bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sympathetic responses to exercise in myocardial infarction rats: a role of central command
Authors: Koba Satoshi , Gao Zhaohui , Xing Jihong , Sinoway Lawrence I. , Li Jianhua
Published: July 2006

In congestive heart failure (CHF), exaggerated sympathetic activation is observed during exercise, which elicits excess peripheral vasoconstriction. The mechanisms causing this abnormality are not fully understood. Central command is a central neural process that induces parallel activation of motor and cardiovascular systems. This study was undertaken to determine whether central command serves as a mechanism that contributes to the exaggerated sympathetic response to exercise in CHF. In decerebrated rats, renal and lumbar sympathetic nerve responses (RSNA and LSNA, respectively) to 30 s of fictive locomotion were examined. The fictive locomotion was induced by electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR). The study was performed in control animals (fractional shortening > 40%) and animals with myocardial infarctions (MI; fractional shortening < 30%). With low stimulation of the MLR (current intensity = 20 μA), the sympathetic responses were not significantly different in the control (RSNA: +18 ± 4%; LSNA: +3 ± 2%) and MI rats (RSNA: +16 ± 5%; LSNA: +8 ± 3%). With intense stimulation of the MLR (50 μA), the responses were significantly greater in MI rats (RSNA: +127 ± 15%; LSNA: +57 ± 10%) than in the control rats (RSNA: +62 ± 5%; LSNA: +21 ± 6%). In this study, the data demonstrate that RSNA and LSNA responses to intense stimulation of the MLR are exaggerated in MI rats. We suggest that intense activation of central command may play a role in evoking exaggerated sympathetic activation and inducing excessive peripheral vasoconstriction during exercise in CHF.
Interaction between endogenously produced carbon monoxide and nitric oxide in regulation of renal afferent arterioles
Authors: Botros Fady T. , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: July 2006

Heme oxygenases (HO-1 and HO-2) catalyze the conversion of heme to carbon monoxide (CO), iron, and biliverdin. CO causes vasorelaxation via stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and/or activation of calcium-activated potassium channels. Because nitric oxide (NO) exerts effects via the same pathways, we tested the interaction between CO and NO on rat afferent arterioles (AAs) using the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation. AAs were superfused with either tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer, known as CO releasing molecule (CORM-2), 10 μmol/l CO solution, or 15 μmol/l chromium mesoporphyrin (CrMP, HO inhibitor). AAs were also superfused with 1 mmol/l Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA) to inhibit NO synthase (NOS) or 10 μmol/l 1 H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one to inhibit sGC, and then CrMP was superfused during NOS inhibition or sGC inhibition. Treatment with 150 and 300 μmol/l CORM-2 or with CO (10 μmol/l) significantly dilated AAs (22.0 ± 0.9 and 22.8 ± 0.9 vs. 18.3 ± 0.9 μm, n = 5, P < 0.05; and 26.0 ± 1.4 vs. 18.8 ± 0.7 μm, n = 5, P < 0.05). In untreated vessels, HO inhibition did not alter AA diameter (17.5 ± 0.7 vs. 17.2 ± 0.6 μm, n = 7, P > 0.05); however, during inhibition of NO production, which constricted arterioles to 14.6 ± 1.2 μm, n = 6, P < 0.05, concurrent HO inhibition led to further vasoconstriction (11.7 ± 1.6 μm, n = 6, P < 0.05). CORM-2 attenuated the l-NNA-induced vasoconstriction. Inhibition of sGC caused significant constriction (15.7 ± 0.4 vs. 18.8 ± 0.4 μm, n = 6, P < 0.05). HO inhibition during sGC inhibition did not cause further change in AAs (15.5 ± 0.7 μm, n = 6). We conclude that endogenously produced CO does not exert a perceptible influence on AA diameter in the presence of intact NO system; however, when NO production is inhibited, CO serves as an important renoprotective reserve mechanism to prevent excess afferent arteriolar constriction.
Effects of dietary flaxseed on vascular contractile function and atherosclerosis during prolonged hypercholesterolemia in rabbits
Authors: Dupasquier C. M. C. , Weber A.-M. , Ander B. P. , Rampersad P. P. , Steigerwald S. , Wigle J. T. , Mitchell R. W. , Kroeger E. A. , Gilchrist J. S. C. , Moghadasian M. M. , Lukas A. , Pierce G. N.
Published: July 2006

Dietary flaxseed has significant anti-atherogenic effects. However, the limits of this action and its effects on vascular contractile function are not known. We evaluated the effects of flaxseed supplementation on atherosclerosis and vascular function under prolonged hypercholesterolemic conditions in New Zealand White rabbits assigned to one of four groups for 6, 8, or 16 wk of feeding: regular diet (RG), 10% flaxseed-supplemented diet (FX), 0.5% cholesterol-supplemented diet (CH), and 0.5% cholesterol- and 10% flaxseed-supplemented diet (CF). Cholesterol feeding resulted in elevated plasma cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerosis. The CF group had significantly less atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta and carotid arteries after 6 and 8 wk than the CH animals. However, the anti-atherogenic effect of flaxseed supplementation was completely attenuated by 16 wk. Maximal tension induced in aortic rings either by KCl or norepinephrine was not impaired by dietary cholesterol until 16 wk. This functional impairment was not prevented by including flaxseed in the high-cholesterol diet. Aortic rings from the cholesterol-fed rabbits exhibited an impaired relaxation response to acetylcholine at all time points examined. Including flaxseed in the high-cholesterol diet completely normalized the relaxation response at 6 and 8 wk and partially restored it at 16 wk. No significant changes in the relaxation response induced by sodium nitroprusside were observed in any of the groups. In summary, dietary flaxseed is a valuable strategy to limit cholesterol-induced atherogenesis as well as abnormalities in endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation. However, these beneficial effects were attenuated during prolonged hypercholesterolemic conditions.
Comparative effects of pitavastatin and probucol on oxidative stress, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, PPAR-γ, and aortic stiffness in hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Umeji Kyoko , Umemoto Seiji , Itoh Shinichi , Tanaka Masakazu , Kawahara Shinji , Fukai Tohru , Matsuzaki Masunori
Published: July 2006

Reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzyme Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) plays an important role in vascular responsiveness. However, it remains unknown whether statin restores vascular dysfunction through the activation of reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzymes in vivo. We hypothesized that pitavastatin restores vascular function by modulating oxidative stress through the activation of Cu/ZnSOD and PPAR-γ in hypercholesterolemia. New Zealand White male rabbits were fed either normal chow or a 1% cholesterol (CHO) diet for 14 wk. After the first 7 wk, the CHO-fed rabbits were further divided into three groups: those fed with CHO feed only (HC), those additionally given pitavastatin, and those additionally given an antioxidant, probucol. The extent of atherosclerosis was assessed by examining aortic stiffness. When compared with the HC group, both the pitavastatin and probucol groups showed improved aortic stiffness by reducing aortic levels of reactive oxidative stress, nitrotyrosine, and collagen, without affecting serum cholesterol or blood pressure levels. Pitavastatin restored both Cu/ZnSOD activity ( P < 0.005) and PPAR-γ expression and activity ( P < 0.01) and inhibited NAD(P)H oxidase activity ( P < 0.0001) in the aorta, whereas probucol inhibited NAD(P)H oxidase activity more than did pitavastatin ( P < 0.0005) without affecting Cu/ZnSOD activity or PPAR-γ expression and activity. Importantly, Cu/ZnSOD activity was positively correlated with the PPAR-γ activity in the aorta ( P < 0.005), both of which were negatively correlated with aortic stiffness ( P < 0.05). Vascular Cu/ZnSOD and PPAR-γ may play a crucial role in the antiatherogenic effects of pitavastatin in hypercholesterolemia in vivo.
Upregulation of proteinase-activated receptors and hypercontractile responses precede development of arterial lesions after balloon injury
Authors: Fukunaga Ryota , Hirano Katsuya , Hirano Mayumi , Niiro Naohisa , Nishimura Junji , Maehara Yoshihiko , Kanaide Hideo
Published: July 2006

Thrombin and other proteinases exert vascular effects by activating the proteinase-activated receptors (PARs). The expression of PARs has been shown to be upregulated after balloon injury and in human arteriosclerosis. However, the relationship between the receptor upregulation and the alteration of vasomotor function remains to be elucidated. We herein demonstrated that the contractile responses to the PAR-1 and PAR-2 agonist were markedly enhanced in the rabbit femoral arteries after balloon injury. Neointimal thickening was established 4 wk after the injury. No histological change was observed in the sham operation, where the saphenous artery was ligated without any balloon injury. The contractile response to K+depolarization was significantly attenuated 1 wk after the injury and then partly recovered after 4 wk. Thrombin, PAR-1-activating peptide, trypsin, and PAR-2-activating peptide induced no significant contraction in the control. All these stimulants induced enhanced responses 1 wk after balloon injury. Such enhanced responses were seen 4 wk after the injury, except for thrombin. There was no change in the Ca2+sensitivity of the contractile apparatus as evaluated in the permeabilized preparations. PAR-1-activating peptide (100 μmol/l), but no other stimulants, induced an enhanced contraction in the sham operation. The expression of PAR-1 and PAR-2 slightly increased after the sham operation, whereas it markedly and significantly increased after balloon injury. Our observations suggest that balloon injury induced the receptor upregulation, thereby enhancing the contractile response before the establishment of vascular lesions. The local inflammation associated with the sham operation may also contribute to the receptor upregulation.
Zinc modulates cytokine-induced lung epithelial cell barrier permeability
Authors: Bao Shenying , Knoell Daren L.
Published: July 2006

Apoptosis plays a causative role in acute lung injury in part due to epithelial cell loss. We recently reported that zinc protects the lung epithelium during inflammatory stress whereas depletion of intracellular zinc enhances extrinsic apoptosis. In this investigation, we evaluated the relationship between zinc, caspase-3, and cell-to-cell contact via proteins that form the adherens junction complex. Cell adhesion proteins are directly responsible for formation of the mechanical barrier of the lung epithelium. We hypothesized that exposure to inflammatory cytokines, in conjunction with zinc deprivation, would induce caspase-3, leading to degradation of junction proteins, loss of cell-to-cell contact, and compromised barrier function. Primary human upper airway and type I/II alveolar epithelial cultures were obtained from multiple donors and exposed to inflammatory stimuli that provoke extrinsic apoptosis in addition to depletion of intracellular zinc. We observed that zinc deprivation combined with tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and Fas receptor ligation accelerates caspase-3 activation, proteolysis of E-cadherin and β-catenin, and cellular apoptosis, leading to increased paracellular leak across monolayers of both upper airway and alveolar lung epithelial cultures. Zinc supplementation inhibited apoptosis and paracellular leak, whereas caspase inhibition was less effective. We conclude that zinc is a vital factor in the lung epithelium that protects against death receptor-mediated apoptosis and barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, our findings suggest that although caspase-3 inhibition reduces lung epithelial apoptosis it does not prevent mechanical dysfunction. These findings facilitate future studies aimed at developing therapeutic strategies to prevent acute lung injury.
Extravascular sources of lung angiotensin peptide synthesis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Molina-Molina Maria , Abdul-Hafez Amal , Ramirez Jose , Serrano-Mollar Anna , Xaubet Antonio , Uhal Bruce D.
Published: July 2006

Previous work from this laboratory demonstrated de novo synthesis of angiotensin (ANG) peptides by apoptotic pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) and by lung myofibroblasts in vitro and in bleomycin-treated rats. To determine whether these same cell types also synthesize ANG peptides de novo within the fibrotic human lung in situ, we subjected paraffin sections of normal and fibrotic (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, IPF) human lung to immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization to detect ANG peptides and angiotensinogen (AGT) mRNA. These were analyzed both alone and in combination with cell-specific markers of AEC [monoclonal antibody (MAb) MNF-116] and myofibroblasts [α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) MAb] and an in situ DNA end labeling (ISEL) method to detect apoptosis. In normal human lung, IHC detected AGT protein in smooth muscle underlying normal bronchi and vessels, but not elsewhere. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that AGT mRNA and protein were 21-fold and 3.6-fold more abundant, respectively, in IPF lung biopsies relative to biopsies of normal human lung (both P < 0.05). In IPF lung, both AGT protein and mRNA were detected in AEC that double-labeled with MAb MNF-116 and with ISEL, suggesting AGT expression by apoptotic epithelia in situ. AGT protein and mRNA also colocalized to myofibroblast foci detected by α-SMA MAb, but AGT mRNA was not detected in smooth muscle. These data are consistent with earlier data from isolated human lung cells in vitro and bleomycin-induced rat lung fibrosis models, and they suggest that apoptotic AEC and myofibroblasts constitute key sources of locally derived ANG peptides in the IPF lung.
Low Na intake suppresses expression of CYP2C23 and arachidonic acid-induced inhibition of ENaC
Authors: Sun Peng , Lin Dao-Hong , Wang Tong , Babilonia Elisa , Wang Zhijian , Jin Yan , Kemp Rowena , Nasjletti Alberto , Wang Wen-Hui
Published: July 2006

We previously demonstrated that arachidonic acid (AA) inhibits epithelial Na channels (ENaC) through the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) epoxygenase-dependent pathway ( 34 ). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that low Na intake suppresses the expression of CYP2C23, which is mainly responsible for converting AA to epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) in the kidney ( 11 ) and attenuates the AA-induced inhibition of ENaC. Immunostaining showed that CYP2C23 is expressed in the Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP)-positive and aquaporin 2 (AQP2)-positive tubules. This suggests that CYP2C23 is expressed in the thick ascending limb (TAL) and collecting duct (CD). Na restriction significantly suppressed the expression of CYP2C23 in the TAL and CD. Western blot also demonstrated that the expression of CYP2C23 in renal cortex and outer medulla diminished in rats on Na-deficient diet (Na-D) but increased in those on high-Na diet (4%). Moreover, the content of 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) decreased in the isolated cortical CD from rats on Na-D compared with those on a normal-Na diet (0.5%). Patch-clamp study showed that application of 15 μM AA inhibited the activity of ENaC by 77% in the CCD of rats on a Na-D for 3 days. However, the inhibitory effect of AA on ENaC was significantly attenuated in rats on Na-D for 14 days. Furthermore, inhibition of CYP epoxygenase with MS-PPOH increased the ENaC activity in the CCD of rats on a control Na diet. We also used microperfusion technique to examine the effect of MS-PPOH on Na transport in the distal nephron. Application of MS-PPOH significantly increased Na absorption in the distal nephron of control rats but had no significant effect on Na absorption in rats on Na-D for 14 days. We conclude that low Na intake downregulates the activity and expression of CYP2C23 and attenuates the inhibitory effect of AA on Na transport.
Caspase-mediated cleavage of ATM during cisplatin-induced tubular cell apoptosis: inactivation of its kinase activity toward p53
Authors: Wang Jinzhao , Pabla Navjotsingh , Wang Cong-Yi , Wang Weixin , Schoenlein Patricia V. , Dong Zheng
Published: July 2006

Cisplatin induces renal cell injury and death, resulting in nephrotoxicity that limits its use in cancer therapy. Using cell culture models, recent work has suggested the involvement of p53 in renal cell apoptosis during cisplatin treatment. However, the signals upstream of p53 remain elusive. ATM and ATR are critical regulators of p53 under various conditions of DNA damage. Here, we show that ATM, and not ATR, was proteolytically cleaved into specific fragments of ∼210 and 150 kDa during cisplatin-induced tubular cell apoptosis. ATM cleavage was paralleled by the development of apoptosis. VAD, a broad-spectrum inhibitor of caspases, attenuated the cleavage of ATM, whereas the inhibitors of specific caspases were less effective. In caspase-3-deficient MCF-7 cells, ATM was cleaved, releasing the 210- but not the 150-kDa fragment. Recombinant caspase-3 was much more effective than caspase-7 in cleaving ATM that was immunoprecipitated from cell lysates. During cisplatin incubation, VAD protected ATM and enhanced p53 phosphorylation. In vitro assay of protein kinase activity further showed that ATM immunoprecipitated from cisplatin-treated cells had significantly lower kinase activity toward p53 than that from control cells. Importantly, the protein kinase activity was restored in ATM that was protected by VAD during cisplatin incubation. ATM deficiency sensitized the cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis, suggesting a cytoprotective role of ATM in this experimental model. Thus proteolysis of ATM by caspases may inactivate this regulatory molecule to facilitate the progression of apoptosis.
Exact controllability for a nonlinear stochastic wave equation
Authors: Ton Bui An
Published: July 2006

The exact controllability for a semilinear stochastic wave equation
with a boundary control is established. The target and initial
spaces are L2(G) × H−1(G) with G being a bounded
open subset of R3 and the nonlinear terms having at most a linear growth.
Interleukin-6 Correlates with Endothelial Dysfunction in Young Post-Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Eržen Barbara , Šabovič Mišo , Šebeštjen Miran , Keber Irena , Poredoš Pavel
Published: July 2006

Background: The estimation of coronary risk based on consideration of classical risk factors is insufficient in young patients with myocardial infarction who have low expressions of classical risk factors. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) and markers of vascular inflammation may be more appropriate for risk estimation. The relations among ED and inflammation markers in such patients have not yet been explored. Patients and Methods: Twenty-one patients (on average 44 years old) in the stable phase after myocardial infarction, with low expressions of risk factors, were included in the study. The control group consisted of 25 healthy age-matched males. ED was estimated by ultrasound measurement of the endothelium-dependent dilatation of the brachial artery. The following inflammation markers were measured: hsCRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), ICAM-1, VCAM-1, selectin-P and selectin-E. Results: Patients had a significantly reduced level of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (5.6 ± 3.5 vs. 8.8 ± 6.5%, p < 0.05), and an increased level of IL-6 (3.2 [1.5–8.4] vs. 1.4 [0.9–2.3] ng/ml; p < 0.01). All other inflammation markers were comparable to controls. We found a significant negative correlation between ED and the levels of IL-6 (r = –0.54, p = 0.012). Conclusion: It appears that IL-6 is the most valuable circulating marker of ED, and consequently a useful marker of coronary risk.
Inhibitors in mild/moderate haemophilia A: An update
Authors: Salvagno Gian , Lippi Giuseppe , Franchini Massimo
Published: July 2006

The development of inhibitors in patients with mild/moderate hemophilia A is an increasingly recognized occurrence and is manifested by the patients’ bleeding pattern becoming more severe. Inherited (hemophilia genetic mutations) and acquired (type and delivery of factor VIII replacement therapy) factors have been associated with an increased likelihood of developing factor VIII inhibitors. Although the use of bypassing agents (i.e. activated prothrombin complex concentrates and recombinant factor VII activated) has been demonstrated to be effective in controlling bleeding episodes in patients who develop factor VIII inhibitors, the limited data available in the literature are insufficient to determine the optimal approach to the eradication of inhibitors (i.e. immune tolerance induction, immunosuppression or both) for this group. Particular attention should be directed to the prevention of this complication in those patients with mild/moderate hemophilia recognized to be at increased risk of developing a factor VIII inhibitor. In conclusion, large prospective trials are warranted in order to elucidate the many still unclear pathogenic and therapeutic aspects of the development of inhibitors in patients with mild/moderate hemophilia A.
Association of homocysteine (but not of MTHFR 677 C>T, MTR 2756 A>G, MTRR 66 A>G and TCN2 776 C>G) with ischaemic cerebrovascular disease in Sicily
Authors: Guéant-Rodriguez Rosa-Maria , Anello Guido , Spada Rosario , Romano Antonino , Fajardo Adrian , Caraci Filippo , Ferri Raffaele , Guéant Jean-Louis , Bosco Paolo
Published: July 2006

Association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism (MTHFR 677 C>T), a determinant of homocysteine plasma level (t-Hcys), with ischaemc cerebrovascular disease (iCVD) seems to be neutral in North Europe and North America. The association of 2756 A>G of methionine synthase (MTR), 66 A>G of methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) and 776 C>G of transcobalamin (TCN2) needs to be evaluated further. It was the objective of this study to evaluate the association of these polymorphisms, t-Hcys, vitamin B12 and folate levels with iCVD, in an Italian population from Sicily. We investigated the association of these polymorphisms, t-Hcys, vitamin B12 and folate with iCVD in 252 subjects, including 131 cases and 121 sexand agematched healthy controls. t-Hcys was higher in the iCVD group than in controls [15.3 (11.5–17.9) vs. 11.6 (9.4–14.5) µM; P=0. 0007] and also in subjects withTCN2 776CG genotype, compared to homozygous genotypes [13.5 (9.9± 16.9) vs. 11.7 (9.6 ± 14.4) µM; P=0. 0327]. The folate level in cases and controls was consistent with an adequate dietary intake [12.7 (9.0–15.3) vs. 12.5 (9.6–16.9) nM; P=0. 7203]. In multivariate analysis, t-Hcys was a significant independent predictor of iCVD with an odds ratio of 1.14 (95% C.I. : 1.06–1.24; P=0. 0006). No association was found between MTHFR, MTR, MTRR and TCN2 polymorphisms and iCVD risk. We have found an influence of t-Hcys and a neutral effect of MTHFR, MTR, MTRR and TCN2 on iCVD risk in Sicily. The neutral influence of these polymorphisms may be explained by adequate status in folate and vitamin B12. Other factors underlying the increased t-Hcys need further investigations.
Long-term stability of relationships between reference materials for thromboplastins
Authors: van den Besselaar Anton M. H. P. , Tripodi Armando , Linsinger Thomas P. J.
Published: July 2006

Reference materials for thromboplastins are available from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Commission (EC). The long-term stability of the reference materials is an essential requirement and must be monitored. The relationship between two reference materials for rabbit thromboplastin, i. e. ERM-AD149 (EC) and RBT/90 (WHO), has been monitored in the period 1996–2002. No significant trend with time was detected. In addition,the relationship between ERM-AD149 and the reference material for bovine thromboplastin (i. e. OBT/79) has been determined in 1994 and in 2005 in multicentre studies (n = 11 and n = 9, respectively). No significant changes were observed in the relationships between these reference materials when all results were included (5% significance level).
Sculpting Ionized Plasma
Authors: Lhermitte Jean-Louis
Published: July 2006

The author investigates an imaginary world between art and science, looking back on 20 years of his exploration of “material light” in sculptures created using plasma ionized by electric current.
Dental Impaction Pain Model as a Potential Tool to Evaluate Drugs With Efficacy in Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Malmstrom Kerstin , Kotey Paul , McGratty Megan , Ramakrishnan Rohini , Gottesdiener Keith , Reicin Alise , Wagner John A.
Published: July 2006

Intravenous lidocaine, a nonspecific Na‐channel blocker, was used to assess the dental impaction model for evaluation of neuropathic pain drugs. Sixty patients, experiencing moderate or severe pain after removal of ≥ 2 third molars, were randomized (2:2:1:1) to lidocaine (4 mg/kg; maximal dose 300 mg), oxycodone/acetaminophen (10/650 mg), placebo, and active placebo (diphenhydramine, 50 mg). Lidocaine provided a modest degree of pain relief. Predefined endpoints of total pain relief and sum of pain intensity at 2, 4, and 6 hours showed numerically, not statistically significantly, greater pain relief versus placebo. A significantly greater effect over placebo was observed in peak effect and at shorter time points (30 minutes and 1 hour), consistent with the pharmacokinetic profile (plasma concentration of ∼2 μg/mL). Oxycodone/acetaminophen provided significantly greater analgesia versus placebo, validating study conduct, and significantly greater pain relief was observed versus lidocaine, which is consistent with a smaller portion of dental extraction pain being of neuropathic origin.
Hospital Pharmacology: An Alternative Model for Practice and Training in Clinical Pharmacology
Authors: Lehmann David F. , Stork Christine M. , Guharoy Roy
Published: July 2006

External pressures continue to be exerted on hospitals to prioritize programs that minimize costs and improve the safety of medication use. Clinical pharmacologists are in an ideal position to provide leadership for such programs. At academic health centers, an added dimension is the exposure of physicians‐in‐training to the practical application of clinical pharmacology principles. At SUNY Upstate Medical University, the approach is led by a physician with clinical pharmacists and pharmacy practice residents. To align the clinical pharmacists with the overall goals of the program, a faculty promotions track system designed specifically for them has been enacted within the college of medicine. This report summarizes the “hospital pharmacology” program that provides funding for an academic physician‐clinical pharmacologist. With this report, the authors hope to outline an alternative practice and training paradigm to potentially address the decline in physicians being trained in and practicing clinical pharmacology since the late 1970s.
The effects of acculturative variables on Asian American parent–child relationships
Authors: Dinh Khanh T. , Nguyen Huong H.
Published: July 2006

This study investigated acculturation and the perceived parent–child acculturative gap as predictors of the quality of parent–child relationships among 172 Asian American college students and their parents. It was expected that both acculturation level and perceived parent–child acculturative gap would play significant roles. The results showed that only perceived parent–child acculturative gap was significant across all assessed dimensions of the mother–child relationship (depth, support, conflict, and satisfaction), whereas both acculturation level and perceived parent–child acculturative gap were significant in only two dimensions of the father–child relationship (conflict and satisfaction). Overall, perceived parent–child acculturative gap was a stronger predictor than was acculturation level. Findings from this study provide implications for future research and intervention approaches with Asian American families.
An investigation into the kerbside recycling behaviour of two Welsh case study authorities
Authors: Woollam Thomas , Williams Keith , Griffiths Anthony
Published: July 2006

This paper investigates the number of observed households setting out their containers for kerbside recyclable collection in two Welsh kerbside recycling programmes; namely, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Caerphilly County Borough Council. Analysed data from the monitoring of approximately 114 000 households in the two separate kerbside programmes are presented, making this the largest study of kerbside recycling behaviour in the UK. The average household set-out rates of individual households per electoral division and per street in each programme were compared. Average household set-out rate for a particular electoral division and street was then related to certain socio-economic indicators. The study was performed using the ‘ArcView’ geographical information systems (GIS) package. The model identified a moderate link between household set-out rate (%) and socio-economic status at electoral division level. However, there was no correlation between socio-economic status and average household set-out rate in a street. Household set-out rates for both programmes fluctuated significantly in streets with similar socio-economic status. Another significant factor affecting set-out rate, herein named the ‘Nant-y-Gwyddon effect’, is also described.
Estimating the public preferences for solid waste management programmes using choice experiments in Macao
Authors: Jin Jianjun , Wang Zhishi , Ran Shenghong
Published: July 2006

This paper reports on the potential to apply the choice experiment method to understand the public’s preferences for solid waste management programmes in Macao. A random sample survey of 260 respondents in Macao was conducted during the summer in 2004. The survey data was analysed using conditional multinomial logit models. The study results indicate that Macao residents prefer: (1) waste segregation and recycling at source; (2) noise reduction during waste collection and transportation and (3) lower garbage fees. The study concludes that choice experiment is a reliable tool in the analysis of respondents’ preferences for developing a suitable solid waste management programme in Macao.
Composting of vegetable waste
Authors: Chang James I. , Tsai J. J. , Wu K. H.
Published: July 2006

The effects of the aeration, seeding, and agitation on the composting of vegetable waste were studied in a laboratory-scale reactor. Experimental results showed that the final product at the end of a 4-day composting period met multiple maturity indices suggested by many researchers. The evolution of carbon dioxide during the composting process could be modelled with a modified Gompertz equation that described the bacteria growth successfully. Multivariate regression analysis was used to study the effects of operating parameters on the carbon conversion. The response surface contour plots were constructed using the regression equation for the examination of the dependence of carbon conversion on operating parameters. The maximum carbon conversion of 14.54% was obtained when the percentage of seeding was set at 14.5%, the air suction rate was set at 2.6 L kg-1 dry-solid min-1, and the agitator operated half of the time, alternating on and off for every 5 min. Future work will focus on the application of the data and the experience gained in this work to composters of pilot and semi-commercial scales.
Hypophosphatemia in Children Hospitalized Within an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: de Menezes Fernanda Souza , Leite Heitor Pons , Fernandez Juliana , Benzecry Silvana Gomes , de Carvalho Werther Brunow
Published: July 2006

The aims of this study were to estimate the occurrence of hypophosphatemia and to identify potential risk factors and outcome measures associated with this disturbance in children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit. Data concerning 42 children admitted consecutively to 1 pediatric intensive care unit over a 1-year period were examined. Serum phosphorus levels were measured on the third day of admission, where levels below 3.8 mg/dL were considered indicative of hypophosphatemia. Hypophosphatemia was found in 32 children (76%), and there was a significant association between this disturbance and malnutrition ( P= .04). Of the potential risk factors such as sepsis, diuretic/steroid therapy, starvation (over 3 days), and Pediatric Index of Mortality, none discriminated for hypophosphatemia. There were no associations between hypophosphatemia and mortality, length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit, or time on mechanical lung ventilation. Hypophosphatemia was a common finding in critically ill children and was associated with malnutrition.
Behind the ‘Great Firewall’
Authors: Zhang Lena L.
Published: July 2006

This study examines China's current internet media policy in terms of the nature of the policy, the policymaking process, major forces driving the policy and future trends. Through face-to-face, in-depth interviews of 19 high-ranking Chinese policymakers, this study provides unusual insight on these issues from an inside perspective. A ‘push and control’ internet policy suggests that the leadership has relaxed in its ideological claims, yet still wants to control online content. China has also shifted the media policymaking process from the Party to government operation. The Party's road map for economic prosperity has been a key driving force in this shift and ensures that internet policy is heading in a positive direction, though it is not straightforward. Finally, the policymakers’ attitudes toward the new media and value transformation have had a significant influence on policy formation. The study proved premises from both communication and development and media dependency theories with regard to the case of the internet in China. It is the first research project of its kind on the topic.
The Integrated Effect of Medical Lamp Position and Diffuser Discharge Velocity on Ultra-clean Ventilation Performance in an Operating Theatre
Authors: Chow T. T. , Lin Zhang , Bai Wei
Published: July 2006

The ventilation system of an operating theatre (OT) in a hospital needs to provide a comfortable and healthy surgical environment, particularly to minimise the risk of airborne infection. Engineering standards are available to outline specialised ventilation design and installation requirements based on knowledge accumulated from quality research and day-to-day practices. In this paper, the integrated effect of a reduction in supply air velocity and changed medical lamp positions on the ultra-clean ventilation performance of a standard OT environment is reported. The dispersion of infectious particles from both the surgical team and the patient were examined through computational fluid dynamic analysis. It was observed that variations in supply velocity and medical lamp configuration will only slightly affect the thermal comfort environment. However, they could have a serious effect on the movement of infectious particles and hence increase the cross infection risk.
Effects of Headroom on the Performance of the Displacement Ventilation System
Authors: Lin Zhang , Chow T. T. , Tsang C. F. , Fong K. F. , Chan L. S.
Published: July 2006

A numerical simulation applying a validated computational fluid dynamics model was used to investigate the effect of the headroom on a displacement ventilation (DV) system. Two different headroom heights in a space were simulated and compared. It was found that the effect of increased headroom was to improve the thermal comfort of the indoor space. It was also concluded that given the thermal boundary conditions commonly encountered and the typical low headroom found in Hong Kong, DV was found to work effectively in terms of thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ).
Web-science communication in the age of globalization
Authors: Park Han Woo , Thelwall Mike
Published: July 2006

The web is important for academic communication and publishing on an international scale, but it is difficult to assess the extent to which globalization actually has occurred. This article examines the connectivity structure of links between university websites in 25 Asian and European countries as a case study of an inter-regional and intra-regional web phenomenon. The five most linked-to universities in each nation-state were selected and network analysis techniques were used. The results suggested that the UK (and to a lesser extent some other European countries) has a high impact on the formation of link-xmediated academic networks in Asia and Europe. Universities’ websites in Asia are more heavily connected to European universities than linked to each other. The overall findings were indicative of globalization rather than regionalism, but a better characterization might be globalization with regional imbalances and individual high performing countries.
Designed to ‘effectively frustrate’: copyright, technology and the agency of users
Authors: Gillespie Tarleton
Published: July 2006

Recently, the major US music and movie companies have pursued a dramatic renovation in their approach to copyright enforcement. This shift, from the ‘code’ of law to the ‘code’ of software, looks to technologies themselves to regulate or make unavailable those uses of content traditionally handled through law. Critics worry about the ‘compliance’ rules built into such systems: design mandates for manufacturers indicating what users can and cannot do under particular conditions. But these are accompanied by a second set of limitations: ‘robustness’ rules. Robustness rules obligate manufacturers to build devices such that they prevent tinkering - not only must the technology regulate its users, it must be inscrutable to them. This article examines this aspect of technical copyright regulation, looking particularly at the Content Scramble System (CSS) encryption system for DVDs and the recent ‘broadcast flag’ proposed for digital television. In the name of preventing piracy, these arrangements threaten to undermine users’ sense of agency with their own technologies.
Facts, norms and dispositions: practical uses of the modal verb would in police interrogations
Authors: Edwards Derek
Published: July 2006

Two uses of the modal verb would in police interrogation are examined. First, suspects use it to claim a disposition to act in ways inconsistent with whatever offence they are accused of. Second, police officers use it in challenging the suspect’s testimony, asking why a witness would lie. Both uses deploy a form of practical inferential reasoning from norms to facts, in the face of disputed testimony. The value of would is that its semantics provide for a sense of back-dated predictability with regard to the actions in question. Further, although police officers provide minimal acknowledgement of suspects’ uses of the term, suspects tend to provide a response when police officers use it. This difference is explained by the different actions being done in each case - normative self assessments by suspects, and challenges by police officers - and their interactional and institutional relevance in and for police pursuit of factual testimony.
Recent developments in repair welding technologies in Japan
Authors: Yurioka N. , Horii Y.
Published: July 2006

Developments in some difficult repair welding technologies in Japan during the past decade are reviewed. The topics covered include the repair welding of bridges in service, the temper bead method which makes it possible to omit post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) of repaired pressure vessels, the seal welding of a reactor vessel in which stress corrosion cracks were detected, low heat input repair welding of neutron irradiated stainless steel and nickel based alloys, the prevention of solidification cracking in repair welding of aged heat resistant cast steels, the development of welding materials for the mending of single crystal nickel based superalloy turbine blades, underwater repair welding of nuclear reactors, the reduction of residual stresses in repair welding, and an ultrasonic testing method for nickel based weld metals. The local PWHT of creep resistant ferritic steel tubes is also reviewed.
Influence of welding current shape on expulsion and weld strength of resistance spot welds
Authors: Podržaj P. , Polajnar I. , Diaci J. , Kariž Z.
Published: July 2006

The present paper presents the influence of welding current shape on weld strength of resistance spot welds of zinc coated mild steel sheets. The influence is analysed at different levels of the electrode wear. Welding currents with different peak values and different RMS (root mean square) values were used in the experiment. The results show that welding current with high peak values implies higher weld strength.
Pendant droplet oscillation during GMAW
Authors: Yudodibroto B. Y. B. , Hermans M. J. M. , Hirata Y. , den Ouden G. , Richardson I. M.
Published: July 2006

This paper deals with pendant droplet oscillation in pulsed current gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Using a constant current power source, bead on plate welds were made on mild steel plates. The frequency of the pendant droplet oscillation was monitored visually (using a high speed video camera) and electronically (by analysis of the voltage signals). The results obtained are compared with the results predicted by a model based on a mass spring system. It was found that the oscillation frequency of small droplets revealed by both monitoring techniques matches that predicted by the model. For larger droplets, the oscillation frequency measured by voltage signal analysis tends to be higher than that revealed by video analysis and that predicted by the model. This implies that during droplet oscillation in (GMAW) the arc behaviour may change and as a result the arc voltage is not any more proportionally related to the arc length.
Factors influencing formation and growth of coarse Ti–Fe compound in Ti–Fe eutectic reaction
Authors: Yu C. , Wu M. F. , Lu H.
Published: July 2006

Brittle coarse Ti–Fe compound seriously deteriorates the joint strength of Ti and stainless steel, therefore it is necessary to study the formation mechanism of coarse Ti–Fe compound. In the present work, the factors influencing the formation and growth of coarse Ti–Fe compound have been studied, primarily using the eutectic reaction method between pure Ti and pure Fe. The results show that the existence of the supersaturated β-Ti(Fe) solid solution is a precondition for the formation of the coarse Ti–Fe compound, and the formation of supersaturated β-Ti(Fe) solid solution is due to high process parameters. When the temperature is 1100°C and the holding time is < 10 s there is no supersaturated β-Ti(Fe). Subsequently no coarse Ti–Fe compound forms in the eutectic reaction zone. However, when the joining temperature and/or prolonging the holding time is enhanced, coarse block Ti–Fe compound forms and grows after the appearance of supersaturated β-Ti(Fe) solid solution. The formation and growth of the coarse block Ti–Fe compound can be constrained through properly controlling the process parameters (temperature, time and exterior force) to get a comparatively thin reaction zone, which causes less supersaturated β-Ti(Fe) solid solution.
Microstructure of cobalt based alloy coatings produced by laser deposit welding
Authors: Li H. S. , Li M. X. , He Y. Z. , Yoon J. H. , Shin K.
Published: July 2006

Coatings of cobalt based alloy HMSP 2528, deposited on a nickel based superalloy using a transverse flow CO2 laser, are investigated. Sections of the coatings have been examined to reveal their microstructure and phase composition using an Olympus PME–3 type optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray diffractometer. The results showed that primary phase ( γ-Co) and eutectic ( γ-Co + Cr23C6) were present in the coatings. Rapid directional solidification was found at the interface, where the growth direction was perpendicular to the interface. Multidirectional growth and growth parallel to the scanning direction were also found in the central region and near the top surface, respectively. At the remelted boundary between two tracks, a novel microstructure was found in which the crystallisation direction of the first track was transmitted to the second track. As more tracks were deposited, coarsening dendrites could be found at the interfaces.
Study of keyhole closure and analysis of microstructure and mechanical performance of weld joints for variable polarity vertical up plasma arc welding process
Authors: Wang H. X. , Yang C. L. , Wei Y. H. , Lin S. B. , Shen H. Y.
Published: July 2006

Two technical approaches for keyhole closure were conducted. Workpieces of aluminium alloy 2219 were welded using variable polarity vertical up plasma arc welding technology. Effects of welding process parameters on keyhole closure were analysed. Appropriate technical criteria for keyhole closure in the welding of aluminium alloys (3 or 6 mm in thickness) via the variable polarity vertical up plasma arc welding technique were obtained. Experimental simulation of girth welding (overlap welding) was conducted using the appropriate process parameters for the keyhole closure stage of plate butt welding, and the feasibility of circumferential welding was verified. Accordingly, girth welding of the external tank of a carrier rocket was achieved using the appropriate parameters for the keyhole closure technique. In addition, the metallurgical process and mechanical performance for the single pass and overlap welds were analysed and compared.
Charpy toughness and microstructure of vibrated weld metal
Authors: Pučko B. , Gliha V.
Published: July 2006

Vibration during welding can be used to obtain certain changes in mechanical properties of weld metal. Research work on the influence of vibration on the secondary microstructure of welds and hence on the Charpy toughness was performed. Vibration during welding exhibits positive effects on the microstructure constituent formation. Multipass welding was simulated with reheating of the original single pass weld in order to obtain similar microstructure to multipass welds. Microstructures were examined with an optical microscope. Additionally, fractographic examination of the rupture of Charpy specimens was performed. Changes in the microstructure according to vibration were observed which affect toughness of the weld metal. Vibration during welding was rated more effective in the case of reheating the weld metal, which is the case in multipass welding.
Vision based seam tracking system for underwater flux cored arc welding
Authors: Shi Y. H. , Wang G. R.
Published: July 2006

Manual underwater welding is usually time consuming, expensive and hard to perform because of the rigorous underwater environment. Automatic underwater welding can be performed faster at less cost and with higher quality. An automatic seam tracking system for underwater flux cored arc welding has been developed. It consists of a vision sensing module, a seam recognition module, a fuzzy controller (FC) and an X–Y travel platform. The vision sensing module can capture clear seam images during welding, successfully resolving the problem of welding arc interference during underwater flux cored arc welding. The seam recognition module filters, enhances and thresholds the seam images and then recognises the seam deviation angle with a three layer back propagation neural network. The FC outputs the control parameters according to the seam deviation angle and then controls the X–Y platform to drive the torch to the centre of the seam. In this study, three different welds were considered: a straight line, a kinked straight line and an S curved line. These welds were tracked real timely during underwater flux cored arc welding. The results show that this seam tracking system can meet the requirements of the automatic underwater flux cored arc welding.