bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FURTHER STUDIES IN THE COMPOSITIONAL VARIABILITY OF COLOURLESS ROMANO‐BRITISH VESSEL GLASS*
Authors: BAXTER M. J. , COOL H. E. M. , JACKSON C. M.
Published: February 2005

Previous studies of colourless Romano‐British vessel glasses have suggested that, regardless of vessel type, they show considerable compositional homogeneity. Intriguing differences in variability (as opposed to mean composition) have, however, also emerged. This paper reports on a compositional study of 243 vessels, that is larger and more carefully controlled than in previous studies of this kind. Unexpected compositional differences have been found both between and within the four vessel types studied. We discuss the implications of these results in the context of different models that have been proposed for glass‐making and glass‐working in the Roman world.
GC–MS ANALYSIS AND FATTY ACID RATIOS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTSHERDS FROM THE WESTERN GREAT BASIN OF NORTH AMERICA*
Authors: EERKENS J. W.
Published: February 2005

The study of organic residues in archaeological pottery has focused on fatty acids due to their relative stability and longevity. However, even these compounds are subject to degradation, which makes assignment of residues to original foods problematic. This paper suggests that the use of ratios of fatty acids that degrade at roughly the same rate can be useful to identify very general categories of foods. It compares independent information on pot function based on ethnography and engineering/technological studies to that reconstructed based on extracted fatty acid ratios. The results support the notion that Great Basin pots were used primarily to boil seeds and that pot shape and pot function were related.
HEATING EXPERIMENTS UNDER ANOXIC CONDITIONS ON VARIETIES OF WHEAT*
Authors: BRAADBAART F. , BAKELS C. C. , BOON J. J. , VAN BERGEN P. F.
Published: February 2005

Species of wheat were used to study the effects of formation processes on carbonized grains. For this purpose, grains of recent wheat were heated under controlled anoxic conditions. These experiments have revealed that the grains of the various varieties of wheat are not homogeneous in physical and chemical properties. Seven varieties of emmer wheat, two varieties of bread wheat and one variety of macaroni wheat were used for the experiments. The grains, both mealy and vitreous ones, were heated to 270°C for 60 min under anoxic conditions. Bulk elemental data shows that the C content is similar for all of the untreated varieties, but that the N content varies. The results of DTMS‐EI experiments show that the molecular composition of the various untreated grains are similar, which is also true for the heated counterparts. The morphology of the heated grains shows a wide variation between the grains of the tested varieties. The grains become swollen and show protrusions or open creases, or remain intact. The reasons for this variation are the mechanical properties of the pericarp and the proteinaceous matrix of the endosperm. On the basis of the results, a variety of emmer wheat was used for further experiments.
GC–MS ANALYSIS OF LIPIDS IN PREHISTORIC ROCK PAINTS AND ASSOCIATED OXALATE COATINGS FROM THE LOWER PECOS REGION, TEXAS*
Authors: SPADES S. , RUSS J.
Published: February 2005

The presumption that lipids were used as binders/vehicles in pictograph paints from southwestern Texas was tested using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A one‐step transesterification/derivatization procedure was used to convert bound and unbound fatty acids to fatty acid methyl esters for the analysis. Approximately 30 organic compounds were detected in the natural rock coating that encapsulates the paints, but there were no compounds unique to the paints. Moreover, the C16:0 and C18:0 concentrations in the paint samples were similar to the concentrations of these fatty acids in the rock coating, indicating that the compounds are native to the patina. Thus, lipid binders were either not used in the original paint mixture or have since degraded.
AN 8500‐YEAR‐OLD BLADDER STONE FROM UZZO CAVE (TRAPANI): FOURIER TRANSFORM–INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY ANALYSIS*
Authors: D'ALESSIO A. , BRAMANTI E. , PIPERNO M. , NACCARATO G. , VERGAMINI P. , FORNACIARI G.
Published: February 2005

A calcium carbonate (calcite) bladder calculus was found in the pelvis of an adult female buried in a Mesolithic cave‐tomb on the coast of Sicily; it was dated by

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C to around 6500 bc. Its chemical composition, which was not known before, was determined by means of Fourier transform–infared microspectroscopy (FT–IR–M) using the high‐pressure diamond cell, a device that makes it possible to analyse a small amount of the sample (1–2 µg). In this way, the analysis of all the laminations of the calculus was performed without destroying the sample. Although calcite was the main component, carbonate apatite was also detected in the nucleus and in a more external layer.
The Integration of TRIZ with Other Ideation Tools and Processes as well as with Psychological Assessment Tools
Authors: Hipple Jack
Published: February 2005

When TRIZ is introduced into an organization setting, it invariably encounters a host of processes and tools already in place. These can include enterprise tools such as Six Sigma, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), QFD and Lean Manufacturing. It is fairly easy to combine TRIZ problem‐solving and technological forecasting with these processes and tools, because most of these enterprise tools are problem‐identifying processes that couple easily with the strong problem‐solving capabilities of TRIZ. What is more difficult is to integrate TRIZ thinking with other psychologically based creativity and assessment tools. Users and trainers for these various tools tend to be very protective about each process and do not spend sufficient time thinking about ways to integrate the best of all tools. Organizations also frequently use psychological assessment tools to assist employees in career development, but they are seldom used in a proactive way to improve group problem‐solving. These assessments can be used proactively within the use and implementation of TRIZ. This paper will review suggested ways to effectively integrate TRIZ innovation and problem‐solving principles with these other tools.
Daytime Sleepiness Is Associated with 3‐Year Incident Dementia and Cognitive Decline in Older Japanese‐American Men
Authors: Foley Daniel , Monjan Andrew , Masaki Kamal , Ross Web , Havlik Richard , White Lon , Launer Lenore
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVES: To assess the longitudinal association between sleep disturbances (insomnia and daytime sleepiness) and incidence of dementia and cognitive decline in older men.

DESIGN: Community‐based longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING: The Honolulu‐Asia Aging Study of dementia that is linked to the Honolulu Heart Program's fourth examination, conducted 1991–1993, and the 3‐year follow‐up fifth examination, conducted 1994–1996.

PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand three hundred forty‐six Japanese‐American men age 71 to 93 years who screened negative for prevalent dementia at baseline and were screened again for dementia incidence in a 3‐year follow‐up examination.

MEASUREMENTS: Baseline self‐reports of trouble falling asleep or early morning awakening (insomnia) and being sleepy during the day (daytime sleepiness); Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) scores from baseline and followup; clinical diagnosis of incident dementia; and other baseline measures including age, years of education, body mass index, depressive symptoms, and history of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and use of benzodiazepines.

RESULTS: After adjusting for age and other factors, persons reporting excessive daytime sleepiness at baseline (8%) were twice as likely to be diagnosed with incident dementia than were those not reporting daytime sleepiness (odds ratio (OR) = 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.37–3.50) and about 40% more likely to have ≥9 point drop in their CASI score between examinations (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01–2.08). In contrast, insomnia was not associated with cognitive decline or incidence of dementia.

CONCLUSIONS: Daytime sleepiness in older adults may be an early indicator of decline in cognitive functioning and onset of dementia.
Self‐Reported Utilization of Preventive Health Services by Retired Employees Age 65 and Older
Authors: Musich Shirley , Ignaczak Aartee , McDonald Timothy , Hirschland David , Edington Dee W.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVES: Increased utilization of preventive services among the aging has been associated with improved health status and decreased medical costs. We sought to examine the use of the Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) in benchmarking compliance and characterizing those retired employees who met preventive service guidelines.

DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of retired employees age 65 and older.

SETTING: Nation‐wide health promotion program offered by General Motors Corporation.

PARTICIPANTS: 59,670 retired General Motors employees age 65 and older who participated in a nationwide mailed HRA health promotion program.

MEASUREMENTS: Preventive health services compliance was measured using selected HRA questions. Gender, HRA participation patterns, overall health risk status, medical plan selection and disease status were examined as predictors of increased compliance. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed to test the relative contributions of participant characteristics to increased utilization.

RESULTS: The self‐reported HRA data indicated that compliance levels were higher than national averages. The Healthy People 2000 goals for the preventive services studied were met and exceeded (with the exception of tetanus immunization). Higher compliance was associated with being male, younger than 70 years, multiple‐year HRA participation, overall low risk status and HMO insurance plan selection.

CONCLUSION: The results from the HRA indicated that this population participated at a higher level than a comparable national sample exceeding goals set by Healthy People 2000.
Is Serum Uric Acid Level Associated with All‐Cause Mortality in High‐Functioning Older Persons: MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging?
Authors: Hu Peifeng , Seeman Teresa E. , Harris Tamara B. , Reuben David B.
Published: February 2005

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effect of serum uric acid level on subsequent all‐cause mortality in high‐functioning community‐dwelling older persons. It is controversial whether high serum uric acid level is a true independent risk factor for cardiovascular and total mortality or the association is due to other confounding variables. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the predictive value of uric acid level on mortality observed in younger cohorts can be extended to older people.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: A sample of community‐dwelling older people.

PARTICIPANTS: A cohort of 870 participants from the MacArthur Studies of Successful Aging.

MEASUREMENTS: Baseline information was obtained for serum uric acid level, C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), prevalent medical conditions, and health behaviors. Crude and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between serum uric acid levels and 7‐year all‐cause mortality, while adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS: In men, the multiply adjusted risk ratios for 7‐year total mortality were 1.07 (95% CI = 0.61–1.88) for the mid tertile of uric acid level and 1.24 (95% CI = 0.70–2.20) for the top tertile. In women, the multiply adjusted risk ratios were 0.58 (95% CI = 0.29–1.18) and 0.47 (95% CI = 0.22–0.99), for the mid and top tertiles respectively. CRP and IL‐6 were important confounders in the relationship between serum uric acid and overall mortality.

CONCLUSIONS: High serum uric acid level is not independently associated with increased total mortality in high‐functioning older men and women. When evaluating the association between serum uric acid and mortality, the potential confounding effect of underlying inflammation and other risk factors must be considered.
Delayed Lead Perforation: A Disturbing Trend
Authors: KHAN MOHAMMED N. , JOSEPH GEORGE , KHAYKIN YAARIV , ZIADA KHALED M. , WILKOFF BRUCE L.
Published: February 2005

Background: Delayed lead perforation (occurring more than 1 month after implantation) is a rare complication. Its pathophysiology and optimal management are currently unclear.

Methods: Three cases of delayed lead perforation (6–10 month) were identified in patients with low‐profile active fixation leads.

Results: All cases presented in a subacute fashion with pleuritic chest pain with confirmatory chest x‐ray and device interrogation. Given the potential complications of a perforated lead, all cases had the lead extracted under TEE observation with cardiac surgery backup in the operating room. All patients tolerated extraction without complication.

Conclusion: Based on these cases, we recommend a management scheme for patients who present with delayed lead perforation.
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder: An Unusual Mechanism of Twiddling and Potential Benefit from Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: SHALABY ALAA A. , ATWOOD CHARLES W. , WALSH SHEILA , HICKEY KELLY A.
Published: February 2005

Dislodgement of an LV lead is attributed to periodic limb movement disorder. Resynchronization therapy improves CHF and symptoms of periodic limb movement disorder. Potential interaction of disordered sleep and CHF in this case is briefly reviewed.
Molecular Modelling of Drug Targets: The Past, the Present and the Future
Authors: Dahl Svein G. , Sylte Ingebrigt
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Most currently used therapeutic drugs have an enzyme or a membrane‐bound receptor as site of action. The sequencing of the human and other genomes has provided a potential to identify many hitherto unknown proteins that might serve as new drug targets. To achieve this, knowledge about three‐dimensional protein structures is crucial for the understanding of their functional mechanisms, and for a rational drug design. Over the last decade atomic resolution crystal structures of soluble proteins have been reported in a rapidly increasing number, but the detailed three‐dimensional structures are still unknown for the majority of membrane proteins since their membrane association makes experimental structure determinations complicated. Computerized modelling of protein structures, based on experimentally determined structures of homologue proteins, may be a useful methodological alternative, especially for membrane proteins. In the past, molecular modelling of transporters and G‐protein‐coupled receptors was based on low‐resolution structural data obtained by cryo‐electron microscopy. Recent high‐resolution crystal structure determinations of a G‐protein‐coupled receptor, rhodopsin, and several different transporter proteins and ion channels have enabled construction of more accurate receptor and transporter models. For the future, collaborative structural genomics initiatives aim at determining the three‐dimensional structure of all known proteins, based on a combination of experimental structure determination and molecular modelling. Development of still more powerful computer hardware and software will enable extensive studies of the protein structure and dynamics of new potential drug targets, but raises a new challenge in the validation and calibration of computerized methods of biosimulations.
In silico Predictions of Drug Solubility and Permeability: Two Rate‐limiting Barriers to Oral Drug Absorption
Authors: Bergström Christel A. S.
Published: February 2005

Abstract: Aqueous drug solubility and intestinal drug permeability are two of the most important factors influencing drug absorption. If the developability of a drug is to be included in the lead optimization, new experimental and computational models of solubility and permeability are needed. These models must have the capacity to handle a large amount of data. Nowadays, epithelial cell culture models such as Caco‐2 are routinely used to assess intestinal drug permeability and transport in drug discovery settings. The permeability values obtained from the Caco‐2 cell monolayers have been traditionally used to devise in silico models for the prediction of drug absorption. In this paper, the use of molecular surface areas as descriptors of permeability and solubility will be reviewed. Moreover, a virtual filter for the prediction of oral drug developability based on the successful combination of in vitro and in silico models of drug permeability and aqueous drug solubility will be discussed.
A human congenital myasthenia‐causing mutation (ɛL78P) of the muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with unusual single channel properties
Authors: Shelley Christopher , Colquhoun David
Published: February 2005

A mutation in the epsilon subunit of the human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (ɛL78P) is known to cause a congenital slow channel myasthenic syndrome. We have investigated the changes in receptor function that result in the mutant receptor producing prolonged endplate currents, and consequent muscle damage. The rate constants for channel gating and for the binding and dissociation of acetylcholine were investigated by analysis of single ion channel recordings. A conventional mechanism with two non‐equivalent binding sites, and variations upon this mechanism, were fitted to data using a maximum likelihood method that uses the Hawkes‐Jalali‐Colquhoun (HJC) treatment of missed brief events. The mutant receptor produced prolonged activations, bursts of openings that cause a slow decay of simulated synaptic currents. The main reason for the longer bursts of openings seen with mutant receptor was a decrease in the rate of ACh dissociation from diliganded receptors, though the lifetime of individual openings was somewhat increased too. As well as producing long bursts, the mutant receptor also produced many very short openings, though these carry little current. The burst structure for the mutant receptor at low ACh concentration is unusual in that most long bursts appear to start in a very brief monoliganded open state that then usually binds another ACh molecule to produce a long diliganded activation. The first opening is so short that it will usually be missed (together with the shut time that follows it), so the true burst length is likely to be underestimated.
Blood flow in guinea fowl Numida meleagris as an indicator of energy expenditure by individual muscles during walking and running
Authors: Ellerby David J. , Henry Havalee T. , Carr Jennifer A. , Buchanan Cindy I. , Marsh Richard L.
Published: February 2005

Running and walking are mechanically complex activities. Leg muscles must exert forces to support weight and provide stability, do work to accelerate the limbs and body centre of mass, and absorb work to act as brakes. Current understanding of energy use during legged locomotion has been limited by the lack of measurements of energy use by individual muscles. Our study is based on the correlation between blood flow and aerobic energy expenditure in active skeletal muscle during locomotion. This correlation is strongly supported by the available evidence concerning control of blood flow to active muscle, and the relationship between blood flow and the rate of muscle oxygen consumption. We used injectable microspheres to measure the blood flow to the hind‐limb muscles, and other body tissues, in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) at rest, and across a range of walking and running speeds. Combined with data concerning the various mechanical functions of the leg muscles, this approach has enabled the first direct estimates of the energetic costs of some of these functions. Cardiac output increased from 350 ml min−1 at rest, to 1700 ml min−1 at a running speed (∼2.6 m s−1) eliciting a of 90% of . The increase in cardiac output was achieved via approximately equal factorial increases in heart rate and stroke volume. Approximately 90% of the increased cardiac output was directed to the active muscles of the hind limbs, without redistribution of blood flow from the viscera. Values of mass‐specific blood flow to the ventricles, ∼15 ml min−1 g−1, and one of the hind‐limb muscles, ∼9 ml min−1 g−1, were the highest yet recorded for blood flow to active muscle. The patterns of increasing blood flow with increasing speed varied greatly among different muscles. The increases in flow correlated with the likely fibre type distribution of the muscles. Muscles expected to have many high‐oxidative fibres preferentially increased flow at low exercise intensities. We estimated substantial energetic costs associated with swinging the limbs, co‐contraction to stabilize the knee and work production by the hind‐limb muscles. Our data provide a basis for evaluating hypotheses relating the mechanics and energetics of legged locomotion.
Early expression of AMPA receptors and lack of NMDA receptors in developing rat climbing fibre synapses
Authors: Lachamp Philippe , Balland Bénedicte , Tell Fabien , Baude Agnès , Strube Caroline , Crest Marcel , Kessler Jean‐Pierre
Published: February 2005

Whether nascent glutamatergic synapses acquire their AMPA receptors constitutively or via a regulated pathway triggered by pre‐existing NMDA receptor activation is still an open issue. Here, we provide evidence that some glutamatergic synapses develop without expressing NMDA receptors. Using immunocytochemistry, we showed that synapses between developing rat climbing fibres and Purkinje cells expressed GluR2‐containing AMPA receptors as soon as they were formed (i.e. on embryonic day 19) but never carried detectable NMDA receptors. This was confirmed by electrophysiological recordings. Excitatory synaptic currents were recorded in Purkinje cells as early as P0. However, no NMDA receptor‐mediated component was found in either spontaneous or evoked synaptic responses. In addition, we ruled out a possible role of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors by showing that AMPA receptor clustering at nascent climbing fibre synapses was not modified by chronic in utero NMDA receptor blockade.
The links between axin and carcinogenesis
Authors: Salahshor S , Woodgett J R
Published: February 2005

The products of the two mammalian Axin genes (Axin1 and its homologue Axin2) are essential for the degradation of β catenin, a component of Wnt signalling that is frequently dysregulated in cancer cells. Axin is a multidomain scaffold protein that has many functions in biological signalling pathways. Overexpression of axin results in axis duplication in mouse embryos. Wnt signalling activity determines dorsal–ventral axis formation in vertebrates, implicating axin as a negative regulator of this signalling pathway. In addition, Wnts modulate pattern formation and the morphogenesis of most organs by influencing and controlling cell proliferation, motility, and fate. Defects in different components of the Wnt signalling pathway promote tumorigenesis and tumour progression. Recent biochemical studies of axins indicate that these molecules are the primary limiting components of this pathway. This review explores the intriguing connections between defects in axin function and human diseases.
Massive myeloid sarcoma affecting the central nervous system, mediastinum, retroperitoneum, liver, and rectum associated with acute myeloblastic leukaemia: a case report
Authors: Best-Aguilera C R , Vazquez-Del Mercado M , Muñoz-Valle J F , Herrera-Zarate L , Navarro-Hernandez R E , Martin-Marquez B T , Oregon-Romero E , Ruiz-Quezada S , Bonilla G M , Lomeli-Guerrero A
Published: February 2005

Myeloid sarcomas are extramedullary tumours with granulocytic precursors. When associated with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML), these tumours usually affect no more than two different extramedullary regions. This report describes a myeloid sarcoma associated with AML with tumour formation at five anatomical sites. The patient was a 37 year old man admitted in September 1999 with a two month history of weight loss, symptoms of anaemia, rectal bleeding, and left facial nerve palsy. The anatomical sites affected were: the rectum, the right lobe of the liver, the mediastinum, the retroperitoneum, and the central nervous system. A bone marrow smear was compatible with AML M2. Flow cytometry showed that the peripheral blood was positive for CD4, CD11, CD13, CD14, CD33, CD45, and HLA-DR. A karyotypic study of the bone marrow revealed an 8;21 translocation. The presence of multiple solid tumours in AML is a rare event. Enhanced expression of cell adhesion molecules may be the reason why some patients develop myeloid sarcomas.
Tenascin-C in primary Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Koljonen V , Jahkola T , Tukiainen E , Granroth G , Haglund C , Böhling T
Published: February 2005

Background/Aims:Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant cutaneous neuroendocrine tumour that mostly affects the elderly. It shows rapid progression of the primary tumour, together with a vertical growth pattern into the underlying subcutaneous tissue. Metastatic dissemination to regional lymph nodes is early and frequent. Tenascin-C (Tn-C) is a large extracellular matrix glycoprotein that is expressed in various benign and malignant processes. Expression of Tn-C is also associated with invasion and cellular proliferation, and is often downregulated in fully evolved advanced carcinomas. In previous studies, Tn-C expression correlated with prognosis in tumours of different origin.

Methods:Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of Tn-C in 25 MCC specimens and to evaluate the prognostic importance of this glycoprotein.

Results:Seventeen samples expressed Tn-C. Staining was mainly seen in the invasion borders and within the connective tissue septae inside the tumours. The expression of Tn-C correlated significantly with large tumour size. There was also frequent expression of Tn-C in primary tumours with metastatic dissemination. Most of the Tn-C negative samples were of small size.

Conclusions:Tn-C expression seems to increase with tumour size and malignant behaviour. Expression was slightly enhanced in tumours with high proliferative indices. Expression is seen mainly in areas of invasive growth and, in this respect, resembles that of other invasive tumours.
Immunohistochemical assays in prostatic biopsies processed in Bouin’s fixative
Authors: Ananthanarayanan V , Pins M R , Meyer R E , Gann P H
Published: February 2005

Aims:To investigate the problems involved in undertaking immunohistochemistry (IHC) and nuclear morphometry using Bouin’s fixed prostate biopsies.

Methods:Archival Bouin’s fixed and formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded prostatic biopsies were immunostained for three nuclear biomarkers (minichromosome maintenance protein 2 (MCM-2), p27, and Ki-67), one membrane localised biomarker (C-erb-B2), CD34, and α methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR). The quality of IHC staining was compared between tissues prepared separately in both fixatives. Feulgen staining was also performed on Bouin’s fixed tissues to check its suitability for nuclear morphometry.

Results:MCM-2 staining was completely negative in Bouin’s fixed tissues, whereas p27 showed more background and excess cytoplasmic staining in Bouin’s fixed versus formalin fixed tissues. C-erb-B2 showed non-specific, strong luminal cell staining in the Bouin’s fixed tissue. Feulgen staining was also very weak in Bouin’s fixed tissue. However, Ki-67, AMACR, and CD34 worked equally well in Bouin’s and formalin fixed tissues.

Conclusions:Bouin’s fixed tissues may be unsuitable when subsequent IHC and morphometry are contemplated. An awareness of which antibodies are suitable for use in Bouin’s fixed biopsies is essential.
Basal cell hyperplasia and basal cell carcinoma of the prostate: a comprehensive review and discussion of a case with c-erbB-2 expression
Authors: Montironi R , Mazzucchelli R , Stramazzotti D , Scarpelli M , López Beltran A , Bostwick D G
Published: February 2005

Prostatic basal cell proliferations range from ordinary basal cell hyperplasia (BCH) to florid basal cell hyperplasia to basal cell carcinoma. The distinction between these forms of BCH, including the variant with prominent nucleoli (formerly called atypical BCH), and basal cell carcinoma depends on morphological and immunohistochemical criteria and, in particular, on the degree of cell proliferation. In florid BCH, the proliferation index is intermediate between ordinary BCH and basal cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry is also useful for identifying the cell composition of the basal cell proliferations, including the basal cell nature of the cells, their myoepithelial differentiation, and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein expression. Based on the information derived from the literature and on the appearance and follow up of the case presented here, florid BCH might represent a lesion with an intermediate position between ordinary BCH and basal cell carcinoma. However, criteria useful for the identification of those cases with a true precursor nature are not available. In general, basal cell carcinoma is seen as a low grade carcinoma. The immunohistochemical expression of the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein, similar to that seen in breast cancer, might have therapeutic importance.
Morphological variation in leaf domatia enables coexistence of antagonistic mites in Cinnamomum camphora
Authors: Nishida Sachiko , Naiki Akiyo , Nishida Takayoshi
Published: February 2005

We examined variation in Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl (Lauraceae) leaf domatium morphology with respect to domatium inhabitants in the tree's natural habitats. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed that domatium morphology could be classified into four different types: pouch type, domatia with a narrow (about 0.06 mm) pubescent opening; pubescent pit type, domatia with a wider (about 0.21 mm) pubescent opening; glabrous pit type, domatia similar to the pubescent pit type but with a glabrous opening; and dish type, domatia with a wide (about 0.26 mm) glabrous opening. These four domatium types were found in different positions on a leaf, and domatia with narrower openings tended to occur in or near the position between the midrib and basal secondary veins. The four domatium types were associated, respectively, with herbivorous Eriophyidae mites and herbivorous or fungivorous Tarsonemidae mites; with carnivorous Stigmaeidae mites; with Stigmaeidae mites and egg shells or excuviae of carnivorous Phytoseiidae mites; and with egg shells or excuviae of Phytoseiidae mites. These results suggest that different mites use different domatia, even on the same C. camphora leaf. This conclusion may explain the different results in previous reports about domatium fauna. It suggests that ecological interactions within the plantherbivorecarnivore system are complicated.Key words: carnivorous mite, Cinnamomum camphora, domatia, herbivorous mite, inhabitant, morphology.
Diversity and spatial structure of clones inVaccinium uliginosumpopulations
Authors: Albert T , Raspé O , Jacquemart A -L
Published: February 2005

In Belgium, a total of three Vaccinium species with a shrub or dwarf shrub growth form can be found: Vaccinium myrtillus L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., and Vaccinium uliginosum L. Vaccinium uliginosum is the only one of these for which the extent of clonality is unknown. Therefore, the clonal structure of two V. uliginosum populations was inferred from random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Among the 47 sampled patches, 61 clones were identified. The mean values of the number of clones divided by the number of samples (G/N), the Simpson's index (D), and the genotypic evenness (E) were 0.28, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively. Vaccinium uliginosum exhibited a typical phalanx growth strategy that resulted in structured populations at the ramet level, that is, ramets belonging to the same clone were closely associated and formed distinct clumps. However, at the clone level, populations were not structured, that is, genetic distances between pairs of clones were not correlated with the spatial distances between the clones within a population. Genetic diversity was as high as that in nonclonal species (mean value of Shannon's diversity index (Ho) = 0.647). In accord with the life history traits of V. uliginosum (long-lived species with a mixed breeding system and potentially high seed dispersal), most of the genetic variation was found within populations.Key words: genetic diversity, genetic structure, seedling recruitment, vegetative propagation, Ericaceae.
Long-term changes in migration timing of adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) at the southern edge of the species distribution
Authors: Juanes Francis , Gephard Stephen , Beland Kenneth F
Published: February 2005

The Connecticut River historically represented the southernmost extent of the North American range of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), but the native population was extirpated 200 years ago by dam construction. An extensive restoration effort has relied upon stock transfers from more northerly rivers, especially the Penobscot River (Maine). Recent work has shown differences in age structure between donor and derivative populations. Here we focus on a related life-history trait, the timing of the adult migration. We examined 23 years of migration timing data collected at two capture locations in the Connecticut River drainage. We found that both dates of first capture and median capture dates have shifted significantly earlier by about 0.5 days·year1. To conclude whether this is a consequence of local adaptation or a coast-wide effect, we also quantified changes in migration timing of more northerly stocks (in Maine and Canada). We found that the changes in migration timing were not unique to the Connecticut River stock and instead observed coherent patterns in the shift towards earlier peak migration dates across systems. These consistent shifts are correlated with long-term changes in temperature and flow and may represent a response to global climate change.
Long-Term Aging Effect on Coercive Force in Amorphous Magnetic Cores and Estimation of Its Deterioration at Operating Temperature
Authors: Ohta Yukihiko , Kakehashi Hidenori , Fukunaga Minoru Fukuhara
Published: February 2005

The long-term aging effect on the coercive force was studied for Co-based and Fe-based amorphous cores. Both amorphous cores show the same tendency in the aging process of their coercivities; they increase linearly with the logarithm of aging time over one year. The nonsaturated aging kinetics of the coercive force were analyzed by a method based on the pair ordering model reported by Taniguchi. The method does not need the saturation value of the coercive force and enables us to estimate the deterioration of the cores at operating temperatures which are lower than the aging temperatures. The increase in the coercivity for our cores was estimated to be less than 15 mOe after 106 h at 100°C.
Gas Source Melecular Beam Epitaxy Growth of High Quality AlGaAs Using Trimethylamine Alane as the Aluminum Source
Authors: Okamoto Naoya , Ando Hideyasu , Adarsh Sandhu Adarsh Sandhu , Toshio Fujii Toshio Fujii
Published: February 2005

We investigated the dependence of the background impurity incorporation on growth conditions and optical properties of undoped AlGaAs grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy using trimethylamine alane (TMAAl), triethylgallium, and arsine. The use of TMAAl enabled us to reduce the carbon concentration (7×1016cm-3) to over one order of magnitude less than that using triethylaluminum (TEAl). The 77 K photoluminescence spectrum of undoped AlGaAs grown using TMAAl was dominated by excitonic band-edge emission not observable in AlGaAs grown using TEAl. Furthermore, we report for the first time the doping characteristics of n-type AlGaAs grown using disilane (Si2H6) as an n-type gaseous dopant source together with TMAAl. The carrier concentration (5×1017-3×1018cm-3) in n-AlxGa1-xAs (x=0.09-0.27) was reliably controlled and showed the same Si2H6flow rate dependence as that of GaAs. The activation efficiency of silicon was more than 60%. We demonstrated the excellent n-type doping characteristics by uisng TMAAl.
Intestinal responsiveness to experimental colitis in young rats is altered by maternal diet
Authors: Jacobson Kevan , Mundra Harmeet , Innis Sheila M.
Published: February 2005

Increasing evidence suggests that fetal and neonatal nutrition impacts later health. Aims of the present study were to determine the effect of maternal dietary fat composition on intestinal phospholipid fatty acids and responsiveness to experimental colitis in suckling rat pups. Female rats were fed isocaloric diets varying only in fat composition throughout gestation and lactation. The oils used were high (8%) in n-3 [canola oil (18:3n-3)], n-6 (72%) [safflower oil (18:2n-6)], or n-9 (78%) [high oleic acid safflower oil (18:1n-9)] fatty acids, n = 6/group. Colitis was induced on postnatal day 15 by intrarectal 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) administration with vehicle (50% ethanol) and procedure (0.9% saline) controls. Jejunal and colonic phospholipids and milk fatty acids were determined. The distal colon was assessed for macroscopic damage, histology, and MPO activity. The 18:2n-6 maternal diet increased n-6 fatty acids, whereas the 18:3n-3 diet increased n-3 fatty acids in milk and pup jejunal and colonic phospholipids. Maternal diet, milk, and pup intestinal n-6-to-n-3 fatty acid ratios increased significantly in order: high 18:3n-3 < high 18:1n-9 < high 18:2n-6. DNBS administration in pups in the high 18:2n-6 group led to severe colitis with higher colonic damage scores and MPO activity than in the 18:1n-9 and 18:3n-3 groups. High maternal dietary 18:3n-3 intake was associated with colonic damage scores and MPO activity, which were not significantly different from ethanol controls. We demonstrate that maternal dietary fat influences the composition of intestinal lipids and responsiveness to experimental colitis in nursing offspring.
EGF receptor-dependent JNK activation is involved in arsenite-induced p21Cip1/Waf1 upregulation and endothelial apoptosis
Authors: Nuntharatanapong Nopparat , Chen Kai , Sinhaseni Palarp , Keaney John F.
Published: February 2005

Arsenic exposure is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and vascular diseases. Although endothelial cells have long been considered to be the primary targets of arsenic toxicity, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we sought to explore the signaling pathway triggered by sodium arsenite and its implication for endothelial phenotype. We found that sodium arsenite produced time- and dose-dependent decreases in human umbilical vein endothelial cell viability. This effect correlated with the induction of p21Cip1/Waf1 (up to 10-fold), a regulatory protein of cell cycle and apoptosis. We also found that arsenite-stimulated EGF (ErbB1) and ErbB2 receptor transactivation, manifest as receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, appeared to be a proximal signaling event leading to p21Cip1/Waf1 induction, because both pharmacological inhibitors and knockdown of receptors by RNA interference blocked arsenite-induced p21Cip1/Waf1 upregulation. Arsenite-induced activation of JNK and p38 MAPK was distinct, with only JNK as a downstream target of the EGF receptor. Moreover, inhibition of JNK with SP-600125 or dominant negative MKK7 inhibited only p21Cip1/Waf1 induction, whereas the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-203580 or dominant negative MKK4 inhibited both p21Cip1/Waf1 and p53 induction. Functionally, inhibition of p21Cip1/Waf1 induction prevented endothelial apoptosis due to arsenite treatment. Insofar as endothelial dysfunction promotes vascular disease, these data provide a mechanism for the increased incidence of cardiovascular disease due to arsenite exposure.
Chronic β-agonist administration affects cardiac function of adult but not old rats, independent of β-adrenoceptor density
Authors: Gregorevic Paul , Ryall James G. , Plant David R. , Sillence Martin N. , Lynch Gordon S.
Published: February 2005

Although β-adrenoceptor agonists have clinical merit for attenuating the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia), potential cardiac-related side effects may limit their clinical application. The aim of this study was to determine whether chronic β-agonist administration impairs cardiac function in adult or aged rats. Adult (16 mo) and aged (28 mo) Fischer 344 rats were treated with fenoterol (1.4 mg·kg−1·day−1 ip) or vehicle for 4 wk. Heart function was assessed in vitro before analyses of cardiac structure and β-adrenoceptor density. Heart mass increased 17% and 25% in fenoterol-treated adult and aged rats, respectively. The increased heart mass in aged, but not adult, rats was associated with a relative increase in collagen content. Cardiac hypertrophy in adult rats was associated with an increase in left ventricular developed pressure, a marked reduction in cardiac output, and a reduction in coronary flow per unit heart mass. In contrast, negligible differences in ventricular function were observed in fenoterol-treated aged rats. The differential effect on contractile function was not associated with age-related differences in β-adrenoceptor density but, rather, an age-related increase in downregulation after treatment. Our results show that chronic β-agonist treatment impairs cardiac function to a greater extent in adult than in aged rats. These results provide important information regarding the potential effects of chronic β-agonist use on cardiac function and the future development of safe and effective treatments for sarcopenia.
NK1 receptor activation in rat rostral ventrolateral medulla selectively attenuates somato-sympathetic reflex while antagonism attenuates sympathetic chemoreflex
Authors: Makeham John M. , Goodchild Ann K. , Pilowsky Paul M.
Published: February 2005

The effects of activation and blockade of the neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) on arterial blood pressure (ABP), splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity (sSNA), phrenic nerve activity, the somato-sympathetic reflex, baroreflex, and chemoreflex were studied in urethane-anesthetized and artificially ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats. Bilateral microinjection of either the stable substance P analog (pGlu5, MePhe8, Sar9)SP(5–11) (DiMe-SP) or the highly selective NK1 agonist [Sar9, Met (O2)11]SP into the RVLM resulted in an increase in ABP, sSNA, and heart rate and an abolition of phrenic nerve activity. The effects of [Sar9, Met (O2)11]SP were blocked by the selective nonpeptide NK1 receptor antagonist WIN 51708. NK1 receptor activation also dramatically attenuated the somato-sympathetic reflex elicited by tibial nerve stimulation, while leaving the baroreflex and chemoreflex unaffected. This effect was again blocked by WIN 51708. NK1 receptor antagonism in the RVLM, with WIN 51708 significantly attenuated the sympathoexcitatory response to hypoxia but had no effect on baseline respiratory function. Our findings suggest that substance P and the NK1 receptor play a significant role in the cardiorespiratory reflexes integrated within the RVLM.
Association of C-Reactive Protein With Blood Pressure and Hypertension
Authors: Smith George Davey , Lawlor Debbie A. , Harbord Roger , Timpson Nic , Rumley Ann , Lowe Gordon D.O. , Day Ian N.M. , Ebrahim Shah
Published: February 2005

Background—

C-reactive protein (CRP) has repeatedly been associated with blood pressure and prevalent and incident hypertension, but whether a causal link exists is uncertain.

Methods and Results—

We assessed the cross-sectional relations of CRP to systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and prevalent hypertension in a representative sample of >3500 British women aged 60 to 79 years. For both outcomes, substantial associations were observed. However, these associations were greatly attenuated by adjustment for a wide range of confounding factors acting over the life course. We further investigated causality using a Mendelian randomization approach by examining the association of the 1059G/C polymorphism in the human CRP gene with CRP and with blood pressure, pulse pressure, and hypertension. The polymorphism was associated with a robust difference in CRP, and the expectation would be for higher blood pressure and pulse pressure and greater prevalence of hypertension among those carrying the genetic variant associated with higher CRP levels. This was not observed, and the predicted causal effects of CRP on blood pressure, pulse pressure, and hypertension using instrumental variables methods were close to 0, although with wide CIs.

Conclusions—

CRP levels are associated with blood pressure, pulse pressure, and hypertension, but adjustment for life course confounding and a Mendelian randomization approach suggest the elevated CRP levels do not lead to elevated blood pressure.
Mechanisms, Pathophysiology, and Therapy of Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Zieman Susan J. , Melenovsky Vojtech , Kass David A.
Published: February 2005

Arterial stiffness is a growing epidemic associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, dementia, and death. Decreased compliance of the central vasculature alters arterial pressure and flow dynamics and impacts cardiac performance and coronary perfusion. This article reviews the structural, cellular, and genetic contributors to arterial stiffness, including the roles of the scaffolding proteins, extracellular matrix, inflammatory molecules, endothelial cell function, and reactive oxidant species. Additional influences of atherosclerosis, glucose regulation, chronic renal disease, salt, and changes in neurohormonal regulation are discussed. A review of the hemodynamic impact of arterial stiffness follows. A number of lifestyle changes and therapies that reduce arterial stiffness are presented, including weight loss, exercise, salt reduction, alcohol consumption, and neuroendocrine-directed therapies, such as those targeting the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system, natriuretic peptides, insulin modulators, as well as novel therapies that target advanced glycation end products.
Emergency Administration of Abciximab for Treatment of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors:   Abciximab Emergent Stroke Treatment Trial (AbESTT) Investigators
Published: February 2005

Background and Purpose—

Because of its success in treatment of acute cardiac ischemia, there is interest in the use of abciximab for treating patients with acute ischemic stroke. A previous dose-escalation study determined that abciximab could be given safely in a regimen of 0.25 mg/kg intravenous bolus followed by a 12-hour infusion at 0.125 μg/kg per minute (maximum 10 μg/min). This study was performed to obtain more information about the safety and potential efficacy of abciximab in patients with stroke.

Methods—

An international randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial enrolled 400 patients within 6 hours of onset of ischemic stroke. The primary safety outcome was the rate of symptomatic hemorrhage that occurred during the first 5 days after stroke. The primary efficacy measure was the distribution of outcomes at 3 months after stroke using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) based on an ordinal regression model of outcomes, adjusting for baseline severity of stroke, age, and interval from stroke.

Results—

Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 5 days was diagnosed in 7 of 195 (3.6%) patients treated with abciximab and 2 of 199 (1%) patients given placebo (odds ratio [OR], 3.7;
P
=0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7 to 25.9). Asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation was detected by brain imaging in 24 patients administered abciximab and 33 patients receiving placebo (OR, 0.74;
P
=0.25; 95% CI, 0.4 to 1.3). Treatment with abciximab showed a nonsignificant shift in favorable outcomes as measured by mRS scores at 3 months (OR, 1.20;
P
=0.33; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.70).

Conclusions—

Intravenously administered abciximab can be given to patients with a reasonable degree of safety. The trial also suggests that abciximab could improve outcomes at 3 months after stroke. A larger randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is necessary to test the efficacy of abciximab.