bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replication Fork Stalling at Natural Impediments
Authors: Mirkin Ekaterina V. , Mirkin Sergei M.
Published: March 2007

Accurate and complete replication of the genome in every cell division is a prerequisite of genomic stability. Thus, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic replication forks are extremely precise and robust molecular machines that have evolved to be up to the task. However, it has recently become clear that the replication fork is more of a hurdler than a runner: it must overcome various obstacles present on its way. Such obstacles can be called natural impediments to DNA replication, as opposed to external and genetic factors. Natural impediments to DNA replication are particular DNA binding proteins, unusual secondary structures in DNA, and transcription complexes that occasionally (in eukaryotes) or constantly (in prokaryotes) operate on replicating templates. This review describes the mechanisms and consequences of replication stalling at various natural impediments, with an emphasis on the role of replication stalling in genomic instability.
Application of MRI of the wrist for age determination in international U-17 soccer competitions
Authors: Dvorak Jiri , George John , Junge Astrid , Hodler Juerg
Published: March 2007

Background:To guarantee equal chances for different age groups, age-related tournaments for male and female players have been established in soccer. However, as registration at birth is not compulsory in some countries, other methods of age determination are needed to prevent participation in the incorrect age group.

Objectives:To evaluate the age of soccer players of international U-17 competitions from the degree of fusion of the distal radius and to compare the findings with an age-related normative population.

Methods:MRI scans of the wrist of a representative sample of 189 players from four U-17 competitions (FIFA U-17 World Cups 2003 and 2005, and Asian (AFC) U-17 championships 2004 and 2006) were analysed using a previously published grading system.

Results:Because of different regulations, all players in the AFC U-17 championships were younger than 17 years, whereas 71% of the players in the FIFA U-17 World Cup competitions were 17 years old. The distal radius of 15% of players from the AFC U-17 tournaments and 27% of the players from the FIFA U-17 tournaments were graded as completely fused on the MRI scans, which is a substantially higher percentage than in the respective age groups of a previously published normative population of soccer players. Furthermore, in contrast with the normative population, no significant correlation between the age category and the fusion grading (r  =  0.13) was observed in U-17 players.

Conclusion:From the MRI results, U-17 soccer players seem to be more mature than a normative population of the same age category. However, the lack of correlation between age category and degree of fusion in U-17 players supports the suspicion that the age stated in the official documents of the U-17 players examined might not be correct in all cases.
Relationships among subspecies of New World octoploid strawberry species, Fragaria virginiana and Fragaria chiloensis, based on simple sequence repeat marker analysis
Authors: Hokanson K.E. , Smith M.J. , Connor A.M. , Luby J.J. , Hancock James F.
Published: March 2007

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, developed from Fragaria  ×ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier ‘Earliglow’, were used to assess diversity among all of the proposed taxa of Fragaria virginiana Mill. and Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Mill. to facilitate strawberry germplasm utilization and conservation and to help resolve taxonomic relationships. DNA was obtained from 111 individuals representing F. chiloensis subsp. pacifica Staudt, F. chiloensis subsp. lucida (E. Vilm. ex Gray) Staudt, F. virginiana subsp. virginiana Mill., F. virginiana subsp. glauca (S. Watson) Staudt, F. virginiana subsp. grayana (Vilm. ex J. Gay) Staudt, and F. virginiana subsp. platypetala (Rydb.) Staudt from North America, F. chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. chiloensis and F. chiloensis subsp. chiloensis f. patagonica from South America, F. chiloensis subsp. s andwicensis (Decne.) Staudt from Hawaii, as well as F. ×ananassa subsp. cuneifolia (Nutt ex Howell), and F. ×ananassa subsp. ananassa . A total of 108 bands were scored among all accessions using the five SSR primer pairs, for a mean of 21.6 bands per primer pair with 3–8 bands in individual accessions. Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis using Jaccard similarity coefficients based on presence or absence of bands supported the separation of F. virginiana and F. chiloensis as distinct species. The various F. virginiana subspecies were not distinguishable. The two South American forms of F. chiloensis subsp. chiloensis are very similar to each other and distinct from the North American subspecies. The F. chiloensis subsp. sandwicensis accessions were distinct from other taxonomic classes. The F. ×ananassa cultivars clustered most closely with the South American F. chiloensis supporting the origin of F. ×ananassa primarily from South American rather than North American F. chiloensis. While the North and South American F. chiloensis subspecies should remain separated based on their molecular distinction, consideration should be given to classifying F. chiloensis subsp. pacifica and subsp. lucida as different forma of a single North American F. chiloensis subspecies, rather than as separate subspecies. This is similar to the current classification of the two South American forma of F. chiloensis subsp. chiloensis (L.) Mill. Similarly, the F. virginiana subspecies should be reclassified as forms of a single subspecies, F. virginiana subsp. virginiana, rather than separate subspecies.
The shoot apical meristem and development of vascular architectureThis review is one of a selection of papers published on the Special Theme of Shoot Apical Meristems.
Authors: Dengler Nancy G.
Published: March 2007

The shoot apical meristem (SAM) functions to generate external architecture and internal tissue pattern as well as to maintain a self-perpetuating population of stem-cell-like cells. The internal three-dimensional architecture of the vascular system corresponds closely to the external arrangement of lateral organs, or phyllotaxis. This paper reviews this correspondence for dicotyledonous plants in general and in Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., specifically. Analysis is partly based on the expression patterns of the class III homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA HOMEOBOX GENE 8 (ATHB8), a marker of the procambial and preprocambial stages of vascular development, and on the anatomical criteria for recognizing vascular tissue pattern. The close correspondence between phyllotaxis and vascular pattern present in mature tissues arises at early stages of development, at least by the first plastochron of leaf primordium outgrowth. Current literature provides an integrative model in which local variation in auxin concentration regulates both primordium formation on the SAM and the first indications of a procambial prepattern in the position of primordium leaf trace as well as in the elaboration of leaf vein pattern. The prospects for extending this model to the development of the complex three-dimensional vascular architecture of the shoot are promising.
Investigations of the mono- and dicycloaddition reactions of [SNS][MF6] (M = As, Sb) with the dinitriles NCC(O)CN and NCC(Cl)2CN — Energetics and the preference for [SNS]+dicycloaddition products in solution and solid state
Authors: Cameron T Stanley , Decken Andreas , Gabriel Mary , Knapp Carsten , Passmore Jack
Published: March 2007

The stepwise symmetry-allowed cycloaddition reactions of [SNS]+with the dinitriles NC–X–CN (X = CCl2, CO) were investigated. The reaction of [SNS]+and dinitrile in 2:1 ratio yielded the dicycloaddition product quantitatively after 2 weeks (in situ13C NMR). At a 1:1 ratio, mixtures of mono- and dicycloaddition products were obtained that could not be completely separated from one another. The energetics of the reaction were estimated in the gas phase, in solution (SO2and CH2Cl2), and solid phases using DFT calculations (PBE0/6-311G*) and a "volume-based thermodynamics" approach for lattice enthalpies. Monocycloaddition products are stable in the gas phase and in solution with respect to disproportionation reactions, but in the solid state the disproportionation of 2 [NC–X–(CNSNS)][AsF6] into [X(CNSNS)2][AsF6]2and NC–X–CN is strongly favored because of the higher lattice enthalpy of the 1:2 salt. In the gas phase, the second cycloaddition is endothermic because of the charge repulsion of the two positive charges, but in the solid state the reaction is strongly favored because of the lattice enthalpy gain on the formation of the 1:2 ([X(CNSNS)2][AsF6]2) from two 1:1 salts ([NC–X–(CNSNS)][AsF6] and [SNS][MF6]). The crystal structures of the dicycloaddition products [Cl2C(CNSNS)2][AsF6]2and [OC(CNSNS)2][AsF6]2and the monocycloaddition product [Cl2C(CNSNS)CN][AsF6] were obtained. In [Cl2C(CNSNS)CN][AsF6], the free nitrile groups interact with neighboring heterocycles further demonstrating that potential of free nitrile groups for introducing intermolecular interactions. [OC(CNSNS)2]2+is a planar dication, which adopts the conformation with Sδ+···Oδ–contacts to optimize intramolecular electrostatic interactions.Key words: crystal structure, sulfur-nitrogen, 1,3,2,4-dithiadiazolyium, nitriles, cycloaddition, DFT calculations, thermodynamics, energetics.
SPATIAL LIGHT MODULATING AND MULTI-TRAPPING WITH A DMD
Authors: JIANG YUQIANG , OH ISAMU , MATSUMOTO YOSHITAKA , HOSOKAWA YOICHIROH , MASUHARA HIROSHI
Published: March 2007

Although the digital micromirror device (DMD) has been considered to be a spatial light modulator (SLM) for a long time, it is seldom utilized for holographic tweezers practically because of its energy loss. In this work, a multi-trapping system built with a DMD is demonstrated. But a problem of dispersion is found when the DMD is applied to femtosecond laser, and its mechanism is studied.
UNIFORM ESTIMATES FOR TRANSPORT-DIFFUSION EQUATIONS
Authors: DANCHIN R.
Published: March 2007

We prove new estimates in Besov spaces [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] for transport-diffusion equations. Comparing with previous works, there is no restriction on the index p (hence our estimates apply in Hölder spaces) and the transport vector-field need not be divergence-free. Besides, similar estimates can be proved for the non-stationary Stokes equations with convection. We expect our results to be useful for studying compressible or incompressible fluid mechanics with high Reynolds number.
LARGE TIME BEHAVIOR OF SOLUTIONS TO A SEMILINEAR HYPERBOLIC SYSTEM WITH RELAXATION
Authors: UEDA YOSHIHIRO , KAWASHIMA SHUICHI
Published: March 2007

We are concerned with the initial value problem for a damped wave equation with a nonlinear convection term which is derived from a semilinear hyperbolic system with relaxation. We show the global existence and asymptotic decay of solutions in W1,p(1 ≤ p ≤ ∞) under smallness condition on the initial data. Moreover, we show that the solution approaches in W1,p(1 ≤ p ≤ ∞) the nonlinear diffusion wave expressed in terms of the self-similar solution of the Burgers equation as time tends to infinity. Our results are based on the detailed pointwise estimates for the fundamental solutions to the linearlized equation.
Measurement of liver collagen synthesis by heavy water labeling: effects of profibrotic toxicants and antifibrotic interventions
Authors: Gardner James L. , Turner Scott M. , Bautista Abraham , Lindwall Glen , Awada Mohamad , Hellerstein Marc K.
Published: March 2007

Enhanced production of collagen is central to fibrotic disorders such as hepatic cirrhosis and pulmonary fibrosis. We describe a sensitive, quantitative, and high-throughput technique for measuring hepatic collagen synthesis in vivo through metabolic labeling with heavy water (2H2O). Rats and mice received2H2O in drinking water for up to 35 days. Deuterium incorporation into collagen-bound amino acids (AA) alanine and hydroxyproline (OHP) was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A threefold stimulation of collagen fractional synthesis was observed under the maximum dosage of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4; 1.67 ml/kg). Deuterium enrichment was systematically 20% higher in AA from monomeric collagen relative to dimeric collagen, consistent with slower turnover of the latter. Administration of 1% griseofulvin to mice resulted in a significant, threefold increase in liver collagen synthesis, observable within 12 days and consistent with predicted interstrain differences (C57/Bl6J > BALB/c). Deuterium enrichments of OHP from total liver proteins correlated well with alanine or OHP from isolated collagen. Fibrogenesis subsided after withdrawal of CCl4exposure and was reduced to various degrees by coadministration of interferon-γ, rosiglitazone, atorvastatin, or enalapril. Changes in isotopically measured collagen synthesis correlated with, but were more sensitive and reproducible than, standard histological staining (trichrome) for fibrosis. In summary, liver collagen synthesis can be measured sensitively and with high precision over a short time period, without radioactivity, thereby providing a relatively high-throughput in vivo strategy for rapidly measuring profibrotic activities of suspected hepatotoxicants and antifibrotic activities of drug candidates.
Portal branch ligation induces a hepatic arterial buffer response, microvascular remodeling, normoxygenation, and cell proliferation in portal blood-deprived liver tissue
Authors: Kollmar Otto , Corsten Marcus , Scheuer Claudia , Vollmar Brigitte , Schilling Martin K. , Menger Michael D.
Published: March 2007

Portal branch ligation (PBL) may prevent liver failure after extended hepatic resection. However, clinical studies indicate that tumors within the ligated lobe develop accelerated growth. Although it is well known that tumor growth depends on the host's microvascularization, there is no information about how PBL affects the hepatic microcirculation. Our aims were to determine hepatic artery response, liver microcirculation, tissue oxygenation, and cell proliferation after PBL. Therefore, we used intravital multifluorescence microscopy, laser-Doppler flowmetry, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical techniques to examine microcirculatory responses, microvascular remodeling, and cellular consequences after left lateral PBL in BALB/c mice. During the first 7 days, PBL induced a reduction of left hilar blood flow by ∼50%. This resulted in 80% sinusoidal perfusion failure, significant parenchymal hypoxia, and liver atrophy. After 14 days, however, left hilar blood flow was found to be restored. However, remodeling of the microvasculature included a rarefaction of the sinusoidal network, however, without substantial perfusion failure, compensated by a hepatic arterial buffer response and significant sinusoidal dilatation. This resulted in normalization of tissue oxygenation, indicating arterialization of the ligated lobe. Interestingly, late microvascular remodeling was associated with increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, significant hepatocellular proliferation, and weight gain of the ligated lobe. Thus PBL induces only an initial microcirculatory failure with liver atrophy, followed by a hepatic arterial buffer response, microvascular remodeling, normoxygenation, and hepatocellular proliferation. This may explain the accelerated tumor progression occasionally observed in patients after PBL.
Exercise-induced suppression of acylated ghrelin in humans
Authors: Broom D. R. , Stensel D. J. , Bishop N. C. , Burns S. F. , Miyashita M.
Published: March 2007

Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone secreted from endocrine cells in the stomach and other tissues. Acylation of ghrelin is essential for appetite regulation. Vigorous exercise induces appetite suppression, but this does not appear to be related to suppressed concentrations of total ghrelin. This study examined the effect of exercise and feeding on plasma acylated ghrelin and appetite. Nine male subjects aged 19–25 yr participated in two, 9-h trials (exercise and control) in a random crossover design. Trials began at 0800 in the morning after an overnight fast. In the exercise trial, subjects ran for 60 min at 72% of maximum oxygen uptake between 0800 and 0900. After this, they rested for 8 h and consumed a test meal at 1100. In the control trial, subjects rested for 9 h and consumed a test meal at 1100. Area under the curve values for plasma acylated ghrelin concentration (assessed from venous blood samples) were lower over the first 3 h and the full 9 h of the exercise trial compared with the control trial: 317 ± 135 vs. 510 ± 186 pg·ml−1·3 h and 917 ± 342 vs. 1,401 ± 521 pg·ml−1·9 h (means ± SE) respectively ( P <0.05). Area under the curve values for hunger (assessed using a visual scale) were lower over the first 3 h of the exercise trial compared with the control trial ( P = 0.013). These findings demonstrate that plasma acylated ghrelin concentration and hunger are suppressed during running.
Quantitative assessments of morphological and functional properties of biological trees based on their fractal nature
Authors: Kamiya Akira , Takahashi Tatsuhisa
Published: March 2007

The branching systems in our body (vascular and bronchial trees) and those in the environment (plant trees and river systems) are characterized by a fractal nature: the self-similarity in the bifurcation pattern. They increase their branch density toward terminals according to a power function with the exponent called fractal dimension ( D). From a stochastic model based-on this feature, we formulated the fractal-based integrals to calculate such morphological parameters as aggregated branch length, surface area, and content volume for any given range of radius ( r). It was followed by the derivation of branch number and cross-sectional area, by virtue of the logarithmic sectioning of the r axis and of the branch radius-length relation also given by a power function of r with an exponent (α). These derivatives allowed us to quantify various hydrodynamic parameters of vascular and bronchial trees as fluid conduit systems, including the individual branch flow rate, mean flow velocity, wall shear rate and stress, internal pressure, and circumferential tension. The validity of these expressions was verified by comparing the outcomes with actual data measured in vivo in the vascular beds. From additional analyses of the terminal branch number, we found a simple equation relating the exponent ( m) of the empirical power law (Murray's so-called cube law) to the other exponents as ( m = D + α). Finally, allometric studies of mammalian vascular trees revealed uniform and scale-independent distributions of terminal arterioles in organs, which afforded an infarct index, reflecting the severity of tissue damage following arterial infarction.
Implications of Levels of Serum Mineral Metabolism Markers, Albumin and C-Reactive Protein for Treatment Costs of Patients on Maintenance Dialysis
Authors: Salonen Tapani , Piirto Juho , Reina Tuomo , Saha Heikki , Pasternack Amos
Published: March 2007

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism, malnutrition and inflammation have been reported to associate with adverse outcomes in dialysis patients. However, little is known about the implications of these conditions for treatment costs. Methods: The cost data of all adult patients who had entered dialysis therapy at Tampere University Hospital between 1991 and 1996 and had remained on dialysis for at least 1 year were collected. Results of measurements of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were obtained from the database of the hospital. Results: Patients (n = 109), aged 57.0 ± 14.9 years, included 57% men and 37% diabetics; 62% started on hemodialysis and 38% on peritoneal dialysis. Average daily costs were USD 161 (range 95–360). After controlling for patients’ age, body mass index, gender, dialysis modality and primary renal disease, there was a positive correlation between average CRP and average costs and a negative correlation between albumin and costs. Correlations between mineral metabolism markers and costs were not found, but there was a trend towards lower cost among patients who achieved the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative targets of calcium, phosphorus and PTH (USD 145 ± 31) compared with those with nonoptimal levels (USD 165 ± 48; p = 0.095). Costs of patients with at least one in-target PTH measurement were lower than costs of patients with constantly low PTH (USD 148 ± 31 vs. 170 ± 48; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Serum levels of albumin and CRP correlated with dialysis patients’ treatment costs. Achieving the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative targets may be associated with lower costs.
Sexual Oncology: Sexual Health Issues in Women with Cancer
Authors: Krychman Michael L. , Pereira Leanne , Carter Jeanne , Amsterdam Alison
Published: March 2007

Sexual problems are widespread among female cancer patients and survivors. Dysfunction may result from various oncologic therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal manipulation, and cytostatic medication. Additionally, psychologic distress that the patient or her partner experiences during diagnosis and treatment of malignancy can impair a healthy female sexual response cycle. A sexual rehabilitation program in an oncology setting is necessary to provide comprehensive care to the cancer patient and her partner. A multidisciplinary treatment approach to sexual dysfunction includes psychological and psychiatric intervention, medical intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and recommended lifestyle adjustments. A holistic approach to assessing and treating sexual concerns should be individually tailored to the female patient in light of her disease stage and prognosis, age, marital status, fertility concerns, and social and professional environment.
Transposition of Target Information from the Magnetic Resonance and Computed Tomography Scan Images to Conventional X-Ray Stereotactic Space
Authors: De Salles Antonio A.F. , Asfora Wilson T. , Abe Masamitsu , Kjellberg Raymond N.
Published: March 2007

A technique to apply reconstructed X-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for target determination in stereotactic Bragg peak proton beam therapy of intracranial lesions was developed. Twenty-one benign intracranial tumors and vascular abnormalities were managed using this technique. Clinical features of these lesions, as well as targeting problems associated with the MRI and CT image interpretation, are presented.
Computer-Controlled, Patient-Interactive, Multichannel, Implanted Neurological Stimulators
Authors: North Richard B. , Fowler Kim
Published: March 2007

Programmable implantable neurological stimulation systems with multiple electrodes have many advantages in clinical use, but time-consuming postoperative adjustment of stimulation parameters is a distinct disadvantage. A personal computer interface to standard commercial radiofrequency-coupled devices has been developed, permitting direct patient interaction to expedite this process. In addition, the system permits simulated multichannel operation and implementation of various modulation schemes.
Stereotactic- Computerized Tomography Interface Device
Authors: Hitchcock E.
Published: March 2007

A mechanical stereotactic-computerized tomography interface device (SCID) is attached to the head at three bony fixation points and, after rigid fixation to the scanning gantry, is zeroed to make scan and stereotactic space identical. The system is simple, reproducible, accurate and reliable and has been used for tumour and excisional biopsy, radiation planning and instillation of radioisotopes.
Animal Research Stereotactic Instrument Modified for Computed Tomographic Guidance
Authors: Coffey Robert J. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: March 2007

While target localization for human stereotactic surgery has been refined by computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), stereotaxis in experimental animals has remained dependent upon external cranial landmarks and standardized atlas coordinates. To overcome the limitations and inaccuracies of animal devices using the original Horsley-Clarke method, we modified a Standard animal stereotactic instrument in order to make target localization and coordinate determination possible with CT imaging. Although the device can be adapted to any medium-sized animal species, we demonstrate its use with dogs here.
Thalamic Abscess: A Stereotactically Treatable Lesion
Authors: Hollander Dave , Villemure Jean-Guy , Leblanc Richard
Published: March 2007

A 69-year-old man developed abdominal pain, fever, shaking chills and acute hemiplegia. Computed tomography (CT) scanning demonstrated a hematoma within a thalamic space-occupying lesion having the radiological characteristics of a malignant glioma. Low-grade fever and leukocytosis persisted and follow-up CT scanning showed ring enhancement of the thalamic lesion and ependymitis suggesting a cerebral abscess. Stereotactic aspiration achieved drainage of the abscess and relief of mass effect and provided pus from which a causative organism was identified and treated with appropriate antibiotics. Contrast-enhanced CTscan should be obtained in cases of hemorrhage within mass lesions and tissue diagnosis should be achieved even in deep brain regions, as this can be accomplished safely using stereotactic techniques.
Factors Determining Survival of Patients with Malignant Gliomas Diagnosed by Stereotactic Biopsy
Authors: Coffey Robert J. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: March 2007

We analyzed the prognostic significance of tumor histology, location, treatment, and selected clinical features at presentation in 91 consecutive patients with malignant gliomas diagnosed by stereotactic biopsy. In 64 patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) the following factors were associated with longer survival: lobar tumor location, adequate radiation therapy (RT) tumor dose 5,000–6,000 cGy, Karnofsky performance rating (KPR) at presentation ≧70, and a normal level of consciousness before biopsy. In 27 patients with anaplastic astrocytoma, factors associated with longer survival were lobar tumor location, adequate RT, age <40 years at presentation, and a history of seizures. Delayed cytoreductive surgery in lobar GBM extended median survival but did not improve long-term survival. For patients with deep or midline malignant gliomas and for selected patients with lobar tumors, stereotactic biopsy followed by RT may be the most reasonable initial treatment strategy.
Stereotactic Mesencephalotomy versus Multiple Thalamotomies in the Treatment of Chronic Cancer Pain Syndromes
Authors: Frank F. , Fabrizi A.P. , Gaist G. , Weigel K. , Mundinger F.
Published: March 2007

Two neurosurgical centers, Bologna (Italy) and Freiburg (FRG), have compared results obtained with stereotactic mesencephalotomy (SM; Bologna) and multiple thalamotomies (MT; Freiburg) in the surgical treatment of chronic cancer pain syndromes. In total, 161 patients were operated, 109 in Bologna and 52 in Freiburg. In SM the lesions were single and centered on the spinothalamic tract at the mesencephalic level, while in MT the lesions were multiple in the thalamic nuclei (ventrocaudal parvocellular nucleus, nucleus limitans, lamella medialis, centromedian nuclei). The following results emerged after 2–7 months'' follow-up: (1) in an antalgic sense, SM was much more beneficial, with 91 patients (83.5%) pain-free after the operation versus 27 patients (51.9%) who had only an attenuation of the pain syndrome after MT; (2) SM, compared to MT, is burdened by mortality and a higher morbidity [2 deaths (1.8%) vs. 0; 3 anesthesia dolorosa and 8 severe gaze palsies (10.1%) vs. only 1 case of permanent aphasia (1.9%)].
Thalamic Stimulation Effects on Reactive Depression
Authors: Andy Orlando J. , Jurko F.
Published: March 2007

Depression was evaluated in 10 patients before and after therapeutic mesothalamic brain stimulation for chronic pain. Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory T scores for depression were high in all patients before stimulation. Scores were decreased in 8 of 10 patients with chronic deep brain stimulation, three of whom returned to normal. Pain relief was good to excellent in 9 of 10 patients. It is concluded that depression is secondary to pain or pain-inducing factors which implicate the catecholamine and serotenergic systems.
Selection of the Optimal Lesion Site for the Relief of Parkinsonian Tremor on the Basis of Spectral Analysis of Neuronal Firing Patterns
Authors: Lenz F.A. , Tasker R.R. , Kwan H.C. , Schider S. , Kwong R. , Dostrovsky J.O. , Murphy J.T.
Published: March 2007

Techniques for quantitatively describing the firing properties of neurons have been used to identify thalamic cells with a firing pattern which is correlated with EMG activity during tremor. By locating these cells relative to the anterior border of the somatosensory nucleus and the anterior commissure-posterior commissure line, it may be possible to select the optimal lesion site for the relief of parkinsonian tremor on a rational rather than an empirical basis.
Response of Experimental Epileptic Focus to Focal Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Barcia-Salorio J.L. , Vanaclocha V. , Cerdá M. , Ciudad J. , López-Gómez L.
Published: March 2007

An experimental model of cobalt-induced epilepsy was performed on 15 cats. 3 months later, they were irradiated by means of a gamma source with a total target dose of 10 Gy. One month after irradiation all EEG recordings returned to normal, while a control group maintained the epileptiform traces. Histological study of the irradiated foci showed neuronal reafferentation. The action mechanism of ionizing radiation over epileptogenic foci in relation to this reafferentation and neuronal plasticity mechanisms is discussed.
Intimal Smooth Muscle Cells of Porcine and Human Coronary Artery Express S100A4, a Marker of the Rhomboid Phenotype In Vitro
Authors: Brisset Anne C. , Hao Hiroyuki , Camenzind Edoardo , Bacchetta Marc , Geinoz Antoine , Sanchez Jean-Charles , Chaponnier Christine , Gabbiani Giulio , Bochaton-Piallat Marie-Luce
Published: March 2007

We reported that smooth muscle cell (SMC) populations isolated from normal porcine coronary artery media exhibit distinct phenotypes: spindle-shaped (S) and rhomboid (R). R-SMCs are recovered in higher proportion from stent-induced intimal thickening compared with media suggesting that they participate in intimal thickening formation. Our aim was to identify a marker of R-SMCs in vitro and to explore its possible expression in vivo. S- and R-SMC protein extracts were compared by means of 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by tandem mass spectrometry. S100A4 was found to be predominantly expressed in R-SMC extracts. Using a monoclonal S100A4 antibody we confirmed that S100A4 is highly expressed by R-SMCs and hardly detectable in S-SMCs. S100A4 was colocalized with α-smooth muscle actin in stress fibers of several quiescent cells and upregulated during migration. PDGF-BB, FGF-2 or coculture with endothelial cells, which modulate S-SMCs to a R-phenotype, increased S100A4 expression in both S- and R-SMCs. Silencing of S100A4 mRNA in R-SMCs decreased cell proliferation, suggesting a functional role for this protein. In vivo S100A4 was absent in normal porcine coronary artery media, but highly expressed by SMCs of stent-induced intimal thickening. In humans, S100A4 was barely detectable in coronary artery media and markedly expressed in SMCs of atheromatous and restenotic coronary artery lesions. Our results indicate that S100A4 is a marker of porcine R-SMCs in vitro and of intimal SMCs during intimal thickening development. It is also a marker of a large population of human atheromatous and restenotic SMCs. Clarifying S100A4 function might be useful to understand the evolution of atherosclerotic and restenotic processes.
Myozenin 2 Is a Novel Gene for Human Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Osio Adriana , Tan Lily , Chen Suet N. , Lombardi Raffaella , Nagueh Sherif F. , Shete Sanjay , Roberts Robert , Willerson James T. , Marian Ali J.
Published: March 2007

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in sarcomeric proteins (excluding phenocopy). The causal genes in approximately one-third of the cases remain unknown. We identified a family comprised of 6 clinically affected members. The phenotype was characterized by early onset of symptoms, pronounced cardiac hypertrophy, and cardiac arrhythmias. We excluded
MYH7
,
MYBPC3
,
TNNT2
, and
ACTC1
as the causal gene either by direct sequencing or by haplotype analysis. To map the putative candidate sarcomeric gene, we perforbold locus-specific haplotyping to detect cosegregation of the locus haplotype with the phenotype, followed by mutation screening. We genotyped 5 short-tandem-repeat markers that spanned a 4.4-centimorgan region on 4q26-q27 locus and encompassed myozenin 2 (
MYOZ2
), a Z-disk protein. The maximum logarithm of odds score was 2.03 (
P
=0.005). All affected members shared a common haplotype, implicating
MYOZ2
as the causal gene. To detect the causal mutation, we sequenced all exons and exon–intron boundaries of
MYOZ2
in 10 family members and identified a T→C missense mutation corresponding to S48P substitution, which cosegregated with inheritance of HCM (N=6). It was absent in 4 clinically normal family members and in 658 additional normal individuals. To determine frequency of the
MYOZ2
mutations in HCM, we sequenced
MYOZ2
in 516 HCM probands and detected another missense mutation (I246M). It was absent in 2 normal family members and 517 controls. Both mutations affect highly conserved amino acids. We conclude
MYOZ2
is a novel causal gene for human HCM.
Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System Abolishes the Proatherogenic Effect of Uremia in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice
Authors: Bro Susanne , Binder Christoph J. , Witztum Joseph L. , Olgaard Klaus , Nielsen Lars B.
Published: March 2007

Objective—

Uremia accelerates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE
−/−
) mice. We examined whether this effect may be preventable by pharmacological blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).

Methods and Results—

Uremia was induced in apoE
−/−
mice by 5/6 nephrectomy (NX). Treatment with the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril (2 or 12 mg/kg/d) from week 4 to 36 after NX reduced the aortic plaque area fraction from 0.23±0.02 (n=20) in untreated mice to 0.11±0.01 (n=21) and 0.08±0.01 (n=23), respectively (
P
<0.0001); the aortic plaque area fraction was 0.09±0.01 (n=22) in sham-operated controls. Enalapril from week 20 to 44 after NX also retarded the progression of atherosclerosis. Plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) and concentrations of IgM antibodies against oxidized low density lipoprotein (OxLDL) increased after NX (
P
<0.01). Enalapril (12 mg/kg/d) attenuated these increases (
P
<0.05) and reduced aortic expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 mRNA (
P
<0.05). Atherosclerosis in NX mice was also reduced by losartan (an angiotensin II receptor-blocker), but not when blood pressure was lowered with hydralazine (a non-RAS-dependent vasodilator).

Conclusion—

The results suggest that inhibition of RAS abolishes the proatherogenic effect of uremia independent of its blood pressure-lowering effect, possibly because of antiinflammatory and antioxidative mechanisms.
HDL Oxidation Compromises its Influence on Paraoxonase-1 Secretion and its Capacity to Modulate Enzyme Activity
Authors: Deakin Sara , Moren Xenia , James Richard W.
Published: March 2007

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to analyze the consequences of HDL oxidation for paraoxonase-1 metabolism and function.

Methods and Results—

HDL was oxidized with AAPH, copper ions, and hypochlorite. Secretion studies were performed using human paraoxonase-1–transfected cells lines and primary rat hepatocytes. Stability studies were performed with recombinant paraoxonase. Conditioned medium had significantly reduced paraoxonase-1 when Cu or AAPH-oxidized HDL was the acceptor complex (
P
<0.01); reduction was dose-dependent on the degree of oxidation. Oxidized HDL had a reduced capacity to stabilize/improve activity of secreted paraoxonase-1. Reduced secretion could not be attributed to enzyme inactivation by lipoperoxides, reduced binding affinity of HDL, or oxidation of the lipid component alone. Hypochlorite oxidation of HDL did not modify HDL-mediated paraoxonase-1 release, but activity of HDL-associated paraoxonase-1 was particularly sensitive to such treatment.

Conclusions—

AAPH and copper, but not hypochlorite, oxidation of HDL compromises its ability to promote release of paraoxonase-1 and stabilize enzyme activity. HDL-associated paraoxonase-1 is highly sensitive to hypochlorite. Reducing paraoxonase-1 renders HDL susceptible to oxidation, which may compromise HDL function. It provides a novel example at the HDL level of the detrimental effects of oxidative stress, and underlines the need for further evaluation of the consequences of HDL oxidation.
An Augmented Extended Kalman Filter Algorithm for Complex-Valued Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Goh Su Lee , Mandic Danilo P.
Published: March 2007

An augmented complex-valued extended Kalman filter (ACEKF) algorithm for the class of nonlinear adaptive filters realized as fully connected recurrent neural networks is introduced. This is achieved based on some recent developments in the so-called augmented complex statistics and the use of general fully complex nonlinear activation functions within the neurons. This makes the ACEKF suitable for processing general complex-valued nonlinear and nonstationary signals and also bivariate signals with strong component correlations. Simulations on benchmark and real-world complex-valued signals support the approach.
Systems Theory as an Alternative to Action Theory? The Rise of 'Communication' as a Theoretical Option
Authors: Stichweh Rudolf
Published: March 2007

The argument of the essay has two main parts. First, it reflects on the presumed conflict between action theories and systems theories in sociology. Looking at authors such as James Coleman, Talcott Parsons and Niklas Luhmann, the essay tries to show that there is a natural complementarity of action and systems theories, and therefore the presumed disjunction of 'action' and 'system' is not based on the empirical reality of theory-building ventures. But then another line of conflict becomes visible. Since the information theories of the late 1940s, 'communication theory' has become a viable and universalistic option in social theory, one that indeed conflicts with action theory. In its second part, the essay first gives a brief sketch of the conceptual career of communication theory since Shannon and Weaver. It then presents the sociological theory of Niklas Luhmann as the first major sociological theory that opts for communication as the constitutive element of society and other social systems. Causes and reasons for this theoretical decision are reconstructed, first in terms of problems internal to Niklas Luhmann's social theory (the distinction of psychic and social systems; the distinction of action and experience; formal properties of the concept of communication; the implications of autopoiesis) and secondly in terms of processes of societal change (the rise of the information society; the genesis of world society), which favour the switch towards a communication-based (instead of action-based) systems theory.
Alva Myrdal: Making the Private Public
Authors: Ekerwald Hedvig , Ekerwald Hedvig
Published: March 2007

Alva Myrdal (1902-86). the Swedish feminist social scientist, is shown here to be a sociologist of honour. Her contribution to sociology is that she analysed the women's perspective of the societal division of labour, and made that private sector an important issue on the public political agenda. If women were to come out as citizens men must play their part in the care work of society and institutions had to be reorganized to accommodate women. men and children. She therefore studied family sociology, sexual politics, education and child care. She also researched peace and conflicts. Her main books are The Crisis in the Population Question (in Swedish with G. Myrdal 1934), Nation and Family (1941), Women's Two Roles (with V. Klein 1956) and The Game of Disarmament (1976).
The Fundamental Dimensions of Social Relationship: a Theoretical Statement
Authors: Kemper Theodore D.
Published: March 2007

Despite a noteworthy empirical convergence by a number of investigators on at least two basic dimensions of social relationship, namely Control and Affection (as they are often called), additional factors frequently emerge as well. This leads to some perplexity as to how many basic dimensions of interaction there are. To clarify the ambiguity, the concept of the division of labor is examined. The division of labor, it is suggested here, always involves some technical activity going on among the actors Beyond this there is a need for co-ordination, response to exigency, setting of priorities, etc. These require that some actors do what other actors tell them to do. When it is asked why an actor complies with another actor's wish, demand or request, a possible answer, which underlies the model of social interaction presented here, is as follows: (1) compliance because of coercion, and (2) compliance because the actor wants to do so. These two bases for compliance may be understood to imply the two standard sociological categories of Power relations (in the Weberian sense) and Status relations, respectively. It is argued further, for heuristic purposes, that all social relationships can be explicated by positioning actors in a two-dimensional space constituted by orthogonal axes of power and status Examination of disparate factor analytic evidence suggests strongly that factors in addition to Control and Affection, which are shown to be essentially equivalent to Power and Status, are either technical activity or are not of direct sociological interest Support for this argument is also adduced from a consideration of learning theory.
Model Monopoly and Communication: Systems Theoretical Notes On Democratization
Authors: Braten Stein
Published: March 2007

Strategies of democratization in societal and organizational contexts that are aimed at reducing the influence gap merely through increased opportunities for communi cation are critized. As an alternative to the power-through-communication para digm, which such strategies seem to be based upon, a power-through-model paradigm is suggested: Models are required in order to utilize information offers and exert and withstand influence. This is illustrated by contrasting the operations of two systems, one of which lacks model resources and thus is completely dependent upon external feedback. The other system may carry out internal trials through simulation, and strengthen its model power through comparisons between real and simulated outcomes. If a model-strong actor and model-weak actor are coupled in an open information exchange system, the former may be expected to gradually increase his control of the other actor. Offers of information are useful only to the extent that there is model capacity for processing the information offered. Thus a successful transition in the name of democratization to a more open communi cation structure may freeze - or even increase - the influence gap. Independent development of system model resources among the less influentials is required.
The Problem of Equality in the Danish Educational Structure
Authors: Hansen Erik Jorgen
Published: March 2007

The central theme of this article is. What changes in the educational system might diminish the existing social disparities of opportunity in obtaining an education The point of departure for the discussion is the fact that there exists a continuing stable distribution of education among and between various social classes The author suggests that the educational policy instrumented thus far has been inefficient in achieving a redistribution of education among the various social classes This developmcnt has been largely due to the educational policys general insignificance in effecting the chances of success for those seeking an education In face of this situation he proposes two determining conditions for the diminishment of social Inequality in aquiring an education in part, thorough changes in the educational structure, as shock effects; and in part, through altered student-teacher interaction.

In light of the objective of equahty the author then evaluates some of the main tendencies in Danish educational policy in recent ycars and proposes some elements tor a new, more equality-oriented educational policy.
Patterns of Stratification in Socialist Poland
Authors: Tellenback Sten
Published: March 2007

In the article attempts in Polish sociology to explain social structure and social stratification in socialist society are analyzed. The author claims that an adequate stratification principle or social determinant to explain the distribution of social attributes in socialist society is lacking. The theoretical significance of the concept "socialist intelligentsia" is analyzed and claimed to disguise an eventual social élite. The socialist intelligentsia and the Communist Party are, in theoretical contexts, treated as "black box" entities without regard to internal differentiation, an approach which covers basic social inequalities in socialist society. Problems of social conflict are usually reduced to the technical problem of setting fair wage limits. The thesis of social decomposition or status incongruency is contested and questioned as an indicator of social equality. The author argues that control over the economy might serve as an adequate social determinant in socialist society from which it is possible to derive secondary social attributes.
Mental Health Problems of New Ethnic Min Orities in Sweden
Authors: Haavio-Mannila Elina , Stenius Kerstin
Published: March 2007

Immigrant mental patients attending the psychiatric clinic of Vasterås Central Hospital in Central Sweden were compared with Swedish patients at the samt clinic as regards to diagnosis, expressed problems, amount of care, and social charac teristics. Propensity to seek public psychiatric treatment was lower than among Swedes. It was the higher the greater the geographical and cultural distance between Sweden and their country ot ongin is: immigrants from Northern and Western Europe attended the clinic to a lesser degree than those from Southern and Eastern Europe. Compared with native Swedes immigrant patients were more often diagnosed as paranoid, hysterical, hypochondriacal or neurastenic. Depression was less common than in the native population. Immigrants had fewer problems at work and in human relations, but more somatic symptoms (East- and South-Europeans) or problems with alcohol (Finns). Patients who had migrated at a young age had the most severe problems.

Immigrant mental patients were better integrated to the society through work and family than indigeneous patients. Migration status seems so stressinducing that even otherwise socially integrated persons fall mentally ill.

With the help of a factor analysis four types of immigrant mental patients could be distinguished according to their main problem area: patients suffering from (1) adjustment problems, (2) human relations and psychotic problems vs. somatic symptoms, (3) political and work problems, and (4) alcohol and housing problems. The frequency ot these problems was analyzed according to sex, ethnicity and duration of stay in Sweden.