bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endosomes generate localized Rho–ROCK–MLC2–based contractile signals via Endo180 to promote adhesion disassembly
Authors: Sturge Justin , Wienke Dirk , Isacke Clare M.
Published: October 2006

The regulated assembly and disassembly of focal adhesions and adherens junctions contributes to cell motility and tumor invasion. Pivotal in this process is phosphorylation of myosin light chain-2 (MLC2) by Rho kinase (ROCK) downstream of Rho activation, which generates the contractile force necessary to drive disassembly of epithelial cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix adhesions at the rear of migrating cells. How Rho–ROCK–MLC2 activation occurs at these distinct cellular locations is not known, but the emerging concept that endocytic dynamics can coordinate key intracellular signaling events provides vital clues. We report that endosomes containing the promigratory receptor Endo180 (CD280) can generate Rho–ROCK–MLC2–based contractile signals. Moreover, we provide evidence for a cellular mechanism in which Endo180-containing endosomes are spatially localized to facilitate their contractile signals directly at sites of adhesion turnover. We propose migration driven by Endo180 as a model for the spatial regulation of contractility and adhesion dynamics by endosomes.
Identification of 12/15-lipoxygenase as a suppressor of myeloproliferative disease
Authors: Middleton Melissa Kristine , Zukas Alicia Marie , Rubinstein Tanya , Jacob Michele , Zhu Peijuan , Zhao Liang , Blair Ian , Puré Ellen
Published: October 2006

Though Abl inhibitors are often successful therapies for the initial stages of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), refractory cases highlight the need for novel molecular insights. We demonstrate that mice deficient in the enzyme 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) develop a myeloproliferative disorder (MPD) that progresses to transplantable leukemia. Although not associated with dysregulation of Abl, cells isolated from chronic stage 12/15-LO–deficient (Alox15) mice exhibit increased activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3–kinase (PI3-K) pathway, as indicated by enhanced phosphorylation of Akt. Furthermore, the transcription factor interferon consensus sequence binding protein (ICSBP) is hyperphosphorylated and displays decreased nuclear accumulation, translating into increased levels of expression of the oncoprotein Bcl-2. The ICSBP defect, exaggerated levels of Bcl-2, and prolonged leukemic cell survival associated with chronic stage Alox15 MPD are all reversible upon treatment with a PI3-K inhibitor. Remarkably, the evolution of Alox15 MPD to leukemia is associated with additional regulation of ICSBP on an RNA level, highlighting the potential usefulness of the Alox15 model for understanding the transition of CML to crisis. Finally, 12/15-LO expression suppresses the growth of a human CML–derived cell line. These data identify 12/15-LO as an important suppressor of MPD via its role as a critical upstream effector in the regulation of PI3-K–dependent ICSBP phosphorylation.
Octreotide therapy in dumping syndrome: analysis of long‐term results
Authors: DIDDEN P. , PENNING C. , MASCLEE A. A. M.
Published: October 2006

Background

Octreotide therapy is effective in controlling severe dumping symptoms during short‐term follow‐up but little is known about long‐term results.

Aim

To report on the long‐term results of patients with severe dumping syndrome treated at the Leiden University Medical Center with subcutaneous or depot intramuscular (long‐acting release) octreotide.

Methods

Follow‐up of 34 patients with severe dumping syndrome refractory to other therapeutic measures treated between 1987 and 2005 with octreotide subcutaneous/long‐acting release. At regular intervals symptoms, quality of life, weight, faecal fat excretion and gallstone formation were evaluated.

Results

All patients had excellent initial relief of symptoms during octreotide subcutaneous therapy. However, during follow‐up 16 patients stopped therapy because of side effects (n = 9) or loss of efficacy (n = 7). Four patients died. Fourteen patients (41%) remain using octreotide (follow‐up 93 ± 15 months), seven are on octreotide subcutaneous and seven on octreotide long‐acting release. Patients with severe dumping (both early and late) do better on subcutaneous than long‐acting release despite the inconvenience of frequent injections. Dumping symptoms are reduced by 50% even in long‐term users. Body weight continues to increase during therapy despite more pronounced steatorrhoea.

Conclusion

The long‐term the efficacy of octreotide is much less favourable compared with short‐term treatment.
Genetic patterns in Podocarpus parlatorei reveal the long‐term persistence of cold‐tolerant elements in the southern Yungas
Authors: Quiroga M. Paula , Premoli Andrea C.
Published: October 2006

Aim  This study analyses long‐term responses to climate changes in Podocarpus parlatorei, a cold‐tolerant tree species from the subtropics in South America, using distribution patterns of isozyme variation.

Location  Podocarpus parlatorei characterizes montane forests within the Yungas, a cloud forest of the subtropics of north‐western Argentina and southern Bolivia. Podocarpus parlatorei consists of disjunct populations ecologically subdivided into northern, central, and southern sectors that we predict will be genetically divergent from one another as a result of historical isolation.

Methods  We collected fresh leaves from a maximum of 30 randomly selected individuals from each of 18 populations. We resolved 25 isozyme loci, and scored the most consistent 14, 57% of which were polymorphic. Within‐population variation was tested against latitude, longitude, and elevation using multiple regressions. Genetic structure across populations was analysed using diversity parameters. The relationship between genetic and geographic distances was explored with reference to Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results  The effective number of alleles and observed heterozygosity increase latitudinally. Southern populations tend to be the most variable and genetically distinct. This result suggests that they could represent the location of a long‐term refuge for P. parlatorei. The mean number of alleles per locus decreases with elevation. The total genetic diversity is HT = 0.163, 10% of which is distributed among populations. A positive association between genetic and geographic distances was detected.

Main conclusions  Reductions in genetic diversity towards the north and high‐elevation mountains are consistent with evidence of patterns of forest migration resulting from climate change during the Late Quaternary, northern expansion during episodes of cooling, and range contraction towards the highlands during warming trends. Naturally disjunct populations of P. parlatorei are genetically divergent from one another, indicating that local genetic stocks should be used for restoration of degraded habitats.
Roles of the cyanobacterial isiABC operon in protection from oxidative and heat stresses
Authors: Kojima Kouji , Suzuki‐Maenaka Toyoko , Kikuchi Toshihiko , Nakamoto Hitoshi
Published: October 2006

The expression of the isiAB operon, which encodes CP43′ and flavodoxin, is induced under oxidative‐ or heat‐stress conditions as well as iron‐limited conditions. The aim of this study is to elucidate their roles for acquisition of tolerance by cells against oxidative or heat stress with using the isiA interruption and the isiB deletion mutants of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. In the former mutant, the isiA messenger RNA was truncated and the isiB transcription was totally abolished. Northern blot analysis indicated that an open reading frame sll0249 located immediate downstream of isiB is cotranscribed with isiAB under iron‐limited conditions. Thus, we designated the gene as isiC and constructed an isiC deletion mutant to test polar effects of the isiA and isiB disruptions on the isiC expression. All the mutants were highly sensitive to oxidative stress caused by the presence of methyl viologen, indicating an essential role of the operon, especially isiC, under oxidative stress. The isiA mutant was much more susceptible to the sublethal heat stress than the other mutants. Determination of the survival rate after a lethal temperature treatment confirmed the essential role of the isiA gene for the thermal stress management. We found that light conditions immediately after the lethal temperature treatment have a great effect on the survival rate of the wild‐type and the isiA mutant strains. We suggest that IsiA and IsiB may play a role in optimizing the light energy supply to avoid cellular damage and utilizing the light energy in the post‐heat‐stress recovery process.
Prograde pressure‐temperature path of jadeite‐bearing eclogites and associated high‐pressure/low‐temperature rocks from western Tianshan, northwest China
Authors: Lin Wei , Enami Masaki
Published: October 2006

Abstract Jadeite‐bearing eclogites and associated blueschists locally crop out in a greenschist facies area at Kuldkourla, near the Akeyazhi River in the western Chinese Tianshan region, northwestern China. Garnet in these metamorphic rocks shows prograde zoning with increasing Mg and decreasing Mn from the crystal center towards the rim, and is divided into Ca‐poor/Fe‐rich core and Ca‐rich/Fe‐poor mantle parts. The garnet cores include the assemblages of (i) jadeite/omphacite (Xjd = 0.34–0.96) + barroisite/taramite; and (ii) omphacite + barroisite/pargasite, with paragonite, epidote, rutile and quartz as major phases with rare albite. The garnet mantles rarely contain inclusions of omphacite, glaucophane, epidote, rutile and quartz. Major matrix phases of the pre‐exhumation stage are omphacite, glaucophane, paragonite, rutile and quartz. These mineral parageneses give pressure (P)‐temperature (T) conditions of 0.9 GPa/390°C−1.4 GPa/560°C for the stage of the garnet core formation, 1.8 GPa/520°C for the stage of the garnet mantle formation, and 2.2 GPa/495°C‐2.4 GPa/535°C for the peak eclogite facies assemblage in the matrix. The estimatedP‐Tconditions and continuous changes of mineral parageneses imply a counterclockwiseP‐Tpath which is a combination of (i) an early prograde stage of high‐pressure/low‐temperature (HP/LT) blueschist facies and/orLP/LTeclogite facies; (ii) a later prograde stage involving compression with minimal heating; and (iii) a climax‐of‐subduction stage characterized by a slight decrease of temperature with increasing pressure. The negativedP/dTof the latest subduction stage is possibly a record of the following events after a continuous subduction and ridge approach: (i) material migration within the upper part of the subducting slab, which has an inverse thermal gradient caused by ductile flow and/or slab break during subduction; and/or (ii) temporary cooling of the wedge mantle–slab interface by continuous subduction of a relatively cold slab following subduction of a hotter ridge.
Association between reflux esophagitis and/or hiatus hernia and gastric mucosal atrophy level in Japan
Authors: Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Tanaka Yuriko , Hayashi Yoshinori , Kotoyori Makoto , Kawami Noriyuki , Kawakami Akihiko , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: October 2006

Background and Aims:  The mechanisms involved in reflux esophagitis (RE) are mainly esophageal motor dysfunction and abnormal esophageal acid exposure. Therefore the extent of gastric mucosal atrophy (GMA), which is related to gastric acid secretion, is an important factor in the development of RE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of RE and hiatus hernia (HH) according to level of GMA.

Methods:  A total of 1897 prospective, consecutive endoscopic examinations were performed by the same endoscopist to investigate the prevalence of RE and HH in patients with closed or open‐type GMA. The patients were divided into four age groups: under 44, 45–54, 55–64 and over 65 years.

Results:  The prevalence of RE and HH in patients with closed‐type GMA was significantly higher than that of open‐type GMA in the 45–54, 55–64 and over 65 age groups. In patients with open‐type GMA, the prevalence of RE in each age group was similar at 5.0–7.4%, and the prevalence of HH in the over 65 age group was significantly higher than that of the 55–64 age group. In patients with closed‐type GMA, the prevalence of RE and HH in the over 65 age group was significantly higher than that of other age groups.

Conclusions:  The existence of closed‐type GMA and age over 65 years were important factors in the development of RE and HH.
Hospital services for children in the Solomon Islands: Rebuilding after the civil conflict
Authors: Auto James , Nasi Titus , Ogaoga Divi , Kelly Julian , Duke Trevor
Published: October 2006

Aims:  The Solomon Islands health service, infrastructure and economy were severely affected by the civil conflict that occurred between 1998 and 2003. In 2002 plans to rebuild health services for children, especially those provided in provincial hospitals, were developed by paediatricians, in collaboration with the World Health Organization. We aimed to inform this process by an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the child health service, particularly in provincial hospitals.

Methods:  A systematic assessment of the quality of hospital care for children in Solomon Islands was conducted in November 2003. The study used a WHO assessment tool, modified for use in the Asia‐Pacific region.

Results:  The assessment highlighted several problems in clinical care, human resources, health financing, referral systems, and training, and has been used as a basis for several interventions for improving the quality of paediatric care.

Conclusion:  This study and the initiatives that have followed it demonstrate the link between such assessments, child health policy and quality improvement activities. Such programs can be implemented even where resources are very limited. Sustaining initiatives based on this assessment will be important for the Solomon Islands if it is to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for child survival by 2015.
Fever and urticaria in an African refugee
Authors: Shorter Damon , Makone Ishmael , Elliott Elizabeth J
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  An 11‐year‐old African refugee presented with fever and urticaria commencing 2‐h after taking praziquantel. He had been well previously, and the praziquantel was given to treat a serological diagnosis of schistosomiasis. The main differential diagnosis was between acute schistosomiasis and a drug reaction.
Intracardiac thrombus causing systemic embolism in a child with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and heterozygous activated protein C resistance
Authors: Scheer Katrin , Wild Florentine , Kottkamp Heinz , Battellini Roberto , Schneider Peter , Weidenbach Michael
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Systemic embolism in childhood is rare but often disastrous. Most often the concomitant occurrence of more than one prothrombotic factor is responsible for the acute event. We report on a child in whom an intracardiac thrombus embolized into the descending aorta resulting in subtotal occlusion. Causative for thrombus formation was an idiopathic ventricular tachycardia and a heterozygous activated protein C resistance, both previously unknown. Immediate surgical thrombectomy was successful without sequelae. Antithrombotic and antiarrhythmispioproptylactic treatment was started afterwards. We suggest that in cases of longstanding or repeated tachycardia and in children after thromboembolic events diagnostic work‐up for thrombophilia should be undertaken.
Effect of ergocalciferol supplementation on serum parathyroid hormone and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in chronic kidney disease
Authors: DEVILLE JASON , THORP MICAH L , TOBIN LOIS , GRAY EEVA , JOHNSON ERIC S , SMITH DAVID H
Published: October 2006

Aim:  To assess the impact of the administration of ergocalciferol on serum parathyroid hormone levels at different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods:  A continuous series of 85 patients with stages 3–5 CKD but excluding patients on dialysis referred to the Kaiser Kidney Program were followed. Baseline serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum 25(OH)D levels were measured. All patients were administered ergocalciferol in doses ranging from 800 iu/day to 100 000 iu/week. We obtained serum levels of iPTH and 25(OH)D for a post‐treatment endpoint after a median treatment period of 90 days.

Results:  Pre‐ and post‐treatment serum iPTH levels displayed a mean difference of 2.8 pmol/L (95% CI 1.3–4.4, P < 0.001). Patients with stage 4 CKD had a mean difference of 3.6 pmol/L (95% CI 1.7–5.5, P < 0.001) between pre‐ and post‐iPTH levels. Serum iPTH levels decreased among CKD stages 3 and 5, but were not statistically significant. All CKD groups analysed in the present study had significant increases in serum 25(OH)D levels. None of the study population required cessation of vitamin D therapy and no adverse outcomes were reported.

Conclusion:  Ergocalciferol supplementation appears a safe and effective treatment for CKD populations which may raise levels of serum 25(OH)D levels and decrease iPTH levels.
Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ of the breast composed almost entirely of signet ring cells
Authors: Fadare Oluwole
Published: October 2006

Some examples of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) may be composed in part of signet ring cells. Such proliferations have been considered examples of pleomorphic LCIS based on pathological features of the more conventional component. However, the occurrence of LCIS composed entirely of signet ring cells is extraordinarily rare. This report describes an example of an in situ proliferation that was composed almost entirely (>95%) of signet ring cells, which was unassociated with an invasive carcinoma and which showed comedo‐type necrosis. There was only focal lobulocentric distention by lesional cells, as is typical of classic LCIS. However, discrete, ductal‐type cross‐sectional profiles showed a purely intraepithelial proliferation of remarkably discohesive signet ring cells. The signet ring cells had intermediate‐grade nuclear atypia, no significant mitotic activity and were positive for mucicarmine and PAS stains (the latter with and without diastase predigestion). The cells displayed marked immunoreactivity for high‐molecular‐weight keratin (stained by 34β E12 antibody), MUC1, gross cystic disease fluid protein‐15, cytokeratin 7 and were negative for cytokeratin 20, E‐cadherin, progesterone receptor and HER2/neu. It is concluded that this is an example of a purely signet ring variant of pleomorphic LCIS.
Interstitial pneumonia caused by inhalation of fumes of nickel and chrome
Authors: HISATOMI Keiko , ISHII Hiroshi , HASHIGUCHI Koji , SEKI Masafumi , IDE Mioko , SUGIYAMA Kanako , ISHIMOTO Hiroshi , NAKAYAMA Seiko , Mukae Hiroshi , Kohno Shigeru
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Two male industrial painters were admitted to hospital with dry cough and dyspnoea on exertion following a tank coating operation using a high‐temperature spray paint consisting of a nickel‐chromium alloy. Both patients showed hypoxaemia, peripheral leukocytosis, high levels of serum cytokines and bilateral ground‐glass opacities on a chest CT scan. They were diagnosed with interstitial pneumonia caused by inhalation of nickel and chrome fumes and successfully treated with corticosteroid. These are rare cases of interstitial pneumonia associated with nickel/chromium inhalation.
Sleep‐disordered breathing and continuous positive airway pressure compliance in a group of commercial bus drivers in Hong Kong
Authors: HUI David S.C. , KO Fanny W.S. , CHAN Joseph K.W. , TO Kin W. , FOK Joan P.C. , NGAI Jenny C. , CHAN Michael C.H. , TUNG Alvin , CHAN Doris P. , HO Catherine W. , LAI Christopher K.W.
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  Sleep‐disordered breathing may predispose drivers to road traffic accidents. However, CPAP acceptance and compliance among commercial bus drivers is unknown.

Methods:  We conducted a sleep questionnaire survey at a bus depot followed by random selection of bus drivers for home sleep study with the mesam iv device. Bus drivers with a respiratory disturbance index (RDI) ≥ 5/h were invited to have hospital‐based polysomnography for confirmation followed by nasal CPAP treatment.

Results:  Out of 1477 bus drivers, 1016 (971 men) were interviewed with mean (SD) age of 45.3 (7.5) years, BMI 24.9 (3.6) kg/m2, neck circumference 38.9 (3.1) cm and Epworth sleepiness score 4.8 (4.0). Sleepiness at work was reported by 60.9%, snoring ≥3 nights per week 23.9%, witnessed apnoea 3.7% and having fallen asleep during driving by 24%. Among 211 who underwent home sleep study, 85 (40.3%), 55 (26.1%) and 37 (17.5%) had RDI ≥5, ≥10 and ≥15/h respectively. BMI, snoring intensity and neck circumference were the positive independent factors associated with the RDI. Of the 25 drivers who attended polysomnography, nine accepted CPAP prescription with improvement of Epworth sleepiness score, trail B and digit span after 3 months with CPAP usage of 4.5 (1.3) h/night.

Conclusion:  The estimated minimum prevalence rates of sleep‐disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome were 8.4% and 5.4% respectively among the bus drivers. Home CPAP acceptance was low among bus drivers with sleep apnoea but there was significant improvement of subjective sleepiness and cognitive function among those on CPAP treatment.
Comparison of pre‐ and postoperative pulmonary function in obese and non‐obese female patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: AKDUR Hülya , YIðIT Zerrin , SÖZEN Ahmet Bilge , ÇAðATAY Tülin , GÜVEN ÖZen
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  Various studies have suggested that body size and in‐hospital mortality are related. However, only a few analysed the effects of obesity on pulmonary complications following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The purpose of the present study was to assess early changes in lung volumes, respiratory complications and arterial blood gas tension following CABG in obese women.

Methods:  Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), treadmill exercise capacity tests (TM), arterial blood gases and pulmonary complications were studied in 124 obese (mean age 57.2 ± 5.8 years) and 108 non‐obese (mean age 58.6 ± 5.9 years) female patients undergoing elective CABG. PFT, TM tests, arterial blood gas analyses and CXR were performed in the preoperative and postoperative periods and pulmonary complications were recorded. Breathing and coughing exercises, early ambulation and pulmonary clearing techniques were used by physical therapists to prevent pulmonary complications after CABG surgery.

Results:  Postoperative PFT and TM tests deteriorated significantly in both groups (P < 0.0001). The deterioration in the obese group was highly significant. The postoperative deterioration of blood gas measurements in obese patients was also statistically significant compared to non‐obese patients. Early pulmonary complications developed in 21 (16.94%) of the obese patients and in 10 (9.25%) of non‐obese patients. Duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital stays were longer compared to the non‐obese patients (P = 0.008, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0386, respectively).

Conclusion:  Obesity has a detrimental effect on pulmonary function, exercise capacity, blood gas measurements and complications rates in postoperative period following CABG surgery.
Cardiac arrest in a child with cerebral palsy undergoing sevoflurane induction of anesthesia after preoperative clonidine
Authors: GOLDFINGER MARK M. , TRIPI PAUL A.
Published: October 2006

Clonidine is a frequently administered α2‐adrenergic agonist which can decrease heart rate and blood pressure. We present a case of a 5‐year‐old child with cerebral palsy and seizure disorder, receiving clonidine for restlessness, who presented for placement of a baclofen pump. Without the knowledge of the medical personnel, the patient's mother administered three doses of clonidine during the evening before and morning of surgery to reduce anxiety. During induction of anesthesia, the patient developed bradycardia and hypotension requiring cardiac resuscitation. There are no previous reports of clonidine‐associated cardiac arrest in a child undergoing induction of anesthesia.
The efficacy of intravenous or peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine for postoperative pain relief in children following adenotonsillectomy1
Authors: DAL DIDEM , CELEBI NALAN , ELVAN ELVAN GAYE , CELIKER VAROL , AYPAR ULKU
Published: October 2006

Background : A few previous studies have suggested the efficacy of i.v. ketamine for postoperative pain relief in children after adenotonsillectomy, but none has investigated the efficacy of peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine in these children.

Methods : This randomized, placebo‐controlled study evaluated the effects of peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Ninety ASA I‐II children were randomized three groups of 30 each. Group I received: 2 ml i.v. saline, group II received i.v. ketamine (0.5 mg·kg−1) and group III received a local peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine (0.5 mg·kg−1). All medications were 2 ml in volume which was applied 1 ml per tonsil 3 min prior to tonsillectomy. Modified Hannallah pain scale [observational pain scores (OPS)], nausea, vomiting, bleeding, rescue analgesia, sedation and Aldrete scores were recorded at first, 15th, 30th and 60th min postoperatively. Patients were interviewed on the day after surgery to assess the postoperative pain, nightmares, hallucinations, vomiting and bleeding.

Results : Group I had higher OPS scores than group II and group III. Group II and group III had comparable scores, which were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Group II had higher sedation score at 15th min (P = 0.015). Thirty‐two children, 19 of whom were in group I had rescue analgesia in postanesthesia care unit (P < 0.05) and the time to first analgesic requirement was significantly shorter in group I than the other groups (P = 0.006). Group II and group III also had less pain than group I at home (P = 0.023).

Conclusions : Low dose ketamine given i.v. or by peritonsillar infiltration perioperatively provides efficient pain relief without side‐effects in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.
Aid, Budgets and Accountability: A Survey Article
Authors: De Renzio Paolo
Published: October 2006

This article surveys the recent literature relating to the rationale for scaling up aid and improving its effectiveness. Modalities such as General Budget Support (GBS) are being introduced to increase country ownership and strengthen budget systems and domestic accountability. However, recent assessments of GBS programmes and Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms highlight a number of shortcomings which call into question the role of donors in supporting institutional change. Political‐economy factors are often overlooked. Moreover, in a number of countries, donors are deeply involved in core policy processes, undermining their capacity to play a more constructive role. As a consequence, the strengthening of domestic accountability remains an elusive objective.
Structural Changes in Expected Stock Returns Relationships: Evidence from ASE
Authors: Karanikas Evangelos , Leledakis George , Tzavalis Elias
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  This paper suggests a recursive application of Fama and MacBeth's (1973) testing procedure to assess the significance of macroeconomic factors and firm‐specific effects priced in explaining the cross‐sectional variation of expected stock returns over time. The paper applies the suggested testing procedure to investigate the source of risks of the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE). Among the variables examined, it finds out that the changes in the short term interest rates and firm size can explain a significant proportion of the variation of the ASE individual returns. The paper argues that the significance of interest rate changes can be associated with monetary policy changes introduced by the Greek authorities after the mid‐nineties. These changes were focused on targeting interest rates, instead of monetary aggregates.
Multifunctional drugs with different CNS targets for neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Van der Schyf Cornelis J. , Geldenhuys Werner J. , Youdim Moussa B. H.
Published: October 2006

The multiple disease etiologies that lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease, schizophrenia, depressive illness and stroke, offer significant challenges to drug discovery efforts aimed at preventing or even reversing the progression of these disorders. Transcriptomic tools and proteomic profiling have clearly indicated that such diseases are multifactorial in origin. Further, they are thought to be initiated by a cascade of molecular events that involve several neurotransmitter systems. In response to this complexity, a new paradigm has recently emerged that challenges the widely held assumption that ‘silver bullet’ agents are superior to ‘dirty drugs’ in therapeutic approaches aimed at the prevention or treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. A similar pattern of drug development has occurred in strategies for the treatment of cancer, AIDS and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we offer an overview of therapeutic strategies and novel investigative drugs discovered or developed in our own and other laboratories, that address multiple CNS etiological targets associated with an array of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Mass‐independent fractionation of sulfur isotopes in sulfides from the pre‐3770 Ma Isua Supracrustal Belt, West Greenland
Authors: PAPINEAU D. , MOJZSIS S. J.
Published: October 2006

Redox chemistry of the coupled atmosphere–hydrosphere system has coevolved with the biosphere, from global anoxia in the Archean to an oxygenated Proterozoic surface environment. However, to trace these changes to the very beginning of the rock record presents special challenges. All known Eoarchean (c. 3850–3600 Ma) volcanosedimentary successions (i.e. supracrustal rocks) are restricted to high‐grade gneissic terranes that seldom preserve original sedimentary structures and lack primary organic biomarkers. Although complicated by metamorphic overprinting, sulfur isotopes from Archean supracrustal rocks have the potential to preserve signatures of both atmospheric chemistry and metabolic fractionation from the original sediments. We present a synthesis of multiple sulfur isotope measurements (32S, 33S and 34S) performed on sulfides from amphibolite facies banded iron‐formations (BIFs) and ferruginous garnet‐biotite (metapelitic) schists from the pre‐3770 Ma Isua Supracrustal Belt (ISB) in West Greenland. Because these data come from some of the oldest rocks of interpretable marine sedimentary origin, they provide the opportunity to (i) explore for possible biosignatures of sulfur metabolisms in early life; (ii) assess changes in atmospheric redox chemistry from ∼3.8 Ga; and (iii) lay the groundwork to elucidate sulfur biogeochemical cycles on the early Earth. We find that sulfur isotope results from Isua do not unambiguously indicate microbially induced sulfur isotopic fractionation at that time. A significantly expanded data set of Δ33S analyses for Isua dictates that the atmosphere was devoid of free oxygen at time of deposition and also shows that the effects of post‐depositional metamorphic remobilization and/or dilution can be traced in mass‐independently fractionated sulfur isotopes.
Surfactant as a carrier: influence of immunosuppressive agents on surfactant activity
Authors: Gommers D. , Haitsma J. J. , Lachmann B.
Published: October 2006

Introduction  It has been proposed that exogenous pulmonary surfactant can be used as a drug delivery system for immunosuppressive agents to the alveolar compartment of the lung while reducing the risk of systemic toxicity. Before using this combination, however, alterations in activity of both substances should be examined. Therefore, this study investigated whether the activity of a natural derived surfactant preparation is changed after it is mixed with cyclosporine A (CsA) or rapamycin (RPM).

Methods  A surfactant suspension was mixed with CsA or RPM and minimal surface tension of these mixtures was measured in vitro. Surfactant activity was evaluated in vivo by its capacity to restore gas exchange in an established model of surfactant deficiency in rats. CsA–surfactant, RPM–surfactant or surfactant alone was instilled intratracheally and blood gases were measured under standardized ventilatory conditions.

Results  Minimal surface tension of surfactant–CsA was comparable with that of surfactant alone, whereas minimal surface tension of the surfactant–RPM mixture was increased. In vivo partial arterial oxygen pressure levels increased immediately to prelavage values after instillation of CsA–surfactant, RPM–surfactant and surfactant only and were comparable during the entire study period.

Conclusion  The activity of a naturally derived surfactant was affected when mixed with RPM but not when mixed with CsA at the used concentrations.
Using Modeling to Improve Monitoring of Structured Populations: Are We Collecting the Right Data?
Authors: KATZNER TODD , MILNER‐GULLAND E. J. , BRAGIN EVGENY
Published: October 2006

Abstract:  Population monitoring is central to most demographic studies and conservation efforts, but it may not always be directed at the most appropriate life stage. We used stochastic simulation modeling to evaluate the effectiveness of a monitoring program for a well‐studied population of Eastern Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca) in Kazakhstan. Specifically, we asked whether the most appropriate data were being collected to understand system state and population dynamics. Our models were parameterized with data collected over the course of 25 years of study of this population. We used the models to conduct simulation experiments to evaluate relationships between monitored or potentially monitored parameters and the demographic variables of interest—population size (N) and population growth (λ). Static analyses showed that traditional territory‐based monitoring was a poor indicator of eagle population size and growth and that monitoring survivorship would provide more information about these parameters. Nevertheless, these same traditionally monitored territory‐based parameters had greater power to detect long‐term changes in population size than did survivorship or population structure. Regardless of the taxa considered, threats can have immediate impacts on population size and growth or longer‐term impacts on population dynamics. Prudently designed monitoring programs for any species will detect the demographic effects of both types of threats.
Geographic variation in diapause induction under constant and changing conditions in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Shimizu Ken , Fujisaki Kenji
Published: October 2006

Variation in the incidence of diapause in local populations of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa assulta (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was examined in relation to changes in photoperiod and/or temperature during the larval period. Temperate zone populations of H. assulta, a native species in temperate Japan, showed a high incidence of diapause induction when only the photoperiod was decreased during the larval period, even at favorable temperatures. This photoperiod‐dependent response may allow H. assulta to foresee the beginning of autumn well in advance in the temperate zone, where temperature conditions are severe. In contrast, temperate zone populations of H. armigera, an invasive and polyphagous species mainly distributed in the subtropics, showed a high incidence of diapause only when both photoperiod and temperature decreased, whereas subtropical populations showed a very low incidence of diapause under the same conditions. Furthermore, both temperate zone and subtropical populations of H. armigera enter diapause under constant low temperatures at short‐day photoperiod. Thus, there is geographic variation in sensitivity to diapause‐inducing stimuli (changes in photoperiod and temperature) in H. armigera. This variation may be a part of the climatic adaptation achieved by H. armigera in Japan.
Metabolic phenotyping of mouse mutants in the German Mouse Clinic
Authors: ELVERT Ralf , EHRHARDT Nicole , TAUBE Martin , KLINGENSPOR Martin , GAILUS‐DURNER Valerie , FUCHS Helmut , DE ANGELIS Martin Hrabe , BLANQUET Veronique , HELDMAER Gerhard
Published: October 2006

The German Mouse Clinic was established as a phenotyping center to provide the scientific community with systematic standardized phenotyping of mouse models from various genetic backgrounds. We found metabolic phenotypes in nine out of 20 mutant lines screened in a primary screen. Based on these findings, the mutants were analyzed in secondary and tertiary screens. Mice of a sample mutant line, isolated from the ENU‐screen at the National Research Center for Environment and Health in Munich, were found to have lower body weight, consume less food, but have higher ratios of metabolized energy per unit body weight compared with their wild‐type littermates. Basal metabolic rate and heat production were simultaneously increased by 16–18%, whereas body fat content was reduced by 11–16%. The combination of various parameters of energy consumption, expenditure and energy storage illustrate the metabolic demands of the sample mutant mouse line and demonstrate the utility of the powerful phenotyping tool used at the German Mouse Clinic.
The Relaxase of the
Rhizobium etli
Symbiotic Plasmid Shows
nic
Site
cis
-Acting Preference
Authors: Pérez-Mendoza Daniel , Lucas María , Muñoz Socorro , Herrera-Cervera José A. , Olivares José , de la Cruz Fernando , Sanjuán Juan
Published: October 2006

Genetic and biochemical characterization of TraA, the relaxase of symbiotic plasmid pRetCFN42d from
Rhizobium etli
, is described. After purifying the relaxase domain (N265TraA), we demonstrated
nic
binding and cleavage activity in vitro and thus characterized for the first time the nick site (
nic
) of a plasmid in the family
Rhizobiaceae
. We studied the range of N265TraA relaxase specificity in vitro by testing different oligonucleotides in binding and nicking assays. In addition, the ability of pRetCFN42d to mobilize different
Rhizobiaceae
plasmid origins of transfer (
oriT
) was examined. Data obtained with these approaches allowed us to establish functional and phylogenetic relationships between different plasmids of this family. Our results suggest novel characteristics of the
R. etli
pSym relaxase for previously described conjugative systems, with emphasis on the
oriT cis
-acting preference of this enzyme and its possible biological relevance.
Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase SpkA in
Synechocystis
sp. Strain PCC 6803 Is a Regulator of Expression of Three Putative
pilA
Operons, Formation of Thick Pili, and Cell Motility
Authors: Panichkin Vladimir B. , Arakawa-Kobayashi Satoko , Kanaseki Toku , Suzuki Iwane , Los Dmitry A. , Shestakov Sergey V. , Murata Norio
Published: October 2006

Previous studies showed that a Ser/Thr protein kinase, SpkA, in
Synechocystis
sp. strain PCC 6803 is involved in cell motility. The present study, in which DNA microarray analysis and electron microscopy were used, demonstrated that SpkA regulates the expression of putative
pilA9-pilA10-pilA11
-slr2018,
pilA5-pilA6
, and
pilA1-pilA2
operons and is essential for the formation of thick pili.
Novel Role of
mfd
: Effects on Stationary-Phase Mutagenesis in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Ross Christian , Pybus Christine , Pedraza-Reyes Mario , Sung Huang-Mo , Yasbin Ronald E. , Robleto Eduardo
Published: October 2006

Previously, using a chromosomal reversion assay system, we established that an adaptive mutagenic process occurs in nongrowing
Bacillus subtilis
cells under stress, and we demonstrated that multiple mechanisms are involved in generating these mutations (41, 43). In an attempt to delineate how these mutations are generated, we began an investigation into whether or not transcription and transcription-associated proteins influence adaptive mutagenesis. In
B. subtilis
, the Mfd protein (transcription repair coupling factor) facilitates removal of RNA polymerase stalled at transcriptional blockages and recruitment of repair proteins to DNA lesions on the transcribed strand. Here we demonstrate that the loss of Mfd has a depressive effect on stationary-phase mutagenesis. An association between Mfd mutagenesis and aspects of transcription is discussed.
VISCOUS GENERALIZED CHAPLYGIN GAS
Authors: ZHAI XIANG-HUA , XU YOU-DONG , LI XIN-ZHOU
Published: October 2006

Viscous generalized Chaplygin gas (GCG) cosmology is discussed, assuming that there is bulk viscosity in the linear barotropic fluid and GCG. wγ = γ - 1 and wg represent the state equation parameters for barotropic fluid and GCG, respectively, in which γ = 1 or [Formula: see text] corresponds to ordinary matter or radiation. The dynamical analysis indicates that the phase [Formula: see text] is a dynamical attractor and the equation of state of GCG approaches it from either wg > -1 or wg < -1 depending on the choice of its initial cosmic density parameter and the ratio of pressure to critical energy density, where τg and τγ are viscosity parameters. Therefore, the equation of state wg will cross the boundary wg = -1 if we choose initial value wg < -1. Furthermore, we show that bulk viscosity coefficients should satisfy inequalities from the point of view of dynamics.
LORENTZIAN WORMHOLES IN THE FRIEDMAN–ROBERTSON–WALKER UNIVERSE
Authors: MIRZA B. , ESHAGHI M. , DEHDASHTI S.
Published: October 2006

The metric of some Lorentzian wormholes in the background of the Friedman–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe is obtained. It is shown that for a de Sitter space–time, the new solution is supported by phantom energy. The wave equation for a scalar field in such backgrounds is separable. The form of the potential for the Schrödinger type one-dimensional wave equation is found.
DEALING WITH SEMANTIC APPLICATION INTEGRATION WITHIN LARGE AND DYNAMIC ENTERPRISES
Authors: IZZA SAID , VINCENT LUCIEN , BURLAT PATRICK
Published: October 2006

Nowadays, Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) constitutes a real and growing need for most of enterprises, particularly for large and dynamic ones. Actually, the major problem of EAI is the heterogeneity problem, especially the semantic one. This latter is not correctly addressed by today's integration solutions, which focus mainly on syntactical integration. Dealing with the semantic aspect, which will certainly promote EAI by providing it more consistency and robustness, needs some appropriate principles such as ontology urbanization and mediation. These latter that constitute the main focus of this paper aim to favor the semantic application integration allowing to correctly capture, structure, master and reason upon the semantics, which currently constitutes a big challenge for several enterprises that are in quest of more flexibility and manageability.
A MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF TETRACYCLINE IN THE PREVENTION OF LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE INDUCED BONE ISCHEMIC OSTEONECROSIS: PRELIMINARY REPORT
Authors: Zhang Dezhi , Hu Yunyu , Fan Hongbin , Wei Yiyong , Meng Guolin , Li Liven , Liu Danping
Published: October 2006

Tetracyclines are reported to be able to protect many organs from ischemic injury. The objective of current study was to investigate the preventive effect of tetracycline on bone ischemic injury induced by Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rabbit. Through a LPS induced Shwartzman reaction, the osteonecrosis (ON) animal model without use of tetracycline was produced. Tetracycline was given daily for 10 days by gavage 24 hours before the ON animal model was produced in tetracycline-preventive animals. Vital fluorescent bone stains were given to the animals 5 weeks (calcein green) post-operatively. Before both humeral and femoral specimens were retrieved at 8 weeks post-operatively, the decalcified specimens were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Hoechst dye; the presence of microcirculatory disturbance were also examined by macrography, vital fluorescent bone stains; thrombosis was examined by histopathology and scanning electron microscope. The incidence of ON (5/20), bone necrosis index (17.21 ± 20.15%), ischemic area (0), vasculitis or thrombosis (4/20~6/20), and vascular endothelium damage (6/20) of tetracycline-preventive group were significantly lower than that of ON animal model group (12/16, 51.71±11.62%, 9/16~12/16, 13/16~14/16, 14/16 respectively). Therefore, preventive use of tetracycline could protect bone tissue from LPS induced ischemic injury and might be a new option in the management of LPS induced ON.
PREPARATION OF HOLLOW NANOPARTICLES OF AMPHIPHILIC BLOCK-COPOLYMERS
Authors: YABU HIROSHI , SHIMOMURA MASATSUGU , HIGUCHI TAKESHI
Published: October 2006

We show the simple preparation method of hollow nanoparticles from amphiphilic block-copolymers. Tetrahydrofran (THF) solution of poly(styrene-block-sodium acrylate) was prepared. After mixing water into the block-copolymer solution, the THF was evaporated. Then, the block-copolymers dispersed in water as particles. By scanning transmission electron microscopy, the particles have hollow structure. The thickness of the membrane is c.a. 10 nm.
NOVEL CORE–SHELL MAGNETIC NANOGELS SYNTHESIZED IN AN EMULSION-FREE AQUEOUS SYSTEM UNDER UV IRRADIATION FOR POTENTIAL TARGETED RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS
Authors: SUN HANWEN , YU JIAHUI , GONG PEIJUN , XU DONGMEI , HONG JUN , ZHANG CHUNFU , YAO SIDE
Published: October 2006

Novel core–shell poly(acrylamide) magnetic nanogels with controllable particle size produced via photochemical method in emulsion-free aqueous system at room temperature have been developed for the first time. After Hoffmann elimination of carbonyl, the nanogels with amino groups, or poly(acrylamide-vinyl amine) magnetic nanogels, were also obtained. Particle size, size distributions and zeta potential of the magnetic nanogels before and after Hoffmann elimination were measured by photo correlation spectroscopy (PCS). Structure and morphology of the magnetic nanogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The higher dispersibility and stability of the magnetic nanogels suggest promising potential applications in targeted radiopharmaceuticals carrier for cancer therapy, and in biological and medical studies as well.
TOWARD SYMMETRIC SPACES OF AFFINE KAC–MOODY TYPE
Authors: HEINTZE ERNST
Published: October 2006

In this expository article we discuss some ideas and results which might lead to a theory of infinite dimensional symmetric spaces [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is an affine Kac–Moody group and [Formula: see text] the fixed point group of an involution (of the second kind). We point out several striking similarities of these spaces with their finite dimensional counterparts and discuss their geometry. Furthermore we sketch a classification and show that they are essentially in 1 : 1 correspondence with hyperpolar actions on compact simple Lie groups.
LOW TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS OF Mg(OH)2 NANOTUBES IN AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF BLOCK COPOLYMER P123
Authors: ZHAO ZHIGANG , GENG FENGXIA , CONG HONGTAO , BAI JINBO , CHENG HUI-MING
Published: October 2006

A simple aqueous solution-based block-polymer-assisted method was developed for the synthesis of Mg(OH) 2 nanotubes using inexpensive starting materials ( MgSO 4 and NaOH ) with significant advance of bringing down the average outer diameter to the regime below 10 nm. The synthesized nanotubes are found to possess a relatively high specific surface area up to 64 m2/g, which may suggest their potential value for use in the catalysis field. The Barrett–Joyner–Halenda pore-size distribution plot reveals a bimodal distribution centred at 3.4 and 17.3 nm, which may be from the tunnel cavity and the aggregated pores of Mg(OH) 2 nanotubes, respectively. This method can be widely used to fabricate other inorganic 1D nanostructured materials and easily realized in industrial-scale synthesis.