Cosmology
Authors: Sovacool Benjamin
Published: January 2005

This work inaugurates a critical inquiry into whether the ideas of Karl Popper, a philosopher of science, are used by astronomers and astrophysicists, a practicing community of scientists. It examines four basic components of Karl Popper's philosophy— falsification, prohibition, simplicity, and risk taking— and the extent that these themes become integrated into recent scientific literature on astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and stellar evolutionary theory. It concludes that the philosophy of science is highly relevant to the practice of astronomy, and that Karl Popper plays a unique role in directing different communities of astronomers and cosmologists.
A Tale of Two Regimes: Instrumentality and Commons Access
Authors: Toly Noah J.
Published: January 2005

Technical developments have profound social and environmental impacts. Both are observed in the implications of regimes of instrumentality for commons access regimes. Establishing social, material, ecological, intellectual, and moral infrastructures, technologies are partly constitutive of commons access and may militate against governance according to principles of ecological justice. This article examines the relationship between regimes of instrumentality and commons access regimes, exploring the effects of bioprospecting on the biodiversity commons.
Tackling the Dilemma of the Science-Policy Interface in Environmental Policy Analysis
Authors: Cimorelli Alan J. , Stahl Cynthia H.
Published: January 2005

Scientifically derived environmental indicators are central to environmental decision analysis. This article examines the interface between science (environmental indicators) and policy, and the dilemma of their integration. In the past, science has been shown to dominate many policy debates, usually with unfavorable results. The issue, therefore, is not whether science can determine policy but how science can be part of a more holistic analysis that incorporates other critical perspectives. This article discusses the importance of considering alternative views (as represented by different scientific indicators) within the policy debate. Six example ozone indicators, constructed from the same raw data, are used to illustrate this point. Two represent newly developed indicators that respond to present-day policy questions at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The article concludes with a brief discussion of how such indicators can be used to better define a policy question, inform the policy debate, and evaluate policy alternatives.
The Bhopal Disaster of 1984
Authors: Varma Roli , Varma Daya R.
Published: January 2005

The 20th anniversary of the Bhopal calamity fell on December 3, 2004. The world's worst industrial disaster in Bhopal, India, happened because of inadequate maintenance by Union Carbide and poor monitoring by the Indian authorities. Malfunctioning safety measures, inappropriate location of the plant, and lack of information about the identity and toxicity of the gas worsened the effects of the accident on people and livestock. The Bhopal disaster has raised questions about the implications of the transfer of potentially hazardous technology to the developing countries. Even after 20 years, Bhopal has not recovered. In this article, we present what happened and why and what lessons can be learned at this terrible cost.
Add Men, Don’t Stir
Authors: Montemurro Beth
Published: January 2005

The bridal shower is a ritual that dates back to sixteenth-century Western Europe. Traditionally, the bridal shower was a gendered ritual, organized by women, for women. Evidence suggests that the gender barrier for showers may be disintegrating as “couples” or “coed” showers make their way into the prewedding routine. However, it is unclear whether the presence of men at wedding showers is indicative of gender convergence or if couples showers replicate traditional gender roles. It is necessary to look at men’s presence in showers empirically to understand the ways in which gender and traditional gender roles are either deconstructed or reconstructed in this ritual. I find that rather than indicating gender convergence, coed showers are markedly different from traditional bridal showers. In essence, the traditional bridal shower is transformed and masculinized so that it is an event men can participate in without stigmatization or threat to their “manliness.”
Leadership and Public Policy
Authors: McTeer Maureen
Published: January 2005

This article outlines some of the key issues that medical science, research, and technology raise for society and urges nurses to play a larger role in setting public policy to define and regulate their future use and development. It notes the unique clinical and academic experiences of nurses that qualify them for this task and suggests specific ways these goals can be achieved through the Center for Health Policy, Research and Ethics at George Mason University.
Fractured Fairy Tales and Fragmented Markets
Authors: Levine Elana
Published: January 2005

This article analyzes the institutional and textual features of a Lifetime Television series called Weddings of a Lifetime. It argues that the synergistic melding of Disney, ABC, and Lifetime in Weddings of a Lifetime not only typifies media industry strategies in an age of conglomeration but also evidences the complex textual meanings produced through such institutional practices. In this case, Disney’s cross-promotional efforts at once bolster and challenge the company’s vested interests in the ideologies of heterosexual romance and marriage. While the linkages between Disney properties maximize the program’s selling power, those same linkages, along with the series’ blurred generic boundaries and pretensions to “reality,” fracture the idealized fairy tale that its stories of romance and marriage ostensibly relate. The article seeks to extend the discussion of media conglomeration into a specific case study to examine the effects of this institutional development on a media product.
A Contemporary History of Digital Journalism
Authors: Scott Ben
Published: January 2005

This article documents the history of online journalism, charting its rise with the internet boom of the mid-1990s and its subsequent decline and stabilization within the present news media market. This history is situated within the larger trajectories of contemporary journalism, paying particular attention to changes in the existing political economic structure of the industry as it assumes digital form, the resultant variations in content and presentation, and the implications for the health of the free press. In the final analysis, this article argues that the move to an online format has exacerbated negative trends that have dogged print journalism for decades. It also extends an existing critique of hyper-commercial journalism by developing the arguments to treat the new institutions and conventions of the digital marketplace.
Successful adoptive transfer and in vivo expansion of human haploidentical NK cells in patients with cancer
Authors: Miller Jeffrey S. , Soignier Yvette , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , McNearney Sarah A. , Yun Gong H. , Fautsch Susan K. , McKenna David , Le Chap , Defor Todd E. , Burns Linda J. , Orchard Paul J. , Blazar Bruce R. , Wagner John E. , Slungaard Arne , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Okazaki Ian J. , McGlave Philip B.
Published: January 2005

We previously demonstrated that autologous natural killer (NK)–cell therapy after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is safe but does not provide an antitumor effect. We hypothesize that this is due to a lack of NK-cell inhibitory receptor mismatching with autologous tumor cells, which may be overcome by allogeneic NK-cell infusions. Here, we test haploidentical, related-donor NK-cell infusions in a nontransplantation setting to determine safety and in vivo NK-cell expansion. Two lower intensity outpatient immune suppressive regimens were tested: (1) low-dose cyclophosphamide and methylprednisolone and (2) fludarabine. A higher intensity inpatient regimen of high-dose cyclophosphamide and fludarabine (Hi-Cy/Flu) was tested in patients with poor-prognosis acute myeloid leukemia (AML). All patients received subcutaneous interleukin 2 (IL-2) after infusions. Patients who received lower intensity regimens showed transient persistence but no in vivo expansion of donor cells. In contrast, infusions after the more intense Hi-Cy/Flu resulted in a marked rise in endogenous IL-15, expansion of donor NK cells, and induction of complete hematologic remission in 5 of 19 poor-prognosis patients with AML. These findings suggest that haploidentical NK cells can persist and expand in vivo and may have a role in the treatment of selected malignancies used alone or as an adjunct to HCT.
Macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor c-fms is a novel target of imatinib
Authors: Dewar Andrea L. , Cambareri Antony C. , Zannettino Andrew C. W. , Miller Bernadette L. , Doherty Kathleen V. , Hughes Timothy P. , Lyons A. Bruce
Published: January 2005

Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that suppresses the growth of bcr-abl–expressing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) progenitor cells by blockade of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–binding site of the kinase domain of bcr-abl. Imatinib also inhibits the c-abl, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor, abl-related gene (ARG) and stem-cell factor (SCF) receptor tyrosine kinases, and has been used clinically to inhibit the growth of malignant cells in patients with CML and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Although initially considered to have minimal effects of normal hematopoiesis, recent studies show that imatinib also inhibits the growth of some nonmalignant hematopoietic cells, including monocyte/macrophages. This inhibition could not be attributed to the known activity profile of imatinib. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that imatinib targets the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) receptor c-fms. Phosphorylation of c-fms was inhibited by therapeutic concentrations of imatinib, and this was not due to down-regulation in c-fms expression. Imatinib was also found to inhibit M-CSF–induced proliferation of a cytokine–dependent cell line, further supporting the hypothesis that imatinib affects the growth and development of monocyte and/or macrophages through inhibition of c-fms signaling. Importantly, these results identify an additional biologic target to those already defined for imatinib. Imatinib should now be assessed for activity in diseases where c-fms activation is implicated, including breast and ovarian cancer and inflammatory conditions.
IgE- and IgE+Ag-mediated mast cell migration in an autocrine/paracrine fashion
Authors: Kitaura Jiro , Kinoshita Tatsuya , Matsumoto Masaaki , Chung Shaun , Kawakami Yuko , Leitges Michael , Wu Dianqing , Lowell Clifford A. , Kawakami Toshiaki
Published: January 2005

Mast cells are the major effector cells for immediate hypersensitivity and chronic allergic reactions. These cells accumulate in mucosal tissues of allergic reactions, where immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced locally. Here we provide evidence that, in addition to antigen that can attract IgE-bound mast cells, the type of IgE molecules that efficiently activate mast cells can promote the migration of mast cells in the absence of antigen. IgE- and IgE+Ag-mediated migration involves an autocrine/paracrine secretion of soluble factors including adenosine, leukotriene B4, and several chemokines. Their secretion depends on 2 tyrosine kinases, Lyn and Syk, and they are agonists of G-protein-coupled receptors and signal through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase γ, leading to mast cell migration. In mouse experiments, naive mast cells are attracted to IgE, and IgE-sensitized mast cells are attracted to antigen. Therefore, IgE and antigen are implicated in mast cell accumulation at allergic tissue sites with local high IgE levels. (Blood. 2005;105:3222-3229)
Therapeutic angiogenesis for critical limb ischemia: design of the hepatocyte growth factor therapeutic angiogenesis clinical trial
Authors: Powell Richard J , Dormandy John , Simons Michael , Morishita Ryuichi , Annex Brian H
Published: January 2005

The objective of the HGF-STAT clinical trial is to determine whether perfusion can be improved by gene transfer with a plasmid DNA containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the affected limb of patients with unreconstructable critical limb ischemia (CLI). CLI results in a high rate of limb loss and impaired quality of life. The current therapeutic strategies, including bypass surgery and percutaneous interventions, are only successful in treating a subset of patients. Therapeutic angiogenesis is an investigational method that seeks to favorably impact tissue per-fusion in CLI. HGF-STAT is a double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, dose response study in 100 patients with unreconstructable CLI. Eligible subjects will be randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive saline placebo or one of three dose/regimens of HGF plasmid DNA. The selection of outcome measures, including the primary endpoint, and changes in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) from baseline to 3 months will be discussed. In conclusion, this study will help to determine whether therapeutic angiogenesis with HGF is a viable option in the treatment of patients with CLI.
Salvage Radiotherapy in Patients With Relapsed and Refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: A Retrospective Analysis From the German Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Josting Andreas , Nogová Lucia , Franklin Jeremy , Glossmann Jan-Peter , Eich Hans Theodor , Sieber Markus , Schober Thomas , Boettcher Heinz-Dietrich , Schulz Ulrich , Müller Rolf-Peter , Diehl Volker , Engert Andreas
Published: January 2005

Purpose

To evaluate treatment outcome and prognostic factors in patients with refractory or first relapsed Hodgkin’s disease (HD) treated with salvage radiotherapy (SRT) alone.

Patients and Methods

From 4,754 patients registered in the database of the German Hodgkin Study Group from 1988 to 1999, 624 patients were identified with progressive disease (n = 202), or with early (n = 170) or late (n = 252) relapsed HD. At first treatment failure, SRT alone was given to 100 patients. Patient characteristics were: median age, 36 years; progressive disease, 47%; early relapse, 23%; late relapse, 30%; and “B” symptoms, 14%. Eighty-five percent of the patients relapsed after cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone/doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (COPP/ABVD) –like regimens; 8% after bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (BEACOPP) regimens, 7% after first-line radiotherapy alone.

Results

The volume irradiated was mantle field in 43% of patients, inverted-Y in 8%, total nodal irradiation in 12%, and involved-field in 37%. The median SRT dose was 40 Gy (range, 15 to 50 Gy). Seventy-seven patients achieved a complete remission and four patients achieved a partial remission. The 5-year freedom from treatment failure and overall survival (OS) rates were 28% and 51%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, significant prognostic factors for OS were B symptoms (P = .018) and stage at relapse (P = .014). For freedom from second failure (FF2F) Karnofsky performance status (P = .0001) was significant. In patients with limited stage at progression/relapse, duration of first remission was significant (P = .04) for FF2F.

Conclusion

SRT offers an effective treatment for selected subsets of patients with relapsed or refractory HD.
Activation of the newly discovered cyclostome renin–angiotensin system in the river lampreyLampetra fluviatilis
Authors: Brown J. Anne , Cobb Christopher S. , Frankling Susan C. , Rankin J. Cliff
Published: January 2005

This study describes the first investigations of the physiological signals involved in activating the newly discovered cyclostome renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and its role in the river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis. Experimental manipulation showed that volume depletion (removal of 40% blood volume) rapidly activated the RAS of lampreys acclimated to water at 576 mOsm kg–1 (21 p.p.t.), significantly increasing plasma angiotensin concentrations after 30 min and 60 min. In agreement with these results, a rapid change in environmental salinity (758 mOsm kg–1 to freshwater (FW) and FW to 605 mOsm kg–1), resulted in a rapid decrease and increase in plasma [angiotensin], respectively. Intraperitoneal(i.p.) injection of FW-acclimated river lampreys with 1% body mass by volume of nominally isosmotic saline (120 mmol l–1 NaCl; 233 mOsm kg–1) resulted in a significant decrease in the plasma angiotensin concentration within 15 min. In contrast, i.p. injection of hyperosmotic saline (4 mol l–1 NaCl) at 1% body mass by volume, which significantly increased plasma osmolality, had no significant effect on plasma [angiotensin], suggesting that volume/pressure receptors and osmoreceptors interact in regulating the lamprey RAS. These results indicate an important role for volume/pressor receptors, as in teleosts, but with an additional osmoreceptor mechanism, such that circulatory [angiotensin] is determined by interaction of volume/pressure and osmoreceptors and their relative sensitivities. The volume/pressure sensitivity is in keeping with the recent evidence of a vasoconstrictor action of homologous lamprey angiotensin and provides evidence that the fundamental role of the RAS in maintaining volume and pressure is an ancient function conserved over 500 million years of vertebrate evolution.
Symbiosis-induced adaptation to oxidative stress
Authors: Richier Sophie , Furla Paola , Plantivaux Amandine , Merle Pierre-Laurent , Allemand Denis
Published: January 2005

Cnidarians in symbiosis with photosynthetic protists must withstand daily hyperoxic/anoxic transitions within their host cells. Comparative studies between symbiotic (Anemonia viridis) and non-symbiotic (Actinia schmidti) sea anemones show striking differences in their response to oxidative stress. First, the basal expression of SOD is very different. Symbiotic animal cells have a higher isoform diversity (number and classes)and a higher activity than the non-symbiotic cells. Second, the symbiotic animal cells of A. viridis also maintain unaltered basal values for cellular damage when exposed to experimental hyperoxia (100% O2) or to experimental thermal stress (elevated temperature +7°C above ambient). Under such conditions, A. schmidti modifies its SOD activity significantly. Electrophoretic patterns diversify, global activities diminish and cell damage biomarkers increase. These data suggest symbiotic cells adapt to stress while non-symbiotic cells remain acutely sensitive. In addition to being toxic, high O2 partial pressure(PO2) may also constitute a preconditioning step for symbiotic animal cells, leading to an adaptation to the hyperoxic condition and, thus, to oxidative stress. Furthermore, in aposymbiotic animal cells of A. viridis, repression of some animal SOD isoforms is observed. Meanwhile, in cultured symbionts, new activity bands are induced,suggesting that the host might protect its zooxanthellae in hospite. Similar results have been observed in other symbiotic organisms, such as the sea anemone Aiptasia pulchella and the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata. Molecular or physical interactions between the two symbiotic partners may explain such variations in SOD activity and might confer oxidative stress tolerance to the animal host.
A computational fluid dynamics of `clap and fling' in the smallest insects
Authors: Miller Laura A. , Peskin Charles S.
Published: January 2005

In this paper, we have used the immersed boundary method to solve the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations for two immersed wings performing an idealized `clap and fling' stroke and a `fling' half-stroke. We calculated lift coefficients as functions of time per wing for a range of Reynolds numbers (Re) between 8 and 128. We also calculated the instantaneous streamlines around each wing throughout the stroke cycle and related the changes in lift to the relative strength and position of the leading and trailing edge vortices.

Our results show that lift generation per wing during the `clap and fling'of two wings when compared to the average lift produced by one wing with the same motion falls into two distinct patterns. For Re=64 and higher,lift is initially enhanced during the rotation of two wings when lift coefficients are compared to the case of one wing. Lift coefficients after fling and during the translational part of the stroke oscillate as the leading and trailing edge vortices are alternately shed. In addition, the lift coefficients are not substantially greater in the two-winged case than in the one-winged case. This differs from three-dimensional insect flight where the leading edge vortices remain attached to the wing throughout each half-stroke. For Re=32 and lower, lift coefficients per wing are also enhanced during wing rotation when compared to the case of one wing rotating with the same motion. Remarkably, lift coefficients following two-winged fling during the translational phase are also enhanced when compared to the one-winged case. Indeed, they begin about 70% higher than the one-winged case during pure translation. When averaged over the entire translational part of the stroke, lift coefficients per wing are 35% higher for the two-winged case during a 4.5 chord translation following fling. In addition, lift enhancement increases with decreasing Re. This result suggests that the Weis-Fogh mechanism of lift generation has greater benefit to insects flying at lower Re. Drag coefficients produced during fling are also substantially higher for the two-winged case than the one-winged case, particularly at lower Re.
Optimal aspect ratio of interference fits for maximum load transfer capacity
Authors: Castagnetti D , Dragoni E
Published: January 2005

The stress state in frictional interference fits under torsional and axial loading is examined. The optimal ratio between the inside and outside diameters of the hub is calculated, which maximizes the load transmitted by the joint. Design formulae and charts are provided, giving the most efficient aspect ratio of the hub for all practical situations. It is found that the maximum load capacity is achieved for an aspect ratio in the range from 0.5 to 0.7, regardless of the frictional coefficient (up to 1), of the kind of loading (torsional or axial), and of the material response (brittle or ductile).
Fatigue crack growth at stress concentrators under spectrum loading
Authors: Prakash R. V
Published: January 2005

Fatigue cracks initiate at stress raisers such as notches, discontinuities, and surface defects. Many of the field failures that indicate the presence of a fatigue crack at failure can be traced to crack initiation from one or more crack initiation sites and merger of cracks over a period of service. Substantial service life is spent in the growth of small cracks from an initial size of few micrometres before they coalesce and grow to critical dimensions that cause fracture. This paper summarizes research that was carried out in order to understand the kinetics of crack growth of small cracks at notches under simulated FALSTAFF service loading. This paper also presents a method used to understand crack growth kinetics in a pin-loaded lug joint through a crack-front-mapping technique.
Stress intensity factors for radial cracks in annular and solid discs under constant angular velocity
Authors: Gowhari-Anaraki A. R , Hardy S J , Adibi-Asl R
Published: January 2005

The finite element method has been used to predict the stress intensity factors for single- and double-edge cracks in six annular and solid rotating discs under constant angular velocity. Linear elastic fracture mechanics finite element analyses have been performed and the results are presented in the form of crack configuration factors for a wide range of component and crack geometry parameters. These parameters are chosen to be representative of typical practical situations and have been determined from evidence presented in the open literature. The extensive range of crack configuration factors obtained from the analyses are then used to obtain equivalent prediction equations using a statistical multiple non-linear regression model. The accuracy of this model is measured using a multiple coefficient of determination, R2, where 0 ≤ R2 ≤ 1. This coefficient is found to be greater than or equal to 0.98 for all cases considered in this study, demonstrating the quality of the model fit to the data. Predictive equations for stress intensity factors enable designers to predict the fatigue life of these components easily. It is also suggested that one of the component configurations (i.e. the cracked slit rotating disc) can be selected as a suitable experimental sample to measure the real fracture toughness of rotating components, using the relevant predictive equation presented in this study. Finally a fracture criterion is also suggested graphically to determine the limit load value of angular velocity for similar rotating disc components.
One-pot Synthesis of Substituted Quinolines by Iridium-catalyzed Three-component Coupling Reaction
Authors: Igarashi Takeyuki , Inada Takashi , Sekioka Tadao , Nakajima Takayuki , Shimizu Isao
Published: January 2005

A convenient and efficient synthesis of substituted quinolines in a simple one-pot reaction of an arylamine 1, an aromatic aldehyde or aliphatic aldehyde 2 and an aliphatic aldehyde 3 in the presence of transition metal complexes or Lewis acids was developed. Among them, the iridium catalyst [Ir(cod)Cl]2 catalyzed the reaction most efficiently.
Melanoma in the masseter muscle
Authors: Haskova Joanna , Maini Sangeeta , Meehan C.
Published: January 2005

This case report presents two very unusual cases of melanomas arising within the masseter muscle. Both were metastases of unknown origin arising in young, healthy patients and presenting as asymptomatic lesions. No primary lesions were found in either case. A comprehensive search of the world literature revealed no previous similar cases.
Current Options in the Management of Olanzapine-Associated Weight Gain
Authors: Hester E Kelly , Thrower Margaret R
Published: January 2005

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate options for the management of weight gain associated with olanzapine therapy.

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE (1966–May 2004), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–August 2003), The Cochrane Library, and EMBASE (1974–August 2003) databases were searched using the key words antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics, olanzapine, and weight gain. Bibliographies of cited articles were reviewed.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All articles identified from the data sources were evaluated and all information deemed relevant was included for this review.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Weight gain is a common adverse effect of olanzapine, a member of the atypical antipsychotic class. Data are limited supporting a specific therapeutic approach to the management of weight gain with olanzapine treatment. Reversal of weight gain with lifestyle modifications and adjunctive pharmacologic therapies such as nizatidine and amantadine has been modest. Experience with adjunctive pharmacologic treatment has been limited to small, observational studies and case reports. Although data are limited, weight reduction has been observed in select patients switching from olanzapine to an alternative atypical antipsychotic.

CONCLUSIONS:

At this time, targeting lifestyle modifications provides the most reasonable approach to minimize weight gain observed with olanzapine therapy. Preliminary evidence evaluating adjunctive pharmacologic treatment for this indication has demonstrated minimal clinical benefit. Switching to an alternative atypical antipsychotic agent associated with less significant weight gain may be appropriate in select patients. Further clinical trials are needed to support a specific therapeutic approach to managing weight gain with olanzapine.
Over-the-Counter Availability of Plan B Emergency Contraception: Further Discussion and Commentary
Authors: Fincham Jack E , Harris Curtis E , Fassett William E , Richards Warren
Published: January 2005

The controversy surrounding the potential switch of the Plan B emergency contraceptive therapy from prescription to over-thecounter status has been unprecedented. Regulatory, professional, and societal aspects of this issue have been discussed recently and will no doubt continue to be debated. In this editorial, members of the Medicine, Law, and Ethics panel of The Annals of Pharmacotherapy's Editorial Board offer a sampling of viewpoints touching on varying aspects of the controversy. Readers may wish to consider the ramifications of their professional decisions in this and similar situations in advance of having to make such decisions.
Selective Capability of SynCAM and Neuroligin for Functional Synapse Assembly
Authors: Sara Yildirim , Biederer Thomas , Atasoy Deniz , Chubykin Alexander , Mozhayeva Marina G. , Südhof Thomas C. , Kavalali Ege T.
Published: January 2005

Synaptic cell adhesion is central for synapse formation and function. Recently, the synaptic cell adhesion molecules neuroligin 1 (NL1) and SynCAM were shown to induce presynaptic differentiation in cocultured neurons when expressed in a non-neuronal cell. However, it is uncertain how similar the resulting artificial synapses are to regular synapses. Are these molecules isofunctional, or do all neuronal cell adhesion molecules nonspecifically activate synapse formation? To address these questions, we analyzed the properties of artificial synapses induced by NL1 and SynCAM, compared the actions of these molecules with those of other neuronal cell adhesion molecules, and examined the functional effects of NL1 and SynCAM overexpression in neurons. We found that only NL1 and SynCAM specifically induced presynaptic differentiation in cocultured neurons. The induced nerve terminals were capable of both spontaneous and evoked neurotransmitter release, suggesting that a full secretory apparatus was assembled. By all measures, SynCAM- and NL1-induced artificial synapses were identical. Overexpression in neurons demonstrated that only SynCAM, but not NL1, increased synaptic function in immature developing excitatory neurons after 8 din vitro. Tests of chimeric molecules revealed that the dominant-positive effect of SynCAM on synaptic function in developing neurons was mediated by its intracellular cytoplasmic tail. Interestingly, morphological analysis of neurons overexpressing SynCAM or NL1 showed the opposite of the predictions from electrophysiological results. In this case, only NL1 increased the synapse number, suggesting a role for NL1 in morphological synapse induction. These results suggest that both NL1 and SynCAM act similarly and specifically in artificial synapse induction but that this process does not reflect a shared physiological function of these molecules.
cAMP Acts on Exchange Protein Activated by cAMP/cAMP-Regulated Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Protein to Regulate Transmitter Release at the Crayfish Neuromuscular Junction
Authors: Zhong Ning , Zucker Robert S.
Published: January 2005

Glutamatergic synapses are highly modifiable, suiting them for key roles in processes such as learning and memory. At crayfish glutamatergic neuromuscular junctions, hyperpolarization and cyclic nucleotide-activated (HCN) ion channels mediate hormonal modulation of glutamatergic synapses and a form activity-dependent long-term facilitation (LTF) of synaptic transmission. Here, we show that a new target for cAMP, exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) or cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange protein, is involved in the hormonal enhancement of synaptic transmission by serotonin. Induction of LTF “tags” synapses, rendering them responsive to cAMP in an HCN-independent manner. Epac also mediates the enhancement of tagged synapses. Thus, the cAMP-dependent enhancement of transmission is mediated by two separate pathways, neither of which involves protein kinase A.
Bistable cholesteric reflective displays: Two‐level dynamic drive schemes
Authors: Rybalochka A. , Sorokin V. , Valyukh S.
Published: January 2005

Abstract— Among the many known dynamic drive schemes for bistable cholesteric liquid‐crystal displays, the simplest driving voltage waveforms are realized only in two‐level dynamic drive schemes. Voltage waveforms that are applied to rows and columns of a display in two‐level drive schemes consist of only two voltage levels: U and 0. The addressing speed for these drive schemes is defined by the fast transition time of a cholesteric liquid crystal from the homeotropic state to the transient planar state per row. Two‐level dynamic drive schemes were analyzed. The possibility of increasing the addressing speed will be discussed.
A retinal scanning display with a wavefront curvature modulator
Authors: Watanabe Mitsuyoshi , Takayama Haruhisa , Asai Nobuaki , Matsuda Riki , Yamada Shoji
Published: January 2005

Abstract— A retinal scanning display with a wavefront curvature modulator (WCM) has been developed and demonstrated. The WCM dynamically modulates the divergence of laser beams to produce multiple focal planes in synchronization with 2‐D laser scanning. The produced images have given real stereoscopic feelings to observers because two focal planes are created in a frame. In addition, a motion parallax has been also observed. It has greatly emphasized stereoscopic effects.
Novel photo‐aligned LC‐polymer compensation film for wide‐view TN displays
Authors: Bachels Thomas , Fünfschilling Jürg , Seiberle Hubert , Schadt Martin , Gomez Gerard , Criton Eric
Published: January 2005

Abstract— We demonstrate a novel TN‐display compensation film with excellent contrast and minimal color shift, meeting the requirements for avionics displays. The film configuration was identified via extensive computer modeling. The experimental implementation based on ROLIC's LPP/LCP (linearly photopolymerizable polymer/liquid‐crystal polymer) technology results in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions.
BiNem® manufacturing process for mass production
Authors: Angelé Jacques , Boissier Alain , Lallemant Sylvain , Leblanc François , Pécout Bertrand , Lin Jacob W. , Tung James
Published: January 2005

Abstract— As the need for high‐resolution ultra‐low‐power bistable displays grows, it is important to rapidly implement the mass‐production manufacturing of BiNem® LCDs. The cost‐effective approach for BiNem® manufacturing is based on using STN manufacturing process technologies since BiNem® and STN displays have a similar internal structure. The key differences between BiNem® and STN displays from a manufacturing point of view will be discussed. We show that industrial STN manufacturing equipment can be used to produce BiNem® LCDs at competitive costs. Reflective e‐book display modules with VGA resolution are produced in the pilot‐production series.
Color‐gamut expansion in CRTs
Authors: den Engelsen Daniel , Heynderickx Ingrid , Sluyterman Seyno
Published: January 2005

Abstract— This paper describes the architecture for a color picture tube (CPT), which enables a cost‐effective expansion of the color gamut. Besides a gamut expansion based on application of more‐saturated phosphors in the present three‐primary system, four‐ and five‐primary systems are described. Gun‐pitch modulation allows the application of a conventional electron gun for both a four‐ and five‐primary CRT. In these systems, the mask and matrix transmissions need to be reduced to maintain color purity. From this point of view, a five‐primary CRT is unrealistic. Two four‐primary CRTs are evaluated in more detail. But, here, the total anode current to generate white has to be increased substantially because of the reduced mask and matrix transmissions. Nonetheless, in this paper it is argued that with one of the four‐primary CRTs more‐saturated yellow colors can be displayed at 85% of the display luminance of a conventional system without loss of perceived sharpness.