bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness is mediated by airway regulatory T cells
Authors: Burchell Jennifer T. , Wikstrom Matthew E. , Stumbles Philip A. , Sly Peter D. , Turner Debra J.
Published: November 2008

Understanding the mechanisms involved in respiratory tolerance to inhaled allergens could potentially result in improved therapies for asthma and allergic diseases. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a major feature of allergic asthma, thus the aim of the current study was to investigate mechanisms underlying suppression of allergen-induced AHR during chronic allergen exposure. Adult BALB/c mice were systemically sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) in adjuvant and then challenged with a single 3 or 6 wk of OVA aerosols. Airway and parenchymal responses to inhaled methacholine (MCh), inflammatory cell counts, cytokines, OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, parenchymal histology, and numbers of airway CD4+69+activated and CD4+25+FoxP3+regulatory T (Treg) cells were assessed 24 h after the final aerosol. Single OVA challenge resulted in AHR, eosinophilia, increased serum OVA-specific IgE, and T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) but no difference in numbers of Treg compared with control mice. Three weeks of OVA challenges resulted in suppression of AHR and greater numbers of airway Treg cells and increased transforming growth factor-β1(TGFβ1) compared with control mice despite the presence of increased eosinophilia, OVA-specific IgE and IgG1, and airway remodeling. Six weeks of OVA challenges restored AHR, whereas airway Treg numbers, TGFβ1, BAL eosinophilia, and Th2 cytokines returned to control levels. Partial in vivo depletion or adoptive transfer of Treg cells restored or inhibited AHR, respectively, but did not affect TGFβ1or Th2 cytokine production. In conclusion, AHR suppression is mediated by airway Treg cells and potentially via a paracrine induction of TGFβ1in the airways.
Multiple Myeloma in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Doyle A. , Soutar R. , Geddes C.C.
Published: November 2008

Introduction: The incidence of multiple myeloma (MM) has increased in Scotland over the last 20 years. Approximately 25% of cases present directly to renal services. Serum electrophoresis is commonly included in the diagnostic screening tests performed in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined the utility of serum electrophoresis in the population presenting to renal outpatient services in Glasgow. Methods: All new patient attendances at general nephrology clinics in the Glasgow renal units between 1/08/2004 and 31/07/2006, along with clinical data, were retrieved from the electronic patient records. Patients with acute kidney injury were excluded. All serum and urine electrophoresis requests and results for the same period were identified from Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratory Services. Results: A total of 2,544 new patients attended a renal clinic for the first time in the inception period, of whom 1,608 (63.2%) had serum electrophoresis tested. One patient with MM was identified, but the diagnosis was clinically apparent before the serum electrophoresis result was requested. A further 40 subjects had abnormal serum electrophoresis with mean paraprotein of 8.3 g/l (SD 6.1); none of these patients have subsequently developed MM, and the renal abnormalities are felt to be unrelated. This prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance in 2.5% of the cohort is consistent with the expected prevalence in the general population. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that serum electrophoresis in patients with CKD is not a useful screening test to identify MM.
Elevated Serum Leptin Levels: A Risk Factor for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer?
Authors: Terzidis Agapios , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Antonopoulos George , Syrigos Constantinos , Efremidis Anna , Polyzos Aristidis , Dessypris Nick , Petridou Eleni T.
Published: November 2008

Objective: Leptin is intimately intertwined in the molecular pathophysiology of several cancer types; with regard to lung cancer, however, limited research has been conducted, with overall conflicting results. Methods: The present case-control study comprises 66 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases and 132 healthy controls matched for gender and age. Lifestyle, sociodemographic and medical history information has been obtained in addition to body mass index (BMI) measurements and weight change during the last 2 months. Serum leptin and adiponectin levels were determined following a standard protocol. Results: In multiple logistic regression analyses, elevated serum leptin emerged as a risk factor for NSCLC independent of central obesity, more pronounced after controlling for BMI and recent weight loss (odds ratio = 4.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.94–10.82). Additionally, smoking and animal foods consumption were strongly associated with the disease, whereas plant foods consumption showed a protective association. Conclusions: The observed higher serum leptin levels in NSCLC cases might be attributed to direct or indirect effects mediated by cancer- or cachexia-related cytokines. In line with the growth-promoting properties of leptin in the lung tissue documented elsewhere, increased serum leptin concentration may represent a tumor-promoting event during non-small-cell lung carcinogenesis.
Rituximab in Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Disease
Authors: Azim Jr. Hatem A. , Pruneri Giancarlo , Cocorocchio Emilia , Cinieri Saverio , Raviele Paola R. , Bassi Simona , Preda Lorenzo , Martinelli Giovanni , Peccatori Fedro A.
Published: November 2008

Background: Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease (LPHD) differs in biology and clinical behaviour from classic Hodgkin disease. Almost 100% of LPHD neoplastic cells express CD20 and thus rituximab could be effective; yet limited data are available. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on patients with LPHD who were treated with rituximab at our institution to determine the magnitude of benefit offered by this drug. Results: Seven patients were identified; 4 received the drug as single agent while the rest received it in combination with chemotherapy. All except 2 received the drug in the salvage setting. Response rate was 100% with 6 of 7 patients achieving complete remission. At a median follow-up of 2 years, 4 patients are still disease free while the rest relapsed at a median time of 27 months. Conclusion: Rituximab is effective in LPHD and should be considered; however, the optimal schedule remains to be determined.
Speculations on the Mechanism of Action of Insulin
Authors: Manchester K.L.
Published: November 2008

Insulin affects many processes in muscle and it is difficultto envisage ways in which all these effects can result from a single primary action. Nonetheless it is of interest to speculate how the different actions of the hormone could be linked to each other. The possibility that insulin might induce a conformational change in responsive tissues is considered and how such need not include nuclear events. An alter native suggestion would be for insulin to induce a small rise in intra cellular pH. Such would favour many pH-sensitive reactions and is indicated by studies of the distribution in muscle of DMO and CO2/bicarbonate. These results direct attention towards functions of the mitochondria, and a possible explanation of why respiration is not affected by insulin despite changing anabolic load is considered. Mitochondria are very active in translocating ions. Possible ways in which movements of ions in response to pH could affect metabolism are put forward.
The Skin and Bladder of Amphibians as Models for the Mammalian Nephron
Authors: Dicker S.E.
Published: November 2008

Properties of the skin and bladder of amphibians have been reviewed and compared with those of the nephrons of mammals. Though the skin and the bladder have proved to be useful models for the understanding of problems of permeability of the most distal parts of the nephron, they must be treated with caution, since from evidence derived from micropuncture techniques there are some important differences, which are discussed.
Sarcoidosis of the Hypothalamus
Authors: Heffernan A. , Cullen M. , Towers R. , O’Donovan D.K.
Published: November 2008

A case of hypothalamic sarcoidosis with autopsy findings is recorded. This case and 18 others from the literature with evidence of a sarcoid lesion in the hypothalamus at autopsy are analysed. The symptoms and signs attributed to secondary disturbance of the endocrine system are much less striking and less diagnostic than those attributed to involvement of other centres in the hypothalamus. In the case recorded, the hyper-somnolence could be attributed to hypothermia. The gross striae was a striking feature and their distribution differed from those seen in Cushing’s syndrome. The electrolyte disturbances were varied and the occurrence of hyponatraemia or hypochloraemia has not been previously reported.
Reproduction in Human High Altitude Populations
Authors: Clegg E.J. , Harrison G.A.
Published: November 2008

Patterns of reproduction in human populations living at high altitudes are discussed. While there appears to be little impairment of gametogenesis in either sex in resident highland populations, there is good evidence that pregnancy may be interrupted and in those pregnancies which proceed to term, birth weights are reduced and perinatal mortality is increased. Demographic data, principally from Andean countries, suggest that total fertility in resident highland populations is at least as great as, if not greater than, that at lower levels; this offsets the high rate of foetal and neonatal wastage so that these populations are able to maintain, and even increase their numbers. This is achieved however, only by a reduction in unused reproductive capacity.
Protein-Calorie Deficiency and Disorders of the Endocrine Glands
Authors: Heard C.R.C. , Stewart R.J.C.
Published: November 2008

Weanling pigs, dogs and rats were fed diets of different protein value. Some dogs and rats remained on the diets through pregnancy, and their offspring were also fed on the experimental diets. Measurements made during the life of the animals included intravenous glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, concentrations of growth hormone and insulin in plasma, as well as urinary corticosteroid excretion. The hypophyses, pancreata, thyroids and adrenals were examined histologically. Congenitally malnourished animals, and animals severely malnourished from weaning, showed marked histological changes, especially in the endocrine portion of the pancreas and in the thyroid. However, even a mild deficiency of protein disturbed the endocrine balance and produced marked aberrations in the control of carbohydrate metabolism, which persisted after apparent rehabilitation on a good diet. The experimental findings are discussed in relation to human deficiency syndromes such as marasmus and kwashiorkor.
Adrenocortical Stimulation Tests with ACTH: Developments and Changes of a Diagnostic Procedure
Authors: Knappe G.
Published: November 2008

Stimulation tests with ACTH have undergone various modifications due to the advent of different methods for an assessment of adrenocortical function. An attempt was made to review the manifold diagnostic procedures and to compare them with the experience obtained from an intravenous 1-hour test with fluorometric determination of plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroids. The latter procedure represents the most simple reliable method being widely adequate to the requirements of clinical practice including outpatient performance. The results of the 1-hour ACTH test in adrenocortical diseases as well as in other clinical conditions are described.
The Problem of Iodine-125 for Treatment of Thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Lewitus Z. , Lubin E. , Rechnic J. , Laor Y. , Ben-Porath M. , Feige Y.
Published: November 2008

The fortuitous results of experiments showing a higher incidence of tumors after the administration of 125I than after 131I, raised the question of the relative biological effectiveness of 125I. A reevaluation of the microdosimetry of 125I in the thyroid follicle revealed that due to the low energy electrons–especially the Auger electrons–the radiation dose delivered to the cell colloid interface is ca. 4 or more times greater than that from an equivalent amount of 131I. At the same time, the nucleus dose of the cell is reduced by up to 80% as compared to that of 1311. 125I was therefore suggested as a suitable substitute for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis. On the basis of the radiation dose delivered to the nucleus, a dose of 40 mCi on the average was proposed. On the other hand, basing the dose on the radiation delivered to the colloid-cell boundary, which is probably the site of the sensitive hormonogenic mechanism, much smaller amounts, in the range of 2–3.5 mCi 125I were administered. The results obtained in this series of 35 patients, with a follow-up of up to a year have so far partially justified this approach. A 20% failure was noted which suggests the use of carefully adjusted higher doses, most probably in the range of 4–6 mCi.
Influence of Various Catatoxic Steroids Upon Chronic Dihydrotachysterol Intoxication
Authors: Selye H.
Published: November 2008

In rats, the catabolism normally induced by chronic dihydrotachysterol (DHT) intoxication is counteracted (in approximately decreasing order of activity) by: norbolethone, ethylestrenol, CS-1 and pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile (PCN). Spironolactone was previously shown to antagonize DHT in acute experiments. However in the chronic experiments reported here, it is inactive in this respect and even abolishes the high anti-DHT of norbolethone and ethylestrenol. Several possible mechanisms are discussed which might explain these antagonisms, for example: (1) Spironolactone may act by accelerating the enzymatic degradation of the protective anabolic steroids. (2) The 2 types of steroids may compete with each other for receptor sites. (3) Spironolactone and the anabolics may exert opposing actions on DHT metabolism.
The Thymic Hormones
Authors: Comsa J.
Published: November 2008

The existence of a specific hormone of the thymus could be demonstrated with the traditional tests: The observation of the consequences of thymectomy. The possibility to suppress these consequences by a specific therapy. This succeeded by means of thymic grafts and by means of injections of an adequate thymus extract. (Several extracts of demonstrated substitutive potency have been prepared.) A presumably pure chemical entity was isolated, which suppresses the consequences of thymectomy as completely as the total extract. There is circumstantial evidence for the assumption, that under normal conditions this substance is secreted into the circulation. Lymphocytes act presumably as its vectors. The most conspicuous features of the physiological role of the thymic are: (1) Its influence upon the lymphocytes. (2) Its interactions with other hormones. (3) Its role in the development of the immunitary reactions. The complete study of the functions of the thymus under all these aspects has been performed thus far only with the presumably pure substance mentioned above. The question, whether the thymus secretes one or several hormones, can not be answered thus far. (A mention is made of the substances obtained from the thymus and active on the growth of malignant tumours.)
Serum Tests for Measurement of Thyroid Function
Authors: Robin N.I. , Hagen S.R. , Collaço F. , Refetoff S. , Selenkow H.A.
Published: November 2008

Thyroxine by displacement analysis (T4D) along with the resin-T3 (RT3) and resin-T4 (RT4) ratios were determined analytically on serum samples from 160 ‘normal’, 50 hypothyroid and 70 hyperthyroid persons. From these data, the mathematical products of the T4D and either the RT3 or RT4 ratios were calculated and then designated the free thyroxine indices (FTI-T3 and FTI-T4). These were compared to the mean value ± 3 SD range derived from 137 normal blood bank samples. The T4D used alone was the single most accurate diagnostic parameter. The RT3 and RT4 were singularly poor tests for discriminating thyroidal dysfunction from normal. Despite theoretic considerations, the FTI-T4 was superior in diagnostic discrimination compared to the FTI-T3 with 93.8% ‘normal’ but only 16.0% hypothyroid and 0.0% hyperthyroid values in the normal range. The FTI-T4 showed a linear correlation with the free thyroxine concentration obtained by equilibrium dialysis. The FTΓ-T4 is particularly advantageous for clinical use since it is derived from the T4D which obviates interferences from iodine contamination and the RT4 which can be performed in concert with the T4D by a unified procedure.
Activity of Adrenal Cortex Homotransplanted into Testes of Adrenalectomized Hamsters
Authors: Canguilhem B. , Petrovic A.
Published: November 2008

Homotransplantation of European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) adrenal cortex fragments was made into the testes of animals which were later adrenalectomized. It was revealed that the successful graft (only one tenth the original gland volume) became functional throughout the entire period (as estimated by urinary excretion of Porter-Silber chromogens) and even exhibited the seasonal variations characteristic of control animals.
Comparison of the Adrenocorticotrophic Effect of a Synthetic Depot Corticotrophin in Normal, Dexamethasone-Blocked, and Hypophysectomised Rats
Authors: Barthe P.L. , Desaulles P.A.
Published: November 2008

The ACTH stimulation test for depot preparations was carried out with a synthetic depot corticotrophin (Synacthen Depot®) in normal, dexamethasone-blocked, and hypophysectomised rats. It was found that the response curves (plasma and adrenal corticosterone) were very similar in all three groups, the peak values being somewhat higher in the normal and block dexamethasone-blocked animals. Towards the end of the stimulation test, the normal animals showed a marked deviation from the nycterohemeral rhythm. This change, which complicates the determination of the duration of action of the preparation used, is indicative of a disturbance in the hypothalamo-pituitaryadrenal feedback system. In dexamethasone-blocked animals, the effects of ACTH on the adrenals and thymus cannot be studied in isolation but only in combination with those of dexamethasone. Hence, despite all the technical difficulties involved, the test with hypophysectomised rats is still the method that yields the most easily assessable responses.
Effect of Chlorpropamide and Water Deprivation on Free Water Clearance in Patients with Diabetes insipidus
Authors: Batrinos M.L. , Tolis G.J. , Traïanos G.
Published: November 2008

The effect of chlorpropamide and water deprivation test on free water clearance was investigated in 10 patients with diabetes insipidus. It was found that in patients in whom negativation of free water clearance was obtained during the water deprivation test, chlorpromide induced a more prompt and pronounced effect. This was interpreted as indicating a central action of the drug on antidiuretic hormone (ADH) release. A potentiating effect on persisting minute amounts of endogenous ADH is also postulated because of the negativation of free water clearance by chlorpropamide in patients in whom no release of endogenous ADH was achieved by water deprivation test. These results suggest a dual action of chlorpropamide, its stimulating effect resulting in greater antidiuresis. The water deprivation test can reveal the possibility of the drug to exert such an action.
Radioimmunoassay for Human Antithyroglobulin Antibodies I. The Relationship Between Tanned Cell Haemagglutination and a Double Antibody Technique
Authors: Salabé G.B. , Fontana S. , Andreoli M.
Published: November 2008

The present study describes a double antibody technique to evaluate antithyroglobulin autoantibodies in human serum. Rabbit anti-human γG is used to precipitate the immunocomplexes between labelled thyroglobulin and autoantibodies. Thyroglobulin has been labelled either in vivo, or chemically by electrolysis of iodide, a procedure which also produced substantial dissociation of the protein. The double antibody technique was compared with haemagglutination of sheep red blood cells coated with human thyroglobulin. A good correlation was established between the tanned red cell haemagglutination titre and the double antibody technique when ‘ in vivo’ labelled thyroglobulin was employed. The use of chemically iodinated thyroglobulin, purified after labelling, increased the sensitivity of the test 100 fold so that 38% of sera from patients with thyroid diseases having negative haemagglutination titres precipitate between 15% and 65% of the labelled antigen. The sensitivity and simplicity of this method provide a useful tool in clinical as well as in experimental work.
Effect of Ether Anesthesia on Circulating Insulin Levels of Rats on Different Goitrogens
Authors: Jolin T.
Published: November 2008

Present results show that ether anesthesia raises the mean plasma insulin levels and the variability of the individual data around the mean in rats under different experimental conditions. Previous results [6, 7] obtained in ether-anesthetized rats, showing that the plasma insulin levels of hypothyroid animals depends on the goitrogens used, and that there is a positive correlation between the individual thyroid weight and the plasma insulin levels, are confirmed in samples obtained without anesthesia.
Hormones and Water Movement Through the Vertebrate Intestine
Authors: Matty A.J. , Noble H.M.
Published: November 2008

A review of the current state of knowledge and speculation on fluid absorption by the gastro-intestinal tract of vertebrates and more specifically the role of hormones in fluid movement has been made. The effect of hormones on water transport, active sodium transport and the electrical characteristics of poikilotherm vertebrate, bird and mammal intestine, both in vivo and in vitro are considered. Special reference is made to the effect of aldosterone on the absorption of fluid. Data indicate that while aldosterone has an effect on other tissues such as amphibian bladder, it appears to have only a slight effect on the jejunum and only on that component of the transport phenomena associated with the transfer of sodium.
Bartter’s Syndrome with Possible Hypothalamic Dysfunction
Authors: Kim John H.C.
Published: November 2008

A patient with Bartter’s Syndrome with hypernatremia, chronic low grade fever, fluctuating endocrine functions is presented. The fluetuating endocrine functions suggest a hypothalamic dysfunction. It appeared in this patient that the Bartter’s Syndrome and the changing endocrine functions co-existed rather than one being the causeof the other.
Clinical Observations on the Mechanism of the Antidiuretic Action of Chlorpropamide in Vasopressin-Sensitive Diabetes insipidus and in Normal Subjects
Authors: Hadden D.R. , Bhatia S.K. , Montgomery D.A.D.
Published: November 2008

The antidiuretic action of chlorpropamide has been amply confirmed since the observations of Arduino and his colleagues in Brazil (1966). We have studied the initial and long-term response of 21 patients with the syndrome of diabetes insipidus. There was a consistent decrease in free water clearance usually to a negative value, which was unaffected by salt restriction. Other clinical studies in these patients, including hypertonic saline infusion, vasopressin administration, water loading and the pharmacological administration of alcohol produced data consistent with the proposed mechanism of action, to potentiate the normal effect of circulating vasopressin on the distal nephron. Free water clearance also became increasingly negative in 4 of 5 normal subjects, but was unaffected in 2 patients with polyuria due to diabetes mellitus. There was a consistent decrease in fluid intake relative to urine output during the initial phase of treatment of diabetes insipidus, suggesting a possible effects via a thirst mechanism, but this effect was not clearly demonstrated in normal subjects. The subsequent clinical course over 3 years of these patients, emphasising the danger of hypoglycaemia in coincident hypopituitarism and in children is discussed.
Fat Mobilization in Adipose Tissue of Weanling Rats with Hypothalamic Obesity
Authors: Kasemsri S. , Bernardis L.L. , Schnatz J.D.
Published: November 2008

In vitro lipolysis (glycerol release), hormone-sensitive lipolytic activity and free fatty acid (FFA) release as well as the response of these parameters to adrenaline, were studied inadipose tissue of obese weanling rats with electrolytic lesions in the hypothalamic ventromedial nuclei (VMN). In the absence of adrenaline, adipose tissue from weanling VMN rats showed neither depressed lipolysis nor diminished lipolytic activity per mg of tissue protein, and esterification appeared to be equal to lipolysis since there was no FFA release. Adrenaline augmented lipolysis and hormone-sensitive lipolytic activity to the same extent in VMN as in control tissue, but produced an overall release of FFA which was significantly less in VMN than control. The lesser FFA release in the VMN tissue compared to control may be a result of greater utilization of FFA, by oxidation or for esterification, by that tissue when stimulated by adrenaline.
Prenatal Androgenization of Females
Authors: Walker P.A. , Money J.
Published: November 2008

Clinical studies of human female hermaphrodites prenatally exposed to certain synthetic progestins, and of female hermaphrodites with the adrenogenital syndrome, complement experimental studies of animals prenatally exposed to androgens. The clinical data on human females indicate elevated IQ and some behavioral masculinization, without gender-identity disorders, subsequent to prenatal exposure to androgenic substances. However, suppression of feminine behavior was minor in the human subjects. This is contrary to the reports of animal studies in which suppressed femininity is claimed. In humans, a consistently feminine sex of assignment and rearing maximizes femininity and minimizes masculinization subsequent to a prenatal androgenic hormone environment.
Transport and Oxidation of Glycine in Mammalian Pancreatic Islets with Reference to the Mechanism of Amino Acid-Induced Insulin Release
Authors: Sehlin J.
Published: November 2008

Microdissected pancreatic islets of obese-hyperglycemic mice were used for studying the uptake, oxidation and insulin-releasing ability of glycine. Glycine did not influence insulin release either in the presence or absence of glucose. It was rapidly taken up by the islet cells, reaching distribution ratios much higher than unity. This concentrative uptake was depressed by the omission of sodium from the medium. L-Alanine, L-leucine, D-glucose, or glibenclamide also reduced the glycine uptake, whereas diazoxide had no effect. The production of radioactive CO2 from uniformly 14C-labeled glycine remained insignificant even when tested at concentrations as high as 20 mM. It is suggested that the β-cells transport glycine by the alanine-preferring A-system. The data are consistent with our previous concept that this system does not represent a trigger site for insulin release from mature mouse-β-cells. Glycine appears to be of minor importance as a fuel for the β-cells.
Uptake and Oxidation of Glutamic Acid in Mammalian Pancreatic Islets
Authors: Sehlin J.
Published: November 2008

Microdissected islets from obese-hyperglycemic mice were used to study the uptake, oxidation and insulin-releasing capacity of glutamic acid. Glutamic acid was taken up slowly by the islets, yielding distribution ratios around unity. The uptake of glutamic acid was depressed by alanine, whereas glucose had a minor stimulatory effect Glibenclamide, leucine, arginine or galactose had no effect on the uptake of glutamic acid. The low rate of oxidationof glutamic acid was substantially increased when glucose was added to the incubation medium. Glutamic acid did not stimulate insulin release regardless of whether glucose was present in the incubation medium. The data suggest that the pancreatic β-cells are equipped with membrane transport systems for glutamic acid which do not serve as trigger sites for insulin release.
Corticoadrenal and Adrenergic Overactivity and Hyperlipidemia in Prolonged Emotional Stress
Authors: Argüelles A.E. , Martínez M.A. , Hoffman Cecilia , Ortiz G.A. , Chekherdemian M.
Published: November 2008

A group of 23 Air Force Lieutenant Colonels who attended a long General Staff Course were studied with assays of blood lipid fractions, 11-hydroxycorticoids and excretion of epinephrine, norepinephrine, free 11-hydroxycorticoids, 17-hydroxycorticoids (17-OHCS), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) and 17-ketosteroids (17-KS). More or less continuous emotional stress was expected as most of these subjects had familiar responsabilities and the course was extremely competitive, with a large percent of dropouts. This meant, for most of these officers, the end of their careers. Norepinephrine levels were significantly increased and correlated with aggressive behaviour. Significant (p < 0.001) elevations of plasma and urine-free 11-hydroxycorticoíds were registered showing levels in the range found in very stressed subjects. Blood total lipids and cholesterol raised significantly during the course, with levels comparable to those found in hyperlipidemic patients with coronary arteriopathy. The EKG changes were not significant. The possibility that this maintained stressful state might cause a hyperlipoproteinemia and consequent atheromatosis and coronariopathy is discussed.
Insulin Resistance in the Muscle of Obese-Hyperglycemic Mice (obob)
Authors: Chlouverakis C.
Published: November 2008

The hypothesis of local (tissue) factors being responsible for muscle tissue resistance to insulin in obesehyperglycemic mice (obob) was investigated. Neither the amount of fat nor the rate of insulin fixation on the tissue appeared to be related to muscle-tissue responsiveness to insulin. Both insulin-like and insulin-inhibitory materials were detected in the muscle cytoplasmic fraction, but the activity of these factors was similar in obob and lean mice. The insulin-inhibitory effect of the muscle cytoplasmic fraction might be caused by an insulin-degrading system, the activity of which was found to be the same in lean and obese mice, in contrast to that reported in adipose tissue. The data are thus consistent with the view that none of the searched-for factors in the muscle of obob is contributory to its insulin resistance.
The Mechanism of Action of the Epidermal Growth Factor
Authors: Covelli I. , Mozzi Rita , Rossi R. , Frati L.
Published: November 2008

The effect of the epidermal growth Factor (EGF) on the rate of synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins in two different kinds of isolated tumor cells have been studied by timing the uptakes of the labeled precursors 3H-thymidine, 3H-uridine and 14C-amino acids. The results obtained from kinetic data have shown that the EGF stimulates the rate of synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins. However, the activation of the RNA synthesis appears to be an earlier and more specific effect with respect to stimulation of protein and DNA syntheses.
The Effect of Dihydroergotamine on Lipolysis Stimulated by Human Chorionic Somato-Mammotropin in Hypophysectomized Dogs
Authors: Sirek Ann M. , Sirek O.V. , Sirek Anna
Published: November 2008

Human chorionic somato-mammotropin (HCS) was injected intravenously (25 mg/kg) into hypophysectomized dogs and caused a sluggish rise in the concentration of plasma free fatty acids (FFA), which became statistically significant 2 h after administration of the hormone. When the animals were pretreated with dihydroergotamine (DHE, 0.2 mg/kg), the lipolytic effect of HCS was greatly facilitated and augmented; the rise in the concentration of plasma FFA became statistically significant already 30 min after injection of the hormone. The combined adipokinetic action of DHE-HCS was suppressible with puromycin. The results are comparable to those reported by us for the DHE-growth hormone combination, and thus provide further evidence for the intimate biological relationship between these two hormones.
Triiodothyronine and Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Interaction on TSH Release in Man
Authors: Vigneri R. , Papalia D. , Pezzino V. , Squatrito S. , Motta L. , Polosa P.
Published: November 2008

In order to study thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)-thyroid hormone interaction, we examined thyrotropin (TSH) behaviour after synthetic TRH administration in 24 euthyroid subjects, 3 patients with primary hypothyroidism and 10 hyper thyroids. 8 normal subjects were studied before and after triiodothyronine (T3) treatment with increasíng TRH dosage. Our results suggest that (1) TRH-thyroid hormone interaction is dose-related: this means that TSH response to TRH depends on both thyroid hormone and TRH concentration; (2) T3-TRH interaction on TSH release is only roughly quantitative since it is suggested that other extrathyroidal factors interfere with this mechanism controlling TSH secretion.
Studies of Corticosterone Binding in Rat Liver
Authors: Snart R.S. , Shepherd R.E. , Agarwal M.K.
Published: November 2008

A supernatant protein fraction prepared from rat liver cytosol has been shown to specifically bind corticosteroid. This binding has been investigated under various conditions using Sephadex G-50 and G-200 chromatography. Ion exchange chromatography has been used to distinguish the receptor-binding protein from transcortin which is present to a variable extent in our liver preparations. The retention characteristics on DEAE-cellulose columns indicate that the receptor-binding protein is more basic than transcortin and has an association constant for corticosterone-binding of the order 108 1/mole. Partial purification of the binding protein has been carried out and an amino acid analysis used to determine a more accurate molecular weight for the fraction.
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
Authors: Hausmann W.
Published: November 2008

Four methods of treatment of hyperthyroidism are discussed. Anti-thyroid drugs are the treatment preferred for those under the age of 60 in the absence of complications. Thyroidectomy is indicated in the treatment failures of anti-thyroid drugs and in the presence of large goitres, especially with obstructive symptoms. Radio-active iodine therapy is the treatment of choice above the age of 60 and in the presence of complications, especially thyrotoxic heart disease. It is also the preferred treatment for recurrences after thyroidectomy. Sympathetic blockers are essential in thyrotoxic crisis and can be used as an auxiliary form of treatment combined with the other methods. The importance of a life-long follow-up is emphasized especially where thyroidectomy has been the method of choice as this is not generally realized.
The Effect of Thyroxine on Amino Acid Incorporation into Protein during Ontogenesis in Rats
Authors: Macho L. , Štrbák V. , Hromadová Melita
Published: November 2008

The incorporation of 14C-labelled amino acids into proteins of rat liver, kidney, brain, muscle and spleen was studied at the age of 10, 15, 25, 40 and 120 days. It was found that protein synthesis is very high in kidney, muscle and brain in young animals and decreases during the postnatal period. The rate of amino acid incorporation into proteins of liver and spleen decreases slowly up to 25 days andrises again at the age of 40 days. The administration of thyroxine (5 and 50 µg/100 g of body weight daily during 7 days) stimulates slightly the protein synthesis in liver, kidney and muscle, but has no effect in brain and spleen. The stimulation of protein synthesis by thyroxine during the postnatal period is related to the age of the animals. Differences in the increase of protein synthesis after thyroxine treatment were found in young and adult animals, the young rats being more responsive to thyroxine; the hormone increases the protein synthesis in suckling rats also in brain and spleen.
Influence of Drill Point Angle in High Speed Drilling of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics
Authors: Palanikumar K. , Campos Rubio J. , Abrao A.M. , Esteves Correia A. , Davim J. Paulo
Published: November 2008

Drilling is one of the machining processes most widely applied to composite materials; nevertheless, these materials are prone to delaminate when subjected to stress concentration during machining operations. The damage induced by this operation may reduce the component performance drastically. The present study aims at high speed machining (HSM) to realize high performance drilling of glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP) with reduced delamination. The effects of feed rates, spindle speeds and the geometrical characteristics of the drill on the resulting delamination factor values are comparable regardless of the drill point angle used. A statistical model is proposed for use in predicting the delamination in drilling glass fiber reinforced plastic composites. The results proved that HSM is a technology capable of producing lower damage level in drilling of GFRP composites.
An Experimental Evaluation of Micromechanical Approaches for Damping Characterization of Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Shokrieh Mahmood M. , Najafi Ali
Published: November 2008

There are two main approaches for prediction of the mechanical properties of composite materials; macro-mechanical and micro-mechanical approaches. At the micromechanical level, analytical, experimental, and semi-empirical methods have been developed to predict the stiffness of composite materials. In this study, these methods have been reviewed and modified to predict the damping properties of composites. In order to validate these theories, experimental techniques using a universal testing machine were performed to extract the specific damping capacity (SDC). The results show that the presented experimental technique can be employed successfully to measure the damping and stiffness properties of composites. In addition, it is concluded that semi-empirical approaches that consider the experimental correlation factors are closer to reality than purely analytical micromechanical methods. This study shows that the analytical micromechanical approaches are not suitable to predict the damping properties because of different mechanisms of energy dissipation that have not been discussed in this article.
Processing, Microstructure, and Properties of a Mg/Al Bimetal Macrocomposite
Authors: Paramsothy M. , Gupta M. , Srikanth N.
Published: November 2008

A bimetal magnesium/aluminum (Mg/Al) macrocomposite containing millimeter-scale Al core reinforcement was fabricated via casting and hot-extrusion. Characterization revealed that the Al volume fraction was not uniform along the extruded rod length. Major defects were absent, minimal porosity was present and Mg—Al interfacial integrity was good. The thermal stability of macrocomposite sections was marginally improved when compared to pure Mg. Results revealed that the presence of Al core leads to an improvement in average hardness and stiffness of Mg, and an overall improvement in tensile behavior (beyond 7% Al) assessed using work of fracture (WOF) of Mg. For macrocomposite sections containing more than 7% Al, shift in load bearing from Mg to Al at stress levels corresponding to the plastic deformation zone of Mg was indicated in the stepped tensile stress strain curve. An attempt is made to study the effect of presence of mm-scale Al and its variation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the bimetal Mg/Al macrocomposite.
Getting to Sewers and Sanitation: Doing Public Health within Nineteenth-Century Britain's Citizenship Regimes
Authors: Jenson Jane
Published: November 2008

For well over a millennium, public institutions have sought to limit the spread of disease. This article claims that shared political narratives about collective solidarity and belonging expressed in ideas about citizenship (who is responsible for what; who has rights; who has access; who belongs) shape and constrain public health interventions. While a Sanitarian medical paradigm fit the mid-nineteenth-century British citizenship regime better than one based on limiting contagion by quarantine, full implementation of the “sanitary idea” had to wait upon adjustments after 1870 in the predominantly liberal citizenship regime, and particularly in the institutions of governance and ideas about the responsibility mix.
Saturation Throughput Analysis of a Cluster-based Medium Access Control Protocol for Single-hop Ad Hoc Wireless Networks
Authors: Alonso-Zárate Jesús , Kartsakli Elli , Skianis Charalabos , Verikoukis Christos , Alonso Luis
Published: November 2008

This paper presents a novel analytical approach to calculate the saturation throughput of the Distributed Queuing Medium Access Control protocol for Ad Hoc Networks (DQMAN) in single-hop scenarios. DQMAN integrates a near-optimum MAC protocol into a passive clustering algorithm based on Carrier Sensing Multiple Access (CSMA). Therefore, based on models of both CSMA and centralized MAC protocols, a new model is presented to accurately calculate the saturation throughput of DQMAN in single-hop networks. In addition, the model presented can be extended to any MAC protocol based on the spontaneous clustering concept of DQMAN. The accuracy of the overall model has been assessed through link-level computer simulations. A performance evaluation of the protocol under different configurations is also presented together with a performance comparison with the IEEE 802.11 standard.
The Importance of Church Attendance and Membership of Religious Voluntary Organizations for the Formation of Social Capital
Authors: Strømsnes Kristin
Published: November 2008

The author discusses whether church attendance and membership of religious voluntary organizations contribute to establishing social capital in society, and if so, whether faith, membership, or the level of active involvement is the key factor. She analyses what bearing religious involvement has on a citizen's political involvement, and to what extent religious involvement helps to build social trust and tolerance of other groups in society. Data used is from the 2001 Norwegian Citizenship Survey. The study shows that religious involvement is positively associated with political engagement, social trust and tolerance. It also emerges, after controlling for other background variables, that membership of religious voluntary organizations has no effect on social trust and tolerance of other groups in society.
Social Determinants of the Seriousness of Crime: An Examination of a Muslim Sample
Authors: Serajzadeh Seyed Hossein
Published: November 2008

It is argued by some scholars that because of the influence of traditional Islamic penal law Muslims are more serious in opposing crime. Islamic societies, however, have been under the influence of modern socio-economic structures, and because of this some modern ideas with respect to crime have developed among them. The aim of the author is, first, to show how serious Iranian students are, as Muslims, in opposing different kinds of crime, and second, to examine the social determinants of crime seriousness perception in an Islamic context. The author uses the data of a social attitudes survey of Iranian university students. The survey was conducted among a sample of 1522 students in 2002. The variables whose effects are examined include some demographic and attitudinal variables, particularly religiosity and its different types.
Les antinomies du port du voile
Authors: Dialmy Abdessamad
Published: November 2008

Que signifie le geste de se voiler? Est-ce une observance stricte d'une prescription religieuse? Est-ce le fruit d'une interprétation? Comment le port du voile se situait-il dans une logique endogamique de l'aristocratie citadine avant de devenir le cache-misère des déshérités? Comment dépasse-t-il le statut d'un indicateur de l'appartenance de classe pour atteindre celui de marqueur de l'identité culturelle? Est-il le symbole de la subordination de la femme ou celui d'un féminisme différencié et spécifique? Comment oscille-t-il entre l'islamisme et le soufisme, entre l'arme de combat d'une confrontation culturelle et l'insigne du cheminement spirituel anti-matérialiste? Le geste de se voiler renvoie à toutes ces significations, successives, parfois simultanées, d'où la nécessité théorique de parler du voile en termes de polysémie plurielle et, surtout, antinomique.
The Holiday of Holidays: A Triple-Holiday Festival for Christians, Jews and Muslims
Authors: Sharaby Rachel
Published: November 2008

Religions differ from each other in their beliefs, customs and holidays. They often ignite wars and create impenetrable boundaries between peoples. Religion becomes the spearhead and driving force for hatred, destruction, and separation from the other. The author will discuss an inter-religion holiday that is exceptional in the Middle East and in the entire world: called the Holiday of Holidays Festival, it unites the holidays of the three monotheistic religions, Christian Christmas, Jewish Hanukkah and Muslim Ramadan, and its logo is three intertwined hands. It takes place during the months of November and December in a mixed neighbourhood in the city of Haifa, Israel. The organizers of this festival try to create an inversion of social reality, representing it in a new and subversive form by blurring the boundaries between holiday and festival, private and public, sacred and secular, local and global, as well as between rival groups.
Sliding window two-thermocouple sensor characterization for variable flow environments
Authors: Hung Peter C. , McLoone Seán F. , Irwin George W. , Kee Robert J.
Published: November 2008

A two-thermocouple sensor characterization method for use in variable flow applications is proposed. Previous offline methods for constant velocity flow are extended using sliding data windows and polynomials to accommodate variable velocity. Analysis of Monte-Carlo simulation studies confirms that the unbiased and consistent parameter estimator outperforms alternatives in the literature and has the added advantage of not requiring a priori knowledge of the time constant ratio of thermocouples. Experimental results from a test rig are also presented.
A Bibliometric Analysis of School Psychology International 1995—2007
Authors: Jennings R. Lanai , Ehrhardt Kristal , Poling Alan
Published: November 2008

The present study examined all articles published in School Psychology International from 1995 to 2007 to obtain data relevant to seven research questions: (1) which nations contributed articles to SPI? (2) how many SPI manuscripts involved multi-author (and multi-national) collaboration? (3) which institutions were the most prolific contributors to SPI? (4) what is the self-citation rate in SPI? (5) how often does SPI cite other major school psychology journals? (6) which first authors or editors were most frequently cited in SPI? (7) which books were the most frequently cited in SPI? Results indicate that the journal is broad in scope, interdisciplinary and truly international with respect to its contributors. Moreover, a substantial number of its contributions involve authors from two or more nations. In these regards, SPI is unique and, in our opinion, uniquely important for the international community of school psychologists.
A Parametric Study of Cognitive Defusion and the Believability and Discomfort of Negative Self-Relevant Thoughts
Authors: Masuda Akihiko , Hayes Steven C. , Twohig Michael P. , Drossel Claudia , Lillis Jason , Washio Yukiko
Published: November 2008

A previous time-series study showed that rapidly repeating a single-word version of a negative self-referential thought reduced the discomfort and the believability associated with that thought. The present parametric study examined whether durations of word repetition were differentially effective in altering the discomfort and believability of negative self-referential thought. In two studies, both discomfort and believability varied systematically with the duration of word repetition. The effects of rapid repetition on emotional discomfort bottomed out after 3 s to 10 s of rapid repetition, whereas the effects on believability did so after 20 s to 30 s of repetition. This study lends support to the cognitive defusion interpretation of the effect of word repetition, suggesting that emotional discomfort and believability may be distinctive functional aspects of cognitive events.