bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural mechanisms of early postinflammatory dysmotility in rat small intestine
Authors: Demedts I. , Geboes K. , Kindt S. , Vanden Berghe P. , Andrioli A. , Janssens J. , Tack J.
Published: November 2006

Abstract Although human postinflammatory dysmotility is known, so far animal studies have primarily investigated changes during inflammation. Here, we focused on postinflammatory changes in rat jejunal myenteric plexus and jejunal motility. Evolution of ethanol/2,4,6‐tri‐nitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)‐induced inflammation was assessed histologically and by measuring myeloperoxidase activity (MPO). Electromyography and immunohistochemistry were performed 1 week after ethanol/TNBS and also after NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME) administration. Ethanol/TNBS induced a transient inflammation, with normalization of MPO and histological signs of an early phase of recovery after 1 week. The number of cholinergic neurones was not altered, but myenteric neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)‐immunoreactivity was significantly lower in the early phase of recovery after TNBS compared with water (1.8 ± 0.2vs3.5 ± 0.2 neurones ganglion−1,P < 0.001). Interdigestive motility was disrupted with a loss of phase 1 quiescence, an increase of migrating myoelectric complex cycle length, a higher number of non‐propagated activity fronts and a decrease of adequately propagated phase 3 s after TNBS. Administration ofl‐NAME resulted in a similar disruption of interdigestive motility patterns. In the early phase of recovery after ethanol/TNBS‐induced jejunal inflammation, a loss of motor inhibition occurs due to a decrease of myenteric nNOS activity. These observations may provide a model for early postinflammatory dysmotility syndromes.
Control of Peste des Petits Ruminants and Poverty Alleviation?
Authors: Diallo A.
Published: November 2006

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a contagious and often fatal viral disease of sheep and goats and also wild small ruminants. The PPR virus is distinct from but closely related to rinderpest virus and both belong to the morbivillivirus genus within the family Paramyxoviridae. PPR is a contagious transboundary disease with a significant impact on rural poor farmers. Its control should therefore be considered in programs that aim at alleviating poverty in developing countries.
Stress buffering effects of social support on depressive symptoms in middle age: Reciprocity and community mental health
Authors: TAKIZAWA TOHRU , KONDO TSUYOSHI , SAKIHARA SEIZOU , ARIIZUMI MAKOTO , WATANABE NAOKI , OYAMA HIROFUMI
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Little is known about the association between depression and the buffering effects of social support in mid‐life crisis. The aim of this study is to determine the buffering effects of social support on depression concerning middle‐aged individuals, while also taking reciprocity and gender differences into careful consideration. A cross‐sectional survey of all middle‐aged individuals (40–69 years of age) using a large sample (n = 4558) from a community‐living population, who resided in Rokunohe town, Aomori prefecture in northern Japan (response rate = 69.8%), was undertaken. This town recently had a lot of suicides. Two‐way anova was used to analyze the effects of stressor and social support on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale scores. The authors found a stress buffering effect of social support on the depressive symptoms occurring in middle age, however, a significant difference in the stress buffer effect was only observed in male subjects. Moreover, when the authors take reciprocity into account, the effect of the buffer on depression was found not only in males receiving support but in males providing support as well. In conclusion, pertaining to males, social support reduces depressive symptoms under stressful circumstances in middle age, not only when they receive such support but also when they provide it. Therefore, these findings suggest that reciprocal social support is important for males in relation to community mental health.
Depression and somatic symptoms scale: A new scale with both depression and somatic symptoms emphasized
Authors: HUNG CHING‐I , WENG LI‐JEN , SU YI‐JEN , LIU CHIA‐YIH
Published: November 2006

Abstract  The authors’ preliminary study selected 22 items for Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale (DSSS), including depression subscale (DS) and somatic subscale (SS). The aim of the study was to test reliability and validity of the DSSS. The study enrolled 135 consecutive outpatients (34 male and 101 female) experiencing a major depressive episode (the MDE group), 95 of whom (25 male and 70 female) accepted 1 month of treatment (the treatment group). Diagnosis was confirmed by using the Structured Clinical Interview for 4th edition with text revision Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Axis I Disorders. The DSSS and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) were given and evaluated. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. The correlation between the improvement percentage (IP) for the HAMD and the IP for the DSSS was calculated for the treatment group. Factor analysis was performed by using the principal‐axis factoring method with promax rotation. Cronbach’s alpha values of the DSSS and its subscales ranged from 0.73 to 0.94. Pearson correlation coefficients for the relationship between the DSSS and HAMD ranged from 0.63 to 0.86. In the treatment group, DSSS and HAMD scores were significantly decreased after treatment and the IP for the HAMD and the DSSS were similar and correlated (correlation coefficient = 0.78). The results of the factor analysis demonstrated that most of the items in DS and SS appropriately loaded in Depression and Somatic factors, respectively. The discriminative ability of the DSSS for anxiety comorbidities was not inferior to that of the HAMD. Therefore, the DSSS is reliable and sensitive to the treatment and has acceptable convergent, factorial, and distinct‐groups validities. Because it assesses both depression and somatic symptoms, DSSS may overcome the deficiency of other depression scales with few somatic items.
Countertransference to psychiatric patients in a clinical setting: Development of the Feeling Checklist–Japanese version
Authors: KATSUKI FUJIKA , GOTO MASAHIRO , TAKAGI HIROHUMI , OZDEMIR VURNAL , SOMEYA TOSHIYUKI
Published: November 2006

Abstract  Countertransference is an important dimension of the therapeutic alliance between care providers and patients. The Feeling Checklist (FC) is a self‐report questionnaire for the assessment of countertransference by hospital staff toward patients. The FC was translated from English into Japanese and its factor structure, reliability, and validity in the Japanese version (FC‐J) were examined. A total of 281 Japanese psychiatric nurses were tested with the FC‐J. All nurses were primarily involved in provision of psychiatric care. Principal‐component factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed to identify the potential components of the FC‐J. In a factor analysis of the FC‐J, seven factors were extracted. The five subscales that were determined and labeled included Reject, Distance, Helpfulness, Closeness, and Involvement, which collectively accounted for 56.0% of the variance. Cronbach’s α, a measure of internal consistency, for individual subscales was 0.833 for Reject, 0.763 for Distance, 0.768 for Helpfulness, 0.617 for Closeness, and 0.663 for Involvement. Notably, there was a significant correlation between the FC‐J and the Nurse Attitude Scale (P < 0.0001). Moreover, one‐way anova was performed with each FC‐J subscale to examine differences among psychiatric diagnoses in the study sample. A significant difference was found for Involvement (P < 0.001), with the total score on Involvement being the highest in the personality disorder group. These results are considered to verify the reliability and validity of the FC‐J as a scale to measure countertransference among Japanese care providers. The use of this scale allows individual care providers to recognize and be cognizant of their own countertransference objectively and thereby contributes to improve the relationship between patients and care providers.
Reversible dementia with psychosis: Hashimoto’s encephalopathy
Authors: MOCELLIN RAMON , LUBMAN DAN I. , LLOYD JOHN , TOMLINSON E. BRUCE , VELAKOULIS DENNIS
Published: November 2006

Abstract  A case of presumed Hashimoto’s encephalopathy (HE) is presented. The presentation included memory loss, delusions, functional decline and culminated in a generalized seizure. Anti‐thyroid antibodies were detected and symptoms resolved with prednisolone. Patients with HE may present with prominent neuropsychiatric symptoms, attract psychiatric diagnoses and present to psychiatric services. Primarily a diagnosis of exclusion, HE should be considered in cases of encephalopathy in which standard investigations are negative.
Comparison of intravesical prostatic protrusion, prostate volume and serum prostatic‐specific antigen in the evaluation of bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: LIM KOK BIN , HO HENRY , FOO KEONG TATT , WONG MICHAEL YUET CHEN , FOOK‐CHONG STEPHANIE
Published: November 2006

Aim: The aims of this study were to define the relationship between intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and prostate volume (PV) and to determine which one of them is the best predictor of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic enlargement.

Methods: A prospective study of 114 male patients older than 50 years examined between November 2001 and 2002 was performed. They were evaluated with digital rectal examination, International Prostate Symptoms Score, PSA, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual urine measurement, IPP and PV using transabdominal ultrasound scan. Statistical analysis included scatter plot with Spearman’s correlation coefficients and nominal logistic regression

Results: Prostate volume, IPP and PSA showed parallel correlation. Although all three indices had good correlation with BOO index, IPP was the best. The Spearman rho correlation coefficients were 0.314, 0.408 and 0.507 for PV, PSA and IPP, respectively. Using receiver‐operator characteristic curves, the areas under the curve for PV, PSA and IPP were 0.637, 0.703 and 0.772, respectively. The positive predictive values of PV, PSA and IPP were 65%, 68% and 72%, respectively. Using a nominal regression model, IPP remained the most significant independent index to determine BOO.

Conclusions: All three non‐invasive indices correlate with one another. The study showed that IPP is a better predictor for BOO than PSA or PV.
DELEGATED PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT: A SURVEY OF THE THEORETICAL LITERATURE
Authors: Stracca Livio
Published: November 2006

Abstract This paper provides a selective review of the theoretical literature on delegated portfolio management as a principal–agent relationship. The main focus of the paper is to review the analytical issues raised by the peculiar nature of the delegated portfolio management relationship within the broader class of principal–agent models. In particular, the paper discusses the performance of linear versus nonlinear compensation contracts in a single‐period setting, the possible effects of limited liability of portfolio managers, the role of reputational concerns in a multiperiod framework, and the incentives to noise trading. In addition, the paper deals with some general equilibrium dimensions and asset pricing implications of delegated portfolio management. The paper also suggests some directions for future research.
Chronic Frequent Headache in the General Population: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Wiendels NJ , Knuistingh Neven A , Rosendaal FR , Spinhoven P , Zitman FG , Assendelft WJJ , Ferrari MD
Published: November 2006

We studied the prevalence and short-term natural course of chronic frequent headache (CFH) in the general population and identified risk factors. In the Netherlands everyone is registered at a single general practice. We sent questionnaires to all persons ( n = 21 440) aged 25-55 years, registered at 16 general practices. We compared the characteristics of 177 participants with CFH (>14 headache days/month for >3 months) with 141 participants with infrequent headache (1-4 days/month) and 526 without headache (<1 day/month). The prevalence of CFH was 3.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.4, 4.0]. In 5 months, 12% showed a clinically relevant decrease to <7 days/month. In both headache groups 70% were women vs. 41% in the group without headache. Compared with the group with infrequent headache, the CFH group had more subjects with low educational level [35% vs. 11%; odds ratio (OR) 4.3, 95% CI 2.3, 7.8], medication overuse (62% vs. 3%; OR 38.4, 95% CI 13.8, 106.9), sleeping problems (44% vs. 8%; OR 8.1, 95% CI 3.6, 18.1), a history of head/neck trauma (36% vs. 14%; OR 4.0, 95% CI 2.2, 7.1), high scores on the General Health Questionnaire (62% vs. 34%; OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3, 3.6) and more smokers (45% vs. 19%; OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.9, 5.3). We conclude that headache frequency fluctuates. CFH is common and associated with overuse of analgesics, psychopathology, smoking, sleeping problems, a history of head/neck trauma and low educational level. Female sex is a risk factor for headache, not for chronification of headache.
Cost-Effectiveness of Migraine Prevention: The Case of Topiramate in the UK
Authors: Brown JS , Papadopoulos G , Neumann PJ , Price M , Friedman M , Menzin J
Published: November 2006

The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of topiramate vs. no preventive treatment in the UK. Model inputs included baseline migraine frequency, treatment discontinuation and response, preventive and acute medical cost per attack [2005 GBP (£)] and gain in health utility. Outcomes included monthly migraines averted, acute and preventive treatment costs and cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Topiramate was associated with 1.8 fewer monthly migraines and a QALY gain of 0.0384. The incremental cost of topiramate vs. no preventive treatment was about £10 per migraine averted and £5700 per QALY. Results are sensitive to baseline monthly migraine frequency, triptan use rate and the gain in utility. Incorporating savings from reduced work loss (about £36 per month) suggests that topiramate would be cost saving compared with no preventive treatment. This analysis suggests that topiramate is a cost-effective treatment for migraine prevention compared with no preventive treatment.
Cutaneous tuberculosis in children and adolescents: a clinicohistological study
Authors: Vashisht P , Sahoo B , Khurana N , Reddy BSN
Published: November 2006

Background and objectives  Resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) in the era of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has rejuvenated the interest in this global health problem. Cutaneous TB, an important extra‐pulmonary form in children, is commonly seen in our dermatological practice. As detection of acid‐fast bacillus (AFB) on smear or culture is not always positive, histopathology is necessary to help in diagnosing and classifying the variants of skin TB. The current study was conducted to analyse the clinicopathological characteristics of cutaneous TB in children and adolescents.

Materials and methods  This prospective study included 103 patients (age < 19 years). A detailed history and clinical examination was followed by complete investigative work up including fine needle aspiration cytology and culture. Histopathological evaluation was performed specifically noting the epidermal and dermal features. The patients were followed up regularly for one year after the start of treatment.

Results  The different patterns of cutaneous TB seen were, scrofuloderma 38 (36.9%), lichen scrofulosorum 34 (33%), lupus vulgaris 22 (21.3%), TB verrucosa cutis 4 (3.9%), papulonecrotic tuberculid 4 (3.9%) and erythema nodosum 3 (2.9%). Systemic associations were seen in 55 (53.4%) patients, namely TB lymphadenitis in 30 (29.2%), pulmonary TB in 13 (12.6%), abdominal TB in 6 (5.8%) and TB arthritis in 6 (5.8%). The histopathological corroboration of clinical diagnosis was seen in 65.7% of cases of scrofulodermas, 72.7% of cases of lupus vulgaris and 67.6% of cases of lichen scrofulosorum.

Conclusions  A large spectrum of clinical patterns and histological characteristics of cutaneous TB exists in children. Lichen scrofulosorum is more commonly seen in comparison to adults. Systemic involvement was a feature in a major proportion of our patients.
FUNCTIONAL AND EVOLUTIONARY ASPECTS OF THE POSTCRANIAL ANATOMY OF DICYNODONTS (SYNAPSIDA, THERAPSIDA)
Authors: RAY SANGHAMITRA
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Restoration of the major skeletal muscles and functional morphological analysis of the postcranium were carried out on two Triassic dicynodont genera, Wadiasaurus and Lystrosaurus. A phylogenetic analysis of 12 selected Permian and Triassic dicynodont taxa was conducted and the postcranial character states were then mapped onto the most parsimonious tree. The analysis revealed changes in pectoral girdle and forelimb morphology, which included reduction of the coracoid plate, increasing robustness of the deltopectoral crest, change in humeral orientation from lateral to caudolateral, increasing prominence of the humeral head, and increasing robustness of the radius. Such changes can be associated with a functional tendency to reduce the lateral component of the propulsive force while still in an abducted mode. On the other hand, changes associated with the pelvic girdle included expansion of the preacetabular iliac process, reduction of the postacetabular iliac process, craniocaudal expansion of the iliac blade, change in the shape of the pubis from flat and plate‐like to small and rod‐like with a cranial process, and change in acetabular orientation from lateral to caudolateral. The femoral head, starting from a cranioproximal position, progressively became dorsally pronounced and offset from the body. Other features/changes associated with the femur included increasing robustness of the trochanter major, and increasing flattening of the femoral midshaft. Changes in the axial skeleton included increasing stiffening of the trunk to reduce lateral undulations, increasing dorsoventral flexion, and increasing sacral vertebral count, which can be correlated with the preacetabular iliac expansion. These findings suggest that the dicynodont postcranial skeleton evolved towards more upright hindlimb morphology with the body held well off the ground.
‘PUBLISH OR PERISH’: THE PITFALLS OF DUPLICATE PUBLICATION
Authors: NOÈ LESLIE F. , BATTEN DAVID J.
Published: November 2006

Abstract:  Duplication of previously published text or figures in the scientific literature without adequate citation is plagiarism or, in the case of an author's own work, self‐plagiarism. It breaches the ethical standards that are expected in science and threatens the integrity of scientific journals. Three examples of duplication are noted, one of which involves Palaeontology. Redundant publication lowers the quality of scientific literature, damages the good standing of journals, and reduces the intellectual impact of a study. Multiple papers on a particular theme are only acceptable if each builds significantly upon previous work and contains only as much background information as necessary to put the new data and observations into perspective.
Citizenship Lessons from the Past: The Contours of Immigrant Naturalization in the Early 20th Century*
Authors: Bloemraad Irene
Published: November 2006

Objectives. What were the determinants and patterns of naturalization in the first two decades of the 20th century? Low levels of citizenship acquisition among contemporary immigrants are frequently contrasted to the assumed rapid naturalization of prior European migrants, but in truth we know little about the earlier period. Historic data are well suited to investigate four explanations for naturalization: individuals' resources and skills; regulatory and bureaucratic barriers to citizenship; relative costs and benefits of citizenship; and the degree of political mobilization directed to immigrants.

Methods. I use U.S. Census microfile data to run logistic regression models, and documentary material to examine the contours of immigrant naturalization in the early 20th century.

Results. I find that while individual attributes matter, place of residence could be even more important; in 1900, where an immigrant lived influenced naturalization more than birthplace, ability to speak English, or literacy. Residence effects seem linked to a state's relative openness to immigration and local political mobilization. Over time, however, residence effects attenuate as the 1906 Naturalization Act and establishment of a federal naturalization bureaucracy appear to make citizenship patterns more uniform across the country.

Conclusions. These findings suggest that historic and contemporary explanations of immigrants' naturalization should focus as much on the context of reception as the presumed quality of immigrants.
Fat tissue after lipolysis of lipomas: A histopathological and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Bechara Falk G. , Sand Michael , Hoffmann Klaus , Sand Daniel , Altmeyer Peter , Stücker Markus
Published: November 2006

Background:  Injections with Lipostabil®, a phosphatidylcholine (PDC) containing substance, have become a popular technique to treat localized fat accumulation and lipomas for aesthetic reasons. Despite its frequent use, the mechanism of action of PDC and histological changes of treated fat tissue still remain unclear. To investigate the histological changes of lipomas after treatment with PDC.

Methods:  In all, fourteen lipomas (n = 14) in five patients presenting with multiple lipomas were treated with intralesional injections of PDC (Lipostabil®, Nettermann, Germany). Histological changes with immunohistochemical analysis of the inflammatory process were evaluated 4, 10, 24, 48 h, 10 days, 30 days and 60 days after lipolysis.

Results:  Between 4 and 48 h after injection, histology shows a lobular neutrophilic infiltrate with partially destroyed fat cells. At day 10 the inflammatory process is accompanied by an infiltration of T‐lymphocytes. After 60 days formation of macrophages with foam cells are visible, accompanied by thickened septa and capsula.

Conclusion:  Lipolysis with PDC results in a distinct inflammatory reaction of affected fat tissue, similar to factitial panniculitis. Early destruction of fat cells may suggest the involvement of detergent or osmotic mechanisms in the process.
Lupus erythematosus: Clinical and histopathological study of oral manifestations and immunohistochemical profile of the inflammatory infiltrate
Authors: Lourenço Silvia V. , De Carvalho Fabio R. G. , Boggio Paula , Sotto Mirian N. , Vilela Maria A. C. , Rivitti Evandro A. , Nico Marcello M. S.
Published: November 2006

Background:  Lupus erythematosus (LE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease, which may affect the oral mucosa in either its cutaneous and systemic forms, with varied prevalence.

Methods:  Forty‐six patients with confirmed diagnosis of LE, presenting oral lesions were included in the study. Oral mucosal lesions were analyzed clinically, their histopathological features were investigated and inflammatory infiltrate constitution was assessed using immunohistochemistry against the following clusters of differentiation: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68 and CD1a.

Results:  From 46 patients with specific LE oral lesions 34 were females (25 with cutaneous LE and nine with systemic LE) and 12 were males (11 with cutaneous LE and one with systemic LE). Clinical aspects of lesions varied, and lips and buccal mucosa were the most affected sites. Histologically, lesions revealed lichenoid mucositis with perivascular infiltrate and thickening of basement membrane. Inflammatory infiltrate was predominantly composed by T lymphocytes of the CD4 subtype, with a minor prevalence of B lymphocytes, isolated macrophages and rare Langerhans cells.

Conclusions:  Oral lesions of lupus erythematosus show a variety of clinical aspects and histologically consist of a lichenoid mucositis with deep inflammatory infiltrate, composed predominantly of T CD4 positive lymphocytes.
Upregulating promoter polymorphisms of RANTES relate to atopic dermatitis
Authors: Tanaka K. , Roberts M. H. , Yamamoto N. , Sugiura H. , Uehara M. , Hopkin J. M.
Published: November 2006

It has been reported that a functional polymorphism in the promoter of the RANTES gene (−403G/A) is associated with atopic dermatitis in a German population. Although there are several reports on the association of RANTES promoter polymorphisms (−403G/A and −28C/G) with asthma, the association of these polymorphisms with atopic dermatitis has not yet been confirmed in other populations. We therefore aimed to test whether the RANTES promoter polymorphisms relate to atopic dermatitis in a well‐defined Japanese population. We conducted an association study of upregulating promoter polymorphisms of RANTES (−403G/A and −28C/G) in 389 patients with atopic dermatitis and 177 healthy control subjects. There was a significant association between the upregulating variant of RANTES −28G and atopic dermatitis, while −403A variant showed a significant association with atopic dermatitis with high IgE productivity. These results support a role for RANTES promoter polymorphisms in susceptibility to atopic dermatitis.
Regional Integration in East Asia: Achievements and Future Prospects
Authors: SOESASTRO Hadi
Published: November 2006

Economic integration in East Asia has been largely market driven. Attempts in the late 1980s to establish an East Asian regional economic grouping failed to materialize for a number of reasons. The financial crisis in 1997–1998 has strengthened the realization of regional countries that they need to have some self‐help mechanisms to overcome that crisis and to prevent future crises. This led to the development of several functional integration programs, including the network of bilateral swap arrangements known as the Chiang Mai Initiative. However, progress remains slow. The question that has arisen is how far these efforts need to be supported by institutional integration. Should the ASEAN Plus Three, the main regional cooperation process in East Asia involving the 10 South‐East Asian countries plus China, Japan, and South Korea, be deepened institutionally? Meanwhile, the region has seen the establishment of a new process, the East Asia Summit, involving the above 13 countries plus Australia, India, and New Zealand. How will these different arrangements contribute to East Asia's economic dynamism and prosperity as well as peace and political stability?
Adenosine A2AReceptors are Up‐regulated in Pick’s Disease Frontal Cortex
Authors: Albasanz José Luís , Rodríguez Agustín , Ferrer Isidro , Martín Mairena
Published: November 2006

Adenosine A2Areceptors (A2AR) are highly expressed in striatum. However, they are also present in extrastriatal structures. A2AR were studied in post‐mortem human frontal cortex from Pick’s disease (PiD) and age‐matched non‐demented controls by radioligand binding assays, Western‐blotting, real‐time PCR and adenylyl cyclase activity determination. Saturation binding assay using [3H]ZM 241385, a selective A2Aantagonist, as radioligand revealed a significant increase in total adenosine A2AR numbers (Bmax) in frontal cortex from PiD samples (191% of control Bmax), suggesting up‐regulation of this receptor. A significant increase in the level of A2AR was also detected by Western‐blotting. Furthermore, expression of mRNA coding A2AR determined by quantitative real‐time PCR was enhanced. In agreement, stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by CGS 21680, a selective A2Areceptor agonist, was significantly strengthened. Up‐regulation of A2Breceptors and their corresponding mRNA was also observed. These results show that A2Aadenosine receptor/adenylyl cyclase transduction pathway is up‐regulated and sensitized in frontal cortex brain from PiD.
Characterization of Glioblastomas in Young Adults
Authors: Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters B.K. , Meltesen Lynne , McGavran Loris , Lillehei Kevin O.
Published: November 2006

Most adult glioblastoma multiformes (GBMs) present in patients 45–70 years old; tumors occurring at the extremes of the adult age spectrum are uncommon, and seldom studied. We hypothesized that young‐adult GBMs would differ from elderly‐adult and from pediatric GBMs. Cases were identified from years 1997 to 2005. Demographic and histological features, MIB‐1 and TP53 immunohistochemical findings and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification status by fluorescence in situ hybridization were compiled and correlated with survival. Twenty‐eight (74%) of our 38 young‐adult GBM patients had primary de novo tumors, two of which occurred in patients with cancer syndromes. Two additional GBMs were radiation‐induced and eight (21%) were secondary GBMs. Seven patients were identified as long‐term (>3 years) survivors. Six of 38 cases manifested unusual morphological features, including three epithelioid GBMs, one rhabdoid GBM, one gliosarcoma and one small cell GBM containing abundant, refractile, eosinophilic inclusions. MIB‐1 index emerged as the most important prognosticator of survival (P < 0.005). Although there was a trend between extent of necrosis, TP53 immunohistochemical expression, and EGFR amplification status and survival, none reached statistical significance. GBMs in young adults are a more inhomogeneous tumor group than GBMs occurring in older adult patients and show features that overlap with both pediatric and adult GBMs.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms for Actions of the Neurotrophins
Authors: Twiss Jeffery L. , Chang Jay H. , Schanen N. Carolyn
Published: November 2006

Neurotrophins provide trophic and tropic support for different neuronal subpopulations in the developing and adult nervous systems. Expression of the neurotrophins and their receptors can be altered in several different disease or injury states that impact upon the functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The intracellular signals used by the neurotrophins are triggered by ligand binding to the cell surface Trk and p75NTR receptors. In general, signals emanating from Trk receptors support survival, growth and synaptic strengthening, while those emanating from p75NTR induce apoptosis, attenuate growth and weaken synaptic signaling. Mature neurotrophins are the preferred ligand for Trk proteins while p75NTR binds preferentially to the proneurotrophins and serves as a signaling component of the receptor complex for growth inhibitory molecules of central nervous system myelin [ie, myelin‐associated glycoprotein (MAG), oligodendrocyte‐myelin glycoprotein (OMgP) and Nogo]. The functional antagonism between Trk and p75NTR signaling may significantly impact the pathogenesis of human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases and further complicate therapeutic uses of exogenous neurotrophins. The potential for each is discussed in this review.
Scrounging behavior regulates population dynamics
Authors: Coolen Isabelle , Giraldeau Luc‐Alain , Vickery William
Published: November 2006

The integration of behavioral and population ecology is necessary when behavior both feeds into demographic parameters and depends on population parameters. We show that scrounging behavior, the exploitation of others’ resources, can affect both demographic parameters and population dynamics, including the stability of interactions with prey. Scrounging is a common tactic and its pay‐offs exhibit both density‐ and frequency‐dependence. We demonstrate that scrounging can act as a population regulator through its effects on individuals’ reproductive rate and mortality. We also explore its effects on predator‐prey population dynamics and show that the presence of scrounging predators allows an increased predator population size and contributes to the regulation of both predator and prey populations. Behavioral ecologists will appreciate that although scrounging is often pictured as imposing a social foraging cost to group membership, at the population level it also allows higher numbers of both prey and predators to coexist at equilibrium.
Metallurgical Failure Analysis of a Rotating Blade in the Compressor Section of a Gas Turbine
Authors: Ellis Fred V.
Published: November 2006

A metallurgical failure analysis was performed for the stage 17 gas turbine rotating blade and stationary vane. Four pieces, including the failed rotating and stationary blades, were removed from the air-compressor section of a gas turbine. The damaged components were found during a borescope examination. The objectives were to determine the failure mechanism and to estimate an inspection interval. The measured chemical compositions of the rotating blade and stationary vane are consistent with that of 403 stainless steel. The failure mechanism for the rotating blade is fatigue based on the beach marks on the fracture surface and the transgranular cracking. The fatigue crack initiated at the trailing edge of the blade. The crack at the trailing edge is due to impact damage. The probable root cause of failure for the rotating blade is the loss of axial clearance between the stationary and rotating blades. Fatigue crack growth calculations were performed using the NASGRO computer program and the corner cracked plate geometry to estimate the inspection interval. The estimated inspection interval is of order of magnitude hours to days for failure by high-cycle fatigue crack growth.
A Study of Acoustic Resonance in a Staggered Tube Array
Authors: Feenstra P. A. , Weaver D. S. , Eisinger Frantisek L.
Published: November 2006

Experimental laboratory research was performed to study the effect of test section width on the magnitude of acoustic resonance generated in a small pitch ratio staggered tube bank. Three different test section widths were studied: 505mm, 714mm, and 953mm. The results for acoustic resonance were compared to the tube bank data of Blevins and Bressler (1993, J. Sound Vib., 164(3), pp. 503–533), Ziada, Bolleter, and Chen (1984, ASME Symposium on Flow-Induced Vibrations, ASME, New York, Vol. 2, pp. 227–242); Ziada, Oengören, and Buhlmann (1989, J. Fluids and Struct., 3, pp. 293–324), and Fitzpatrick and Donaldson (1977, ASME J. Fluids Eng., 99, pp. 681–686). The present study showed that test-section width may be a significant factor in determining the maximum acoustic pressures generated by the flow. In particular, the simple relationship between maximum acoustic pressure and input energy parameter derived by Blevins and Bressler was not a reliable predictor for the array studied and will likely underpredict the maximum acoustic pressures in the lower modes of practical heat exchangers.
On the Transition From Non-BLEVE to BLEVE Failure for a 1.8M3 Propane Tank
Authors: Birk A. M. , VanderSteen J. D. J.
Published: November 2006

A series of fire tests were conducted on nine, 1.8m3(500USgal) ASME code propane pressure vessels to study the significance of pressure relief valve behavior on tank survivability to fire impingement. In these tests three tanks ruptured (i.e., finite failure) and six boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion (BLEVEd) (total loss of containment). The difference between the BLEVE and non-BLEVE failures was due to a difference in the fire conditions. It is believed that these tests show some insight into the BLEVE process. In all tests the fire consisted of an array of nominal 590kW(2MBTU∕h) liquid propane burners. A pool fire was not used because of the uncontrolled nature of open pool fires. It was believed that very repeatable fire conditions could be achieved by using a series of burners. In the tests where the outcome was a non-BLEVE there were two burners mounted 30cm above the tank on the tank vapor space. These burners were used to weaken the steel and to initiate a failure. To heat the liquid, there were between 4 and 12 burners applied below the liquid level. When one burner was added on the vapor space, all of the remaining tanks BLEVEd. This was true over a range of fill levels (at failure) of between 10% and 50% by volume. It is believed this added burner was just enough to weaken the tank so that any initial rupture would grow towards a total loss of containment and BLEVE. This paper presents the details of this test series and shows how severely heated length and liquid energy affected the outcome.
Thermal Entrance Heat Transfer of an Adiabatically Prepared Fluid With Viscous Dissipation in a Tube With Isothermal Wall
Authors: Barletta A. , Magyari E.
Published: November 2006

Forced convection in the thermal entrance region of a circular duct is analyzed. Viscous dissipation effects are taken into account under conditions of laminar hydrodynamically developed flow. The duct wall is assumed to be isothermal in the region downstream of the entrance cross section. The prescription of the initial condition at the entrance cross section is coherent with the assumption of a non-negligible viscous heating in the whole duct. The special case of an adiabatic-wall preparation of the fluid in the upstream region is considered. This adiabatic preparation results in a non-uniform entrance temperature distribution. The governing equations are solved analytically by separation of variables. Important differences are pointed out in the comparison of the solution with those available in the literature, which are based on the assumption of a uniform temperature distribution in the entrance cross section.
A Transient Technique for Measuring the Effective Thermal Conductivity of Saturated Porous Media With a Constant Boundary Heat Flux
Authors: Aichlmayr H. T. , Kulacki F. A.
Published: November 2006

An experimental technique for measuring the effective thermal conductivity of saturated porous media is presented. The experimental method is based on the transient heating of a semi-infinite cylinder by a constant heat flux at the boundary. The data reduction technique is unique because it avoids determining the effective thermal diffusivity and quantifying the boundary heat flux. The technique is used to measure the effective thermal conductivity of glass-water, glass-air, and steel-air systems. These systems yield solid-fluid conductivity ratios of 1.08, 25.7, and 2400, respectively. The solid phases consist of 3.96mm glass spheres and 14mm steel ball bearings, which give mean porosities of 0.365 and 0.403. In addition, particular attention is paid to assessing experimental uncertainty. Consequently, this study provides data with a degree of precision not typically found the literature.
Analysis of normal incidence absorption of pyramidal polyurethane foam by three-dimensional finite element frequency domain acoustical analysis
Authors: Tsay Huoy-Shyi
Published: November 2006

A general way to enhance the sound absorption capability of polyurethane foam is the use of a nonplanar surface such as the pyramidal surface. The use of the pyramidal surface can greatly enhance the sound absorption of the foam in the mid and high frequency ranges. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element frequency domain acoustical analysis is used to analyze the normal incidence sound absorption of the pyramidal polyurethane foam. Such a numerical method is more efficient than the earlier studies by saving the calculation time on the elements of the incident acoustic field. In the study, the maximum broadband averaged normal incidence sound absorption of the pyramidal polyurethane foam is pursued based on the change of the pyramidal shape. The variation of the pyramidal shape is performed by changing the angle between two sides of a pyramid but keeping the pyramid base and the foam volume the same throughout the study. It is found that the pyramidal polyurethane foam with pyramidal angle of 29° has the highest broadband averaged normal incidence sound absorption in the 100–4k, 500–4k, as well as 2k–4kHz ranges.
Bedrock Fracture by Ice Segregation in Cold Regions
Authors: Murton Julian B. , Peterson Rorik , Ozouf Jean-Claude
Published: November 2006

The volumetric expansion of freezing pore water is widely assumed to be a major cause of rock fracture in cold humid regions. Data from experiments simulating natural freezing regimes indicate that bedrock fracture results instead from ice segregation. Fracture depth and timing are also numerically simulated by coupling heat and mass transfer with a fracture model. The depth and geometry of fractures match those in Arctic permafrost and ice-age weathering profiles. This agreement supports a conceptual model in which ice segregation in near-surface permafrost leads progressively to rock fracture and heave, whereas permafrost degradation leads episodically to melt of segregated ice and rock settlement.
Sara Endosomes and the Maintenance of Dpp Signaling Levels Across Mitosis
Authors: Bökel Christian , Schwabedissen Anja , Entchev Eugeni , Renaud Olivier , González-Gaitán Marcos
Published: November 2006

During development, cells acquire positional information by reading the concentration of morphogens. In the developing fly wing, a gradient of the transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β)–type morphogen decapentaplegic (Dpp) is transduced into a gradient of concentration of the phosphorylated form of the R-Smad transcription factor Mad. The endosomal protein Sara (Smad anchor for receptor activation) recruits R-Smads for phosphorylation by the type I TGF-β receptor. We found that Sara, Dpp, and its type I receptor Thickveins were targeted to a subpopulation of apical endosomes in the developing wing epithelial cells. During mitosis, the Sara endosomes and the receptors therein associated with the spindle machinery to segregate into the two daughter cells. Daughter cells thereby inherited equal amounts of signaling molecules and thus retained the Dpp signaling levels of the mother cell.
Structural and Functional Conversion of Molecular Chaperone ClpB from the Gram-Positive Halophilic Lactic Acid Bacterium
Tetragenococcus halophilus
Mediated by ATP and Stress
Authors: Sugimoto Shinya , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Mizunoe Yoshimitsu , Tsuruno Keigo , Nakayama Jiro , Sonomoto Kenji
Published: November 2006

In this study, we report the purification, initial structural characterization, and functional analysis of the molecular chaperone ClpB from the gram-positive, halophilic lactic acid bacterium
Tetragenococcus halophilus
. A recombinant
T. halophilus
ClpB (ClpB

Tha

) was overexpressed in
Escherichia coli
and purified by affinity chromatography, hydroxyapatite chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography. As demonstrated by gel filtration chromatography, chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde, and electron microscopy, ClpB

Tha

forms a homohexameric single-ring structure in the presence of ATP under nonstress conditions. However, under stress conditions, such as high-temperature (>45°C) and high-salt concentrations (>1 M KCl), it dissociated into dimers and monomers, regardless of the presence of ATP. The hexameric ClpB

Tha

reactivated heat-aggregated proteins dependent upon the DnaK system from
T. halophilus
(KJE

Tha

) and ATP. Interestingly, the mixture of dimer and monomer ClpB

Tha

, which was formed under stress conditions, protected substrate proteins from thermal inactivation and aggregation in a manner similar to those of general molecular chaperones. From these results, we hypothesize that ClpB

Tha

forms dimers and monomers to function as a holding chaperone under stress conditions, whereas it forms a hexamer ring to function as a disaggregating chaperone in cooperation with KJE

Tha

and ATP under poststress conditions.
The
Escherichia coli rpoS
-Dependent
htrC
Gene Is Not Involved in the Heat Shock Response
Authors: Thacker Zubin , Darmon Elise , Keppel France , Masters Millicent
Published: November 2006

We found that a new mutant with a deletion/replacement of the
Escherichia coli
K-12
htrC
gene, a gene previously reported to be required for growth at elevated temperatures, is not temperature sensitive. Furthermore, the original mutants, kindly provided by the original authors, although temperature sensitive, do not have mutations in the open reading frame designated
htrC
. We found that
htrC
requires RpoS for enhanced expression in the early stationary phase and is expressed at very low levels until then. The growth of our
htrC
mutant slowed during the early stationary phase, and the mutant was replaced by its parent in mixed cultures. Since we cannot assign a function or distinctive phenotype to
htrC
, we suggest that this open reading frame should be given a positional designation,
yjaZ
, until a specific function is identified.
Prevalence and Clinical Significance of
Staphylococcus aureus
Small-Colony Variants in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease
Authors: Besier Silke , Smaczny Christina , von Mallinckrodt Christian , Krahl Andreas , Ackermann Hanns , Brade Volker , Wichelhaus Thomas A.
Published: November 2006

Small-colony variants (SCVs) of
Staphylococcus aureus
can be isolated from the chronically infected airways of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis (CF). These slow-growing morphological variants have been associated with persistent and antibiotic-resistant infections, such as osteomyelitis and device-related infections, but no information is available to date regarding the clinical significance of this special phenotype in CF lung disease. We therefore investigated the prevalence of
S. aureus
SCVs in CF lung disease in a 12-month prospective study and correlated the microbiological culture results with the patients' clinical data. A total of 252 patients were screened for the presence of SCVs. The prevalence rate was determined to be 17% (95% confidence interval, 10 to 25%) among
S. aureus
carriers.
S. aureus
isolates with the SCV phenotype showed significantly higher antibiotic resistance rates than those with the normal phenotype. Patients positive for SCVs were significantly older (
P
= 0.0099), more commonly cocolonized with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(
P
= 0.0454), and showed signs of more advanced disease, such as lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (
P
= 0.0148) than patients harboring
S. aureus
with a solely normal phenotype. The logistic regression model determined lower weight (
P
= 0.016), advanced age (
P
= 0.000), and prior use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (
P
= 0.002) as independent risk factors for
S. aureus
SCV positivity. The clinical status of CF patients is known to be affected by multiple parameters. Nonetheless, the independent risk factors determined here point to the impact of
S. aureus
SCVs on chronic and persistent infections in advanced CF lung disease.
Targeted Disruption of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus ORF57 in the Viral Genome Is Detrimental for the Expression of ORF59, K8α, and K8.1 and the Production of Infectious Virus
Authors: Majerciak Vladimir , Pripuzova Natalia , McCoy J. Philip , Gao Shou-Jiang , Zheng Zhi-Ming
Published: November 2006

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF57 regulates viral gene expression at the posttranscriptional level during viral lytic infection. To study its function in the context of the viral genome, we disrupted KSHV ORF57 in the KSHV genome by transposon-based mutagenesis. The insertion of the transposon into the ORF57 exon 2 region also interrupted the 3′ untranslated region of KSHV ORF56, which overlaps with the ORF57 coding region. The disrupted viral genome, Bac36-Δ57, did not express ORF57, ORF59, K8α, K8.1, or a higher level of polyadenylated nuclear RNA after butyrate induction and could not be induced to produce infectious viruses in the presence of valproic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor and a novel KSHV lytic cycle inducer. The ectopic expression of ORF57 partially complemented the replication deficiency of the disrupted KSHV genome and the expression of the lytic gene ORF59. The induced production of infectious virus particles from the disrupted KSHV genome was also substantially restored by the simultaneous expression of both ORF57 and ORF56; complementation by ORF57 alone only partially restored the production of virus, and expression of ORF56 alone showed no effect. Altogether, our data indicate that in the context of the viral genome, KSHV ORF57 is essential for ORF59, K8α, and K8.1 expression and infectious virus production.